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Long-term Evaluation of Constructed Wetland Efficiency for Domestic Wastewater Treatment under Temperate Climatic Conditions in Beijing, China

Author(s): Zeyuan Liu 1 , Le Hien 1 , Le Duc Anh Tuan 2 , Nguyen Thi Xuyen 3
Author(s) information:
1 University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.1 Yanqihu East Rd, Huairou District, Beijing 101408, PR China
2 Southern Bus Station Service and Management Center, Department of Construction of Quang Tri Province, Vietnam
3 Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Viet-Hung Industrial University, No. 88, 419 St., Tay Phuong, Hanoi, Vietnam

Corresponding author

This study evaluated the long-term performance of a constructed wetland (CW) system for domestic wastewater treatment under temperate climatic conditions in Beijing, China. The system, with a capacity of 400 m³/day serving approximately 3,500 people, was monitored over four years. The results showed stable treatment performance, with average effluent concentrations of COD 30.04 ± 8.49 mg/l, BOD₅ 10.53 ± 3.12 mg/l, TSS 8.87 ± 3.38 mg/l, TN 12.34 ± 2.88 mg/l, TP 0.54 ± 0.16 mg/l, and NH₄⁺ 4.85 ± 1.15 mg/l, all meeting the Chinese discharge standard GB 18918-2002 (Level IB). Removal efficiencies were higher for organic matter and TSS (up to 76.49% and 84.52% in summer) than for nutrients (TN 66.62%, TP 55.61%, NH₄⁺ 49.68%). Seasonal variation significantly affected performance, with winter efficiencies decreasing to 57.87% (COD) and 41.50% (NH₄⁺). Correlation analysis indicated that temperature was the dominant factor (r = 0.637–0.638, p < 0.01), while influent characteristics had moderate effects (r = 0.405–0.479). These results demonstrate that CW systems provide a stable and effective solution for decentralized wastewater treatment, although optimization is required to improve performance under low-temperature conditions.

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About this article

SUBMITTED: 13 May 2026
ACCEPTED: 07 June 2026
PUBLISHED: 9 June 2026
SUBMITTED to ACCEPTED: 25 days
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v4i1.1192

Cite this article
Liu, Z. ., Hien, L., Tuan, L. D. A. ., & Xuyen, N. T. (2026). Long-term Evaluation of Constructed Wetland Efficiency for Domestic Wastewater Treatment under Temperate Climatic Conditions in Beijing, China. Tropical Environment, Biology, and Technology, 4(1), 44−55. https://doi.org/10.53623/tebt.v4i1.1192
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