Constructed Wetlands – Pollutant Removal Mechanisms

Upon completion of this course you will: Understand the mechanisms of separation and transformation of suspended solids in a constructed wetland and how the constructed wetland could potentially increase solids levels. Know how organic matter is removed in a constructed wetland and how increases in dissolved organic matter could occur. Have learned how nitrogen is removed in a constructed wetland and the seasons of the year when removal will be greatest. Understand how phosphorus is removed in a constructed wetland and why effluent concentrations may be higher than influent concentrations during some seasons of the year. Know how wetlands affect the fate of pathogens in the wastewater. Have learned how trace metals and other contaminants are removed in a constructed wetland. Recognize how removal mechanisms differ between free water surface wetlands and vegetated submerged beds. Understand the basic concepts of modeling the effluent from a constructed wetland.