Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design

Department of Architecture
Master of Architecture (MAAR)

MAAR 7190 ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY

ASSIGNMENT II - URBAN DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE

(Constructed Wetlands)

Lecturer Ar. Adli Hadi bin Abdul Hadi

Group Members
Sarah Hayani Binti Ahmad Kushairi G2012934
Aimuni Khalidah Binti A Bakar G2018570
 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Praise be to Allah the God Almighty; for the bestowed upon us, the strength, peace of mind and good health in order to complete this report.
First and foremost, we the fourth year students of Master of Architecture humbly express our deep gratitude to the lecturer, Ar. Adli Hadi bin
Abdul Hadi for guiding us this semester. Similarly, we express our humble thanks to other educators Prof. Dato’ Sri Ar. Dr. Asiah Abdul
Rahim, Asst. Prof. Ar. Dr. Srazali Aripin, Prof. Ar. Dr. Abdul Razak Sapian and Assoc. Prof. LAr. Dr. Mohd. Ramzi Mohd. Hussain for sharing
their profound wisdom and expertise. A special thanks for Prof. Emeritus Dato’ Ar. Dr. Elias Salleh for dedicating his effort despite his final
weeks at Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED). We pray for your future endeavours and success.

In addition, we would like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the individuals for their input, kind support and help in many ways from
collecting data and during the making of this report.

We would like to express our gratitude towards our family for the support, encouragement and consideration which helps us in completing this
report despite the many troubles and unforeseen situations.

We are highly indebted to the Postgraduate Division, Kulliyyah of Architecture and Environmental Design (KAED), International Islamic
University Malaysia for their guidance and constant supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding this report and also for
their support in completing this endeavor.

Our thanks and appreciation go to our colleagues and people who have willingly helped us out with their abilities in these hard times.

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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 INTRODUCTION​………………………………… ​ 04 3.0 THE APPLICATIONS OF CONSTRUCTED

1.1 What are Wetlands WETLANDS IN MALAYSIA​…………………… ​16

1.1.1 ​Constructed Wetlands 3.1 Domestic Wastewater Treatment

1.2 Wetland Functions and Values 3.2 Agriculture Wastewater Treatment

1.3 Components of Constructed Wetlands 3.3 Recreational Constructed Wetland
1.3.1 ​Water 3.4 Rehabilitation of Lake
1.3.2 ​Substrates, Sediments and Litters
1.3.3 ​Vegetation 4.0 CONCLUSION​…………………………………… ​23

1.3.4 ​Microorganisms
1.3.5 ​Animals 5.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY​…………………………………​ 24

2.0 THE PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTALS OF

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS​…………………. ​ 11
2.1 Constructed Wetlands as Green Infrastructure
2.2 Constructed Wetlands as Treatment Systems
2.3 Constructed Wetlands as Water Restoration
2.4 Wastewater Treatment Principles
2.4.1 ​Biological treatment process
2.4.2 ​Chemical treatment process
2.4.3 ​Physical treatment process

3

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1. WHAT ARE WETLANDS?
Figure 1.1a shows Paya Indah Wetland
(Source: ​https://malaysia.wetlands.org/​)
Wetlands are transitional areas between terrestrial and
aquatic systems, integrating characteristics of both dry and wet
environments which includes mangroves, peatlands and marshes,
rivers and lakes, deltas, floodplains and flooded forests, rice-fields,
and even coral reefs. The boundaries between wetlands and uplands
or deep water are therefore not always distinct. Wetlands exist in
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
every country and in every climatic zone, from the polar regions to
the tropics, and from high altitudes to dry regions.
1.1.1. Constructed Wetlands
Figure 1.2a shows example of constructed wetland by Haamutili
(Source: ​Google Image)
In the last several decades, more man-made wetland systems have
been constructed to improve water quality more efficiently.
Constructed wetlands can be defined as an artificial wetland to treat
municipalities or industrial wastewater, greywater or stormwater
runoff. They are designed for land reclamation after mining, or as a
mitigation step for natural areas lost to land development.
Constructed Wetlands are engineered systems that incorporate the
4

