Thumbnail Image
Publication

Metal attenuation potential and mechanisms by a photosynthetic microbial biomat in shallow open water constructed wetlands

Yang, Zhaoxun
Citations
Altmetric:
Advisor
Sharp, Jonathan O.
Ranville, James F.
Editor
Date
Date Issued
2024
Date Submitted
Keywords
Collections
2024 - Mines Theses & Dissertations
Show all metadata
Files
Yang_mines_0052E_12937.pdf
Adobe PDF, 8.37 MB
Yang_mines_0052E_316/Supplementary Tables Chapter 2.xlsx
Microsoft Excel XML, 25.91 KB
Yang_mines_0052E_316/Supplementary Tables Chapter 3.xlsx
Microsoft Excel XML, 94.71 KB
Yang_mines_0052E_316/Supplementary Tables Chapter 4.xlsx
Microsoft Excel XML, 45.07 KB
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
URI
https://hdl.handle.net/11124/180336
Embargo Expires
2026-04-04
Abstract
Natural weathering events and anthropogenic activities such as mining, introduce metal-impaired waters into the environment. This results in toxicological implications for human health and ecosystems. Passive treatment technologies, such as constructed/engineered wetlands offer a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmental-friendly mechanism for water treatment that are particularly compelling in emerging economies and remote areas. Unlike traditional vegetated wetlands, shallow unit process open water constructed wetlands within the Prado Wetlands Complex in Corona, CA, are macrophyte-free and colonized by a photosynthetic microbial biomat. These wetlands have demonstrated promise for tertiary applications of treated municipal wastewater where they effectively remove nutrients and trace organics such as pharmaceuticals. However, prior to this dissertation, the potential and mechanisms of metal attenuation have not yet been explored. This dissertation aims to investigate attenuation mechanisms and potential applications of open water constructed wetlands toward metal-impaired water treatment. First, metal attenuation by naturally colonized biomat materials that differed in ratios of inorganic to organic mass as a function of exogenous sediment introduction were tested to explore the interplay of different attenuation mechanisms. Next, processes involved in diel changes of dissolved zinc and copper and their sequestration by surficial biomat associated zinc with hydroxide/carbonate and copper with organic matter. Finally, the system was challenged with synthetic acid mine drainage to explore overall attenuation potential during this type of disturbance and system resilience. Taken together, these findings help establish the foundation for a better understanding of metal attenuation potential and mechanisms in the complex system of open water constructed wetlands and provide baseline guidance for future real-life applications of these treatment wetlands toward metal-impaired waters.
Associated Publications
Rights
Copyright of the original work is retained by the author.
Embedded videos