Integrated stormwater treatment train for nutrient and metal removal using permeable pavement and wetland systems
PaverGuide offers a modular permeable paving system with specialized filtration media that removes 89% dissolved phosphorus and significant zinc and copper from urban stormwater. The treatment train combines structural pre-filtration of sediment and trash with passive adsorbent media for phosphorus and metals, plus adjoining wetland vaults for nitrogen capture during heavy rain events.
Overview
PaverGuide's stormwater treatment train addresses urban runoff pollution through a multi-stage system combining permeable pavement infrastructure with passive filtration media and wetland components. The approach is based on the principle that pre-filtering sediment and trash improves the performance of downstream treatment techniques. The system targets key pollutants including phosphorus, heavy metals, and nitrogen, which are major contributors to water quality degradation in ecosystems such as the Chesapeake Bay.
The treatment train spreads passive phosphorus and metal treatment over a large footprint using adsorbent media, with low water velocity achieved through permeable pavement design. This approach enables long-term, low-maintenance pollutant removal. Adjoining wetland areas with ammonium and nitrate adsorbing media capture nitrogen during heavy rain events for later uptake by plants, creating a sustainable nutrient cycling system.
Technical specifications
Permeable pavement structural base:
- Modular, injection-molded recycled plastic base measuring 3.5 inches in depth
- Meets H-20 loading requirements for vehicular traffic
- Replaces traditional subsurface gravel with large-capacity rainwater reservoir
- Multiple openings restrict trash entry while allowing stormwater infiltration
- Low water velocity maximizes contact time with filter media
Phosphorus and metal filter media:
- Lab-tested at the University of Maryland
- Currently removing 89% dissolved phosphorus
- Previous testing showed 74% dissolved zinc and 55% dissolved copper removal
- Structural testing successfully completed
- Designed to integrate with permeable pavement system
Nitrogen removal wetland vault:
- Ammonium and nitrate adsorbing media
- Captures nitrogen during heavy rain events
- Plant-assisted nutrient uptake system
- Research evaluating optimal plant species for nitrogen utilization
- Investigation of bacterial enhancement for nitrogen uptake
Technology readiness level
The phosphorus and metal filter media is currently in laboratory validation at the University of Maryland, with strong demonstrated performance. Field testing is planned for Q4 2021. The permeable pavement structural base has completed structural testing successfully and is being manufactured commercially. The nitrogen removal wetland vault concept requires additional funding for testing, with research planned to evaluate plant species selection, bacterial enhancement, adsorption capacity of media materials, and nitrogen release dynamics for plant uptake. The project has been supported by Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Industrial Partnerships.
About PaverGuide, Inc.
PaverGuide, Inc. is an environmental construction company that manufactures a modular, injection-molded, recycled plastic structural base for permeable paving systems. Designed to replace traditional subsurface gravel, the product serves as a large-capacity rainwater reservoir and infiltration surface. Its low-profile design—measuring 3.5 inches in depth—allows for significant storage capacity while requiring less excavation than conventional stone bases. The system meets H-20 loading requirements and integrates with specialized filtration media, developed in partnership with the University of Maryland, to remove pollutants like phosphorus and metals from urban stormwater runoff.
The company’s technology addresses critical challenges in sustainable stormwater management, such as mitigating runoff in urban streetscapes, protecting tree roots, and improving water quality in ecosystems like the Chesapeake Bay. By enabling pavement surfaces to capture and infiltrate water into the soil rather than channeling it into municipal waterways, the system helps reduce pollution and environmental degradation associated with impervious urban surfaces. Founded in 2015 and based in Maryland, PaverGuide has been supported by university research partnerships, state industrial programs, and environmentally focused venture capital funds to scale its manufacturing and sales reach across the United States.
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