Reviving Urban Ecosystems with Constructed Floating Wetlands

Abstract

Constructed floating wetlands (CFWs) are a highly efficient ecosystem restoration technology that can be used to improve stormwater quality and reclaim degraded urban shorelines to provide a wide variety of wetland ecosystem services. The concept of CFWs has its origins from naturally-occurring floating wetlands found around the world. They consist of a buoyant substrate that supports wetland plants growing hydroponically, with roots suspended below the water surface. They have the capacity to tolerate fluctuating water levels and variable nutrient loading and can be designed for a number of purposes including to improve water quality, provide bird and wildlife habitat, protect and beautify shorelines, reduce flood risk, sequester carbon and conserve economically important fisheries.