Stormwater quality associated with a silt trap (empty and full) discharging into an urban watercourse in Scotland

The aim was to assess the influence of a full silt trap at the end of a stormwater drainage pipe on the water quality of stormwater discharged into a semi‐natural urban watercourse. For approximately eleven weeks, the water qualities of the preliminarily treated stormwater and of the receiving watercourse (Braid Burn) were studied. The mean outflow concentrations of suspended solids were 2.0 mg/l and 34.1 mg/l during dry and wet weather conditions, respectively. Suspended solids concentrations of up to 141.6 mg/l were recorded during storm events. Suspended solids values for treated stormwater were often too high compared to international secondary wastewater treatment standards of around 30 mg/l. Pollutants including heavy metals (e.g., zinc, copper and nickel) accumulated in the silt trap. However, high outflow velocities during heavy rainfall events did not result in clearly defined sediment layers due to sediment re‐suspension. Metals did not accumulate in the receiving watercourse.     

Sources of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban stormwater runoff

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were measured in road debris collecting in urban areas and in the suspended sediment (SS) component of runoff from two stormwater catchments in Dunedin, New Zealand. Levels in the road debris ranged from 119-527 microg/g for lead, 50-464 microg/g for copper, 241-1 325 microg/g for zinc and 1.20-11.6 microg/g for sigma16PAH. The SS from the largely rural catchment (20% urban) had similar concentrations to the road debris, indicating that this urban material was the main source of the contaminants measured in the stormwater. Similar PAH fingerprint profiles and isomer ratios indicative of dominant pyrogenic (combustion) sources were also found in these two groups of materials. The SS from the 100% urban catchment contained 2- to 6-fold higher concentrations of metals and 10-fold greater levels of sigma16PAH. The higher levels of lead and copper were probably a result of industrial land uses in this catchment, while the additional zinc was linked to an abundance of zinc-galvanised roofing iron in the catchment's residential suburbs. The PAH profiles and isomer ratios were different for this urban catchment and suggested that a disused gasworks was contributing PAHs to the stormwater runoff.     

Construction and Operation of a Submerged Aerated Filter Sewage-Treatment Works

The capacity of the sewage-treatment works at Silchester in Hampshire has been enhanced and the effluent quality improved to a high standard by the installation of a new submerged biological aerated filter plant. Ten prefabricated steel submerged aerated filters reduce BOD and fully nitrify settled domestic sewage from a population equivalent of 20 000.
Comprehensive operating data are presented to demonstrate the ability of single-stage submerged downflow aerated biological filters to produce a nitrified effluent. The final effluent quality remains consistently within consent limits at 4.8 mg/l BOD, 7.0 mg/l SS and 0.5 mg/l NH₃-N, all 95 percentiles. (Consent 7 mg/l BOD, 25 mg/l SS, and 5 mg/l NH₃-N, 95 percentiles.)
Data are presented on total coliform and E. Coli concentrations through the filter plant, showing better than 3 log reductions in the effluent.     

Urban stormwater contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and its importance for urban water systems in Switzerland

Like other persistent organic pollutants (POPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are still present in the environment despite their almost worldwide prohibition. A study was conducted over 1 year in Switzerland to analyze the source and load of PCBs in urban stormwater and their importance in urban water systems. The mean PCB concentrations of 89 rain events were determined in five different strictly separate drainage systems (three in Lausanne and two in Geneva). The mean concentrations of PCBs in stormwater ranged from values below the detection limit (0.11-0.24 ng/l) to 403 ng/l. A model for the wet and dry deposition of PCBs based on these results estimates that their concentration in rainwater has remained practically constant (35 ng/l) over a period of 12 years. A mass balance of Swiss levels estimates a total input load of PCBs in the urban water systems at 110-125 kg/year. The contribution of stormwater is 75-94 kg/year in combined sewer systems and 23-34 kg in separate sewer systems. This mass balance illustrates that a major part of the PCB load in the environment or in WWTP sludges originates from urban stormwater. This result was confirmed by a fingerprint of PCB congeners in stormwater, which showed a pattern identical to that found in sewage sludge in combined sewer systems.     

