Urban Runoff Research Articles

Biomineralization of Urban Runoff Pollutants in Bioretention Cells Adapted to Hot Semi-arid Climates

Biomineralization of Urban Runoff Pollutants in Bioretention Cells Adapted to Hot Semi-arid Climates

Evaluate the Potential of Permeable Pavement for Urban Runoff Reduction

Evaluate the Potential of Permeable Pavement for Urban Runoff Reduction

Nanoplastic Contamination in Freshwater Biofilms Using Gel Permeation Chromatography and Plasmonic Nanogold Sensor Approaches.

The worldwide contamination of aquatic ecosystems by plastics is raising concern, including their potential impacts on the base of the food chain, which has been poorly documented. This study sought to examine, for the first time, the presence of nanoplastics (NPs) in biofilms from freshwater streams/rivers. They were collected at selected polluted sites, such as the industrial sector for plastic recycling and production, miscellaneous industries, agriculture, municipal wastewaters/effluents and road runoffs. In parallel, the functional properties of sampled biofilms were determined by proteins, lipids, esterase (lipase), viscosity and oxidative stress. The results revealed that biofilms collected at the plastic industries and road runoffs contained the highest NP levels based on size exclusion chromatography, fluorescence detection and a new nanogold sensor visualization method. Examination of the chromatographic elution profiles showed increased abundance and size of NPs in the 10-150 nm size range at the polluted sites. Biofilms from the plastic industry site had elevated levels of aldehydes (oxidative stress) and lipids compared to the other sites. Biofilms collected at the municipal sites had elevated levels of proteins and esterases/lipases, with a decrease in total lipids. Biofilms collected at agriculture sites had the lowest levels of NPs in this campaign, but more samples would be needed to confirm these trends. In conclusion, biofilms represent an important sink for plastics in freshwater environments and display signs of distress upon oxidative stress.

Impact of Urban Runoff on Benthic and Pelagic Fish Fauna in Ikpoba River: Metals Levels in Gonads

Impact of Urban Runoff on Benthic and Pelagic Fish Fauna in Ikpoba River: Metals Levels in Gonads

Acute Toxicity of Malathion, Permethrin, and Roundup on the Tropical Freshwater Shrimp Xiphocaris elongata (Guérin-Méneville, 1855)

Urban and agricultural runoffs can transport contaminants and pesticides into freshwater ecosystems, particularly in the developing tropics. For instance, organophosphate and pyrethroids pesticides, such as Roundup, Malathion, and Permethrin, have been found in tropical streams. The uncontrolled application of these pesticides has become a growing concern due to their adverse effects on various non-targeted organisms. Unfortunately, most studies have focused on a few selected model species, ignoring the effects on other non-target organisms, which may play an important role in tropical lotic ecosystems. In addition, the biological characteristics of aquatic crustaceans, including their morphology, physiology, and behavior, make them susceptible to toxic chemicals. For this reason, this study used the widely distributed freshwater shrimp Xiphocaris elongata as a model organism to determine the acute toxicity of Permethrin, Malathion, and Roundup. Our results show that the proportion of mortality of X. elongata in each concentration group became progressively higher as the concentration of exposure increased. We also found that the synthetic pyrethroid Permethrin was the most toxic pesticide tested, with a median lethal concentration (LC50) value for 96 h of 3.96 × 10−6 µg·L−1, followed by organophosphate Malathion (8.87 µg·L−1) and Roundup (748.92 µg·L−1). Experiments with this freshwater shrimp showed a good control performance and reproducibility for the tested pesticides. This study demonstrated that X. elongata is a suitable test organism that can be a representative bioindicator of pesticide toxicity in tropical streams.

Runoff microbiome quality assessment of a city center rainwater harvesting zone shows a differentiation of pathogen loads according to human mobility patterns

The hygienic quality of urban surfaces can be impaired by multiple sources of microbiological contaminants. These surfaces can trigger the development of multiple bacterial taxa and favor their spread during rain events through the circulation of runoff waters. These runoff waters are commonly directed toward sewer networks, stormwater infiltration systems or detention tanks prior a release into natural water ways. With water scarcity becoming a major worldwide issue, these runoffs are representing an alternative supply for some usage like street cleaning and plant watering. Microbiological hazards associated with these urban runoffs, and surveillance guidelines must be defined to favor these uses. Runoff microbiological quality from a recently implemented city center rainwater harvesting zone was evaluated through classical fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) assays, quantitative PCR and DNA meta-barcoding analyses. The incidence of socio-urbanistic patterns on the organization of these urban microbiomes were investigated. FIB and DNA from Human-specific Bacteroidales and pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus were detected from most runoffs and showed broad distribution patterns. 16S rRNA DNA meta-barcoding profilings further identified core recurrent taxa of health concerns like Acinetobacter, Mycobacterium, Aeromonas and Pseudomonas, and divided these communities according to two main groups of socio-urbanistic patterns. One of these was highly impacted by heavy traffic, and showed recurrent correlation networks involving bacterial hydrocarbon degraders harboring significant virulence properties. The tpm-based meta-barcoding approach identified some of these taxa at the species level for more than 30 genera. Among these, recurrent pathogens were recorded such as P. aeruginosa, P. paraeruginosa, and Aeromonas caviae. P. aeruginosa and A. caviae tpm reads were found evenly distributed over the study site but those of P. paraeruginosa were higher among sub-catchments impacted by heavy traffic. Health risks associated with these runoff P. paraeruginosa emerging pathogens were high and associated with strong cytotoxicity on A549 lung cells. Recurrent detections of pathogens in runoff waters highlight the need of a microbiological surveillance prior allowing their use. Good microbiological quality can be obtained for certain typologies of sub-catchments with good hygienic practices but not all. A reorganization of Human mobility and behaviors would likely trigger changes in these bacterial diversity patterns and reduce the occurrences of the most hazardous groups.

