Source: TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
AN APPROACH TO MANAGE AND MITIGATE STORMWATER IN METROPOLITAN NASHVILLE/DAVIDSON COUNTY, TN
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
1004839
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Jan 22, 2015
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2017
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
3500 JOHN A. MERRITT BLVD
NASHVILLE,TN 37209
Performing Department
Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Non Technical Summary
This project seeks to build an integration of research and extension utilizing multiple stakeholders to mitigate and manage stormwater in Davidson County, TN with particular emphasis on bioretention basins. The project will take a multiple-phased approach to examine stormwater quality by examining BMPs, developing hydrological and water quality models for urban forestry and water quality. Findings from our integrated research willbuild a blueprint for local municipalities to follow.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
12403202050100%
Knowledge Area
124 - Urban Forestry;

Subject Of Investigation
0320 - Watersheds;

Field Of Science
2050 - Hydrology;
Goals / Objectives
OBJECTIVESTo reach the goal and fulfill the intellectual merit of the project, the proposed project strategy consists of the integration of: research and extension (dissemination) of results to address and examine the implementation of green infrastructure for stormwater quality management. Thus, the objectives of this project are inclusive of two mission areas and listed below.The two research objectives are to:quantify pollutant removal capabilities of bioretention basins through wet weather field sampling (specifically, a random sampling of 12 of 169 (n=12) bioretention basins/rain gardens recorded in the Metro Water Services BMPs database will be collected using a sterile whirlpak during rain events, preferably first flush);spatially explore and simulate the effectiveness of BMPs through the development of hydrological water quality models utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS); and,The extension objective is to:disseminate results in scholarly publications, agricultural extension bulletins, and conference papers with the project lead and research scholars as co-authors.Therefore, when the research, education and extension objectives are achieved, the anticipated results will lead to: 1) a database of information quantifying and validating pollutant removal capabilities of bioretention basins/rain gardens (Fig.1) (BMPs) in Davidson County; 2) the production of hydrological/water quality models that will simulate the effect of BMPs on water quality and optimize their effectiveness. The research of BMPs serve many purposes such as:determines whether the most cost effective best management practices are included in a city's stormwater management program;assists in designing ongoing monitoring, inspection and surveillance programs that help refine estimates of program effectiveness;creates a baseline and ongoing measuring stick of the progress of the stormwater management program; andDevelops a strategy to evaluate progress toward achieving water quality goals.
Project Methods
The strategic project plan consists of a 2-year integrated research and extension program that will be executed in three (3) phases with four (4) specific tasks outlined below in Tasks A through G. The strategic work plan integrates extension throughout each task of Phases 1 through 3, and evaluation and assessment of results being achieved in Phase 2.Task A: Design and Conduct BMP Water Quality Sampling Scheme (Phase 1)The objective is this task is to collect wet weather field samples to measure the water quality of the bioretention basins located in Metro Water Services BMP database. A random sampling of bioretenion basins located in Davidson County will be collected by the Project Lead and Student Researchers. One of the primary goals of wet weather sampling will be to derive Event Mean Concentrations (EMCs) for specified pollutant parameters for each land use category. The EMC numbers can be used to estimate pollutant loading. EMCs are single indexes used to characterize constituent concentrations of pollutants. Aliquots of unfiltered samples will be measured for electric conductivity (EC) and pH within 6 hours of collection. Samples will be filtered through pre-washed ashed Whatman GF/F filters and oven-dried for 2-3 days and then reweighed. Suspended solids (mg L-1) will be calculated. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and total dissolved nitrogen (TDN) will be quantified using high temperature Platinum-catalyzed combustion with a Shimadzu TOC-VCSH and Shimadzu total measuring unit TNM-1 (Shimadzu Corp. Houston, TX, USA). Dissolved organic carbon will be measured as non-purgeable carbon which entails acidifying the sample (250 µL 2M HCl) and sparging for 4 min with C-free air. Ammonium will be anaylzed using the phenate hypochlorite method with sodium nitroprusside enhancement (USEPA method 350.1) and nitrate using Cd-Cu reduction (USEPA method 353.3). All colorimetric methods will be performed with a Westco Scientific Smartchem Discrete Analyzer (Westco Scientific Instruments Inc. Brookfield, CT, USA). Calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium will be quantified by ion chromatography using an Ionpac CS12A analytical and Ionpac CG12A guard column for separation and 20 mM methanosulfonic acid as eluent at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 and injection volume of 25 µL (DIONEX ICS 1000). Fluoride, chloride and sulfate quantification utilizes Ionpak AS20 and Ionpak AG20 analytical and guard columns for separation with 35 mM KOH as eluent at a flow rate of 1 mL min-1 and an injection volume of 25 µL (DIONEX ICS 1000; DIONEX Corp. Sunnyvale, CA, USA). Dissolved organic nitrogen can be estimated by deducting inorganic-N (NH3-N + NO3-N) from TDN.Task B: Development of Hydrological/Water Quality Models (Phase 1)Rather than simply identifying impervious land cover's relationship to runoff and water quality, one of its most studied aspects, it is better to understand the process. In a study of its effects, predictive modeling is the modern approach to linking water pollution to urbanization utilizing spatially generated maps (Lenzi and Di Luzio 1997). Models are often used as an extrapolating mechanism to estimate and predict future outcomes of hydrological processes and the evolution of hydrological variables such as water quality and quantity over time. Modelers can examine and evaluate the predicted outcomes and impact of management practices and development on future hydrological responses. Additionally, the use of models allows the loadings into a surfaces' waterbody to be predicted. The Project Lead and Student Researchers will create a hydrological model utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the effectiveness of BMPs for stormwater quality management and mitigation.Task C: Project Evaluation and Assessment (Phase 2)A formative evaluation assessment will be conducted after each task to ensure successful progress in the methods used to conduct research. The Project Lead will write quarterly progress reports to gauge progress and evaluate the pace of the research. The Project Lead will also track the performance of the undergraduate and graduate research scholars.Task D: Dissemination of Results (Phase 3)Many will be impacted as the Project Lead plans to disseminate knowledge to the undergraduate and graduate research scholars, agricultural students, and society-at-large. The Project Lead will broaden students' interest by working directly with them in addition to preparing them as future researchers. Individuals participating in the survey will also have their interest piqued. The Project Lead will exhaust all options to disseminate project results.

