101
To date, five rain events have been recorded and analysed (three in October and two in
November). Figure 2 displays some of the results obtained for the analysed rain events:
October 28 (Figure 2 left) and October 29 (Figure 2 Right). These initial results show that
the constructed-wetland delays runoff hydrographs (k) between 17 and 21 minutes, which
is mainly a function of the rainfall’s total duration. In addition, the volumes retained by the
system vary between 42% and 82% of the total rainfall volume entering the system, a
situation dependent upon the antecedent dry period.
Figure 3. Hydrographs of two rainfall events: October 28 (Figure 2 left) and October 29
(Figure 2 Right), Q
vert1
is the flow rate of system entry and Q
vert2
is the flow rate of system
output.
The first phase of our research entails the implementation of the monitoring system, a step
designed to simulate the behaviour of the constructed-wetland/reservoir-tank. The next
phase will be the installation of quality sensors (online turbidity sensors and UV-Vis
spectrometers). Using these data, we plan to build an online decision-making system to
prevent water quality degradation throughout the storage process.
From February 2014, we plan to start sampling campaigns in order to establish the removal
capacity of the system in terms of Cd, Hg, Mn and Pb, including both the role of plants and
substrate.
References
BOELEE, E.; YOHANNES, M.; PODA, J.; MCCARTNEY, M.; CECCHI, P.; KIBRET,
S.; HAGOS, F.; LAAMRANI, H. (2012) Options for water storage and rainwater
harvesting to improve health and resilience against climate change in Africa. Regional
Environmental Change, 13,3, 509-519
BROWN, R.R.; DAVIES, P. (2007) Understanding community receptivity to water re-use:
Ku-ring-gai Council case study.
Water Sci. Technol.
55, 4, 283–290.
COOMBES, P.; ARGUE, J.; AND KUCZERA, G. (2000) Figtree Place: a case study in
water sensitive urban development (WSUD).
Urban Water
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EEA.(2012) Towards efficient use of water resources in Europe. European Environment
Agency, EEA Report No1/2012, 68pp. Copenhagen
