Exploring advanced measures of constructed wetland for the improved removal of emerging contaminants

Antibiotics, microplastics (MPs), and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are major emerging contaminants (ECs) that have posed significant risks to the aquatic ecosystem and human beings. Lately, enhanced constructed wetlands (CWs) have improved their ability to remove ECs. Aeration and tidal flow significantly increase dissolved oxygen (DO) and improve microbial activity in CWs. In addition, microbial fuel cell (MFC) and electrolysis systems are embedded into CWs, aiming to enhance their electrochemical characteristics for the removal of ECs. Furthermore, combining an advanced oxidation process with a CW increases not only ECs removal, but also ecological values. Advanced configuration and operation can create enhanced CWs systems that could provide alternative technical solutions for ECs control in water environment. However, there are still enormous issues (such as scaling up the small-scale investigation) to be solved before the developed techniques can be applied in engineering practice. Based on the updated literature, this review provides an overview of cutting-edge processes and fresh knowledge of CWs on ECs removal. We expect that the review can guide the research and development of CW towards assisting ECs solution.