Engineered Biofiltration: Destroying Persistent Non-point Source Pollutants using Engineered Nano-glass Adsorbents Sold under the Trade Name Osorb~R (PPT)

摘要

ABSMaterials is revolutionizing Low Impact Design (LID) for Stormwater or Green Remediation practices using reactive glass materials which capture and destroy volatile organic compounds in biofiltration systems. Globally a critical challenge to implementing bioretention systems (including rain gardens, bioswales, and wetlands) is how to mitigate persistent non-point source pollutants which themselves damage the bioretention system. The influx of toxic chemical contaminants from urban, industrial, and agricultural runoff often overwhelm bioretention systems creating unsightly or even toxic contaminant areas. ABSMaterials has developed a suite of innovative biofiltration nano-glass media to protect the ecosystem and remediate organic pollutants from stormwater runoff. This nanomaterial called “Osorb” is an engineered sand grain with reactive metal composites encased within. The Osorb-based materials can be viewed as tiny chemical reactors to remediate runoff pollutants such as pesticides, hydrocarbons, endocrine disruptors, metals, and pharmaceuticals. The sand-like grains of Osorb capture runoff pollutants, degrade the pollutants to non-toxic forms, then release to the biofilter media where they are generally mineralized or biologically consumed. The systems are now in place in four US States and are testing for 10+ -year life cycle. The Osorb-based materials work in conjunction with biology by helping to maintain the health of the microorganisms in the filter media due to overexposure to chemicals. The results from three pilot scale biofiltration systems and multiple column scale experiments funded by the National Science Foundation will be described. Data indicate significant reductions in nutrients, atrazine, 2, 4-D, estradiol,