• Journal of Wetlands Research
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.321-333
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• 2019

A primary aspect of low impact development (LID) design that affects performance efficiency, maintenance frequency, and lifespan of the facility is the type of filter media as well as the arrangement or media profile. Several LID guidelines providing media specifications are currently available and numerous studies have been published presenting the effectiveness of these systems. While some results are similar and consistent, some of them still varies and only a few focuses on the effect of filter media type and arrangement on system performance. This creates a certain level of uncertainty when it comes to filter media selection and design. In this review, a synthesis of filter media specifications from several LID design guidelines are presented and relevant results from different laboratory and field studies are highlighted. The LID systems are first classified as infiltration or non-infiltration structures, and vegetated or non-vegetated structures. Typical profiles of the media according to classification are shown including the different layers, materials, and depth. In addition, results from previous studies regarding the effect of filter media characteristics on hydraulic and hydrologic functions as well as pollutant removal are compared. Other considerations such as organic media leaching, clogging, media washing, and handling during construction were also briefly discussed. This review aims to provide a general guideline that can contribute to proper media selection and design for structural LIDs. In addition, it also identifies opportunities for future research.