Constructed wetlands are proving to be the best natural treatment system for landfill leachates.

Most of the contaminants in landfill leachates are degraded in treatment wetlands. Potential for long-term sustainability and significant cost savings are attractive features of this eco-technology.

Documentation of the experience in this use of constructed wetlands has been limited. Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of Landfill Leachates is the first compilation of the results of research from North America and Europe. Originally presented at an international symposium, this collection of papers offers the most recent research findings from the leading researchers in this new and innovative natural treatment system.

Specific issues addressed in the text include:

leachate characteristics, and the potential for treatability by constructed wetlands

wetland treatment, processes and transformation

use of constructed wetlands in cold climatic conditions

assessment of the tolerance of wetland plants to the toxicity of leachates

role of plants in the treatments of leachates

integrated wetland systems

performance of different wetland treatment systems

cost comparisons of wetland technology vs. traditional treatment technologies

The potential for environmental contamination due to leachates from landfills is increasing, and there is an urgent need to find ways and means to treat leachates in a sustainable way Constructed Wetlands for the Treatment of Landfill Leachates will provide an invaluable source of information on the subject for scientists, engineers, practitioners, policy makers, and regulatory officials.