Natural water treatment system: the potential of applying artificial floating island technology in lakes, ponds and dam lakes in Turkey

In this study, the implementation potential of artificial floating island (AFI) technology, which is a phytoremediation strategy, was investigated in Turkish lakes, ponds and reservoirs. The pressure on water resources is increasing ever with the global warming as well as the effect of climate change. In addition, increasing environmental pollution directly and/or indirectly harms the organisms thus has negative effects on their lives. In this context, the importance of lakes, ponds and dam lakes in Turkey against adverse global and environmental conditions has increased in recent years. Innovative, sustainable and economical solutions are required for the improvement of lakes, ponds and dam lakes, considering that these are main resources of drinking water, irrigation of agricultural lands, and recreational activities. Considering the current trophic state of natural waters in our country, many lakes, ponds or dam lakes have been identified with eutrophication potential. AFI technology, which is widely established globally to remediate such organic pollution load, is a highly economical alternative treatment system. Previous studies have generally focused on the laboratory and pilot scale implementation of AFI technology. In the future, full-scale establishment of AFI technology will provide significant added value for both the scientific and the national economy.