Modified Bioretention for Enhanced Nitrogen Removal from Agricultural Runoff
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 142, Issue 12
Abstract
Bioretention has been found to treat many pollutants, but nitrogen is difficult to control. A modified bioretention system with an internal water storage zone to encourage denitrification was installed in a silage storage area at the University of Connecticut in Storrs, CT. Flow volumes were measured and flow-weighted samples were analyzed for total nitrogen (TN). The median TN concentration at the inlet was (mean 12.3), whereas median outlet TN concentration was (mean 5.1). Outlet concentrations were significantly () lower than inlet concentrations, with a 67.3% reduction in the median TN concentration. TN mass was reduced by 61.6%. Results indicate that this modified bioretention could be used in urban or agricultural areas to reduce N loading to receiving waters.
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Acknowledgments
This project was supported through a grant from the Long Island Sound Study, EPA Region 1.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 142 • Issue 12 • December 2016
Copyright
© 2016 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jan 15, 2016
Accepted: Apr 14, 2016
Published online: Jul 11, 2016
Published in print: Dec 1, 2016
Discussion open until: Dec 11, 2016
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