Summary
This initial review has been undertaken within a wide remit, which has allowed the freedom to look at any aspect of the myriad range of research and commercial projects associated with Constructed Wetlands (CW), but particularly those in Agricultural systems.
For many years, the issue of pollution from farm effluent and run-off has caused serious concern to farmers. Greater control measures to prevent outflow, leakage and leaching from the liquid element of animal manures and silage has helped to reduce the likelihood of pollution incidents from farm sources.
However, preventative measures for containing these waste streams have not alleviated the pressure to address the long-term need to try to develop sustainable low-cost methods or systems for dealing with these wastes.
While farmers and horticulturalists have always valued animal manure for it’s high nutrient content, most are aware of it’s potential as a dangerous pollutant, which can be poisonous to water systems and aquatic life. Is it possible to counteract this view and in effect have a positive outcome for our farming industry? Well- managed systems can minimise and neutralise hazard potential and we must prove this to meet the challenge to be seen as a modern, efficient and environmentally friendly industry.
This literature search focuses on the use of CW in many countries with intensive farming regimes and whether such man-made vegetative filters may offer an effective, low cost and environmentally acceptable method of treatment for certain farm waste streams on Northern Ireland farms.
