Rainwater characterisation and its potential use in a Brazilian airport plant

This study evaluated the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of rainwater and water samples taken from rainfall simulation over a roof and aircraft parking areas at Sao Paulo International Airport (SPIA), Brazil, aiming its reuse in non-potable situations. The results achieved did not indicate the presence of Volatile Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, As, Cr, Hg and Cd. The results were compared with Brazilian and international guidelines. It indicated a low potential for pollution associated with the analysed waters. We concluded that rainwater is a viable alternative and it could save almost 25% of the whole water consumption at the airport.

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