Abstract
Constructed Floating Wetlands (CFWs) are increasingly used to treat stormwater in detention ponds under fresh water conditions (Borne et al., 2013; Winston et al., 2013). The generally static water level allows plants to develop dense networks of roots, which uptake nutrients directly from the water column and trap pollutants in the roots' biofilm. More recently, plant health in CFWs has been observed in saline/brackish systems, which present a more hostile environment, requiring plant species that are highly adaptable. An ongoing pilot study with CFWs installed in a saline canal development in Pelican Waters, a suburb of Caloundra, Australia (subtropical climate), aims to assess how plants respond to salinity stressors and to evaluate what species are tolerant to the coastal conditions. The selected species shall be used to treat the stormwater runoff of a new development within Pelican Waters. Preliminary pilot scale studies evaluated the performance of a number of plants under saline/brackish water conditions.