Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment

Abstract

Basic information about constructed wetlands is provided, and an emphasis is placed on constructed wetlands with subsurface flow, being the most common type of constructed wetlands in Europe. A brief account of historical development of constructed wetlands is given, including classification of constructed wetlands, main purification processes taking place in such wetlands, principal components of constructed wetlands, preliminary treatment requirements, shaping of construction wetlands, basic configuration of construction wetlands, plants and maintenance, operation in winter season, service life, and possible generation of foul odours. The theme is illustrated by an example of a recently build constructed wetland in Kaštelir. An overview of possible use of constructed wetlands in the Republic of Croatia is given in the final part of the paper.