Removal of Heavy Metals and Metalloids in an Industrial Stormwater Treatment System

This study examines the efficiency and process of metals and metalloids removal from the runoff by an innovative stormwater capture and treatment system at the SIMS Metal recycling site in New York City. This system is one of the very early pilots of stormwater management systems in New York City, and uses a combination of natural and engineering approaches (e.g., filtration capacity of soils and patented engineering designs). The runoff, with particulate and dissolved metals, metalloids and hydrocarbons, were directed into a vegetated field with engineered soil and mulch. The spatial distribution of metals and metalloids within the soil (soil surface and soil columns) and groundwater quality (water in the StormChambers and pumped to the surface) were evaluated. Even with less than 30 cm of topsoil, the system removes metal and metalloid contaminants efficiently.