A glance of configuration-operational strategies and intensification of constructed wetland towards land-effective occupation

Constructed wetlands (CW) are widely used for wastewater treatment and environmental protection. However, their large land footprint poses challenges in terms of land use efficiency. Global efforts have been made to develop the novel-integrated techniques and strategies in CW to enhance wastewater treatment ability and capacity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of configuration-operational strategies and intensification methods on the land-effective occupation of CW. Firstly, regarding configuration modifications, this review has focused on optimizing the operational strategies and layout of CW to improve land use efficiency. Different types of CW systems, stacking and varied aeration methods have been employed to minimize land area and enhance treatment performance. Furthermore, integrating CW with other treatment technologies (such as microbial electrochemical technologies, MET), and developing novel wetland (such as floating wetlands, FWs), enable energy recovery and resource utilization to further improve land use efficiency. Lastly, this study comprehensively evaluated and proposed recirculation stacking hybrid constructed wetland (RSHCW), which achieves optimal performance and land use efficiency in a sustainable and cost-effective manner. In conclusion, optimizing strategies and developing innovative technologies enhance the land utilization of CW to promote their extensive application.