Integrated Assessment of Established Constructed Wetlands for Stormwater Treatment in Urban Areas: Modelling and Management

This research investigates the long-term effectiveness of constructed wetlands in stormwater treatment in Melbourne, Australia. Despite their rising prevalence in urban development, post-construction monitoring of constructed wetlands remains insufficient, with current guidelines overlooking heavy metals. Analyzing water samples from five established wetlands revealed frequent non-compliance with pollutant reduction targets, indicating design and management flaws. By refining the design model with field data and employing multivariate modeling and machine learning, pollutant reduction accuracy is improved. The findings offer cost-effectiveness sampling strategies and critical insights for local governments to enhance wetland design and management, ultimately benefiting urban water quality and ecosystem health.