Cation and anion monitoring in a wastewater treatment pilot project

Abstract

The purpose of wastewater treatment is water reuse. It reduces potable water consumption while preventing fresh water contamination. Water reuse schemes have already been successfully established in different locations. Treatments using constructed wetlands are widely studied as a more economical and environmentally-friendly alternative for treating wastewater. In these systems, the control of inorganic species is also important. This study monitored cations (Na+, K+, Li+ and NH4+) and anions (SO)442-, NO3-, NO2-, Cl- and PO43-) in a constructed wetlands (CWs) system, a rainwater catchment system, sewage treatment system, and in fi nal reuse water. The monitoring was accomplished using ion chromatographic analysis. The removal values found in the CWs were: 99.9% K+, NH4 + and SO42-, 52.6% Na+, 89.8% NO3-, 98.2% NO2-, 63.6% Cl- and 96.8% PO43-. The results also showed that CWs system is suitable for removing ions from the wastewater.