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Evaluation of a peat filtration system for treating highway runoff in a karst setting

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

The deleterious character of highway runoff, especially following long periods without precipitation, has been well documented in the literature. It transports hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and other contaminants from highways, contributing to the pollution of surface water and groundwater. Groundwater is particularly vulnerable in karst areas where highway runoff is transferred quickly into subsurface conduit networks through open sinkholes and/or sinking streams. The difficulties in remediating contaminated karst aquifers make it crucial for karst aquifers to receive only uncontaminated water. A peat filtration system was constructed at the I-40/I-640 interchange in eastern Knoxville, Tennessee, USA, to remove highway runoff contaminants prior to being transported into karst aquifers. Recent field tests indicate that the system can significantly decrease the concentrations of analyzed constituents including PAHs (polyaromatic hydrocarbons), copper, and zinc. However, the removal efficiency depends on the concentration of the contaminants in the runoff. Long-term monitoring is required to determine the true effectiveness of the designed filtration system and its reliability.

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Acknowledgments

The project was sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and transportation departments in 15 states including Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Mr. Howard Jongedyk and Ms. Connie Hill are technical representatives of the FHWA for this project. The Tennessee Department of Transportation provided invaluable assistance for constructing and maintaining the pilot filtration system of the study site. James Smoot and his associates with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the University of Tennessee conducted the laboratory experiments necessary to develop the conceptual designs for the treatment system. Thanks are also due to Mr. Brad Stephenson with ARCADIS Geraghty and Miller for his involvement in the first phases of this project. Mr. Art Pettit, Ms. Angela Adams, and Mr. Gheorghe Ponta participated in various phases of the project as well.

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  1. P.E. LaMoreaux and Associates Inc., 106 Administration Road, Ste. 4, Oak Ridge, Tennessee , 37830, USA

    Wanfang Zhou, Barry F. Beck & Thomas S. Green

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  1. Wanfang Zhou
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Correspondence to Wanfang Zhou.

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Zhou, W., Beck, B.F. & Green, T.S. Evaluation of a peat filtration system for treating highway runoff in a karst setting. Env Geol 44, 187–202 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-002-0745-2

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