FLOATING

TREATMENT
ISLANDS
A Sustainable Approach for Water Quality Enhancement
and its development in Pakistan

PRESENTED BY
Muhammad Fahad Riaz
5401
BS. Biotech 7th (M)

Government College University Faisalabad

Floating treatment Island: A Sustainable Approach for Water Quality Enhancement and its development in Pakistan

CONTENTS
Abstract: ......................................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction: .......................................................................................................................... 3
2. Definition and Design Principles of Floating Treatment Islands:................... 3
3. Applications of Floating Treatment Islands: .......................................................... 3
4. Mechanisms of Water Quality Improvement: ....................................................... 3
5. Case Studies: ........................................................................................................................ 4
6. Environmental and Ecological Benefits: ................................................................... 4
7. Challenges and Considerations: .................................................................................. 4
8. Future Directions and Research Needs:................................................................... 4
9. FTI’s development in Pakistan...................................................................................... 4
10. Conclusion: .......................................................................................................................... 5
References: .................................................................................................................................................... 6

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Floating treatment Island: A Sustainable Approach for Water Quality Enhancement and its development in Pakistan

Abstract:
Floating Treatment Islands (FTIs) have emerged as an innovative and sustainable
solution for addressing water quality issues in various aquatic ecosystems. These
floating platforms, often vegetated, offer a range of ecological and environmental
benefits, including nutrient removal, habitat restoration, and aesthetic enhancement.
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Floating Treatment Islands,
discussing their design principles, applications, effectiveness, and potential challenges.
Additionally, the paper explores case studies and scientific research supporting the use
of FTIs, emphasizing their role in promoting sustainable water management practices.

1. Introduction:
Water quality degradation is a global concern that poses significant challenges to
ecosystems and human well-being. Traditional water treatment methods often fall
short in addressing the complex and interconnected issues associated with pollution,
nutrient runoff, and habitat loss. In response to these challenges, innovative and
sustainable approaches, such as Floating Treatment Islands (FTIs), have gained
attention for their potential to enhance water quality while promoting ecological
balance.

2. Definition and Design Principles of Floating Treatment Islands:

FTIs are artificial floating structures equipped with vegetation that mimic natural
wetlands. The design principles involve a buoyant foundation, typically composed of
recycled materials, supporting a variety of wetland plants. These islands are
customizable based on the specific requirements of the targeted water body, allowing
for the incorporation of various plant species and substrate types.

3. Applications of Floating Treatment Islands:

FTIs find applications in a diverse range of water bodies, including ponds, lakes,
stormwater retention basins, and wastewater treatment systems. Their versatility
allows for targeted deployment in areas with specific water quality issues. The paper
explores how FTIs can be integrated into existing water management infrastructure to
enhance overall system performance.

4. Mechanisms of Water Quality Improvement:

FTIs contribute to water quality improvement through multiple mechanisms. The
vegetation on the islands provides natural filtration by absorbing nutrients and
capturing suspended solids. Additionally, the root systems of the plants foster the
growth of beneficial microbial communities that further contribute to water purification.

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Floating treatment Island: A Sustainable Approach for Water Quality Enhancement and its development in Pakistan

The paper delves into the science behind these mechanisms, emphasizing the role of
FTIs in nutrient cycling and pollutant removal.

5. Case Studies:
This section presents a selection of case studies from around the world where FTIs
have been successfully implemented. Examples include urban stormwater
management projects, restoration of impaired water bodies, and applications in
industrial wastewater treatment. Each case study highlights the specific challenges
addressed, the design considerations, and the outcomes achieved through the
deployment of FTIs.

6. Environmental and Ecological Benefits:

Beyond water quality improvement, FTIs offer a range of environmental and ecological
benefits. These include habitat creation for aquatic and avian species, shoreline
stabilization, and aesthetic enhancement. The paper explores the positive impacts of
FTIs on biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, and overall landscape aesthetics.

7. Challenges and Considerations:

While FTIs present a promising solution, there are challenges and considerations that
must be addressed. These include the potential for invasive plant species colonization,
maintenance requirements, and long-term sustainability. The paper discusses
strategies to mitigate these challenges and emphasizes the importance of adaptive
management approaches.

