Evaluating the effectiveness of constructed wetlands in Western Canada for municipal wastewater treatment

In Canada, water security challenges include environmental degradation, water pollution, and climate change impacts. Utilizing constructed wetlands (CWs) for wastewater treatment addresses these issues by offering a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution. It helps mitigate pollution, conserve water resources, and adapt to changing environmental conditions, fostering long-term sustainability. However, given the uncertainty surrounding the effectiveness of CWs in the Canadian climate, the partner organization, MAGNA, has initiated the validation of this technology using scientific knowledge. This study evaluates the performance of MAGNA’s CWs under observation, which are treating municipal wastewater in Alberta and Saskatchewan during their first year of operation. The research focuses on assessing the removal rates of conventional water pollutants, aiming to better understand CW efficiencies in cold climate contexts. The insights gained from year-round technology implementation provide valuable information for future designs and optimizations, potentially advancing sustainable wastewater practices in similar regions.

Faculty Supervisor:

Flor Garcia-Becerra

Student:

Partner:

MAGNA Engineering Services

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Wholesale trade

University:

University of Northern British Columbia

Program: