Evaluation of Biochar Amendments for Nutrient and Fine Sediment Retention in Stormwater Treatment Applications
Project Number
04.01.01.0136
Action Priority
Conduct Applied Scientific Research
Implementers
Desert Research Institute
Supporting Agencies
Desert Research Institute, Nevada Tahoe Resource Team – Nevada Division of State Lands
Primary Contact
Alan Heyvaert (alan.heyvaert@dri.edu)
Stage
Completed
Duration
2015 - 2017
Total Project Cost
$53,580
Funding Request
$0
Science Program
Conduct Applied Scientific Research
This project evaluated the nutrient and fine sediment removal capacity of biochar amended soils for stormwater treatment in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Biochar is a natural material produced in forest fires or from burning biomass in controlled pyrolization kilns and can be amended in soils to increase moisture retention, infiltration and vegetative vigor. This research included (1) laboratory analyses on NDF biochar material; (2) experiments with flow cells to evaluate the best mixtures of biochar amended materials to optimize infiltration and pollutant removal; (3) experiments with a meso-scale physical model of a bioinfiltration swale to test BMP treatment efficiency.
Targeted Performance Measures
No Expected Accomplishments provided
Threshold Categories
Water Quality
No Key Photo provided for this Project
Location
Targeted Funding
Secured Funding: Desert Research Institute (DRI), $2,413
Secured Funding: Lake Tahoe License Plate Prog... (NDSL), $51,167