An introduction to floating treatment wetlands and its application potential for remediation of citarum watershed, Indonesia

Abstract

Floating Treatment Wetlands (FTWs) are considered the most applicable and cost effective instrument for aquatic pollutant removal. This aquaponic–based bioremediation has become a potential alternative solution since inorganic (physical and chemical) treatment is seen to be ineffective for large–scale polluted objects. Numerous investigations have proved that FTWs are potential to decrease major pollutant concentration in water e.g., nitrogen, phosphate, as well as heavy metals. This treatment is applicable by using different macrophytes species. Depending on its pollutant target, the use of macrophytes will vary to its pollutant which will be removed. There are only limited reports available relating to application of macrophytes as pollutant removal applied in Indonesia. Citarum watershed is known as one of the most polluted aquatic area in Indonesia. It urgently needs a suitable method of water pollutant removal in this area. This paper aims to describe the application of FTWs as one of remediation methods that harnesses a significant potential because of its low-cost, eco-friendly, and sustainable nature for water restoration.