Progress 01/22/15 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the PI and graduate research assistant sought to improve the knowledge of pollutant removal capabilities of bioretention basins and wetlands through the dissemination of critical information to students, student groups, non-profit organizations, local and state government, and tree advisory boards. Changes/Problems:As mentioned in the 2016 report, we decided to focus our attention on urban wetlands as a BMP. This was done in consultation with MTAC and Metro Stormwater. As a result, data has been collected at the Tennessee State University wetland. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided training and professional development to one graduate student. This has resulted in three accepted abstract submission and three presenations. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?The results have been disseminated via conference presentations and publications. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Lands which are seasonally wet over a period are referred to as wetlands, and they are a vital ecosystem because of the ecosystem services they provide. At a watershed scale level, wetlands improve water quality. Anthropogenic activities associated with urbanization significantly influence wetlands mainly through altering the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants. Nashville Tennessee is rapidly becoming urban. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nashville has an annual population growth of 1.8% in the last five years (2010-2015). Wetland monitoring programs can assist us in reflecting the impacts of urbanization and land use on waterbodies. Research related to wetland efficiency can assist in determining how well these wetlands remove pollutants in the Nashville urban areasThis research is carried out on the TSU research wetland located at the greenhouse facility and the Ed Temple Blvd and Walter Davis Blvd bridges. A specific objective is to estimate loads and removal rates of nutrients and heavy metals. This study evaluates the physicochemical parameters of water quality parameter in the wetland. Spatio-temporal variations are observed all through the study period (FEB 2016 - JAN 2017). Using many statistical methods and data reduction techniques like factor analysis and PCA, we analyzed correlations amongst different variables and used our findings as a premise to identify possible pollution sources. Results have shown a (32%, 25%, 8% and 3%) removal efficiency for (S, Na, Ca and P) respectively. There were traces of Al, Pb, Cu, and Ni in minute concentrations within our samples with no significant impacts. Significant variations in concentrations of DO, specific conductivity and salinity have been observed for the current data we possess. Specifically, we have: 1. Collected random (Sarkar&Upadhyay,2013) grab samples via a long-handled plastic dipper according to the Department of Environmental Protection. We have collected from several points to get a better representation of the population (Weiss et al., 2002). 2. Collected random (inlet/outlet) composite samples twice a month from February 2016 through December 2016 (Scholes et al., 1998). 3. Placed a field monitoring multi-parameter sonde at inlet and outlet. Water quality parameters such as conductivity, pH, DO, temperature, and turbidity are measured in situ and recorded daily. 4. Collected time-weighted discrete storm samples during one single storm event. 5. Analyzed water samples for (NO3-N)and (NH3-N) using a DR 3900 benchtop VIS spectrophotometer. 6. Analyzed correlations amongst different variables and use our findings as a premise to identify possible pollution sources. Results have shown a (32%, 25%, 8% and 3%) removal efficiency for (S, Na, Ca and P) respectively.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Okafor, M.*, Young, D. and Byl, T. Seasonal Variations and Statistical Analysis of Physiochemical Characteristics of a Developing Wetland in Nashville, TN. Tennessee State University Research Symoposium. April 2017
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Young, D. Sustainable Environmental Management: Addressing Urban Forest Challenges in Nashville, TN USA Utilizing Strategic Partnerships. 3rd International Conference on Environmental Management. Hyderabad, India. November 2017
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2017 Citation: Young, D. and Byl, T. Taking Root: Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation in Urban Forests. 3rd International Conference on Environmental Management. Hyderabad, India. November 2017.


Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the P and graduate research assistant seek to improve the knowledge of pollutant removal capabilities of bioretention basins and wetlands through the dissemination of critical information to student, student groups, non-profit organization, llocal and state government, and tree advisory boards. Changes/Problems:After consultation with MTAC and Metro Stormwater, we have decided to focus our attention on urban wetlands as a BMP. As a result, data has been collected at the Tennessee State University wetland. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project has provided training and professional development to one graduate student. This has resulted in one accepted abstract submission and one pending submission. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Okafor, M.*, Young, D. and Byl, T. Seasonal Variations and Statistical Analysis of Physiochemical Characteristics of a Developing Wetland in Nashville, TN. Tennessee Academy of Sciences, Clarksville, TN, November 2016. Okafor, M.*, Young, D. and Byl, T. Seasonal Variations and Statistical Analysis of Physiochemical Characteristics of a Developing Wetland in Nashville, TN. Nashville Tree Advisory Committee, Nashville, TN, October 2016. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Create a hydrological model utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the effectiveness of BMPs for stormwater quality management and mitigation. 2. Generate and finalize results for reporting, training, and dissemination.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Lands which are seasonally wet over a period of time are referred to as wetlands and they are a vital ecosystem because of the ecosystem services they provide. At a watershed scale level, wetlands improve water quality. Anthropogenic activities associated with urbanization signi?cantly in?uence wetlands mainly through altering the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants. Nashville Tennessee is rapidly becoming urban. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nashville has an annual population growth of 1.8% in the last 5 years (2010-2015). Wetland monitoring programs can assist us in reflecting the impacts of urbanization and land use on waterbodies. Research related to wetland efficiency can assist in determining how well these wetlands remove pollutants in the Nashville urban areasThis research is carried out on the TSU research wetland located at the greenhouse facility and the Ed Temple Blvd and Walter Davis Blvd bridges. A specific objective is to estimate loads and removal rates of nutrients and heavy metals. This study evaluates the physicochemical parameters of water quality parameter in the wetland. Spatio-temporal variations are observed all through the study period (FEB 2016 - JAN 2017). Using a number of statistical methods and data reduction techniques like factor analysis and PCA, we analyzed correlations amongst different variables and use our findings as a premise to identify possible pollution sources. Results have shown a (32%, 25%, 8% and 3%) removal efficiency for (S, Na, Ca and P) respectively. There were traces of Al, Pb, Cu and Ni in minute concentrations within our samples with no significant impacts. Significant variations in concentrations of DO, specific conductivity and salinity have been observed for the current data we possess. Specifically, we have: 1. Collected random (Sarkar&Upadhyay,2013) grab samples via a long-handled plastic dipper according to the Department of Environmental Protection.We have collected from several points in order to get a better representation of the population (Weiss et al, 2002). 2. Collected random (inlet/outlet) composite samples twice a month from February 2016 through December 2016 (Scholes et al, 1998). 3. Placed a field monitoring multi-parameter sonde at inlet and outlet. Water quality parameters such as conductivity, pH, DO, temperature, and turbidity are measured in situ and recorded daily. 4. Collected time-weighted discrete storm samples during one single storm event. 5. Analyzed water samples for (NO3-N)and (NH3-N) using a DR 3900 benchtop VIS spectrophotometer. 6. Analyzed correlations amongst different variables and use our findings as a premise to identify possible pollution sources. Results have shown a (32%, 25%, 8% and 3%) removal efficiency for (S, Na, Ca and P) respectively.

Publications

  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2016 Citation: Okafor, M.*, Young, D. and Byl, T. Seasonal Variations and Statistical Analysis of Physiochemical Characteristics of a Developing Wetland in Nashville, TN. Tennessee Academy of Sciences, Clarksville, TN, November 2016.


Progress 01/22/15 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period, the PI seeked to improve the knowledge of pollutant removal capabilities of bioretention basins through dissmenation of critical information to student, student groups, non-profit organization, and tree advisory boards. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Nothing Reported What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1. Collect wet weather field samples to measure the water quality of the bioretention basins located in Metro Water Services BMP database. 2. Derive Event Mean Concentrations (EMCs) for specified pollutant parameters for each land use category. The EMC numbers will be used to estimate pollutant loading. 3. Create a hydrological model utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to examine the effectiveness of BMPs for stormwater quality management and mitigation.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? The following have accomplished under these goals and objectives: 1. The design of the Best Management Practices (BMPs) has been completed with data collection slated to begin January 2015. 2. The development of Hydrological/Water Quality Models has been started with the collection of GIS and remote sensing data. 3. Two extension bulletins have been written and are under review.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2015 Citation: Young, D.J.2015. Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management. Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin.
  • Type: Other Status: Under Review Year Published: 2015 Citation: Young, D.J. and Smith, J. 2015. Sustainable Benefits: Campus Tree Plantings. Tennessee State University Cooperative Extension Bulletin.