Nitrogen Removal in Mangroves Constructed Wetland

Abstract

The probable application of Mangrove Constructed Wetlands as a suitable method for phosphorus removal from wastewater generated in coastal areas of Dar es Salaam city in Tanzania was examined. In-Situ examinations were made on horizontal surface-flow mangrove constructed wetland situated at Kunduchi coastline in Dar es Salaam. A wetland of 40 meters by 7 meters was built to collect domestic wastewater from septic-tank of Belinda Resort Hotel and was run in an intermittent continuous flow mode. It employed the existing mangrove specie known as Avicennia Marina which had an average breast height of 4 meter and it collected a mixture of wastewater and seawater at a ratio of 6 to 4. The efficiency of the wetland in removal of phosphorus was established. The removal rate of phosphorus informs of phosphate (PO 4-P) was found to be 35%. Mangrove Constructed wetland has a potential in phosphorus removal from domestic wastewaters when soils comprising minerals contents are used.