The Application of Floating Treatment Wetlands for Stabilization Pond Enhancement in Southern Alberta

Abstract

Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs) are a means of stabilization pond enhancement by providing a floating platform for vegetation that sits atop a water body. To determine the impacts of FTWs, a pilot-scale stabilization pond system was constructed at the Carseland Sewage Lagoons in Southern Alberta, Canada. Treatment cells with FTWs (22% surface coverage) and control cells were exposed to low and high nutrient wastewater from May to October, in 2015 and 2016. Results indicate FTW cells do not outperform control cells (with the exception of ammonium) when treating low nutrient influent. However FTW cells significantly improved the removal efficiency of several pollutants including reactive and total phosphorus, ammonia, nitrate, total nitrogen and biochemical oxygen demand when treating high nutrient influent. The FTW also significantly reduced temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH. Therefore FTWs are an ideal, passive treatment enhancement for stabilization ponds, particularly when treating high nutrient wastewater.