Browsing by Author "Mateus, D.M.R."
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- Evaluation of solid waste stratified mixtures as constructed wetland fillers under different operation modesPublication . Mateus, D.M.R.; Pinho, Henrique J. O.Based on the strategy that all processes can and should be modified to contribute to a circular economy, this work evaluates the recovery of waste solids as filler material in Constructed Wetlands (CWs) used for wastewater treatment. Five sets of lab-scale CWs were assembled with mixtures of five waste solids and operated to evaluate the removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nutrients from urban and industrial-types of wastewater. The adaptation and growth of the macrophyte Phragmites australis in the mixed-filler CWs was also monitored. Although all evaluated waste solids showed to be acceptable substrates for macrophyte development and wastewater treatment, CWs assembled with mixtures of limestone waste and coal slag showed the best plant growth indicators and wastewater treatment efficiencies. The CWs assembled with mixtures of limestone waste and clay brick fragments or cork granulates showed to be suitable alternatives. With exception for CWs filled with mixtures of limestone and snail shells, pollutant removal efficiencies up to 95%, 86% and 83% were obtained respectively for COD, total phosphorous and total nitrogen, depending on the type of wastewater and mode of operation. Removal efficiencies were not significantly affected by increased hydraulic rate. The CWs can be operated to a hydraulic loading rate of 0.056 m/d, which corresponds to a retention time of 1.5 days. The valorisation of solid waste as a filler can contribute to CWs closely participating in the creation of circular flows for the reuse of waste solids.
- Valorization of solid waste in subsurface flow constructed wetlands based on renewable modular structures: A contribution to a circular economyPublication . Pinho, Henrique J. O.; Mateus, D.M.R.In this chapter, a case study is used as a basis for discussion of the contribution of constructed wetlands (CWs) to circular economy and to sustainable development. Although CWs already represent a sustainable and green technology for wastewater treatment, this study aimed to enhance CW potential to fit the circular economy paradigm. The main purpose of the study was the use of renewable materials and solid waste in the design of modular CWs. A modular pilot-scale CW was built in a wood-based structure with a filling media consisting of a mixture of three solid waste materials. This approach represents an example of the potential contribution of CWs to a circular economy through a shorter circuit for water reuse and their integration into longer economic circuits, which can be closed by symbiosis with other processes and industrial activities such as the valorization of solid waste and wood for CW assembly.