Application of constructed wetlands to remove nitrogenous and phosphorous compounds from leachate run-off liquid

Leachate liquid is one of the hazardous pollutants in the environment. Some general characteristics of leachate liquid are the high concentration of nitrogenous (N) and phosphorous (P) compounds. To reduce the amount of pollutant in leachate liquid, treatment is needed. Constructed Wetlands (CW) is one alternative treatment technology that can be applied. A pilot plant scale Vertical Up-Flow Constructed Wetland (VUFCW) system is used in this study to treat leachate run-off liquid. Plants that used in this system were Canna, Hydrilla, and Nymphaea. These plants are planted in a series CW-Beds, consist of three beds. This research aimed to: (1) evaluate VUFCW System capability in removing N and P compounds, and (2) understand the role of plants in removing N and P. Evaluation of Removal Efficiency (RE) value shows that the VUFCW System can remove N and P compounds very well (generally RE > 80 %). Regression analysis shows that, there are strong and significant correlation between wet weight of Canna and Nymphaea and the TN and TP removal in the system. This strong correlation means that the size of plants has to be considered in order to keep the CW system effectiveness in removing N and P.