Pilot Scale Aerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor for Pig Waste Treatment

A n existing aetated lagoon treating piggery waste was converted into an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR). After the commissioning period, the SBR plant treated piggery wastewater containing BOD and suspended solids (SS) concentrations of 2881 mg/l and 1419 mg/1 respectively, producing an effluent having an average BOD and SS of 18.7 mg/1 and 12.3 mg/1 respectively. The volumetric loadings on the SBR and the process were similar. However, the SBR process operated at a lower mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration and shorter sludge retention period. Although the capital and operating costs of the SBR are higher than for the aerated lagoon, the simplicity of operation, the high BOD and SS removal efficiency, and the small land requirement make this type of process an attractive treatment option, particularly in places where land supply is limited and expensive.     

Physico-chemical controls on phosphorus cycling in two lowland streams. Part 1 -- the water column

This paper investigates phosphorus (P) transport and transformation dynamics in two contrasting sub-catchments of the River Kennet, England. Samples were collected daily under baseflow and hourly under stormflow conditions using autosamplers for 2 years and analysed for a range of determinands (full P fractionation, suspended sediment (SS), cations, pH, alkalinity, temperature and oxygen). Concentrations of SRP, SUP, PP and SS were higher in the flashy River Enborne (means of 0.186, 0.071, 0.101 and 34 mg l(-1), respectively) than the groundwater-fed River Lambourn (0.079, 0.057, 0.028 and 9 mg l(-1), respectively). A seasonal trend in the daily P dataset was evident, with lower concentrations during intermediate flows and the spring (caused by a dilution effect and macrophyte uptake) than during baseflow conditions. However, in the hourly P dataset, highest concentrations were observed during storm events in the autumn and winter (reflecting higher scour with increased capacity to entrain particles). Storm events were more significant in contributing to the total P load in the River Enborne than the River Lambourn, especially during August to October, when dry antecedent conditions were observed in the catchment. Re-suspension of P-rich sediment that accumulated within the channel during summer low flows might account for these observations. It is suggested that a P-calcite co-precipitation mechanism was operating during summer in the River Lambourn, while adsorption by metal oxyhydroxide groups was an important mechanism controlling P fractionation in the River Enborne. The influence of flow conditions and channel storage/release mechanisms on P dynamics in these two lowland rivers is assessed.     

Biofilm formation and multiplication of Legionella in a model warm water system with pipes of copper, stainless steel and cross-linked polyethylene

Legionella pneumophila was grown in a model warm water system with pipes of copper (Cu), stainless steel (SS) and cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) during recirculation of tap water at 25--35 degrees C. Subsequently, domestic use of warm (37 degrees C) water was simulated using tap water with a low AOC concentration (<10 microg C/L). Two times each week the temperature of the water in the electric heaters (not in the pipes) was elevated to 70 degrees C for 30 min. ATP concentrations in the water sampled from the pipes over a 2-year period were significantly different for the pipe materials, with median values of 2.1 ng/l (Cu), 2.5 ng/l (SS) and 4.5 ng/l (PEX), respectively. Median values of the biofilm concentration were similar on Cu and SS (about 630 pg ATP/cm(2)) and 1870 pg ATP/cm(2) on PEX. Legionella multiplied in these biofilms and median values of Legionella concentrations in water were 1500 CFU/l (Cu) and about 4300 CFU/l for SS and PEX. Legionella to ATP ratios in water had median values of about 0.8 CFU/pg. Hot water flushing (70 degrees C) of the pipes on day 552, followed by 2 weeks of recirculation at 37 degrees C, caused strongly increased concentrations of ATP (up to 300 ng/l) and Legionella (>10(7)CFU/l), with about 100 CFU/pg ATP. Concentrations declined to original levels within 1 week of domestic water use, etc. Legionella concentrations in water and biofilms were at the same levels for all materials after 2 years. Hence, copper temporarily limited the growth of Legionella under the applied conditions and a rapid biomass development strongly increased the Legionella to ATP ratio.     

