Modeling Denitrifying Stormwater Biofilters Using SWMM5
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143, Issue 7
Abstract
Urban stormwater runoff can promote eutrophication by discharging excessive nitrogen loads into downstream surface waters. Conventional stormwater biofiltration systems are inefficient in removing nitrate; however, a denitrifying biofilter containing a medium that includes an electron donor can be incorporated into these systems to enhance denitrification. This study presents a novel model for denitrifying stormwater biofilters that is compatible with existing stormwater modeling software. Processes that were incorporated into the model include water mixing, wood chip dissolution, and biological denitrification. The biokinetic model includes the effect of bioavailable organic substrate and dissolved oxygen concentration on denitrification. The model was calibrated and validated using experimental data from biofiltration column studies carried out with varying storm durations, antecedent dry conditions, hydraulic loading conditions, influent nitrate concentrations, and biofilter depths. The model accurately predicted nitrate mass removal efficiencies that were within 10% of the results from the experimental data. The model was validated with a high Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (0.80) and coefficient of determination (0.85). This denitrifying biofilter model provides a practical tool for engineers to quantify nitrate removal as a function of biofilter characteristics as opposed to assumed percent removal efficiencies. Recommendations for future research include validating the model with field data and developing a total nitrogen removal model that includes additional nitrogen transformation processes.
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Acknowledgments
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 0965743. This publication is also made possible by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant 83556901. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the grantee and do not necessarily represent the official views of the EPA. Furthermore, the EPA does not endorse the purchase of any commercial products or services mentioned in the publication.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 143 • Issue 7 • July 2017
Copyright
©2017 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 18, 2016
Accepted: Nov 14, 2016
Published online: Feb 24, 2017
Published in print: Jul 1, 2017
Discussion open until: Jul 24, 2017
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