Constructed wetland clogging: A proposal for the integration and reuse of existing knowledge

Horizontal subsurface constructed wetlands (HFCWs) are examples of the use of appropriate technology for the sanitation of small communities. The most common problem of HFCWs is clogging; but the exact mechanisms and consequences of clogging in HFCWs are still unclear. This paper describes the methodology followed to acquire and analyse the available data and knowledge to amend the clogging phenomena in constructed wetlands. This manuscript also presents an attempt to integrate and reuse the information extracted from the literature and real experiences, to contribute to the prevention and solution of clogging problem. The management of this information allowed the proposal of an operation and maintenance protocol for clogging. The paper concludes with some recommendations to improve the performance of HFCW technology.