Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID OK_2025_Schussler

Can we settle it? Investigating flocculant as a construction BMP to reduce sediment, nutrient, and metal concentrations in stormwater runoff

Institute: Oklahoma
Year Established: 2025 Start Date: 2026-01-01 End Date: 2026-12-31
Total Federal Funds: $29,720 Total Non-Federal Funds: $40,976

Principal Investigators: Jaime Schussler

Project Summary: Stormwater runoff from construction contains high levels of turbidity, caused by fine sediment particles suspended in water. The turbidity makes the runoff appear cloudy, which can harm nearby surface waters by impacting aquatic ecosystems and reducing the capacity of drainage infrastructure. Sediment can also act as a vessel for other pollutants like nutrients, metals, and emerging contaminants. This research will evaluate the use of flocculants, which are chemical agents that bind fine particles together to form heavier flocs that quickly settle. We will evaluate polyacrylamide-based flocculant blocks for their release rate and how well they can reduce sediment and pollutant concentrations in stormwater runoff. Both lab-based jar tests and channel testing will be used for the evaluation. We will monitor residual concentrations to ensure environmental safety throughout testing. Overall, our goal is to support stormwater best management practices during construction and improve runoff quality to minimize impact to receiving waters.