Use of ornamental plants in floating treatment wetlands for greywater treatment in buildings: preliminary results

Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs), have been recognized by many researchers for their efficiency in removing pollutants and thus improving wastewater quality. Despite their wide use for treating various types of wastewater, little is known about their efficiency in greywater treatment. In this study, ten FTWs planted with climbing and ornamental plants were examined for the performance of greywater treatment in the island of Lesvos, Greece. More specifically, Canna indica an ornamental flower plant and Hedera helix an ornamental climbing plant, were established in a pilot scale FTWs experiment, under natural weather conditions. The main operational variables in the experimental set-up design of the FTWs were (a) the presence /absence of plants, (b) the use of two different floating mats (polypropylene, geotextile), and (c) the use of two different water depths (30 cm and 40 cm). The determination of the optimal pollutant removal and plant growth regarding the different variables was investigated. In parallel, plant growth traits as well as water quality parameters were measured on a biweekly basis.