EPA-600/2-76-207
September 1976
Environmental Protection Technology Series
WASTEWATER TREATMENT BY
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MARSHES
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
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RESEARCH REPORTING SERIES
Research reports of the Office of Research and Development, U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, have been grouped into five series. These five broad
categories were established to facilitate further development and application of
environmental technology. Elimination of traditional grouping was consciously
planned to foster technology transfer and a maximum interface in related fields.
The five series are:
1. Environmental Health Effects Research
2. Environmental Protection Technology
3. Ecological Research
4. Environmental Monitoring
5. Socioeconomic Environmental Studies
This report has been assigned to the ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
TECHNOLOGY series. This series describes research performed to develop and
demonstrate instrumentation, equipment, and methodology to repair or prevent
environmental degradation from point and non-point sources of pollution. This
work provides the new or improved technology required for the control and
treatment of pollution sources to meet environmental quality standards.
This document is available to the public through the National Technical Informa-
tion Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
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EPA-600/2-76-207
September 1976
WASTEWATER TREATMENT BY
NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MARSHES
by
Frederic L. Spang!er
William E. Sloey
C. W. Fetter, Jr.
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
Grant Numbers R803794 and S801042
Project Officer
William R. Duffer
Wastewater Management Branch
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
ROBERT S. KERR ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ADA, OKLAHOMA 74820
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research
Laboratory, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication.
Approval does not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of
the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or com-
mercial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
11
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ABSTRACT
Investigations were conducted on the use of artificial and natural
marshes as purifiers of^effluent from municipal treatment plants. Ob-
servations were made on marsh influent and effluent quality. Phosphorus
distribution in the ecosystem and removal by harvesting were studied.
Responses of the vegetation to repeated harvesting were recorded.
Artificial marshes consisted of plastic-lined excavations containing
emergent vegetation, especially Scirpus validus. growing in gravel.
Various combinations of retention time, primary effluent, secondary
effluent, basin shape, and depth of planting medium were studied. A
polluted natural marsh was studied simultaneously.
The degree of improvement in water quality suggests that the process
may be acceptable for certain treatment applications. Harvesting was
not a practical phosphorus removal technique. Marshes remove phosphorus
in the growing season, but release it at other times. Development of
management techniques for successful use of marshes for wastewater
treatment is thought possible.
This report was submitted in fulfillment of Grant Numbers S 801042 and
R 803794 by East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission and
University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh under partial sponsorship of the
Environmental Protection Agency. Work was completed as of June 4, 1976.
iii
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CONTENTS
Page
Abstract Hi
List of Figures vi
List of Tables vii
Acknowledgments xl
Sections
I Conclusions 1
II Recommendations 8
III Introduction 9
IV Methods and Materials 15
V Physical Facilities 24
VI Substrate Selection and Propagation
Experiments 31
VII Greenhouse Studies 38
VIII Experimental Basin Studies 42
IX Pilot Plant Studies 57
X Phosphorus Distribution and Removal 62
XI Brill ion Marsh Studies 72
XII References Cited and Selected Bibliography 92
XIII Glossary 104
XIV Appendices
A Dye Studies 107
B Greenhouse 115
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Sections Page
XIV Appendices (continued).
C Experimental Basins 121
D Pilot Plant 133
E Data Related to Phosphorus Distribution 154
F Brill ion Marsh 156
VI
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FIGURES
No. Page
1. Pilot plant with bulrushes prior to harvest. 11
2. Pilot plant after bulrushes have been harvested. 11
3. Sampling device for obtaining water samples
from desired depths in pilot plant. 17
4. Schematic view of municipal treatment plant
and experimental facilities. Experimental
basins are numbered 1-10. 26
5. Diagramatic cross-section of experimental basin
(not to scale) showing relative positions of in-
let and outlets. 27
6. Diagramatic cross-section of pilot plant (not
to scale) showing relative positions of inlets
outlets, and sampling tubes. 29
7. Location of Spring Creek and Brill ion Marsh
drainage basin. 73
8. Map of Brillion Marsh study area showing
water sampling .(&) and plant harvesting CD)
sites. 75
9. Available phosphorus in surface sediments in
Brillion Marsh. 90
vii
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TABLES
No. Page
1. Phosphorus concentration as determined by three
methods. 16
2. Greenhouse experiments on plant propagation. 33
3. Effectiveness of several species of plants
in treatment of primary effluent in the
greenhouse. 40
4. Summary of preliminary data on effectiveness of
experimental basins for treating secondary
effluent. August - October 1973. 43
5. Effectiveness of experimental basins in treatment
of secondary effluent. Summer 1974. Five-hour
retention. 49
6. Percent reduction in BOO, total solids, and
total phosphorus. Summarized from Tables 5,
12 and Appendix C, Tables C-3 and C-4. 50
7. Effectiveness of experimental basins in treatment
of secondary effluent during week prior to
harvesting. Five-hour retention. 51
8. Effectiveness of experimental basins in treatment
of secondary effluent during first week after
harvesting. Five-hour retention. 51
9. Effectiveness of experimental basins in treatment
of secondary effluent during third week after
harvesting. Five-hour retention. 52
10. Effect of harvesting bulrushes on treatment
efficiency. Percent reductions are summarized
from Tables 7, 8, and 9. 53
11. Water balance data for experimental basins. 1975. 54
12. Effectiveness of experimental basins for
treatment of primary effluent. Ten-day
retention. 56
viii
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TABLES (continued)
No. Page
13. 1975 sampling schedule for pilot plant. 57
14. Effectiveness of the pilot plant in treating
secondary effluent. Summer 1974. 58
15. Effectiveness of pilot plant in treating
secondary effluent. Effluent drawn from depth
of 0.60 m. June 5 - July 17, 1975. 59
16. Effectiveness of pilot plant in treating
secondary effluent. Effluent drawn from depth
of 0.15 m. July 17 - August 6, 1975. 60
17. Effectiveness of pilot plant in treating
secondary effluent after removal of partitions.
Effluent drawn from depth of 0.60 m. August 6 -
August 21, 1975. 61
18. Effectiveness of pilot plant in treating
primary effluent. August 21 - November 4,
1975. 61
19. Phosphorus removal by harvesting of plant
shoots from experimental basins, 1973. 64
20. Phosphorus removal by multiple harvesting of
experimental basins in 1974. 65
21. Effect of harvesting frequency on phosphorus
removal from an experimental basin. 66
22. Distribution of phosphorus in plants and
substrate in experimental basins. 67
23. Phosphorus distribution in gravel of pilot
plant after two summers. 69
24. Distribution of phosphorus in pilot plant
during 1975. 70
25. Monthly rainfall at Brillion, Wisconsin. 77
26. Manitowoc River runoff for water years 1974
and 1975. 78
ix
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TABLES (continued)
No. Page
27. Brim on sewage discharge and estimated Spring
Creek runoff. June 1974 - June 1975. 79
28. Mean values from long term studies at
Stations I, II, III. 81
29. Brillion sewage discharge and Spring Creek
streamflow. August 19 - August 22, 1974. 82
30. Plant tissue harvested from Brillion Marsh. 83
31. Contribution of old and new shoots to
harvestable biomass and phosphorus removal
from Brill ion Marsh. 85
32. Concentration of phosphorus in harvested
shoots from Brillion Marsh. 85
33. Removal of phosphorus from Brill ion Marsh by
harvesting of plant shoots. 87
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Advice and assistance from Project Officer Dr. William R. Duffer of the
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory, Environmental
Protection Agency, were greatly appreciated.
Financial support was provided by the State of Wisconsin, Department
of Natural Resources, to whom we are grateful. Dr. Everett Cann,
Department of Natural Resources, contributed valuable counsel.
Personnel associated with the former Northeastern Wisconsin Regional
Planning Commission, especially Mr. Gerald L. Paul, and the existing
East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, especially Mr.
Roy Willey, contributed to the project in several important ways.
Cooperation by the City of Seymour is hereby acknowledged. The Qity
provided access to facilities and was extremely grac-ious in tolerating
frequent presence of researchers and equipment. Mr. Or!in Bishop and
Mr. Earl Grosse were particularly helpful.
Dr. William C. Boyle, University of Wisconsin-Madison, was generous in
giving his time and expertise which were of great value.
Undoubtedly the greatest asset to the project was the work of Ms.
Kathleen Garfinkel. Ms. Garfinkel supervised laboratory work and
carried much of the responsibility for the myriad of details associ-
ated with daily operation. We are indebted to her for her service.
xi
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SECTION I
CONCLUSIONS
MAJOR CONCLUSION
Emergent vegetation has been used to treat wastewater biologically to
a degree of purity which suggests that continued research could lead to
widespread applicability of the process.
MINOR CONCLUSIONS
General
1. Natural and artificial marshes are more aesthetically pleasing than
most conventional treatment facilities.
2. Small natural or artificial marshes could be employed to polish
effluent from septic tanks of single buildings or small clusters of
buildings.
3. Conventional treatment plants which discharge effluent into wetlands
possibly should not be required to provide the high degree of wastewater
purification required of other treatment plants as long as other benefi-
cial uses of the wetlands are not interfered with.
4. Marshes remove phosphorus from water during some periods and
release it at others thus acting as buffers which may be managed to
great advantage.
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5. Emergent vegetation can be used seasonally in Wisconsin for waste-
water treatment in applications involving temporary high waste loads in
summer.
6. Harvesting of emergent vegetation is not a potential method of
removing a large portion of phosphorus entering a marsh.
Specific
Phosphorus Removal From Brill ion Marsh --
1. Older plant tissue contains little or no phosphorus.
2. Approximately 0.6 g P m"2 can be removed by a single late season
harvest.
3. Only a small portion of the phosphorus retained by a marsh system
is incorporated into harvestable plant tissue.
4. Repeated harvesting of a natural Typha marsh removed only about
1 g P m-2.
5. Plants at the downstream end of the natural marsh did not recover
or retain the productivity of those at the upstream end of the marsh.
6. Harvesting greatly reduced the standing crop during mid-summer.
Loss of cover could be detrimental to mammals and birds using the area.
7. There was replacement of Typha by Sparganium in at least one
harvested quadrat.
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8. The natural marsh was a moderately effective phosphorus removal
system during the growing season, but the annual phosphorus output was
about equal to the input.
9. Harvesting plants from Brill ion Marsh would remove only about 6.5%
of the phosphorus input.
10. Most of the phosphorus from the Brill ion sewage treatment plant
effluent was removed from the water in the first 100 m or so below the
outfall.
11. The Spring Creek sediments immediately below the Brill ion sewage
treatment plant and those in a secondary stream receiving agricultural
runoff contained 10 to 20 times as much phosphorus as the marsh sedi-
ments. Presumably, most of the phosphorus was precipitated or other-
wise removed non-biologically in the stream channel.
Phosphorus Removal From Artificial Marshes --
1. Harvesting does not affect the quality of the effluent produced by
the area on which the plants grew.
2. Older plant tissue contains little or no phosphorus.
3. Repeated harvesting of Scirpus during the growing season can result
in the removal of 3.5 g P m~2.
4. Only a small portion of the phosphorus retained by a marsh system
is incorporated into harvestable plant tissue.
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5. The artificial marshes retained 20 or more g P m-2 of which up to
80% is associated with the microflora - substrate regime.
6. Most of the phosphorus associated with the microflora - substrate
regime is lost from the system over winter.
7. Harvesting reduced the total productivity (standing crop) in artifr
cial systems, but to a lesser extent than in a natural marsh.
Mater Quality Improvement In Brill ion Marsh
1. Spring Creek above the Brill ion sewage treatment plant receives a
variable loading of pollutants from industrial sources.
2. The effluent from the Brill ion sewage treatment plant has, in
general, high concentrations of BOD, COD, orthophosphate, total
phosphorus and coliform bacteria.
3. During periods of low flow, as much as one-fourth to one-third of
the total flow of Spring Creek where it enters Brill ion Marsh is
sewage treatment plant effluent.
4. During periods of low flow of Spring Creek the concentrations of
BOD, COD, orthophosphate, total phosphate and coliform bacteria tend
to be higher at Station II than at other times.
5. The average concentrations of BOD, COD, orthophosphate, total
phosphorus and coliform bacteria were greater in Spring Creek below
the sewage treatment plant than above.
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6. The average value of conductivity, turbidity, nitrate, and total,
suspended, and dissolved solids in Spring Creek were greater above the
sewage treatment plant than below.
7. The average concentrations of BOD, COD, turbidity, nitrate, coliform
bacteria, and suspended solids in Spring Creek were reduced by 29% or
more by passage through some 1,900 m of Brillion Marsh from Station II
to Station III.
8. The average concentrations of orthophosphate, total phosphorus,
conductivity and total solids were reduced by 13% or less by passage
through some 1,900 m of Brill ion Marsh from Station II to Station III.
9. The observed reduction of orthophosphate, total phosphorus, con-
ductivity and total solids could be primarily due to dilution from
other, non-polluted waters entering Brill ion Marsh.
10. Some of the observed reduction in the value of BOD, COD, turbidity,
nitrate, coliform bacteria, and suspended solids is due to physical,
chemical, and biological reactions in the marsh. Dilution also
accounted for some of the observed reductions.
11. The concentration of phosphorus in the water draining from the
marsh does not seem to follow any discernible pattern related to either
temperature, rainfall, or season. It ranged from a low of 0.43 mg 1-1
in September to a high of 11.85 mg I"1 in July.
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12. The concentration of phosphorus In Spring Creek above the waste-
water treatment plant follows a pattern. The higher values (1.14 to
3.61 mg P T1) occurred in October and November, when fall frosts were
occurring. The values were lowest (0.03 to 0.08 mg P H) in the
winter months of December through March. Late spring, summer, and
early fall values are intermediate. One very high reading (12.76 mg
P T1) of July 29, 1975 seems to be an anomaly, possibly due to a slug
of contaminant.
13. A special intensive study showed the concentrations of the following
constituents tended to be highly variable above the marsh but relatively
steady below the marsh: suspended solids, total solids, BOD, nitrate,
coliform bacteria, ammonia, and total phosphorus.
14. During the special intensive study, significant reduction in con-
centration of the following parameters were noted: nitrate, ammonia,
coliform bacteria, total phosphorus, BOD, and suspended solids.
15. A mass balance study of total phosphorus, using estimated stream-
flow data and average phosphorus concentrations, shows the same order
of magnitude of phosphorus leaving the marsh as entering it.
Water Quality In Artificial Marshes --
1. Evapotranspiration may remove a significant fraction of the waste-
water (45%) from the system, thus, strongly influencing concentrations.
2. Scirpus validus, softstern bulrush, was the best species of those
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tested for use in artificial marshes. This choice was made primarily
because of the favorable response to harvesting. Since harvesting is
not a good method of phosphorus removal, perhaps other species may
prove to be more desirable because of other characteristics.
3. Phosphorus removal of over 80% should be attainable since 84% was
attained in the greenhouse and 64% was attained under less than optimum
field conditions for a wastewater that was very high in total phosphorus.
4. BOD removal of well over 90% should be attainable since over 90% was
attained with field conditions that could only be poorly controlled.
5. Retention time of 5 - 10 days may be required although some studies
using 5-hour retention time gave quite good results except for phosphorus
removal and 16-hour retention time gave nearly as good results as 10-day
retention in some cases.
6. Effluent quality is not influenced by harvesting the plant shoots.
7. The artificial marsh behaved in the same manner as Brill ion Marsh
with regard to phosphorus removal and responses of vegetation to
harvesting and other treatments.
8. In plastic-lined systems the substrate, whether gravel or soil,
should be probably only about 15 cm deep and wastewater should flow
through it, not over it.
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9. Percent reductions for most parameters were not greatly different
when primary effluent was treated than when secondary effluent was
treated.
10. Special intensive studies showed the marsh system effluent to be
quite constant in quality over a 24 hour period.
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SECTION II
RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Nutrient cycles should be studied extensively in marshes so that
management techniques can be applied effectively.
2. Artificial marshes which are lined should be designed with a shallow
(15 cm) substrate and wastewater should flow through the substrate rather
than over it. Unlined systems using soil instead of gravel should be
tested.
3. Artificial marshes should take the form of trenches of considerable
length.
4. A method should be sought for controlling the fate of phosphorus
which is flushed out of a marsh after killing frosts in autumn.
5. Research should be done on the possibility that vigor of emergent
vegetation is lessened by lack of some limiting factor in both natural
and artificial marshes.
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SECTION III
INTRODUCTION
GOALS
The concept of using marshes for waste treatment or for polishing
treated wastewater is an obvious outcome of the need for new,
inexpensive technology. Application of the concept has been tested
in Europe with varying degrees of success. The project reported on
here, from June 1972, to June 1976, had the goal of showing that
wastewater passed over and/or through masses of emergent vegetation
would be improved in quality biologically and chemically. It was
anticipated that nutrient removal could be affected by periodic
harvesting of the upper portions of the plants (Figures 1 and 2).
Secondary goals were to discover the effects of varying several para-
meters including water depth, retention time or loading rate, nature
of wastewater applied (primary or secondary effluent) and frequency
of harvesting of the vegetation on quality of effluent produced.
APPLICABILITY IN WISCONSIN CLIMATE
Wetlands are widely distributed in Wisconsin and would be readily avail-
able at comparatively low cost to a significant number of users. Appli-
cation of the method would have to be seasonal for climate reasons, but
a number of seasonal needs exist.
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Figure 1. Pilot Plant With Bulrushes Prior to Harvest.
Figure 2. Pilot Plant After Bulrushes Have Been Harvested.
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Needs include treatment of wastes produced by campgrounds, resort
communities (with temporary high populations in summer), canning com-
panies, agriculture, summer recreation camps, and trailer parks among
others.
APPROACH
Experimental Basins and Pilot Plant
The approach used in this project involved use of plastic lined excava-
tions in which vegetation was planted. Observations were also made on
a natural marsh receiving water polluted by the outfall from a municipal
treatment plant. Excavations were of two sizes. Small square ones
(constructed in late summer, 1972) are referred to in this report as
experimental basins. There was one large excavation, in the form of a
trench, which is referred to as the pilot plant. Water depth in all
excavations was controllable from zero to one meter. Flows into and out
of the excavations were metered. Retention time could be varied by
changing water depth and inflow rate. Analyses were performed one or
more times per week on grab samples of influent and effluent. In some
studies (1974 and 1975), samples were collected as frequently as every
four hours for three to four days in order to discover short term
temporal variation. In the later parts of the project a composite
sampler was used for some sampling. Specimens of plant tissue were
analyzed for phosphorus content, and cores were taken from the substrate
for the purpose of studying nutrient distribution in the system.
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Culture Techniques and Greenhouse Studies
Prior to field studies (summer 1972), some work was done on techniques
for obtaining a number of kinds of vegetation from the natural habitat
and propagating them in the study area. Also, some greenhouse observa-
tions were made (1972, 1973) in order to narrow the choice of species
to be used in field applications. Following culture techniques and
greenhouse experiments, field work using the experimental basins was
begun (summer 1973).
In early field studies two kinds of planting media were tried. In some
cases vegetation was rooted in gravel and in others it was tied to a
hardware cloth on moveable frames. The frames offered the advantage of
flexibility of experimental design but were abandoned because plants
did not grow well on them and lodged easily. Accumulation of solids
did not occur and, thus, moveable frames were not necessary for the
purpose of flushing away solids.
Natural Marsh Study
Concurrent with the artificial marsh work in 1974 and 1975, observa-
tions were carried out on the Brill ion Marsh with the idea of
eventually deciding whether using existing natural marshes or con-
structing artificial ones would be the most appropriate (Section XI).
CALENDAR
Four full summer growing seasons (1972-1975) were consumed by the pro-
ject. In 1972 the study site was readied for work. The summer of
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1973 was consumed by preliminary sampling and was regarded largely as
a period of establishment of vegetative communities in the plastic-
lined excavations. Probably a longer start-up time should be used but
the summers of 1974 and 1975 were regarded as producing data typical of
established artificial marsh communities.
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SECTION IV
METHODS AND MATERIALS
CHEMICAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL WATER QUALITY
In all cases U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methods were followed
(EPA, 1971) where applicable. Standard Methods (APHA, 1971) was also
used. Samples collected at the field sites (Sections V and XI) were
transported in ice chests to the laboratory where they were analyzed
within 24 hours. A walk-in refrigerator was used for short-term
storage as needed.
Coliform (total) densities were determined using the membrane filter
procedure described by APHA (1971). The stannous chloride method was
used for orthophosphate phosphorus and persulfate digestion was used to
obtain total phosphorus. One experiment comparing the results of the
persulfate digestion with results of the sulfuric acid - nitric acid
digestion gave considerably higher results for the latter, more
rigorous digestion (Table 1). The more rigorous digestion, however,
was not routinely used because of the hazardous nature. Analyses of
sediments and plant tissues are discussed below. The biochemical
oxygen demand (BOD) test used the standard five-day incubation period.
