A protocol to establish low-cost floating treatment wetlands for large-scale wastewater reclamation

Abstract

Summary: Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) consist of buoyant rafts that support the growth of macrophytes on waterbodies. The long-term performance of these rafts depends on their buoyancy and resistance to weathering. Here, we present a protocol for establishing low-cost FTWs for large-scale wastewater reclamation by integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern engineering principles. We describe steps for setting up a plant nursery, designing and establishing the FTWs, vegetating units, and building the FTW island.For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Afzal et al.1 : Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics.

Keywords

• Plant sciences
• Biotechnology and bioengineering
• Environmental sciences