Constructed wetland
A constructed wetland is an engineered system that uses wetland plants, substrates, and microbial processes to treat water or manage runoff.
Subsurface flow constructed wetland: A constructed wetland that moves water through a porous bed beneath the surface. Its hidden flow path brings water into contact with roots and biofilms while limiting surface exposure.
Wetland: An ecosystem where water saturates the soil or covers it for part or all of the year. Constructed wetlands reproduce selected wetland functions in designed treatment systems.
Wastewater treatment: The removal of contaminants from used water before reuse or release to the environment. Constructed wetlands provide an ecological treatment option for municipal and other wastewater.
Waste stabilization pond: A shallow engineered pond that treats wastewater through natural physical, chemical, and biological processes. Ponds use open-water treatment, whereas many constructed wetlands route water through planted beds.
Eutrophication: Excess nutrient enrichment of water that can trigger algal growth and oxygen depletion. Removing nitrogen and phosphorus can reduce nutrient loading that contributes to eutrophication.
Free water surface constructed wetland: A constructed wetland in which water flows above the soil or substrate surface. Its shallow open water supports sedimentation, plant uptake, and microbial treatment.
Phytoremediation: The use of plants to remove, contain, or transform contaminants in soil or water. Wetland vegetation supports pollutant uptake and creates habitat for treatment microbes.
Stormwater management: The control of runoff from rain or snowmelt to reduce flooding and pollution. Wetland systems can detain runoff and capture suspended solids and associated pollutants.
Membrane bioreactor: A wastewater treatment process combining biological degradation with membrane filtration. It offers compact, controlled treatment in contrast to land-intensive wetland systems.
Phosphorus removal: The reduction of phosphorus in water through processes such as uptake, settling, or sorption. Phosphorus retention can be strong initially but may weaken as binding capacity is exhausted.