use of natural elements such as vegetation, soil and organisms to
treat wastewater. Depending on the type of wastewater, the design
of the man-made wetlands will be adjusted accordingly. Constructed
wetlands are aesthetically more pleasing, a cheaper alternative for
wastewater treatment and promotes sustainable use of local
resources, which is more environmentally friendly. They are
generally reliable, self-adjusting systems, an understanding of how
natural wetlands are structured and how they function greatly
increases the likelihood of successfully constructing a treatment
wetland.
The significant difference between constructed wetlands and natural
wetlands is the hydraulic regime. In natural wetlands, the inlet and
outlet is a result of seasonal meteorological events and groundwater
patterns. Meanwhile, in constructed wetlands, the hydraulic regime
is managed by man made components; the inlet distribution headers,
outlet collection systems, water level-control devices and liners.
Adding to that, constructed wetlands are designed with an intention
to remove specific pollutants, namely sediment, organic matters and
nutrients.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
1.1.1.1. Terminology
Many terms are used to denote constructed wetlands, such as
reed beds, treatment wetlands, soil infiltration beds, engineered
wetlands, man-made or artificial wetlands.
The term of constructed wetlands can also be referred to as restoring
and recultivating land that has been destroyed in the past through
draining and converting them into farmland or mining.
1.1.1.2. Types of Constructed Wetland
Generally there are two types of constructed wetlands.
The first type is referred to as a free water-surface (FWS) wetland.
These wetlands resemble the principles of shallow ponds in which
the water is less than 3ft and submerged, emergent and floating plant
species are usually planted.
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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

Figure 1.1a schematic diagram explaining FWS wetland system

(Source: ​sciencedirect)
The second type is known as subsurface-flow (SF) wetland. In this
system, water is maintained at a constant depth which is below the
surface of the growing media (typically gravel). The depths usually
range from 0.6 to 0.9 meters. An impermeable liner is installed
beneath the gravel if soil types with low permeability do not exist in
the project location. This is to prevent seepage and contamination of
the groundwater. The utilization of plant species in this system are
currently limited to emergents and others that are able to tolerate
saturated soil conditions for extended periods of time.
Figure 1.1a schematic diagram explaining SF wetland system
(Source: ​sciencedirect)
1.2. WETLAND FUNCTIONS AND VALUES
It is only during the last 50 years that humanity began to realize the
multiple benefits of wetlands to human society. Wetlands impart a
number of functions and values to the environment and humans.
● Improve the water quality
● Becomes a livable habitat for not only aquatic animals but
also wildlife
● Flood storage and desynchronization of storm rainfall and
surface runoff
● Cycling of nutrients and other materials
● Passive recreational activities such as bird watching and
photography

6

● Aids researchers for educational purposes
● Enhancement of surrounding landscape and aesthetic.
1.3. COMPONENTS OF CONSTRUCTED WETLAND
Figure 1.3a among the components that can be found easily at a constructed
wetland
(Source: ​pinterest)
A constructed wetland consists of a properly-designed basin that
accommodates water, a substrate, and most commonly, vascular
plants. These elements can be manipulated in constructing a
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
wetland. Other important elements of wetlands, such as the
communities of microbes and aquatic invertebrates, grow naturally.
1.3.1. Water
Wetlands are usually formed when terrain directs surface water to
shallow basins and a relatively impermeable subsurface layer
prevents the surface water from seeping into the ground. These
conditions allow construction of a wetland. A wetland can be built
almost anywhere by shaping the land surface in such a way that is
able to collect water and the basin is sealed thoroughly in order to
retain the water.
Hydrology is the most vital design factor as it links all the
functions in a wetland and it also determines the successful rate of a
man-made wetland. Although the hydrology factor is not greatly
different than other surfaces, it does differ in several important
aspects; (a) Small changes in hydrology can have fairly significant
effects on a wetland and its treatment effectiveness, (b) due to its
large surface area of the water and its shallow depth, a wetland
system interacts strongly with the atmosphere through rainfall and
evapotranspiration - the combined loss of water by evaporation from
the water surface and loss through transpiration by plants, (c) the
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density of vegetation of wetlands will affect its hydrology by
obstructing flow paths as the water finds its sinuous way through the
network of leaves, roots, stems and rhizomes. It will also block
excessive exposure to the wind and sun.
1.3.2. Substrates, Sediments and Litters
Substrates are commonly used to construct wetlands which
includes soil, sand, gravel, rock, and organic materials such as
compost. Sediments and litter are accumulated in the wetland due to
its low water velocities and high productivity of the wetlands. These
elements are equally important as water for several reasons; (a) they
support many living organisms in the wetland, (b) substrate
permeability affects the movement of water through the wetland, (c)
many chemical and biological (especially microbial) transformations
take place within the substrates, (d) substrates also provide storage
for many contaminants, (e) the accumulation of litter increases the
amount of organic matter in the wetland. Organic matter provides
sites for material exchange and microbial attachment, and is a
source of carbon, the energy source that drives some of the
important biological reactions in wetlands.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Due to flash floods, the physical and chemical characteristics
of soils and other substances may alter. In a saturated substrate,
water replaces the atmospheric gases in the porous spaces and
microbial metabolism consumes the available oxygen. Since oxygen
is consumed more rapidly, it can be replaced by diffusion from the
atmosphere, substrates become anoxic (without oxygen). This
reducing environment is important in the removal of pollutants such
as nitrogen and metals.
1.3.3. Vegetation
Both vascular plants and nonvascular plants (algae) are
equally essential in wetland construction. Photosynthesis by algae
will increase the dissolved oxygen content of the water which
affects nutrient and metal reactions. Vascular plants contribute to the
treatment of wastewater and runoff in a number of ways, (a) they
help to stabilize substrates and limit channelized flow, (b) it slows
water velocities, allowing suspended materials to settle, (c) they take
up carbon, nutrients and trace elements and incorporate them into
plant tissue, (d) they transfer gases between the atmosphere and the
sediments, (e) the stem and root systems provide sites for microbial
attachment, (f) it creates fertilizers when they die and decay.
8

