Physical characteristics of urban roadway solids transported during rain events

Urban stormwater runoff from paved surfaces transports a wide gradation of solids ranging in size from smaller than 1 micrometer to greater than 10,000 micrometers. This study measured physical characteristics of solids transported in lateral pavement sheet flow (LPSF) from a heavily traveled roadway in Cincinnati, Ohio. Particles smaller than 25 micrometers were counted and sized using a light obscuration particle counter. Particles larger than 25 micrometers were separated mechanically to generate particle size distributions. Solids in the 2-8 micrometer range generated the largest counts and were rapidly washed from the pavement. LPSF rate and duration controlled yield and size of transported solids. Particle transport was mass limited during long duration high intensity events, but flow limited during intermittent low intensity events with high traffic. Particle counts exhibited a first flush from the pavement. Specific surface area generally increased with decreasing particle size, but measured values deviated from the monotonic pattern expected for spherical particles. Particles 425-850 micrometers in size contributed the greatest total surface area. Results provide guidance for assessment of the impact of urban runoff water quality and for design of in situ treatment strategies.

[1]  E. McBean,et al.  highway stormwater runoff quality: development of surrogate parameter relationships , 1997 .

[2]  John J. Sansalone,et al.  Partitioning and first flush of metals in urban roadway storm water , 1997 .

[3]  Michael E. Barrett,et al.  AN EVALUATION OF THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF HIGHWAY RUNOFF IN THE AUSTIN, TEXAS, AREA , 1996 .

[4]  I. Foster,et al.  Heavy metals in the hydrological cycle: Trends and explanation , 1996 .

[5]  H. Hahn,et al.  Pollutants attached to particles from drainage areas , 1990 .

[6]  W Muschack,et al.  Pollution of street run-off by traffic and local conditions. , 1990, The Science of the total environment.

[7]  M. Grottker.  Pollutant removal by gully pots in different catchment areas , 1990 .

[8]  J. B. Ellis,et al.  The progressive alteration of fine sediment along an urban storm drain , 1988 .

[9]  M. Grottker.  Runoff quality from a street with medium traffic loading , 1988 .

[10]  L. M. McDowell-Boyer,et al.  Particle transport through porous media , 1986 .

[11]  R. Harrison,et al.  The chemical composition of highway drainage waters I. Major ions and selected trace metals , 1985 .

[12]  Brian W. Mar,et al.  Pollutant Loading Model for Highway Runoff , 1982 .

[13]  M Lang,et al.  Sources of metals in New York City wastewater. , 1974, Journal - Water Pollution Control Federation.

[14]  S. Jd,et al.  WATER POLLUTION ASPECTS OF STREET SURFACE CONTAMINANTS , 1972 .

[15]  M. D. Heilman,et al.  ETHYLENE GLYCOL MONOETHYL ETHER FOR DETERMINING SURFACE AREA OF SILICATE MINERALS , 1965 .

[16]  John J. Sansalone,et al.  CORRELATIONS BETWEEN HEAVY METALS AND SUSPENDED SOLIDS IN HIGHWAY RUNOFF: IMPLICATIONS FOR CONTROL STRATEGIES , 1995 .

[17]  D. Yonge,et al.  ENHANCING CONTAMINANT REMOVAL IN STORMWATER DETENTION BASINS BY COAGULATION , 1995 .

[18]  David R. Maidment,et al.  Contaminant transport in surface water. , 1992 .

[19]  A. E. Greenberg,et al.  Standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater : supplement to the sixteenth edition , 1988 .

[20]  J. B. Ellis,et al.  Variations of dissolved and suspended solid heavy metals through an urban hydrograph , 1984 .

[21]  Joseph E. Bowles,et al.  Engineering Properties of Soils and Their Measurement , 1978 .