Constructed wetlands: a review

Scholz, M; Lee, B

Abstract

The first aim of this invited literature review is critically to review and evaluate hydrological, physical
and biochemical processes within natural and constructed wetlands. The second aim is to contribute
the thoughts of the authors to the discussion with the help of a case study focusing on gully pot
liquor treatment. The performances of constructed treatment wetlands with and without macrophytes,
and aggregates of different adsorption capacities will be assessed, principle findings highlighted and
conclusions, also relevant to the literature review, will be drawn. The relationships between aggregates,
microbial and plant communities as well as the reduction of predominantly biochemical
oxygen demand, suspended solids and heavy metals are investigated. After maturation of the
biomass, which dominates the litter zone, organic and inorganic contaminants are usually reduced
similarly for all wetland types. There appears to be no additional benefit in using macrophytes and
expensive adsorption media in constructed wetlands.

Citation

Scholz, M., & Lee, B. (2005). Constructed wetlands: a review. International Journal of Environmental Studies, 62(4), 421-447. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207230500119783

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2005
• Deposit Date: Mar 21, 2012
• Journal: International Journal of Environmental Studies
• Print ISSN: 0020-7233
• Publisher: Routledge
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 62
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 421-447
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00207230500119783
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00207230500119783