Year: 2018
Type: dissertation
Abstract: Benzotriazole, a common anti-corrosion additive in vehicle fluids and antifreeze liquids, is frequently detected in urban stormwater runoff with highest concentrations in colder seasons. Bioretention cells are capable of reducing stormwater contamination; however little is known about the fate of polar trace organic compounds such as benzotriazole in these urban green infrastructures. This work investigated the adsorption, desorption, and biodegradation potential of benzotriazole in bioretention cells. Comparison of two bioretention substrates, engineered soil and hardwood mulch, showed higher adsorption for the soil than the mulch. Benzotriazole adsorbs predominantly to organic matter, and polar functional groups in the soil organic matter may have a higher affinity for benzotriazole than the lignin in the mulch organic matter. Cold-climate environmental factors such as low temperatures and road salt concentrations yielded increased benzotriazole adsorption. The biodegradation study was inconclusive and further research is needed to understand the potential for benzotriazole degradation in bioretention cells.
Source: TSpace (University of Toronto)
Author: Leandra Rhodes-Dicker
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Engineering
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2911750362