Luke thompson
Optimization of two-stage solids and nutrient removal wetland treatment system operating at a fish hatchery in a cold climate
Treatment wetlands apply the biogeochemical processes found in the natural environment to reduce contaminant concentrations in polluted water. These natural characteristics along with low operation and capital costs make treatment wetlands an environmentally friendly and sustainable wastewater treatment option.
Luke Thompson, a Masters student at Montana State University, will be working with the Ennis National Fish Hatchery in employing a two-stage subsurface vertical flow treatment wetland system to treat the wastewater collected from the fish. As the current solids and nutrient loading rate on the wetland is unknown, Thompson will correlate the nutrient and solids loading rate to the mass of fish food fed to help quantify the performance of the treatment wetland and advise operational improvement for nutrient removal.