Laboratory based experiments to assess the use of green and food based compost to improve water quality in a Sustainable Drainage (SUDS) device such as a swale

► Dissolved and particulate-associated pollutants did not appear in compost effluent. ► Composts contained many bacteria and fungi associated with pollutant degradation. ► Compost performed equally as well as topsoil, in some cases better. ► Mixed compost may have slightly better oil degrading properties than green compost.