Cities with less microplastics: Road-side green filters to remove microplastics from stormwater in urban areas

Anthropogenic activities associated with urbanisation result in microplastics (MP) entering stormwater in urban environments. Road-side bark and biochar filters are a potential solution to remove MP and other pollutants from stormwater, act as carbon sinks and increase green spaces (if planted). This project will study how to integrate green infrastructure into pollutant removal, by assessing the potential, efficiency and design of road-side filters (bark and biochar) for removing MP from stormwater, to function as planting sites and to retain water. The project comprises four work tasks: 1) To assess the composition, particle size and quantities of MP in stormwater from different urban sources; 2) to assess and compare the efficiency and potential of road-side filters made of biochar or bark filters in removing MP and in acting as green beds, and compare them with soil beds; 3) to develop a conceptual design for road-side green filters for MP removal; and 4) to assess their environmental sustainability in terms of e.g. climate change and water quality impacts. Overall, the project will contribute with essential knowledge on meeting the sustainable development goals related to clean water, life below water and sustainable cities and societies.