Humedales artificiales

United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service

Part 637 Environmental Engineering National Engineering Handbook

Chapter 3 Constructed Wetlands

(210-VI-NEH, September 2002)

Chapter 3

Constructed Wetlands

Part 637 National Engineering Handbook

Issued September 2002

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(210-VI-NEH, September 2002)

Acknowledgments

Chapter 3, Constructed Wetlands forAnimal Waste Treatment, was developed under agreement with the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Commission. The commission contracted with Victor W.E. Payne, environmental engineer, Payne Engineering, Auburn, Alabama, for its preparation. Donald L. Stettler, environmental engineer (retired), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Water and Climate Center, Portland, Oregon,coordinated the project. Dr. Robert L. Knight, wetland ecologist and internationally known treatment wetland authority, Gainesville, Florida, is acknowledged for his detailed review and his contribution of the section on plant establishment and maintenance. Acknowledged are review and comments provided by Barry Kintzer, national environmental engineer, NRCS, Conservation Engineering Division, andDavid C. Moffitt, environmental engineer, National Water Management Center, Fort Worth, Texas. Also acknowledged are the many from within the Natural Resources Conservation Service who added value to this chapter by volunteering to provide their review and comments.

(210-VI-NEH, September 2002)

3–i

Chapter 3

Constructed Wetlands

Part 637 National Engineering Handbook

3–ii(210-VI-NEH, September 2002)

Chapter 3

Constructed Wetlands

Part 1
Contents: 637.0300

Animal Waste Treatment
Introduction 3–1 (a) Purpose and scope ........................................................................................ 3–1 (b) Background ................................................................................................... 3–1 637.0301 Types ofconstructed wetlands 3–2

(a) Surface flow wetlands .................................................................................. 3–2 (b) Subsurface flow wetlands ............................................................................ 3–2 (c) Floating aquatic plant systems .................................................................... 3–4 637.0302 Benefits of surface flowwetlands for animal waste treatment 3–6 (a) Nutrient reductions ...................................................................................... 3–6 (b) Odor control .................................................................................................. 3–6 (c) Water quality improvement ......................................................................... 3–7 (d) Wildlifeenhancement ................................................................................... 3–7 (e) Aesthetics ....................................................................................................... 3–7 (f) Economic benefits ........................................................................................ 3–8 637.0303 Treatment process 3–8

(a) Biochemical conversions...