Suction Sampling Device
In order to withdraw samples of water from known, discrete depths in
the pilot plant, pipes of various lengths were permanently inserted into
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Table 1. PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATION AS DETERMINED BY THREE.METHODS3
(mg 1-1)
Method
SnClg (Orthophosphate)
Persulfate (Total Phosphorus)
H2S04-HN03 (Total Phosphorus)
<*APHA, Standard Methods, 13th ed.
Sampling Location
Influent Effluent Effluent
to Ponds Bed 1 Bed 5
34.78
48.51
60.21
1971.
23.17
23.37
24.41
22.19
21.84
24.57
the gravel. Water was withdrawn from them with the suction sampling
device shown in Figure 3. The apparatus was rinsed with alcohol prior
to collection of samples for microbiological analyses.
Analysis of Data
Direct comparison of concentrations of a material in the influent and
effluent of experimental basins or pilot plant leads to erroneous con-
clusions about treatment efficiency. A significant fraction of the
water flowing through a basin is lost from the system by evapotrans-
piration thus resulting in a tendency toward increasing the concentra-
tion of a material rather than decreasing it. To combat this problem
we have avoided comparing concentrations as a means of judging results
in most instances. Instead, we have compared the number of grams of a
substance entering a basin via the influent to the number of grams
leaving via the effluent. The difference is the number of grams removed
by the system and can be expressed as a percent reduction as follows:
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Vacuum Pump
Pipe
Inserted In Gravel
Figure 3. Sampling Device for Obtaining Water Samples from Desired Depths in Pilot Plant.
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grams In - grams out
percent reduction = 100 x
grams in
Known volumes of influent and effluent were multiplied by mean concen-
trations of a material to obtain values for grams in and grams out.
For other kinds of data (l.e_. biomass, flow rates, etc.) no special
techniques are required.
LIVING MATERIALS
Experiments on propagation techniques and on substrate suitability are
described in Section VI. Actual handling of living materials was as
follows. During construction of the experimental basins, rhizomes of
Scirpus acutus and S_. validus and tubers of SL fluviatilis were obtained
locally and spread on the university campus lawn. They were covered with
severed tops and kept moist until new shoots developed. The plants were
then transplanted into the experimental basins. Iris were collected and
placed directly into the experimental basins after excising about half
of the leaf material to reduce transpiration and induce formation of
new shoots.
Planting was done in September 1972. Half of the plants of each species
were tied onto the wire-covered frames in four of the basins. The other
half were planted in pea gravel in four basins. The two remaining
basins served as controls (Figure 4):
Basin #1 - control, no plants.
Basin 13 - Softstem bulrush, 540 rhizome sections having 4-5
shoots per clump.
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Basin #5 - Hardstem bulrush, 150 root clumps having new shoots.
Basin 17 - River bulrush, 540 10-14 in tall sprouts already
beginning to become chlorotic; condition marginal.
Basin #9 - Iris, 540 roots, each having a sheath of 4-10
healthy new leaves.
The remainder of the plants were tied on the wire racks with nylon cord
as follows:
Basin #2 - control, no plants.
Basin 14 - River bulrush, 1024 tubers with chlorotic shoots.
Basin #6 - Hardstem bulrush, 480 root clumps having new shoots.
Basin #8 - Softstem bulrush, 480 rhizomes sections having new
shoots.
Basin #10 - Iris, 540 roots, each having 4-10 new leaves.
In an attempt to ward off damage by early frost the basins were covered
with polyethylene supported by wood ridge poles. The transparent covers
had the effect of raising the temperature by several degrees. Floods
then inundated the basins on September 29, severely damaging the tasins
and uprooting many of the plants. The plants were re-set and some data
taken, but it was obvious that little could be accomplished before
winter. Inasmuch as the plants were not yet established and had little
opportunity to store adequate reserves for over-wintering, we decided
(November 10) to transplant the Iris, softstem, and hardstem from the
pea gravel to the greenhouse to maintain them until spring. The river
bulrush appeared to be dead, and all plants were left in the pond. The
materials on racks were moved into basins that still held water and
were covered with one foot of water until spring.
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PHOSPHORUS DISTRIBUTION AND REMOVAL BY HARVESTING
Plant Harvesting Techniques and Laboratory Analyses
For the purposes of nutrient removal, the emergent plant shoots were
harvested from each of the basins and Brill ion Marsh by cutting with a
hand sickle at about 20 cm above the substrate surface (above the inter-
calary meristem). The samples were placed into pre-weighed plastic bags
and sealed. Fresh weight was measured in the laboratory. Then 100 g of
intact shoots were cut into small sections, dried at 60 C, ground in a
Wiley Mill over a #20 mesh screen and stored. Aliquots of ground tissue
were analyzed for dry weight, organic weight, and phosphorus content
(AOAC, 1960).
Plant Harvesting Quadrat Selection and Sizes
Experimental Basins
Quadrats were selected for harvesting by tossing a golf ball over the
shoulder. The point of impact became the NE corner of a 0.093 m2
(1 ft2) quadrat. The entire basin was harvested and aliquots taken for
analyses at the end of the growing season and when standing crops were
very small.
Pilot Plant
Quadrats were selected as for the experimental basins, but 1 m2 samples
were taken. Three quadrats were harvested from each of the three
sections of the pilot plant.
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Natural (Brillion) Marsh
Two permanent 1 m2 quadrats were established in typical vegetation near
the stream at each end of the marsh (Figure 8, Quadrats 1-4). At the
upriver end of the marsh, both quadrats were located in nearly unispeci-
fic stands of Typha. At the downstream end of the marsh, there was a
15 - 30 m band of Sparganium adjacent to the stream and a wide expanse
of Typha extending laterally. One quadrat was established in the
Sparganium and the other in Typha. These quadrats were harvested at
various intervals during the growing season and were referred to as
experimental quadrats. At the end of each growing season in 1974, and
1975, a similar quadrat, referred to as a control quadrat, was harvested
near each experimental quadrat.
Substrate Core Sampling Techniques and Methods of Analyses
Experimental Basins --
The golf-ball-over-the-shoulder technique was also used in locating the
sites for coring. The point of impact became the center of a 12.8 cm
(5 in) diameter core taken through the gravel to the plastic liner. The
coring device was a two pound coffee can with both ends removed. The
fibrous plant rhizomes were severed by slicing carefully around the
perimeter of the device with a round-ended kitchen knife with a serrated
edge. The coffee can was inserted until it came firmly in contact with
the plastic liner, then the contents were carefully removed by hand.
Before removing the sampler, a volume of fresh pea gravel equal to that
21
-------
removed was placed in the core hole. Three cores were taken from each
basin on each sampling date.
Pilot Plant --
Several coring devices were designed and tested, but all either failed
to recover the large sized gravel, or were so designed as to cause
concern that the plastic liner in the basin would be ruptured. After
all the experiments were terminated (December 5, 1975), three 15 cm
deep cores were taken with the coffee can from each section in the same
fashion as for the experimental basins. These samples included all of
the unharvested shoots and the rhizomes and about 75% of the roots.
Then, a single excavation was made in the center of each section and a
15 cm core taken in the middle of the 30-60 cm depth. The latter sample
was used to represent both the 30-45 and the 45-60 cm interval.
Natural (Brillion) Marsh
Cores were taken of the organic sediments available to the plants (upper-
most 45 cm) with a 3.5 cm piston type coring device on August 5, 1975.
Cores were taken in midstream at each of the water sampling stations
(Figure 8), in each of the plant harvesting quadrats, in midstream just
above the entrance of the channel from the Brill ion sewage treatment
plant, from the channel immediately below the 50 m below the sewage
treatment plant, and from a secondary influent stream (Deer Creek Run)
which receives runoff from a golf course and farmlands. The cores were
stored frozen in their plastic core-liner tubes until analysis. Where
22
-------
the cores were more than 15 cm long, aliquots from the top, middle, and
bottom, of each core were analyzed. If less than 15 cm of organic
sediments were present, replicate cores were taken and a single aliquot
analyzed from each. Only available phosphorus was determined. The
extraction method was that of Olsen and Dean (1965); and the analytical
methods for orthophosphate was the stannous chloride method of APHA
(1971).
For the cores from both the experimental basins and the pilot plant,
the plant roots and rhizomes were carefully separated from the gravel
and other materials by hand. The gravel was then repeatedly washed
with small volumes of distilled water until a total of 2 liters of
eluate were collected. Eluate was then analyzed for dry matter,
organic content and total phosphorus according to APHA (1971).
23
-------
SECTION V
PHYSICAL FACILITIES
Field work was conducted on private property adjacent to the municipal
treatment plant at Seymour, Wisconsin (population 2,257, Outagamie
County). This site is 41 miles from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
campus where laboratory analyses were performed. Major features of the
field facility were plastic-lined excavations in which vegetation was
planted. These excavations were regarded as artificial marshes though
no attempt was made to simulate natural marsh conditions. Design of
the facility was done by a professional engineering firm. Construction
was done in 1972 by a contractor after competitive bidding.
During operation, wastewater (primary or secondary effluent) was with-
drawn at the municipal treatment plant and fed to the experimental
basins after passing through a screen (in a 55 gallon drum) and an
additional settling basin (modified stock tank, Figure 4). The screen
and settling basin were not part of the original design, but were added
later in 1973 in an attempt to alleviate some clogging problems
associated with obtaining uniform flow. In 1973, the constant head
tank was used to provide gravity flow to the basins. Uniform flow
could not be sustained so, in 1974, the constant head tank was bypassed
and a pump provided pressure. Meters were installed on feedlines and
effluent pipes in all basins. Wastewater from basins was collected in
24
-------
a common wet-well and pumped back to the municipal treatment plant to
complete the pathway.
Basins were lined with black 20 mil PVC plastic to prevent water loss
to the soil. They had flat, square bottoms (9.29 m2), sides with 2
to 1 slope, and vertical ends. A separate inlet pipe from the feedline
entered each basin. Flow rates into the basins were adjusted by
manually opening and closing the valves. Adjustments of flow rates and
depth were the means of altering retention time. Effluent pipes were
placed at depths of 15 cm, 45 cm, and 60 cm so that lower ones could be
capped in order to increase water depth (Figure 5). When water depth
of 0.5 m was desired it was achieved by using the bottom (6 cm) effluent
pipe with a vertical standpipe attached to it. Thus, withdrawal was
from the gravel instead of the surface.
In the first phase of experimental work (1973) ten basins were used.
The arrangement in two rows of five basins each (Figure 4) was not
experimentally significant but was a functional convenience. Pea
gravel was placed to a depth of 15 cm in the bottom of each off-
numbered basin to serve as a medium for roots to penetrate. Frames
covered with hardware cloth were placed in even-numbered basins for
the attachment of plants.
At the beginning of 1974, the use of wire-covered frames was abandoned
and the even numbered basins (Figure 4) were consolidated into a single,
long trench by removing partitions between them and installing a new
25
-------
to
Bypass (Pressure Feed)
Return to
Municipal
Plant
Municipal
Treatment Plant
Figure 4. Schematic View of Municipal Treatment Plant and Experimental
Facilities. Experimental Basins are Numbered 1 - 10.
-------
Inlet
N>
-q
Plywood >
s
c
'>
I
Valve
<3
meter
\ .
A
hw
X,
\
\
\
i
30 cm
\k -Outlets
{J
5
i
^n
,f\
-
r
Drain * >
^
t
30 cm 1 " 20 mil PVC
linina
i
V./^ (~\ (~^ (-} s^ (~ N O O
u t=^-Jr\ n ^("^^ ^O ^o r,C
t _^ n o ° 0 0U o 0 ° 0 0 °0 ^
J15CO ° 0 ° 0 °0 ° 0 0°0° 0
i Common Return to Wet Well
4
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
\
D
Figure 5. Diagramatic Cross Section of Experimental Basin (not to
scale) Showing Relative Positions of Inlet and Outlets.
-------
lining. This trench, the pilot plant, was 19.3 m long, 3.05 m wide at
the bottom and 5.8 m wide at the top. Sides had a 2 to 1 slope as in
experimental basins. A 15 cm layer of sand was put down on the bottom
followed by 30 cm of coarse gravel (1.9 - 2.5 cm) then by 30 cm of pea
gravel. Two baffles divided the pilot plant into three sections of
equal length (Figure 6).
Influent entered the pilot plant via three pipes spaced uniformly across
one end. Each pipe was a branch of a metered feedline and had a valve
for flow regulation. In order to sample water at 15, 30, 45, and 60 cm,
pipes of appropriate length were driven into the gravel (Figure 6) in
each of the three longitudinal sections. Effluent was sampled at
metered outlets in the wall at the downstream end. A four-inch drain
tile line was placed across the downstream end at the bottom layer of
coarse gravel. A one-inch pipe passed from the drain tile out of the
pilot plant, through a flow meter to the drain. Outlets at other
depths did not carry water from drain tiles. A metered overflow was
provided to take off the extra water during rainstorms.
Three Rhodamine-B dye studies were conducted (July 13, July 21, and
August 12, 1975) to observe hydrologic characteristics of the pilot
plant. In each case, dye solution was added at the influent and
samples for fluorometric readings were taken in horizontal and vertical
series. In the first study, dye appeared in the effluent after 10
hours indicating surface flow. Low readings were observed at depths
28
-------
PILOT PLANT
to
Mete red
Outlets
PVC Liner
Typical Bulrush
Plant
Metered
Inlet
Sampling Tubes
(Typical of each section)
Pea
Gravel
Coarse
Gravel
Sand
Wooden
Partitions
30 cm
60 cm
A
Figure 6. Diagramatic Cross-section of Pilot Plant (not to scale) Showing Relative
Positions of Inlet, Outlets, and Sampling Tubes.
-------
of 30 and 45 cm (Appendix A, Figure A-1). Prior to the second study
the water level was lowered by about 2.5 cm so that no surface flow
occurred. The second study indicated low flow rate in the pea gravel
(zero reading at 15 cm). Dispersion into the coarse gravel was quite
uniform horizontally and variable but without a distinct pattern
vertically (Appendix A, Figure A-2). In spite of the uniform dispersion
no dye was actually observed in the effluent. The uniform dye disper-
sion could not be reconciled with the distinct chemical stratification
indicated by very high conductivity at 60 cm. Thus, the partitions
(Figure 6) were removed to attempt to prevent stagnation. After
removal of the partitions another Rhodamine-B study, this time with
double the amount of dye, was done. Results were the same as in the
second study. Failure to observe dye in the effluent (Appendix A,
Figure A-3) couVd possibly be attributed to adsorption. Removal of the
partitions produced a long-term improvement in the conductivity
stratification but no change in dye distribution.
30
-------
SECTION VI
SUBSTRATE SELECTION AND PROPAGATION EXPERIMENTS
A series of studies was undertaken at the beginning of the project in
order to learn how to vegetatively propagate native plants which were
likely to be useable for biological waste treatment. Criteria used in
selection of species for experimental work included: 1. local avail-
ability; 2. ease of vegetative propagation; 3. rate of regrowth after
harvesting; 4. tolerance to repeated harvesting. Literature reports on
some native species were available. Importance of criteria 1 and 2
above is apparent. Response to harvesting was regarded as important
because of the idea that nutrient removal could be achieved by repeated
harvesting. Forty-two different experiments involving 1,254 individual
propagules were conducted using the following species: Typha latifolia
L. (cattail); Sparganium eurycarpum Engelm. (mace reed or burr reed);
Phragmites austral is (Cav.) Steudal (reed grass); Scirpus fluviatilis
(Torr.) Gray, (river or three-square bulrush); Scirpus acutus Muhl.,
(hardstem bulrush); Scirpus validus Vahl. (softstem bulrush); Iris
versicolor L. (wild iris). Since the most desirable kind of planting
medium or substrate was not known, several kinds were tried (Table 2)
in combination with varying moisture conditions. The goals of the
experiments were to learn how to propagate the plants and to choose a
substrate for use in the later phase of the work. Response to
31
-------
harvesting was determined from literature or previous experience as
well as by observation.
It was determined that greatest success in propagation was realized when
propagules were planted with shoots exposed to the atmosphere. Complete
immersion of propagules in water inhibits new shoot development.
Special treatment such as gibberellin or scarification of tubers was not
effective.
The conclusion regarding choice of substrate was that it should be porous.
Pea gravel was chosen for use in later work. The basis for the choice
was that pea gravel was easy to work with, would allow water to flow
through it, and did not present the biological or chemical unknowns of
some other substrates. Sparganium and Typha were considered not suit-
able for the project because they exhibited limited intercalary growth
after harvesting. Intercalary growth is the kind shown by ordinary
grass after mowing a lawn. The response of Sparganium and Typha to
harvesting is to produce new shoots rather then lengthen the stubs.
The time required to produce new shoots constituted an undesirably long
delay. Phragmites may be acceptable but would have been impractical to
obtain for the project since it grows in 1.5 - 2.0 m of water. The
tough fibrous, tangled mats of rhizomes in deep water make hand digging
very difficult.
Scirpus validus and S_. acutus were judged the best candidates because
they are easy to obtain, propagate easily, and regrow rapidly after
harvesting. They also are morphologically similar to S. lacustris
which has been used for similar studies in Europe.
32
-------
Table 2. GREENHOUSE EXPERIMENTS ON PLANT PROPAGATION.
Exp.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Species
River
River
Hardstem
River
River
Hardstem
Hardstem
Phrag-
mites
Hardstem
Hardstem
River
River
River
River
Water depth
Substrate above subs.
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pit run
gravel
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
7 cm
7 cm
7 cm
7 cm
7 cm
7 cm
7 cm
45 cm
45 cm
45 cm
45 cm
45 cm
1 cm
below surf
1 cm
below surf
Type
propagule
3" root
clump
Tubers
Rhizomes
3" root
clump
Tubers
Rhizomes
3" root
clump
3" root
clump
Rhizome
3" root
clump
3" root
clump
Tubers
Tubers
3" root
. cl ump
Success
(5/9) 55%
(2/6) 33%
(0/12) 0%
(5/6) 83%
(3/8) 38%
(0/12) 0%
(6/20) 30%
(9/9) 33%
(0/8) 0%
(0/8) 0%
(2/6) 33%
(0/12) 0%
(35/85) 41%
(9/9) 100%
Notes
Several
tops ex-
posed
Several
tops ex-
posed
17 shoots/
6 clumps
Cut above
water line
Intact
plants
21 shoots/
clumps/
several
tops in air
33
-------
Table 2 (continued). PLANT PROPAGATION.
Exp.
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
Species
Hards tern
River
Phrag-
mites
Softstem
River
River
Softstem
Spargan-
ium
Spargan-
ium
Typha
lati folia
Typha
lati folia
Softstem
Spargan-
ium
Typha
lati folia
Substrate
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Organic
soil
Crushed
lime-
stone
Water depth
above subs.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
Field
moisture
1 cm
below surf.
Type
propagule
Rhizomes
Tubers
Rhizomes
Rhizomes
Tubers
Tubers
Rhizome
Root-
shoot base
Root-
shoot base
Root-
shoot base
Root-
shoot base
Rhizome
Root-
shoot base
Root-
shoot base
Success
(0/52) 0%
(5/23) 22%
(0/100) 0%
(27/83 32%
(25/44) 57%
(12/44) 27%
(14/45) 31%
Notes
3-5 cm
sections
63 shoots/
27 Rhizomes
Shoots
emerging at
transplant
No shoots at
transplant
Laid on
surface
(0/18) 0% Laid on
surface
(0/36) 0% Planted
upright
(1/18) 6% Upright
(2/9) 22% Laid on
surface
(45/100) 45%Fresh cut
tops above
soil
(0/5) 0%
(2/30) 7%
34
-------
Table 2 (continued). PLANT PROPAGATION.
Exp.
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
Species
Spargan-
ium
Spargan-
ium
Softs tern
Softs tern
3 square
Softs tern
Spargan-
ium
Iris
River
River
Substrate
Crushed
lime-
stone
Crushed
lime-
stone
Crushed
lime-
stone
Crushed
lime-
stone
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Pea gravel
Wire racks
Wire racks
Wire racks
Water depth
above subs.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
1 cm
below surf.
at surface
at surface
at surface
Type
propagule
Intact
plants
Root-
shoot base
Rhizome-
shoots
Rhizome-
shoots
Tubers
Rhizomes
Root
shoots
Root-
shoot
base
Tubers
Tubers
Success
(1/50) 2%
(1/40) 2%%
(12/12) 100%
(1/3) 33%
(8/21) 38%
(10/19) 52%
(8/24) 33%
(26/66) 40%
(16/20) 80%
(41/94) 44%
Notes
20-45 cm
rhizomes
10 ppm
gibberell
10 ppm
gibberell
10 ppm
gibberell
in
in
in
Growth at
transplant
No growth
at trans-
plant
39 Softstem Wire racks at surface Rhizomes (11/19) 58%
40 Spargan- Wire racks at surface
ium
41 Typha Wire racks at surface
latifolia
Root- (3/9) 33%
shoot base
Root- (6/6) 100%
shoot base
35
-------
Table 2 (continued). PLANT PROPAGATION.
