System Schematic

Constructed Wetlands

Pollutants

Aquatic and Soil Filters

Water Reuse

Pro's and Con's

Constructed Wetland Cell 1

Constructed Wetland Cell 2

Solar Valve& Splitter valve

Wetland Plants

Constructed Wetlands provide a highly effective and relatively inexpensive alternative to conventional wastewater treatment facilities.

The traditional definition of a constructed wetland is given by (Hammer 1989) as "a designed and man-made complex of saturated substrates, emergent and submergent vegetation, animal life, and water that simulates natural wetlands for human use and benefits." A wetland, constructed or otherwise, develops anaerobic conditions periodically and supports vegetation designed to thrive in oxygen-deficient soils.

The benefits of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment are:

1. They are relatively inexpensive to construct and operate.
2. They are easy to maintain.
3. They provide effective and reliable wastewater treatment
4. They can tolerate both great and small volumes of water and varying contaminant levels.
5. They can be aesthetically pleasing and provide habitat for wildlife and human enjoyment. (Hammer and Bastian, 1989)

The disadvantages of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment are:

1. Depending on the design, they may require a relatively large land area compared to a conventional facility.
2. The design and operating criteria for this new science are not yet precise.
3. The biological and hydrological processes within a constructed wetland are not yet well understood.
4. There may be possible problems with pests. (Hammer and Bastian, 1989)