(→‎Interwiki links: link to Constructed wetlands article, moving from Greywater)
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{{topic header| default.png | Constructed wetlands}}
{{topic header| default.png | Constructed wetlands}}


A '''constructed wetland''' is an artificial ecosystem growing in a shallow basin, with plants suited to a swampy environment (hydrophytic plants).


The purpose of the constructed wetland is to deal with a [[wastewater]] stream, such as partially treated sewage or contaminated [[runoff]].


These may be used in the final stages of wastewater treatment, for "polishing" (raising the water quality from fairly clean to very clean) and in [[greywater]] treatment, before reuse.
When used in the final stages of [[wastewater treatment]], their role can be described as "polishing" (raising the water quality from fairly clean to very clean). In [[greywater]] reuse, a constructed wetland is sometimes used for [[greywater treatment|treatment]].


An overlapping term is [[reed beds]], which might be considered a synonym, or a specific type of constructed wetland.{{fact}}
An overlapping term is [[reed beds]], which might be considered a synonym, or a specific type of constructed wetland.{{fact}}
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==Suggested projects and requested content==
==Suggested projects and requested content==
*How to determine the necessary size and design of a constructed wetland? (Start a how-to: [[How to design and build a constructed wetland]].
*How to determine the necessary size and design of a constructed wetland? (Start a how-to: [[How to design and build a constructed wetland]].



Revision as of 16:32, 5 December 2012

A constructed wetland is an artificial ecosystem growing in a shallow basin, with plants suited to a swampy environment (hydrophytic plants).

The purpose of the constructed wetland is to deal with a wastewater stream, such as partially treated sewage or contaminated runoff.

When used in the final stages of wastewater treatment, their role can be described as "polishing" (raising the water quality from fairly clean to very clean). In greywater reuse, a constructed wetland is sometimes used for treatment.

An overlapping term is reed beds, which might be considered a synonym, or a specific type of constructed wetland.[verification needed]

Mosquito control should be considered as part of the design. In a balanced ecosystem, there will be predators (such as certain types of fish) to eat the mosquito larvae.

Suggested projects and requested content

Interwiki links

External links

  • Constructed wetlands by Bruce Lesikar (Extension Agricultural Engineering Specialist, the Texas A&M University System)
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