ARS | Publication request: Constructed Wetlands for the Reduction of Manure-Borne Fecal Indicator and Pathogenic Microorganisms from Dairy Cattle Wastewater

Submitted to: Meeting Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: June 1, 2004
Publication Date: September 1, 2004
Citation: Thurston-Enriquez, J., Henry, C. G., Eghball, B. 2004. Constructed Wetlands For The Reduction Of Manure-Borne Fecal Indicator And Pathogenic Microorganisms From Dairy Cattle Wastewater. In: Proceedings For The International Water Association¿s 9th International Conference On Constructed Wetlands. 9th Iwa International Conference On Constructed Wetlands, September 26-30, 2004, Avignon, France. 2004 Cdrom.

Technical Abstract: A unique constructed wetland system in Nebraska was designed for a small dairy cattle operation that lacked available land for a traditional treatment system. The ability of this constructed wetland system, located in southeast Nebraska, to reduce manure-borne microorganisms from dairy cattle wastewater was investigated. Total coliforms, Escherichia coli, enterococci, and Clostridium perfringens were reduced from incoming dairy wastewater by 83%, 92%, 77%, and 68%, respectively. Giardia cysts and Cryptosporidium oocysts were reduced by 82% and 53%, respectively. This unplanted constructed wetland achieved comparable or higher reductions than previously reported vegetated wetland and pond wastewater treatment systems. Ammonium concentrations and weather conditions (temperature and rainfall) significantly affected wetland performance. Clostridium and enterococci may be better indicators for wetland treatment performance compared to less hardy fecal indicator bacteria. Further, these enteric bacteria may serve as better indicators for environmentally hardy manure-borne pathogens. Nutrients and turbidity were also monitored. Total nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate, and total phosphorus were not significantly reduced by the wetland system; however, turbidity was reduced by 54%.