Floating wetland Islands in Port marinas

Floating Wetland Islands (FWIs) are innovative, nature-based solutions designed to improve water quality and enhance biodiversity in aquatic environments. These artificial islands float on water bodies and are typically constructed using buoyant materials like recycled plastics, foam, or natural substances such as cork. The surfaces of FWIs are planted with a variety of aquatic and semi-aquatic plants, creating a floating garden that mimics natural wetlands. The plants and associated microorganisms play a crucial role in phytoremediation, providing water depuration when contaminants are present, such high concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, heavy metals, and others.

In port marinas, FWIs can be particularly valuable. These environments often face challenges such as water pollution from boat traffic and runoff containing hydrocarbons and other contaminants. By installing FWIs, marinas can improve water quality and create more attractive and ecologically rich spaces. The research and development of FWIs is expanding, with ongoing studies focusing on optimizing plant species selection, island design, and placement to maximize ecological and aesthetic benefits. As a versatile and sustainable tool, FWIs are gaining recognition for their potential to enhance ecosystem services in various aquatic environments, from freshwater lakes to saline coastal areas. Acknowledgments: Authors are thankful to Strategic Funding UIDB/04423/2020, UIDP/04423/2020 and LA/P/0101/2020 through national funds provided by FCT.