Background and purpose: Phytoremediation (constructed wetland) is one of the most appropriate technologies for wastewater treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the combined anaerobic and phytoremediation systems for sanitary wastewater treatment.

Materials and methods: This experimental study was performed during nine months to measure some parameters including COD, BOD₅, TSS, turbidity, total coliform, and intestinal nematode using combined anaerobic and phytoremediation systems. The samples of wastewater were randomly taken twice per month from the influent and effluent of the septic, wetland and control system. The parameters were measured based on both the Bailenger and standard methods for extermination of water and wastewater. The results were then compared with the Iranian effluent standards for irrigation.

Results: The results showed that by using the hybrid process of anaerobic and phytoremediation systems, the COD and TSS removal rates reached 80% each and the turbidity and BOD₅ removal rates were reported to be 90%. The removal efficiencies of total coliform and intestinal nematode were 99, 999% and 100%, respectively. In this study, the quality of the treated wastewater was found to be acceptable according to the Iranian effluent standards for irrigation.

Conclusion: The combined anaerobic and phytoremediation systems can be used as an efficient process for wastewater treatment.