Laboratory study on stormwater biofiltration: Nutrient and sediment removal in cold temperatures

Abstract

Stormwater biofilters have the ability to remove nutrients from stormwater. Reliable pollutant removal during the cold season is particularly important due to the comparably high contamination levels. However, the removal performance might be negatively affected by low temperatures. A biofilter column study was conducted in thermostat-controlled climate rooms (at 2, 7 and 20°C) to investigate the effect of low temperatures on nutrient removal. Phosphorus and suspended solids removal were significantly correlated and consistently very high (typically in excess of 90% and 95%, respectively, at all temperatures). This is important for the successful implementation of biofilters in cold climates..