This system is known as a bioretention system. Results of investigations for the treatment of storm runoff by the system indicate excellent metal retention and some nutrient uptake by the system. In the actual field application, bioretention systems are constructed in a close proximity to imperious surfaces such as parking lots of a shopping mall, office building, or an institutional area. The system captures sheet flow from these imperious surfaces. Pollutant removal of the captured runoff is performed through physical and biological treatment processes occurring in the plants and soil of the system.
Water exits the bioretention system by infiltration or evapotranspiration.
The in-filtrated water will recharge the shallow aquifer of the local groundwater system. By optimizing the bioretention process, its use for storm water treatment can be expanded, providing added protection to the water resources of the nation. Allen P. Davis Associate Professor Abstract Studies on urban storm water runoff quality indicate the presence of many different pollutants such as metals, toxic organics, and nutrients in rainwater runoff. These pollutants are derived from different sources, and many factors are involved in their origin and transport. These four target metals were detected in all types of samples.