Water depth Type
£xp. Species Substrate above subs, propagule Success Notes
42 Iris Pea gravel at surface Root- (44/54) 72%
shoot base
TOTAL 391/1254
31.2%
36
-------
Iris are easy to transplant but do not recover quickly from cutting and,
as they are not usually found in large clones in nature, it is difficult
to secure large quantities for transplanting. Iris pseudacorus has been
used in Europe, however, to "remove" coliform bacteria, so the genus was
included in this study.
Of the seven species examined in culture technique experiments, four
were chosen for scrutiny under wastewater loading conditions. They
were: Sclrpus acutus, S^. validus, S_. fluviatilis, and Iris versicolor.
37
-------
SECTION VII
GREENHOUSE STUDIES
Field studies did not begin as soon as anticipated at the beginning of
the project (summer 1972), so greenhouse experiments were undertaken as
a follow up to the propagation experiments discussed in Section VI. The
major goal was to see which of the four species selected in the
preliminary work was most effective at purification of wastewater.
Other goals included obtaining additional information about responses of
the plants to various treatments and determining what retention times
should be attempted in the field.
A large tray in the greenhouse was divided into five compartments or
beds and then lined with plastic. The beds were 80 cm x 90 cm x 12 cm.
Pea gravel having a porosity of 40% was placed to a depth of seven cm
in each bed. Each bed had a collection well to facilitate draining and
sampling. The beds were numbered and planted as follows: Bed 1 - Iris;
Bed 2 - control (no plants); Bed 3 - hardstem bulrush; Bed 4 - softstem
bulrush; Bed 5 - softstem bulrush. The beds were batch fed chlorinated
primary effluent collected once or more per week at the Oshkosh,
Wisconsin (Winnebago County) municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Effluent was stored temporarily in a refrigerated vault and measured
amounts were added to the beds daily Monday through Friday. Prior to
feeding each day an amount of water was drained from each bed so that
38
-------
the water level after feeding should be flush with the gravel surface.
Each bed had a capacity of 21 liters.
An experiment was conducted to see how the quality of effluent varied
with retention time. Analyses were performed twice weekly on influent
and effluent for retention times of 1.5, 3, and 5 days. Parameters
included BOD, COD, pH, conductivity, orthophosphate, and total phosphorus.
Evapotranspiration losses were estimated by determining the difference
between the influent and effluent volumes. Since day length is short in
winter, artificial light was employed (in addition to natural light)'24
hours per day. At night the light intensity was 200 - 300 foot-candles
at the gravel surface. To begin the experiment, beds were allowed a
colonization period (month of December 1972} during which time
microcommunities could also become established. Sampling was initiated
on January 2, 1973, and continued twice each week until March 26, 1973,
with four weeks allocated to each of the three retention times.
Results of the retention time experiments were judged by comparing the
total output (of phosphorus for example) from a bed with the total input
during a time period as described in Section IV. Detailed results of
analyses are presented in Appendix B. Table B-l gives the number of
liters of influent and effluent as a basis for computing total amounts
of constituents. Table 3 shows a summary of the effects of the green-
house beds on the wastewater treated by them. A significant fraction
of water (about 60%) was lost by evapotranspiration (Appendix B, Table
B-l). Effluent quality was obviously best with 5-day retention.
39
-------
Table 3. EFFECTIVENESS OF SEVERAL SPECIES OF PLANTS AT TREATMENT OF
PRIMARY EFFLUENT IN THE GREENHOUSE.
Retention
time
Parameter days Iris
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total phosphorus
Col i form
Total solids
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
5
3
1.5
98
94
89
89
73
49
58
8
-3
80
34
30
..
68
7
«»»
32
17
__
61
39
54
21
13
Control
97
92
90
89
75
54
52
2
-1
76
-4
32
__
80
22
__
35
24
__
66
54
60
28
19
Percent
Hards tern
98
92
90
87
89
61
68
41
28
84
45
59
mmmm
83
15
^ mm
35
5
-.
69
22
60
25
2
reduction
Softstem
98
96
88
86
85
57
75
63
57
83
62
60
mm mm.
88
60
mm mm
25
-5
_ ._
59
16
51
13
_g
Softstem
97
95
81
83
82
29
70
49
30
80
54
51
_ _
89
51
__
25
-14
57
-15
44
13
-14
Increasing retention time from 3 to 5 days improved effluent quality
much more than increasing from 1.5 to 3 days. Phosphorus removal, BOD
reduction, and coliform die-off were regarded as the most important
parameters upon which to judge results but coliform analyses were not
40
-------
performed in all cases for this experiment. All beds, including the
control, reduced BOD by a high percent (97-98%). The BOD of the
effluent (15-22 mg 1~1, 5-day retention) appears high until corrected
for evapotranspiration. Phosphorus removal followed a similar pattern.
Seventy-six to 83% of total phosphorus was removed with 5-day retention.
No pronounced difference appeared in the treatment efficiency of the
beds, including the control, if total phosphorus removal and BOD reduc-
tion are considered. This suggests that if the vegetation actually
plays a role in waste treatment, the effect may not be observable until
retention times are lengthened beyond 5 days.
41
-------
SECTION VIII
EXPERIMENTAL BASIN STUDIES
QUALITY OF EFFLUENT
Preliminary Study
The experimental basins described in Section V were used as biological
systems to treat secondary effluent starting in summer, 1973. Goals
included determining whether water quality was significantly improved,
working out flaws in the physical facilities, allowing vegetation to
become established, and observing responses of species to various treat-
ments. Samples of influent and effluent were collected at one week
intervals beginning in the late summer after elapse of a growth period.
Results are presented in Table 4. For this time period conclusions are
based on comparing concentrations of constituents in influent and effluent.
One of the mechanical problems was with flow regulation. Thus accurate
data on volumes of influent and effluent were not obtained. As a result,
the mass balance flux could not be computed. Furthermore, retention
time estimates are meaningless causing data to be of value mainly for
deciding where the emphasis should be placed in later parts of the
project.
For the ten basins collectively, BOD reduction did not show impressive
differences. The control and one experimental basin gave less than
42
-------
Table 4. SUMMARY OF PRELIMINARY DATA ON EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS FOR TREATING SECONDARY
EFFLUENT. AUGUST - OCTOBER 1973.
CO
Substrate
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Substrate
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Species
Influent
Control
Control
Hardstem
Hards tern
Softstem
Softstem
River
River
Iris
Iris
Species
Influent
Control
Control
Hardstem
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
River
River
Iris
Iris
X
tug 1~'
18
11
9
9
8
9
6
7
9
9
12
X
umhos
1040
943
925
1014
927
973
978
1054
988
897
982
BOD
S.D.
5.8
7.6
5.8
4.5
5.1
4.8
4.1
3.0
3.4
3.6
5.9
Conducti
S.D.
140
168
129
85
165
148
143
90
110
127
128
n %
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
8
6
7
vity
n %
10
9
10
10
10
9
8
9
9
7
9
red.a
39
50
50
56
50
67
61
50
50
33
x~ , COD
mg H S.D.
33 6.2
47 17.3
36 6.6
27 13.3
27 10.7
29 11.5
29 6.5
33 14.0
35- 18.9
31 9.9
33 1.3
x .Total solids
n
5
4
4
5
5
4
3
5
4
3
2
% red.
-42
9
18
18
12
12
0
6
6
0
x" Orthophosphate
red.
9
n
3
11
6
6
-1
6
14
6
mg 1-1 S.D.
16.4 6.9
12.1 4.6
14.3 4.4
15.6 5.1
12.4 4.2
13.8 3.2
12.6 3.2
15.0 2.7
13.6 3.7
12.1 3.1
13.9 3.0
n
8
8
8
8
8
7
6
8
8
7
8
% red.
26
13
5
24
16
23
9
17
26
15
mg I-" S.D.
770 40
750 10
730 50
730 70
790 50
730 20
740 50
770 40
760 70
690 20
750 50
n %
3
2
4
4
4
3
3
4
4
2
4
red.
__
3
5
5
-3
5
4
0
1
10
3
x" Total phosphorus
mg I-1 S.D.
14.2 3.1
13.1 4.1
13.5 3.8
14.1 3.7
13.2 3.8
14.2 3.2
13.4 3.9
15.1 2.6
15.4 5.3
12.6 3.1
14.5 2.6
n %
8
8
8
8
8
7
6
8
8
7
8
red.
8
5
1
7
0
6
-6
-8
11
2
aPercent reductions are not adjusted for water-loss by evapotranspiration, Tney are based on
comparison of concentrations because accurate flow data could not be obtained.
-------
Table 4 (continued). EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS FOR TREATING SECONDARY EFFLUENT.
Substrate Species
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Gravel
Wire
Influent
Control
Control
Hards tern
Hardstem
Softstem
Softs tern
River
Ri ver
Iris
TrT?
1C
JTU
7.57
6.93
6.85
4.84
4.98
4.73
6.47
3.76
5.12
9.33
5.55
Turbidity
S.D. n
3.9
4.1
5.2
3.1
3.1
2.5
4.1
1.4
3.6
9.1
2.2
n
n
n
n
n
10
9
10
10
8
10
% red.3
8
10
36
34
38
15
50
32
-23
27
log col
100ml -1
5.24
4.78
4.86
4.62
5.07
4.81
5.02
4.29
5.14
4.80
4.80
Col i form
S.D. n 5
5.48
4.91
4.94
4.79
5.15
4.87
5.33
4.48
5.29
4.62
4.95
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
6
6
5
6
i redb
66
59
76
36
63
40
89
21
64
65
pH
7.55
8.09
8.01
7.45
7.85
7.34
7.48
7.62
7.61
8.22
7.47
pH
S.D.
.07
.39
.62
.08
.46
.09
.14
.16
.11
.58
.15
n
11
11
11
11
n
10
9
10
10
8
10
Percent reductions are not adjusted for water-loss by evapotranspiration. They are based on
comparison of concentrations because accurate flow data could not be obtained.
°In this case the percent reduction is computed by comparing number of colonies per 100 ml, not by
comparing logarithms.
-------
reduction while all the others gave 50% or more and the high was
67% by softstem (Table 4). Total phosphorus removal was very low
ranging from 11% to an apparent increase. Such increases are referred
to as negative removals (Table 4). Three basins showed zero or nega-
tive total phosphorus removal. A control basin ranked second best at
phosphorus removal. Other parameters showed similarly unimpressive
results, but working out solutions to mechanical problems dominated
the summer's work and it was felt that progress in that area would
allow greatly improved control of conditions in the following growing
season. Correction of data for water loss by evapotranspiration would
raise the percent reduction values by significant amounts and would
give more realistic results.
Subjective observations coupled with the observed good BOD reduction in
the field and phosphorus removal in the greenhouse led to the choice of
softstem bulrush as the most promising species. Softstem displayed
greatest ease of propagation and most rapid and vigorous regrowth after
harvesting. Tissues of softstem did not contain a distinctly higher
percent phosphorus than other species, but it appeared that in future
work softstem would produce the most biomass per unit time. Iris and
river bulrush showed extremely poor recovery after cutting and would
not have been possible to use in a project requiring repeated harvesting.
Fastening plants to wire-covered frames proved to offer no advantage
and, in fact, to be unnecessary. Although on some occasions, frames
with vegetation in place were moved from one basin to another; the need
to do so was not related to the waste treatment processes of the biota.
45
-------
Solids did not accumulate on roots as anticipated so the need to back-
wash did not arise. A distinct drawback to the frames was that they
did not provide adequate support. Tall vegetation lodged easily
leading to self-shading and decomposition. For these reasons and for
the sake of convenience, future work did not employ frames.
Literature review and the low level of water quality improvement achieved
initially pointed to the desirability of a major design change. Five of
the basins were modified by removing partitions to form a single trench
(Section V) which was expected to offer a hydrologically more suitable
situation. The trench (pilot plant) was planted with softstem.
TREATMENT OF SECONDARY EFFLUENT
At the beginning of the growing season in 1974, flow meters were
installed on the inlet and outlet pipes of five experimental basins so
that careful monitoring was possible. By this time, operation of
physical facilities had become smooth and dependable. Studies were
conducted on some or all of these basins during 1974 and 1975,
simultaneously, with work on the pilot plant. As a routine matter,
samples were collected weekly during the growing season in order to
evaluate long term effectiveness of treatment of secondary effluent.
Weekly grab samples, however, can fail to detect important events of
diurnal or other short duration. Thus, intensive studies were carried
out on several occasions, particularly, to examine the effect of
harvesting on water quality.
46
-------
Long Term Variation in Effluent Quality
In this work two variables were examined for gross influences on quality
of effluent produced. Although softstem was quite clearly the choice of
species, one basin of river bulrush was studied in addition to a control
basin and three softstem basins. Retention time was the second factor.
Data are presented in Appendix C, Figures C-l to C-8.
Variation With Species --
Between June 19 and August 31, 1974, weekly samples showed that the river
bulrush basin was distinctly less effective than the other basins at
reducing the concentration of BOD, coliforms, and total phosphorus
(Table 5). Retention time was five hours. Total phosphorus concentra-
tion was reduced 23% by the river bulrush and an average of 31% by
three softstem basins (maximum 39%). BOD was reduced 84-91% by softstem
but only 62% by river bulrush and 75% by the control. Results obtained
by weekly sampling showed a wide range of variability (standard devia-
tions (Table 4). Although improvement in effluent quality was not as
great as anticipated it was suspected that perhaps treatment efficiency
was considerably better at some times than others and that more
rigorous sampling would reveal subtle changes occurring over short
periods.
Variation With Retention Time
Lack of ability to obtain retention time of more than 5 hours was a
serious handicap. Success was obtained, however, below 5 hours with no
47
-------
difficulty and up to 16-17 hours with considerable difficulty. An
attempt was made to achieve 10-day retention time. In order to lengthen
retention time in this kind of system, either the input rate must be
lessened or the volume contained by the basin increased. The first
method is the necessary one if wastewater is to be prevented from
accumulating and rising above the gravel surface. For a 5-hour retention
time an input rate of 1.91 min~l(0.5 gpm) was required. That was about
the lower limit because the gate valves plugged with solids at low flow
rates. Flow rates down to 0.41 min"1 (0.1 gpm) could be maintained for
short periods. The 5-hour and 16-hour retention times were studied in
1974 and 1975, respectively, and the 10-day retention was attempted at
the end of 1975.
BOD reduction did not change as retention time increased (Table 6).
Removal was in the range of 71-79% for both control and bulrush basins
at each of the three retention times except for 91% removed in the
softstem bulrush basin at 5-hour retention. Phosphorus removal was
about the same for 5-hour (no-free-standing water) and 10-day (free-
standing water) and higher for the 16-hour (no-free-standing water)
retention time. The bulrush basin removed 44% of the load it received
compared to 81% for the control. But in absolute terms, the bulrush
basin removed 0.3 kg compared to 0.4 kg for the control (Appendix C,
Table C-3). Thus, the difference between 44% and 81% is misleading.
The explanation is in the fact that the load of total phosphorus applied
to the bulrush basin was 1.4 times as great as that applied to the
48
-------
Table 5. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS IN TREATMENT OF SECONDARY
EFFLUENT. SUMMER 1974. FIVE-HOUR RETENTION.
Influent load
mg 1-1 a 1 kg
Effluent load
mg 1-1 a 1 kg
'% reduc-
tionb
BOD
Control
Softstem
Softstem
River
Softstem
COD
Control
Softstem
Softstem
River
Softstem
Orthophosphate
Control
Softstem
Softstem
River
Softstem
49.5
49.5
49.5
49.5
49.5
41.5
41.5
41.5
41.5
41.5
13.
13.
13.
13.
13.4
63948
51045
67449
75166
85911
63948
51045
67449
75166
85911
63948
51045
67449
75166
85911
3.2
2.5
3.3
3.7
4.3
2.7
2.1
2.8
3.1
3.6
0.
0,
0,
1,
1.2
14.3
10.5
6.7
18.4
4.8
33.0
29.9
28.1
27.5
17.6
10.4
10.6
10.4
11.4
10.6
56514
38883
60594
73909
77237
56514
38883
60594
73909
77237
56514
38883
60594
73909
77237
0.8
0.4
0.4
1.4
0.4
1.9
1.2
1.7
2.0
1.4
0.6
0.4
0.7
0.9
0.8
75
84
88
62
91
30
43
39
35
61
34
43
23
10
33
Total phosphorus
Control
Softstem
Softstem
River
Softstem
13.8
13.8
13.8
13.8
13.8
63948
51045
67449
75166
85911
0.9
0.7
0.9
1.1
1.2
10.8
11.1
12.1
11.5
10.4
-""II ;'"--' r
56514
38883
60594
73909
77237
"r "-
0.6
0.4
0.7
0.9
0.8
__; .
33
39
22
23
33
. _ i i . .
during the growing season.
bWater balance data are given in Appendix C, Table C-5.
control. The application of a greater load to the bulrush basin means
that the retention was lessened. In terms of concentration, the
influent and effluent did not differ much in most cases. The removal of
phosphorus only becomes apparent upon taking water loss by evapotrans-
piration into account.
49
-------
Short Term Variation In Effluent Quality
Three studies were conducted in 1974 to examine short term variation in
influent and effluent quality. Samples were collected each four hours
Table 6. PERCENT REDUCTION IN BOD, TOTAL SOLIDS AND TOTAL PHOSPHORUS.
SUMMARIZED FROM TABLES 5, 12 AND APPENDIX C, TABLES C-3 AND C-4.
Effluent
Secondary
Secondary
Secondary
Primary
Retention
time
5-hour
16-hour
10- day
10-day
Cont
75
77
71
83
BOD
. Bulr.
91
72
79
87
Total
Cont.
-17
57
43
37
solids
Bulr.
25
49
29
18
Total
Cont.
33
81
36
36
P
Bulr.
31
44
32
25
for 72 hours (Appendix C, Figures C-9 to C-15 and Tables C-l and C-2)
for the purpose of determining whether important fluctuations in influent
and effluent quality were occurring and to tell, if possible, how the
experimental basins were coping with a variable influent. Bulrushes
were harvested between the first two studies to see whether harvesting
altered the apparent effectiveness of the experimental basins. The
third study served as a follow-up designed to detect improvement in
treatment efficiency which might result from recovery of the vegetation
which had been harvested. Results of the three studies are shown in
Tables 7 through 9. Retention time was 5 hours. Excellent control over
volume loading rates was possible. Since all sampling was done by hand,
the person on the site had only to make a check on flow rates each 4
hours to insure accuracy. Careful control of volume loading rate
apparently did not insure uniform outflow rate as would have been
50
-------
Table 7. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS IN TREATMENT OF
SECONDARY EFFLUENT DURING WEEK PRIOR TO HARVESTING.
FIVE-HOUR RETENTION.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Total
phosphorus
Dissol
solids
ved
Basin
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Concentrations are
hours for four days.
Infl
mg 1-1
38
38
42
42
23
23
916
916
averages
uent load9
liters kg
7843
7835
7843
7835
7843
7835
7843
7835
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
7
.30
.30
.33
.33
.18
.18
.20
.20
Effl
mg 1-1
5
5
31
36
18
21
930
910
uent loada
liters
7865
7067
7865
7067
7865
7067
7865
7067
of values obtained sampling
Table 8. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL
SECONDARY EFFLUENT DURING FIRST WEEK
FIVE-HOUR RETENTION
Parameter
BOD
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Dissol
solids
ved
Suspended
solids
Basin
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Infl
mg 1~1
65
65
21
21
988
988
758
758
232
232
uent load
liters
5352
6022
5352
6022
5352
6022
5352
6022
5352
6022
0
0
0
0
5
5
4
4
1
1
kg
.35
.39
.11
.13
.30
.90
.10
.60
.20
.40
BASINS
AFTER
Effl
mg 1-1
9
5
18
16
873
761
744
687
168
75
0
0
0
0
0
0
7
6
kq
.04
.04
.24
.25
.14
.15
.30
.40
every
IN TREATMENT
HARVESTING.
uent load
liters
7059
5840
7059
5840
7059
5840
7059
5840
7059
5840
0
0
0
0
6
4
5
4
1
0
kg
.06
.03
.13
.09
.20
.40
.30
.00
.20
.44
% reduo
tion
87
87
27
24
22
17
_1
11
four
OF
% reduc-
tion
83
92
-18
31
-17
25
-29
13
0
69
51
-------
Table 9. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS IN TREATMENT OF
SECONDARY EFFLUENT DURING THIRD WEEK AFTER HARVESTING.
FIVE-HOUR RETENTION.
