Biochar Integrated Filtration Systems for Multi Contaminant Removal in Industrial Stormwater

Abstract

Industrial stormwater runoff is a major source of environmental pollution, carrying a complex mixture of heavy metals, organic contaminants, suspended solids, and emerging pollutants into natural water bodies. This study investigates the effectiveness of biochar-integrated filtration systems as a sustainable and efficient approach for multi-contaminant removal in industrial stormwater. Engineered biochar, characterized by high surface area, porosity, and functional groups, was incorporated into a hybrid filtration medium to enhance adsorption and retention capacities. Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to evaluate removal efficiencies under varying hydraulic loading rates and pollutant concentrations. The results demonstrate that the biochar-based system significantly improves the removal of heavy metals, nutrients, and organic pollutants compared to conventional filtration methods. Additionally, the system exhibits strong resilience, reusability, and cost-effectiveness, making it a viable solution for large-scale industrial applications. The findings highlight the potential of biochar as a key component in advanced stormwater management strategies, contributing to environmental sustainability and regulatory compliance.