Application of floating wetlands at tropical context for Lake water reclamation

Abstract

Pollution of lakes increases rapidly due to the urbanization in developing countries. Therefore, it is necessary to set up feasible mitigatory measures to address eutrophication issues, concurrently considering the lack of land availability as well as low cost involvement. This study was carried out to find out possible application aspects of floating wetland units for lake reclamation. Hence, two types of macrophytes, i.e. Typha angustifolia and Canna iridiflora, were employed in the pilot scale experiments with two floating wetland systems and monitored water quality for the removal of BOD5 and inorganic nitrogen. Over 80% of BOD5 and NH4 +-N removal capabilities were obtained while NO3 --N removal was recorded as over 40%. On the other hand, the root growth and its density of T. angustifolia was higher than that of C. iridiflora, resulting relatively better performance by T. angustifolia compared with C. iridiflora. Consequently, floating wetlands with T. angustifolia will be an appropriate solution in lake restoration, especially located at congested areas.