Use of biochar geostructures for urban stormwater water cleanup

Introduction Stormwater runoff from urban catchment areas is a leading contributor to water quality pollution which can result in limitations on urban development. Engineering systems used for the treatment of stormwater runoff, use in most cases, non-renewable resources. Biochar or charcoal is a renewable resource and is being investigated as a filtration media for stormwater cleanup. Background Currently engineering systems are available to control the volume of runoff after a storm event from urban catchments and influence the runoff water quality. In these engineered systems the water is not only slowed down, but also, physical, chemical and microbial processes are utilized for the removal of unwanted contaminants. An organic medium being researched for the use of stormwater cleanup is Biochar. Biochar is a form of charcoal produced through the thermochemical conversion of organic materials or biomass. The biomass remaining after pyrolysis is a fine-grained, highly porous material which gives the material large amounts of surface area resulting in a highly adsorbent material. Methodology The use of Biochar for improving stormwater water quality has been growing worldwide with product developers and researchers working to prove, advance science and markets of this emerging material. This thesis has been compiled using research material collated from various sources which provides insight into the use of Biochar geostructures for urban stormwater cleanup. Collectively, the material contained within this thesis represents research already undertaken by other parties; however it will provide information on emerging technologies using biochar. Key Outcomes Initial trials using biochar as a medium for improving stormwater quality for urban runoff has provided positive results. Additional research is required to determine cost effective, easy maintainable and to monitor performance versus economic considerations for the use of biochar geostructures. Research using enzyme additives to improve biochar performance is emerging. Further Work The next stage is the use of biochar as a medium for different geostructures for urban stormwater water cleanup and record the results of the reduction of heavy metals, herbicides and organics in stormwater. Conclusions The use of Biochar for improving stormwater water quality in urban catchments is in its infancy for practical testing. The different biomass used to create Biohar has an effect on its performance for improving stormwater runoff quality. Research is continuing to evolve to determine whether enzymes can be used to improve the performance of Biochar