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ENHANCED BIOLOGICAL OXIDATION OF HYDROPHOBIC COMPOUNDS UNDER DYNAMIC LOAD IN A TRICKLE BED AIR BIOFILTERZehraoui, Abderrahman January 2013 (has links)
No description available.
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Analysis of Biofiltration Efficiency for Treating Stormwater Runoff from a Parking FacilityKoranchie-Boah, Peter 07 September 2008 (has links)
No description available.
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Assessment of the Potential Environmental Impacts of Stormwater Management from a Life cycle perspective : A case study of stormwater treatment alternatives in Finspång Municipality / Analys av de potentiella miljöeffekterna av dagvattenhantering ur ett livscykelperspektiv : En fallstudie av dagvattenreningsalternativ i Finspångs kommunNieminen, Neea January 2021 (has links)
Finspång Municipality suspects that the stormwater discharge has a negative impact on the quality of lake Skutbosjön due to its poor quality. Therefore, Tyréns is currently working together with the municipality to introduce new stormwater measures that would help to improve the state of the lake. This study will provide supporting evidence for decision-making by analysing and comparing the potential environmental impacts of a detention pond, an underground detention chamber system (UDCS) and a biofiltration system by utilising life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. Metrics used in this study include 18 mid-point impact categories that are quantified for each system’s life cycle. The modelled pond had significantly lower adverse environmental impact in 12 impact categories than other systems, and UDCS had the highest environmental impacts in 13 impact categories. For pond, majority of the impacts where attributed to the transport of bulky materials during the decommissioning phase while for UDCS and biofilters, the material production in the construction phase dominated the life cycle impacts. Overall, applying LCA in a context of stormwater management can help in gaining a better understanding of the system’s life cycle and identifying areas of improvement. / Finspångs kommun misstänker att dagvattenutsläppet till Skutbosjön har en negativ påverkan på vattenkvalitet i sjön. Därför arbetar Tyréns tillsammans med kommunen för att införa nya dagvattenåtgärder som ska bidra till att förbättra sjöns tillstånd. Denna studie kommer att ge underlag för beslutsfattande genom att analysera och jämföra den potentiella miljöpåverkan av en dagvattendamm, ett underjordiskt avsättningsmagasin och dagvattenbiofilter genom en livscykelanalys (LCA). Mätvärden som används i denna studie inkluderar 18 effektkategorier som är kvantifierade för varje systems livscykel. Den modellerade dammen hade betydligt lägre negativ miljöpåverkan i 12 effektkategorier än andra system, och avsättningsmagasinen hade den högsta miljöpåverkan i 13 effektkategorier. För dammen tillskrevs merparten av påverkan transporten av skrymmande material under byggfasen, medan för avsättningsmagasinen och dagvattenbiofilter dominerade materialproduktionen i byggfasen. Att tillämpa LCA i ett sammanhang med dagvattenhantering kan hjälpa till att få en bättre förståelse av systemets livscykel och identifiera förbättringsområden.
