On the fit of statistical and k-C* models to projecting treatment performance in a constructed wetland system

The objective of this study was to assess the suitability of statistical and the k-C* models to projecting treatment performance of constructed wetlands by applying the models to predict the final effluent concentrations of a pilot field-scale constructed wetlands system (CWs) treating animal farm wastewater. The CWs achieved removal rates (in g/m2.d) ranging from 7.1-149.8 for BOD5, 49.8-253.8 for COD and 7.1-47.0 for NH4-N. Generally, it was found that the statistical models developed from multiple regression analyses (MRA) were stronger in predicting final effluent concentrations than the k-C* model. However, both models were inadequate in predicting the final effluent concentrations of NO3-N. The first-order area-based removal rate constants (k, m/yr) determined from the experimental data were 200.5 for BOD5, 80.1 for TP and 173.8 for NH4-N and these indicate a high rate of pollutant removal within the CWs.