Effects of design parameters, microbial community and nitrogen removal on the field-scale multi-pond constructed wetlands

Ecological multi-pond constructed wetlands (CWs) are an alternative wastewater treatment technology for nitrogen removal from non-point source pollution. As an important component of nitrogen cycles in the field-scale CWs, microorganisms are affected by design parameters. Nevertheless, the mechanism of design parameters affecting the distribution of microbial community and removal performance remains largely unexplored. In this study, satisfactory nitrogen removal performance was obtained in three multi-pond CWs. The highest mass removal rate per square meter (1104.0 mg/m²/day) and mass removal rate per cubic meter (590.2 mg/m³/day) for total nitrogen removal were obtained in the XY CW system during the wet season. The changes in seasonal parameters accounted for different removal performances and distributions of the microbial community. The combination of wastewater treatment technologies in the XY CW system consisting of ponds, CWs, and eco-floating treatment wetlands enriched the abundances of nitrogen-related functional genera. Correlation network analysis further demonstrated that longer hydraulic residence time and higher nitrogen concentration could intensify the enrichment of nitrogen-related functional genera. Regulating the combination of wastewater treatment technologies, the nitrogen concentration of influent, hydraulic loading rate, and water depth might promote the accumulation of microbial communities and enhance nitrogen removal. Macroscopical spatial/temporal regulation were proposed to enhance the treatment of non-point source pollution. The clarification of driving mechanism on design parameters, microbial community, and removal performance provided a novel perspective on the long-term maintenance of purification performance, practically sustainable applications, and scientific management of field-scale multi-pond CWs.