ABSTRACT
The use of constructed wetlands (CW) and other aquatic ecosystems is widely accepted in reducing concentrations of many pollutants from a variety of sources (Reddy and Smith 1987, Hammer 1989, Cooper and Findlater 1990). Experience with CW and the general interest in ecologically sound wastewater treatment in Norway have been limited. Such systems are not part of the technologies generally accepted for wastewater treatment. Norway has committed itself to reduce the discharge of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) to the North Sea by 50% before 1995. Constructed wetlands are low-cost, low-maintenance wastewater treatment systems that can be optimized for nitrogen removal. These systems are alternatives to con ventional treatment of smaller waste flows, but are also interesting as a polishing step following conventional treatment.
