Performance evaluation of constructed wetlands: A review of arid and semi arid climatic region

Abstract

Aiming at environmental pollution control through the use of constructed wetlands systems (CWs) in arid and semi arid climatic region, a detailed review of CWs was undertaken. Given the practical application and simplicity of the technology, principles for building phytotechnology-ecohydrology environment used for wastewater remediation is appropriate. The ability of wetlands to filter, absorb and metabolize suspended and dissolved matter is the basic philosophy behind constructed wetlands. Ecohydrology is the sub-discipline shared by ecological and hydrological sciences that is concerned with the effects of hydrological processes on the distribution, structure and function of ecosystems, and on the effect of biological processes on the elements of the water cycle. It is actually the application of science and engineering to examine problems and provide solutions involving plants. This paper reviewed the efficiency of constructed wetland in arid and semi arid conditions. The use of sub surface flow (SSF) constructed wetland as a post treatment technique have been found as promising technology for wastewater treatment in arid and semi-arid areas.

Key words: Arid, ecohydrology, efficiency, phytotechnology, sub surface flow (SSF), semi-arid.