Treatment of arsenic containing artificial wastewater in different laboratory-scale constructed wetlands

The aim of this investigation is to gain more information on the biotransformation of AS and the dynamics of AS-species in predominantly multi-graded horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands. Experiments were caried out in laboratory-scale wetland systems. The obtained results demonstrate that horizontal subsurface-flow constructed wetlands seem to be viable alternatives for effective elimination of elevated AS concentration from secondary domestic wastewater effluents prior to disposal to the receiving water bodies (rivers, lakes etc.) or application for agricultural field irrigation purposes. Long-term accumulation of AS in the wetland vegetation (mostly in the below-ground biomass) and soil sediments may reduce widespread distribution of AS in the environment.