A Review on Constructed Wetlands Components and Heavy Metal Removal from Wastewater

Abstract

Constructed wetlands are man-made complex of substrates, emergent/submergent vegetation, and water. Constructed wetlands have been known as an efficient and low-cost treatment process. Constructed wetland is a natural treatment system that physical, chemical, and biological processes occur when water, soil, plants, and microorganisms interact. They are considered as natural treatment ecosystems that are designed to take advantages of the natural processes to provide wastewater treatment. Constructed wetlands treat different types of wastewaters such as municipal, industrial, agricultural, and storm water. The removal of heavy metals within wetlands is performed generally by plant uptake and by adsorption onto sediments. Heavy metal treatment examples and some specifications and regulations are finally discussed.