Nature in Action

The ability of wetlands to filter impurities from leachate and other wastewaters offers an actractive alternative long-term solution versus conventional treatment means.

Plants and micro-organisms play a vital role in the constructed wetlands treatment process. Plants provide an oxygen source to help sustain aerobic conditions for the micro-organisms in the wetlands, as opposed to septic or anaerobic conditions that exist in the absence of oxygen.  In addition, plant roots provide the surface area needed for micro-organisms to attach so that they can capture the contaminants in the leachate at it filters through the treatment system.

As leachate slowly flows through a constructed wetland, pollutants are removed through natural physical and biological processes.  Physical processes include entrapment, sedimentation and adsorption.  Biological processes include bacterial nitrification, denitrification and the uptake of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus.

To Learn More or to arrange facilities tours, presentations, or participate in the Constructed Wetlands project, call 798-4400 or  email.