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Modélisation des pertes de charge en biofiltrationPerron, Jean-Michel 13 December 2023 (has links)
Titre de l'écran-titre (visionné le 5 juin 2023) / Les procédés d'épuration par biofiltration sont très compacts et très performants pour assurer le traitement du carbone et de l'azote. Pour conserver de bonnes performances épuratoires, les biofiltres doivent être lavés régulièrement. Le déclenchement des lavages est dicté par la perte de charge à l'intérieur du biofiltre. Cette dernière augmente durant un cycle de filtration et lorsqu'elle dépasse un seuil fixé, un lavage est déclenché. Une bonne planification du lavage des biofiltres est essentielle pour réduire les risques de débordement d'eau usée lors de fortes précipitations, pour réduire le risque de colmatage et pour réduire les coûts d'opération. Les modèles de biofiltration actuels simulent avec précision et robustesse la qualité d'eau (Vigne 2007; Bernier 2014; Zhu 2020), mais simulent difficilement le comportement des pertes de charge sur plusieurs mois. Ce projet de recherche compare le comportement des pertes de charge simulées à partir de trois sous-modèles (Carman 1937; Ergun 1952; Bernier 2014) de perte de charge. Les modèles de perte de charge de Carman (1937) et d'Ergun (1952) sont considérés, dans le cadre de ce projet de recherche, comme des simplifications du modèle de Bernier (2014). Les deux sous-modèles simplifiés ont été intégrés au modèle de biofiltration de Bernier (2014). Ils ont été calibrés et validés en suivant le protocole de Vigne (2007) et de Rittmann et collab. (2018) avec des jeux de données de l'étage de post-dénitrification sur méthanol de Seine-Centre, une des stations d'épuration de l'agglomération parisienne. Les jeux de données regroupent des mesures horaires du débit, des NOx et des pressions ainsi que des mesures récoltées sur des échantillons composites journaliers (DCO, DBO₅ PO₄³⁻, MES et NH₄⁺). Mis à part pour la densité sèche du biofilm et pour la porosité du média, la calibration des trois modèles est identique. Le sous-modèle de perte de charge de Bernier (2014) est calibré avec une densité sèche de biofilm de 100 kg[indice MES]/m³ et avec une porosité du média de 0.34 alors que les sous-modèles d'Ergun (1952) et de Carman (1937) sont calibrés avec une densité sèche de biofilm de 47 kg[indice MES]/m³ et avec une porosité du média de 0.3. Malgré cette différence, les trois sous-modèles simulent précisément la perte de charge, avec une erreur moyenne de 0.1 mètre d'eau. Durant la validation, les trois sous-modèles calibrés simulent avec précision la perte de charge initiale, mais sous-estiment l'encrassement du biofiltre avec une erreur moyenne de 0.4 mètre d'eau. Les erreurs des simulations d'encrassement durant la validation du modèle peuvent être diminuées en modifiant uniquement la densité sèche du biofilm dans les trois sous-modèles (de 100 à 80 kg[indice MES]/m³ dans le modèle de Bernier (2014) et de 47 à 39 kg[indice MES]/m³ pour les autres). Une fois bien calibrés, les trois calculs offrent des précisions similaires, mais ils ont les mêmes problèmes de robustesse durant la validation. Même si les biofiltres dénitrifiants sont l'une des configurations les plus simples pour modéliser l'encrassement des biofiltres et même si Bernier (2014) a proposé un des modèles de biofiltration les plus performants, les modèles actuels ont un problème de robustesse. Les trois sous-modèles de perte de charge comparés simulent avec précision l'encrassement sur quelques semaines, mais ils ont tous besoin d'être recalibrés pour simuler l'encrassement sur plusieurs mois. La littérature disponible met l'accent sur l'équation de perte de charge pour améliorer les sous-modèles de perte de charge, mais cette recherche montre que le problème de robustesse est lié à l'hypothèse d'un biofilm avec une densité constante. La prochaine étape pour améliorer les modèles de perte de charge sera de modéliser comment la densité du biofilm change dans le temps et selon les conditions d'opérations. Un modèle de biofilm à densité variable pourrait être lié aux substances polymériques extracellulaires (EPS). Le Bihan et Lessard (2000) ont montré qu'une production excessive des EPS dans le biofilm induit un encrassement prématuré des biofiltres et Pechaud et collab. (2012) a corrélé la présence d'EPS avec les propriétés physiques du biofilm. / Biofilters are very compact processes and very efficient for carbon and nitrogen removal. To maintain their treatment capacity, biofilters needs to be regularly backwashed. Generally, theses backwashes are triggered when a maximum