Bioretention

Ongoing Bioretention Research at the University of Maryland

Engineering Bioretention for Nitrate Removal

This research study began March 1999 and has just completed.  It was sponsored by the Maryland Water Resources Research Center.  Co-Principle Investigator on this project was Dr. Eric Seagren. 

Current bioretention design does not contain provisions for nitrate removal.  Column tests are being used to investigate the feasibility of creating a denitrification zone in a bioretention facility.  Several materials have been screened as possible electron donors and nitrate removals are being monitored.   The material providing the best denitrification results was shredded newspapers.  Studies evaluated a shredded newspaper/sand layer to determine design nitrogen loadings, effects of dormant periods, and use in pilot-scale bioretention cells.

Engineering Bioretention to Optimize Pollutant Removals

This research study began in August, 2000.  The investigation is sponsored by the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology.  Column and field studies are being employed to investigate tradeoffs between infiltration rates and pollutant removals in the use of various media and media mixtures in bioretention.  Several types of sand, soil, and mulch are being studied.  Appropriate performance curves are being developed for removal of suspended solids, lead, ammonia-N, nitrate-N, phosphorus, and oil & grease.  Results show very effective removal of suspended solids, oil & grease, and lead regardless of the media.  Nutrient removals are dependent on the media in a more complex way.

Low Impact Development Implementation Studies

This project began in September, 2000, funded by the Maryland State Highway Administration.  Low Impact Development stormwater management principles employ an innovative array of structural and non-structural micro-scale best management practices (BMPs) that remove pollutants while attempting to maintain a site’s pre-development hydrology.  The research and design principles developed during this project will provide additional resources for the SHA to provide cost efficient stormwater management programs that not only meet transportation needs but protect surface and ground waters, special living resources, wetlands, streams and other sensitive habitats.  The Low Impact Development Center is a subcontractor on this project. 

Oil and Grease Capture from Storm Water using Bioretention Media

This research study is scheduled to begin in summer 2001.  It will be sponsored by the Maryland Water Resources Research Center.  Co-Principle Investigator on this project is Dr. Eric Seagren. 

Bioretention for Research and Education

This project will support the installation of two parallel bioretention cells on the University of Maryland campus.  Each cell will have a different design.  The cells will be used for student and public education on Low Impact Development.  They will also be monitored for input and output water quality to investigate long-term performance characteristics.  The project is sponsored by the The Prince George's County Department of Environmental Resources.  Co-Principle Investigators are Drs. Scott Angle and Pat Kangas of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources