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Hydrologic processes regulate nutrient retention in stormwater detention ponds.
Benjamin D Janke1, Jacques C Finlay1, Vinicius J Taguchi2
1Dept. of Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior, University of Minnesota, 1986 Upper Buford Circle, St. Paul 55108, MN, USA; St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, Dept. of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2 Third Ave SE, Minneapolis 55414, MN, USA.
The Science of the Total Environment
|February 12, 2022
Summary
Managed stormwater ponds retain high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus. Hydrology, specifically pond storage capacity, is key to their nutrient retention performance.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Hydrology
- Water Quality Management
Background:
- Managed stormwater ponds are common in urban areas globally.
- Their role in attenuating urban runoff and nutrient pollution is vital but under-studied.
- Nutrient removal is often attributed to particle settling, overlooking hydrological and biogeochemical factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate nutrient retention in mature urban detention ponds.
- To understand the influence of hydrology and biogeochemistry on pond performance.
- To inform improved management strategies for urban stormwater ponds.
Main Methods:
- Continuous monitoring of pond hydrology and nutrient concentrations (nitrogen and phosphorus).
- Periodic measurement of physiochemical conditions within three detention ponds.
- Analysis of both annual and event-scale nutrient retention.
Main Results:
- High annual nutrient retention observed for both nitrogen (>58%) and phosphorus (>48%).
- Hydrologic controls significantly influenced nutrient retention, especially antecedent pond storage capacity during storm events.
- Nutrient export events were linked to low volume retention, not high outflow concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Urban stormwater ponds demonstrate effective nutrient retention, even when mature.
- Hydrologic function, particularly storage capacity, is critical for optimizing pond performance.
- Improving the understanding and management of pond hydrology is essential for enhancing downstream water quality.
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