The ability of selected filter materials in removing nutrients, metals, and microplastics from stormwater in biofilter structures

Creative solutions to manage stormwater include ecologically based designs, such as biofilter structures. A laboratory experiment was established to study the ability of biofilters to remove nutrients, metals, total suspended solids (TSS), and total organic C originating from roadside stormwater as melted snow. Special attention was paid to the removal of P. In addition, the fate of microplastics (MPs) in the biofilters was followed. The materials selected for biofilters were (a) crushed light-expanded clay aggregates without biochar or amended with biochar, (b) Filtralite P clay aggregates, (c) crushed concrete, or (d) filter sand. A layer to support grass growth was placed above these materials. Stormwater was rich in TSS with associated P and metals, which were substantially retained by all biofilters. Filtralite and concrete had almost 100% P removal, but the high pH had adverse effects on plants. Light-expanded clay aggregates had lower retention of P, and, when mixed with biochar (30% v/v), the leaching of P increased and N retention was improved. None of the materials was ideal for treating both nutrients and metals, but sand was generally best. Vegetation improved N retention and stormwater infiltration. Plant roots formed preferential pathways for water and associated substances, evidenced by the accumulation of MPs along root channels. No MPs were found in discharge. Given the high loading of suspended solids and associated contaminants in snowmelt from traffic areas and their efficient retention in biofiltration, results of this study suggest the implementation of such stormwater management solutions along road verges.Peer reviewe

Anthropogenic organic micro-pollutants and pathogens in the urban water cycle: assessment, barriers and risk communication (ASKURIS)

In urban areas, water often flows along a partially closed water cycle in which treated municipal wastewater is discharged into surface waters which are one source of raw waters used for drinking water supply. A number of organic micro-pollutants (OMP) can be found in different water compartments. In the near future, climatic and demographic changes will probably contribute to an increase of OMP and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in aquatic ecosystems. The occurrence of OMP, possible adverse effects on aquatic organisms and human health and the public perception must be carefully assessed to properly manage and communicate potentially associated risks and to implement appropriate advanced treatment options at the optimum location within the water cycle. Therefore, the interdisciplinary research project ASKURIS focuses on identification and quantification, toxicological assessment and removal of organic micro-pollutants and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the Berlin water cycle, life cycle-based economic and environmental assessment, public perception and management of potential risks

Anthropogenic organic micro-pollutants and pathogens in the urban water cycle : assessment, barriers and risk communication (ASKURIS)

Gedruckt erschienen im Universitätsverlag der TU Berlin, ISBN 978-3-7983-2814-3Im Forschungsprojekt ASKURIS wurden das Auftreten und die Entfernung organischer Spurenstoffe und resistenter Krankheitserreger in urbanen Wasserkreisläufen erforscht. Neueste analytische Methoden wurden eingesetzt, um entlang des Wasserkreislaufes bekannte Substanzen in kleinsten Konzentrationen zu quantifizieren und unbekannte Spurenstoffe zu identifizieren. Deren Entfernung durch bestehende und zusätzliche technische Barrieren (Aktivkohle und/oder Ozon) wurde an unterschiedlichen Stellen des Wasserkreislaufes untersucht. Für eine Bewertung der technischen Barrieren wurden Kosten und Auswirkungen auf die Umwelt bilanziert. Toxische Effekte auf Mensch und Umwelt wurden untersucht, um ein eventuelles Risiko abschätzen zu können. Mit empirischen, sozialwissenschaftlichen Methoden wurde die Wahrnehmung von Risiken in der Bevölkerung analysiert. Die Forschungsergebnisse aus ASKURIS wurden in das Risikomanagementsystem des größten deutschen Wasserver- und -entsorgers integriert.A partially closed water cycle may exist in urban areas, whereby treated municipal wastewater is discharged into surface waters used as a source for the drinking water supply. A number of organic micro-pollutants (OMP) can be found in the different water compartments. In the near future, climatic and demographic changes probably contribute to an increase of OMP in aquatic eco-systems. The occurrence of OMP, possible adverse effects on aquatic organisms and human health and the public perception must be carefully assessed to properly manage and communicate potential risks and to implement advanced treatment options (activated carbon or ozone) at the optimum point within the water cycle. Therefore, the interdisciplinary research project ASKURIS focused on the identification and quantification of OMP, on the toxicological assessment and removal of organic micro-pollutants and antibiotic-resistant pathogens in the Berlin water cycle, on life-cycle based economic and environmental assessments, the public perception and management of potential risks.BMBF, 02WRS1278, RiSKWa - Verbundprojekt ASKURIS: Anthropogene Spurenstoffe und Krankheitserreger im urbanen Wasserkreislauf: Bewertung, Barrieren und Risikokommunikatio