Utilização de wetlands construídos no tratamento de águas residuais: uma visão geral

Abstract

The wastewater treatment through constructed wetlands, began in Germany in the 50s. In the Brazil the systems began in 1980, with large increases in research since 1990. There are several types of constructed wetlands: Free Surface Flow (floating, submerged or emergent plants); Subsurface Flow (horizontal or vertical), or Hybrid. Each one has different variables involved in the development of these systems, which need to be adapted to each case. The aim of this study was to survey the relevant literature in national and international articles in order to provide subsidies for the implementation of wetlands in wastewater treatment, evaluating their effectiveness in each case. For comparison, the following variables were analyzed: local characteristics, the effluent type, flow, aquatic plants, number of individuals planted per square meter, substrates, and hydraulic retention time (HRT). A review of the literature was used in order to obtain a ranking of constructed wetlands studied through the mentioned variables, to people making the decision to use this treatment or other.