Summary
This field trial evaluated a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system for treating effluent from shrimp farms in a major Latin American aquaculture region. Over 90 days of operation, the system demonstrated stable removal of organic matter and nutrients, with ammonia-nitrogen removal rates correlating with increasing plant biomass and the development of oxidising conditions in the rhizosphere. The findings suggest that constructed wetlands can be technically adapted to local aquaculture conditions as a feasible treatment alternative.
UK applicability
Whilst the study was conducted in tropical Latin American aquaculture conditions, the constructed wetland treatment approach may have limited direct application to UK intensive aquaculture, which typically operates at cooler temperatures and smaller scales. However, the design principles for nutrient and organic matter removal could inform treatment strategies for UK inland or coastal aquaculture farms, particularly if adapted for cooler climates and UK environmental regulations.
Key measures
COD removal efficiency (71.68%), ammonia-nitrogen removal (63.76%), total phosphorus removal (50.8%), phosphate removal (61.3%), TSS removal (40.7%), inorganic phosphorus proportion, plant biomass, operation days (90)
Outcomes reported
The study measured removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen, total phosphorus, phosphates, and total suspended solids (TSS) from shrimp farm effluent over 90 days of operation. The horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland achieved stable pollutant reduction rates with variations ≤10%, demonstrating technical feasibility for treating aquaculture wastewater.
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