Floating wetland islands as a water treatment technology

Introduction and aim: Floating Wetland Islands (FWIs) are innovative, nature-based solutions that aim to improve water quality and restore ecological functions in various aquatic environments, such as lakes, ponds, rivers, and reservoirs. FWIs are man-made floating platforms planted with aquatic vegetation that mimic natural wetlands, providing significant ecological benefits. In recent years, these systems have gained widespread recognition due to their effectiveness, cost-efficiency, and relatively low maintenance requirements. This study focuses on the implementation and performance of a FWI established in a freshwater pond using a polyculture of aquatic plants, including Iris germanica, Acorus gramineus, Caltha palustris, and Typha latifolia. These species were chosen for their robust ability to tolerate variable water conditions and their efficacy in nutrient uptake. The FWI was constructed on a cork agglomerate platform, a material that allows for long-term durability and plant growth. Installed in 2018, this FWI has been under continuous monitoring to assess its ecological impact. Parameters such as local biodiversity improvement, water quality metrics and the platform’s long-term buoyancy and structural integrity have been tracked.