Numerical Simulation and Evaluation of Constructed Wetland Designs for Effluent Treatment Based on MIKE21

Abstract

Constructed Wetlands for Effluent treatment (E-CW) play a vital role in the degradation of pollutants, purification of water, and the improvement of freshwater ecosystems. However, conventional designs often lack a methodical approach for quantifying the efficacy of these wetlands. The present study utilized the MIKE21 Hydrodynamic (HD) module in conjunction with the ECO-Lab Water Quality (AD) module to perform a numerical simulation of the Constructed Wetland for Effluent. The key parameters involved in effective water purification were calibrated and the system's ability to treat effluents from wastewater treatment facilities was assessed. The findings demonstrated significant removal efficiencies for Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), and ammonia (NH3-N), with average rates of 51.14%, 43.14%, 63.82%, and 54.38%, respectively. In addition, the simulations exhibited a high degree of accuracy, with hydrodynamic predictions deviating by less than 5% and water quality approximations by less than 15%. Additionally, the use of numerical simulations can provide valuable guidelines for the future design and functional assessment of wetlands by offering crucial insights that aid in the optimization of purification processes and vegetation selection.