This report is presented in four main sections. Firstly, a literature review on the ability of shell
material to adsorb heavy metals and the potential application of mussel shell material to
enhance stormwater treatment devices. Secondly, preliminary batch absorption experiments
using solutions containing Zn and Cu at similar concentrations as commonly encountered in
stormwater (Craggs et al. 2006). Thirdly, flow-through experiments with solutions of Zn and
Cu passed through beds of crushed P. canaliculus shell (500- 2000 µm with 20 g shell per
column) over a 24 hour period (Pickmere and Mathieson 2007). Fourthly, further
experimentation using a flow-through column methodology for Zn removal but with
modifications such as, an increased flow rate, an extended range of shell particle size, and an
increase in the scale of the trial, with each column containing approximately 150 g of shell
(Macaskill 2008).