Assessing bioretention basin treatment performance

Abstract

This chapter investigates the influence of hydrologic /hydraulic factors on the treatment performance of a bioretention basin using parameters generated by the conceptual model discussed in Chap. 2. The study outcomes showed that antecedent dry period is an important factor influencing pollutant removal efficiency. A long antecedent dry period will result in relatively low moisture content in the filter media which can enhance the runoff retention capacity and consequently improve treatment performance. This implies that planting vegetation with a high evapotranspiration capacity would enhance treatment efficiency. Additionally, it was found that pollutant leaching influences bioretention basin treatment performance , particularly reducing the ability for nutrient removal. This highlights the importance of the selection of appropriate filter media and its timely replacement.