Water

Research

13 pages, 2691 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterizing Compost Rate Effects on Stormwater Runoff and Vegetation Establishment

by Christina N. Kranz, Richard A. McLaughlin and Joshua L. Heitman

Water 2022, 14(5), 696; https://doi.org/10.3390/w14050696 - 23 Feb 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2262

Urban development exposes and compacts the subsoil, resulting in reduced infiltration, which often leads to problems with establishing vegetation, increased erosion, and increased runoff volumes. Compost incorporation into these soils can potentially enhance soil physical properties, vegetation establishment, and pollutant removal. The goal [...] Read more.

Urban development exposes and compacts the subsoil, resulting in reduced infiltration, which often leads to problems with establishing vegetation, increased erosion, and increased runoff volumes. Compost incorporation into these soils can potentially enhance soil physical properties, vegetation establishment, and pollutant removal. The goal of this field study was to determine the efficacy of compost as a soil improvement measure to reduce runoff volume, improve runoff quality, and increase vegetation establishment on a disturbed sandy clay subsoil representing post-development conditions. Two sources of compost were tested: (1) a certified yard waste product at 10%, 30%, and 50% by volume, and (2) an uncertified yard waste product at 30% by volume, both compared to a tilled, no-compost control. Treatment plots were established at Lake Wheeler Road Field Laboratory in Raleigh, NC, and observed for one year. Tilling alone may have been sufficient to reduce runoff quantity as few differences were found between tilled and compost amended plots. Runoff water quality also did not differ according to compost addition. However, the certified compost increased biomass production proportionally to the amount added and compared to the uncertified compost at the same rate. The improved vegetation establishment with compost is important for long-term erosion control and ecosystem services. The results of this study suggest (1) tilling is a viable option to achieve high infiltration rates and reduce runoff volumes, (2) compost incorporation does not reduce nor improve water quality, and (3) compost may yield more robust vegetation establishment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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15 pages, 2880 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparison of Methods to Address Anaerobic Conditions in Rainwater Harvesting Systems

by Kathy DeBusk Gee, Daniel Schimoler, Bree T. Charron, Mitch D. Woodward and William F. Hunt

Water 2021, 13(23), 3419; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13233419 - 3 Dec 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2381

Abstract

Although historically used in semi-arid and arid regions, rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have increasingly been used in non-arid and humid regions of the world to conserve potable water and mitigate stormwater runoff. Rainfall characteristics and usage patterns of stored rainwater are distinctly different [...] Read more.

Although historically used in semi-arid and arid regions, rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have increasingly been used in non-arid and humid regions of the world to conserve potable water and mitigate stormwater runoff. Rainfall characteristics and usage patterns of stored rainwater are distinctly different in (semi-)arid and humid regions, thus presenting a unique set of challenges with respect to their utilization. Coupled with infrequent use, the addition of nitrogen and organic matter via pollen during the spring season can lead to anaerobic conditions within storage tanks, which hinders nitrogen removal, gives stored water an offensive odor, and ultimately discourages use of the water. This study evaluated three measures that can be implemented for new and existing RWH systems to prevent the development of anaerobic conditions within storage tanks: first flush diversion, simulated use, and the continuous circulation of stored water. Study findings indicate that preventing anaerobic conditions via simulated use and recirculation (1) does not necessarily remedy the issue of poor aesthetics within rainwater storage tanks, and (2) can decrease the water quality benefits provided by these systems. Rather, preventing the introduction of pollen and particulate matter to the storage tank via a first flush diverter and minimizing disturbance of settled material in the tank appear to be the most effective methods of addressing the poor aesthetics and odor problems associated with anaerobic conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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29 pages, 8889 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Evaluation of Pollutant Removal Efficiency by Small-Scale Nature-Based Solutions Focusing on Bio-Retention Cells, Vegetative Swale and Porous Pavement

by Anik Dutta, Arlex Sanchez Torres and Zoran Vojinovic

Water 2021, 13(17), 2361; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172361 - 28 Aug 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6664

Abstract

Rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and changes in rainfall patterns linked to climate change have brought considerable challenges to water managers around the world. Impacts from such drivers are likely to increase even further unless the appropriate actions are put in place. Floods, landslides, [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization, aging infrastructure, and changes in rainfall patterns linked to climate change have brought considerable challenges to water managers around the world. Impacts from such drivers are likely to increase even further unless the appropriate actions are put in place. Floods, landslides, droughts and water pollution are just a few examples of such impacts and their corresponding consequences are in many cases devastating. At the same time, it has become a well-accepted fact that traditional (i.e., grey infrastructure) measures are no longer effective in responding to such challenges. Nature-based solutions (NBS) have emerged as a new response towards hydro-meteorological risk reduction and the results obtained to date are encouraging. However, their application has been mainly in the area of water quantity management with few studies that report on their efficiency to deal with water quality aspects. These solutions are based on replicating natural phenomena and processes to solve such problems. The present paper addresses the question of three NBS systems, namely, bio-retention cells, vegetative swales and porous pavements, for the removal of total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) when applied in different configurations (single or networked). The results presented in this paper aim to advance the understanding of their performances during varying rainfall patterns and configurations and their potential application conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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16 pages, 5622 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Costs and Efficiencies of Urban Low Impact Development (LID) Practices on Stormwater Runoff and Soil Erosion in an Urban Watershed Using the Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) Model

