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Abstract
Our green roof experiments are designed to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of green roof systems. We have collected storm water samples from two fully-replicated green roof experiments and have determined that there are significant differences in water quality. In storm water runoff from green roof systems that have utilized water soluble fertilizers we have found elevated nitrate levels. In the same experiment, nitrate levels in storm water runoff vary with growth medium depth. In growing medium mixes with high levels of organic matter we have found high levels of nitrate in runoff and also high organic matter content with a high biochemical oxygen demand (DOB). In a recycled glass growing medium we have found that the runoff pH is elevated to a high basic level and that Fe levels exceed the recommended levels for effluent by the Illinois EPA. We continue to evaluate growing medium blends and other green roof components to strive to find the best system that reduces the environmental impact of green roof systems.
Our green roof experiments are designed to evaluate and improve the environmental performance of green roof systems. We have collected storm water samples from two fully-replicated green roof experiments and have determined that there are significant differences in water quality. In storm water runoff from green roof systems that have utilized water soluble fertilizers we have found elevated nitrate levels. In the same experiment, nitrate levels in storm water runoff vary with growth medium depth. In growing medium mixes with high levels of organic matter we have found high levels of nitrate in runoff and also high organic matter content with a high biochemical oxygen demand (DOB). In a recycled glass growing medium we have found that the runoff pH is elevated to a high basic level and that Fe levels exceed the recommended levels for effluent by the Illinois EPA. We continue to evaluate growing medium blends and other green roof components to strive to find the best system that reduces the environmental impact of green roof systems.
Date
4/2008
4/2008
Author(s)
Retzlaff; Ebbs; Alsup; Morgan; Wood; Jost; Luckett
Retzlaff; Ebbs; Alsup; Morgan; Wood; Jost; Luckett
Page(s)
Keyword(s)
green roof; runoff; stormwater
green roof; runoff; stormwater