Design of a constructed wetland for wastewater treatment :

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 like Kapchorwa town, a town in eastern Uganda that has available land for wetland construction. The purpose of the study was to design a cost effective treatment facility that will provide adequate treatment to the wastewater generated in Kapchorwa town thereby reducing the impacts of poor waste management being experienced. The study objectives were to quantify the total volume of raw wastewater generated. This was done first by projecting the total population of Kapchorwa town. Knowing the total amount of water consumed by this population, the amount of wastewater generated was calculated. Characterization of the raw wastewater was done and achieved by sampling the wastewater and taking it to the laboratory for analysis comparing it with the national standards for effluent discharge. The design and sizing of the wetland cells were done basing on the test results and objective one. The study was limited to quantifying, characterizing, modelling and designing a constructed wetland that can treat Kapchorwa town wastewater.