Constructed wetlands (CWs) showed the remarkable potential for removing the PhACs.
The removal of carbamazepine was significantly enhanced in planted CWs compared to unplanted CWs.
Cyperus alternifolius can tolerate and uptake certain PhACs.
Tolerance to PhACs could be related to photosynthesis and antioxidative defence.
The removal of PhACs in CWs was divided into two stages.