Application of Recycled Plastic Specimens to Enhance Waste Water Treatment Plant Operation for Subterranean Flow Constructed Wetlands

Abstract

This study investigates the application of recycled plastic material in Subterranean Flow Constructed Wetlands, which are used for the treatment of pre clarified wastewater in an environmentally sound way inspired by natural biological processes. The focus of the presented research performed at the Cleanwater Educational Research Facility, located at the New York Village of Monas waste water treatment plant is to investigate the use and application of future growth media made of recycled plastic materials for Subterranean Flow Constructed Wetlands. Six recycled plastic materials; Polyethylen-terephthalat, Polyethylene high density, Polyvinyl chloride, Polyethylene low density, Polypropylene, and Polystyrene were used for the growth media experiments in the commercial operated Subterranean Flow Constructed Wetlands. Testing was conducted during a 5-month period, measuring the test specimens for their biomass growth at a 3-week time interval that allows bacteria to generate a biomass film on the test specimen. Biomass growth was observed on all types of plastic material at the measuring points. Results show that Polyethylen-terephthalat is the most preferred growth medium for all measuring points followed by Polyethylene low density, Polystyrene and Polyethylene high density as well as Polyvinyl chloride for certain locations. It is suggested that future research on Subterranean Flow Constructed Wetlands growth media using recycled material should focus on the above recycled plastic types.