Performance enhancement of constructed wetlands for wastewater remediation by modifications and integration of technologies: A review

Abstract

Constructed wetland (CW) has gained popularity as an eco‐friendly technology for ease of operation and maintenance. This article critically reviews and summarizes the research carried out to date on several approaches for integration of CW with other methods of treatment, exploring several novel modes of operation and factors, to improve the remediation capacity of the CW system. The study shows that the use of different modes of aeration, recirculation of the effluent, hydraulic retention time, and organic loading rate not only improves the removal efficiency of the treatment system but also helps in reducing the surface area required for the system in the treatment of emerging contaminants. The integrated approach analysis gives an insight into the different technologies, which can be coupled with CW for fast, sustainable, and eco‐efficient treatment systems for different types of wastewater. Anaerobic technologies and microbial fuel cell (MFC) have the added advantage of energy generation apart from wastewater treatment, which helps in reducing carbon footprints. Optimization of pollutant treatment in wastewater and electricity generation by CW‐MFC has emerged to be an upcoming area of research. The study disseminates knowledge about the latest developments in the field of intensified CW technology with a focus on modifications and integrated systems, which help in identifying the potential areas of research worth addressing in the future.