Cold climate wetlands: design and performance

Constructed wetlands are gaining widespread use as a simple, low cost means of wastewater treatment. Introduction of constructed wetlands technology into the northern United States has been limited by the ability of conventional wetland systems to operate without freezing during the winter. A design approach using subsurface-flow constructed wetlands covered with an insulating mulch layer has been demonstrated to prevent freezing. However, introduction of a mulch layer will affect oxygen transfer rates, pollutant removal performance, and plant establishment. These factors must be addressed for successful application of constructed wetlands technology in cold climates.