A review of the potential of surface flow constructed wetlands to enhance macroinvertebrate diversity in agricultural landscapes with particular reference to Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs)

Abstract

Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs) constitute an alternative way of cleansing water in agricultural areas to conventional water treatment plants. These pond systems integrate their water treatment capabilities with other functions such as biodiversity enhancement, carbon sequestration and landscape fit, by virtue of mimicking natural wetlands. ICWs have shown to have potential to enhance macroinvertebrate diversity in agricultural areas due to their unique design flexibility. We suggest that ICWs characterised by adequate shore sloping and presence of complex habitat mosaics, as well as other design considerations, would maximise the potential of these systems to enhance macroinvertebrate diversity. In addition, it would be highly beneficial to increase the total ICW area and to increase the total number of ponds in a system accordingly from a minimum of four to at least five. This article also highlights the need not only to develop policies that focus on the creation of ICWs but also to foster a number of management practices that rely on the active involvement of farmers. The inclusion of additional ponds in selected ICW systems could be the means to inform local communities as to the importance, attractiveness and conservation value of ponds.