A Seminar Report

CONSTRUCTED WETLAND FOR WASTEWATER

TREATMENT

By

ADITYA DILIP GHODESWAR

301B035

T. E. CIVIL

Under the guidance of

Ms. MRUNMAYEE N. DWSHPANDE

of

SAVITRIBAI PHULE PUNE UNIVERSITY

CIVIL ENGINEERING Department
Sinhgad College of Engineering,
Vadgaon (Bk.), Pune-411041

year 2023 - 2024

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Certificate…………………….……………………………………………………………………….…. 3
Declaration …………………..………………………………………………………………….………4
Ackonwledgement………………….………………………………………………………………. 5
Abstract……………………….…………………………………………………………………………. 6

Chapter 1 Introduction (include Aim and Objectives)

1.1 Introduction…..…………………………………………………………………………….7

1.2 Aim…………………..………………………………………………………………………..12

1.3Objectives…………….……………….…………………………………………………….12
Chapter 2 Literature Review

2.1 Case Paper 1………………………….……………………………………………………13

Chapter 3 Methodology………………………………………………………….……………..14
Chapter 4 Case Study……………………………………………………..……………………..15
Chapter 5 Conclusion………………………………………………………...…….…………..17
Chapter 6 Summary…………………………………………………………..…….…………….18
References ……………………………………………………….…………………..……………….19

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 CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that the Seminar Report

On
Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment

Submitted by
Aditya Dilip Ghodeswar

has successfully completed the Seminar Presentation under the supervision of Ms. Mrunmyee N.
Deshpande for the partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Engineering-Civil Engineering of Savitribai
Phule Pune University. This work has not been submitted elsewhere for the award of any other
degree.

Ms. Mrunmyee N. Deshpande Mr. S.S. Shastri

Name Of Guide Head of Department

Dr. S. D. Lokhande Sir

Examiner Principal

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 DECLARATION
I, hereby declare that the project report titled “Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment

” is an original work conducted by me under the guidance of Ms. Mrunmyee N. Deshpande. The report
is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for seminar on demolition of structure at CIVIL
DEPARTMENT SCOE , PUNE .

I affirm that this seminar report represents my own research efforts, findings, and analysis. Any external
sources of information used in this report have been duly acknowledged through proper citations and
references. The content presented in this report has not been submitted for any other academic purpose
or evaluation.

I acknowledge that the data collected and analyzed for this seminar report is accurate to the best of my
knowledge and has been obtained through ethical means. Any opinions or views expressed in this report
are solely my own, and I take full responsibility for them.

I hereby affirm that I have read and understood the guidelines and regulations provided by SCOE regarding
academic integrity and plagiarism. I take full responsibility for the originality and authenticity of this
seminar report.

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 Acknowledgement

I take this opportunity to thank my internal guide Ms. Mrunmyee N. Deshpande for giving me
guidance and support throughout the Seminar. Her valuable guidelines and suggestions were
very helpful.

I wish to express my thanks to Mr. Sameer Shastri sir Head of Civil Engineering Department,
Sinhgad College of Engineering Pune for giving me all the help and important suggestions all
over the Seminar Work. I thank all the teaching and non-teaching staff members, for their
indispensable support and priceless suggestions.

At the end my special thanks to Principal of Sinhgad College of Engineering Pune for providing
ambience in the college, which motivates us to work.

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 ABSTRACT

Constructed wetlands are engineered and managed wetland systems that are increasingly
receiving worldwide attention for wastewater treatment and reclamation. Compared to
conventional treatment plants, constructed wetlands are cost-effective and easily operated and
maintained, and they have a strong potential for application in a small community. Constructed
wetlands for wastewater treatment have substantially developed in the last decades. As an eco-
friendly treatment process, constructed wetlands may enable the effective, economical, and
ecological treatment of agricultural, industrial, and municipal wastewater. Constructed wetlands
are very effective in removing organics and suspended solids, whereas the removal of nitrogen is
relatively low, but could be improved by using a combination of various types of constructed
wetlands meeting the irrigation reuse standards.

