Suspended solids in stormwater runoff from various urban surfaces

Abstract

[Introduction]:Stormwater runoff from urban areas has long been identified as being a significant cause of poor water quality in creeks and rivers. Pollutants washed off urban surfaces include sediments, litter, organic matter, nutrients, heavy metals, oils and pesticides. This study focused on suspended solids, in particular Non-Coarse Particles (NCP) less than 500 μm in size. Particles that remain suspended in water reduces clarity and impacts on aquatic ecosystems. Nutrients, such as phosphorus, are bound to particles and are a major factor in algal blooms. The study was undertaken as part of PhD research at the USQ Faculty of Engineering and Surveying. The purpose of the study was to measure the amount of NCP washed off various types of urban surfaces during storms. This work will assist in identifying the dominant sources of pollution in urban catchments and assist in providing more effective stormwater mana