Wetland Systems for Water and Air Pollution ...

Wetlands are commonly integrated within the natural and/or build environment and are part of a more or less complex system. These wetland systems can either be natural or constructed. Natural wetlands have often a multitude of ecosystem services such as water treatment, biodiversity enhancement and recreational functions. In comparison, constructed wetlands are commonly used for water pollution control purposes.

Both natural and constructed wetland system types may have also ecosystem disservices such as air and water pollution, if not managed appropriately. For example, a mature wetland system may become a source of pollutants to both the receiving air and watercourse, if the water level is too low.

As wetland substrate and accumulated organic matter aerobically degrades, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and phosphorus may be released. Therefore, it is necessary for wetland managers and decision-makers in general to understand more about how to manage, operate and monitor wetlands better to control their biochemical processes.

This special issue aims to address the above and related challenges linked to wetland management to control air and/or water pollution. Both review and original papers are welcome to either summarize current knowledge and understanding or contribute new and significant findings to the scientific community for evaluation, respectively.