Author(s): Rasmus Klapp; Katharina Lange; Annelie Hedstrom; Pascal Molle; Inga Herrmann
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Abstract: This study evaluates the pharmaceutical removal efficiency of a two-stage vertical-flow constructed wetland functioning in subarctic climatic conditions in northern Sweden. 23 sampling campaigns were conducted between 2023 and 2025 to assess key physicochemical parameters and pharmaceutical residues in the water before and after each treatment step. Reed and organic deposit from the wetland were also sampled and analyzed for pharmaceuticals. Preliminary results show that the total concentration of pharmaceuticals in the water was reduced, although the treatment performance varied substantially across substances, and seasons. These results provide a comparative understanding of the retention and removal efficiency of emerging contaminants in this type of wetland. It was also seen that pharmaceuticals accumulated in the sludge and were taken up by the reed, indicating possible removal paths.
Year: 2026