WETLANDS AS ACCRETING SYSTEMS: WASTEWATER TREATMENT

Abstract

Considerable attention has been directed in the last decade to the use of wetlands for wastewater treatment. They are generally very effective in reducing (by up to 95%) the concentrations of nitrogen, pathogenic bacteria and heavy metals but their efficiencies in reducing phosphorus and organic matter vary widely. While most of the processes which result in removal of wastewater constituents are qualitatively understood, quantitative data are lacking. It is therefore impossible to predict the potential of any wetland for wastewater treatment or to manage wetlands for optimum treatment efficiency. Little is known of either short- or long-term effects of wastewater addition on wetland ecosystems.