It has been well recognized that the representative activated sludge process as the
principal wastewater treatment technology is not only expensive but requires supervision
by technical staff. In line with the need for simple, inexpensive, yet effective methods of
wastewater treatment, constructed wetland (CW) is an alternative option and has been
increasingly applied for wastewater treatment practice worldwide.

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Chapter 1

Introduction
Constructed wetland are engineered system that use natural vegetation, soil and organisms to treat
wastewater.

Wetlands can be used for primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments of domestic wastewater, storm
wastewater, combined sewer overflows (CSF), overland runoff, and industrial wastewater such as
landfill leachate and petrochemical industries wastewater. The most common systems are designed
with horizontal subsurface flow (HF CWs) but vertical flow (VF CWs) systems are getting more
popular at present.

A constructed wetland is a shallow basin filled with some sort of filter material (substrate), usually
sand or gravel, and planted with vegetation tolerant of saturated conditions. Wastewater is
introduced into the basin and flows over the surface or through the substrate and is discharged out
of the basin through a structure which controls the depth of the wastewater in the wetland.

There are two main types of wetlands: -

1. Surface flow
2. Subsurface flow: - vertical flow
Horizontal flow
1. Surface Flow (SF):
- In a surface flow constructed wetland, water flows above the ground or just below the surface
of the wetland bed.
- This type of flow mimics the natural wetland system, where water moves slowly over the
surface of the wetland vegetation.
- The vegetation and substrate (soil or gravel) in the wetland help remove pollutants and enhance
water quality by providing physical filtration, absorption, and biological treatment.
- Surface flow wetlands are often used for the treatment of wastewater or stormwater and can be
designed with various configurations, such as free water surface flow (FWS) or baffled flow
wetlands.

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2. Subsurface Flow (SSF):
- In a subsurface flow constructed wetland, water flows below the surface of the wetland bed
through a layer of porous medium (usually gravel or sand) and sometimes a layer of wetland
vegetation roots.
- The subsurface flow promotes an anaerobic (low oxygen) environment, which can be beneficial
for certain types of pollutant removal, particularly nitrogen and some heavy metals.
- Subsurface flow wetlands are often designed as horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) or vertical
flow wetlands (VSSF).
- The porous medium in SSF wetlands provides a large surface area for the growth of beneficial
microorganisms that help break down and remove contaminants from the water.

The choice between surface flow and subsurface flow in a constructed wetland depends on the
specific water quality treatment goals and the nature of the pollutants to be removed. Sometimes,
a combination of both surface and subsurface flow may be used to achieve the desired water
treatment efficiency. Additionally, the design of the wetland, the choice of vegetation, and the
hydraulic loading rate are important factors that affect the performance of constructed wetlands in
treating water.
There are two types in subsurface wetland: -
I. Vertical flow wetland
II. Horizontal flow wetland

VERTICAL FLOW WETLAND DIA.1

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 HORIZONTAL FLOW WETLAND DIA.2

Components of constructed wetland

• Excavated Basin
• Lining material to prevent leakage of wastewater.
• Wetland plants
• Gravel
• Inlet and Outlet to uniform flow distribution
• Adjustable water level control device at outlet

Plant use for constructed wetland commonly in India:-

• 1.Canna indica

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• Heliconia Augusta

• Canna Generali’s

• Polyanthus tuberosa

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Wetland plant actually absorb metals up to their tissue and the goal of any wetland is create
maximum contact between dirty water and roots of plant.
1. Wastewater Inflow:
• Wastewater or stormwater is directed into the constructed wetland. This water may
contain pollutants such as organic matter, nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus),
suspended solids, and even heavy metals.

