Abstract
Constructed wetlands efficiently remove pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The removal efficiency of ibuprofen and naproxen was examined in an experimental subsurface vertical flow constructed wetland using 1, 2, and 4-day hydraulic retention times (HRT). Pharmaceutical removal and HRT were not correlated. Ibuprofen concentrations were positively correlated with naproxen concentrations in influent and effluent waters. Low influent concentrations (<16.0µg/L) of ibuprofen and naproxen showed either low or negative removal efficiencies. Moderate influent concentrations (16.0µg/L-31.0µg/L) showed the highest removal efficiency, with an average of 44% and a high of 82%. Removal efficiencies decreased at higher influent concentrations. Pharmaceutical removal was examined at a municipal wastewater treatment plant using both sequential batch reactor and working constructed wetlands. Both were efficient in removing pharmaceuticals in-situ at efficiencies of 83%-99%. While multiple variables impact the removal of pharmaceuticals from wastewater, constructed wetlands offer viable alternatives to conventional processes for pharmaceutical removal.