What’s in the Mix? Evaluating Media for Pollutant Removal in Nature-Based Water Treatment

Building better biofilters by testing how engineered media perform in real-world systems to improve the reliability of nature-based water treatment

Purpose

To evaluate the long-term performance of natural and engineered media used in nature-based systems, focusing on their effectiveness in removing pollutants—including nutrients, metals, and PFAS—and supporting informed, sustainable decision-making for utilities and designers.

Description

Funded by the Water Research Foundation (WRF #5257), this project evaluates natural and engineered filter media to enhance the performance of Nature-Based Systems (NbS) for water quality treatment. Researchers are assessing how well various materials remove pollutants like nutrients, metals, and PFAS, while also weighing factors like cost, maintenance, longevity, and environmental risks. Testing is conducted at Water TAP using urban stormwater, recycled water, and graywater, along with pilot-scale bioretention test plots in the Hydro Backyard. The research includes both lab-scale and field-scale experiments, culminating in a practical guidance document for utilities.

Impact

The findings will help utilities select media that balance performance with affordability and sustainability. By simplifying media comparison and supporting more informed design decisions, this project will lead to more effective and resilient green infrastructure solutions across the country.