2. Physical Filtration:
• As the water flows through the wetland, the physical structure of the wetland acts
as a filter. Large debris and suspended solids settle out of the water column and are
trapped by the wetland substrate, creating a natural sedimentation process.
3. Biological Processes:
• The wetland is typically planted with a variety of aquatic plants (macrophytes).
These plants play a crucial role in water treatment:
• Uptake and Storage: Macrophytes absorb nutrients and some contaminants
like heavy metals through their roots.
• Microbial Activity: Beneficial microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi,
and algae, thrive in the wetland substrate and help break down organic
matter and pollutants through processes like biodegradation and
nitrification.
4. Chemical Transformation:
• In the wetland, chemical reactions can occur that transform or immobilize
pollutants. For instance, in the presence of oxygen, ammonia in the water may be
converted to nitrate through nitrification. This makes nutrients less harmful to
aquatic ecosystems.
5. Nutrient Uptake:
• Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus are readily taken up by the aquatic plants.
This reduces nutrient concentrations in the water, preventing eutrophication in
downstream water bodies.
6. Retention Time:

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 • The slow flow of water through the wetland increases the retention time. This
allows for extended contact between the water and the biological and chemical
processes within the wetland, further enhancing treatment.
7. Dissolved Oxygen Levels:
• Vegetation in the wetland adds oxygen to the water, promoting aerobic conditions
that are conducive to microbial processes.
8. Outflow and Discharge:
• Treated water exits the constructed wetland with reduced levels of contaminants,
improved water quality, and a lower risk of negatively impacting downstream
aquatic ecosystems.

Aim

To understand the use of constructed wetland for wastewater treatment

Objectives of study

• Removal of contaminants

• Phosphorus removal

• Suspended solids

• Pathogen removal

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Chapter 2

Literature Review
❖ A review of constructed wetland on type, treatment and technology of wastewater
panelDivyesh Parde a, Aakash Patwa a, Amol Shukla b, Ritesh Vijay Ph. D b, Deepak
J. Killedar Ph. D a, Rakesh Kumar Ph. D. 2021.

This paper discusses the importance of constructed wetlands in wastewater treatment, their
effectiveness in handling various wastewater types, and the factors affecting their performance. It
highlights the significance of media selection and vegetation choices, emphasizing the removal of
pollutants.

❖ International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) http://www.ijert.org

Constructed Wetlands - Natural Treatment of Wastewater Mrs. Snehal Bhaskar Thamke, Dr.
Arif Khan Published by: www.ijert.org Vol. 10 Issue 06, June-2021

It covers the advantages and limitations of constructed wetlands, and it highlights the
differences between natural and constructed wetlands. It also includes case studies from
India, showcasing the effectiveness of wetland systems in treating various types of
wastewater and the use of different plant species for treatment.

❖ . Constructed treatment wetland: Glance of development and future perspectives

Panel Yaqian Zhao, Bin Ji , Ranbin Liu , Baiming Ren , Ting Wei. 2021.
o Updated CW technology was reviewed.

o Use of CW for water recycling as irrigation and greywater reuse was discussed.

o Use of CW for source water pre-treatment is highlighted.

❖ Design, Operation and Optimization of Constructed Wetland for Removal of

Pollutant by Mohd Izuan Effendi Bin Halmi, Mohd Yusoff Bin Abd Samad, Md
Kamal Uddin, 2020.
o This review discusses the use of ornamental flowering plants (OFP) in constructed
wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment. It highlights their diverse applications globally
and their effectiveness in removing various pollutants, including organic matter,
nutrients, and metals.

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Chapter 3

Methodology

Constructed wetlands are a natural wastewater treatment system that uses natural
geochemical and biological processes in a wetland ecosystem to treat the
contaminants. The whole process is mediated by complex interactions between water,
plants, soil/gravel media, microorganisms, and the atmosphere by using the power of
nature and energy from the sun . Constructed wetlands can be used to treat waste from
sludge dewatering, landfill leachate, mine drainage, stormwater, industries, domestic or
municipal purpose, and agricultural activities Constructed wetland is a cost-effective and
technically feasible approach to treat wastewater that is not only less expensive to
construct but also has low operational and maintenance expenses. Unlike other
wastewater treatment methods, it is aesthetically pleasing and eliminates odors
associated with wastewater

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Chapter 4

Case study
The constructed wetland project at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in Delhi is a
significant and commendable initiative for sewage treatment and environmental sustainability.
Here's an outline of some key points and considerations related to this project:

1. Project Scope and Objectives:

- The project involves the construction of a constructed wetland on the IARI Delhi campus,
covering an area of 1.42 hectares.

