Constructed wetlands represent a viable alternative to conventional treatment systems for wastewater treatment. The efficiency of this low O&M systems is known for organics, suspended solids, nitrogen and phosphorus and therefore, the research is aimed at emerging pollutants such as PPCP, i.e., farmaceuticals and personal care products. Besides constructed wetlands, also natural wetlands are used to remove nutrients and pesticides from tile drainage waters.
Applied outcomes of the research and further potential applications of the research:
- Elimination of pharmaceuticals in constructed wetlands is very promising process which offers cheap alternative to conventional treatment systems.
- Suitably modified natural wetlands, namely in floodplains of small streams, may retain large amounts of nutrients and pesticides and protect larger streams and reservoirs.
- In the Czech Republic, there are more than 2,500 small settlements (less than 500 PE) with no wastewater treatment. Constructed wetlands offer a suitable solution for these settlements.
Keywords:
wastewater, nitrogen, phosphorus, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, drainage waters, natural wetlands, constructed wetlands, wastewater treatment