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Tamara T. Gorbacheva
Tamara T. Gorbacheva
Ph.D.
Leading Researcher
Institute of North Industrial Ecology Problems, Kola Science Centre of the RAS
Leading Researcher, Ph.D.
Institute of North Industrial Ecology Problems, Kola Science Centre of the RAS
Apatity
Russia

Co-authors

Articles

Review
Geotechnical Engineering and Engineering Geology
  • Date submitted
    2024-12-04
  • Date accepted
    2025-07-16
  • Online publication date
    2025-11-21

Constructed Floating Wetlands – a phytotechnology for wastewater treatment: application experience and prospects

Article preview

The article is devoted to the actively developing area of wastewater treatment – Constructed Floating Wetlands (CFW, floating bioplatforms). The paper explores the creation history and operational experience of CFW in Russia and abroad. It describes the designs and preferred compositions of substrates and plants for creating phytomodules, paying special attention to the use of natural minerals and the selection of local macrophyte plant species. The CFW technology is suitable for treating various types of wastewater, including inorganic effluents from mining enterprises. The research examines the results of applying phytotechnology for wastewater treatment for pollutants (total nitrogen and phosphorus, organic matter, suspended particles, heavy metals, sulphates, boron, etc.). The article shows successful practices of using CFW for acidic drainage effluents, which are the most challenging for phytotechnology application. The study identifies key factors affecting pollutant removal efficiency – water depth, flow rate, coverage area, aeration, and temperature. The research presents methods to enhance the depth of water treatment at low temperatures. It also notes the positive impact of floating bioplatforms on the condition of water bodies where they are located. The study provides cost estimates for applying CFW technology for wastewater treatment and gives recommendations based on the experience of implementing the technology at a settling pond of a mining enterprise in the Murmansk Region.

How to cite: Ivanova L.A., Krasavtseva E.A., Gorbacheva T.T. Constructed Floating Wetlands – a phytotechnology for wastewater treatment: application experience and prospects // Journal of Mining Institute. 2025.