E. coli Transport Through Soil Columns: Implications for Bioretention Cell Removal Efficiency

摘要

E. coli transport through soil columns with regard to bioretention cell removal efficiency was investigated. In a bioretention cell, runoff water typically accumulated in a shallow depression and percolated through the designed media, where pollutants were subject to removal by a variety of processes. These processes included soil filtration and adsorption. A common fecal coliform (FC) species was E. coli, which when found in water systems, generally indicated fecal contamination. The results showed that there were slight differences in the initial detection time, or number of pore volumes when measurable concentrations in the effluent were first detected, but no difference in breakthrough times. It was concluded that different flow rates in coarse sand led to different adhesion and/or straining.