Page 27 - Landscape-Issue125

WATER WISE

Floating wetlands

The gradual increase in the concentration of nitrogen, Furthermore, these floating wetlands create just enough
phosphorous, and other plant nutrients in an aquatic shade in the water, influencing the temperature and
ecosystem is referred to as eutrophication. This process availability of sunlight for algae development. Floating
is typically characterised by excessive growth of algae or wetlands are also known to provide other ecosystem
plankton in a water body and is a major environmental services such as habitat provision. They provide a haven
concern because it can eventually lead to a decrease for aquatic animals and alternative breeding grounds for
in dissolved oxygen in the affected water body as well birds.
as a deterioration of water quality. This is particularly
problematic in a country such as South Africa, where the Floating wetlands are an eco-friendly and natural way
freshwater sources are already limited. to prevent algal growth in surface water systems. These
buoyant filtration systems are ideal for use in built-up
Wetlands and their aquatic plant habitats play a significant urban environments, as they encourage local birds and
role in water quality improvement. Wetlands, both natural insects, as well as provide a pleasant landscape. They can
and man-made have been frequently employed to improve also reduce pollution in stormwater run-off.
water quality. Floating wetlands are ecosystems created
by using a buoyant substrate to support plants and allow Conserving and enhancing natural habitats and
them to grow hydroponically, with their roots dangling environments, especially in urban areas, is essential to
down into the water column. Plants, as the primary protect the functioning of the ecosystems that provide
engine of the ecosystem, alter the pH, temperature, and us with crucial goods and services, such as clean water.
dissolved oxygen of the water column, removing nutrients Utilising floating wetlands to remove pollutants from
and heavy metals from the water column through root collected and stored water is a great way to look after our
uptake, thereby preventing eutrophication. most precious natural resource.

Floating wetlands are being seen as an effective ecological For more information on other ways you can be Water
engineering option for removing nutrients from water Wise, visit the Water Wise website by going to the Rand
sources. In recent years, this ‘phyto-technology,’ in which Water website and clicking on the
macrophytes grow on a buoyant platform and absorb Water Wise logo.
nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen directly from the
water, has gained popularity. Harvesting above ground Always be Water Wise!
biomass can directly remove absorbed nutrients from the
system.

www.randwater.co.za and click on the Water Wise logo
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON WATER WISE, PLEASE CONTACT US ON: 0860 10 10 60