Vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) present a sustainable and energy-efficient approach to wastewater treatment, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 6, 11, and 13. These systems offer a natural method for enhancing water quality by eliminating pollutants such as suspended solids, organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus, often at a lower cost and energy footprint than conventional techniques. To further optimize VFCW performance, this study investigated the impact of artificial aeration and the incorporation of cupola slag as a filtration medium. Three distinct planted configurations were evaluated: C1 (Canna indica), C2 (Canna indica and typha), and C3 (Canna indica and Cyperus rotundus). The findings consistently demonstrated that artificial aeration and cupola slag significantly improved the removal efficiencies of suspended solids, oxygen-demanding substances, phosphorus, and nitrogen across all plant setups. These results underscore the potential of these enhancements to create more efficient, sustainable, and scalable VFCW systems for wastewater treatment.