Figure 1.3.3a the non woody plants that are usually found in constructed
wetland
(Source: ​http://domuscw-project.eu/constructed-wetlands/)​
Constructed wetlands are usually planted with non woody plants
that grow with their roots in substrate and their stems and leaves
emerging from the water surfaces. Common emergents used in
constructed wetlands include bulrushes, cattails, reeds and a number
of broad-leaves species.
1.3.4. Microorganisms
The basic characteristic of wetlands is that their functions are
widely regulated by microorganisms and their metabolism. The said
microorganisms include bacteria, yeasts, fungi, protozoa and rind
algae. The microbial biomass is a major sink for organic carbon and
many nutrients.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
The microbial activities comprise, (a) transforming a great
number of organic and inorganic substances into innocuous or
insoluble substances, (b) it alters the reduction or oxidation
conditions of the substrate and thus affecting the processing capacity
of the wetland, (c) it involves majorly in recycling the nutrients.
Figure 1.3.4a microbial community that plays important role in fracturing
alienated substance in the water
(Source: ​https://joyfulmicrobe.com/types-of-microbes/​)
The microbial community can be easily affected by toxic
substance presence in the constructed wetland, therefore care must
be taken in order to keep such chemicals from being introduced to
damaged concentrations. When environmental conditions are no
longer suitable, many microorganisms will become dormant.
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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

1.3.5. Animals
Constructed wetlands accommodate habitat for numerous
invertebrates and vertebrates. Animals such as insects and worms
contribute to the treatment process by fracturing detritus and
consuming organic matter. Most larvae of insects are aquatic and
consume huge amounts of material during the larval stages which
may last for several years. These invertebrates also fill a number of
ecological roles; for example, dragonfly nymphs are predators to
mosquito larvae. Other than that, constructed wetlands also attract
the vertebrates; the amphibians, turtles, birds and mammals.

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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

2.0 THE PRINCIPLES AND FUNDAMENTALS technology such as the constructed wetlands is an ideal approach
OF CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS that will improve water circularity in the urban context.

2.1. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS AS GREEN

INFRASTRUCTURE
Green infrastructure indicates some ecological processes
where the applications can be naturally or supported through
engineering technology. In a wider scope, green infrastructure is
applied dominantly for urban runoff and stormwater control,
reducing urban heat island as well as improving air quality.
Moreover, green infrastructure is closely related to sustainability,
Figure 2.1a​: Constructed wetland as green infrastructure
therefore the application of green infrastructure in urban context will (​Source​: ​https://faezehforghanifard.wordpress.com​)
produce an efficient multiple ecosystem services that will likely
reduce the environmental impacts in urban areas. Furthermore, Although constructed wetlands generally offer the exact
green infrastructure is an eco-friendly solution to the conventional functions and values as natural wetlands, it is also proven that
wastewater treatment system which is currently using centralised constructed wetlands contribute to a larger scope of ecosystem
treatment plants. These treatment plants are constructed by services. Constructed wetlands acquire a more effective flood and
non-renewable materials such as concrete and steel, and not to stormwater control, water quality purification and also biodiversity
mention they consume high levels of energy and chemicals thus reclamation. Some of the purposes of designing a constructed
proving that the centralised treatment plants are destructive to the wetlands include to create an ecological habitat for the wildlife, to
environment. Therefore, nature-based solutions and eco-friendly treat wastewater and to control stormwater runoff from flood.