Pollutant concentrations and fluxes in both stormwater and wastewater at the outlet of two urban watersheds in Nantes (France)

A two-year study of pollutants in both the stormwater and wastewater of urban watersheds has been conducted in Nantes (France). The present paper discusses the characteristics of pollutants transported by stormwater and wastewater collection networks in two urban watersheds. A physicochemical characterisation of the effluents was performed, along with an estimation of pollutant fluxes discharged into the Gohards River. Suspended solids (SS), trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides were studied. SS, Zn, Cu and glyphosate were the main pollutants in stormwater and wastewater. In the watersheds examined, the pyrolitic origin of PAHs (mainly from traffic) was determined through ratios, with fluoranthene and pyrene being predominant. Despite a reduction in the use of pesticides in Nantes Metropolitan area, herbicides containing glyphosate were still detected in stormwater. It should be noted that this herbicide is widely used by homeowners, a fact that may explain its occurrence in stormwater.     

不同下垫面暴雨径流氮赋存形态分布特性及控制技术

以重庆地区5种用地类型为例,探讨了城市暴雨径流中氮赋存形态的分布特性.研究结果表明,总氮的场次降雨平均浓度(Event Mean Concentrations,EMCs)以交通干道最高(10.6 mg/L),校园汇水区最低(2.4 mg/L);交通干道和商业区暴雨径流氨氮的EMCs(3.4～4.6 mg/L明显大于水泥屋面和瓦屋面(1.2～1.6 mg/L).尽管初期暴雨径流总氮的平均浓度(Partial Event Mean Concentrations,PEMC10)大于EMCs,但氮赋存形态构成并未发现明显区别;氮以溶解性总氮为主(占总氮的73％～82％),而溶解性总氮中又以无机氮为主(占总氮的63％～82％);商业区、水泥屋面、校园综合汇水区、瓦屋面暴雨径流中氮赋存形态所占比例最高的均为硝酸根,分别占各自总氮浓度的39％、39％、44％和52％,而城市交通干道的总氮浓度中比重最大的组分为氨氮,占总氮的43％.改良暴雨管理措施可有效提高暴雨径流中总氮的去除率,其关键为人工创造反硝化所需要的条件,延长暴雨径流在控制系统内的水力停留时间,并选择低氮含量的填料作为控制系统的使用材料.     

Peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection of primary, secondary and tertiary treated municipal wastewaters

The efficiency of peracetic acid (PAA) disinfection against enteric bacteria and viruses in municipal wastewaters was studied in pilot-scale. Disinfection pilot-plant was fed with the primary or secondary effluent of Kuopio municipal wastewater treatment plant or tertiary effluent from the pilot-scale dissolved air flotation (DAF) unit. Disinfectant doses ranged from 2 to 7 mg/l PAA in the secondary and tertiary effluents, and from 5 to 15 mg/l PAA in the primary effluents. Disinfection contact times were 4-27 min. Disinfection of secondary and tertiary effluents with 2-7 mg/l PAA and 27 min contact time achieved around 3 log reductions of total coliforms (TC) and enterococci (EC). PAA disinfection also significantly improved the hygienic quality of the primary effluents: 10-15 mg/l PAA achieved 3-4 log reductions of TC and EC, 5 mg/l PAA resulting in below 2 log reductions. F-RNA coliphages were more resistant against the PAA disinfection and around 1 log reductions of these enteric viruses were typically achieved in the disinfection treatments of the primary, secondary and tertiary effluents. Most of the microbial reductions occurred during the first 4-18 min of contact time, depending on the PAA dose and microorganism. The PAA disinfection efficiency remained relatively constant in the secondary and tertiary effluents, despite of small changes of wastewater quality (COD, SS, turbidity, 253.7 nm transmittance) or temperature. The disinfection efficiency clearly decreased in the primary effluents with substantially higher microbial, organic matter and suspended solids concentrations. The results demonstrated that PAA could be a good alternative disinfection method for elimination of enteric microbes from different wastewaters.     

上海中心城区合流制排水系统雨天溢流水质研究

合流制排水系统雨天溢流已成为上海中心城区河道的主要污染源.为此,重点研究了上海中心城区某合流制排水区域JXB系统雨天污染物溢流的出流过程和污染物的事件平均浓度,并探讨了溢流污染物的初期效应.结果表明,降雨特性对污染物溢流过程的水质影响较大;该区域雨天溢流COD、BOD5、SS、NH3-N的事件平均浓度分别为268、101、110、9.5 mg/L,SS浓度明显低于相关研究的结果;分析溢流污染物的初期效应表明,JXB系统排江污染物的初期效应较为显著,其中COD和BOD5的初期效应比SS的显著.     

