Programme target group

Programme prerequisites

After successful completion of this module participants will be able to:

• assess the value of wetlands and explain the use of natural and constructed wetlands for the treatment of wastewater;
• describe the concept of wastewater treatment by wetlands;
• design and operate a wetland treatment system.

Introduction on natural: what are wetlands, where are wetlands, wetland ecology, biodiversity, economics. The role of wetlands in the catchment: general aspects, hydrological aspects, wetlands as buffers and the role in relation to climate. Use of natural wetlands for wastewater treatment: the basic principles, the advantages and disadvantages, the risks. Examples in a temperate climate and examples in the tropics. Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment: the different types, the design and criteria for design. Advantages and disadvantages. Constructed wetlands in The Netherlands, the tropics and the rest of the world. Integrated production systems: theory, examples, advantages, disadvantages, economics, nutrient flows. Modelling of integrated production systems.
Field visits.

The contact hours in the module include lectures, and video presentations.
The results will be presented on a special internet-based platform, allowing participants to critically evaluate and learn from each other’s contributions. Field visits to constructed wetlands are organised.
The ability to make a proper design for the treatment of wastewater by a constructed wetland will be tested by an assignment.

Lecture notes and case studies

• J.J.A. van Bruggen, PhD, MSc
• Prof. P. Denny, MSc
• Dr. J. Pokorny
• N.P. van der Steen, PhD, MSc
• Dr. F. Kansiime
• Dr-Ing S. Toet
• D.P.L. Rousseau, PhD, MSc
• J. Vymazal
• A.A. van Dam, PhD, MSc