Pollutant Removal Efficiency of a Bio-Retention Facility versus a Detention Pond.
By Pernille Ripp
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Abstract:
Edgewood College has chosen to implement a wet detention pond on campus as part of its stormwater management program. However, a wet detention pond may not be the most efficient method of removing pollutants such as phosphorus in a watershed, with “efficiency” meaning ability to accomplish proper pollutant removal in the water management system. I have chosen to focus on the removal rate of phosphorus, as this is a highly significant pollutant on the Edgewood campus and in Lake Wingra. By collecting research and comparing studies, I have found that a bio-retention facility would be a more suitable solution for the Edgewood Campus stormwater since it would reduce the nutrient pollution running into Lake Wingra from the campus stormwater management system, rather than the wet detention pond system that is currently in place. According to my research the average removal rate of phosphorus in a wet detention pond system is 59% whereas in a bio-retention facility it is higher at 67%. My hypothesis is thus that Edgewood’s current stormwater management program is not the most efficient pollutant removal system that could be implemented on campus.