Flocculation of river silt using chitosan

Flocculation of silt in river water using chitosan was studied in the pH range 4-9, and suspended solid concentrations in the range 20-80 mg/L. Chitosan effectively reduces turbidity due to silt by flocculation and settling. Flocculation efficiency is very sensitive to pH, and reaches a maximum at pH 7. The optimal chitosan concentration required to effect flocculation is 0.5 mg/L and is independent of silt concentration within the range examined. Restabilisation of the suspension is observed at higher concentrations of chitosan, and the amount required for restabilisation increases with increasing concentration of suspended solids. Flocculation is faster at higher concentrations of silt and the flocs are large and fibrous.     

Experimental study on chitosan composite flocculant for treating papermaking wastewater

k]In this study, the coagulating effect of a novel composite flocculant on treating papermaking wastewater was studied and discussed. Results indicated that it achieved the best coagulating effect when this composite flocculant consisting of 60 mg/l of polymerized ferrous sulfate, 2 mg/l of polyacrylamide and 0.4 mg/l of chitosan, and pH value of wastewater was adjusted to 7.5. It also observed that the removal rate of COD and SS with this novel composite flocculant reached 72.5% and 98.5% respectively. Compared with the conventional flocculant such as polyacrylamide/polyaluminium chloride, the percentage of removing COD and SS using this composite flocculant were increased by 15.2% and 6.4% respectively, moreover, its input cost was cut down by 18.4%. So this composite flocculant has significantly environmental and economic benefits.     

地埋式循环滤料曝气生物滤池处理博物馆污水

采用以循环滤料曝气生物滤池（BAF）为主体的地埋式一体化设备处理博物馆污水。运行结果表明,设计水量为80m3/d,进水COD、SS、NH3-N平均浓度分别为320、200、40mg/L时,处理后出水相应指标分别降至45、30、8mg/L,出水水质达到《污水综合排放标准》（GB 8978—1996）的一级标准。     

Runoff of particle bound pollutants from urban impervious surfaces studied by analysis of sediments from stormwater traps

Runoff sediments from 68 small stormwater traps around the harbor of urban Bergen, Norway, were sampled and the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and total organic carbon (TOC) were determined in addition to grain size. Our study provides empirical data from a large area in the interface between the urban and marine environment, studying the active transport of pollutants from land-based sources. The results of the analyses clearly demonstrate the importance of the urban environment representing a variety of contamination sources, and that stormwater runoff is an important dispersion mechanism of toxic pollutants. The concentrations of different pollutants in urban runoff sediments show that there are several active pollution sources supplying the sewage systems with PCBs, PAHs and heavy metals such as lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd). The concentration of PCB7 in the urban runoff sediments ranged between < 0.0004 and 0.704 mg/kg. For PAH16, the concentration range was < 0.2-80 mg/kg, whereas the concentration ranges of Pb, Zn and Cd were 9-675, 51.3-4670 and 0.02-11.1 mg/kg respectively. Grain size distribution in 21 selected samples varied from a median particle diameter of 13 to 646 microm. However, several samples had very fine-grained particles even up to the 90 percentile of the samples, making them available for stormwater dispersion in suspended form. The sampling approach proposed in this paper will provide environmental authorities with a useful tool to examine ongoing urban contamination of harbors and similar recipients.     

Upgrading Biological Filter Effluents Using the TF/SC Process

The trickling filter/solids contact process has been shown to be an excellent means of upgrading biological filter plants in North America, and about 100 plants have been built since 1979 in both cold and warm climates, and on both large and small works. A variety of effluent requirements has been satisfied consistently, including monthly average BOD and SS concentrations of 10 mg/l and 10 mg/l respectively. Key design features are described, including the use of an aerated solids contact tank to flocculate dispersed solids. Also, a flocculator-clarifier with special design features allows the use of high overflow rates and smaller sedimentation tanks.     

