The Hierarchical Mosaic of Aquatic Ecosystems (HMAE ®) was originally developed in Belgium by applying the ecological adaptations of hydrophyte plants to flooded and polluted conditions. The system consisted of a stabilization pond (stage I) followed by a semi-aquatic ecosystem planted with helophytes (stage II) and by a terrestrial ecosystem (stage III) where ligneous species are planted. An HMAE ® experimental system net treatment area of 9.4 m 2 per one equivalent inhabitant (e.i.) showed a high average performance for SS (66.5%); COD (89%); BOD 5 (87.5%) and fecal bacteria (99.997%). The decrease of the treatment area of 2.8 m 2 /e.i. showed a average high performance for SS (75%); COD (80%); BOD 5 (82%) and fecal bacteria (99.9%). An HMAE ® system was built in Bustillo de Cea (Leon, northwest of Spain) and their removal efficiency was studied. Organic matter, nutrients and fecal bacteria were fortnightly analyzed. The whole system showed removal efficiencies in start-up as high as 98% for solids, 95% for BOD 5 and up to 99.99% for fecal bacteria.

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