Development of Bioretention Media for Phosphorus Control
Presentation Abstract
Excess phosphorus loading from stormwater can lead to eutrophication and the increased probability of harmful algal blooms in sensitive receiving waters. Bioretention systems, which are being increasingly utilized for stormwater treatment and control, have not been developed to address nutrient contamination. In fact, many bioretention systems incorporate substantial amounts of compost or other organic matter, which can lead to an increase in phosphorus concentration in system effluent. A treatment media for phosphorus control is needed.
Water treatment residuals (WTRs) are a common waste product from drinking water treatment systems in Washington State. They consist of aluminum- or iron-based flocculants, polymers, and organic particulates. They have shown the propensity to adsorb phosphorus from water and soils. In laboratory and field studies we have evaluated the effectiveness of WTR-based media to remove phosphorus from water. Results indicate that total phosphorus and orthophosphate can be effectively removed from stormwater, reducing concentrations by over 90%. Further, phosphorus removal vs contact time relationships have been developed, which can be used to inform the design criteria for incorporating WTR-based media into bioretention systems.
Session Title
Bioretention Performance in the Pacific Northwest
Conference Track
Fate and Effects of Pollutants
Conference Name
Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference (2016 : Vancouver, B.C.)
Document Type
Event
Start Date
2016 12:00 AM
End Date
2016 12:00 AM
Location
2016SSEC
Type of Presentation
Oral
Genre/Form
conference proceedings; presentations (communicative events)
Contributing Repository
Digital content made available by University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Runoff--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)--Management; Bioswales--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Water treatment plant residuals--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.); Phosphorus--Decontamination--Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Geographic Coverage
Salish Sea (B.C. and Wash.)
Rights
This resource is displayed for educational purposes only and may be subject to U.S. and international copyright laws. For more information about rights or obtaining copies of this resource, please contact University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9103, USA (360-650-7534; heritage.resources@wwu.edu) and refer to the collection name and identifier. Any materials cited must be attributed to the Salish Sea Ecosystem Conference Records, University Archives, Heritage Resources, Western Libraries, Western Washington University.
Type
Text
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Development of Bioretention Media for Phosphorus Control
2016SSEC
Excess phosphorus loading from stormwater can lead to eutrophication and the increased probability of harmful algal blooms in sensitive receiving waters. Bioretention systems, which are being increasingly utilized for stormwater treatment and control, have not been developed to address nutrient contamination. In fact, many bioretention systems incorporate substantial amounts of compost or other organic matter, which can lead to an increase in phosphorus concentration in system effluent. A treatment media for phosphorus control is needed.
Water treatment residuals (WTRs) are a common waste product from drinking water treatment systems in Washington State. They consist of aluminum- or iron-based flocculants, polymers, and organic particulates. They have shown the propensity to adsorb phosphorus from water and soils. In laboratory and field studies we have evaluated the effectiveness of WTR-based media to remove phosphorus from water. Results indicate that total phosphorus and orthophosphate can be effectively removed from stormwater, reducing concentrations by over 90%. Further, phosphorus removal vs contact time relationships have been developed, which can be used to inform the design criteria for incorporating WTR-based media into bioretention systems.
