Taking account to the scarcity of information about the influence of different macrophytes in environmental conditions of constructed wetlands (CWs), the redox potential (Eh) of swine wastewater (SW) was monitored under treatment in 5 CWs beds (24.0 x 1.0 x 0.7 m). After previous treatment in filters, SW was treated in CWs under a flow rate of 0.8 m³ d-1 with residence time of approximately 4.8 d. In CW#1, CW#2 and CW#3, were planted, respectively, cattail (Typha latifolia L.), alternanthera (Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb) and Tifton-85 bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon Pers.). In CW#4 (multivegetated) was planted althernanthera (1st third of CW), cattail (2nd third of CW) and Tifton-85 (last third of CW). The CW#5 was monitored as the control bed (unvegetated). Samples were collected in the following points: influent and effluent of the filters and at 4; 8; 12; 16; 20 and 24 m (exit) of each CW. The values of Eh in the influents of the CWs ranged between -18 and -152 mV, however, there was a predominance of anoxic/aerobic conditions, usually from 4 m of the disposal of SW in CWs. The CWs effluents showed Eh that ranged from 53 to 226 mV. There was a tendency for more rapid oxygenation of the wastewater in CW#1, cultivated with cattail and, from 12 m-length in beds, the Eh of the environment was similar in all CWs.
macrophytes; redox potential; swine production; wastewater treatment; wetlands
