Performance of a 'Transitioned' Infiltration Basin Part 2: Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removals

Infiltration basins have been widely used for stormwater runoff management. However, their longevity could be compromised over time, up to the point of operational failure. This research study showed that a 'failed' infiltration basin can 'transition' into a wetpond/wetland-like practice and provide water quality benefits. Performance evaluation over three years showed that the transitioned infiltration basin reduced the discharge event mean concentrations of total phosphorus (TP), dissolved phosphorus (DP), particulate phosphorus (PP), NOx-N (nitrate+nitrite), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), organic-N (ON), and total nitrogen (TN) during most storm events. Exports of TP, DP, ON, and TKN masses were observed only during the coldest periods. The cumulative mass removals were 61% TP, 53% DP, 63% PP, 79% NOx-N, 51% TKN, 45% ON, and 64% TN. The dry-weather nutrient concentrations combined with the environmental conditions at the transitioned basin indicated that sedimentation, adsorption, denitrification, and volume reduction were the removal mechanisms.