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Fuzzy Modeling for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Estimation in Free-Water Surface Constructed Wetlands

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Abstract

Modeling nutrient behavior and estimating nutrient removal in constructed wetland systems appears essential for their effective design and operation. In this work, a fuzzy logic model has been developed and applied to predict nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency in free-water surface (FWS) constructed wetlands (CWs). Fuzzy sets and fuzzy logic models have been widely used to model uncertainty when applied to complex systems and phenomena, not easily described by traditional mathematics. In order to develop and validate a fuzzy-logic model, experimental data regarding nitrogen and phosphorus removal obtained from a two-year experiment were used. Predicted values (model) fitted well the experimental data, and this also applied for independent data from several other CWs with different design and operating conditions. Therefore, it can be concluded that this methodology constitutes a satisfactory modeling tool for nitrogen and phosphorus removal estimation in free-water surface constructed wetlands.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Ecological Engineering and Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace, Vas. Sofias 12, 67100, Xanthi, Greece

    Irini P. Kotti & Georgios K. Sylaios

  2. Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards and Proactive Planning & Laboratory of Reclamation Works and Water Resources Management, Department of Infrastructure and Rural Development, School of Rural and Surveying Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 15780, Zografou, Greece

    Vassilios A. Tsihrintzis

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  1. Irini P. Kotti
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  2. Georgios K. Sylaios
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  3. Vassilios A. Tsihrintzis
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Correspondence to Irini P. Kotti.

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Kotti, I.P., Sylaios, G.K. & Tsihrintzis, V.A. Fuzzy Modeling for Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Estimation in Free-Water Surface Constructed Wetlands. Environ. Process. 3 (Suppl 1), 65–79 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40710-016-0177-8

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