Removing chromium from stormwater

September 19, 2022
A closeup photo of a rusty manhole cover that says "STORM DRAIN" ; photo by Reva G on flickr
Photo of a storm drain by Reva G.   

The heavy metal chromium can contaminate industrial stormwater and is toxic depending on the oxidation state. Postdoc Brandy Stewart and her co-authors investigated chromium remediation in water treatment facilities, specifically looking at low-cost solutions using natural materials. When peat is used in the process, the team found that chromium rinds form around the edges of peat particles, effectively removing the metal from the water. Read the recent publication in the Journal of Environmental Quality