Looking for info on the cleaning ability of plants

[travis]

I am taking a water class in college and we are doing a project on a lagoon used to capture rain run off and are looking at using a floating island with plants on it to help clean the water. What I cannot find is what plants clean the best and at what rate. We are trying to figure out how many plants we need and what plants. Definitely do not want a high maintenance lagoon or invasive species.

Thank you

 

[DrDave]

I use water hyssop in my Floating Island. I also have it in my stream between ponds. It does very well. I don't know how to quantify that in terms of it's relationship to other plants. It along with water lettuce keep my ponds very clear.
Please share your research with us!

 

[koiguy1969]

water hiacynths are also quite effective at nutrient removal and reproduce readilly. but wont survive colder winters.

 

[travis]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I live in Eugene Oregon.

DrDave looked at your video and all I can say is wow, what a great place you have.

 

[DrDave]

Thanks. I forgot to mention that I live in Eugene Oregon.

DrDave looked at your video and all I can say is wow, what a great place you have.

Thank you Travis!
It is a work in progress. Every year, it gets better. Landscaping is what makes it look more natural.

 

[oldmarine]

Travis,

Have you considered 'Parrot Feather'? It grows fast, is quite intrusive in a controled enviroment, and many people use it in their boi-filter because of it's ability to purify the water. It is also quite hardy and will servive harsh winters.

Happy ponding,

Rich:fish:

 

[DrDave]

Rich is right! Parrots feather is a good addition to any pond. I keep mine in the pond itself but allow the growth to garnish the edges. That way I control it from becoming a weed outside. Hyssop also grows well. It will choke out Parrots Feather if grown together. I have since seperated mine.

 

[stroppy]

watercress is very good but i dont know if you can get it over there