Potential of Constructed W otential of Constructed Wetlands for the T etlands for the Treatment of Hea eatment of Heavy Metals from Wastewater

Abstract

Overpopulation, urbanization, and economic race increase the pressure on freshwater resources resulted in water scarcity challenges around the globe. Moreover, the generation of wastewater also enhancing the scarcity threats for freshwater resources. Water scarcity issues forced the policymaker, thinker, scientist, and researcher to think about nonconventional water resources to cope with the increasing demands. Because of this wastewater recycling and treatment play an evident role to fulfill the growing demand for freshwater in socioeconomic sectors especially, for agriculture due to its 70 % dependency on freshwater resources. Different wastewater treatment methods along with merits and demerits are in practice for the socio-economic system. Constructed wetlands are environment friendly and cost-effective technology to remove metal and non-metal pollutants from contaminated water. This paper aims to compile information about heavy metals' effects and their treatment through constructed wetlands. It also reviews intensely the potential of different types of constructed wetlands by using different aq uatic plant species for the removal of contaminants from wastewater.

Keywords

• water scarcity
• phytoremediation
• wetland plants
• heavy metals
• water pollution.