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in stormwater canals and Bayou St. John in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Samples were collected from two stormwater canals and a recreational urban waterway known as Bayou St. John in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA and analyzed for a range of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Concentrations of 7 PPCPs and EDCs were measured by a method that provides for simultaneous extraction and quantification of the following compounds: clofibric acid, naproxen, ibuprofen, fluoxetine, clorophene, triclosan, bisphenol A. The method also was used as an indicator of the occurrence of estrogenic compounds by targeting estrone and 17beta-estradiol. The two canals (Orleans and London) are used to drain a portion of the city's stormwater directly into the Mississippi River or Lake Pontchartrain. Bayou St. John is located between the two canals and supplied with water from Lake Pontchartrain. Results from the 6-month sampling period indicated the following concentration ranges for the two stormwater canals: naproxen (ND - 145 ng/l), ibuprofen (ND - 674 ng/l), triclosan (ND - 29 ng/l) and bisphenol A (1.9-158 ng/l). Concentrations of these target analytes increased with cumulative rainfall. For bayou waters, only naproxen (2.1-4.8 ng/l) and bisphenol A (0.9-44 ng/l) were detected. Estrone was detected but determined non-quantifiable for multiple sampling events at the 3 sites. None of the other target analytes (clofibric acid, fluoxetine, clorophene, and 17beta-estradiol) were detected above their method detection levels. Results of this study demonstrate the occurrence of PPCPs and EDCs in New Orleans stormwater canals and Bayou St. John. Results also demonstrate the use of this analytical technique as an indicator of non-point source sewage contamination in New Orleans stormwater canals.     

Hydrodynamic behaviour of a new permeable pavement material under high rainfall conditions

Permeable pavements are among the most effective alternative solutions for sustainable stormwater management. They decrease impervious surfaces in urban areas, reduce the risk of flooding under high rainfall conditions and protect the natural environment against stormwater pollution. In a view to ensuring sustainable stormwater management, a new eco-material has been designed for producing permeable pavements. This material is a mixture of construction wastes (crushed concrete) and organic matter (compost). The crushed concrete is the structural support and the compost is used for retention and the biological treatment of stormwater pollution. The purpose of the research work presented in this paper was to evaluate the hydrodynamic behaviour of a new permeable pavement material under high rainfall conditions. The experimental approach adopted for this research study is a temporal moment analysis. Therefore, for the experimental study, we simulated high rainfall with a return period of 10 years (Torreilles in 2001, France). The rainfall data were provided by Meteo France. The rainfall was maintained at an intensity of 126 mm/h, corresponding to a flow rate of 16 l/h at laboratory apparatus scale. Then, the flow rate was increased three times, to 25 l/h, 50 l/h and finally 100 l/h to subject the material to extreme conditions.     

Improvements in small-scale standardized testing of geotextiles used in silt fence applications

Silt fence have been used as a means for intercepting and treating construction site stormwater runoff prior to offsite discharge for well over 30 years. Standard small-scale testing methodologies for evaluating the filtering component of silt fence installations have failed to mimic realistic flows and sediment loadings commonly seen in field applications. To address these issues, this study evaluated the performance capabilities of two nonwoven and three woven silt fence geotextiles using an innovative testing methodology and a newly developed small-scale testing apparatus. The overall intent for conducting the evaluations was to develop a deeper understanding of effluent flow rates, sediment retention capabilities, and water quality impacts associated with geotextile fabrics. Results suggest that effluent flow rates of nonwoven geotextiles are on average 43% lower than woven materials, which results in extensive upstream retention times of impounded stormwater for nonwoven materials. Sediment retention results indicate that nonwoven geotextiles have an average sediment retention rate of 97% while woven geotextiles average 91%. Finally, water quality analyses suggest that the primary means for turbidity reductions rely on the process of sedimentation during the 30-min test period (i.e., 46% reduction) and filtration during the 90-min dewatering period (i.e., 19% reduction).     

Comparison of RBC and SBR Systems for the Treatment of Sewage from Small Communities

This paper describes a study which was carried out to evaluate the performance of two types of small sewage-treatment plant which are commonly available in the UK, i.e. a rotating biological contactor and a sequencing batch reactor. Both systems produced an effluent quality of less than 20 mg/l BOD and 30 mg/l SS; however, the sequencing batch reactor was more consistent in producing a better effluent (i.e. BOD<10 mg/l and SS<20 mg/l) than the rotating biological contactor. The sequencing batch reactor also demonstrated a greater tendency to remove nutrients, although the special design features which were used in this study were believed to have enhanced the rate of nutrient removal