ABSTRACT
The Mannersdorf experimental sewage treatment system is one of the first research-oriented wetland plants. Uncertainties regarding wetland systems and the population structure in Lower Austria (predominantly small communities) led to the decision of the Lower Austrian provincial government to construct a full-size experimental treatment plant and to manage it while allowing concurrent scientific studies. Results of the research plant in Mannersdorf of Lower Austria demonstrate that root-zone systems may contribute to the solution of wastewater treatment in areas with 100 to 500 PE. It seems necessary to have a mechanical pretreatment before the wetland plant. The treatment area for 1 PE should be 5–10 m2. Nevertheless further research should be done on the yet unsolved problems with root-zone systems, particularly the hydraulic aspects and removal of nutrients.
