The ability of stormwater BMPs to remove pathogens is relatively new field of study. Indicator species are used to test for the presence of pathogens. Examples of indicator species include: total coliform, fecal coliform, E. coli, and enterococci. The number of studies on the ability of bioretention to remove pathogens is small; however, the initial results are promising.

To learn more about pathogens in stormwater, click on the link to the Urban Waterways Factsheet. Fecal coliform and E. coli samples were collected at the Charlotte bioretention site, and their results are available in Hunt et al (2008) - Journal of Environmental Engineering.

In other ongoing research, pathogen indicator species are being studied at 2 bioretention cells in Wilmington and at 1 site in Raleigh. To learn more about this ongoing research, visit Jon Hathaway's webpage describing his Ph.D. research.