Development of a Constructed Wetland in MCE

Abstract

Water is very important for sustainability of life on Earth. In Pakistan, Rainfall and underground water are the main sources for the availability of water. The water availability per capita up to 2016 has decreased from 5650 m3to less than 1000 m3placing Pakistan in list of the high-water stress countries. The water which goes as waste contains high content of fresh water. In this alarming situation there is a need to save water and use it efficiently. This drastic shortage of water can be addressed by taking some measures like controlling over irrigation and over extraction of underground water, improvement in water policy of country, formulation of NAP for the usage of water, making intelligent usageof water domestically, increasing awareness among the people, construction of water reservoirs and by constructing waste water treatment plants. Over 77 techniques are being used worldwide for waste water treatment. This study focuses on the treatment of waste water using “Constructed Wetlands”. Constructed wetland is a concept which is relatively new in Pakistan. It is a very cheap and efficient process that works naturally. This process uses plants which are locally available for the treatment of waste water. Many types of constructed wetlands exist but this research focuses on the treatment of water by horizontal surface flow constructed wetlands 14