2022 Early Hearing Detection & Intervention Virtual Conference

March 13 - 15, 2022

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6/06/2017  |   10:15 AM - 10:30 AM   |  STRATEGIC EXPANSION OF CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS TO TREAT RURAL WASTEWATER CAN ACCELERATE IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERSHED HEALTH   |  301B

STRATEGIC EXPANSION OF CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS TO TREAT RURAL WASTEWATER CAN ACCELERATE IMPROVEMENTS IN WATERSHED HEALTH

Despite dedicated efforts, pollutant reduction goals have not been achieved in many watersheds. Other target pollutant sources and treatment methods should be identified to accelerate these efforts. Research has demonstrated that constructed wetlands can reduce many pollutants that commonly degrade watershed health; however, the use of these systems is not widespread in many regions. Strategic location of constructed wetlands seems a viable alternative to provide additional treatment to rural wastewater, an often ignored pollutant source. For example, small package wastewater plants, often numerous across rural watersheds, often treat ammonium efficiently but discharge significant amounts of unregulated nitrate, a key contributor to eutrophication. Small constructed wetlands could be installed to intercept and denitrify a significant amount of nitrate before it reaches surface water. A recent survey in NC revealed that of the thousands of permitted package plants and rural wastewater facilities, only six constructed wetlands (sized between 0.4 – 17 ha) provided some level of secondary or tertiary treatment. Despite their promise, many factors must be overcome to realize the full benefits low-cost constructed wetlands can provide to these watersheds.

  • S04 Natural and Constructed Wetlands – improving water quality and watershed health
  • S04 Natural and Constructed Wetlands – improving water quality and watershed health
  • S04 Natural and Constructed Wetlands – improving water quality and watershed health

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Presenters/Authors

Michael Burchell (), NC State University, mike_burchell@ncsu.edu;


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