5. Wetland Technology, Wastewater Treatment

Question 1

What is ecological engineering/ eco technology?

Answer 1

• “design of sustainable natural and artificial ecosystems that interstate human society with its natural environment for the benefit of both”
• used scientific principles to solve pollution problems, usually involve energy and resource intensive operations (example : settling tanks, scrubbers, filters)

Question 2

What are the 4 basic principles of ecological engineering?

Answer 2

1. Self design : self organization of species shifts and food chain reorganization in ecosystems adapting to change.
2. Sustainable ecosystems : once designed & created, should sustain itself through self-design : use renewable energies such as sun
3. Ecosystem conservation : recognition of ecosystem values through ecological engineering provides greater justification to conserve natural ecosystems
4. System approach : works with whole system; synthesizes analytic experimental testing, modelling, cost-benefits analysis. It’s a system

Question 3

What are the advantages of wetland technologies in Canada?

Answer 3

• low to no energy required
• low to medium capital cost in comparison (constructing it)
• low operational and maintenance costs
• conservation benefits ; opportunities to reverse historical trend of wetland losses
• great potential in wetland-rich Canada

Question 4

How to apply and plan for treatment wetlands

Answer 4

• specify goals
• design for success
• evaluate performance and success
• longer term operation, maintenance, and monitoring.
• wastewater characterization
• treatment options : traditional & non-traditional
• wetland alternatives
• treatment goals
• regulatory constraints
• wetland conceptual plan

Question 5

What is surface flow treatment wetlands?

Answer 5

• free-water system
• water is visible
• contaminant water coming in one end, the treated water coming out the other end

Question 6

What is subsurface slow treatment wetlands?

Answer 6

• plants are rooted in the substrate but you do not see the water
• contaminant water coming in one end, the treated water coming out the other end

Question 7

What are the basic principles for treatment?

Answer 7

• wetlands provide habitat for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria
• rhizomes grow thereby opening up the bed to provide hydraulic pathways
• the rhizosphere of the Rhys ones provide habitat for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria which will treat water
• oxygen is transported to rhizosphere and leaks out into the growing substrate