by Tian Guo, Anurag Srivastava, Dennis C. Flanagan, Yaoze Liu, Bernard A. Engel and Madeline M. McIntosh

Water 2021, 13(15), 2076; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13152076 - 30 Jul 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3662

Abstract

Storm events and soil erosion can adversely impact flood control, soil conservation, water quality, the recreation economy, and ecosystem biodiversity in urban systems. Urban Low Impact Development practices (LIDs) can manage stormwater runoff, control soil losses, and improve water quality. The Water Erosion [...] Read more.

Storm events and soil erosion can adversely impact flood control, soil conservation, water quality, the recreation economy, and ecosystem biodiversity in urban systems. Urban Low Impact Development practices (LIDs) can manage stormwater runoff, control soil losses, and improve water quality. The Water Erosion Prediction Project (WEPP) model has been widely applied to assess the responses of hydrology and soil losses to conservation practices in agricultural and forested areas. This research study is the first to calibrate the WEPP model to simulate streamflow discharge in the Brentwood watershed in Austin, Texas and apply the calibrated WEPP model to assess the impacts of LIDs. The costs and impacts of various LID scenarios on annual water balance, and monthly average, and daily runoff volumes, and sediment losses at hillslopes and at the watershed outlet were quantified and compared. The LID scenarios identified that native planting in Critically Eroding Areas (CEAs), native planting in all suitable areas, native planting in CEAs with detention ponds, and native planting in all suitable areas with detention ponds could reduce the predicted average annual stormwater runoff by 20–24% and sediment losses by 86–94% at the watershed outlet, and reduce the average annual soil loss rates on hillslope profiles in sub-watersheds by 86–87% with the lowest costs (USD 2991/yr–USD 5257/yr). Watershed/field characteristics, locations, areas, costs, and the effectiveness of the LID practices were essential in choosing the LID scenarios. These research results can help guide decision-making on the selection and implementation of the most economical and suitable LID practices to strengthen the climate resilience and environmental sustainability of urban systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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27 pages, 13081 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forensic Investigation of Four Monitored Green Infrastructure Inlets

by Leena J. Shevade and Franco A. Montalto

Water 2021, 13(13), 1787; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13131787 - 28 Jun 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3049

Abstract

Green infrastructure (GI) is viewed as a sustainable approach to stormwater management that is being rapidly implemented, outpacing the ability of researchers to compare the effectiveness of alternate design configurations. This paper investigated inflow data collected at four GI inlets. The performance of [...] Read more.

Green infrastructure (GI) is viewed as a sustainable approach to stormwater management that is being rapidly implemented, outpacing the ability of researchers to compare the effectiveness of alternate design configurations. This paper investigated inflow data collected at four GI inlets. The performance of these four GI inlets, all of which were engineered with the same inlet lengths and shapes, was evaluated through field monitoring. A forensic interpretation of the observed inlet performance was conducted using conclusions regarding the role of inlet clogging and inflow rate as described in the previously published work. The mean inlet efficiency (meanPE), which represents the percentage of tributary area runoff that enters the inlet was 65% for the Nashville inlet, while at Happyland the NW inlet averaged 30%, the SW inlet 25%, and the SE inlet 10%, considering all recorded events during the monitoring periods. The analysis suggests that inlet clogging was the main reason for lower inlet efficiency at the SW and NW inlets, while for the SE inlet, performance was compromised by a reverse cross slope of the street. Spatial variability of rainfall, measurement uncertainty, uncertain tributary catchment area, and inlet depression characteristics are also correlated with inlet PE. The research suggests that placement of monitoring sensors should consider low flow conditions and a strategy to measure them. Additional research on the role of various maintenance protocols in inlet hydraulics is recommended. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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17 pages, 4576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Treatment Performance of Low Impact Development Practices—Comparison of Sand and Bioretention Soil Mixtures Using Column Experiments

by Abtin Shahrokh Hamedani, Arianne Bazilio, Hanieh Soleimanifar, Heather Shipley and Marcio Giacomoni

Water 2021, 13(9), 1210; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13091210 - 27 Apr 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3303

Abstract

Low impact development (LID) practices, such as bioretention and sand filter basins, are stormwater control measures designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization on stormwater. LID treatment performance is highly dependent on the media characteristics. The literature suggests that bioretention media often [...] Read more.

