I.
Problem Title
Plant/Soil Zones to Prevent Movement of Copper and Zinc from Roads
II.
Research Problem Statement
Due to automobile braking, roadside sediments in heavily trafficked regions have high
levels of copper and zinc compared to sediment quality. Recent use of bio-retention
filters has reduced runoff of heavy metals from parking lots in Maryland. A pilot study is
warranted to look at the effectiveness of different kinds of soil-plant buffer zones in
preventing movement of copper and zinc from roadsides.
III.
Objective
To investigate optimal soil-plant systems to immobilize copper and zinc. Laboratory
eperiments should include determining the importance of soil buffering capacity, organic
matter content and pH and other physical and chemical characteristics that immobilize
the heavy metals. Experiments also need to be conducted to identify plants that impede
uptake of copper and zinc into the above ground shoots. Fieldwork should include
evaluation of experimental bio-retention devices at roadside intersections where braking
is heovy and where immobilization of copper and zinc would be most useful.
IV.
Estimate of Funding and Duration of Research
Recommended Funding: $125, 000
Research Period: 24 months
V.
Statement of Urgency, Benefits, and Expected Return on Investment
The goal of the proposed project is to identify protective and relatively low cost
technologies (planting and soil amendments) to reduce cost for future transportation
projects and ameliorate existing problems in copper and zinc movement from roads. A
significant immediate benefit would be protection of aquatic life from copper pollution,
since fish and crustaceans are very sensitive to copper. Longer-term benefits would
include public health benefits, improvement of carbon sequestration, due to plant
canopies and below ground growth, and prevention of erosion and associated benefits.