headloss through the filter is reached. A good planning of these backwash events is fundamental to avoid a bypass of untreated wastewater during storm events, to avoid permanent clogging of the filter and to minimise operational costs. Mathematical models are an essential tool to improve treatment process performance. Actual biofiltration models can simulate with reliability and robustness effluent water quality (Vigne 2007; Zhu 2020) but have difficulties to simulate headloss behaviour (Bernier, 2014). This paper explores possibilities to improve clogging predictions in biofiltration models by using data from a full-scale biofilter train operated by SIAAP in Paris region, France. The behaviour of three traditional headloss models were compared and analysed to evaluate the importance of different submodels: Carman (1937), Ergun (1952) and Bernier (2014). Datasets were collected at the denitrification biofiltration process from Seine-Centre, one of the Paris WWTPs. Flowrate, methanol injection rate, nitrate and pressure were measured on an hourly basis and composite samples were collected on a daily basis and analysed for COD, BOD₅, PO₄⁺, TSS and NH₄⁺ at both influent and effluent of the biofilter. The database gathers data from July to November 2020. The model used to simulate post-denitrification process proposed by Bernier (2014) is the more complex one, the two others being considered simplification of Bernier's. The three models were calibrated and validated following the biofilm model calibration guidelines of Vigne (2007) and Rittmann et collab. (2018). It is the first time that the most common headloss equations are compared and successively implemented in a biofiltration model. Except for the biofilm density and the initial media porosity, the models fit to the dataset are almost identical for each of the clogging sub-models. Bernier (2014) sub-model is calibrated with a biofilm density of 100kg[subscript TSS]/m³ and a media initial porosity of 0.34 whereas Ergun (1952) and Carman (1937) equation are calibrated with a biofilm density of 47 kg[subscript TSS]/m³ and a media initial porosity of 0.3. Despite this difference, they can precisely simulate the clogging with a mean error (ME) around 0.1 meter of water. Each sub-model can simulate precisely headloss when properly calibrate, but fails to simulate the reversible clogging process of validation datasets from different season. Each sub-model underestimates the clogging by an average of 0.4 meter of water. However, these validation problems can easily be fixed by reducing the biofilm density in the models (from 100 to 80 kg[subscript TSS]/m³ for the Bernier (2014) model and from 47 to 39 kg[subscript TSS]/m³ for the other models). Each clogging submodel has the same robustness problem: they can simulate clogging when properly calibrated, but fail to fit an independent dataset. The robustness problem appears to be related to the biofilm density. It is the only parameter that has to be changed to fit a different dataset. Even if post-denitrification biofilters are among the simplest configuration to model clogging and even if Bernier (2014) proposed one of the most comprehensive biofiltration model, the actual clogging sub-models still fails to simulate a validation dataset. This research project has not improved actual clogging sub-model, but it clearly points out what has to be done to improve them. The litterature focuses on the headloss equation itself to improve the model, but this research shows that actual robustness problems are probably caused by the assumption that biofilm density is constant. Past research on the modelling of biofilter clogging focused on the headloss equation itself. The study of three headloss submodels showed a similar model performance in terms of fit, while having the same robustness problem under validation. A model based on a biofilm with fixed density can properly simulate a month of operation but biofilm density seem to change over several months and it is thus important to consider whether the purpose of the model is to simulate biofilter operation for a longer period. At this moment, these sub-models seem unable to properly simulate a new dataset without changing the biofilm density. The next steps to improve headloss simulation will be to identify how biofilm density changes over time and what drives these changes. The answer could be related with Extracellular Polymeric Substance (EPS). Le Bihan et Lessard (2000) shows that excessive EPS production in the biofilm leads to premature clogging of biofilter and Pechaud et collab. (2012) correlates EPS with physical property of biofilm.
