WRS Masters Defense

Tuesday, Feb. 28th, 1pm

Via Zoom

Karina Weelborg
WRS Masters Student

Abstract

Field-scale Evaluation of MN-sourced Biochar for Comprehensive Contaminant Removal from Parking Lot Runoff

The performance of catchment-scale filters containing sand and red-pine biochar, produced at 550 o C,were monitored for 2 years. Six events from the 2022 field season showed relative flow equalization between the sand and biochar filters and were used for detailed performance analysis. Both filters provided removal of E. coli, total phosphorus, metals, total organic carbon, and total suspended solids. The biochar filter removed minimal orthophosphate while the sand filter exported the contaminant. Both filters exported nitrate, though the biochar filter to a lesser degree. The addition of biochar provided improvements in filter performance for orthophosphate, zinc, and total suspended solids though no statistically significant difference was found for any filter performance. Results from this study highlight the importance of adjusting biochar production conditions for development of characteristics needed for contaminant removal and the importance of validating laboratory results in the field.