The team of European scientists based their system on a process known as phytoremediation, a technique which uses vegetation to either stabilize or reduce contamination that can be applied to surface water as well as groundwater, soils, sludges, and sediment. The scientists, who received funding from the European Union, created a demonstration system designed to treat 2,000 cubic meters/day of water. The focus of the system is treating nitrites and nitrates as well as phosphates such that the water meets existing regulations