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Updated: May 15, 2026

Mesocosm-Scale Constructed Wetland Design for Wastewater Treatment
Published on: May 2, 2025
Clogging in constructed wetlands: Mechanisms, quantitative diagnosis, and optimized mitigation strategies
Qionghua Zhang1, Jiaxuan Geng2, Yaxinyue Li2
1Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055 China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an 710055 China.
Clogging in constructed wetlands (CWs) is caused by multiple factors. This review proposes a diagnostic framework and decision tools to manage clogging, identifying pre-interception and flow alternation as key strategies for sustainable water management.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Engineering
- Water Treatment Technologies
- Wetland Systems
Background:
- Clogging significantly impairs constructed wetlands' (CWs) hydraulic performance and treatment efficiency.
- System deterioration results from combined physical, biological, and chemical processes, not single mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review clogging development in CWs.
- To propose diagnostic and decision-making frameworks for clogging management.
- To evaluate and compare clogging prevention and remediation technologies.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and synthesis.
- Development of a diagnostic framework linking microscopic and macroscopic clogging indicators.
- Application of Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) for technology comparison.
- Evaluation of emerging adaptive management strategies.
Main Results:
- Clogging is a multifactorial process involving solids, biofilms, and precipitation.
- Pre-interception and bidirectional flow alternation are the most effective prevention and restoration strategies.
- Next-generation strategies like bioregulation and smart sensors show promise for adaptive management.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive diagnostic and decision framework enhances early detection and management of CW clogging.
- Integrated strategies and advanced technologies are crucial for improving CW resilience and sustainability.
- Future research should focus on standardization, validation, and smart integration for global water management.
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