Floating Wetlands System: A viable alternative for water pollutants remediation

Abstract

Constructed floating wetlands is viable alternative for the treatment of stormwater, combined stormwater-sewer overflow, sewage and water supply reservoirs, among others. The use of this technology also allows to enhance the habitat, and improve aesthetics to the treatment facility. In brief, the constructed floating wetlands island treatment mechanism is a combination of several components and physico-chemical processes that mimic natural bioremediation. Plant roots play a major role in treatment processes within constructed floating wetland island since the water passes directly through root system underneath the floating mat. Pathways for contaminant removal/retention in floating wetland island are: release of extracellular enzymes, development of biofilms, flocculation of suspended matter, and plant uptake. This study summarizes the findings of four monitoring studies and emphasizes on the field studies that monitored how pond contaminants responded to the floating wetlands through extensive review of existing literature.