- The primary objective is to treat raw sewage from the nearby Krishi Kunj Colony for
agricultural use.

2. Capacity:

- The constructed wetland is designed to handle and treat two million liters of sewage per day,
showcasing its potential for large-scale wastewater treatment.

3. Source of Raw Sewage:

- The source of the raw sewage is the Krishi Kunj Colony, which is located adjacent to IARI's
campus.

4. Treated Wastewater Reuse:

- Treated wastewater from the wetland is repurposed for agricultural use, emphasizing
sustainable water management and resource conservation.

5. Construction Cost:

- The one-time construction cost incurred for this project was Rs 1.4 crore, which indicates a
significant investment in sustainable wastewater treatment infrastructure.

6. Wetland Components:

- The wetland consists of three treatment tanks or cells and one treated-water holding tank, which
are integral to the wastewater treatment process.

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The constructed wetland project at IARI Delhi serves as an excellent example of sustainable and
environmentally responsible sewage treatment and reuse. Such projects play a crucial role in
addressing water pollution and ensuring the efficient use of water resources for agricultural
purposes, contributing to both environmental and agricultural sustainability.

Wastewater Treatment Process: - Raw sewage collected from the Krishi Kunj Colony enters into
one sump where all the coarse particles are settled down. The wastewater is then pumped into the
second sump for additional sedimentation process. For overcome the clogging problems all the
sumps were cleaned periodically. After that all the wastewater enters towards grit chamber which
have broken pieces of bricks to eliminate any floating matter, finally it goes to the wetland beds.
The wastewaters in the CW beds are retained for 2.2 days. Each bed is covered with 60 cm thick
layer of stones, on which plant species such as Phragmites, Typha and Acorus are planted. The
final treated water is collected in the holding tank and distributed through a riser pipe to IARI’s
fields.

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Chapter 5

Conclusion

• Economical alternative over conventional methods.

• Application of constructed wetland technology for commercial wastewater

treatment signifies a step towards “green technology”.

• They provide a wide range of benefits in wastewater treatment and represent

economic benefits in terms of energy consumption.

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Chapter 6
Summary

Constructed wetlands are engineered systems that use natural vegetation, soil, and organisms to
treat various wastewater types, including domestic, stormwater, and industrial effluents. They
come in two main types: surface flow and subsurface flow, with subtypes like vertical and
horizontal flow. These wetlands employ physical filtration, biological processes, and chemical
transformations to remove contaminants and enhance water quality. Wetland plants play a pivotal
role in nutrient and heavy metal uptake. The study aims to understand the use of constructed
wetlands for wastewater treatment, focusing on contaminant removal, particularly phosphorus,
suspended solids, and pathogens. The efficiency of these wetlands lies in their natural processes
and controlled water flow, resulting in improved water quality upon discharge.

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Chapter 7

References
❖ A review of constructed wetland on type, treatment and technology of wastewater
panelDivyesh Parde , Aakash Patwa , Amol Shukla , Ritesh Vijay Ph. D , Deepak
J. Killedar Ph. D , Rakesh Kumar Ph. D. 2021.

❖ International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT) http://www.ijert.org

Constructed Wetlands - Natural Treatment of Wastewater Mrs. Snehal Bhaskar Thamke, Dr.
Arif Khan Published by : www.ijert.org Vol. 10 Issue 06, June-2021.

❖ Constructed treatment wetland: Glance of development and future perspectives

Panel Yaqian Zhao, Bin Ji , Rambin Liu , Baiming Ren , Ting Wei. 2021.
Updated CW technology was reviewed.

❖ Design, Operation and Optimization of Constructed Wetland for Removal of

Pollutant by Mohd Izuan Effendi Bin Halmi, Mohd Yusoff Bin Abd Samad, Md Kamal
Uddin, 2020.
❖ Vymazal, J. Horizontal sub-surface flow and hybrid constructed wetlands for wastewater
treatment. Ecol. Eng. 2019, 25, 478-490.

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