Multifunctional Wetlands: Pollution Abatement by Natural and Constructed Wetlands

Both freshwater and marine ecosystems are degraded by pollution from nutrients, suspended solids, pathogens, siltation, oxygen-depleting substances, metals and organic contaminants. Natural wetlands play a significant role in reducing adverse impacts on water quality associated with pollution, and decrease the need for costly infrastructure. Constructed or restored wetlands also contribute to the abatement of pollution, which is consistent with the emerging paradigm of Nature-based Solutions (NbS). Through a series of case histories, the readers will gain an understanding of the opportunities, as well as the challenges associated with constructing or managing wetlands for pollution abatement, wastewater management and adapting to possible climate change impacts, while preserving their biodiversity and ecological functions. The case histories describe experiences with both natural and constructed wetlands, and provide examples from around the world, including wetlands in polar and tropical ecosystems, as well as wetlands located in urban and remote or rural landscapes.