Design considerations for increased sedimentation in small wetlands treating agricultural runoff

Abstract

Some suggestions to increase the sedimentation of non-point source pollution in small surface flow wetlands are presented. The recommendations are based on results from seven Norwegian constructed wetlands (CWs) after 3–7 years of investigation, and a literature review. The wetlands were located in first and second order streams. Surface areas were 265–900 m2, corresponding to 0.03–0.4% of the watershed. Each CW had a volume proportional composite sampler in the inlet and outlet, in addition to sedimentation plates. The mean annual retention of soil particles, organic particles and phosphorus was 45–75%, 43–67% and 20–44%, respectively. Results showed that erosion and transportation processes in arable watersheds influenced the retention. Sedimentation was the most important retention process, and increased with runoff, because the input of larger aggregates increased. Retention of nitrogen did not follow the same pattern, and was only 3–15%. Making CWs shallow (0–0.5 m) can optimize sedimentation. The hydraulic efficiency can be increased by aquatic vegetation, large stones in the inlet, baffles and water-permeable, low dams. Vegetation makes it possible to utilize the positive effect of a short particle settling distance, by hindering resuspension of sediments under storm runoff conditions. As a result, the phosphorus retention in shallow CWs was twice that of deeper ponds.