Initiated in 2016 this 2 year study evaluated the effectiveness of an engineered media for phosphorous removal from bioretention runoff at Kortright’s Green Parking Lot.  It has previously been determined that phosphorus can leach from bioretention media, resulting in elevated levels in water that has passed through the system.  This can limit the adoption of this practice, particularly in areas where receiving water systems are sensitive to high nutrient levels.

To address this barrier to Low Impact Development adoption a bioretention area was constructed consisting of three cells of equal size and contributing drainage areas.  This allowed side-by-side comparisons of two soil amendments intended to capture and retain phosphorus: Imbrium Systems Sorbtive® Media and iron-rich sand, and an unamended control.

Project webpage      │      Technical Brief