About This Project

Although floating constructed wetlands (FCWs) offer a viable, nature-based solution for wastewater treatment, their documentation in Africa, particularly in Ghana, remains inadequate. This study investigates the effectiveness of various FCW designs in removing unique contaminants (PFAS & heavy metals) from wastewater by assessing the relationship between substrate type, plant species, and contaminant removal efficiency, thereby providing localized insights into Ghana's unique treatment dynamics.

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What is the context of this research?

Low-cost, nature-based solutions like floating constructed wetlands (FCWs) are crucial for protecting water quality, ecosystems, and public health as urbanisation and population growth increase pressure on wastewater treatment systems. In Ghana, clean water is a growing concern, and existing treatment systems often fall short. I believe nature offers a promising solution. Scientists know that FCWs, functioning as mini-ecosystems on water, can naturally treat wastewater. Plant roots act like sponges and, together with microbes, remove harmful substances. However, there is limited research in West Africa, particularly Ghana, on effectively leveraging this technology to address our unique challenges. My project aims to identify the optimal plants and methods to effectively remove pollutants like PFAS and heavy metals in FCW

What is the significance of this project?

The significance of my project, "Harnessing Nature: Optimizing Floating Constructed Wetlands for Clean Water in Ghana", lies in addressing the urgent need for effective wastewater treatment solutions in a region facing significant water quality challenges. With no published studies on floating constructed wetlands in West Africa, this research aims to fill a critical knowledge gap. By investigating how these natural systems can efficiently remove harmful pollutants like PFAS and heavy metals, the project has immediate value for the scientific community. Data generated from this study can inform sustainable practices and potential policy changes, providing a framework for implementing these green technologies in similar contexts globally. Moreover, enhancing wastewater treatment through optimized floating wetlands will not only improve public health but also foster environmental resilience, making it a problem worth investigating for the betterment of communities in Ghana and beyond.

What are the goals of the project?

To answer the research question, I will employ a systematic experimental design that includes several key phases from February 1, 2026.

First, I will conduct laboratory pre-testing to characterize contaminants in wastewater from various sources in Ghana. This step will inform the specific pollutants to target, like PFAS and heavy metals.

Next, I will design and prepare five different floating constructed wetland beds, each utilizing varying substrates and plant species known for their contaminant removal capabilities.

Subsequently, I will set up batch experiments to assess the rate of contaminant removal in these designs, followed by rigorous laboratory testing to measure the efficiency of each setup.

Finally, a pilot study will be done to see how well the improved wetlands work in the real world. This comprehensive approach ensures robust data collection to advance knowledge and practical applications of floating wetlands for wastewater treatment in West Africa.