Within an Interreg South Baltic project we tested different floating macrophyte islands for nutrient mitigation in brackish coastal waters. Market-ready islands usually provide sufficient buoyancy but contain artificial polymers in some form, inter alia polyurethane foam or paste (PU), polyethylene (PE), or polypropylene (PP). For the project special islands out of renewable and native materials (e.g. reed stems) were constructed. But we haven't found the solution yet for a sustainable, long-lasting, robust and durable floating construction - the provided buoyancy was not sufficient yet to last under the challenging conditions (brackish water, some wave action, possibility of ice drift). Do you have any experiences with renewable (and native) materials used for floating macrophyte islands in coastal waters? Recommendations you can share?
Hello Svenja, we use 110mm welded plastic pipe and coir mats. I would like to find a renewable natural material aswell, but i have not seenone to date.
Hello Svenja,
Sorry, I am also not aware of any completely plastic free material that's actually in use.
Regards,
Katharina
Hello Svenja, Sorry never came across any such new material apart from plastic. But Its good idea!
Best Regards,
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