Wetlands for wastewater treatment: Opportunities and limitations

This paper gives some introductory information on the use of wetlands for w astewater treatment. It focuses mainly on the functioning of constructed we tlands, in particular surface-flow and infiltration wetlands. The various p rocesses which lead to water purification are briefly explained, in relatio n to the factors which influence their efficiency. The possibilities for op timization of the design and management of such systems are illustrated wit h data on the functioning of a wastewater infiltration wetland in The Nethe rlands. In general, constructed wetlands can be designed to remove more tha n 90% of BOD, GOD, suspended solids and bacteriological pollution from the through-flowing wastewater. Removal of N and P remains, however closer to 5 0% in most cases. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.