While a number of previous studies have shown that artificial wetlands are effective in treating sources of point pollution, there remains a debate on whether wetlands are effective in treating nonpoint sources of pollution when they are created upstr...
While a number of previous studies have shown that artificial wetlands are effective in treating sources of point pollution, there remains a debate on whether wetlands are effective in treating nonpoint sources of pollution when they are created upstream of artificial reservoirs. Nevertheless, verification regarding the effectiveness of reducing pollution through the use of artificial wetlands is insufficient. Some artificial wetlands have been surveyed to be less-effective in controlling pollutants from nonpoint sources during certain periods, such as rainy or cold seasons. It is necessary to verify the effectiveness of wetlands in reducing nonpoint sources by analyzing artificial wetlands that are currently in operation in Korea. This study found that many wetlands are operated without controlling inflow and that little care is taken to maintain the artificial wetlands as per their suggested technical designs. Thus, it is recommended that the design, type, and technical specifications for each artificial wetland be based on consideration of the physical, hydrological and pollution properties of the watersheds. It is necessary to find the best operating conditions and establish detailed operating instructions for each artificial wetland in order to define the frequency and the scope of tasks to keep the wetlands in a desirable state.