Sustainable Stormwater Treatment Using Hybrid Biochar Sand Filtration Media

Abstract

The increasing burden of industrialization and urbanization has intensified stormwater pollution, necessitating sustainable and efficient treatment solutions. This study explores the performance of hybrid biochar–sand filtration media for treating contaminated stormwater containing heavy metals, nutrients, suspended solids, and organic pollutants. Biochar, produced from biomass through pyrolysis, was integrated with conventional sand media to enhance adsorption and filtration efficiency. Laboratory-scale column experiments were conducted under varying hydraulic loading rates and media compositions to evaluate treatment performance. The results indicate that the hybrid system significantly improves removal efficiencies, achieving over 90% removal of suspended solids and substantial reductions in heavy metals and organic contaminants compared to sand-only filters. The synergistic interaction between biochar’s adsorption capacity and sand’s filtration properties contributed to improved pollutant retention and system stability. Additionally, the hybrid media demonstrated good hydraulic conductivity, reduced clogging, and potential for regeneration and reuse. This study highlights the viability of biochar–sand filtration systems as a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable solution for sustainable stormwater management.