Constructed wetlands for environmental pollution control: A review of developments, research and practice in Ireland

Abstract

For the purpose of synthesizing a compendium of efforts aimed at environmental pollution control through the use of constructed wetlands systems (CWs) in Ireland, a detailed review of CWs was undertaken. Emphasis was placed on the diverse range of development, practice and researches on CWs technology, placing them in the overall context of the need for lowcost and sustainable wastewater treatment systems. The potential use of CWs in protecting estuarine quality within the current legislative framework is considered, as well as the emerging concept of integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs). In addition, an assessment of the efficiency of CWs in operation in Ireland towards abating environmental pollution was done, and compared with CWs operating in other European countries. The need for sufficient and appropriate data to assist in further development of CWs and modelling studies, and instilling confidence in the public is also highlighted.

An Innovative Solution for Managing Waterworks Sludge: Developing an Alum Sludge-Based Multistage Constructed Wetland System for Wastewater Treatment

“…In addition to the enhanced P removal efficiency of the system, significant removals of both BOD 5 and COD were also achieved in the system which again, illustrates the development of biofilm coupled with intensive biological activities inside the system. Fig.…”

“…Fig. 2 (bottom) shows the performance of the system for the removal of BOD 5 and COD. It can be seen that average removal efficiencies of 90.6 % for BOD 5 which indicates very high biodegradability.…”

“…At specific periods during each operational week, wastewater samples were collected from the feed tank, and from the inlet and outlet of each stage of the system and analyzed for BOD 5 , COD and P-PO 4 3-(including both SRP determined on filtered samples, and RP determined on unfiltered samples). BOD 5 and COD were analysed using the dilution method and the closed reflux titrimetric method respectively according to sections 5210-B and 5220-C of the Standard Examination of Water and Wastewater [10].…”

“…BOD 5 and COD were analysed using the dilution method and the closed reflux titrimetric method respectively according to sections 5210-B and 5220-C of the Standard Examination of Water and Wastewater [10]. All P analyses were done using a Hach DR/2400 spectrophotometer.…”

“…CWs have been used successfully worldwide as one of the most popular technologies to treat various types of wastewaters [2][3][4][5]. They are considered to be efficient and at the same time economically and environmentally attractive and sustainable.…”