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Control of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Air PollutantsHunter, Paige Holt 16 June 2000 (has links)
A variety of methods exist to remove volatile organic compound (VOC) air pollutants from contaminated gas streams. As regulatory and public opinion pressures increase, companies are searching for more effective methods to control these emissions. This document is intended as a guide to help determine if existing systems are adequate and to provide additional information to improve the efficiency of the systems. It explores conventional methods of controlling VOC emissions, as well as innovative technologies including membrane separation, plasma destruction, and ozone catalytic oxidation. The conventional technologies covered include condensation, adsorption, absorption (or scrubbing), thermal incineration, flaring, catalytic incineration, and biofiltration. Each chapter includes a description of the technology, a discussion of the types of systems available, notes on the design of the system, economic estimates, an explanation of potential problems, and a list of considerations for installation and maintenance concerns. The final chapter is dedicated to the preparation and characterization of metal catalysts which were developed to improve the reaction rate of VOCs using ozone as an oxidant. / Ph. D.
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Biofiltração de compostos orgânicos voláteis e gás sulfídrico em estações de despejos industriais de processamento de hidrocarbonetos. / Biofiltration of volatile organic compounds and hydrogen sulphide in an wastewater treatment plant of processing oil.Beatrix Nery Villa Martignoni 09 March 2007 (has links)
Neste trabalho foi estudado o tratamento simultâneo por biofiltração de emissões de
compostos orgânicos voláteis, COV e gás sulfídrico, H2S, em estações de tratamento de despejos
industriais, de refinaria de petróleo, ETDI. A biofiltração dos gases emanados da EDTI mostrou
ser uma técnica de alta eficiência, atingindo valores de 95 a 99 % para tratamento simultâneo de
COV e H2S em concentrações de 1000 e 100 ppmv, respectivamente. Foram realizados testes em
95 dias consecutivos de operação, em uma planta piloto instalada na Superintendência da
Industrialização do Xisto, SIX, em São Mateus do Sul, Paraná, de março a agosto de 2006. O
biofiltro foi do tipo fluxo ascendente, com 3,77 m3 de leito orgânico, composto de turfa, carvão
ativado, lascas de madeira, serragem brita fina além de outros componentes menores. Foi
realizada inoculação biológica com lodo filtrado de estação de tratamento de esgoto sanitário. As
vazões de gás aplicadas variaram de 85 a 407 m3/h, resultando em taxas de carga de massa de
11,86 a 193,03 g de COV/h.m3 de leito e tempos de residência de 24 segundos a 6,5 minutos, com
tempo ótimo de 1,6 minutos. A capacidade máxima de remoção do sistema encontrada, nas
condições testadas, foi de 15 g de COV/h. m3, compatível com os valores encontrados na
literatura para depuração biológica de COV na escala praticada. Também foi verificada a redução
de componentes específicos de BTX, demonstrando boa degradabilidade dos compostos
orgânicos. Finalmente o biofiltro demonstrou boa robustez biológica diante dos desvios
operacionais intencionalmente provocados, tais como falta de umidade do leito, baixa
temperatura, alta vazão, falta de carga de COV e baixo pH do leito. Depois de retomada a
condição de operação estável, a biofiltração rapidamente atingiu o estado de equilíbrio,
assegurando o uso eficiente e confiável da técnica no tratamento de gases de EDTI na indústria
do hidrocarbonetos ou em refinarias de petróleo. / In this project the biofiltration technique was applied as air pollution control technology to
treat simultaneously emissions containing volatile organic compounds, VOC and hydrogen
sulfide, H2S, in hydrocarbon processing industries and oil refinery Waste Water Treatment Plant,
WWTP. The technique demonstrated high biological efficiency up to 95 and 100 % of
simultaneous biofiltration of VOC and H2S, with inicial concentration of 1000 and 100 ppmv,
respectively. Tests were conducted at UN-SIX/ Petrobras Oil Shale Processing Unit facilities
through 95 consecutives days, from March to August 2006. The chosen reactor model was an up
stream system, pilot plant scale with volume of 3.77 m3 of an organic compost media made out a
blend of peat, rotten wood chips, activated carbon, lime, among other minor components. The
biological inoculation was done with sanitary sludge from WWTP. The pilot plant capacity was
able to treat from 85 to 480 m3/h of WWTP off-gas, resulting COV application rate from 11.86 to
193.03 g VOC/ h. m3 of media, and residence time from 24 sec to 6.5 minutes, with optimum
value at 1.6 minutes. The system maximum elimination rate was about 15 g VOC/h. m3, value
comparable to ones presented in open literature. The specific BTX compounds depuration was
observed, demonstrating relevant media specificity to treat organic compounds. Finally the
biofiltration systems demonstrated good biological toughness considering the operational
provoked upsets, as lack of media bed humidity, low biofiltration temperature, high flow rate,
lack of VOC flow and acid pH. After normal operational conditions were retaken all process
characteristics and efficiency [was] reached the correspondent values, showing reliable and
efficient use of the technique to treat off gases in WWTP of hydrocarbon processing industries
and Oil Refineries.
