HIDROSTAN® Waterproofing References Phytoremediation

How to implement phytoremediation

Hidrostan EPDM membranes stand out for their exceptional resistance to chemicals, perforation, andaging, guaranteeing decades of durability even under harsh operating conditions. Thanks to their high elasticity and flexibility, the membranes adapt perfectly to the geometry of the tanks, ensuring a continuous, seamless coating.

The design of a containment system is a crucial and delicate phase in the construction of tanks intended to hold large quantities of water. The correct design of these structures is essential to ensure operational safety, structural stability, and environmental protection.

Among the first design considerations to be addressed, particular importance is given to the need to adequately compact the foundation soil and embankment and to lay any drainage pipes for runoff water or gas in the ground first. This operation is essential to reduce differential settlement, improve soil bearing capacity, and prevent localized instability or uncontrolled water infiltration into the subsoil.

Hidrostan membranes are certified according to EN 13361, the standard for waterproofing dams, reservoirs, and containment tanks, thus ensuring compliance with the highest Swiss and European standards in terms of safety, durability, and mechanical resistance. One of the distinctive features of Hidrostan membranes Hidrostan their extreme simplicity and speed of installation, which significantly reduces construction time and related installation costs. From a technical point of view, the membranes are distinguished by their exceptional flexibility, able to easily adapt to uneven surfaces or movements of the substrate, maintaining stable performance over a widetemperature range: from -40°C to +150°C. Furthermore, Hidrostan membranes Hidrostan elongation of more than 300%, giving the material extraordinary mechanical resilience and resistance to deformation and dynamic stress, which can be decisive for the durability of the waterproofing system.

Once the base has been prepared, a non-woven geotextile ( TNT) is laid, which protects the membrane, preventing direct contact with any unevenness in the ground and extending its life. The TNT is securely fixed to the ground using anchoring forks, distributed evenly across the entire surface.

Once the TNT has been laid, proceed with the installation of the Hidrostan EPDM waterproofing membrane, which has been cut to size according to the configuration of the basin. The membrane must be laid with particular care to ensure that it adapts precisely to the natural and irregular shapes of the lake, without creases or excessive tension, thus guaranteeing a uniform and continuous covering over the entire surface.

The overlap areas and connections with fill and drain pipes must be completely clean and dry, and on both sides of the overlap, apply a layer of AC-221 Adhesive, 8 cm long on each side, and apply Mastic Sealant (SMP) to the remaining 2 cm. Use a roller or brush to apply the adhesive. Once AC-221 Adhesivehas been applied toeach side of the overlap, allow the solvent to evaporate for about 15 minutes (a little longer in winter, less in summer) until the adhesive is no longer sticky to the touch.

Once the solvent has evaporated, fold the upper sheet over the lower one, completing the overlap, so as to avoid wrinkles or air pockets, and apply the Mastic Sealant (SMP).To avoid the formation of wrinkles and air pockets, it is advisable to use a smooth, heavy roller (wood or rubber), pressing it firmly first in the transverse direction and then longitudinally. Use the same method for the vertical flaps, taking care to follow the angles of the bottom and seal with Mastic Sealant (SMP).Once the installation is complete, before fixing or installing any decorative elements, we recommend filling your reservoir with water to check for any points of tension.

What is phytoremediation?

Phytoremediation is a natural and sustainable technology for wastewater treatment, inspired by the self-purifying processes that occur in natural wetlands such as marshes, wetlands, and lagoons. It is an ecological purification system that exploits the combined action of filtering substrates, microorganisms, and aquatic plants (generally emergent macrophytes such as Phragmites australis, Typha latifolia, Iris pseudacorus, etc.) to break down pollutants present in the water, transforming them or retaining them within the system.

The main advantages of phytoremediation are low operating and maintenance costs, landscape integration and environmental enhancement, high efficiency in the treatment of civil and agricultural-zootechnical wastewater, and finally the reuse of treated water for irrigation or environmental purposes.

One of the fundamental technical elements for ensuring the correct functioning and environmental safety of a phytoremediation plant is the impermeable membrane at the bottom, whose main function is to prevent polluted wastewater from spilling into the subsoil, protecting the aquifer and the surrounding soil from contamination.

In this context, the use of a waterproof membrane in EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) from the HIDROSTAN® line represents a technical solution of the highest level.

The adoption of phytoremediation represents a concrete response to modern wastewater treatment needs from a sustainable perspective. However, to ensure the effectiveness and safety of the system, it is essential to equip it with adequate containment barriers. The use of a HIDROSTAN® EPDM membrane as a waterproofing element is a strategic technical choice, combining reliability, durability, and respect for the environment, contributing to the protection of soil and groundwater from pollution.