Micro-wetlands control urban and rural water pollution: the Chongqing Liangping model

CHEN Guogui; CUI Baoshan; CAI Yanzi; LI Dongxue; NING Zhonghua; YU Xianhuai; WANG Rong; XIE Tian

doi:10.13205/j.hjgc.202502001

Volume 43 Issue 2

Feb. 2025

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CHEN Guogui, CUI Baoshan, CAI Yanzi, LI Dongxue, NING Zhonghua, YU Xianhuai, WANG Rong, XIE Tian. Micro-wetlands control urban and rural water pollution: the Chongqing Liangping model[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(2): 1-10. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202502001

Citation:

CHEN Guogui, CUI Baoshan, CAI Yanzi, LI Dongxue, NING Zhonghua, YU Xianhuai, WANG Rong, XIE Tian. Micro-wetlands control urban and rural water pollution: the Chongqing Liangping model[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(2): 1-10. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202502001

Citation:

CHEN Guogui, CUI Baoshan, CAI Yanzi, LI Dongxue, NING Zhonghua, YU Xianhuai, WANG Rong, XIE Tian. Micro-wetlands control urban and rural water pollution: the Chongqing Liangping model[J]. ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING , 2025, 43(2): 1-10. doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202502001

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Micro-wetlands control urban and rural water pollution: the Chongqing Liangping model

doi: 10.13205/j.hjgc.202502001

CHEN Guogui^1,3,
CUI Baoshan^{1,2
,},
CAI Yanzi^1,2,
LI Dongxue^1,2,
NING Zhonghua^1,2,
YU Xianhuai⁴,
WANG Rong⁴,
XIE Tian^{1,2
,}

1. State Key Laboratory of Wetland Conservation and Restoration, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China;
2. Yellow River Estuary Wetland Ecosystem Field Scientific Observation and Research Station of the Ministry of Education, Dongying 257509, China;
3. Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China;
4. Chongqing Liangping District Wetland Protection Center, Chongqing 405200, China

Received Date: 2024-05-12
Accepted Date: 2024-09-04
Rev Recd Date: 2024-08-02

Abstract

Abstract

Currently, the removal efficiency of pollutants in urban and rural water bodies by small-scale wetlands, as well as the influencing factors, remains poorly understood. This study investigated the small-scale wetland network in Liangping, Chongqing to evaluate the efficiency of small-scale wetlands in removing total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) from urban and rural water bodies. Additionally, it explored the effects of topography and hydrology on the nutrient removal process. The results revealed that small-scale wetlands achieved average removal efficiencies of 46.86% for TN and 85.93% for TP. In rural areas, the TN removal efficiency was significantly higher than in urban areas (56.95% vs. 45.19%; P<0.05), while the TP removal efficiency was lower in rural wetlands compared to urban wetlands (68.04% vs. 92.94%; P<0.05). Interestingly, a distinct hump-shaped relationship was observed between nutrient removal efficiency and surface elevation, suggesting an optimal elevation range for wetland performance. Moreover, the interaction between water flow rate and topographic elevation had a significantly positive effect on nutrient removal, outperforming the influence of individual factors. The importance of this study extends beyond its specific findings, as small-scale wetlands represent a critical yet often underutilized tool in sustainable water management. These ecosystems, including micro-drainage systems, ornamental ponds, mixed channels (rivers and sewers), agricultural lands (paddy fields and dryland soil), and small lakes, play an essential role in mitigating non-point source pollution. However, their small size and fragmented nature often result in their being overlooked in larger-scale water management strategies. Research into small-scale wetlands is vital for several reasons. First, they are uniquely positioned to address the challenges of nutrient runoff, particularly in densely populated or agriculturally intensive regions where traditional methods may be insufficient. Secondly, they provide numerous co-benefits, such as habitat provision for wildlife, flood mitigation, and carbon sequestration, enhancing the overall ecological resilience of urban and rural landscapes. Thirdly, these wetlands offer a scalable and cost-effective solution for areas with limited resources or space for large-scale interventions. This study underscores the need to integrate small-scale wetlands into urban and rural planning frameworks. By designing cascading wetland systems based on topographical and hydrological insights, it is possible to optimize nutrient removal processes while preserving the multifunctional benefits of these ecosystems. Future research should be focused on refining our understanding of the mechanisms driving nutrient removal, evaluating the long-term sustainability of such systems, and exploring innovative designs to maximize their ecological and economic values. The findings highlight the strategic importance of protecting and restoring small-scale wetlands as a cornerstone of water quality management and environmental conservation efforts.
- micro-wetland,
- total nitrogen,
- total phosphorus,
- topography,
- urban and rural area

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References(47)

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