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Biofiltração de compostos orgânicos voláteis e gás sulfídrico em estações de despejos industriais de processamento de hidrocarbonetos. / Biofiltration of volatile organic compounds and hydrogen sulphide in an wastewater treatment plant of processing oil.Beatrix Nery Villa Martignoni 09 March 2007 (has links)
Neste trabalho foi estudado o tratamento simultâneo por biofiltração de emissões de
compostos orgânicos voláteis, COV e gás sulfídrico, H2S, em estações de tratamento de despejos
industriais, de refinaria de petróleo, ETDI. A biofiltração dos gases emanados da EDTI mostrou
ser uma técnica de alta eficiência, atingindo valores de 95 a 99 % para tratamento simultâneo de
COV e H2S em concentrações de 1000 e 100 ppmv, respectivamente. Foram realizados testes em
95 dias consecutivos de operação, em uma planta piloto instalada na Superintendência da
Industrialização do Xisto, SIX, em São Mateus do Sul, Paraná, de março a agosto de 2006. O
biofiltro foi do tipo fluxo ascendente, com 3,77 m3 de leito orgânico, composto de turfa, carvão
ativado, lascas de madeira, serragem brita fina além de outros componentes menores. Foi
realizada inoculação biológica com lodo filtrado de estação de tratamento de esgoto sanitário. As
vazões de gás aplicadas variaram de 85 a 407 m3/h, resultando em taxas de carga de massa de
11,86 a 193,03 g de COV/h.m3 de leito e tempos de residência de 24 segundos a 6,5 minutos, com
tempo ótimo de 1,6 minutos. A capacidade máxima de remoção do sistema encontrada, nas
condições testadas, foi de 15 g de COV/h. m3, compatível com os valores encontrados na
literatura para depuração biológica de COV na escala praticada. Também foi verificada a redução
de componentes específicos de BTX, demonstrando boa degradabilidade dos compostos
orgânicos. Finalmente o biofiltro demonstrou boa robustez biológica diante dos desvios
operacionais intencionalmente provocados, tais como falta de umidade do leito, baixa
temperatura, alta vazão, falta de carga de COV e baixo pH do leito. Depois de retomada a
condição de operação estável, a biofiltração rapidamente atingiu o estado de equilíbrio,
assegurando o uso eficiente e confiável da técnica no tratamento de gases de EDTI na indústria
do hidrocarbonetos ou em refinarias de petróleo. / In this project the biofiltration technique was applied as air pollution control technology to
treat simultaneously emissions containing volatile organic compounds, VOC and hydrogen
sulfide, H2S, in hydrocarbon processing industries and oil refinery Waste Water Treatment Plant,
WWTP. The technique demonstrated high biological efficiency up to 95 and 100 % of
simultaneous biofiltration of VOC and H2S, with inicial concentration of 1000 and 100 ppmv,
respectively. Tests were conducted at UN-SIX/ Petrobras Oil Shale Processing Unit facilities
through 95 consecutives days, from March to August 2006. The chosen reactor model was an up
stream system, pilot plant scale with volume of 3.77 m3 of an organic compost media made out a
blend of peat, rotten wood chips, activated carbon, lime, among other minor components. The
biological inoculation was done with sanitary sludge from WWTP. The pilot plant capacity was
able to treat from 85 to 480 m3/h of WWTP off-gas, resulting COV application rate from 11.86 to
193.03 g VOC/ h. m3 of media, and residence time from 24 sec to 6.5 minutes, with optimum
value at 1.6 minutes. The system maximum elimination rate was about 15 g VOC/h. m3, value
comparable to ones presented in open literature. The specific BTX compounds depuration was
observed, demonstrating relevant media specificity to treat organic compounds. Finally the
biofiltration systems demonstrated good biological toughness considering the operational
provoked upsets, as lack of media bed humidity, low biofiltration temperature, high flow rate,
lack of VOC flow and acid pH. After normal operational conditions were retaken all process
characteristics and efficiency [was] reached the correspondent values, showing reliable and
efficient use of the technique to treat off gases in WWTP of hydrocarbon processing industries
and Oil Refineries.