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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

2.2. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS AS TREATMENT Constructed wetlands used to be uncommon due to the scarce of
SYSTEMS land, however due to research improvements and progressive
designs throughout the years, the void between land availability and
area demand is moderately joined together. The primary approaches
of constructed wetlands are; they are constructed to collect, treat and
enable the water circulation on site which is close to the source. In
regard to wastewater treatment systems, constructed wetland is also
referred to as ecological sanitation since it is a component under
green infrastructure. Moreover, the fundamental aim of constructed
wetland is the recovery of nutrients from greywater and the
beneficial reuse in agriculture or urban green areas. The aim is to
also reduce water pollution and ensure that the wastewater can be
Figure 2.2a​:​ ​Utilising a small scale constructed wetland as water treatment
system domestically
reused economically at optimum level.
(​Source​: ​http://www.aguacarioca.org/what-are-constructed-wetlands)​

Constructed wetlands are regarded as decentralised

technology, thus they comply with sustainable growth that strive for
green solutions, environmental friendly approach, cost and
energy-efficient considerations. Decentralised technology approach
has been rapidly opted over the last 10-15 years due to its flexibility Figure 2.2b:​ ​ ​The relationship of designing a constructed wetland into having a
treated wastewater
in design and a modular approach to drive multiple functionalities. (​Source​: ​https://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/creating-wealth-waste​)

12

2.3. CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS AS WATER
RESTORATION
Other than being a water treatment structure, constructed
wetlands can also be used to improve the condition of a lake by
emulating the functions of the natural lake system. By constructing a
proper wetland near the lake, it will help to filter and control the
polluted substance to flow through the lake. Wetland plants will
assist in separating alienated materials and act as a pollution control
medium that will cleanse the water flowing into the wetland cell
before discharging into a bigger lake. This also aims to conserve and
enhance the abundance of aquatic biodiversity of the lake
environment simultaneously increasing the abundance of species.
This mechanical solution is based on three key aspects: quality and
quantity of deposited sediment, enriched by nutrients; effluent
quality; desired lake water quality. A well planned and designed
constructed wetland can accomplish the desired water quality and
gradually remediate deposited sediment.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
2.4. WASTEWATER TREATMENT PRINCIPLES
Constructed wetlands are designed generally to remove
specific levels of contaminants that come from wastewater.
Wastewater or sewage should be treated before it reaches natural
bodies of water or also known as aquifers. These aquifers include
rivers, lakes, estuaries and oceans. Purification of wastewater is
essential to protect the health of our various levels of ecosystems
that consists of the humans, the flora and the fauna. Therefore,
constructed wetlands propose three (3) different treatment principles
and fundamentals in order to improve the water supply and conserve
the Earth from toxins and impurities. The treatment principles of
wastewater in constructed wetlands are regarded as follows:
2.4.1. Biological treatment process
Biological process for wastewater treatment refers to the
application of bacterias and other types of microorganisms to purify
wastewater. Compared to other treatment principles such as
chemical, mechanical and physical, biological process is more
effective and economically feasible. Biological process is applied
globally because of its practicality and efficiency in cleaning the
water. Through the use of bacterias, nematodes and other
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microorganisms, the organic waste is simplified using normal

