Biochar Selection for Escherichia coli Removal in Stormwater Biofilters
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 147, Issue 2
Abstract
Biochar’s capacity to remove pathogens from stormwater can vary by orders of magnitude, which makes it challenging for stormwater managers to select specific biochar from suppliers. In this study, the removal of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in model biofilters packed with sand and biochar from four suppliers was tested and correlation equations were developed that link short-term and long-term bacterial removal capacities of biochar with its commonly reported properties: surface area, carbon content, ash content, and volatile organic carbon content. The E. coli removal capacity of biochar was positively correlated with its surface area and carbon content and negatively correlated with ash content and volatile organic matter. Despite the presence of nutrients in stormwater, E. coli in pore water in biofilter did not grow between infiltration events, indicating biochar may continue to remove pathogens after rainfall. Overall, the results could help the selection of biochar from suppliers for the treatment of stormwater and inform the suppliers to tailor biochar production conditions to enrich specific biochar properties.
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code generated or used during the study are available in an online repository (https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.12955217) in accordance with funder data retention policies.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to thank the team from the Coon Creek Watershed District in Anoka County, Minnesota: Tim Kelly, District Administrator; Justine Dauphinais, Water Quality Coordinator; and Jon Janke, Operations and Maintenance Coordinator. Thanks also go to Dr. Yu Miao for his help on the statistical analysis.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 147 • Issue 2 • February 2021
Copyright
© 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 8, 2020
Accepted: Sep 21, 2020
Published online: Nov 24, 2020
Published in print: Feb 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Apr 24, 2021
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