Title: Fly ash amended pervious concrete: a laboratory study on removal potential for inorganic contaminants

Authors: Ryan R. Otter; Brian Bachner; Spring Nolin; Jessie Weatherly; Heather J. Brown; John P. DiVincenzo

Addresses: Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 60, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA ' Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 68, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA ' Department of Biology, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 60, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA ' Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 68, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA ' Department of Concrete Industry Management, Middle Tennessee State University, P.O. Box 24, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA ' Department of Chemistry, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), P.O. Box X157, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37132, USA

Abstract: Pervious concrete is a recognised best management practice. This study investigated the removal efficiencies of various pervious concrete formulations when exposed to total suspended solids, Pb²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, NO₃⁻, and PO₄³⁻ via simulated rainfall events. The results showed substantial total suspended solids, Pb²⁺, and PO₄³⁻ removal. Removal rates as high as 72%, 36%, and 43% were observed for PO₄³⁻, Pb²⁺, and total suspended solids, respectively. Removal efficiencies of total suspended solids, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, and NO₃⁻ were not largely influenced by formulation. However, both Pb²⁺ and PO₄³⁻ removal were formulation dependent. Analysis of the void space in each individual pervious concrete cylinder was performed and compared to removal efficiency data. Surprisingly, no significant relationship existed between removal of potential contaminants and void space. Pervious concrete can aid in improving water quality of urban runoff.

Keywords: pervious concrete; fly ash concrete; inorganic contaminants; lead removal; suspended solids filtration; nitrate removal; phosphate adsorption; void space; total suspended solids; TSS; water quality; water pollution; urban runoff; cities; rainfall simulation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEE.2016.078237

International Journal of Environmental Engineering, 2016 Vol.8 No.1, pp.12 - 29

Received: 21 Apr 2015
Accepted: 09 Apr 2016
Published online: 09 Aug 2016 *

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