Current research shows sediment basins may act as reservoirs for potentially harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli). E. coli preferentially attach to clay-sized particles and have been found in sediment basin outflows with high turbidity levels containing concentrations exceeding water quality standards recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency. Since research shows E. coli preferentially attach to the clay fraction within sediment, it was hypothesized that a reduction in turbidity and TSS would create a corresponding reduction in bacterial density. Construction site sediment basin discharge was simulated to determine whether a sediment tube configuration using anionic polymer application could reduce E. coli densities. Based...
