Water Purification Through Wetlands
time2011/11/10
According to Washington State University's Department of Ecology, "Wetlands are living, functioning ecosystems that occur where water meets nitrogen purifier land." One of their unique functions is a continual process of water purification.
Runoff
Most pollutants enter a wetlands area through storm-water runoff, which contains sediments, excess nutrients, animal waste and toxic chemicals.
Trapping Sediments
Because of the slow velocity of wetland water, sediment settles to the bottom after the conclusion of a rain event. It is then held in place by plants, and eventually further sediment deposits.
Nutrients and Toxic Chemicals
Excess nitrogen purifier and toxic chemicals are capable of causing water-quality problems and are harmful to humans and animals alike. Many of these are taken out of the water and utilized by aquatic plants that convert them to less harmful forms.
Efficiency
According to the Ecological Society of America (ESA), wetlands are capable of removing 20 to 60 percent of metals from the water, retaining 80 to 90 percent of runoff sentiment, and can eliminate 70 to 90 percent of nitrogen buildup.
Constructed Wetlands
Today, artificially-constructed wetlands are purifying water for municipalities, businesses and residences. A constructed wetland at Arizona's Jacob Lake Inn treats nitrogen purifier from campgrounds, laundry facilities and rental cabins, with a volume of 2,000 gallons per day.
Runoff
Most pollutants enter a wetlands area through storm-water runoff, which contains sediments, excess nutrients, animal waste and toxic chemicals.
Trapping Sediments
Because of the slow velocity of wetland water, sediment settles to the bottom after the conclusion of a rain event. It is then held in place by plants, and eventually further sediment deposits.
Nutrients and Toxic Chemicals
Excess nitrogen purifier and toxic chemicals are capable of causing water-quality problems and are harmful to humans and animals alike. Many of these are taken out of the water and utilized by aquatic plants that convert them to less harmful forms.
Efficiency
According to the Ecological Society of America (ESA), wetlands are capable of removing 20 to 60 percent of metals from the water, retaining 80 to 90 percent of runoff sentiment, and can eliminate 70 to 90 percent of nitrogen buildup.
Constructed Wetlands
Today, artificially-constructed wetlands are purifying water for municipalities, businesses and residences. A constructed wetland at Arizona's Jacob Lake Inn treats nitrogen purifier from campgrounds, laundry facilities and rental cabins, with a volume of 2,000 gallons per day.