Plants in wetlands are a very important part of wetlands treatment. In addition to providing a physical barrier to suspended solids. Plant roots and canopy can provide a substrate for biological organisms that treat contaminants. Some plants also transport oxygen to the root zone and provide oxygen for aerobic microbial reactions. Pathogen removal in wetlands is a very important function of wetlands.
Natural processes remove pathogens from water.
Later in this course, you will form groups and design a wetlands in collaboration with a representative from the Westlands Resources consulting firm here in Tucson. We will visit a site in March, and you will have until the end of the semester to design the wetland, produce a report, and develop a presentation to the class.