Woodchip mulch has wide application in urban landscaping for its aesthetic value, moisture, and soil erosion control. Still, it is observed to risk the waterbodies by leaching phosphorus, which undermines urban/campus sustainability. This project aims to provide sustainable solutions by minimizing the environmental tradeoff of woodchip applications in the campus/urban areas. For this, we aim to investigate the phosphorus leaching potential of woodchips based on their source material using laboratory experiments and suggest the best practices to minimize phosphorus loss through stormwater runoff. Moreover, we will evaluate and design the phosphorus filter pairing/amendment system to mitigate phosphorus discharge into water systems.

This proposal directly funds:
1. Undergrad hourly wages
2. Woodchips mulch, variable sources
3. Laboratory chemicals, pipes and fittings
4. Water tanks, buckets, columns, supports
5. Additives for Phosphorus filter