Constructed Wetlands Effectively Treat Urban Runoff, Improving Water Quality and Reducing Flood Risks
In cities, stormwater causes pollution from roads and buildings, affecting water quality. To tackle this, wetlands are made to clean stormwater naturally. Two types of artificial wetlands were studied over five years. The results showed that these wetlands reduced the amount of stormwater by around 40%. They also lowered pollutants by: 63-79% for solid particles, 38-54% for nitrogen, 54% for phosphorus, and 32-81% for metals, making the water cleaner. Artificial wetlands can help reduce nonpoint source pollution and keep the environment healthier. So, building wetlands in urban areas might be a good way to reduce pollution from stormwater runoff.