Constructed wetlands: A future alternative wastewater treatment technology

Abstract

Wastewater treatment will always pose problems if there are no new alternative technologies in place to replace the currently available technologies. More recently, it has been estimated that developing countries will run out of water by 2050. This is a course for concern not only to the communities but also a challenge to the scientist to find new ways of wastewater recycling. Water losses can be avoided through implementation of easy and inexpensive technologies for wastewater treatment. Environmental concerns over insufficiently performing septic systems and high expenses in the construction of sewer systems as well as their operations with centralized water purification systems have spurred investigation into the appropriateness of the use of wetland technology for wastewater treatment. Constructed wetland efficiency and potential application in wastewater treatment has been reported decades ago. However, the logistics and research for their commercial applications in wastewater treatment has not been documented in details. Research has shown that wetland systems can achieve high treatment efficiencies with regards to both organic and inorganic nutrients as well as pathogen removal if properly managed and efficiently utilized. This can have a profound effect in the management and conservation of our scarce and yet depleting water resources.

Unraveling the Composition of the Root-Associated Bacterial Microbiota of Phragmites australis and Typha latifolia

“…These plants can adapt to different abiotic conditions and, therefore, have a worldwide diffusion ( Bellavance and Brisson, 2010 ; Li et al, 2013 ). In addition, these are perennial plants capable of performing the water cleaning process over consecutive years ( Tsyusko et al, 2005 ; Mthembu et al, 2013 ; Srivastava et al, 2014 ; Bonanno and Cirelli, 2017 ; Eller et al, 2017 ) and finally, thanks to a rhizomatous propagation, can promptly colonize wetlands areas ( Dhir, 2013 ; Juneau and Tarasoff, 2013 ). However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning the process of phytodepuration in wetlands are yet to be fully elucidated.…”

Effectiveness of the Horizontal, Vertical and Hybrid Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland Systems in Polishing Municipal Wastewater

“…Constructed wetlands are considered to be the best choice to treat wastewater since they are economical and effective in pollutants removal (William, 1999;Mthembu et al, 2013). Vegetation plays a critical role in the performance of constructed wetlands and hence selection of the most efficient vegetation type is important.…”

Growth Characteristics of <i>Fuirena umbellata</i> in a Surface Flow Constructed Wetland and Its Influence in Nutrients and Faecal Bacteria Removal from Domestic Wastewater in Cameroon

“…Vegetated bed systems (VBS) are used all over the world as cost effective alternative for wastewater treatment [5] [6]. They are engineered systems constructed to mimic the natural processes in wetlands and to exploit them artificially for wastewater treatment [7] and [8].…”