Effect of ZnO nanoparticles on Zn, Cu, and Pb dissolution in a green bioretention system for urban stormwater remediation

Stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas can carry hazardous pollutants directly into aquatic ecosystems. These pollutants, such as metals, nutrients, aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, are very toxic to organisms. Recently, significant amounts of zinc oxide engineered nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) have been detected in stormwater its bioretention systems. This raises concerns about a potential increase toxicity reduced performance the treatment infrastructures. To tackle these issues, we developed simple, low-cost system remediate retain ZnO-NPs. retained up 73% Zn, 66% Cu, >99% Pb. However, removal efficiency for Pb was lower after adding ZnO-NPs system, possibly due remobilization phosphates. The effect on metal accumulation wetland plants also evaluated.