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The Technology

On the walkway of a RestorerRestorers come in many shapes and sizes, depending on their desired function. The two main types are linear and square/circular. They have been built of wood, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) floatation cubes, and welded HDPE pipes for the largest, most recent applications. They are simple by design, minimizing material and energy consumption and providing an optimum environment for the treatment ecologies. Traditional grid power, solar, wind, or some combination can meet the minimal energy inputs. Restorers are also used in conjunction with other natural treatment components such as constructed wetlands to create an overall robust system.

The five basic physical components to Restorers are:
  1. The floating structure to support media, air distribution systems and dense arrays of higher plants, including shrubs and trees.
  2. The high surface area media for attached-growth (biofilm) treatment and support of diverse biological communities.
  3. The air distribution system for aeration and circulation.
  4. The energy system to provide electrical power to blowers and compressors that distribute the air.
  5. The biology and ecology of the Restorer, including native wetland plants, fish, bacteria, fungi, algae, protozoa and a wide array of life forms from many different phylogenetic kingdoms.