Applicability and Operation and Maintenance of Constructed Wetlands for Rural Domestic Wastewater Treatment in China

Abstract

Constructed wetlands provide an alternative for treating rural domestic wastewater through the combined effects of substrates, plants, and microorganisms. In China, differences in settlement patterns, wastewater characteristics, climate, land availability, and local management capacity affect the suitability of this technology. Although constructed wetlands have advantages such as relatively low energy demand and simple operating requirements, their performance can be affected by substrate clogging, insufficient nitrogen removal, seasonal temperature changes, and inadequate maintenance. This paper examines the treatment principles and main configurations of constructed wetlands, identifies the conditions under which they are suitable for rural wastewater treatment, and discusses common operational problems. It also proposes practical measures for pretreatment, water distribution, water-level adjustment, vegetation management, clogging control, winter protection, and routine monitoring. The analysis emphasizes that the successful application of constructed wetlands depends not only on treatment design but also on the coordination of local conditions, appropriate wastewater management, and long-term maintenance.