Rainwater Biofilter

NASA Kennedy Space Center’s unrivaled dedication to the environment is highlighted through a variety of environmental programs and projects. Through a partnership with Jacobs Technology, Inc., teams have constructed a bio-filter – made of layered rock, soil, and native plants – as an eco-friendly way to filter zinc out of rainwater runoff. Photographed on Sept. 29, 2020, at the Florida spaceport’s Launch Complex 39 observation tower, the bio-filter catches water that runs off of this location’s galvanized roof, which contains a coating of zinc to help protect the metal from rust or corrosion. The plants in the bio-filter bind to the zinc so that when the water comes out of the bottom, it’s clean and safe to go into the Indian River Lagoon – its waterline located about 20 to 30 feet away.