cellular processes. In addition, biological treatment is categorised
into two (2) methods which are the aerobic and anaerobic processes.
a. Aerobic process
Aerobic process in biological treatment takes place in the
presence of air, which is the oxygen. In this process, the
microorganisms or also known as aerobes use molecular or
free oxygen to convert the organic contaminants into carbon
Figure 2.3a​:​ ​The aerobic process of wastewater treatment
dioxide, water and biomass. Moreover, aerobic process is (​Source​: Author​)
applied to treat wastewater with low to medium amounts of
organic impurities such as municipal sewage and refinery b. Anaerobic process
wastewater that are complicated to biodegrade. In relation to Anaerobic process, on the other hand, takes place in the
that, the kinetic reaction of this aerobic process is absence of oxygen. Therefore, microorganisms or in this
comparatively fast compared to anaerobic process and the process known as anaerobics assimilate the organic
footprint outcome is also larger than the latter. Some contaminants with the absence of oxygen and transform
examples of the technologies that practice aerobic processes them into carbon dioxide, methane and biomass.
are; oxidation ditch, Integrated Fixed Film Activated Sludge Furthermore, treating wastewater through anaerobic
(IFAS) and Membrane Bioreactor (MBR). processes can purify medium to high amounts of organic
impurities such as food and beverage, or also wastewater that
contains plenty of starch, sugar or alcohol. Compared to
aerobic process, anaerobic process is applied to easily

14

biodegradable organic wastes. Moreover, the kinetic reaction
of anaerobic process is slower than aerobic process and the
final footprint outcome is small and compact. A few
examples of anaerobic processes that are applied in the
current technologies are; a continuously stirred tank reactor,
Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) and Ultra High
Rate Fluidised Bed.
Figure 2.3b:​ The anaerobic process of wastewater treatment
​ ource​: Author)
(S
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
2.4.2. Chemical treatment process
Slightly differ from biological treatment process, chemical
treatment process focuses on treating wastewater that is rich in toxic
soluble metals. Mercury, lead and zinc are some of the examples of
toxic soluble metals that exist in wastewater. Furthermore,
chemicals are added to purify wastewater as well as to expedite the
disinfection process. Chemicals that are prominent in this process
are chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, sodium chlorite and sodium
hypochlorite which is also known as bleach. In addition, the
chemical process takes place through chemical coagulation,
chemical precipitation, chemical oxidation, ion exchange and lastly,
chemical neutralisation and stabilisation.
Figure 2.3c​: The chemical process that takes place in a constructed wetland
(​Source​: ​https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11356-015-4969-6​)
15

2.4.3. Physical treatment process
Physical treatment process undergoes solid removal from the
wastewater without the presence of any chemical substances. These
processes are namely known as sedimentation, screening and
skimming. The first main technique in physical wastewater
treatment is through sedimentation. Sedimentation is a technique to
segregate the heavy particles that are also insoluble from the
wastewater. The insoluble particles will settle down at the bottom of
constructed wetland and thus the treated water can be obtained.
Next, filtration is also another common technique under physical
wastewater treatment. By filtering out all impurities from the
wastewater, the treated water will then be potable and usable.
Special filter that is regularly used is the sand filter. Sand filter can
easily remove contaminants such as grease from the wastewater.
Figure 2.3d:​ Sand filter in a constructed wetland
(​Source​: ResearchGate)
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
3.0 APPLICATIONS OF CONSTRUCTED
WETLANDS IN MALAYSIA
In Malaysia, constructed wetlands are gradually gaining acceptance
especially for the treatment and storage of stormwaters, urban
runoffs and agriculture purposes. It also provides pleasant
surroundings to live and work in thus, certain wetlands in Malaysia
are used as for recreational and research purposes. In this sub topic,
the applications of constructed wetlands in Malaysia will be
explored through several case studies.
3.1. DOMESTIC WASTEWATER TREATMENT
As mentioned in the previous sub topic, wastewater treatment is one
of the fundamentals of constructed wetland. One of the applications
of constructed wetland is to clean and filter the wastewater that are
domestically produced by specific premises or industries. Although
Malaysia is relatively new to the implementation of constructed
wetlands, a case study found in a well known resort located in
Langkawi shows the significance of domestic wastewater treatment.
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Nutrients and Wastewater Recycling System At Frangipani
Resort
Figure 3.1(a) ​ The constructed wetland of Frangipani Resort and Spa, Langkawi
(​Source​: wikipedia)
In Malaysia, Frangipani Resort and Spa in Langkawi Geopark is the
first resort in Malaysia to apply the constructed wetland system for
the domestic wastewater treatment. After years of application and
operation, this system has proven its capability to treat the
wastewater from the resort including surface runoffs, drains from
the kitchens and bathrooms and sewage to the acceptable quality
which they can reuse to save the potable water.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Figure 3.1(b) ​ Schematic diagram of how the wastewater produced from domestic
used flow to the constructed wetland
​ ource​: Semanticscholar)
(S
Frangipani’s constructed wetland was based on surface flow wetland
design that imitated the natural wetland that has shallow water that
flows through various species of plants in the treatment process. The
owner managed to build a constructed wetland with the integration
of six species of floating and submerging plants to treat the
wastewater as shown in figure 3.1 (c).
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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

found in the rivers and lakes of Malaysia were chosen thoroughly

for specific functions and were arranged accordingly to ensure
optimum efficiency rate can be achieved in removing nutrients and
pollutants from the wastewater.

