Artificial wetlands for municipal wastewater treatment and water re-use in tropical and arid Australia

Ten artificial Free Water Surface Flow wetlands have recently been constructed in Queensland, Australia to polish secondary municipal effluent. A variety of native aquatic macrophytes are being trialled for their ability to remove and store nutrients. All species growing in effluent had a higher phosphorus content than controls. In drier areas the polished effluent is being used to irrigate golf courses, parks, commercial treelots and pastures.