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Effects of the Hydraulic Retention Time on Pig Slurry Purification by Constructed Wetlands and Stabilization Ponds

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Abstract

The overuse of pig slurry for fertilization purposes could involve an environmental risk. Pig slurry has been scarcely treated using constructed wetlands and stabilization ponds. Further information on hydraulic retention time comparison at full-scale in farms is desired. This survey aims to optimize a low-cost system comparing two hydraulic retention times (3 and 7 days) to purify pig slurry. Physical, chemical and microbial parameters were tested. A mechanical separator provided homogenous influent to feed the constructed wetland. Seven days of retention presented higher COD and N removal while 3 days of retention was more effective to remove TP and SO4 2− in the constructed wetland. However, higher removal efficiencies were registered performing 7 days of retention for Mn (148.1 %), TP (113.4 %), KN (102.6 %), COD (102.5 %), NH4 +-N (94.0 %), TC (87.9 %), Cu (64.2 %), FS (47.4 %), NO3 − (36.6 %), Ca2+ (32.1 %), and Br− (26.0 %) in the whole system, pointing out the positive effect of the storage pond. Though the main potential pollutants were effectively reduced, parameters such as Fe, SO4 2−, SS, Zn and NO2 − increased after purification.

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Acknowledgments

This survey was supported by the Spanish Agricultural, Food and Environmental Ministry through the project Ref. TEC0003908. Likewise, we are grateful to Alia and Grupo Tragsa for their contributions.

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  1. Sustainable Use, Management, and Reclamation of Soil and Water Research Group, Department of Agrarian Science and Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena, Paseo Alfonso XIII, 48, 30203, Cartagena, Spain

    M. A. Muñoz, R. M. Rosales, M. Gabarrón, A. Faz & J. A. Acosta

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  1. M. A. Muñoz
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  2. R. M. Rosales
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Correspondence to M. A. Muñoz.

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Muñoz, M.A., Rosales, R.M., Gabarrón, M. et al. Effects of the Hydraulic Retention Time on Pig Slurry Purification by Constructed Wetlands and Stabilization Ponds. Water Air Soil Pollut 227, 293 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-016-2993-x

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