Spatial Accumulation and Strength of Affiliation of Heavy Metals in Bioretention Media
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 139, Issue 4
Abstract
On-site sequestration and accumulation of heavy metals in bioretention cells introduces the potential for short- and long-term management concerns regarding the metals’ environmental availability, human health impacts, and implications for maintenance practices. Media samples from a 4-year-old bioretention cell were collected across the cell surface and to a depth of 90 cm to assess the spatial distribution of accumulated lead, copper, and zinc in the media. Analyses consisted of total metal, a five-step sequential extraction, bioavailable lead, and media pH and organic matter content. Metal concentrations in the media have increased substantially over the original levels but are well below regulatory cleanup thresholds. Metals are strongly bound to bioretention media and are largely immobile. Lead bioavailability is comparable to generic soil estimates. Most metal accumulation is near the inflow point in the top 3–12 cm of media. Based on trends observed after 4 years of operation, many years of capacity are estimated to remain in the cell with respect to metals. Regulatory cleanup thresholds are likely to be first reached at a localized hotspot near the inflow point, although routine maintenance actions may be able to delay attainment of such thresholds indefinitely.
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Acknowledgments
This research was supported by the Prince George’s County (MD) Department of Environmental Resources under the guidance of Dr. Mow-Soung Cheng.
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 139 • Issue 4 • April 2013
Pages: 479 - 487
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Feb 2, 2011
Accepted: Jul 23, 2012
Published online: Aug 2, 2012
Published in print: Apr 1, 2013
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