Experiences with pre-precipitation of phosphorus in a vertical flow constructed wetland in Austria.

Using constructed wetlands (CWs) with vertical flow and intermittent loading, high organic matter and ammonium removal can be achieved. In the case of additional requirements for phosphorus removal, which in Austria often occurs if the treated wastewater is discharged into small sensitive receiving waters, additional measures have to be taken. The objective of this work was to investigate the applicability of conventional phosphorus pre-precipitation with sodium aluminate for a CW system.