Figure 3.1(c) design of Frangipani surface flow constructed wetland

(​Source​: Semanticscholar)
The process began with the accumulation of wastewater in the
collection pond. The black water is generated from the sewage that
underwent the initial treatment in the septic tanks to separate the
water from the sludge. Meanwhile, the gray water from the kitchen, Table 3.1(a): type of plants used in Frangipani’s constructed wetland
laundry and bath drains were filtered by a net to separate the water ​ ource​: Semanticscholar)
(S

from solids and rubbish. Both gray and black water were then
The main advantage of constructed wetlands to the lodging industry
pumped into the collection pond using an electric pump before
is that they rely on more natural methods, are cheaper in
channeling through the series of plants for secondary treatment and
construction and operation cost and can be built at a smaller area
being collected again for storage and supply. Through this process,
with smaller community compared to conventional wastewater
it allows the plant to take up nutrients that are essentials for their
treatment plants. It is also proven that it uses little or no electricity
growth from the polluted water, and the water will be cleaned up
and does not need frequent supervision and maintenance once
during the process. Six (6) plants, mainly weeds that can be easily
installed.

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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

3.2. AGRICULTURE WASTEWATER TREATMENT
Apart from the application of constructed wetlands to treat
wastewater that comes from domestic and industrial sectors, these
constructed wetlands are also meant to purify the wastewater that
comes from agricultural fields. As mentioned in one of the
principles and fundamentals of wastewater treatment, the chemical
treatment process normally treats wastewater that has a high content
of toxic soluble metals. Although Malaysia is still new to the
implementation of constructed wetlands, a case study found in
Sabah shows the significance of agriculture wastewater treatment.
The comparison is made on the effectiveness in the application of
oil palm shells with the conventional technology that uses gravel for
the removal of copper, zinc and lead. The constructed wetland is
studied through microcosm to obtain the efficiency of heavy metal
wastewater treatment. Furthermore, ​Typha angustifolia rhizome is
used as the plant in the microcosm.

Oil Palm Shell as Constructed Wetland Media for the Removal

of Copper, Zinc and Lead in Sabah
Heavy metal pollution often occurs in soluble form thus making the
purification of wastewater becomes costly due to the technologies
applied with high usage of electricity and chemicals. Sabah is
well-known in the palm oil industry nationally, therefore oil palm Figure 3.2a​: Plan and section view of the microcosm
​ ource​: ResearchGate)
(S
shell is extensively produced with low commercial value in the
current market. In accordance to that, oil palm shells have a full The result of these comparisons shows that the growth of ​Typha
potential to become an economical alternative for constructed angustifolia i​ n oil palm shell medium is better than in the
wetland wastewater treatment systems. conventional gravel medium although the number of shoots in

19

gravel medium starts off higher than the latter prior to the spiking of
heavy metals. Therefore, this shows that the soluble heavy metal can
be removed competently in oil palm shell microcosm in relation to
gravel microcosm and as a result, less toxic exposure occurred to the
plants.
Figure 3.2b:​ The comparison to the growth of plants in two different microcosms
(​Source​: ResearchGate)
As a conclusion, the presence of ​Typha angustifolia ​leads to the
declination of copper, zinc and lead removal. This is because of the
amount of oxygen released through the roots of the plants that
causes the heavy metals to be precipitated through carbonate
precipitation as well as being adsorbed to organic matter. This
proves that agriculture wastewater treatment functions economically
compared to the current technology used.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
3.3. RECREATIONAL CONSTRUCTED WETLAND
Royal Selangor Golf Club Constructed Wetland
Constructed wetland is also allocated for ecological habitat for the
wildlife other than to assist in treating the wastewater. In Malaysia,
the Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC) has designated the existing
golf course into a constructed wetland that emphasises the
ecological habitat for the wildlife and also as a bird sanctuary.
Figure 3.3a:​ The constructed wetland in Royal Selangor Golf Club (RSGC)
​ ource:​ ​https://malaysia.wetlands.org/​)
(S
The Royal Selangor Golf Club occupies an extensive green area in
the centre of urban context with approximately 122 hectare for the
golf course and 5.3 hectare of the total area is proposed for the
constructed wetland. This shows the integration of a recreational
20

