Use of Functionalized Filter Media for Nutrient Removal in Stormwater Ponds

Many best-management practices (BMPs) currently used in urban regions have been developed to minimize flood risk, sustain downstream ecosystems, and secure the quality of groundwater sources either directly or indirectly. One such BMP is the reuse of stormwater by removing nutrients from the nutrient-laden “first flush” water collected in wet or dry ponds; this practice has led to the development of multifunctional sorption materials. In the interests of sustainable infrastructure, this chapter describes a design philosophy for proper use of functionalized green sorption or filter media placed in stormwater ponds for nutrient removal. The chapter includes a thorough literature review of past uses of green sorption media and also describes the results of a laboratory column test conducted to mimic a field environment and evaluate the feasibility of the design philosophy. This approach to stormwater treatment has “green” implications because it includes recycled material in the sorption media to promote treatment efficiency and effectiveness. Such design strategies may be extended to enhance the sustainability of low-impact developments such as rain gardens, bioswales, and green roofs where plants, sorption media, and soils naturally filter nutrients and other pollutants from stormwater.