Nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficiency of stormwater ponds
Student name: Mr Rudresh Kumar Sugam
Guide: Dr Arun Kansal
Year of completion: 2010
Host Organisation: School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Shimon Anisfeld
Abstract: This research has been done to find out the Nitrogen (Nitrate and total Nitrogen) and total Phosphorus removal efficiency of Stormwater pond in Connecticut. The requirement of this study came into picture due to the excess nitrogen (N) loading causing depletion “dead zones†in aquatic ecosystems and Long Island Sound has been identified as an area that is susceptible to hypoxia due to excess N loading in stormwater runoff. CTDEP requires a BMP to be followed to achieve 10% N removal efficiency. This project has been done to guide Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection in taking decision regarding the Best Management Practice to follow.
A very simplistic approach has been undertaken to estimate the efficiency. Several samples were collected during different storms and the quality of these water samples has been analyzed to estimate the efficiency. The water quality was analyzed using IEC and Flow Analyzer from the inlet and outlet lines of these ponds. Averages of the different constituents have been calculated and the difference between influent and effluent concentration have been calculated to estimate the efficiency.
Results show that efficiency of NO3-N removal is 34.35%, Total Nitrogen removal is 32.45% and total phosphorus removal is 22.20 %.
The result is in agreement in fact much better than the Best Management Practice efficiency required i.e. 10%.It is thus a helpful guide for the concerned authority to maintain and manage stormwater ponds to achieve better efficiency.
Key Words: Stormwater Ponds, Water Quality, Removal Efficiency, IEC, Flow Analyzer
