Investigation of Lamella Settlers and Electrocoagulation for Capturing Suspended Sediment

Presenters: Michael Perez, CPESC & Lan Liu, MS

This research investigates the novel use of lamella settlers and electrocoagulation technology to capture suspended sediment from stormwater runoff. Optimized configurations showed a capture rate of up to 99% of total solids.

Learning Objectives: 
  • Classify passive and active stormwater treatment mechanisms.
  • Describe the function of lamella settlers and electrocoagulation in the treatment of stormwater.
  • Recognize opportunities to implement novel treatment approaches to stormwater management.



Presented by Michael Perez, CPESC – Assitant Professor, Auburn University & Lan Liu, MS – Graduate Research Assistant, Auburn University

Michael A. Perez is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Auburn University. He helps oversee the Auburn University – Erosion and Sediment Control Testing Facility. HIs research specializes in the evaluation and enhancement of construction stormwater practices, methods, and technologies using large-scale testing techniques.

Lan is a graduate research assistant pursuing a Ph.D. candidate in Civil Engineering and is developing and assessing passive treatment methods for construction site sediment basins. She is originally from Beijing, China and received a joint bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering in 2016 from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and Auburn University. She also earned a master’s degree in Civil Engineering in 2018 from Auburn University. Her previous research conducted sample preparation, experimental design, and quantitative analysis with liquid chromatography techniques to analyze behavior and fate of endocrine disrupting chemicals in Alabama estuaries.