Modeling systems and processes in Wetlands: A case study of engineered bioremediation of BTEX-contaminated water in treatment Wetlands

Abstract

A number of pollutants are released to the soil-water systems due to various anthropogenic activities. One of the most environmentally benign treatment options of such pollutants is bioremediation. Since natural bioremediation is quite slow, engineered bioremediation techniques like bio-stimulation and bio-augmentation could be used in treatment wetlands (TWs) for hastening the cleaning process. In this chapter, the enhanced bioremediation techniques and the role of plants in the treatment wetlands are discussed. The empirical equations used to evaluate the wetland performance are described next. Subsequently, the governing mass balance equations and the relevant degradation kinetics used for mechanistic modeling of the fate and transport of these contaminants in the rhizosphere zone are discussed. At the end, case studies of batch experiments and pot-scale treatment wetlands are included for practical understanding of the engineered bioremediation process using treatment wetlands.