Floating Islands & Constructed Wetland Root Support

ECA® is the epitome of scientific innovation paired with sustainable design. Manufactured from natural clay fired at high temperatures, it produces a lightweight, durable material with a unique porous structure that drives superior performance across water and air management applications.

Chemical Properties such as chemical stability, non-toxicity, and acid & salt resistance ensure that ECA® remains unaffected by chemical interactions, making it ideal for both water and air filtration systems. Its UV resistance and inertness to chemical leaching mean that this material stays robust under the most demanding conditions. These properties are crucial when ECA® is integrated into Floating Islands and Constructed Wetland Root Support systems where environmental resilience is paramount.

Equally impressive are the mechanical properties of ECA®. With a bulk density ranging between 200 and 800 kg/m³ and a compressive strength of up to 3.0 N/mm², this material delivers reliable performance under physical stress. The engineered porosity not only aids in moisture control—with a typical water absorption rate of 18–23%—but also encourages biofilm formation which is critical in water treatment processes.

ECA® is setting new benchmarks in the realm of environmental management by addressing two pivotal applications: buoyant modules for habitat restoration and enhanced root zone substrates. Each of these applications leverages the material’s inherent properties to foster thriving, resilient ecosystems.

Floating Islands designed with ECA® offer a unique solution to aquatic habitat restoration. The lightweight yet robust nature of the material, coupled with its non-flammable and odorless characteristics, makes it an ideal choice for creating floating platforms that support a variety of aquatic plants. These structures not only stabilize water bodies but also enhance water filtration and air quality by naturally integrating into the ecosystem.

For Constructed Wetlands, ECA® acts as a crucial component in building root support systems. Its high specific surface area and controlled porosity provide an excellent substrate for plant roots, fostering biofilm development and microbial activity. This, in turn, facilitates processes like nitrification/denitrification, thereby reducing pollutants in the water. The result is a more efficient, natural purification process that harmonizes with ecological cycles.

The buoyant modules crafted using ECA® are engineered to remain resilient under the stresses of natural water systems. Their design leverages the material’s low water absorption and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles properties. This ensures that the modules maintain their structural integrity and performance over time, even in harsh climates. When integrated into habitat restoration projects, these modules promote biodiversity by providing stable platforms for native vegetation.