A liquid purification and separation apparatus for separation of
pollutants in stormwater runoff is disclosed. This apparatus utilizes
gravitational separation and tortuosity, resulting from a plurality of
baffles both perpendicular to and oblique to the primary water flow
direction, to trap substances less-dense and more-dense than water. The
apparatus features improved resistance to pollutant remobilization
through treatment of water volume rather than flow rates, using
vertically stacked water columns of varying depths to settle small
particles. An overflow structure diverts excessive liquid without
interfering with purification and separation, and can be placed
integrally within or external to the apparatus receptacle.