Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW): Ecological Development in Constructed Wetlands for Manure Treatment

In Flanders (Belgium), treatment systems based on constructed wetlands have been successfully implemented to treat the liquid fraction of separated pig manure, resulting in water that meets the stringent discharge criteria. As these systems have proven their nutrient removal performance, attention has moved towards the concept of biodiversity development from a perspective of Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICWs). The spontaneous colonization of constructed wetlands with macroinvertebrates was examined to quantify the added biological value presented by a farmyard treatment wetland. In total, 17 taxa were found. The diversity of macroinvertebrates increased along the water treatment path in the system and was higher in summer than in autumn. Several pollution sensitive taxa like Orthetrum, Ischnura, and Cloeon were found at the last basins of the treatment wetland chain. Most species were insects, since their adults can easily aerially colonize these recently constructed systems. Water quality was assessed using the Multimetric Macroinvertebrate Index Flanders (MMIF), and showed a general increase towards the end of the treatment. The MMIF increased significantly with decreasing nutrient levels. ICWs adequately combine the treatment of wastewater with supporting and enhancing biodiversity in agricultural landscapes.