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About the Author History Natural Wetlands Human Use Constructed Wetland Designs Plants and Planting Animals Microbes Biogeochemical Cycling Greenhouse Gases Conclusion References |
 Conventional Wastewater Treatment Since the advent of modern chemistry and water
handling, governments have dictated that the proper way to deal with wastewaters
is to build large treatment facilities that separate, oxygenate, settle,
anaerobicly digested, and clarify water before having a spot of bleach added,
then sending it back out into the environment.  Constructed Wetland Wastewater Treatment Through many studies (Braker et al, 1998, Knowles 2000, Patureau et al, 2000, Zumft 1997), it is becoming increasingly clear that the hi tech, high intensity, high cost, and incredibly ugly modern treatment facilities exploit same microbial communities from natural wetland systems that are present in the environmentally friendly low cost, low intensity, and esthetically more pleasing constructed wetland treatment sites. Artificial wetland systems can and have been applied to the remediation of a range of municipal, industrial, and agricultural wastes as well as landfill seepage. Systems have also been used to remediate petroleum spills and other hydrocarbon contaminants, as well as storm water handling. Along with the greater flexibility of the systems to handle very diverse pollutant loads many other benefits have been identified with the use of constructed wetlands for the handling of wastewater. Constructed wetland systems have been shown to provide habitat for many wetland species such as amphibians, fish, migratory birds, and invertebrates. Systems can be planted with agricultural corps (rice) that can be harvested or even medicinal (Jewel Weed) and cosmetic products (Bee Balm) have been shown to be possible vegetative cover that can be utilized with out the need to truck sludge to be spread on fields (also reducing the need for added agricultural space). The wetland systems also have an innate ability to reduce flooding during high precipitation events through substrate and emergent macrophite friction, and also may be used to recharge ground water supplies if appropriately designed.  |
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Wetlands Ecology and Management Contact: mcunning@uvm.edu, University of Vermont Page created/updated: 02/10/2006 |