Constructed wetlands

About Constructed wetlands:

• These are engineered structures designed to replicate the functions of natural wetlands.
• They are composed of meticulously chosen vegetation, soil and water, orchestrated to facilitate a seamless process of purification.
• Constructed wetlands are typically divided into two categories:
  • Subsurface flow (SSF): These wetlands direct wastewater through gravel beds or porous media, promoting microbial activity that degrades organic matter.
  • Surface flow (SF): These wetlands demonstrate their aesthetic appeal above the water’s surface, with gently flowing streams and lush vegetation. 
• Objective: To convert pollutants into benign compounds through natural processes.
• Unlike conventional concrete tanks, these wetlands foster biodiversity, welcoming a diverse array of life forms — ranging from microorganisms to aquatic plants and even birds — to engage in the purification process.
• India boasts several remarkable locations where constructed wetlands are utilised for wastewater treatment. 
  • One such example is the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary in Delhi, situated on the city’s outskirts.
• The Kolkata East Wetlands in West Bengal, designated as a Ramsar site, feature a vast network of natural and constructed wetlands. 
• Benefits
  • Cost-Effectiveness: In contrast to traditional treatment facilities, constructed wetlands frequently offer a more economical option for construction and upkeep. 
  • Environmental benefits: In addition to their primary role in wastewater treatment, constructed wetlands offer supplementary environmental advantages. They function as habitats for a wide array of plant and animal species, promoting biodiversity conservation.
  • Scalability and adaptability: Constructed wetlands are flexible in their scalability, able to be adjusted to fit various industrial operations and spatial limitations. 

Q1: What Are Microbes?

Microbes are organisms that are too small to be seen without using a microscope, so they include things like bacteria, archaea, and single cell eukaryotes — cells that have a nucleus, like an amoeba or a paramecium. Sometimes we call viruses microbes too.

Source: Constructed wetlands are nature’s ingenious solution for wastewater treatment in India