Abstract
The Ohio Department of Transportation has more than 60 facilities without sewer access generating approximately 19 million gallons of winter maintenance wash water. Off-site disposal is costly, creating the need for sustainable management strategies. The objective of this study was to conduct an exploratory feasibility analysis to assess wash water disposal and potential reuse as brine. Based on a comprehensive literature review and relevant environmental chemistry, a sampling protocol consisting of 31 water quality constituents was utilized for monthly sampling at three geographically distinct Ohio Department of Transportation garages during the winter of 2012. Results were compared to local disposal and reuse guidance limits. Three constituents, including a maximum copper concentration of 858 ppb, exceeded disposal limits, and many constituents also failed to meet reuse limits. Some concentrations were orders of magnitude higher than reuse limits and suggest pre-treatment would be necessary if wash water were reused as brine. These water quality results, in conjunction with copper chemical equilibrium modeling, show pH and dissolved carbon both significantly impact the total dissolved copper concentration and should be measured to assess reuse potential. The sampling protocol and specific obstacles highlighted in this paper aid in the future development of sustainable wash water management strategies.
Highlights
Heavy metals that are generated on the roadway are the result of brake dust, tire wear, road weathering, vehicle corrosion, exhaust emissions, and oil leaks
Heavy metals in wash water originate from numerous traffic sources, including brake and tire wear, oil leaks, exhaust emissions, and vehicle and road corrosion
This conclusion is supported by a comprehensive literature review, such as that by Luhana et al [4], which indicates tire and brake wear alone can generate as many as 24 metals
Summary
Heavy metals that are generated on the roadway are the result of brake dust, tire wear, road weathering, vehicle corrosion, exhaust emissions, and oil leaks. A study by Harrison et al [1] found that brake dust accounts for 55.3% (±7.0%) of nonexhaust traffic particles. Johansson et al [3] reported that more than 90% of road traffic emissions of copper were due to brake wear, and as much as 50% of zinc emission may be due to brake wear. Another source of traffic-related heavy metals is tire wear. Harrison et al [1] found tire dust accounts for 10.7% (±2.3%) of nonexhaust traffic particles. Luhana et al [4] found that specific tire-wear emissions vary considerably but estimate that passenger cars emit 64–579 mg/mi-
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