Parameter
BOD
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Dissolved
solids
Suspended
solids
Basin
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Influent load
rug 1~> liters kg
40
40
22
22
860
860
762
762
93
93
6109
6408
6109
6408
6109
6408
6109
6408
6109
6408
0.24
0.26
0.13
0.14
5.30
5.50
4.70
4.90
0.57
0.60
Eff]
mg I"1
4
3
18
18
829
909
740
749
89
165
uent load
liters kg
4705
7517
4705
7517
4705
7517
4705
7517
4705
7517
0.02
0.02
0.08
0.16
3.90
6.80
3.50
5.60
0.42
1.20
% reduc-
tion
92
92
38
-14
26
-24
26
-14
26
-100
expected. In both the pre-harvest and the first post-harvest studies,
the control basin yielded more water than it received. The bulrush
basin yielded more water than it received in the second post-harvest
study (Tables 7-9). This finding revealed a greater than anticipated
ability of the basins to buffer flow rates which were not carefully
checked prior to the beginnings of the intensive studies.
Results of the tests using four-hour sampling intervals showed that
the variability of the influent was considerably greater than that of
the effluent although the variability was high in the effluent for
some parameters. Distinct events changing with time of day could not
be identified. A summary of data for the three studies (Table 10) also
shows that harvesting the bulrushes did not affect changes in quality
52
-------
of effluent. In fact, average values of percent reduction scatter
widely for all parameters except BOD (83-92%). The negative percent
reductions result from the excess of effluent volume over influent
volume in some cases (Appendix C, Table C-2). For example, in the
second post-harvest study, the total phosphorus concentration was
lowered by both the control and the bulrush basin from 22 to 18 mg 1-1.
The bulrush basin had 17% more effluent than influent however, so in
spite of a reduction of 18% in concentration (22 mg H to 18 mg T1),
there was more phosphorus leaving the basin than going in during the
three-day period.
Table 10. EFFECT OF HARVESTING BULRUSHES ON TREATMENT EFFICIENCY.
PERCENT REDUCTIONS ARE SUMMARIZED FROM TABLES 7, 8, and 9.
Pre-harvest First post-harvest
Parameter Control Bulrush Control Bulrush
BOD 87
Total
phosphorus 22
Total
solids
Dissolved
solids -1
Suspended
solids
87 83
17 -18
-17
11 -29
Q
92
31
25
13
69
Second
Control
92
38
26
26
26
pos.t-h.arv.
Bui rus,h
92
-14
-24
-14
-1QQ
TREATMENT OF PRIMARY EFFLUENT
Primary effluent was treated in one control and in one bulrush experimental
basin from August 21 to November 4, 1975, and in the pilot plant for the
53
-------
same period. Major emphasis was put on the pilot plant,work. The flow
regulation difficulty mentioned earlier kept the desired 10-day reten-
tion time from being achieved with accuracy. The goal of treating
primary effluent in experimental basins was to see whether the system
behaved differently than it did with secondary effluent. Unfortunately,
it was not possible to achieve 10-day retention time without having
standing water and surface flow.
On the mass balance basis, treatment of primary effluent was not as good
as treatment of secondary effluent in terms of percent reduction except
in the case of BOD (Table 6). BOD reduction was nearly 10% greater in
Table 11. WATER BALANCE DATA FOR EXPERIMENTAL BASINS. 1975.
(liters)
Secondary Effluent
Influent
Rainfall
Total
effluent
% evapotrans-
pi ration
Sixteen-hour retention
Control
Bulrush
Secondary Effluent
Ten-day retention
Control
Bulrush
Primary Effluent
Ten-day retention
Control
Bulrush
19784
26866
21397
34337
14576
35734
1308
1308
2422
2422
5962
5962
11533
18887
13013
20590
11979
32808
45.3
32.9
45.3
43.9
41.6
21.3
primary (83-87%) than in secondary effluent (71-79%). Interpretation of
this result is complicated by the fact that the load on the bulrush basin
54
-------
was about 2.5 times as great as on the control basin (Table 11) due to
very poor flow rate regulation in this peripheral experiment. Examina-
tion of the number of kilograms of BOD removed shows that the bulrush
basin removed 2.5 times as much BOD as the control but the percent
reductions are nearly identical (Table 12). In the case of secondary
effluent, there was a loading differential of 1.6 times as much BOD on
the bulrush basin as on the control. In that case the bulrush basin
removed 1.8 times as much BOD. For this parameter the bulrush basin
distinctly did the best job because it removed the same fraction of the
load from the primary effluent as the control in spite of a much heavier
load. Roughly, the same number of liters was lost by evapotranspiration
from each of the two basins even though one was loaded at a higher rate
(Table II). This accounts for the difference between evapotranspiration
loss of 42% in the control and 21% in the more heavily loaded bulrush
basin.
Phosphorus (total) was not removed to nearly such a great extent as BOD.
The control and bulrush basins removed 36% and 25%, respectively. How-
ever, the bulrush basin removed 1.7 times as much phosphorus as the
control while being loaded with 2.5 times as much (Table 12),
Obviously, both basins did not have the same retention time. It seems
safe to assume that the bulrush basin would have, at worst, removed
phosphorus at the same rate as the control under the same loading rate.
Removal of total solids from primary effluent was less efficient than
from secondary effluent. Best total solids removal was achieved when
55
-------
Table 12. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS FOR TREATMENT OF
PRIMARY EFFLUENT. TEN-DAY RETENTION.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophos-
phate
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Suspended
solids
Dissolved
solids
Basin
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Infl
mg 1~1
320
320
400
400
26
26
27
27
1066
1066
97
97
969
969
uent load Effluent load
liters kg mg 1~' liters
14576
35734
14576
35734
14576
35734
14576
35734
14576
35734
14576
35734
14576
35734
4.70
11.40
5.80
14.30
0.38
0.93
0.39
0.96
15.50
38.10
1.40
3.50
14.10
34.60
65
47
130
no
20
20
21
22
814
952
37
19
778
932
11979
32808
11979
32808
11979
32808
11979
32808
11979
32808
11979
32808
11979
32808
% reduo
kg tion
0.78
1.50
1.60
3.60
0.24
0.66
0.25
0.72
9.80
31.20
0.44
0.62
9.30
30.60
83
87
72
75
37
29
36
25
37
18
69
82
34
12
wastewater had to pass through gravel (Table 6) even though retention
time was shorter. Primary effluent was not treated with a short enough
retention time, however, to study solids removal under the no-free-
standing-water condition.
56
-------
SECTION IX
PILOT PLANT STUDIES
Wastewater was treated in the pilot plant in 1974 and 1975. The 1974
growing season was allowed to pass mainly as a growth period for the
softstem bulrushes. Limited sampling of effluent was conducted in
1974. In 1975, samples were collected weekly at each of four depths at
each of three sites along the length of the pilot plant (Figure 6) as
well as of the influent. One intensive three-day study was conducted.
The partitions dividing the pilot plant into three sections were removed
August 6, 1975. Sampling in 1975 was according to the schedule shown in
Table 13.
Table 13. 1975 SAMPLING SCHEDULE FOR PILOT PLANT.
Dates _ Nature of effluent _ discharge
June 15 - July 17 Secondary 60 cm
July 17 - August 6 Secondary 15 cm
(Partitions removed)
August 6 - August 21 Secondary 60 cm
August 21 - November 4 Primary 60 cm
Retention time was calculated to have been 10 days (Section V) but the
realized time was probably somewhat less. The variables altered in this
work were the nature of the wastewater (secondary, primary) and depth
at which effluent was withdrawn at the downstream end.
57
-------
Early results on secondary effluent indicated promising BOD reduction
ability (92%) but less favorable total phosphorus removal (35%, Table 14
and Appendix D, Table D-l). Since these figures were taken soon after
construction of the pilot plant they were questioned. The following
summer, BOD reduction dropped to the 30-38% range for treatment of
secondary effluent (Tables 15-17). Removal of the partitions did not
change the rate of BOD reduction. Occasional checks at different loca-
tions and depths in the pilot plant showed that no dissolved oxygen was
present at any time.
Table 14. EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PILOT PLANT IN TREATING SECONDARY
EFFLUENT. SUMMER 1974.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Infl
mg 1-1
50.0
42.0
13.4
13.9
uent load
liters kg
607227 30.0
607227 26.0
607227 8.1
607227 8.4
Effl
mg 1-1
4.0
24.0
8.5
9.0
uent load
liters kg
604468 2.4
604468 14.5
604468 5.1
604468 5.4
% reduc-
tion
92
44
37
35
Phosphorus removal was better than in the experimental basins but not
as good as it was in the greenhouse. During July 17 - August 21, 1975,
60-64% of total phosphorus was removed from secondary effluent in two
experiments (Tables 16, 17). Distribution of the phosphorus into
components of the pilot plant ecosystem is discussed below.
58
-------
Primary effluent was treated in the pilot plant late in the growing
season (beginning August 21). BOD reduction of 77% and total phosphorus
removal of 37% were observed (Table 18 and Appendix D, Table D-2). This
level of treatment was roughly comparable to secondary treatment given
Table 15. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING SECONDARY EFFLUENT.
EFFLUENT DRAWN FROM DEPTH OF 0.60 m. JUNE 5 - JULY 17, 1975.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Suspended
solids
Dissolved
solids
Infj
mg 1-
19
38
23
24
827
70
757
luent load
1 liters
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
19200
19200
19200
19200
19200
19200
19200
kq
2.
4.
2.
2.
98.
8.
90.
3
5
7
9
6
3
2
Eft]
mg I"1
15
41
14
15
1253
147
1107
uent load
1 i ters
108255
108255
108255
108255
108255
108255
108255
kq
1.
4.
1.
1.
135.
15.
119.
6
4
5
6
6
9
8
% reduc-
tion
30
2
44
45
-38
-92
-33
by the municipal treatment plant. Secondary effluent from the municipal
plant had BOD of 19-50 mg 1-1 (Tables 15-17) and total phosphorus of
23-24 mg 1-1. The effluent from the pilot plant had BOD of 72 mg H
and total phosphorus of 17 mg 1-1. Based on these concentrations, the
pilot plant effluent is higher in BOD and slightly lower in total
phosphorus than the secondary effluent. The lower total phosphorus
(17 mg I"1) was not as low as the concentration found in secondary
59
-------
effluent after passing through the pilot plant (12-15 mg 1"1).
Numerous data are presented in Appendix D, Tables D-3 to D-7.
Table 16. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING SECONDARY EFFLUENT.
EFFLUENT DRAWN FROM DEPTH OF 0.15 m. JULY 17 - AUGUST 6, 1975.
Parameter
Influent load
mg 1"' liters kg
mg
Effluent load
T1 liters
% reduc-
kg tion
BOD 28 57036 1.6
COD 115 57036 6.6
Orthophosphate 25 57036 1.4
Total
phosphorus 24 57036 1.4
Total
solids 1028 57036 586.6
Suspended
solids 54 57036 3.1
Dissolved
solids 974 57036 55.6
25 39376
95 39376
12 39376
1.0 38
3.7 44
0.5 64
12 39376 0.5 64
1117 39376 439.8 25
18 39376 0.7 77
1099 39376 43.3 22
60
-------
Table 17. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING SECONDARY EFFLUENT
AFTER REMOVAL OF PARTITIONS. EFFLUENT DRAWN FROM DEPTH OF 0.60 m.
AUGUST 6 - AUGUST 21, 1975
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Dissolved
solids
Suspended
solids
Influent load Effluent load
mg I"1 liters kg mg 1-1 liters
50 44924 2.2
72 44924 3.2
20 44924 0.9
23 44924 1.0
1066 44924 47.9
970 44924 43.6
97 44924 4.4
Table 18. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT
AUGUST 21 - NOVEMBER
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Suspended
solids
Dissolved
solids
43 35919
58 35919
14 35919
12 35919
845 35919
825 35919
19 35919
kg
1.5
2.1
0.5
0.4
30.4
29.6
0.7
% reduc-
tion
33
34
44
60
37
32
84
IN TREATING PRIMARY EFFLUENT.
4, 1975.
Influent load Effluent load
mg 1"1 liters kg mg 1-1 liters
317 188273 59.7
401 188273 75.5
26 188273 4.9
27 188273 5.1
973 188273 183.2
42 188273 7.9
932 188273 175.5
72 187376
117 187376
17 187376
17 187376
1156 187376
32 187376
1124 187376
kg
13.5
21.9
3.2
3.2
216.6
6.0
210.6
% reduc-
tion
77
71
35
37
-18
24
-20
61
-------
SECTION X
PHOSPHORUS DISTRIBUTION AND REMOVAL
EXPERIMENTAL BASINS
Theoretically, large quantities of phosphorus and other nutrients which
are taken up by emergent aquatic plant shoots could be removed by
harvesting in a manner similar to cutting hay in agricultural practice.
Studies of natural stands have shown that highest concentrations of
phosphorus occur in young tissue and that concentrations decrease with
increasing age of tissue. This suggests that the quantity of
phosphorus removed can be maximized by frequent harvesting so that
plant tissues are not permitted to mature. Studies of the effect of
harvesting on a natural marsh near Seymour, Wisconsin (Hanseter, 1975),
have confirmed that considerable quantities of phosphorus can be removed
by harvesting. Repeated harvest during the growing season can increase
the removal of phosphorus by a factor of three.
On August 3, October 1, and October 23 (after frost), 1973, plant
shoots were harvested (by cutting above the intercalary meristem) from
quadrats in the eight experimental basins. Generally, it was found
that the most rapid recovery after harvesting and, thus, the greatest
potential for phosphorus removal was by the softstem bulrush (Table 19).
The Iris produced very little biomass, and only negligible amounts of
62
-------
phosphorus could be removed. Two to seven grams P rrT2 were removed
from the six basins containing bulrushes. Examination of the plants
on October 23 showed almost all of the growth of the river bulrush was
from old shoots, (intercalary meristitnatic growth from previously
harvested shoots). In the hardstem and softstem old shoots and new
shoots (arising from the rhizomes) contributed about equally.
During 1974, the plants in the four experimental basins containing
gravel substrate were harvested on four occasions between June 17 and
September 23. In the two basins containing softstem bulrush, 3.51 and
3.83 g P m-2 were removed (Table 20). In the river bulrush basin only
1.13 g P m-2 were removed and only 0.99 g P m-2 were removed from the
Iris basin.
A removal of 3.5 g P m-2 is equivalent to 35 Kg P ha-1 (31.25 Ib acre-1).
This amount of phosphorus is equal to that contributed by 33 persons in
four months (the growing season) if a per capita load of 3 Ib per annum
is assumed (Steward, 1970). This also represents the annual removal capac-
ity since it encompasses the entire growing season. Thus, removal capac-
ity of only 10 persons per acre could be assumed on a year-round basis.
The frequency of harvesting had a similar effect on the total amount of
plant tissue generated in a single year as Hanseter reported for a
natural marsh (1975). In experimental basin number 3 (softstem bulrush),
only about three-fourths as much tissue was removed during four harvests
in 1974 as in two late season harvests in 1975 (Table 21). However,
5, 6 times as much phosphorus was removed by the more frequent harvesting
in 1974.
63
-------
Table 19. PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL BY HARVESTING OF PLANT SHOOTS FROM EXPERIMENTAL BASINS, 1973.
(g P m-2)
Basin
number9
2
3
4
5
6
7
9
10
Plant Species
Hardstem
bulrush
Hardstem
bulrush
Softs tern
bulrush
Softs tern
bulrush
River
bulrush
River
bulrush
Ills
Iris
Substrate
Wire
rack
Gravel
Wire
rack
Gravel
Wire
rack
Gravel
Gravel
Wire
rack
Aug. 3
0.28
1.11
2.00
1.78
3.74
0.92
0.002
0.007
Oct. 1
1.72
1.07
4.87
1.75
0.38
0.75
0.0002
0.005
Oct. 23
New shoots
0.31
0.26
0.46
0.38
0.18
0.10
0.001
no growth
Oct. 23
Old shoots
0.33
0.59
0.25
0.46
0.43
0.19
0.16
0.52
Total
2.64
3.03
7.58
4.37
4.73
1.96
0.16
0.52
aBasin numbers 1 and 8 were control basins having gravel and wire racks, but no plants.
-------
Table 20. PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL BY MULTIPLE HARVESTING OF
EXPERIMENTAL BASINS IN 1974.
(g P ra-2)
Softs tern
Date bulrush
June 17
July 19
August 8
September 23
Total
1.53
1.32
0.30
0.36
3.51
Softstetn
bulrush
1.86
1.06
0.61
0.30
3.83
River
bulrush
0.58
0.33
0.16
0.06
1.13
Softstem
bulrush
0.37
0.39
0.23
0.99
Water quality data indicated that more phosphorus was being removed by
the system than was present in the harvestable plant tissue. To
determine where the phosphorus was located, triplicate cores were taken
from each basin at the time of harvesting in June, September, and
December 1974 and in June and November of 1975. Only 0 to 14% of the
total phosphorus was present in the harvestable plant tissue of any
basin at any one time (Table 22). From 34 to 80% of the total phosphorus
in the system was usually incorporated in the total harvestable and
unharvestable plant biomass during the growing season. The remainder was
retained as organic and inorganic precipitates and microflora in the
gravel substrate. During the growing season of 1974, the phosphorus in
the microflora-substrate complex ranged from 1-11 g nr2 and averaged
about 7 g m'2. Between September and December of 1974, the concentra-
tion of phosphorus in the basins dropped to much lower levels, indicating
a loss from the system after the autumn frosts. The only exception to
65
-------
Table 21. EFFECT OF HARVESTING FREQUENCY ON STANDING CROP AND
PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL FROM AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIN.
Year
1974
1975
Number
harvests
4
2 (Aug; Oct)
Standing crop
harvested (g dw nr2)
1689.0
2433.7
Phosphorus removal
(Q P m-2)
3.51
0.63
this pattern was Basin 9 in which the phosphorus was retained in the
substrate. This basin received more sediments from erosion of the clay
rich embankments than the other basins. The phosphorus retention
capacity of the clay may explain the unexpected phosphorus retention of
the basin after frost.
Presuming that the loss of phosphorus from the substrate after freezing
is normal and predictable behavior, this loss could be a feature which
would permit the removal of 15 or more g P m~2 each year. Removal
could be accomplished by discontinuing the flow through the system at
the time of the first heavy frost. The system could then be flushed
so the concentrated washings could be collected and treated by conven-
tional means. The maximum loading that such a system could retain is
undetermined, but after receiving primary effluent for about 2% months,
more than 20 g P nr2 was present in each of the two experimental basins.
While the last data are from cores taken about the same time as in
1974, no heavy frost had yet occurred in 1975, and it is reasonable to
believe that most of the phosphorus accumulated since June was still
present.
66
-------
Table 22. DISTRIBUTION OF PHOSPHORUS IN PLANTS AND SUBSTRATE IN EXPERIMENTAL BASINS.
Ol
June 17
g P m-2 %
Basin 3 Softstem Bulrush
Harvested shoots
Unharvested shoots
Rhizomes
Roots
Total biomass
Gravel
Basin 5 Softstem Bulrush
Harvested shoots
Unharvested shoots
Rhizomes
Roots
Total biomass
Gravel
Total
Basin 7 River Bulrush
Harvested shoots
Unharvested shoots
Rhizomes
Roots
Total biomass
Gravel
Total
1.53
1.83
3.04
1.25
"7765
11.21
18.86
1.86
0.82
1.42
0.35
4.45
8.75
13.20
0.58
3.00
23.78
2.58
29.94
7.70
37.64
8.
9.
16.
6.
40.
59.
100.
14.
6.
10.
2.
33.
66.
100.
1.
7.
63.
6.
79.
20.
100.
n
70
12
63
56
94
00
09
21
76
65
71
29
00
54
97
18
85
54
46
00
1974
Sept. 23
g P m-2 %
0.36
2.46
5.45
3.92
7^44
19.63
0.30
1.74
3.12
3.41
8.57
8.56
17.13
0.06
2.08
3.04
5.56
10.74
2.75
13.49
1.
12.
27.
19.
62.
37.
100.
0.
10.
18.
19.
50.
49.
100.
0.
15.
22.
41.
79.
1007
83
53
76
97
10
90
00
75
16
21
91
03
97
00
44
42
54
22
61
39
00
Dec. 4
g P m-2 %
0.00
0.75
2.32
1.86
4.93
1.17
6.10
0.00
0.58
2.30
2.68
5.56
2.41
7.97
0.00
0.79
1.61
4.53
6.93
1.08
8.01
0.00
12.30
38.03
30.49
80.82
19.18
100.00
0.00
7.82
28.86
33.63
69.76
30.24
100.00
0.00
9.86
20.10
56.55
86.52
13.48
100.00
1975
June 2 Nov. 18
g P m-2 % g P m-2 %
a
1.56
1.44
0.86
4^95
8.81 1
a
0.98
2.18
1.53
4.69
8.45
13.14 1
a
0.54
0.48
0.21
4^69
17.70
16.34
9.76
43782
56.18
00.00
7.46
16.59
11.64
35.69
64.31
00.00
9.12
8.11
3.55
20.78
79.22
0.63 2.31
0.84 3.08
0.67 2.46
1.69 6.20
3.83 14.08
23.39 85.92
27.22 100.00
b
b
5.92 100.00
aHarvested values combined with unharvested values.
