Attenuation mechanisms and key parameters to enhance treatment performance in vegetation filters: A review

Amended Vegetation Filters as Nature-Based Solutions for the Treatment of Pharmaceuticals: Infiltration Experiments Coupled to Reactive Transport Modelling

“…On the other hand, non-conventional nature-based wastewater treatment systems, such as vegetation filters (VFs), are considered a viable alternative for small populations and scattered communities, due to their low cost for implementation, limited energy use and reduced operation and maintenance requirements [32,33]. A VF consists of a land area, usually covered by a forestry plantation, to which pre-treated wastewater, mainly urban-type, is applied with the aim of removing wastewater-originating contaminants through natural attenuation mechanisms by the combined action of soil, plants and microorganisms [33,34]. The main processes contributing to the attenuation of contaminants in VFs are sorption onto the soil, biodegradation, chemical precipitation and plant uptake [32,35].…”

“…The main processes contributing to the attenuation of contaminants in VFs are sorption onto the soil, biodegradation, chemical precipitation and plant uptake [32,35]. Although a simple operation and maintenance is required, a system failure could result in groundwater pollution, and a good design procedure is essential for the success of this technology [33]. Martínez-Hernández et al [32] report on removals of more than 90% through VFs of target pharmaceuticals and TPs, including antibiotics, analgesics, anticonvulsants, antidepressants and β-adrenergic blockers, whereas lower attenuation (~55%) was obtained for the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) ketoprofen, revealing its more recalcitrant nature.…”