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Stormwater Infiltration and Groundwater Integrity: An Analysis of BMP Siting Tools and Groundwater VulnerabilityGallagher, Kristopher Craig 22 March 2017 (has links)
Nonpoint source pollution captured by urban stormwater runoff is the greatest challenge for surface water quality improvements. Computer-based design tools have been developed to help mediate this issue by guiding end users through the implementation of decentralized stormwater management. The majority of these tools focus on treatment via biofiltration, yet concern regarding this treatment regime is rising. Case studies from research past clearly indicate the susceptibility of groundwater to contamination from extensive anthropogenic activity at the surface. Contaminants, such as nitrates and pathogens, are not completely removed before runoff enters the underground watercourse. Additionally, national and state legislation, which explicitly lists where neglect for groundwater quality is permissible—exacerbate concerns. This research analyzes the efficiency the BMP Siting Tool developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Grey-to-Green Decision Support Tool developed by the University of South Florida. The tools were used to obtain cartographic data illustrating suitable sites for bioswales and infiltration basins throughout northern portion of Hillsborough County, Florida. This data was then integrated with the Karst Aquifer Vulnerability Index (KAVI) groundwater vulnerability model. The area of bioswales and infiltration basins that intersected areas of the KAVI model listed as ‘highly vulnerable’ or ‘moderate-to-highly vulnerable’ was calculated. This permitted an assessment of which BMP facility had the greatest sitings atop vulnerable areas, respective of the tool. The BMP Siting Tool sited 2.80% of all bioswales and 27.89% of all infiltration basins above vulnerable areas. Likewise, the Grey-to-Green Decision Support Tool sited 21.66% of all bioswales and 9.62% of all infiltration basins above vulnerable areas. These results prompted the development of a supplemental groundwater vulnerability framework to be incorporated into both tools’ analytical process.
