Novel hybrid biochar-based constructed wetlands for contaminant of emerging concern removal in water reuse

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as a sustainable polishing treatment to target contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in wastewater treatment plant effluents. However, limitations specially on land requirement have motivated the search for more efficient intensified designs. This study inte...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Laguna-Marín, Clara, Escolà Casas, Mònica, Subirats, Jèssica, Matamoros, Víctor
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2026
País:España
Institución:Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)
Repositorio:DIGITAL.CSIC. Repositorio Institucional del CSIC
OAI Identifier:oai:dnet:digitalcsic_::6a2924044447e69b34423cd83b64d834
Acceso en línea:http://hdl.handle.net/10261/427985
https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/105034190838
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Nature-based solutions
Coke
Floating constructed wetland
Horizontal flow constructed wetland
Wastewater
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/6
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/3
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/12
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/11
http://metadata.un.org/sdg/9
Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation
Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Descripción
Sumario:Constructed wetlands (CWs) have emerged as a sustainable polishing treatment to target contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in wastewater treatment plant effluents. However, limitations specially on land requirement have motivated the search for more efficient intensified designs. This study integrates two intensification strategies: substrate modification and hybrid wetland use for CEC removal from wastewater. A comparative experiment between biochar, coke and sand placed biochar as the most efficient substrate, achieving 99% ammonia, 85% COD, and 98% CEC removal. Biochar was subsequently integrated in a hybrid CW combining a floating root mat with a horizontal flow CW. The biochar hybrid CW maintained high CEC removal (>99%) across varying hydraulic loading rates, effectively treating both hydrophobic and hydrophilic/persistent compounds. Nontarget analysis confirmed a 70-80% reduction in chemical complexity, with limited formation of transformation products. These results present biochar-enhanced hybrid CWs as robust, scalable, low-energy solutions aligned with EU regulatory targets.