What is Purification of Water by Natural Plants and Wetlands

The purification of water is essential to sustain life on our planet. One of the most efficient and natural ways to purify water is through the use of plants and wetlands. These natural systems can remove pollutants from water and replenish the water supply, making it clean and suitable for human and animal consumption. In this article, we will explore what is the purification of water by natural plants and wetlands, its benefits, and its implementation.

How Does Purification by Plants Work?

The purification of water by plants is also known as phytoremediation. In this process, natural plants are used to remove contaminants from the water. The plants absorb the pollutants through their roots and break them down inside their cells or store them in their tissues, rendering them harmless. Some plants can even metabolize pollutants and convert them into less harmful substances.

This process is especially useful in treating wastewater and stormwater as it removes nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorous that promote harmful algae growth. Plants like cattails, bulrushes, and pondweeds are common choices for this process as they are robust and efficient in removing pollutants.

How Does Purification by Wetlands Work?

Wetlands are natural areas that are saturated with water, like swamps, marshes, or bogs. They play a vital role in purifying water as the plants, and the soil filters pollutants from the water. Wetlands act as natural sponges, absorbing rainfall and cleaning the water as it percolates through the soil.

The root systems of wetland plants work as mechanical filters, trapping fine sediments and organic particles. Many wetlands also harbor microorganisms that break down pollutants into harmless substances. As the water slowly moves through the wetlands, it is progressively cleaned of contaminants and enters the groundwater system as clean water.

The Benefits of Purification by Plants and Wetlands

The use of plants and wetlands to treat wastewater and stormwater has several benefits. Firstly, it is a sustainable and eco-friendly way to remove pollutants from water. It eliminates the need for energy-intensive and expensive conventional treatment processes that often use chemicals and produce harmful byproducts. The use of natural systems also helps to conserve water resources as it allows for the reuse of treated wastewater in non-potable applications like irrigation and industrial processes.

In addition, purification by plants and wetlands provides several social and economic benefits. It helps to improve the health and well-being of communities by providing them with clean water sources. Also, the restoration of degraded wetlands creates new habitats for wildlife and increases biodiversity, providing recreational and educational opportunities for people. Lastly, it is a cost-effective solution for municipalities and industries as the maintenance costs of natural treatment systems are lower than conventional ones.

Implementation of Purification by Plants and Wetlands

The implementation of the purification of water by plants and wetlands involves careful planning, design, and management. It requires the identification of suitable plant species and wetland types for the specific water quality objectives of the treatment system. The design must ensure that the system can handle the wastewater or stormwater flows while meeting the water quality standards required. The management of the system includes regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure its proper functioning.

Several examples of successful implementations of the purification of water by plants and wetlands exist worldwide. One of the famous wetland restoration projects is the Kissimmee River restoration in Florida, where over 40,000 acres of wetlands have been restored, providing improved water quality and wildlife habitats. Another example is the Natural Treatment System in Brest, France, which uses a combination of ponds, reed beds, and wetlands to treat the city's wastewater, providing clean water for agricultural irrigation.

Conclusion

The purification of water by natural plants and wetlands is an innovative and sustainable way to address water pollution issues. It provides several benefits to the environment, society, and economy. The utilization of this approach requires careful planning, design, and management, but the results are worth the effort: a clean and healthy water supply for generations to come.