Floating Islands

Man-made lakes and ponds are typically designed to detain stormwater which minimizes flooding around surrounding homes and businesses. With the case for many stormwater lakes and ponds, algae nuisance is an on-going maintenance problem. Excess nutrients discharging into the water from various sources such as fertilizers from landscaped settings and modern agricultural practices combined with a lack of consistent aeration contributes to algae blooms. To help reduce or prevent the recurrence of algae and reduce stormwater pollution, the absorption of excess nutrients is needed. Floating islands might be the solution!

Floating islands are great examples of sustainable green design. They essentially are permanent mats planted with native plants that float on the surface of the water. As plant roots establish in the subsurface of the island, nutrient and contaminant removal occurs through the plant’s absorption, including nitrogen, and phosphorus. Additional benefits of floating islands:

• Besides removal, some nutrients are also converted by root microbes into food for insects and fish.
• Increased levels of dissolved oxygen in the water.
• Provides habitat for fish, insects, and birds.
• In some cases, provides shade to cool the water temperature.