^Experiment terminated.
-------
Table 22 (continued). PHOSPHORUS IN EXPERIMENTAL BASINS.
00
June 17
g P m-2 %
1974
Sept. 23
g P m-2 %
Dec. 4
g P m-2 %
9 P
1975
June 2 Nov. 18
m-2 % g P m-2 %
Basin 9 Softstem Bulrush
Harvested shoots
Unharvested shoots
Rhizomes
Roots
Total biomass
Gravel
Total
Basin 1 Control
Gravel
3.
1.
0.
5.
3.
9.
7.
31
63
91
85
16
01
91
a
36.
18.
10.
64.
35.
100.
100.
74
09
10
93
07
00
00
0.23
0.61
1.89
1.84
4.57
8.22
12.79
5.18
1.80
4.77
14.78
14.39
35.73
64.27
100.00
100.00
0.00
0.57
1.07
3.19
4.83
6.96
11.79
0.38
0.00
4.83
9.08
27.06
40.97
59.03
100.00
100.00
0
0
0
~0
4
5
4
a
.41
.17
.17
.75
.56
.31
.35
b
7.72
3.20
3.20
TOI
85.88
100.00
100.00 21.6 100.00
^Entire plants were removed with the cores and are considered to be unharvested shoots.
bExperiment terminated.
-------
PILOT PLANT
A study similar to the one in the experimental basins was done on the
distribution of phosphorus in the pilot plant. Difficulty was
encountered in securing acceptable cores, however, (Section IV) so no
samples were taken until after all experiments had been terminated. A
record was made of tissue harvested, then cores were taken on December
5, 1975. At that time, there was an average of about 18 g P m~2 in
the substrate (Table 23, 24). Considerable variation occurred, however,
and there was a large concentration of phosphorus in the uppermost 15
cm of gravel near the influent. This high concentration was not,
Table 23. PHOSPHORUS DISTRIBUTION IN GRAVEL OF PILOT PLANT
AFTER TWO SUMMERS.
(g P m-2)
Depth
0-15 cma
15-30 cmb
30-45 cmc
45-60 cmc
Total
Basin A
17.58
5.14
4.17
4.17
30.72
Basin B
3.58
1.81
0.71
0.71
6.81
Basin C
5.52
7.27
1.97
1.97
16.74
Mean
8.89
4.74
2.28
2.28
18.09
value is the mean of three.
bEach value is the result of analysis of a single sample.
cEach value represents a single sample taken at 45 cm and assumed to be
representative of both depth intervals.
however, associated with an accumulation of solids or dry matter at
that end of the basin, as none were present (Appendix E, Tables E-l
and E-2).
69
-------
In spite of a very large standing crop, especially in Basin A, the
total amount of phosphorus removed by harvesting was only about 2.09
g m-2 because the two harvests were made late in the growing season.
The high yield in Basin A (2.67 g P m-2) compared to the yield in Basin
C (0.69 g P m-2, Table 24) is indicative of a much more dense stand of
plants at the influent end (Appendix E, Table E-3). There was an
average of 420 shoots m-2 (1.20 m tall and 0.73 cm diameter) at the
Table 24. DISTRIBUTION OF PHOSPHORUS IN PILOT PLANT DURING 1975.
(g P m-2)
Sample
Harvested shoots3
Harvested shoots9
Unharvested shootsb
Rhizomes
Roots
Gravel substrate
Total
Date
Aug.
Sept.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Dec.
Basin A Basin B Basin C
1
24
5
5
5
5
2.12
0.45
0.82
2.91
2.64
30.72
39.66
2.
0.
0.
1.
4.
6.
17.
76
20
79
61
07
81
92
0.
0.
0.
0.
1.
16.
19.
48
21
49
64
12
74
68
Mean %
1.
0.
0.
1.
2.
18.
25.
80
29
70
72
61
09
21
7.
1.
2.
6.
10.
71.
100.
14
15
78
82
41
76
00
value is the mean of tnree 1 m z quadrat samples.
^Each value is the mean of three 12.6 cm diameter cores.
influent, while there were only 240 shoots m-2 (0.79 m tall and 0.57 cm
diameter) at the effluent end. The reason for the apparent difference
in vogor at the ends of the pilot plant is probably that much of the
vegetation at the downstream end was killed accidentally by desiccation
in 1974 and was replaced by new plants in 1975. The overall stand was
quite substantial, however, with 4 - 9 g P m"2 in the total biomass.
70
-------
This is comparable to total biomass in the experimental basins (Table 22)
The total phosphorus retention capacity of the pilot plant system is
probably in excess of 40 g P m-2, primarily because of the great volume
of the gravel substrate. None of the phosphorus in the substrate below
30 cm is likely to be available to the plants since 30 cm is as deep as
the roots penetrated.
71
-------
SECTION XI
BRILLION MARSH STUDIES
DESCRIPTION OF BRILLION MARSH
Physical and Biological
Brill ion Marsh is located in T19N and T20N, R20E, Calumet County,
Wisconsin. It is in the drainage basin of the North Branch of the
Manitowoc River, which flows into Lake Michigan. While the total marsh
area is 15 - 18 km2, only a portion of the northeastern area was used in
this study. The study area is located in SW%, Sec. 26; SE%, Sec. 27;
NE%, Sec. 34; and NVfe, Sec. 35; T20N, R20E (Figure 7). It has an area
of 156 ha and lies at an elevation of 805 to 807 feet (245 m) above
mean sea level.
Spring Creek is the major stream flowing into the study area. At its
point of entrance to the marsh, it has a drainage area of 31.3 km^.
Spring Creek has an open channel about 400 m long extending into the
marsh. The channel is about 10 m wide and 1 - 1.5 m deep at the marsh
entrance, and gradually diminishes in size as small distributaries lead
into the marsh. The creek does not have a channel through the marsh for
about 1400 m, until the marsh becomes narrow, at which point a channel
about 10 - 15 m wide and 1 - 1.3m deep is present. At the narrow part,
the marsh is 200 m wide. Above this channel the marsh has a total
drainage area of 49.7 km2.
72
-------
co
200 400
Meters
N
V
r
\
/tation III
Q Plant
Q Harvesting
Quadrats **
3 and 4
r
N
r
BRILLION
MARSH
\
X
Plant D
Harvesting r-i
Quadrats u
1 and 2
_^-"
. *
~~N ( Brillion
/ . Sewage
\ ;' Treatment
\ ( Plant
N /^^M^salN^^a«k^
(^ '"^ Spring5*5:;^
I Station Creek ^s==
; n
Station
=s==!v O
^*^*\
Highway
114
Figure 7. Location of Spring Creek and Brillion Marsh Drainage Basin.
-------
The City of Brill ion is located on Spring Creek just upstream from the
marsh. Spring Creek receives effluent from the city sewage treatment
plant. In addition, local industries such as a foundry and a cannery
may contribute effluent at times. Agricultural runoff and urban runoff
from storm sewers go into Spring Creek. There are several other streams
flowing into the marsh study area. The drainage basin lies in a
glaciated area with glacial tills and clays forming the predominant
surficial material. The topography is flat to gently rolling.
The upper marsh has a stand of Typha 1atifolia-augustifolia complex.
Spargam'urn eurycarpurn is growing in a 1 - 30 m band along the stream
channels at both ends of the marsh and in isolated low pockets of the
marsh proper. Where Spring Creek enters the marsh (Figure 8, Station
II), there are no submergent aquatic plants in the stream channel.
This is presumably due to the high concentration of effluent from the
Brill ion sewage treatment plant which enters the stream from a channel
15 m upstream. Deer Creek Run which enters the marsh via a golf course
south of Brill ion is intermittent. There is a dredged channel from
Highway 114 into the marsh. This channel contains water all year and
has a diversified flora. Sagittaria 1atifolia Mi lid, lines the channel,
along with Typha and Sparganium. Submergent vegetation includes
Vanisneria americana Michx., El odea canadensis Michx., Potomogeton
pectinatus L., Ceratophyllum demersum L., and the filamentous alga
Oedogonium sp. In the dredge channel at the downstream end of the marsh
(Figure 8, Station III), there is a sparse stand of Ceratophyllum
74
-------
STUDY
AREA
Brill ion
Location of
v~
y>
~ Creek
0 1
Water Sam!
Stations
2 3
D ling
4
Figure 8 Map of Brill ion Marsh Study Area Showing Water Sampling
Plant Harvesting (Q) Sites.
and
75
-------
demersum, with isolated shoots of Potomogetbn pectinatus. Lemna covers
much of the surface in late summer.
Hydrology
Runoff
The Brill ion area receives a yearly average of 73 cm of precipitation.
About 54 cm of this is lost through evapotranspiration, with an average
runoff of 19 cm. The U.S. Geological Survey has made an estimation of
the low-flow of Spring Creek at Brill ion of 9.6 1 sec"1 for the seven-
day low-flow with a two-year recurrence interval, 7Q£, and 4.8 1 sec"^
for the seven-day low-flow with a 10-year recurrence interval, 7Qio-
The monthly precipitation at Brill ion for June 1974 to July 1975 is
given in Table 25.
With an average runoff of 19 cm year"! and a drainage basin area of
31.3 km2, the mean runoff is 0.19 m3 sec.~^. However, the usual runoff
pattern is to have a high spring runoff and low flows the remaining
months. Table 26 shows the Manitowoc River runoff for water years 1974
and 1975.
Sewage Flow --
Records obtained from the City of Brillion (population 2,588) indicate
that the monthly discharge of the Brillion wastewater treatment plant
ranged from 2.2 x 104 m3 to 4.6 x 104 m3 during the study period.
Monthly flow of Spring Creek at Station II, has been estimated, where
it merges with the wastewater discharge channel. The estimated values
76
-------
were obtained by multiplying the monthly runoff from the Manitowoc River
at Manitowoc by the drainage area of the sub-basin above Brill ion Marsh.
The monthly sewage discharge, estimated runoff of Spring Creek at
Station II, and the ratio of sewage flow to runoff are given in Table
27.
Table 25. MONTHLY RAINFALL AT BRILLION, WISCONSIN.
(cm)
Month Year Rainfall
June 1974 7.21
July 1974 4.52
August 1974 5.92
September 1974 3.30
October 1974 4.19
November 1974 4.39
December 1974 3.53
January 1975 3.12
February 1975 2.62
March 1975 8.31
April 1975 5.36
May 1975 8.08
June 1975 6.99
July 1975 6.55
August 1975 21.50
During months of low runoff, the monthly sewage flow may be as much as
50 percent of the estimated monthly runoff. However, during periods of
high runoff, the monthly sewage flow may be as little as 2 percent of
the estimated runoff value. During low-flow months the daily sewage
treatment plant flow is about 757 m3 (200,000 gal.). The 7Q2 is
812 m3 da'1, and the 7Q-|Q is 420 m3 da-1. Thus, during low-flow
periods, the sewage discharge may equal or exceed the natural stream
flow.
77
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Table 26. MANITOWOC RIVER RUNOFF FOR WATER YEARS 1974 AND 1975.
(cm)
Month
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
Year
1973
1973
1973
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1974
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
1975
Runoff
0.61
0.99
1.52
1.14
0.94
7.47
7.01
2.39
2.54
0.66
0.30
0.15
0.20
0.33
0.47
0.30
0.20
4.46
6.32
2.19
0.93
0.32
0.61
1.26
WATER QUALITY
Station Locations
Three stations were selected on Spring Creek for the collection of grab
samples. Samples were collected in a plastic bucket from the surface,
and then transferred to plastic bottles for transport.
Station I was at the Main Street bridge in Brillion (Figure 8). The
stream is 10 - 25 cm deep and 6 - 7 m wide, with a sandy bottom. The
78
-------
Table 27. BRILLION SEWAGE DISCHARGE AND ESTIMATED SPRING CREEK
RUNOFF. JUNE 1974 - JUNE 1975.
Month
June 1974
July
August
September
October
November
December
January 1975
February
March
April
May
June
Discharge
X 104 m3
4.597
3.074
2.710
2.341
2.575
2.358
2.431
2.715
2.185
4.241
4.142
3.825
3.243
Estimated
runoff
X 104 m3
79.5
20.7
9.4
4.7
6.3
10.3
14.7
9.4
6.3
139.6
197.8
68.5
29.1
Ratio of
sewage to
runoff
.06
.15
.29
.50
.41
.23
.17
.29
.35
.03
.02
.06
.11
location is upstream from the sewage treatment plant, but receives urban
and agricultural runoff.
Station II was in Spring Creek at Wolfschmidt Road. The stream enters
the marsh immediately downstream from the station. The stream is about
10 m wide and about 1 - 1.5 m deep with a sludge deposit on the bottom.
A small channel 2 - 3 m wide and 1 m deep enters Spring Creek 20 m
above this station. The channel carries the effluent from the Brill ion
sewage treatment plant, located some 300 m away.
Station III was located on the open channel about 1900 m below the upper
part of Brillion Marsh. The channel is 10 - 15 m wide and 1 - 1.3 m
deep. Station III has an organic bottom along the banks but, in
midstream, the bottom is mineral matter.
79
-------
Samples of effluent from the Brill ion sewage treatment plant were
collected from the effluent pipe
Long-Tertn Studies
Samples were collected from June 1974 through August 1975. The results
of the analyses are given for each station and also for the Brill ion
sewage treatment plant effluent in Appendix F, Tables F-l thru F-4.
The mean values of the determinations for each parameter at Stations I,
II and III are given in Table 28. Also shown on this table is the per-
cent reduction as the water passes through the marsh from Station II to
Station III.
The impact of the treatment plant effluent on the water quality of
Spring Creek can be seen by comparing the water quality of Station I
with Station II. BOD, COD, orthophosphate, total phosphorus, and coli-
form bacteria all show significant increases. Conductivity and total
solids are lower, indicating dilution of dissolved solids in the stream
by wastewater.
The impact of the marsh on water quality is shown by the percent reduc-
tion column. The most dramatic decrease was in BOD (80.1%) and total
coliforms (V86.2%). Significant decreases also occurred in turbidity
(43.5%), suspended solids (29.1%) and nitrate (51.3%). Reductions in
total phosphorus (13.4%), orthophosphate (6.4%), and conductivity (7.
also occurred. There was a 34% increase in dissolved solids which
caused an 8.5% increase in total solids.
80
-------
Table 28. MEAN VALUESa FROM LONG TERM STUDIES AT STATIONS I, II, III
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total phosphorus
Conductivity (umho)
Turbidity (JTU)
Nitrate
Col i form
(log col 100 ml-1)
PH
Total solids
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Station
I
5.9
30.5
1.27
1.28
1540
26
1.78
4.76
7.91
955
154
801
Station
II
26.9
106
3.13
3.43
1065
20
1.17
5.54
7.81
707
127
580
Station
III
5.35
59.7
2.93
2.97
983
11.3
0.57
4.68
7.42
767
90
677
%
Reduction
80.1
43.7
6.4
13.4
7.7
43.5
51.3
86.2
-8.5
29.1
-16.7
aAllvalues are mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated in parentheses.
Intensive Study
A three-day intensive study of water quality in Brillion Marsh was made
on August 19 - 22, 1974. The purpose of the investigation was to
determine the nature and extent of daily variations in parameter concen-
trations. Starting at noon on August 19th, the samples were collected
every four hours until noon, August 22. Samples were collected at
Stations I, II, and III. The results of the samples are graphed in
Appendix F, Figures F-l to F-12.
81
-------
The flow of the Brill ion sewage treatment plant and the flow of Spring
Creek at Station I during this period are given in Table 29.
Table 29. BRILLION SEWAGE DISCHARGE AND SPRING CREEK STREAMFLOW
DURING AUGUST 19 - AUGUST 22, 1974.
Date
August 19,
August 20,
August 21,
August 22,
Brill ion sewage
treatment plant
discharge
1974
1974
1974
1974
1070 m
1000 m
1000 m
945 m
3 da-1
3 da-1
3 da-1
3 da-1
Stream flow in
Spring Creek
at Station I
3350 m
2860 m
2450 m
2350 m
3 da-1
3 da-1
3 da-1
3 da-1
PRIMARY PRODUCTION AND PHOSPHORUS
Primary Production
Shoots were harvested from the experimental quadrats (Table 30) in
Brill ion Marsh on July 1, and October 8, 1974, and again on June 19,
August 5, and October 7, 1975. Control quadrats were harvested only in
October each year. There was generally less growth in both the control
and experimental quadrats in 1975 than in 1974 (Table 30). Less growth
in 1975 may be a result of climatological variation. There was also
generally less total tissue removed from the experimental Typha and
Sparganium plots than from the controls. In the artificial marsh
basins at Seymour, the total harvest of Sci_rpus_ tissue was not
diminished by frequent harvesting.
82
-------
Decreased productivity with harvesting in a natural marsh was also
recorded by Hanseter (1975) and is probably typical of natural marsh
systems. It can also be noted (Table 30) that the experimental quadrats
(multiple harvests) from the effluent end of the marsh produced only
about 40% as much standing crop as their control plots. Experimental
quadrats on the receiving or upstream end of the marsh produced about
80% as much tissue as their control. There was only a slight difference
between control plots. This seems to indicate some sort of limiting
factor or lack of reserves in the plants at the downstream end of the
marsh.
Table 30. PLANT TISSUE HARVESTED FROM BRILLION'MARSH.
(g dw m-2)
Receiving end of marsh
1974 1975
Quadrat Treatment July 1 Oct. 8 Total June 19 Aug. 5 Oct. 7 Total
1 Experi- 561 314 875 263 429 11 703
2 mental 950 483 1433 243 423 31 697
Ic Control 1072 1072 924 924
2c 1382 1382 1071 1071
Effluent end of marsh
1974 1975
Quadrat Treatment July 1 Oct. 8 Total June 19 Aug. 5 Oct. 7 Total
3 Experi- 306 373 679 218 324 6 458
4 mental 291 267 558 137 174 2 313
3c Control 1168 1168 763 763
4c 1665 1665 1481 1481
83
-------
Phosphorus
Content in Plant Tissue --
On June 19, 1975, undisturbed control plots were harvested. The old
tissue remaining standing from 1974 was separated from the new shoots
and the tissue was analyzed for phosphorus content. In the Typha, so
little phosphorus remained in the old stalks that it could not be
detected by the method employed (Table 31). The old Sparganium shoots
in quadrat 3 contained a small amount of phosphorus. The new 1975
shoots, however, contained 0.05 - 0.09% phosphorus, so that this single,
early season harvest removed 0.20 - 0.30 g P m-2. Thus, old plant
tissue contains no phosphorus and in spite of a large standing crop, a
winter or early spring harvest of tissue would remove little or no
phosphorus.
Removal by Harvesting
By multiple harvesting, the average phosphorus content of the plant
tissue was maintained at about 0.125%, while that of the control plants
harvested once at the end of the season was only about 0.058% phosphorus
(Table 31). There was no apparent difference between the phosphorus
content of plants from the upstream and the downstream ends of the
marsh.
The amount of phosphorus removed from the control quadrats averaged
about 0.6 g m~2 (Table 33), and because there was little difference
in standing crops, there was little or no difference between
84
-------
Table 31. CONTRIBUTION OF OLD AND NEW SHOOTS TO HARVESTABLE
BIOMASS AND PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL FROM BRILLION MARSH.
(9 m-2)
Quadrat
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
Species
Typha
Typha
Sparganium
Typha
Tissue
Old
New
Old
New
Old
New
Old
New
Dry
Weiqht
839
287
801
288
189
243
212
558
%
Phosphorus
0.00
0.09
0.00
0.07
0.04
0.09
0.00
0.05
Phosphorus
0.00
0.26
0.00
0.20
0.06
0.22
0.00
0.30
Table 32. CONCENTRATION OF PHOSPHORUS IN HARVESTED SHOOTS FROM
BRILLION MARSH.
( % P )
Receiving end of marsh
Quadrat
1
2
Ic
2c
Effluent
Quadrat
3
4
3c
4c
Treatment
Experimental
Control
end of marsh
Treatment
Experimental
Control
1974
July 1
0.254
0.094
July 1
0.304
0.122
Oct. 8
0.064
0.084
0.054
0.048
Oct. 8
0.110
0.080
0.058
0.050
June 19
0.095
0.091
June 19
0.119
0.078
1975
Aug. 5
0.158
0.137
Aug. 5
0.169
0.114
Oct. 7
0.100
0.093
0.052
0.067
Oct. 7
0.093
0.114
0.074
0.067
85
-------
phosphorus removed from the receiving and effluent ends of the marsh.
In the multi-harvested experimental plots, at the receiving end of the
marsh, there was about twice as much phosphorus removed (0.83 - 162
g P m-2) as from the control plots (Table 33). At the effluent end of
the marsh, however, there was about 40% more phosphorus removed from
the experimental plots in 1974 but 30% less in 1975. This, again,
reflects the apparent lack of reserve of some unknown limiting factor
at the effluent end of the marsh.
