Sizing aspects of the experimental plant of ecological treatment by constructed wetlands on a university campus

Constructed wetlands (CW) are a decentralized and ecological technique of wastewater treatment, especially taking into account the recent change in its legislation related to full coverage up to 2033. An experimental ecological wastewater treatment based on vertical flow CW was implemented at the university campus. Due to the complexity of natural purification processes into a CW, its sizing process consists in several challenges, mainly, the sizing parameters which present great variability, such as its area, the concentration of pollutants inside, and the decay rate. According to the k-C’ model, different scenarios were performed, resulting in the required area ranges from 26 to 60 m². The required area as 31 m² was chosen for construction purposes, however the plant will have flexibility in controlling the influent flow and hydraulic retention time. This experiment will establish relationships between the population served, the required area and the efficiency of pollutant removal, aiming to meet effluent standards. The experimental plant, in addition to functioning as an open-air laboratory and a living area for the local community, will allow to obtain new designs that enable further research.