Green Roof Leachate Water Quality
Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Major
Environmental Engineering
Research Advisor
Burken, Joel G. (Joel Gerard)
Advisor's Department
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering
Funding Source
Opportunity for Undergraduate Research Experience
Abstract
Green roofs provide many environmental benefits such as peak flow attenuation, runoff reduction, and increased roof life expectancy. However, green roofs need media capable of sustaining vegetation, requiring nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). Water leaching from green roof media carries nutrients from the rooftop and enters nearby water bodies. In addition to nutrients in green roof runoff, organic carbon and suspended solids are a concern. Prolonged leaching over time leads to eutrophic and anoxic conditions, inhibiting aquatic life.
Three cylinders filled 3” deep with green roof media: GAF, Arkalyte, and one control of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), performed in triplicate, were used in an in-vitro study simulating 1-year 30-minute precipitation events for Rolla, Missouri. Results demonstrated a decrease in suspended solids, organic carbon and nutrients in green roof leachate over time for the media tested. Assessing water quality is imperative to fully understanding the implications of green roof implementation.
Biography
Katherine Bartels is a sophomore in environmental engineering and is also planning on minoring in sustainability. On campus she is a member of the Water Environment Federation, Society of Women Engineers, and Eco Miners Students for a Sustainable Future. Her interests include playing tennis, photography, and crocheting.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Location
Upper Atrium/Hall
Presentation Date
15 Apr 2015, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Green Roof Leachate Water Quality
Upper Atrium/Hall
Green roofs provide many environmental benefits such as peak flow attenuation, runoff reduction, and increased roof life expectancy. However, green roofs need media capable of sustaining vegetation, requiring nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). Water leaching from green roof media carries nutrients from the rooftop and enters nearby water bodies. In addition to nutrients in green roof runoff, organic carbon and suspended solids are a concern. Prolonged leaching over time leads to eutrophic and anoxic conditions, inhibiting aquatic life.
Three cylinders filled 3” deep with green roof media: GAF, Arkalyte, and one control of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO), performed in triplicate, were used in an in-vitro study simulating 1-year 30-minute precipitation events for Rolla, Missouri. Results demonstrated a decrease in suspended solids, organic carbon and nutrients in green roof leachate over time for the media tested. Assessing water quality is imperative to fully understanding the implications of green roof implementation.
