The wetland wastewater alternative

摘要

Wetlands constructed to provide wastewater treatment are increasingly popular, SCOTT WALLACE looks in detail at the two main types in use today. The use of constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment has increased dramatically in the last decade, particularly for small-scale applications such as individual homes and small villages. Interest in constructed wetlands has been driven by a variety of factors. These include enhanced enforcement of environmental standards in Europe and North America, limitations of regional sewer networks to cost-effectively serve remote areas in developed countries, and the fact that because they use local materials and labour, constructed wetlands can be readily implemented in developing countries.