Operation | Aqua-Ponic™ Stormwater Biofiltration System
How the aqua-Ponic Works
FIGURE 1
The Aqua-Ponic™ Biofiltration System contains a minimum 12-inch proprietary blended filter media layer which serves three operational roles by providing (1) pollutant filtration, (2) plant stabilization and (3) facilitating nutrient uptake.
Figure 1 is an illustration of the Aqua-Ponic™ Biofiltration System. Design elements include a top layer of pea gravel underlain by the proprietary plant stabilization filter media bed. The pea gravel serves to protect the underlying plant stabilization engineered filter media bed while dispersing the influent stormwater runoff across the treatment area. Water flows downward under gravity flow conditions through the media bed and root systems of the vegetation. The filtered water then percolates further downward into the underlying water sump. The engineered filter media bed actively filters nutrients and metals during a runoff event whereby the plants will experience uptake to support plant viability. A supporting perforated steel sheet underlies the media bed. A post-filtration flow control orifice is placed across the outlet pipe opening in order to facilitate an even distribution of influent runoff across the filter treatment area. As an alternative to the top pea gravel layer, crushed recycled landscaping glass can be used which further enhances colorful view scape options for the Aqua-Ponic™.
The sump serves as a water reservoir for the vegetation during quiescent periods. A series of wicks are suspended from the base of the plant stabilization bed and extend downward to near the base of the reservoir. Water is wicked by these rods up to the engineered filter media bed which serves to provide a sustainable supply of water and any soluble nutrients and metals not trapped in the media bed during a runoff event. Treated water in excess of the sump storage volume exits the system via the outlet opening just below the base of the media bed.