Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 9.9
Schematic of floating platforms from Floating Island International and Floating Island
International Southeast
Floating Island International and Floating Island International Southeast use a dif-
ferent concept than either the PVC/chicken wire ones or the ones from Maryland
Aquatic Nurseries or Charleston Aquatic Nursery. They are thicker and contain a
vertical zone which has periphyton and bacteria which retain or utilize nutrients
from the water. This zone may also contribute to a significant amount of denitrifica-
tion. These platforms also allow for significant plant root growth in the water body
(Fig. 9.10). Plans are in progress for tests with these platforms in both swine lagoon
and aquaculture wastewater to quantify nutrient removal.
Research also needs to be done regarding utilization of the harvested material.
There is potential for composting the biomass and using it as a soil amendment.
This would add both nutrients and carbon to the soil. Potential also exists for trans-
planting material grown on the floating platforms. We have successfully removed
bermudagrass sod intact from the floating platform by rolling up the coir mat with
Fig. 9.10
Plant and root
growth on Floating Island
International platforms
