Do you have a lot of floating wetlands experience?
About 1000 installations mainly in France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Have you done research on floating wetlands?
In addition to the Bibliography, we conducted several research programs ourselves, and the main results are explained in the research chapter.
Do you have quality certifications?
We certify QSE (Quality ISO 9001, Safety 19001 and ISO 14001 for the environment) labelled ISO and AFNOR for the design and production of vegetated or mineral floating wetlands. We are the only ones in the world to have these certifications, guarantee of quality and rigor.
What do you think of using plastics in water?
By using the appropriate materials, as we do, there is no risk of release of any micro particles. Apart from our standard solutions we also have solutions without plastics.
What are the essential qualities of a vegetated floating wetland?
Floating wetlands must be reliable and durable in time, aesthetic, easy to implement and non-maintenance.
What types of vegetation do you recommend?
Only native wetland plants and sometimes selected species for especial issues (flowering for specific insects, tolerant against ducks etc…)
Are there any harmful elements within the wetlands?
No, all materials are inert and have no risk for wildlife or water quality.
Is any maintenance required?
Not much. Its best to stop wind blown trees and shrubs from establishing as these can cause stability issues (unless the islands are specifically designed to take trees). Occasional over planting of the edges may be required after a few years.
Can you walk on ESWEG Floating Wetlands?
Its best to maintain from the sides, but access is possible on the islands subject to a health and safety assessment and where floatation personal protective equipment is used.
Can stones be added for Tern nesting habitat?
Yes, additional floatation can be designed into our islands so that gravels can be added for tern nesting.
How much of the surface area of the wetlands are planted?
Some other floating wetlands solutions have 40% pipes built into the body of the structure, which directly reduces plant biomass and also root biomass. ESWEG islands have 100% planting surface area. This higher planting area results in greater corresponding root mass which is important for habitat and water treatment.
How long will the wetland last?
AquaFlora floating wetlands are made from high quality UV stabilised materials and we have a track record of installing over 1000 projects, many over 25 years old now.
Can floating wetlands treat water and improve water quality?
Yes, floating wetlands have been proven to improve water quality and are used as a constructed wetland technique around the world. There is a growing body of evidence to support the use floating wetlands as a low cost and practical waste water treatment. Indeed, there are significant benefits of using floating wetlands over traditional constructed wetland techniques (link to research).
What are the differences and advantages between AquaFlora Floating Wetlands and other raft systems?
The materials used for our standard solutions are strong, flexible and resilient, primarily recycled PE and no wood, no steel, no PVC, no PSE (expanded polystyrene) used. AquaFlora Floating Wetlands are able to withstand severe weather and flood conditions, fast flowing waters and variable water levels.
The roots are on the entire surface of the wetland, unhindered by the structure, the root hair is more effective. The Xylit (link to product chapter with Xylit description) dynamic media provides a significant increase in the retention capability of water pollutants increasing the surface of the root system to provide an appropriate space for the colonization of bacteria, which absorb pollutants.
Do you introduce soil or compost on your floating wetlands?
To avoid polluting lakes, ponds or streams, we recommend native wetlands plants, whose roots draw directly from the water needed resources. No soil, no fertilizer or other elements likely to pollute.
Which is the life expectancy of the solution?
Our first projects have more than 25 years and they are still lasting.