In spite of previous findings, it was thought that it might be possible
to remove a significant portion of the phosphorus from the marsh system
by harvesting the plants. If an average of 1 g P nr2 could be removed
from the system by two or more harvests during the growing season, only
1.56 x 103 kg of phosphorus would be removed from Brill ion Marsh. That
is only 6.5% of the estimated influx. This minor reduction would be at
a very high cost to wildlife using the system. After the first early
summer harvest, only 10 - 30 % as much standing crop was present at
any time in the harvested quadrats as in the unharvested control plots.
Thus, valuable wildlife cover would be removed and machinery used for
harvesting would disturb nesting birds. In addition, it was noted that
in one experimental quadrat (number 4) the Typha had been largely
replaced by Spraganium in 1975. Similar changes in species composition
were recorded by Hanseter (1975).
86
-------
Mass Balance --
If a marsh is to be regarded as an alternative to traditional wastewater
treatment processes, it must be capable not only of reducing BOD and
killing pathogens, but it must also provide a mechanism for removing
mineral nutrients (j_.e_., phosphorus). Water quality data indicated
that there was usually a significant reduction in phosphorus concentra-
tion between Stations II and III. Exceptions were recorded, however,
and it was known that the marsh was receiving additional phosphorus from
Table 33. REMOVAL OF PHOSPHORUS FROM BRILLION MARSH BY HARVESTING
OF PLANT SHOOTS.
(g P m-2)
Receiving end of marsh
Qua- 1974 1975
drat Treatment July 1 Oct. 8 Total June 19 Aug. 5 Oct., 7 Total
1
2
Ic
2c
Experimental
Control
1.42
0.89
0.20
0.41
0.58
0.66
1.62
1.30
0.58
0.66
0.25
0.22
0.67
0.58
0.01
0.03
0.48
0.56
0.93
0.83
0.48
0.56
Effluent end of marsh
Qua- 1974 1975
drat Treatment July 1 Oct. 8 Total. June 19 Aug. 5 Oct. 7 Total
3 Experimental 0.93 0.41 1.34 0.15 0.55 0.01 0.77
4 0.36 0.21 0.57 0.11 0.20 0.002 0.31
3c Control 0.56 0.56 0.57 0.57
4c 0.83 0.83 0.99 0.99
non-point agricultural and recreational sources via surface run-off and
other tributaries. Thus, an attempt was made to estimate the mass
balance of phosphorus in and out of the Brill ion Marsh. Values obtained
in this study have been expressed as concentrations. Physical constraints
87
-------
of the channels prevented stream flow measurements anywhere but Station
I. It was not possible to measure to the mass flux of water through
the marsh system.
An estimate of the mass flux can be made using the average monthly
discharge of the Manitowoc River at Manitowoc, Wisconsin. For the
period June 1974, through May 1975, this was 18.1 cm for the drainage
basin; about an average year. The average phosphorus concentration
during this period at each station was: Station I: 0.88 mg 1-1;
Station II: 3.65 mg 1-1; Station III: 1.78 mg H.
Station II is assumed to be representative of the 31.2 km2 drainage
basin of Spring Creek entering the marsh and Station I representative
of the remaining 18.7 m2 drainage basin of the marsh study area
(Figure 7). With an annual runoff of 5.67 x 106 m3 into the marsh
from Spring Creek, a total of 20.7 x 103 kg of phosphorus entered the
marsh through Spring Creek. An additional 3.40 x 106 m3 of runoff
entered from the rest of the drainage basin, carrying with it 2.99 x
103 kg of phosphorus.
Drainage from the marsh will be presumed to be equal to the runoff into
it. Precipitation over the marsh is probably cancelled by evapotrans-
piration from the marsh. Total runoff would be 9.07 x 10^ m3 with 16.1
x 103 kg P.
Total input of phosphorus to the marsh was 23.7 x 103 kg and output was
16.1 x 103 kg. A reduction of 32 percent is noted. However, the method
88
-------
of approximation is fairly crude in terms of estimating the volumes of
water. The data should, perhaps, be interpreted as meaning only that
the output is on the same order of magnitude as the input. This was
also the conclusion reached by Lee, Bently and Amundson (1969) in
their study of natural Wisconsin marshes. The marsh does tend to
store phosphorus during the summer. Phosphorus is slowly released
from the plants and sediments during the fall and winter when flows
are low but concentrations are high. A large slug of phosphorus
passes from the marsh during spring runoff.
Precipitation Into Sediments --
On August 5, 1975, a series of sediments cores was taken from Brill ion
Marsh to determine if there was any precipitation of phosphorus into
the sediments. The phosphorus concentration in the organic marsh
sediments was very uniform and ranged from 1.1 - 2.4 mg P (g dw
sediments)"^ (Figure 9). There was no difference between the upstream
and downstream ends of the marsh. Cores taken from Spring Creek
channel in the City of Brill ion and especially from the effluent channel
of the sewage treatment plant contained up to 20.6 mg P (g dw sedi-
ments)"^. Over 9 mg per gram were also found in the bottom of Deer
Creek Run, a small tributary receiving runoff from dairy farms and a
golf course. It must be concluded, then, that some, perhaps a major,
portion of the phosphorus which had been assumed to be entering the
marsh was, in fact, being removed by some nonbiological precipitation
process in the stream channel. Some of the phosphorus may have been
89
-------
to
o
0 200 400
I I I L:
r
Meters
f
/
S\J
\
V
*)
r
\
s>
/
X
/
X
/
BRILLION
MARSH
Direction of
AO Water Flow
1.1
/.
\
\
20.6
1.5
\
yy
r-
Brill ion
r Sewage
Treatment
/Plant
F1
5.6
2.3
f?^
Cl.4
x X
" \ I
\ /
i
\
Figure 9. Available Phosphorus in Surface Sediments in Brillion Marsh.
(mg P g~l dry weight sediment)
-------
removed by adsorption onto clay and silt from non-point runoff while
another portion may have precipitated with carbonates. This is not to
suggest that the aquatic plants played no role in the precipitation
process. Wetzel (1969) demonstrated that aquatic macrophytes play a
very significant role in precipitation of phosphorus in hard water
situations such as in Spring Creek at Brillion. A large stand of
submerged plants was present in Deer Creek Run and almost the entire
length of the receiving stream and 200 m of Spring Creek above Station
II were lined with Sparganium and Typha.
91
-------
SECTION XII
REFERENCES CITED AND SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
REFERENCES CITED
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Association Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC). 1960. Methods of
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Hanseter, R.H. 1975. Recovery, Productivity, and Phosphorus Content
of Selected Marsh Plants after Repeated Cuttings. MST Thesis University
of Wisconsin - Oshkosh 81 p.
Lee, G.F., E. Bentley, and R. Amundson. 1969. Effect of Marshes on
Water Quality. Water Chemistry Laboratory, Madison, Wis. mimeo 25 p.
01 sen, S.R. and L.A. Dean. 1965. Phosphorus. In: Methods of Soil
Analysis Part 2. C.A. Black (ed.). Amer. Soc. of Agric. Madison, Wi.
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Wetzel, R. 1969. Factors Influencing Photosynthesis and Excretion of
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SELECTED BIBLIOGRAPHY
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92
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Association of Aquatic Vascular Plant Biologists (AAVPB) 1974
Newsletter No. 7. (Annotated Bibliography) 60 p.
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101
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103
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SECTION XUI
GLOSSARY
Artificial Marsh - A constructed area containing herbaceous emergent
vegetation through which wastewater is permitted to flow. In this case,
plastic-lined basins were partially filled with gravel which was used as
a substrate.
Effluent - The water flowing out of the experimental basins and the pilot
plant.Not to be confused with primary effluent and secondary effluent
which are produced by the municipal wastewater treatment plant.
Emergent Vegetation - Grasses, sedges and other herbaceous plants which
typically grow in wetlands or natural marshes (see below) and which have
a substantial portion of erect tissue extending above the water surface.
Evapotranspiration - Water loss resulting from transpiration via plant
leaf surfaces and direct evaporation from other exposed surfaces.
Experimental Basin - The square, plastic-lined basins used in this
project.
Influent - The water entering the experimental basins and the pilot
plant. In some cases it is wastewater which has received secondary
(activated sludge) treatment. In other cases it was wastewater which
has received primary treatment only.
Intercalary Men'stem - A meristem, removed from the apical meristem,
which produces primary tissue; e_.£., the zone of cell division at the
base of emergent leaves of some marsh plants.
Natural Marsh - An area having free standing water at least part of the
year and having a substantial cover of grasses and other herbaceous
plants but little or no substantial cover of perennial woody plants.
Herein used to refer to the entire ecosystem, including plants, surface
and near-surface water and sediments (primarily organic) to the depth
of the plant roots.
Pilot Plant - The long, plastic-lined trench used in this project.
Primary Effluent - Wastewater which received primary treatment (only)
in the municipal treatment plant.
104
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Propagule - A vegetative propagation unit which may consist of any
viable part.
Secondary Effluent - Wastewater which received secondary treatment in
the municipal treatment plant.
Shoot - The emergent portion of the plant. In all cases used, this
refers to sheathes of leaves only and does not include submergent
rhizomes or other woody tissues.
Substrate - The medium into which the roots of the vegetation penetrate.
105
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SECTION XIV
APPENDICES
Page
A. Dye Studies 107
B. Greenhouse Data ^5
C. Experimental Basin Data 121
D. Pilot Plant Data 133
E. Data Related to Phosphorus Distribution 154
F. Brill ion Marsh Data 156
106
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APPENDIX A
DYE STUDIES
Dye Study I
One gram Rhodamine-B dissolved in 1.2 1 water and introduced with
influent water on June 14, 1975. At that time, there was approximately
2.5 cm (1 in.) of free-standing water on top of the gravel substrate
due to recent rainfalls.
As might be expected, the water moved across the surface along the path
of least resistance (Figure A-l). Within ten hours, dye was detected
in the effluent. Some dye did penetrate into the gravel as low readings
were recorded at 30 and 45 cm in the center basin after only 23 hours.
The main flow of water, however, was horizontally over the surface to
the area immediately above the outlet, then vertically down to the
outlet at 60 cm depth.
Dye Study II
One gram of Rhodamine-B was introduced with influent on July 21, 1975.
All flow at that time was below the surface (no surface water). Water
collected from small depressions in the gravel indicated that there
was little or no flow directly at the surface (Figure A-2). Subsurface
flow.however, was nearly uniform indicating that the design was proper.
Unfortunately, no dye was ever detected in the effluent. This
107
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apparently indicates that the dye was absorbed onto organic materials
in the inter-gravel spaces.
Dye Study III
This study was conducted in order to determine the effect of removal of
the plywood partitions on the flow patterns in the pilot plant.
Two grams of Rhodamine-B in one 1 of water were introduced on August 13
and sampling was continued until August 25, 1975. Results were virtually
identical to those in Study II in that dye reached downstream end after
four days, but never was found in the effluent. The flow was apparently
uniform throughout the portion of the basin in which dye was detected
(Figure A-3).
108
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RHODAMINE-B STUDY I
Inly 14. 1975 Flapspd time = ? hr.
Out
July 14, 1975
Elapsed time = 2.5 hr.
Out
July 14, 1975
Elapsed time = 10 hr.
Figure A-l. Flow of Water in the Bulrush Pilot Plant When Water Level
was 2.5 cm Above Gravel Substrate. Numbers are Fluorometer Readings.
Vertical Series of Numbers Represent Readings at 0, 15 and 60 cm,
Respectively.
109
-------
RHODAMINE-B STUDY I
July 15, 1975
Elapsed time = 23 hr.
July 16, 1975
Elapsed time = 46 hr.
Figure A-l (continued). Rhodamine-B Study I.
110
-------
RHODAMINE-B STUDY II
July 22. 1975 Elapse time = 24 hr.
Out
July 23, 1975
Elapse time = 48 hr.
Out
July 24, 1975
Elapse time = 72 hr.
Figure A-2. Flow of Water in Bulrush Pilot Plant When Water Level Was
at Gravel Substrate Surface. Numbers are Fluorometer Readings. Vertical
Series of Numbers Represent Readings at 0, 15 and 60 cm, Respectively.
Ill
-------
RHODAMINE-B STUDY II
July 25, 1975
Elapse time = TOO hr.
Out
July 28. 1975
Elapse time = 172 hr.
August 1, 1975
Elapse time = 239 hr.
/'"'
v
s
Dut )
0 /
V
3(
"X
assumed present
0
4
3
assumed present
~~~~~ ---^
v^x
s
\
\
3 IN
13 /
3 /
. "
Figure A-2 (continued). Rhodamine-B Study II.
112
-------
RHODAMINE-B STUDY III
August 20, 1975
Elapse time =l4b hr.
N.D.
N.D.
JUL
0
0
0
N.D.
0
1
5
0
5
8
N.D.
August 21, 1975
Elapse time =169 hr.
^"^^ N.D.
v,
\
Out^
0 , N.D.
I/7
o/
1
\ N.D.
N.D.
0
0 0
2 2
1 0
3
0
^.B,^
^ -
0 N.D.
1
11
J..H .- "
X
\
IN |
6 /
18/
*r
August 25, 1975
Elapse time =264 hr.
s-
\
Out X, 0
0 .' 0
0 / 9
0 /
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
3
~~~~
0
15
36
-x
\
\
1
IN /
5/
32/
-''
Figure A-3. Flow of Water Through Bulrush Pilot Plant When Outlet was
at 60 cm and the Wooden Partitions Had Been Removed. Numbers are
Fluorometer Readings a Vertical Series of Numbers Represent Readings
at 0, 15, and 60 cm, Respectively.
113
-------
RHODAMINE-B STUDY III
August 14, 1975 Elapse time = 24 hr.
Out
0
August 15. 1975
Elapse time = 48 hr.
Out
August 18, 1975
.D.
0-
4
6
Elapse time = 96 hr.
N.D.
0
4
3
0
1
ND
0
2
0
N.D.
0
2
2
0
2
3
0
2
13
N.D.
0
17
60
0
3
10
Figure A-3 (continued). Rhodamine-B Study III,
114
-------
Table B-l.
APPENDIX B
GREENHOUSE DATA
WATER BALANCE DATA FOR GREENHOUSE STUDIES.
(liters)
Five day retention
Iris
Control
Hards tern
Softstem
Softs tern
Three day retention
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
One & one-half day
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Influent
84
84
84
84
82
140
140
140
142
142
retention
377
378
373
373
378
Total %
effluent evapotranspi ration
30.7
31.7
31.7
33.7
34.2
86
87
84
91
95
282
274
329
343
368
63
62
62
60
58
38
37
40
36
33
26
28
12
8
9
115
-------
Table B-2. EFFECTIVENESS OF GREENHOUSE BEDS IN TREATING PRIMARY
EFFLUENT. ONE AND ONE-HALF DAY RETENTION.
Influent load
mg 1~1 liters g
BOD
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
COD
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Orthophosphate
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Total jDhosphorus
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Col i form (log col .
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
104
104
104
104
104
125
125
125
125
125
1.21
1.21
1.21
1.21
1.21
2.25
2.25
2.25
2.25
2.25
100 ml-T
3.28
3.28
3.28
3.28
3.28
377
378
373
373
378
377
378
373
373
378
377
378
373
373
378
377
378
373
373
378
)
377
378
373
373
378
39
39
39
39
39
47
47
47
47
47
0.46
0.46
0.45
0.45
0.46
0.85
0.85
0.84
0.84
0.85
5.86
5.86
5.85
5.85
5.86
Effluent load %
mg 1-1 liters g reduction
15
19
11
13
20
84
78
55
57
90
1.68
1.69
0.98
0.56
0.86
2.09
2.10
1.05
0,96
1.12
3.38
3.31
3.26
3.30
3.27
282
274
329
343
368
282
274
329
343
368
282
274
329
343
368
282
274
329
343
368
282
274
329
343
368
4
5
4
4
7
24
22
18
20
33
0.47
0.46
0.32
0.19
0.32
0.59
0.57
0.34
0.33
0.41
5.82
5.74
5.77
5.84
5.83
89
86
90
88
81
49
54
61
57
29
-3
-1
28
57
30
30
32
59
60
51
7
22
15
4
5
116
-------
Table B-2 (continued). EFFECTIVES OF GREENHOUSE BEDS. ONE
AND ONE-HALF DAY RETENTION.
Influent loadEffluent loadI
gl"' liters g gl'l liters g reduction
Total solids
Iris 0.75 377 283 0.83 282 234 17
Control 0.75 378 284 0.78 242 214 24
Hardstern 0.75 373 280 0.82 322 264 5
Softstem 0.75 373 280 0.86 343 295 -5
Softstem 0.75 378 284 0.88 368 324 -14
Suspended solids
Iris 0.11 377 41 0.09 282 25 39
Control 0.11 378 41 0.07 274 19 54
Hardstem 0.11 373 41 0.10 322 32 22
Softstem 0.11 373 41 0.10 343 34 16
Softstem 0.11 378 41 0.13 368 48 -15
Dissolved solids
TFfs0.64 377 241 0.74 282 209 13
Control 0.64 378 242 0.71 274 195 19
Hardstem 0.64 373 239 0.72 322 232 2
Softstem 0.64 373 239 0.76 343 261 -9
Softstem 0.64 378 242 0.75 368 276 -14
117
-------
Table B-3. EFFECTIVENESS OF GREENHOUSE BEDS IN TREATING
PRIMARY EFFLUENT. THREE-DAY RETENTION.
Influent load
mg 1~' liters
BOD
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softs tem
Softstem
COD
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Orthophosphate
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Total phosphorus
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Col i form (log col.
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
179
179
179
179
179
409
409
409
409
409
4
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
5
5
100 ml
3
3
3
3
3
.08
.08
.08
.08
.08
.51
.51
.51
.51
.51
-1)
.29
.29
.29
.29
.29
140
140
140
142
142
140
140
140
142
142
140
140
140
142
142
140
140
140
142
142
140
140
140
142
142
25
25
25
25
25
57
57
57
58
58
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
5.
5.
5.
5.
5.
g
57
57
57
58
58
77
77
77
78
78
43
43
43
44
44
Effluent load %
mg 1"! liters g reduction
17.
40.
23.
12.
13.
179
163
73
96
112
6.
6.
4.
2.
3.
5.
9.
5.
3.
3.
3.
2.
2.
2.
2.
9
9
2
1
6
1
7
1
4
1
9
2
1
3
8
00
79
73
56
51
86
87
84
91
95
86
87
84
91
95
86
87
84
91
95
86
87
84
91
95
86
87
84
91
95
1.
3.
1.
, 1.
1.
15.
14.
6.
8.
10.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
4.
4.
4.
4.
4.
5
6
9
1
3
4
2
1
8
7
53
58
34
21
30
51
80
42
30
36
93
72
65
52
49
94
86
92
96
95
73
75
89
85
82
8
2
41
63
49
34
-4
45
62
54
68
80
83
88
89
118
-------
Table B-3 (continued). EFFECTIVENESS OF GREENHOUSE BEDS.
THREE-DAY RETENTION.
Influent load
mg 1~» liters
Effluent load
mg 1"' liters
reduction
Total solids
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstern
Softstern
Dissolved solids
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
Suspended solids
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
1046
1046
1046
1046
1046
140
140
140
142
142
146
146
146
148
148
1158
1085
1128
1230
1168
86
87
84
91
95
100
95
94
112
111
32
35
35
25
25
783
783
783
783
783
140
140
140
142
142
110
no
no
111
111
994
944
981
1032
1003
86
87
84
91
95
86
82
82
94
95
22
22
25
15
14
258
258
258
258
258
140
140
140
142
142
36
36
36
37
37
165
140
133
167
165
86
87
84
91
95
14
12
11
15
16
61
66
69
59
57
119
-------
Table B-4. EFFECTIVENESS OF GREENHOUSE BEDS IN TREATING
PRIMARY EFFLUENT. FIVE-DAY RETENTION.
Influent load
mg 1-1 liters g
COD
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softs tern
Softs tem
BOD
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softs tem
Softs tem
Orthophosphate
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softs tem
Softstem
Total phosphorus
Iris
Control
Hardstem
Softstem
Softstem
284
284
284
284
284
250
250
250
250
250
6.30
6.30
6.30
6.30
6.30
13.19
13.19
13.19
13.19
13.19
84
84
84
84
82
84
84
84
84
82
84
84
84
84
82
84
84
84
84
82
23.9
23.9
23.9
23.9
23.3
21.0
21.0
21.0
21.0
20.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
0.5
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
1.1
Effluent load %
mg 1-1 liters g reduction
90
84
98
88
135
15
22
19
16
19
7.35
8.02
5.42
3.74
4.51
7.37
8.37
5.43
5.51
6.54
30.7
31.7
31.7
33.7
34.2
31.7
31.7
31.7
33.7
34.2
30.7
31.7
31.7
33.7
34.2
30.7
31.7
31.7
33.7
34.2
2.7
2.6
3.1
2.9
4.6
0.5
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.6
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.2
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.2
89
89
87
87
80
98
97
97
97
97
57
52
67
76
70
80
76
83
83
79
120
-------
APPENDIX C
EXPERIMENTAL BASIN DATA
121
-------
60
55
50
_ 45
i
» 40
£
. 35
o
o 30
QO
25
20
15
10
5
£>
CO
CM -ST
+1 +1
_
1
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UJ
=3
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3:
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tat
=*
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S S
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2 £
4. I
u_
O
CO
o
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o
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CO
tt
CO
s
LU
H
h
u_
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CO
+ 1 ^:
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i i1
to
1
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CO =>
C£ "*
LU =3
^ "^
Qi S
UJ
CO
f
IJ^
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CO
n
Figure C-1. BOD of Samples Collected Between June 19 and July 31, 1974.
