In response to the global loss and degradation of wetland ecosystems, extensive efforts have been made to reestablish wetland habitat and function in landscapes where they once existed. The reintroduction of wetland ecosystem services has largely occurred in two categories: constructed wetlands (CW) for wastewater treatment, and restored wetlands (RW) for the renewal or creation of multiple ecosystem services. Where the spatial and biogeochemical contexts are favorable, Integrated Constructed Wetlands (ICW) present the opportunity to couple CW and RW functions, thereby enhancing the replacement of wetland services on the landscape.
CW | RWy | RWm | ICW | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Hydrologic regime | closed | open | open | open |
Ecological Stress | high | low | low | moderate |
Inorganic nutrients | extrabiotic | extrabiotic | intrabiotic | extra/intra |
Dominant life strategy | r | r | r, K | r, K |
Trophic structure | simple | simple | complex | complex |
Habitat heterogeneity | simple | simple | complex | complex |
Nutrient exchange rate | rapid | rapid | slow | moderate |
Role of detritus | low | low | high | high |
Stability | low | low | high | moderate |
Temporal variability | low | high | high | moderate |
Management effort | high | high | low | moderate |
Ecosystem services | narrow | broad | broad | broad |