Dynamics of nitrobenzene degradation and interactions with nitrogen transformations in laboratory-scale constructed wetlands

Three laboratory-scale CWs (i.e., tidal flow CW as well as planted and unplanted horizontal subsurface flow CWs) were set up to treat artificial nitrobenzene (NB) industry effluents in this study. An inflow NB load equal to or less than 70 mg/L achieved approximately 95% NB removal regardless of wetland type. When NB influent load increased to 160 mg/L, NB removal efficiency decreased to 57%, 46%, and 33% in planted and unplanted horizontal CWs as well as tidal flow CWs, respectively. Higher NB degradation efficiency in planted horizontal CW highlighted the positive effect of wetland plants. Moreover, strong inhibition of nitrogen removal was initiated in CWs with an increase of NB loads to 160 mg/L, which was probably caused by NB toxicity. The investigation indicated not only the potential application of treatment wetlands as a secondary ecological treatment system for NB-containing wastewater, but also the interactions with nitrogen transformations in CWs.