Floating Wetlands Prove Competitive, Cost-Effective Water Treatment Option: new Study
Adelaide, Australia – A new study published in ACS ES&T Water reveals that floating wetlands can be a cost-competitive and ecologically beneficial option to conventional engineered water treatment systems. Researchers from UniSA and CSIRO found that,while costs vary,these nature-based solutions are particularly effective at nitrogen removal,frequently enough at a lower price point than phosphorus removal.
The research addresses a critical gap in understanding the true costs associated with implementing floating wetlands at scale. The study demonstrates that the cost of removing nitrogen averaged between A$15 and A$183 per kilogram, while phosphorus removal ranged from A$23 to A$4979 per kilogram.
“Scale matters,” explains Dr. John Awad of CSIRO.”Larger wetlands reduced the cost per kilogram of nutrients removed, making them more economical over time. Climate also plays a role,with warmer regions benefiting from longer growing seasons and increased pollutant removal rates.”
Floating wetlands are gaining traction globally for treating diverse water sources, including domestic wastewater, stormwater, and polluted urban rivers.Current trials are underway in australia – specifically the Sunshine Coast region and Victoria – targeting wastewater and stormwater.Similar projects in the United States are integrating the technology with community spaces,ecological restoration efforts,and even boardwalks.
Beyond water purification, the study highlights additional advantages. UniSA Professor Simon Beecham notes that floating wetlands can be “retrofitted into existing lakes and stormwater ponds without the need for costly land acquisition,” and provide valuable habitat for wildlife, enhance urban aesthetics, and perhaps contribute to carbon sequestration.
Notable cost variations were observed between projects in developed and developing nations. Construction costs in Pakistan, for example, were as low as A$13-20 per square meter, significantly less than those in Australia and North America due to lower labor and material expenses.
“Understanding these variations helps governments and planners adapt the technology to local conditions,” Dr. awad stated. “It also shows that floating wetlands could be a particularly valuable option in low- and middle-income countries, where affordable, low-energy treatment systems are urgently needed.”
The researchers emphasize that floating wetlands are not a standalone solution, but rather a valuable component of a complete water treatment strategy.
Contact:
Dr. John Awad, CSIRO, media@csiro.au
Professor Simon Beecham,UniSA,Simon.Beecham@unisa.edu.au
Candy Gibson, UniSA, +61 434 605 142, Candy.Gibson@unisa.edu.au
DOI: 10.1021/acsestwater.5c00439
