Greening the Blue - Constructed Wetlands in Aquaculture Wastewater Treatment

Abstract

Aquaculture is vital for seafood production, produces wastewater containing organic matter and nutrients, threatening water quality and surrounding aquatic ecosystems. Constructed wetlands (CWs) provide sustainable solutions for aquaculture wastewater treatment by mimic the natural wetland process. CWs replicate natural wetland processes, utilizing vegetation, substrate and microbial communities for wastewater treatment. Mechanisms include physical filtration, biological degradation and nutrient uptake by plants, chemical adsorption, oxygenation and microbial competition. Advantages include cost-effectiveness, minimal maintenance and ecosystem benefits. However, land requirement and fluctuating efficiency pose challenges. Constructed wetlands promise efficient and sustainable aquaculture wastewater management.