Suspended Solids in and Turbidity of Runoff from Green Roofs

Green roof technology is used to reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff, but questions remain regarding its impact on quality. This study analyzed the total suspended solids (TSS) in and the turbidity of runoff from green roof growth media mixed with composted pine bark in an indoor pot study. The...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:International journal of phytoremediation 2011-01, Vol.13 (sup1), p.179-193
Main Authors: Morgan, Susan, Alyaseri, Isam, Retzlaff, William
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Bark
Biodegradation, Environmental
Bottom ash
Conservation of Natural Resources - methods
Culture media
Environment Design
Environmental Monitoring
Facility Design and Construction
Green buildings
green roof
Green roofs
Growth media
Particle Size
Plant Development
Rain
Rainfall
Roofs
Runoff
Solid suspensions
Statistical analysis
Storm runoff
Stormwater
Stormwater management
Stormwater quality
suspended solids
Total suspended solids
Turbidity
vegetated roof
Vegetation
Waste Disposal, Fluid - methods
Water Movements
Water Pollutants - analysis
Water Quality
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:Green roof technology is used to reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff, but questions remain regarding its impact on quality. This study analyzed the total suspended solids (TSS) in and the turbidity of runoff from green roof growth media mixed with composted pine bark in an indoor pot study. The results showed that there were elevated levels of TSS and turbidity in the runoff that decreased over time for all growth media. Both TSS and turbidity are affected by the type of growth media. Lava and haydite had higher mean TSS and mean turbidity than arkalyte and bottom ash. Vegetation reduced the mean turbidity and mean TSS of the first flush by an average of 53% and 63%, respectively, but generally had no statistically significant effect thereafter. The results indicate that the media, rather than the vegetation, has a greater effect on TSS and turbidity in the runoff. In areas with stringent water quality regulations for stormwater runoff from developed sites, media selection may be an important consideration. It may also be necessary in these regions to ensure that the roof is planted prior to receiving rainfall to minimize the first flush effect and that any irrigation does not result in runoff.
ISSN:1522-6514
1549-7879
DOI:10.1080/15226514.2011.568547