8. Future Directions and Research Needs:

As the field of FTIs continues to evolve, there is a need for further research to optimize
design principles, assess long-term performance, and expand the range of applications.
This section explores potential future directions for FTI technology, including
advancements in materials, integration with smart technologies, and scalability for
large-scale water management projects.

9. FTI’s development in Pakistan

In Pakistan, floating treatment wetlands have been utilized for large-scale remediation
of oil-contaminated water resulting from oil and gas exploration activities in District
Chakwal. A study published in the npj Clean Water journal detailed the construction of
floating treatment wetlands to treat the contaminated water, with the plants and water
being inoculated with a consortium of 10 different hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria.
The application of these floating treatment wetlands resulted in a significant reduction
of various contaminants, including chemical oxygen demand, biochemical oxygen

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Floating treatment Island: A Sustainable Approach for Water Quality Enhancement and its development in Pakistan

demand, total dissolved solids, hydrocarbon content, and heavy metals within 18
months.

Furthermore, the use of BioHaven floating treatment wetlands, also known as floating
islands, has been considered for various water treatment and ecological restoration
projects. These floating islands are available in various sizes and have been employed in
different water bodies for the removal of heavy metals, treatment of wastewater, and
habitat enhancement.

The development and application of floating treatment islands in Pakistan demonstrate

their potential for addressing water contamination and ecological restoration
challenges. The use of these innovative systems reflects their versatility and
effectiveness in diverse environmental contexts.

10. Conclusion:
Floating Treatment Islands represent a promising and sustainable approach to water
quality enhancement. Their versatility, coupled with the multitude of environmental
benefits they offer, makes them a valuable tool in the broader context of ecological
restoration and water resource management. This paper concludes by summarizing key
findings and advocating for increased research, development, and implementation of
FTIs as part of integrated water management strategies.

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Floating treatment Island: A Sustainable Approach for Water Quality Enhancement and its development in Pakistan

References:

1. Kadlec, R. H., & Wallace, S. D. (2008). Treatment Wetlands, Second Edition. CRC Press.
2. Wang, L., & Sample, D. J. (2014). Floating treatment wetlands: A cost-effective and
sustainable solution for water quality improvement. Ecological Engineering, 63, 112-122.
3. Mitsch, W. J., & Gosselink, J. G. (2015). Wetlands (5th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.
4. Stewart, M. G., & Nelson, K. C. (2019). Floating treatment wetlands for water quality
improvement. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 230(4), 98.
5. Cooper, C. M., & Wu, W. (2016). Floating treatment wetland nutrient removal in winter
conditions. Ecological Engineering, 95, 527-532.
6. Mander, Ü., & Jenssen, P. D. (2007). Constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment: five
decades of experience. Environmental Science & Technology, 41(5), 1489-1497.
7. Zhi, W., Ji, G., Xia, L., Wang, W., & Zhao, Y. (2015). The nitrogen removal performance and
microbial community of a floating-bed-grown wetland treating micro-polluted river
water. Ecological Engineering, 82, 42-50.
8. Thullen, J. S., Wang, Z., & Mitsch, W. J. (2017). Nitrogen and phosphorus removal by
floating treatment wetlands in a subtropical urban stormwater pond. Ecological
Engineering, 100, 20-29.
9. Brix, H., Sorrell, B. K., & Lorenzen, B. (2001). Are floating macrophytes an alternative to
surface-flow constructed wetlands? Water Science and Technology, 44(11-12), 147-152.
10. Large-scale remediation of oil-contaminated water using floating treatment wetlands -
npj Clean Water: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41545-018-0025-7
11. Floating Islands West: https://floatingislandswest.com/island-101-floating-treatment-
wetland/biohaven-floating-island-faqs/
12. July 2021 Webinar - Floating Wetlands in Pakistan:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=NLiJ7J_423c
13. Floating Islands West: https://floatingislandswest.com/our-products-biohaven-floating-
treatment-wetlands/
14. Floating Islands West BioHaven® Floating Wetlands: https://floatingislandswest.com/our-
products-biohaven-floating-treatment-wetlands/customized-floating-islands/floating-
island-10x10/

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