Reedbed filters, constructed wetlands, subsurface wetlands, bioengineered wetlands (all different terminologies for types of artificial wetlands) have been used worldwide, particularly in Europe, for many years. They are ideal for use a wide variety of applications as diverse as sewage treatment, stormwater remediation, heavy metal and phosphorus reduction, sludge and oil contaminated water treatment.
Rootzone Australia specializes in subsurface flow reedbeds. In this process, contaminated water flows by controlled seepage through the root-zone of reed plants in specially designed beds. This low energy, biological process works to safely decontaminate the water by breaking down organic pollutants which can then be used naturally as a food source for an extraordinary variety of microorganisms that dwell in the media of the beds and reeds. Inorganic contaminants, such as heavy metals can also be successfully removed by the process of humic acid and cation exchange bonds in the soil or mineral substrates of the reedbed.
Because the flow of water is below the surface, there are no odours, no stagnating water ponds to attract mosquitoes and the beds pose no danger to wildlife and domestic animals. In fact, they may encourage birds, frogs and other creatures to make their home in your constructed wetland.
The process in all our systems has a much lower cost and carbon footprint than many high tech treatments in use today. Through passive, eco-friendly principles, we work to minimize mechanical operations and parts, which reduces operation costs, making our systems robust and ideal for challenging environments such as in marine, alpine and outback ecosystems.
At Rootzone, we custom design and build wastewater treaments from the most simple household greywater systems, right through to industrial scale facilities.
Small domestic systems utilize both horizontal and vertical flow Reedbed technologies. Custom built Reedbeds treat the water using a variety of different media and different species of reeds depending on location, space, local regulations and your treatment and reuse needs. We can treat greywater and blackwater and advise on all aspects of your wastewater cycle, regulatory approval and even landscaping to ensure your system blends with the aesthetic of your property.
Rootozone custom designs and builds large commercial systems offering services from conception and design, to gaining regulatory approval through to construction and ongoing maintenance. Read more to learn about commercial and industrial Reedbed applications