Pollutant Removal in Stormwater by Woodchips

Abstract

As urbanization continues, water pollution is of increasing concern for human health and the environment. Water contaminants common in urban stormwater include nutrients, metals, suspended solids, pesticides, and pathogens. The search for an inexpensive and readily available material that can effectively remove common stormwater contaminants is ongoing. Studies have shown that woodchips are a promising material that can remove many different contaminants, including these common contaminants and emerging contaminants of concern. The type of wood and shape of woodchips can impact the removal efficiencies of different contaminants due to different partitioning coefficients and capillary action. This review compiles studies on the ability of woodchips of different types to remove these common stormwater contaminants and emerging contaminants of concern. Overall, the literature demonstrated woodchips are an inexpensive and effective material that could be implemented for the removal of contaminants in urban stormwater.