Babatunde, A.O.A.O.BabatundeZhao, Y.Q.Y.Q.ZhaoO'Neill, M.M.O'NeillO'Sullivan, B.B.O'Sullivan2011-09-012011-09-012008 Elsev2008-01Environment International0160-4120http://hdl.handle.net/10197/3142For the purpose of synthesizing a compendium of efforts aimed at environmental pollution control through the use of constructed wetlands systems (CWs) in Ireland, a detailed review of CWs was undertaken. Emphasis was placed on the diverse range of development, practice and researches on CWs technology, placing them in the overall context of the need for low-cost and sustainable wastewater treatment systems. The potential use of CWs in protecting estuarine quality within the current legislative framework is considered, as well as the emerging concept of integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs). In addition, an assessment of the efficiency of CWs in operation in Ireland towards abating environmental pollution was done, and compared with CWs operating in other European countries. The need for sufficient and appropriate data to assist in further development of CWs and modelling studies, and instilling confidence in the public is also highlighted.532113 bytesapplication/pdfenThis is the author’s version of a work that was accepted for publication in Environment International. Changes resulting from the publishing process, such as peer review, editing, corrections, structural formatting, and other quality control mechanisms may not be reflected in this document. Changes may have been made to this work since it was submitted for publication. A definitive version was subsequently published in Environment International, 34 (1): 116-126 DOI 0.1016/j.envint.2007.06.013.Constructed wetlandsDewatered alum sludgeEnvironmentIrelandPhosphorusPollution controlReed bedsWastewater treatmentConstructed wetlands--IrelandWater treatment plant residualsPollution--IrelandPhosphorusWater--Purification--IrelandJournal Article34111612610.1016/j.envint.2007.06.013https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/1.0/