Multi-layered planter box raingarden for zinc and copper removal from stormwater
Publication Name
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology
Abstract
Poor water quality and its significant adverse impact on the environment in the Addington Brook catchment has long been realised in Christchurch, New Zealand. Contaminants generated from impermeable surfaces such as roadways, rooftops and parking lots produce high rate of dissolved zinc and copper in this catchment. Hence, this research provides a long-term solution for zinc and copper removal. The main idea of this research is to develop and compare different planter box raingardens for the removal of zinc and copper. A planter box raingarden prevents stormwater pollution from entering the stream and rivers. Twelve raingarden modules were constructed and set up using four different media to be tested by three individual stormwater sources. Several water quality tests were undertaken on the influent and effluent sample followed by monitoring the volume of discharge. The results show that a combination of ART3 media, crushed mussel shells and lime chips performed the lowest vertical hydraulic conductivity rate and achieved the highest removal rate for zinc and copper. The planter box P3 achieved the highest removal rate (98%) for both total and dissolved zinc.
Open Access Status
This publication is not available as open access