Author(s): Rayssa V.B. Jacob; Rasmus Klapp; Torben Bauer; Andre L.S. Salomao; Inga Herrmann
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Abstract: This study assesses the performance of five decentralized wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operating under subarctic climatic conditions in northern Sweden. The investigated systems, located in the municipality of Luleå encompass a range of technologies, from conventional mechanical, biological and chemical treatment processes to a nature-based system. Six sampling campaigns are being conducted between autumn 2025 and winter 2026 to assess key physicochemical, microbiological and micropollutant parameters, including metals, pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs), antibiotics and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Preliminary results indicate substantial variability in treatment efficiency among the systems, with the constructed wetland and large-scale WWTP achieving the highest removal of total suspended solids (up to 97%). The expected outcomes will enable a comparative understanding of the retention and removal performance of emerging contaminants across different treatment configurations. These findings provide valuable insights into the operation of decentralised wastewater treatment technologies in cold climates and support the development of sustainable sanitation strategies for small communities worldwide.
Year: 2026