Clemson University is evaluating pilot-scale constructed wetlands for treatment of targeted constituents in non-traditional waters for reuse in thermoelectric power plants. The non-traditional waters being investigated by this project include: ash basin waters; cooling waters; flue gas desulfurization waters; and produced waters. While contaminants in non-traditional waters vary, metals, organics, and biocides can be the most difficult to treat and can limit the utility of the waters for reuse.

Specific objectives of this research include: identifying targeted constituents for treatment in four non-traditional water sources; determining reuse or discharge criteria; configuring appropriate pilot-scale wetlands for each type of water; measuring performance of pilot-scale wetlands and removal rate coefficients for targeted constituents using analytical and toxicological techniques; determining suitability of the treated waters for reuse or discharge; and developing a decision support system for using this approach to renovate non-traditional waters.