area that is originally specified for a golf course with a constructed
wetland that will deduce a lot of advantages not only to the
environment but also to the biological diversity. Retaining a number
of lakes and some rough habitat patches has been a principle abided
by Royal Selangor Golf Club apart from providing an excellent golf
course. The constructed wetland in Royal Selangor Golf Club can be
very adequate although the effectiveness may slightly differ to a
natural forest. Nonetheless, a vast range of general species of birds,
amphibians and insects are drawn to the constructed wetland.
Figure 3.3b​: A heron flying low above Royal Selangor Golf Club lake
(​Source​: ​https://www.thestar.com.my/​)
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
Maintaining and preserving the constructed wetland that is already
allocated for wildlife habitat and bird sanctuary would be a great
commitment by the Royal Selangor Golf Club. Therefore, Royal
Selangor Golf Club has outlined a series of baseline surveys
regarding the plants and wildlife in the constructed wetland that can
align with the golf course. Enhancing the biological diversity in the
designated area will concurrently meet the following objectives:
● Attracting various species of birds and other wildlife through
designing a new ecological habitat.
● Creating a forest canopy that comprises birds, waterbirds and
raptors.
● Transplanting local indigenous plant species that includes
wetland plants, shrubs, creepers and swamp tree species that
provide food for the wildlife other than to reduce stormwater
runoff.
Figure 3.3c​: RSGC incorporates golf course with constructed wetland
(​Source​: ​https://www.where2golf.com/malaysia/the-royal-selangor-golf-club/​)
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3.4. REHABILITATION OF LAKE
Botanical Lake Garden Water Quality Rehabilitation Project
In Malaysia, the National Hydrological Research Institute Malaysia
(NAHRIM) is in charge of ensuring the water quality by offering
specialist consulting services in all areas of hydraulic engineering.
One of the rehabilitation successful projects that was led by
NAHRIM is the Botanical Lake Garden. The intention of this
programme is to turn the 122 years old lake garden into a world
class botanical garden.
Figure 3.4a Botanical Lake Garden today
(Source: ​wikipedia)
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
The lake was once a tin mining area during the British colonial
period. The area was developed into a recreational park after the
drastic declining amount of tin was left abandoned for several years.
The water in the lake is fairly static despite having a few overflow
drainages which led the water to flow directly into a huge drainage.
One of the main problems of the lake is Eutrophication as it consists
of excessive nutrients and organic matters in the water body which
causes the main factors of algal bloom. Due to the huge amount of
chlorophyll-a pigments in the algae, the water body turned into
greenish colour.
The exercise of this project has successfully increased the Water
Quality Index (WQI - DOE) by implementing bio friendly treatment
methods that include Water hyacinth, climbing perch, bighead carp,
bio-flocculants and effective microorganisms. Diagrams below
show the comparison of the lake condition before and after
implementing the treatment.
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 CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

Before treatment After treatment 4.0 CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, constructed wetlands have a high significance
in the urban development infrastructure not only to cater for
wastewater treatment, but they have an even bigger purpose to
restore and preserve the ecological system globally. Although
constructed wetlands are yet to be extensively applied in Malaysia,
the importance of having constructed wetlands can be seen through
Greenish water indicates high Tortoises can be clearly seen
chlorophyll -a and from the water surface some case studies that implement this infrastructure locally.
eutrophication
The principles and fundamentals of constructed wetlands
that serve as green infrastructure, treatment systems as well as lake
and river restoration show that the application of constructed
wetlands in urban context will concurrently contribute to a larger
scope of ecosystem services and ensure that the wastewater can be
reused economically at optimum level.
Turbid Water Clean and clear water
In regard to the implementation of constructed wetlands in
Table 3.4a shows the comparison between before and after treatment
(Source: ​NAHRIM) Malaysia, thorough considerations should be understood in order to
provide a better solution for wastewater treatment nationally apart
from the distinguished advantages that are explained within this
study report. This green alternative and promising technology of
constructed wetlands shall contribute to Malaysia ecological system.

23

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CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS
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