Effect of agricultural runoff treatment with different C/N ratios in continuous flow floating treatment wetlands

Bc. Filip Bokros

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Floating mats are a widespread phenomenon in both temperate and (sub)tropical wetlands across the world. The most sophisticated and model versions of constructed wetlands (CWs) are floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). Other names for FTWs include planted floating system beds, artificial or vegetated floating beds, and constructed floating wetlands (CFWs). The roots, rhizomes, leaves, and shoots of hydrophytes that develop as a floating mat in FTWs serve a critical role in wastewater treatment. They can accumulate nutrients (such as N and P) and insecticides, as well as create conditions for biological decomposition of organic waste. Although the use of phytoremediation to treat agricultural runoff is becoming increasingly popular, it has rarely been explored if the manner of water intake impacts the efficacy of pollutant removal. From the experiment outcome we found out that pots with concentration of C/N 1:5 have the highest removal efficiency of TN, TOC, IC and TC. Consequently, following the C/N 1:1 and 5:1 respectively. Continuous flow wetland systems show higher ability to increase removal performance of the system. The results of this study help to clarify how well FTWs work to reduce pollution from agricultural runoff at different nutrient levels. Moreover, the knowledge acquired from this study might help optimize FTW operation and design to improve their efficacy in managing agricultural runoff and safeguarding aquatic environments. This knowledge is essential for creating long-term plans for managing agricultural water resources and enhancing the quality of the water in affected areas.

Keywords

Floating treatment wetlands, Agricultural runoff, Intermittent flow and continuous flow systems

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 31. 3. 2024

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 20. 5. 2025
• Supervisor: doc. Zhongbing Chen
• Reader: Kristina Kralj, Ing.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Environmental Sciences

Master programme:
Landscape Planning