60
55
50
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
c~
o
^ ° o ^ rn ~
CO vO CM
CM" iX ^r "
CM CS1 *» 3T
+ +
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+ +1 +
CO
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1
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LL.
Z
3
CO
5
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on
i
z
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o
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1
u_
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t^
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cc:
CO
a:
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O£.
t
u.
o
CO
Figure C-2. COD of Samples Collected Between June 19 and July 31, 1974-
122
-------
14
13
12
1 1
'- io
CTI
E 9
£ 8
<
£ 7
t/i
o 6
oc
i 5
£ 4
° 3
2
1
i
,
CM
+ 1
LU
U_
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cvi
+ 1
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to
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to
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+ 1
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a:
to
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to
O£
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to
U-
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to
Figure C-3. Orthophosphate Concentrations in Samples Collected
Between June 19 and August 31, 1974.
600
x, 550
O
~ 500
7 450
E 400
o
- 350
.
o 300
O
g 250
S 200
u_
3 150
o
0 100
I \J\i
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JC
CXI
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i
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to
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s
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4- D£
< 1
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3Z
to
5
_-s
CD
C£
UJ
<*
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s
LU
1
to
H-
u_
0
to
Figure C-4. Coliform Bacteria in Samples Collected
Between June 19 and August 31, 1974.
123
-------
1375
1350
0 1325
t 1300
^ 1275
- 1250
i= 1225
o
a 1200
o 1175
o
1150
1125
MOO -
Figure C-5. Condi
_
"~" CVJ
f*l
: :
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i
UJ
1
u-
z.
. **
r "
°" 00
2, +
X I
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t
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to
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en
0£.
UJ
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+
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1
U-
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to
' 1 1
activity of Samples Collected Between June 19 and
August 31, 1974.
00
12
1 1
10
9
- 8
t 7
- 6
c£ 5
Z3
4
3
2
1
~~ + 1
t^^
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X
to
ZD
CO
UJ
a:
to
=3
o;
CD
S
UJ
t
to
1
U-
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to
Figure C-6. Turbidity of Samples Collected Between June 19 and
August 31, 1974.
124
-------
2.4
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
E
1.4
z
< 1.2
o 1.0
1 0.8
o oo o-
0 ' 0
+ 1 +1 +1
J~
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=> 31
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oo
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on
^
i
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LU
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in
en
ID
CO
s
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i
on
i
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on
Figure C-7. Ammonia Concentrations in Samples Collected Between
June 19 and July 31, 1974.
8. I
8.0
7.9
7.8
7.7
7.6
7.5
7.4
7.3
7.2
7. 1
7.0
tf
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t
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Figure C-8. pH of Samples Collected Between June 19 and August 31, 1974.
125
-------
70
65
60
55
50
45
40
cn
E 35
ef 30
o
co 25
20
15
10
5
-
IA
CVJ
4- 1
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UJ
3
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+ + 1
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4? 1
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u.
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OO *3-
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an =3
(- o:
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O 03
1
PRE-HARVEST POST-HARVEST 3 WKS POST-HARVEST
Figure C-9. BOD Reduction by Control and Experimental Bulrush Basin
During Three Intensive Study Periods (five-hour retention).
26
24
- 22
20
CT>
E |g
^ 16
1 l4
^ 12
1 10
D-
8
< (,
t»»* 0
o
2
-
^
INFLUENT
+ 1
CONTROL
o
+
a:
C/l
Z3
=3
CQ
oo
+ 1
INFLUENT
4- 1
CONTROL
PRE-HARVEST POST-HAF
-t-
BULRUSH
LA
INFLUENT
IA O^
IA «!f
+ + 1
_i a:
O 1^1
rv 33
1- OS
Z _J
O =3
t3 CQ
VEST 3 WKS POST-HARVEST
Five C-10. Total Phosphorus Reduction by Control and Experimental
Bulrush Basin During Three Intensive Study Periods
(five-hour retention).
126
-------
«1
-
X
1
e
CD
O
O
^
3Z
O
U-
i
O
O
2600
2400
2200
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
1000
800
600
400
200
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PRE-HARVEST
POST-HARVEST 3 WKS POST-HARVEST
Figure C-ll. Coliform Reduction by Control and Experimental Bulrush
Basin During Three Intensive Study Periods
(five-hour retention).
22
20
18
16
3 14
j__
12
>f II
1
Q 10
CQ
S 8
3
6
4
2
,
CM
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4-1 4-
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Q£ 3
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0 3
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NO
DATA
i i
PRE-HARVEST POST-HARVEST 3 WKS POST-HARVEST
Figure C-12. Turbidity Reduction by Control and Experimental Bulrush
Basin During Three Intensive Study Periods (five-hour retention).
127
-------
2.2
2 C
1.8
'- 1.6
E 1.4
z 1.2
z 1.0
1 '8
< .6
_
-
rA
O
+ 1
Z
UJ
_j
u_
Z
vO
O
+ 1
CONTROL
u\
ir>
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BULRUSH
o* "3- oo o-
LTv CT* CM CD
CD O O CD
4- + 1 4- 1 +1
I s 1 1
j i oe _i
u_ ^ ' u_
Z O 3 Z
O CQ
1 r
0-
o"
+ r
CONTROL
CM
CD
CD
PRE-HARVEST
POST-HARVEST 3 WKS POST-HARVEST
figure C-13. Ammonia Removal by Control and Experimental Bulrush Basin
During Three Intensive Study Periods (five-hour retention).
-------
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
P
1
_
i
LU
_J
U_
_,
0
1
O
CJ
-c
^
CO
t
LU
1
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0
a:
i
0
o
a:
to
i
CO
1
LU
_J
LL.
1
O
D£
O
O
z
to
oa
PRE-HARVEST POST-HARVEST 3 WKS POST-HARVEST
Figure C-15. pH Values of Secondary Effluent, Control Pond Effluent
and Experimental Basin Effluent During Three Intensive Study Periods.
129
-------
Table C-l. AVERAGE VALUES OF VARIOUS PARAMETERS DURING THREE INTENSIVE STUDY PERIODS.
SUMMER 1974. FIVE-HOUR RETENTION.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Ammonia N
Total organic N
Nitrate N
Turbidity (JTU)
Total
phosphorus
Coli form (log
col. 100 ml-l)
Total solids
Dissolved
solids
Suspended
solids
pH
Conductivity
(umho) .
Pre-harvesta
Influent Control Bulrush
38
42
1.5
0.7
8.6
22.6
5.69
916
7.44
1436
5
31
2.0
0.9
1.8
18.2
4.47
930
7.85
1415
5
36
1.2
0.7
2.0
21.5
4.69
910
7.45
1440
First
Influent
65
0.
6.
23.
21.
6.
988
758
232
7.
1075
4
6
2
0
41
42
post-harvestb
Control Bulrush
9
0.
3.
3.
18.
4.
873
744
168
7.
1005
2
7
1
1
70
67
5
0.1
9.7
2.2
15.9
4.77
761
687
75
7.37
950
- . m -% - - .
Second
Influent
40
0.05
9.5
22.2
6.32
860
762
93
7.50
1092
post-harvestc
Control Bulrush
4
0.4
4.5
18.2
3.76
829
740
89
7.66
1076
3
0.004
3.9
17.9
4.08
909
749
165
7.52
1092
values not specified by parentheses are expressed as mg 1-1.
bin most cases n = 24 samples taken at 4 hour intervals over a 4-day period.
most cases n = 19 samples taken at 4 hour intervals over a 3-day period.
-------
Table C-2. WATER BALANCE DATA FOR EXPERIMENTAL BASINS DURING TREATMENT
OF SECONDARY EFFLUENT. INTENSIVE STUDIES. SUMMER 1974.
(liters)
Influent
Total
Rainfall effluent
Pre-harvest
Control
Bulrush
First post
harvest
Control
Bulrush
Second post-harvest
Control
Bulrush
7843
7835
5352
6022
6109
6408
0
0
213
213
0
0
7865
7067
7059
5840
4705
7517
01
h
Evapotranspi ration
0
9.8
-28.6
6.3
23.0
-17.0
Table C-3. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS FOR TREATMENT OF
SECONDARY EFFLUENT. SIXTEEN HOUR RETENTION.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophos-
phate
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Suspended
solids
Dissolved
solids
Basins
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Influent load Effl
trig 1-1 liters kg mg 1-1
23
23
31
31
25
25
26
26
822
822
75
75
746
746
19784
26866
19784
26866
19784
26866
19784
26866
19784
26866
19784
26866
19784
26866
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
16
22
1
2
14
20
.5
.6
.6
.8
.5
.7
.5
.7
.3
.1
.5
.0
.8
.0
9
9
42
31
11
20
12
22
603
591
74
79
532
512
uent load
liters kg
11533
18887
11533
18887
11533
18887
11533
18887
11533
18887
11533
18887
11533
18887
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
7.
11.
0.
1.
6.
9.
%
reduction
1
2
5
6
1
4
1
4
0
2
8
5
1
7
77
72
21
29
80
40
81
44
57
49
43
25
62
52
131
-------
Table C-4. EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPERIMENTAL BASINS FOR TREATMENT OF
SECONDARY EFFLUENT. TEN-DAY RETENTION.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophos-
phate
Total
phosphorus
Total
solids
Suspended
solids
Dissolved
solids
Basins
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Control
Bulrush
Influent load
mg 1-1 liters kg
31
31
90
90
22.6
22.6
22.7
22.7
969
969
51
51
918
918
21397
34337
21397
34337
21397
34337
21397
34337
21397
34337
21397
34337
21397
34337
0.
1.
1.
3.
0.
0.
0.
0.
20.
33.
1.
1.
19.
31.
66
06
92
09
48
78
49
78
70
30
09
75
6
5
Effluent load %
mg 1-1 liters kg reduction
15
11
52
65
22.4
21.9
23.9
26.2
910
1153
20
14
890
1140
13013
20590
13013
20590
13013
20590
13013
20590
13013
20590
13013
20590
13013
20590
0.
0.
0.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
11.
23.
0.
0.
11.
23.
19
22
68
33
29
45
31
53
80
70
26
28
60
47
71
79
65
57
40
42
36
32
43
29
76
84
42
25
Table C-5. WATER BALANCE DATA FOR EXPERIMENTAL BASINS DURING
TREATMENT OF SECONDARY EFFLUENT. SUMMER 1974.
(liter)
ControlSoftstemSoftstemRiverSoftstem
Influent
Rainfall
Effluent
% Evapotranspiration
63948 51045 67449
3592 3592 3592
56514 38883 60594
16.3 28.0 14.2
75166 85911
3592 3592
73909 77237
6.1 13.7
132
-------
APPENDIX D
PILOT PLANT DATA
133
-------
0.60
BOD, mg I"1
0.601
COD, mg I"1
0.60
ORTHOPHOSPHATE, mg I"1
0.601
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, mg I"1
Figure D-l. Water Quality in Pilot Plant Receiving Secondary Effluent. June 5 - July 17, 1975.
Each Value is the Mean of Six.
-------
CO
01
0.60
CONDUCTIVITY,/irnho ' COLIFORM, log col. 100 m
Figure D-l (continued). June 5 - July 17, 1975.
-------
CO
O5
DISSOLVED SOLIDS, mg I
SUSPENDED SOLIDS, mg I
0.60
TOTAL SOLIDS, mg I"1
Figure D-l (continued). June 5 - July 17, 1975.
-------
CO
-q
0.60
ORTHOPHOSPHATE, mg I'1
0.60
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, mg I"1
Figure D-2. Water Quality in Pilot Plant Receiving Secondary Effluent. July 17 - August 6, 1975.
Each Value is the Mean of Four.
-------
CO
oo
0.60
COLIFORM, log col. 100 m!"1
0.60
NITRATE N, mg I"1
0.60
CONDUCTIVITY, ^mho ~-~v TURB I D ITY, JTU
Figure D-2 (continued). July 17 - August 6, 7975.
-------
CO
DISSOLVED SOLIDS, mg I
SUSPENDED SOLIDS, mg
0.60
TOTAL SOLIDS, mg I"
Figure D-2 (continued). July 17 - August 6, 1975.
-------
0.60
ORTHOPHOSPHATE, mg
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, mg
Figure D-3. Water Quality in Pilot Plant Receiving Secondary Effluent. August 6 - August 21, 1975.
Each Value is the Mean of Three.
-------
0.60
CONDUCTIVITY, jjmho
CONFORM, log col. 100 ml'
Figure D-3 (continued). August 6 - August 21, 1975.
-------
to
DISSOLVED SOLIDS, mg T1
SUSPENDED SOLIDS, mg I"1
0.60
TOTAL SOLIDS, mg I"1
Figure D-3 (continued). August 6 - August 21, 1975.
-------
0,60
ORTHOPHOSPHATE, mg I"1
0.6 Ol
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS, mg I"1
Figure D-4. Water Quality in Pilot Plant Receiving Primary Effluent. August 21 - November 4, 1975.
Each Value is the Mean of Twelve.
-------
0.60
CONDUCTIVITY, /jrnho
0.60
COLIFORM. log col. 100 ml"1
Figure D-4 (continued). August 21 - November 4, 1975.
-------
cn
DISSOLVED SOLIDS, mg I
SUSPENDED SOLIDS, mg
0.60
TOTAL SOLIDS, mq I"1
PH
Figure D-4 (continued). August 21 - November 4, 1975.
-------
Table D-l. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING
SECONDARY EFFLUENTS. SUMMER 1974.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Conductivity
(umhos)
Turbidity
(JTU)
Ammonia
Col i forms
(log col .
100 ml-1)
PH '
Source
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Ef f 1 uent
Influent
Effluent
Meanb
50
4
42
24
13.4
8.5
13.9
9.0
1313
1210
6.2
1.3
0.2
0.2
5.58
5.63
7.6
7.9
Standard
deviation
24
1
22
8
4.3
3.5
5.0
4.4
324
83
3.3
0.6
0.2
0.5
5.49
5.94
0.09
0.09
n
8
7
8
8
10
9
10
9
7
7
10
9
6
5
8
7
%
reduction
92
43
37
35
8
79
0
_g
-4
..v-w,., values were not corrected for evapotranspiration.
bAll values expressed as mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated in
parentheses.
146
-------
Table D-2. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING
PRIMARY EFFLUENTS. SUMMER 1975.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Conductivity
(umhos)
Turbidity
(JTU)
Nitrate
N
Col i form
(log col.
100 ml-1)
PH
Total
solids
Dissolved
solids
Suspended
solids
Source
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Ef f 1 uent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Ef f 1 uent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Meanb
317
72
401
117
26
17
27
17
1330
1353
48
38
0.27
0.21
7.31
5.07
7.28
7.27
973
1156
42
32
932
1124
Standard
deviation
133
36
158
94
6
3
6
4
174
160
16
5
0.27
0.09
6.72
5.17
0.12
0.23
113
19
47
14
84
34
n
10
9
12
9
12
9
12
9
12
9
12
9
10
9
7
6
12
9
3
2
3
2
3
2
%
reduction
77
__
71
35
__
37
~m.
-2
....
21
22
__
99.9
-
--
-19
23
-21
, -
bA11 values expressed as mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated in
parentheses.
147
-------
Table D-3. AVERAGE VALUES FOR SEVERAL PARAMETERS AT THREE DEPTHS IN
PILOT PLANT DURING AN INTENSIVE STUDY. JULY 7 - JULY 10, 1975.
Parameter
Influent
BOD
COD
Turbidity (JTU)
pH
Conductivity (umho)
Nitrate N
Total phosphorus
Total solids
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Coliform (log col. 100 ml-')
Downstream end; 0.15 m
BOD
Turbidity (JTU)
PH
Conductivity (umho)
Nitrate N
Total phosphorus
Total solids
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Coliform (log col. 100 ml-1)
Downstream end; 0.45 m
BOD
COD
Turbidity (JTU)
pH
Conductivity (umho)
Nitrate N
Total phosphorus
Total solids
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Col i form (log col. 100 mH)
Mean9
12.22
47.14
7.35
7.44
1200
2.84
24.52
932.18
18.63
913.55
5.96
64.67
25.29
7.57
1056
0.26
9-46
874.13
28.05
846.08
3.85
14.25
49.65
46.89
7.37
1278
0.29
8.43
996.69
29.68
967.01
3.98
Standard
deviation
5.06
41.25
7.34
0.19
125
1.88
4.28
77.14
13.06
80.03
6.06
19.20
10.90
0.26
119
0.07
1.50
113.04
19.75
137.35
3.88
6.92
29.98
15.80
0.16
122
0.07
1.51
119.95
12.67
120.16
4.09
Low
7.71
23.52
2.00
7.15
900
0.00
17.03
774.50
0.00
746.50
3.32
41.34
11.00
7.20
800
0.17
6.92
510.00
O.OQ
469.50
2.47
8.67
23.52
26.00
7.10
1100
0.20
5.31
662.20
11.00
645.20
3.00
High
27.34
186.20
23.00
7.70
1330
6.40
32.78
1096.00
38.50
1078.00
6.60
85.33
46.00
7.90
1210
0.37
12.75
1103.50
82.00
1078.50
4.34
33.33
68.60
76.00
7.70
1500
0.42
10.12
1181.00
50.50
1133.50
3.97
aAll values are nig 1-' unless otherwise indicated.
148
-------
Table D-3 (continued). AVERAGE VALUES DURING INTENSIVE STUDY.
JULY 7 - JULY 10, 1975
Parameter Mean3 deviation
Downstream end; 0.60 m
BOD
COD
Turbidity (JTU)
pH
Conductivity (umho)
Nitrate N
Total phosphorus
Total solids
Suspended solids
Dissolved solids
Coli forms (log col. 100 ml-1
26.
Not
51.
7.
1448
0.
24.
1181.
49.
1132.
3.
27
tested
11
32
32
52
89
76
13
30
14.
20.
0.
108
0.
4.
107.
14.
m.
3.
18
70
19
07
28
97
68
71
23
Low
8.
30.
7.
1250
0.
17.
1027.
16.
973.
2.
High
67
00
10
21
03
50
50
50
78
43.
96.
7.
1610
0.
32.
1442.
69.
1388.
3.
00
00
55
48
78
50
50
50
48
values are mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated.
149
-------
Table D-4. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING SECONDARY
EFFLUENT (DRAIN AT 0.6 m).* SUMMER 1975.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Conductivity
(umhos)
Turbidity
(JTU)
Nitrate N
Col i forms
(log col. 100
ml-?)
PH
Total
solids
Dissolved
solids
Suspended
solids
Source
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Ef f 1 uent
Influent
Ef f 1 uent
Influent
Effluent
Meanb
19
15
38
41
23
14
24
15
1125
989
4.6
15.5
0.32
0.18
6.2
3.90
7.42
7.54
827
1253
757
1107
70
147
Standard
deviation
15
5
21
18
8
5
7
5
158
283
5
11
0.26
0.06
3.4
3.2
0.18
0.15
48
162
72
201
43
151
n
6
6
6
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
6
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
7
%
reduction
21
M
42
__
39
*.
38
__
. 10
__
-474
....
22
« »
99.9
_ _
"
_».
-52
mm, mm
-46
__.
-110
«Mean values were not corrected for evapotranspiration.
bAll values expressed as mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated in
parentheses.
150
-------
fRMNAT 1
(DRAIN AT 0.15
m
PLANT IN TREATING
. SUMMER 1975.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Conductivity
(umhos)
Turbidity
(JTU)
Nitrate N
Total
Col i forms
(log col. 100
ml- ')
PH
Total
solids
Suspended
solids
Dissolved
solids
Source
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Meanb
28
25
115
95
25
12
24
12
1326
1388
13
40
2.45
0.22
6.86
4.88
7.48
7.22
1029
1117
54
18
974
1099
Standard
deviation
19
16
98
89
10
1
8
1
240
183
19
14
4.70
0.04
6.66
6.00
0.23
0.16
180
90
87
10
112
83
n
4
~
4
5
3
5
3
5
3
5
3
5
3
5
3
4
3
5
3
4
4
4
4
4
4
f
7o
reduction
11
17
52
50
-5
-208
91
99.9
w_
*
-9
__
68
-.
-13
aMean values werenot corrected for evapotranspiration.
