On the performance of a pilot hybrid constructed wetland for stormwater recovery in Mediterranean climate

The overall efficiency of a pilot-scale hybrid-constructed wetland (H-CW), located on a retail store’s parking area in Eastern Sicily, for alternative treatment of stormwater runoff and of sequential batch reactor (SBR) effluent was evaluated. Experimental activities were focused on system performances, including wastewater (WW) quality and hydraulic monitoring. System design, macrophyte growth and seasonal factors influenced the pilot plant performance. Very high removal efficiency for microbial indicators were reported within the horizontal flow unit (HF) playing a strategic role for Clostridium perfringens. The algal growth occurred in the free water surface (FWS) unit inhibited removal efficiencies of total suspended solids (TSS), BOD5 and COD, impairing water quality. The whole H-CW showed high efficiency in trace metals removal, especially for Pb, Zn, Cu. Preliminary results suggested the reliability of the H-CW technology in decentralised water treatment facilities for enhancing water recovery and reuse.