The Floating Macrophyte Filter system
was developed by the School of Agricultural
Engineering of Madrid (Spain) as a new
method of wastewater treatment using
manmade wetlands.
This system uses emergent macrophytes
that root to the soil naturally (Typha,
Scirpus, Iris, Sparganium) but that,
in this case, are converted into artificially
floating macrophytes. Since they float,
these plants form a dense mat of roots
and rhizomes that occupy the entire
volume of the collector (pond or canal),
forcing all the water to circulate through
the matted roots, which support microorganisms
that degrade organic material. The Floating
Macrophyte Filter system eliminates
eutrophicising elements, heavy metals
and phenols.
The European Commission LIFE Program
co-finances a demonstration project
in the municipality of Lorca (Murcia
Autonomic Community). Its objective
is to design 8 Floating Macrophyte Filter
prototypes for three population centres
ranging from 150 to 500 inhabitants
(Avilés, Coy, and Doña
Inés), pig farms with 5 to 500
animals, single-family homes, and an
Environmental Education Centre.
