Impact of substrate adsorption behaviour for emerging pollutants in constructed wetlands

Abstract

This research aims to investigate, evaluate, and compare the role of two different substrates, sand and perlite, within the waste products removal process regarding the adsorption capability of EPs, including ibuprofen (IBU) and diclofenac (DCF) in constructed wetlands (CWs). TheOur study has demonstrated that perlite coped better with issues and obstacles than the sandy filter. Therefore, it has the potential to expand its usage in the adsorption process. Unfortunately, perlite is a non-renewable resource since it naturally occurs. Nevertheless, due to its low cost and reuse ability, perlite is the most promising filter material for removing given emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals.