Phosphorus and TSS Removal by Stormwater Bioretention: Effects of Temperature, Salt, and a Submerged Zone and Their Interactions

Abstract

To prevent deterioration of receiving water bodies, phosphorus and total suspended solid (TSS) removal from stormwater is commonly targeted, e.g., by bioretention. However, their removal may vary due to ambient conditions and design features. In this study, the effect of a submerged zone with embedded carbon source (SZC), temperature, and (road) salt on phosphorus removal was investigated using a two-level full factorial design. A sand-based filter material was used. Overall, phosphorus and TSS removal percentages were high. Higher temperature (4.6 vs. 17.1 °C) caused higher outflow concentrations, thus lowering removal rates. The presence of salt deteriorated total phosphorus removal, whereas dissolved phosphorus removal was not affected. The impact of the SZC was statistically significant but not regarded to be of practical significance for P removal. In contrast, TSS removal was enhanced by a SZC. The results demonstrated that a relatively simple filter material could provide excellent P removal, avoiding the need for additives suggested in other studies.

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