Constructed Wetland for Low- Cost Waste Water Treatment

Abstract

Engineered and managed wetland systems that are receiving increasing global attention for wastewater treatment and reclamation. Compared to conventional wastewater treatment plants, constructed wetlands are inexpensive and easy to operate and maintain, and they have strong potential for application in a small community. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment have developed significantly in recent decades. As an environmentally friendly treatment method, constructed wetlands can enable effective, economic and ecological treatment of agricultural, industrial and municipal wastewater. Built-up wetlands are very effective in removing organic matter and suspended matter, while nitrogen removal is relatively low, but could be improved by using a combination of different types of built-up wetlands that meet irrigation reuse standards. Phosphorus removal is usually low unless special media with high sorption capacity are used. Removing pathogens from wetland effluent to meet irrigation reuse standards is a challenge unless additional lagoons or hybrid wetland systems are used. This paper examines and also describes various case studies related to wetlands in Indian cities, including systems that include both built and natural wetlands, habitat creation and restoration.