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Odbourávání vybraných xenobiotik na komunálních čistírnách odpadních vod. / Removal of selected xenobiotics at municipal WWTP´sŽižlavská, Adéla January 2019 (has links)
The development of the chemical and pharmaceutical industry and the massive use of synthetic substances in various industries has become indispensable for our society. Unfortunately, this progress has brought a whole new kind of pollution. It is a group of substances which imagine for living organisms’ greater risk than 'normal' organic pollution. Because they have extraneous origin compared with naturally occurring compounds, they are called "Xenobiotics." It is a group comprising a large number of different substances, with dissimilar physical, chemical and biological properties such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, detergents, paints, varnishes, plastic packaging, food additives, cosmetic products, drugs, and many others. Although these substances began to enter the water cycle as early as 30 years of the 20th century, their concentration often moves to the limit of the detection limit, so their presence in the water began to be examined in more detail in the 1980s, following the development of analytical technologies chemical composition of water. The main danger of these substances is that doesn’t primarily effect on water quality, but directly affect on the organisms by confusing of the endocrine system or by directly damaging RNA or DNA, causing mutagenic changes, cancer-causing proliferation, birth defects, metabolic disorders, gender changes, the degeneration of reproductive capacity of entire populations or the disappearance of self-preservation instinct. The source of xenobiotics in the water cycle is predominantly wastewater, which generated through the wastewater treatment, which not designed to eliminate this type of pollution. he dissertation thesis deals with the issue of xenobiotics in wastewater and is divided into the theoretical and experimental part. The theoretical part summarizes the xenobiotics current state of knowledge in wastewater from their history, origin, classification, possibilities of elimination to impacts on the environ
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Determining the efficiency of selected vegetated biofilters in reducing nutrients from urban stormwater in the city of Ekurhuleni, South AfricaBvumbi, Mulalo Justice 11 1900 (has links)
M. Tech. (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology), Vaal University of Technology. / Over time, the quality standard of stormwater in the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) has deteriorated due to industrial, commercial, residential and farming activities. Stormwater quality directly impacts the treatment chain of potable water, and therefore, it should be kept in check at all stages. Innovations in the biofiltration process can provide useful, practical solutions to overcome crucial stormwater pollution problems. In 2013, the CoE developed stormwater design guidelines and standards to be implemented for the design of stormwater management, which include the principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) and Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS) in particular. The CoE stormwater design guidelines and standards do not provide details on how the city plans to implement SuDS treatment trains to reduce stormwater pollution experienced by the city. This study aimed to verify the efficiency and effectiveness of vegetated biofilters on the stormwater treatment using CoE – Olifantsfontain's natural stormwater and to determine the most suitable vegetation to be used in the region. The CoE experimental case study was conducted to assess the efficiency of selected vegetated biofilters in lowering the concentration of orthophosphate (PO4-3), ammonium (NH4+), and nitrate (NO3-) from Tembisa/Olifantsfontain stormwater.
In the experimental setup, six selected plant species were planted into 30 vegetated biofilter columns, namely: Agapanthus praecox (Dryland plant), Carpobrotus edulis (Dryland plant), Stenotaphrum secundatum (Dryland plant), Zantedeschia aethiopica (Wetland plant), Typha capensis (Wetland plant) and Phragmites australis (Wetland plant). The six species were grouped according to general habitats, i.e. three wetland and three dryland plants. Wetland plants were planted into fifteen vegetated biofilters, and dryland plants were also planted on another fifteen vegetated biofilters. The biofilters contained layers of sandy loam soil, coarse and and gravel sand. Each biofilter had a designated inlet and outlet section fitted with a gate valve to control retention time. The raw stormwater consisting of natural nutrient pollutants was applied to each vegetated biofilter through the inlet section. The samples were collected from the inlet and outlet of the six grouped vegetated biofilters during the month of June. All six plant species reduced outflow concentrations of PO4-3 and NH4+ by an average of 99% and 98%, respectively. The results also show that all plant species excluding Phragmites australis were able to reduce NO3- with outflow concentrations being reduced by an average of 58%.
From the results obtained, it may be concluded that all the six plant species may be suitable variants to be applied as biofilter material for the purposes of treating urban stormwater in the CoE. The reason is that the determined removal efficiencies for bio-retention fall within 50% – 60% for PO4-3, and 40% - 50% for NH4+ and NO3- respectively. The results also show that if the plant species were applied for SuDs in the CoE, there could be a great improvement in the urban stormwater quality with the consequent improvement in both surface and groundwater quality of the receiving water bodies in the area. Regardless of the nutrient removal by selected plant species, the inclusion of vegetation in a field setting would slow flow rates and thus encourage infiltration into the soil, improve water quality, and support urban biodiversity. In the CoE, all the selected species could be used in the SuDS treatment trains targeting PO4-3, NH4+ and/or NO3-. The case study results provide a informed records for the CoE in the future/intended application SuDs in the upgrade/rehabilitation of its stormwater system.
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