Constructed wetlands for urban wastewater treatment : an overview

Constructed wetlands (CWs) have become a standard option for urban wastewater treatment since their conception in the 1960s. These man-made wetlands combine several ecosystem services of wetlands, primarily water purification, but also including biomass production, habitat provision, and cooling. This chapter provides an overview of the most important types of CWs, of the most important treatment processes that occur, and summarizes several recent advances and developments. Finally, some important criteria are given to help setup and manage a CW project.Constructed wetlands (CWs) have become a standard option for urban wastewater treatment since their conception in the 1960s. These man-made wetlands combine several ecosystem services of wetlands, primarily water purification, but also including biomass production, habitat provision, and cooling. This chapter provides an overview of the most important types of CWs, of the most important treatment processes that occur, and summarizes several recent advances and developments. Finally, some important criteria are given to help setup and manage a CW project.B