Free water surface (FWS) wetlands are defined as wetland systems where the water surface is exposed to the atmosphere. FWS wetlands are natural wastewater treatment systems which can effectively remove pollutants like particulates, nitrogen, phosphorus, and complex organic compounds. This factsheet provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of using FWS wetlands for wastewater treatment.
EPA (2000): Wastewater Technology Fact Sheet - Free Water Surface Wetlands. Washington D.C.: United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) URL [Accessed: 06.09.2012]