Comparative Analysis of Constructed Wetlands for Phytoremediation of Wastewater
Subject Areas : New Approches in Environmental and Applied EcologyMasoud Noshadi 1 * , Saeid Avazpour 2 , Zahra Eslami 3
1 - Water Engineering Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
2 - Water Engineering Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
3 - Water Engineering Department, Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Keywords: Constructed Wetlands, Green Solutions, Phytoremediation, Pollution Control, Wastewater Treatment,
Abstract :
Constructed wetlands (CWs) are engineered systems that replicate natural wetland functions to sustainably treat wastewater through phytoremediation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CW types, including free water surface flow, horizontal and vertical subsurface flow, hybrid systems, and floating treatment wetlands, highlighting their structural designs, flow regimes, and plant species used. The mechanisms of phytoremediation, such as phytoextraction and phytodegradation are examined in detail. Performance evaluations reveal that CWs effectively remove nutrients, heavy metals, pathogens, and emerging contaminants, with removal efficiencies influenced by plant selection, hydraulic retention time, and operational conditions. Applications across municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastewater treatment are reviewed, supported by global case studies. Challenges such as land requirements, seasonal variability, and limitations in emerging pollutant removal are discussed alongside perspectives for innovation, including biochar amendments, hybrid configurations, and system intensification. CWs offer a resilient, low-energy, and ecologically beneficial alternative for wastewater treatment, with significant potential in advancing integrated and circular water management strategies.
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[5] D. Q. Zhang, K. Jinadasa, R. M. Gersberg, Y. Liu, W. J. Ng, and S. K. Tan, "Application of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment in developing countries–a review of recent developments (2000–2013)," Journal of environmental management, vol. 141, pp. 116-131, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2014.03.015
[6] S. Wu et al., "Treatment of industrial effluents in constructed wetlands: challenges, operational strategies and overall performance," Environmental Pollution, vol. 201, pp. 107-120, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.03.006
[7] C. S. Akratos and V. A. Tsihrintzis, "Effect of temperature, HRT, vegetation and porous media on removal efficiency of pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands," Ecological engineering, vol. 29, no. 2, pp. 173-191, 2007. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2006.06.013
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