Low impact development (LID) practices, such as bioretention and sand filter basins, are stormwater control measures designed to mitigate the adverse impacts of urbanization on stormwater. LID treatment performance is highly dependent on the media characteristics. The literature suggests that bioretention media often leach nutrients in the stormwater effluent. The objective of this study was to analyze the treatment performance of different sand and bioretention soil mixtures. Specifically, this investigation aimed to answer whether the use of limestone and recycled glass could improve the treatment performance of bioretention systems. Column experiments were designed to assess (1) the removal efficiencies of different sand and bioretention soil mixtures and (2) the impact of plant uptake on removal rates. Enhanced pollutant removal was observed for the custom blends with addition of limestone sand, indicating mean dissolved and total phosphorus removal of 44.5% and 32.6% respectively, while the conventional bioretention soil mixtures leached phosphorus. Moreover, improved treatment of dissolved and total copper was achieved with mean removal rates of 70.7% and 93.4%, respectively. The results suggest that the nutrient effluent concentration decreased with the addition of plants, with mean phosphorus removal of 72.4%, and mean nitrogen removal of 22% for the limestone blend. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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12 pages, 1723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inorganic Nitrogen Production and Removal along the Sediment Gradient of a Stormwater Infiltration Basin

by Qianyao Si, Mary G. Lusk and Patrick W. Inglett

Water 2021, 13(3), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13030320 - 28 Jan 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2545

Abstract

Stormwater infiltration basins (SIBs) are vegetated depressions that collect stormwater and allow it to infiltrate to underlying groundwater. Their pollutant removal efficiency is affected by the properties of the soils in which they are constructed. We assessed the soil nitrogen (N) cycle processes [...] Read more.

Stormwater infiltration basins (SIBs) are vegetated depressions that collect stormwater and allow it to infiltrate to underlying groundwater. Their pollutant removal efficiency is affected by the properties of the soils in which they are constructed. We assessed the soil nitrogen (N) cycle processes that produce and remove inorganic N in two urban SIBs, with the goal of further understanding the mechanisms that control N removal efficiency. We measured net N mineralization, nitrification, and potential denitrification in wet and dry seasons along a sedimentation gradient in two SIBs in the subtropical Tampa, Florida urban area. Net N mineralization was higher in the wet season than in the dry season; however, nitrification was higher in the dry season, providing a pool of highly mobile nitrate that would be susceptible to leaching during periodic dry season storms or with the onset of the following wet season. Denitrification decreased along the sediment gradient from the runoff inlet zone (up to 5.2 μg N/g h) to the outermost zone (up to 3.5 μg N/g h), providing significant spatial variation in inorganic N removal for the SIBs. Sediment accumulating around the inflow areas likely provided a carbon source, as well as maintained stable anaerobic conditions, which would enhance N removal. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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Graphical abstract

14 pages, 2509 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Lamella Settlers for Treating Suspended Sediment

by Lan Liu, Michael A. Perez and J. Blake Whitman

Water 2020, 12(10), 2705; https://doi.org/10.3390/w12102705 - 27 Sep 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4881

Abstract

Stormwater quality management has become an increasingly important topic. Pollutants from construction, urban, and agricultural runoff sources create adverse water quality impacts to receiving water bodies. Among these sources, suspended sediment has a significant influence on water quality and further acts as a [...] Read more.

Stormwater quality management has become an increasingly important topic. Pollutants from construction, urban, and agricultural runoff sources create adverse water quality impacts to receiving water bodies. Among these sources, suspended sediment has a significant influence on water quality and further acts as a media for transporting pollutants. Current stormwater treatment practices remove large, rapidly settable, soil particles; however, fine soil particles tend to remain suspended and contribute to elevated turbidity conditions. A need exists for an economical and passive treatment mechanism for the removal of suspended solids. Lamella settlers have been shown to enhance soil particle capture by increasing surface area and reducing settling distance. The objective of this research was to identify and optimize design configurations for a lamella settler system in treating a variety of synthetic soils. Five types of synthetic soils suspended in simulated stormwater at 500, 1000, and 5000 mg/L concentration were treated using system configurations of three lamella settler reactors at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5-h residence times. Statistical analyses through a full factorial method followed with a regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test suggested that there was a significant difference exists between these experimental variables and turbidity levels. An optimized lamella settler reactor providing 1.8 cm (0.7 in.) settling space with 1.5-h residence time reduced turbidity by up to 90% when compared to a control reactor without lamella plates and a 0.5-h residence time. In addition, particle size distribution analysis indicated a decrease in the D₉₀ by up to 84%, which showed that the optimized reactor was effective in capturing larger diameter soil particles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrologic and Water Quality Performance of Stormwater Best Management Practices)

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