Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026

Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
Clogging in subsurface-flow treatment wetlands: measurement, modeling and management
Jaime Nivala1, Paul Knowles, Gabriela Dotro
1Århus University, Department of Bioscience, Ole Worms Allé, Building 1135, 8000 Århus C, Denmark.
Abstract:
This paper reviews the state of the art in measuring, modeling, and managing clogging in subsurface-flow treatment wetlands. Methods for measuring in situ hydraulic conductivity in treatment wetlands are now available, which provide valuable insight into assessing and evaluating the extent of clogging. These results, paired with the information from more traditional approaches (e.g., tracer testing and composition of the clog matter) are being incorporated into the latest treatment wetland models. Recent finite element analysis models can now simulate clogging development in subsurface-flow treatment wetlands with reasonable accuracy. Various management strategies have been developed to extend the life of clogged treatment wetlands, including gravel excavation and/or washing, chemical treatment, and application of earthworms. These strategies are compared and available cost information is reported.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Conservation of Mass in Moving, Nondeforming Control Volume
In the context of a detention basin, the conservation of mass states that the total mass of water entering the basin must equal the mass leaving the basin plus any accumulation of...
Typical Model Studies
Rapidly Varying Flow
Modeling and Similitude
Environmental Applications of Microorganisms

