Options for Improving the Effectiveness and Potentials for a Sustainable Resource Recovery in Constructed Wetlands

Abstract

This chapter is divided into two parts, one presenting the options to improve the effectiveness of constructed wetlands (CWs) by focusing into their associated problems and one investigating the potentials of sustainable resource recovery. To deal with the problematic septic tank, one particular system initiated in France aims to treat raw household wastewater solely by CWs. It has been proved to function efficiently and hence there is no need to install a septic tank. Clogging is among the major operational concerns of CWs, which its likelihood of occurrence could be reduced by incorporating earthworms into the CWs. Earthworms were also found within real-scale CWs. The treatment efficiency could even be increased if the synergy of earthworms and the biological communities can be established. On the resource side, one should make use of the plants more effectively so that they will not be wasted. Instead of using the conventional plants, which are usually burnt after harvest, an alternative plant could be applied. Several plants such as bamboo or even the system of so-called wastewater garden can be used. Further, one might think about changing the paradigm of how one perceives wastewater by applying the ecological sanitation concept. CWs can provide a key to treat grey water. These options exhibit high potentials and can be adapted to the Mediterranean region