^All values expressed as mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated in
parentheses.
151
-------
Table D-6. EFFECTIVENESS OF PILOT PLANT IN TREATING SECONDARY
EFFLUENT (PARTITIONS REMOVED)a. SUMMER.
Parameter
BOD
COD
Orthophosphate
Total
phosphorus
Conductivity
(umhos)
Turbidity
(JTU)
Nitrate N
Col i forms
(log col.
100 mH)
pH
Total
solids
Dissolved
solids
Suspended
solids
Source
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Ef f 1 uent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Ef fl uent
Influent
Effluent
Influent
Effluent
Meanb
50
43
72
58
20
14
23
12
1498
1662
11
46
0.86
0.25
7.2
4.8
7.7
7.1
1066
845
970
825
97
19
Standard
deviation
11
34
33
9.3
0.58
2.9
5.9
0.91
194
46
11
8.1
0.08
0.15
7.5
4.4
0.17
0.10
147
309
121
303
62
18
n
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
2
3
3
3
3
3
12
10
12
10
12
10
%
reduction
14
19
30
48
-11
-318
71
99.9
21
15
4.1
aMean values were not corrected for evapotranspiration.
t>All values expressed as mg 1-1 unless otherwise indicated in
parentheses.
152
-------
Table D-7. WATER BALANCE DATA FOR PILOT PLANT.
(liters)
~ ~] ~ Total %
Sampling dates Influent Rainfall effluent evapotranspiration
June 5 - Aug. 31
1974
June 5 - July 17
1975
July 17 - Aug. 6
1975
Aug. 6 - Aug. 21
1975
Aug. 21 - Nov. 4
1975
607227 22301 604468
119200 22153 108255
57036
1628 39376
44924 6154 35919
188273 37019 187376
4.0
23.4
32.8
29.7
16.8
153
-------
APPENDIX E
DATA RELATED TO PHOSPHORUS DISTRIBUTION
Table E-l. DISTRIBUTION OF DRY MATTER IN GRAVEL PILOT PLANT
(g dw m~2)
Depth
0-15 ctna
15-30 cmb
30-45 cmc
45-60 cmc
Total
Basin A
533
1761
1037
1037
4368
Basin B
1385
1427
2806
2806
8424
Basin C
944
1722
1449
1449
5614
Mean
970
1636
1764
1764
6135
aEach value is the mean of three.
bEach value is the result of analysis of a single sample.
cEach value represents a single sample taken at 45 cm and assumed to
be representative of both depth intervals.
Table E-2. DISTRIBUTION OF ORGANIC MATTER IN GRAVEL PILOT PLANT
(g ash-free dw m~2)
Depth
0-15 cma
15-30 cmb
30-45 cmc
45-60 cmc
Total
Basin A
423
1599
888
888
3798
Basin B
1072
1295
2427
2427
7221
Basin C
697
1549
1149
1149
4544
Mean
731
1481
1488
1488
5188
aEach value is the mean of three.
bEach value is the result of analysis of a single sample.
CEach value represents a single sample taken at 45 cm and assumed to
be representative of both depth intervals.
154
-------
Table E-3. NUMBER AND SIZE OF BULRUSH SHOOTS IN PILOT PLANT
ON AUGUST 8, 1975.
Length
("0
Diameter
(cm)
Number
Shoots (m~2)
East Basin
Sample A
B
C
Mean
Central Basin
Sample A
B
C
Mean
West Basin
Sample A
B
C
Mean
1.05
0.99
0.93
0.99
0.77
0.68
0.74
0.78
0.60
0.89
0.76
124
532
604
~4"ZO~
232
620
76
308
155
-------
APPENDIX F
BRILLION MARSH DATA
156
-------
en
Q
O
CQ
is;
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
J_
_L
-L
_L
o Q o o
o o o o
CM to O «*
r i CM CM
August 19, 1974
o
S3-
O
O O O
CO CM VO
O r- r
O
CD
CM
CM
O O
>* QO
o o
o
CM
o o
o o
U> O
i CM
o
O
CM
o ?^
O' O
^*- OO CM
O O i
o
O
August 20, 1974
August 21, 1974
August 22, 1974
Figure F-l. Short Term Variation in BOD Concentration in the Brill ion Marsh Study.
(A- Station I; O- Station II; 03 - Station III)
-------
01
oo
co
Z3
QC
o
o_
co
o
o o o o
o o o o
CM u> o «*
i i CM CM
August 19, 1974
o
o
o
o o o o
O O CD O
CO CM VO O
O r r CM
August 20, 1974
o
o
CM
o
o
o
o
CO
o
o
o
CM
o o
o o
vo o
r CM
o
O
o
CD
o o
O O
OO CM
O O r
August 21, 1974
August 22, 1974
Figure F-2. Short Term Variation in Total Phosphorus Concentration in the Brill ion Marsh Study.
(A- Station I; O - Station II; Q - Station III)
-------
o
II
CQ
Oi
August 19, 1974
August 20, 1974
August 21, 1974
August 22, 1974
Figure F-3. Short Term Variation in Turbidity in the Brill ion Marsh Study.
(A - Station I; 0- Station II; Q- Station III)
-------
3000
2000
I/I
O
Cft
O
1000
(J
=3
a
O
CJ
I I I
I I I
I I
I
i
O
O
CJ
o
o
o
CM
CD
O
CM
O
O
o
o
03
O
o
o
CM
O
O
O
O
O
CM
O
O
CM
O
o
O
o
* CO
o o
o
o
CM
o
o
o
o
o
CM
o
o
CM
o
o
O
o o
o o
CO CM
O
August 19, 1974
August 20, 1974
August 21, 1974
August 22, 1974
Figure F-4. Short Term Variation in Conductivity in the Brillion Marsh Study.
( A- Station I; Q- Station II; Op - Station III)
-------
81.
4 .
£
z
I
o o o
CM 10 o
August 19, 1974
August 20, 1974
O i OJ
August 21, 1974
August 22, 1974
Figure F-5. Short Term Variation In Ammonia Concentration in Total Solids in the Brill ion Marsh Study.
( A- Station I; O-Station II; Q- Station III)
-------
to
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
.8
.6
»4
.2
0
Figure F-6.
o
o
CM
O
O
vo
o
o
o
CM
O O
o o
«a- «*
CM o
o o
o o
CO CM
O i
O
o
10
O
O
O
CM
O
O
=*
CM
O
O
St"
O
o o o o o
o o o o o
CO CM VO O «*
O r r CM CM
O O
O O
co CM
O O i
O
O
August 19, 1974
August 20, 1974
August 21, 1974 August 22, 1974
Short Term Variation in Nitrate Concentration in Total Solids in the Brillion Marsh Study.
( A- Station 1; Q- Station II; Q - Station III)
-------
05
CO
8.5
8.0
7.5
7.0
o
O
CM
O
O
VO
O O
O O
O *
CM CM
August 19, 1974
o o o o o o
o o o o o o
=3- CO CM V£> O <*
O O i r CM CM
August 20, 1974
ooooooooo
OOOOOOOOO
«tf- CO CM IO O *««* 00 CM
O O i i CMCMO Or
August 21, 1974
August 22, 1974
Figure F-7. Short Term Variation in pH in the Brill ion Marsh Study.
( A- Station I; Q- Station II; Q - Station III)
-------
O5
O
o
O
o
l/J
o
o
o
TO3
o o o o
o o o o
CM «> o «*
i i CM
-------
2000
cn
CO
O
o
LU
o
1000
o o o
o o o
CM U3 O
i i CM
o
o
CM
o
o
CD O
O O
CO CM
o i
O
O
O
O
O
O
O
CM
O
O
O O
O O
CO CM
O
O O
O O
«3 O
i CM
August 19, 1974
August 20, 1974
August 21, 1974
o o o o
o o o o
«3" «* OO CM
CM O O i
August 22, 1974
Figure F-9. Short Term Variation in Dissolved Solids Concentration in the Brillion Marsh Study.
(A- Station I; Q- Station II; Q - Station III)
-------
1800
05
O5
cn
o
00
o
UJ
a
a_
'CO
1000
400 _
o o o o
o o o o
CM IQ O «*
r i CM CM
August 19, 1974
o
August 20, 1974
August 21, 1974 August 22, 1974
Figure F-10. Short Term Variation in Suspended Solids Concentration in the Brillion Marsh Study.
(&- Station I; Q- Station II; Q- Station III)
-------
2400
2000
CJJ
en
CO
o
00
1000 _
O O CD O
O O O O
CM M> O «*
r i OJ C\J
August 19, 1974
o o o o o
O O O O O
«3- CO CM O
O O i r OJ
August 20, 1974
o
O
o o
o o
O
cvj
August 21, 1974
o o o o
o o o o
«d- * CO CM
CvJ O O i
Augus,t 22, 1974
Figure F-ll. Short term Variation in Total Solids Concentration in the Brillion Marsh Study.
(A- Station I;0- Station II; Q- Station III)
-------
Table F-l. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES3 FROM STATION I LOCATED ON SPRING CREEK ABOVE THE
BRILLION TREATMENT PLANT.
05
oo
June 19, 1974
July 1
July 9
Aug. 1
Sept. 11
Sept. 28
Oct. 8
Oct. 29
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Dec. 17
Feb. 11, 1975
Mar. 4
Apr. 22
June 5
June 12
June 19
June 26
July 1
July 17
July 29
Aug. 5
Aug. 28
Q
O
CO
6.3
14.9
4.0
3.6
14.2
7.1
6.7
11.5
5.5
3.5
5.9
7.2
5.1
4.8
6.7
4.9
4.7
2.2
2.5
3.8
2.2
2.7
a
o
0
34
57
4
25
36
62
21
34
24
0
0
9
4
25
21
44
47
34
4
14
22
35
147
Total
phosphorus
0.92
1.08
0.76
0.11
0.27
0.26
1.14
2.26
3.61
1.61
0.08
0.03
0.05
0.11
0.78
0.38
0.38
0.16
0.19
0.25
12.76
1.03
Ortho-
phosphate
0.84
1.23
0.64
0.80
0.27
0.36
1.31
1.78
2.92
1.46
0.08
0.02
0.07
0.66
0.40
0.32
0.16
0.12
0.17
12.98
0.07
i
3 4->'o'
-a -r- jc
c > e
O -i- 3
0 +->-
800
500
1750
3100
2700
850
1750
3000
760
2970
950
775
1000
800
1800
750
2900
750
1800
1725
2150
282
&
r~
TJ
-Q r3
S- 1
3 1-3
| x *
11
8
5
5
9
9
8
21
5
7
5
6
6
7
16
13
9
5
6
6
5
5
420
Nitrate
1.03
1.23
2.20
2.44
1.54
0.84
4.25
0.94
1.55
1.24
0.95
1.55
3.40
Q.
7.70
8.80
8.00
7.78
7.96
8.00
8.08
7.64
8.21
8.01
8.06
7.13
7.90
7.00
8.20
7.70
7.85
8.24
8.25
7.85
7.95
8.10
7.50
to
i TJ
(O !-*
4-» r
O O
t CO
567
1080
782
570
515
1163
1209
1409
1303
Suspended
solids
93
214
80
87
20
14
1
12
869
Dissolved
solids
474
866
702
483
495
1149
1208
1397
434
i- O 1
O O r
<+- E
r- Dl
r O O
0 r O
O« r
4.40
4.63
5.43
4.45
3.04
3.18
3.80
3.65
4.45
2.78
4.75
4.40
4.85
5.49
4.42
4.00
3.19
values are expressed as mg T-'l unless otherwise indicated in parentheses.
-------
Table F-2. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES* FROM STATION II LOCATED ON SPRING CREEK BELOW THE
BRILLION SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
CO
June 19, 1974
July 1
July 9
Aug. 1
Sept. 11
Sept. 28
Oct. 8
Oct. 29
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Dec. 17
Feb. 11, 1975
Mar. 4
Apr. 22
June 5
June 12
June 19
June 26
July 1
July 17
July 29
Aug. 5
Aug. 28
Q
O
CQ
7.2
9.8
2.8
13.3
22.0
74.0
62.5
100.0
51.5
23.0
18.3
39.5
11.7
13.0
25.0
9.2
15.8
15.3
7.0
38.5
20.5
o
o
o
30.4
52.5
15.7
49.3
102.6
87.4
130.2
115.6
64.6
137.3
79.2
45.4
90.2
34.8
23.0
64.0
48.2
41.8
17.3
11.9
61.4
64.0
71.3
Total
phosphorus
0.79
2.29
1.56
3.68
3.71
2.58
8.10
5.62
8.20
6.27
2.54
1.06
1.60
2.90
3.45
0.81
3.51
3.23
0.60
10.27
2.13
1.13
Ortho-
i phosphate
0.65
1.97
0.82
3.39
3.71
2.42
6.48
5.62
6.95
5.51
2.28
0.90
3.95
0.80
2.73
3.24
0.60
3.41
2.98
0.53
10.46
2.04
0.17
3 -P O
-O !- -C
E > S
O V- 3
O +> '
850
570
900
1450
1450
1000
1850
1100
1250
1200
1100
1160
725
775
825
700
1320
650
1700
1325
1200
319
I
Turbidity
(JTU)
15
15
6
16
15
16
30
37
11
17
16
9
20
9
20
37
12
10
12
7
14
13
12
O)
-M
rd
+J
r-
z:
0.48
0.41
1.10
0.91
1.20
1.19
5.30
0.56
1.40
0.40
0.25
0.18
1.80
m
Q.
8.00
8.75
7.93
7.73
8.01
7.76
7.70
7.46
8.00
7.85
7.90
7.65
7.90
7.90
7.85
7.55
7.80
8.12
7.65
7.75
7.65
7.60
7.25
(/>
i -a
(8 <-
+Ji
o o
I in
815
601
638
628
706
1022
805
807
341
Suspended
solids
249
119
36
87
138
90
76
126
140
-o
(D
>
I r C/>
o-a
Ul !-»
(/) r
r- O
Q l/»
566
402
602
541
568
932
730
681
201
s- "oT
O O r
«4~ E
r- O>
T OO
Or- O
O*
5.20
5.99
4. 80
5.80
4.80
3.48
3.62
3.70
3.84
6. 07
4.34
6.02
5.90
4.36
5.81
4.93
5.23
aAll values are expressed as mg i-i unless otherwise indicated in parentheses.
-------
Table F-3. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES9 FROM STATION III LOCATED ON THE OPEN CHANNEL BELOW THE
UPPER PORTION OF BRILLION MARSH.
June 19, 1974
July 1
July 9
Aug. 1
Sept. 11
Sept. 28
Oct. 8
Oct. 29
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Dec. 17
Feb. 11, 1975
Mar. 4
Apr. 22
June 5
June 12
June 19
June 26
July 1
July 17
July 29
Aug. 5
Aug. 28
o
o
03
4.2
2.7
4.3
5.0
4.9
2.9
2.5
3.7
2.3
2.6
4.0
29.0
8.7
1.7
3.8
1.3
5.6
7.1
6.7
8.4
4.3
a
o
o
52.5
52.5
66.6
76.8
34.0
31.7
47.6
40.4
32.1
48.6
93.4
61.5
13.7
40.4
72.0
61.4
70.3
92.2
53.4
118.8
102.8
102.8
47.5
.
Total
phosphorus
1.15
2.20
2.95
0.97
0.48
0.42
1.80
1.25
1.83
1.02
1.67
3.88
4.90
0.42
2.56
1.95
2.01
7.33
11.85
2.43
10.52
1.56
0.43
Ortho-
phosphate
0.94
1.93
2.42
0.88
- 0.47
0.47
1.16
1.25
1.53
1.04
1.98
3.60
4.30
0.32
2.94
2.34
1.91
9.10
10.27
2.33
10.85
1.67
0.79
=5 -t-> O
T3 !- JC
t= > E
O «r- 3
0 4J '
500
600
825
1500
1310
1600
1500
1325
1375
1525
1125
1600
640
850
800
825
890
775
825
825
875
610
|>
a
»r~ y""*"*
JQi Z3
i- t
3 r-j
!,__. s^^^
4
4
3
5
5
5
6
5
2
2
7
26
12
5
4
40
14
23
30
4
16
24
7
Nitrate
0.48
0.54
1.04
1.25
1.04
0.46
0.03
0.41
1.70
0.04
0.15
0.01
0.45
Q-
7.90
8.50
7.49
7.76
8.30
7.96
7.85
8.01
8.10
7.70
7.20
7.00
8.00
7.85
7.50
7.25
7.88
7.60
7.25
8.00
7.65
7.45
CO
r -O
fO -r-
-M i
0 O
f
597
550
759
518
957
1072
972
820
659
Suspended
solids
47
90
87
46
121
15
7
29
365
-a
ai
>
r 1
r- 0
a in
550
459
672
472
836
1056
964
791
294
E i i
i- O 1
0 Or
M- E
r- O>
r- O O
o< o
0- r-
4.08
4.04
3.49
3.00
4.26
2.00
3.00
3.04
3.15
4.10
3.84
4.74
5.35
4.68
4.70
4.95
5.44
-------
Table F-4. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES* FROM THE OUTFLOW PIPE OF THE BRILLION
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
July 9, 1974
Sept. -11
Sept. 28
Oct. 8
Oct. 29
Nov. 20
Nov. 21
Feb. 11, 1975
Mar. 4
Apr. 22
June 5
June 19
June 26
July 1
July 17
July 29
Aug. 5
Aug. 28
a
o
CD
55
82
137
170
128
112
81
132
112
61
36
19
47
58
70
27
a
o
133
173
284
309
291
234
149
317
293
175
97
115
137
157
184
234
262
57
Total
phosphorus
9.82
7.23
10.11
12.08
8.29
15.84
8.76
12.86
6.19
13.04
8.01
8.78
12.41
10.82
1.26
7.40
1.23
Ortho-
phosphate
9.31
7.23
9.50
9.91
8.29
13.50
8.21
8.80
5.35
10.78
6.68
7.03
12.47
9.29
1.03
6.00
0.96
u >>^~«
3 -M O
-a v- j=
E > E
O -r- 3
0 !-> -
950
1000
940
1130
1100
1100
1100
1100
1100
1025
800
800
990
900
1425
1075
975
242
Turbidity
(JTU)
39
35
52
58
53
21
62
54
46
24
28
28
40
38
41
62
76
O)
-M
0.66
0.61
0.48
0.44
0.46
0.40
0.30
1.00
0.09
0.10
0.20
1.90
o.
7.54
7.78
7.48
7.60
7.60
8.01
7.60
7.50
7.35
7.50
7.65
8.02
7.60
7.30
7.60
7.60
7.15
i-O
to <-
4-> r
O O
H- Cfl
641
784
484
611
623
710
769
469
Suspended
solids
75
33
45
72
30
69
36
12
"O
o-a
in T-
r-'o
O CO
566
751
439
539
593
642
733
457
i- O 1
O 0 i
M- E
^ O CD
Oi O
O r
3.60
5.20
3.90
3.47
3.70
3.00
2.30
2.00
4.11
3.43
4.34
6.14
aAll values are expressed as mg 1-' unless indicated otherwise in parentheses.
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
1. REPORT NO.
EPA-600/2-76-207
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION-NO.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
WASTEWATER TREATMENT BY NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MARSHES
5. REPORT DATE
September 1976 (Issuing Date)
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
7.AUTHOR(S) Frederic L. Spang!er
William E. Sloey
C. W. Fetter. Jr.
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
Oshkosh, Wisconsin 54901
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
1BC611
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
R803794 and S801042
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Robert S. Kerr Environmental Research Laboratory
Office of Research and Development
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Ada, Oklahoma 74820
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final - 6/72 - ,6/76
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
EPA-ORD
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
Investigations were conducted on the use of artificial and natural marshes as puri-
fiers of effluent from municipal treatment plants. Observations were made on marsh
influent and effluent quality. Phosphorus distribution in the ecosystem and removal
by harvesting were studied. Responses of the vegetation to repeated harvesting were
recorded.
Artificial marshes consisted of plastic-lined excavations containing emergent
vegetation, especially Scirpus validus. growing in gravel. Various combinations of
retention time, primary effluent, secondary effluent, basin shape, and depth of
planting medium were studied. A polluted natural marsh was studied simultaneously.
The degree of improvement in water quality suggests that the process may be accept-
able for certain treatment applications. Harvesting was not a practical phosphorus
removal technique. Marshes remove phosphorus in the growing season, but release it
at other times. Development of management techniques for successful use of marshes
for wastewater treatment is thought possible.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Group
Effluentssewage treatment
Water pollution
Primary biological productivity
Pilot plant
Marshes, phosphorus
Aquatic macrophytes
Emergent vegetation
Nutrient removal
13B
8. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
RELEASE TO PUBLIC
19. SECURITY CLASS (ThisReport)
UNCLASSIFIED
21. NO. OF PAGES
184
20. SECURITY CLASS (Thispage)
UNCLASSIFIED
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (9-73)
172
: 1976 657-695/6130 Region 5-11
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