Sustainability of Constructed Wetlands for Wastewater Treatment
摘要
As a nature-based solution, constructed wetlands (CWs) have gained widespread application in sustainable water and wastewater treatment and offer multiple environmental and societal benefits. They function as bioreactors, utilizing various plant species, to enhance water quality by removing pollutants from agricultural drainage and municipal wastewater. CWs have drawn more attention in recent years, mainly because of their affordability, ease of use and maintanence, and environmental friendliness. CWs’ ease of modifying their design for a particular application has led to their application in the treatment of various pollutants from water and wastewater. Recent studies highlight their capacity to address emerging contaminants like per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, demonstrating removal efficiencies that vary by wetland type, with mechanisms including adsorption by substrates and plant roots. Additionally, CWs contribute to improve overall ecosystem services, making them vital for integrated water management and sustainability. Their multifunctional benefits encompass stormwater management, biodiversity enhancement, and recreational opportunities, underscoring their role in promoting resilient built environments. Thus, CWs represent a promising strategy for addressing water quality challenges while supporting ecological health. In this chapter, an overview of various CWs, their mechanism in contaminant removal, limitations, and future perspectives is summarized.