Babatunde, A.O.A.O.BabatundeZhao, Y.Q.Y.Q.ZhaoBurke, A.M.A.M.BurkeMorris, M.A.M.A.MorrisHanrahan, J.P.J.P.Hanrahan2011-08-302011-08-302009 Elsev2009-10Environmental Pollution0269-7491http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3128Aluminium-based water treatment residual (Al-WTR) is the most widely generated residual from water treatment facilities worldwide. It is regarded as a by-product of no reuse potential and landfilled. This study assessed Al-WTR as a potential phosphate-removing substrate in engineered wetlands for wastewater treatment. Results indicate the specific surface area ranged from 28.0 m2 g-1 to 41.4 m2 g-1 and this increased with increasing particle size. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy all indicate that the Al-WTR is mainly composed of amorphous aluminium which influences its phosphorus (P) adsorption capacity. The pH and electrical conductivity ranged from 5.9 - 6.0 and 0.104 dS m-1 - 0.140 dS m-1 respectively, and both showed that it should suitably support plant growth. Batch tests showed a maximum P adsorption capacity of 31.9 mg-P g-1 and significant P removal was achieved in column tests. Overall, results showed that Al-WTR can be a low-cost, easily and locally available substrate for enhanced P removal in engineered wetlands and it carries the benefits of reuse of a by-product that promotes sustainability.347633 bytesapplication/pdfenThis is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Environmental Pollution. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Environmental Pollution Volume 157, Issue 10, October 2009, Pages 2830-2836 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.04.016.Adsorption capacityEngineered wetlandsWater treatment residualPhosphorus removalWastewater treatmentWater treatment plant residualsPhosphorus--Absorption and adsorptionConstructed wetlandsJournal Article157102830283610.1016/j.envpol.2009.04.016https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/