Aquatic weeds and their utilization 371
Table 7.12 Summary of wetland design consideration (WPCF 1990). Reproduced by the
permission of the Water Environment Federation
Constructed
Design consideration free water surface submerged bed Natural
Minimum size
requirement, ha/1000
m^3 /d
3 – 4 1.2 – 1.7 5- 10
Maximum water
depth, cm
50 Water level
below ground
surface
50; depends on native
vegetation
Bed depth, cm Not applicable 30 – 90 Not applicable
Minimum aspect ratio
(L/W)
2:1 Not applicable Prefer 2:1
Minimum Hydraulic
residence time, days
5 – 10 5 – 10 14
Maximum hydraulic
loading rate, cm/day
2.5 – 5 6 – 8 1 – 2
Minimum pre
treatment
Primary;
secondary is
optional
Primary Primary;
Secondary;
Nitrification,
TP Reduction
Configuration Multiple cells in
parallel and series
Multiple beds in
parallel
Multiple discharge
sites
Distribution Swale; perforated
pipe
Inlet zone (> 0.5
m wide) of large
gravel
Swale; perforated
pipes
Maximum loading,
kg/ha-day
BOD 5 100 – 110 80 – 120 4
TN 60 60 3
Additional
consideration
Mosquito control
with mosquito fish;
remove vegetation
once each 1 to 5
years
Allow flooding
capability for
weed control.
Natural hydro period
should be > 50 %;
no vegetation harvest