A nanogold sensor test for tire wear chemicals based on the plasmon ruler approach

The release of tire wear substances in the environment is raising concerns about potential impacts on aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of this study was to develop a quick and inexpensive screening test for the following tire wear substances: 6-phenylphenyldiamine quinone (6-PPD quinone), hexamethoxymethylmelamine (HMMM), 1–3-diphenylguanidine (1,3-DPG), and melamine. A dual strategy consisting of nanogold (nAu) signal intensity and the plasmonic ruler principle was used based on the spectral shift from the unaggregated free-form nAu from 525 nm to aggregated nAu at higher wavelengths. The shift in resonance corresponded to the relative sizes of the tire wear substances at the surface of nAu: 6-PPD (560 nm), HMMM (590 nm), 1,3-DPG (620 nm), and melamine (660 nm) in a concentration-dependent manner. When present in mixtures, a large indiscriminate band between 550 and 660 nm with a maximum corresponding to the mean intermolecular distance of 0.43 nm from the tested individual substances suggests that all compounds indiscriminately interacted at the surface of nAu. An internal calibration methodology was developed for mixtures and biological extracts from mussels and biofilms and revealed a proportional increase in absorbance at the corresponding resonance line for each test compound. Application of this simple and quick methodology revealed the increased presence of melamine and HMMM compounds in mussels and biofilms collected at urban sites (downstream city, road runoffs), respectively. The data also showed that treated municipal effluent decreased somewhat melamine levels in mussels.Graphical

Small-Size Microplastics in Urban Stormwater Runoff are Efficiently Trapped in a Bioretention Cell

Small-Size Microplastics in Urban Stormwater Runoff are Efficiently Trapped in a Bioretention Cell

Rapid Measurement of Magnetic Particle Concentrations in Wildland–Urban Interface Fire Ashes and Runoff Using Compact NMR

Wildfires are increasing in size, frequency, and intensity, releasing increased amounts of contaminants, including magnetic particles, into the surrounding environment. The aim of this paper is to develop a sensing method for the detection and quantification of magnetic particles (MPs) in fire ash and fire runoff using a compact Time-Domain Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (TD-NMR) system. The system is made up of custom NMR electronics with a compact and rugged permanent magnet array designed to enable future deployment as an in situ sensor. A signal-to-noise ratio of 25 dB was measured for a single scan, and sufficient data can be acquired in one minute. A linear relationship with an R <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">2</sup> value of 0.9699 was established between transverse relaxation rates and MP concentrations in ash samples. This was validated by testing known dilutions of pure magnetite particles and showing that they fit within the same linear curve. The developed approach was then applied to detect MPs in surface water, where changes in the relaxation rates as high as 400% were observed before and after a wildfire event. MPs were removed from the surface water using a magnetic particle separator to confirm that observed changes were solely due to the presence of MPs. The compact NMR system can be used as a simple and rapid approach to track and quantify the concentrations of magnetic particles released from fire ashes and also from other sources such as discharges from coal ash and other combustion ashes.

Simultaneous Nutrient Removal from Urban Runoff Using Bi-layer Bioretention Cells with Novel Media Additives

Simultaneous Nutrient Removal from Urban Runoff Using Bi-layer Bioretention Cells with Novel Media Additives

Urban Runoff Control and Sponge City Construction: Important Topics

Rapid urbanization, which leads to a lack of adequate planning and design, has led to worsening city syndrome situations [...]

Enhancing Urban Surface Runoff Conveying System Dimensions through Optimization Using the Non-Dominated Sorting Differential Evolution (NSDE) Metaheuristic Algorithm

Rapid urban development and increase in construction have significantly altered the surface coverage of cities, resulting in a rise in impervious surfaces such as roofs, streets, and pavements. These changes act as barriers against rainwater infiltration into the soil, leading to a substantial increase in surface runoff. Managing surface runoff has become a critical task in civil engineering and urban planning, as it can mitigate damage and provide opportunities for utilizing excess water. However, traditional flood control and guidance systems tend to be extensive and expensive, prompting researchers to explore cost-effective alternatives that consider all design parameters and variables. In this research, we propose an innovative approach that combines the NSDE (non-dominated sorting differential evolution) metaheuristic algorithm as an optimizer with the SWMM (storm water management model) as a simulator. The objective is to design efficient surface runoff collection networks by thoroughly investigating their hydraulic behaviors. This study focuses on the Chitgar watershed in Tehran, Iran, utilizing the SWMM model and NSDE multi-objective metaheuristic algorithm to determine the optimal dimensions of the channel and its intersecting structures. The aim is to minimize costs and reduce water leakage from the network. A comparison is made between the optimized design results and the existing network plan (without any design modifications). The analysis reveals substantial reductions in water leakage for all three design scenarios: a 7.66% reduction when considering only bridges, a 7.35% reduction with only the canal, and an impressive 95.26% reduction when both the canal and bridges are incorporated. These findings demonstrate the superiority of the optimized designs in terms of cost-effectiveness and the efficient management of surface runoff.

Determination of bio-accumulated Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in a wild plant Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae, grown on waste dump site and assessment of its phyto-extraction potential for studied metals

The inputs of chemical fertilizers, street runoffs and regular use of heavy metal contaminated water to irrigate farm crops may result in elevated levels of heavy metals in agri-soil. The food crops growing on such soils may selectively bio-accumulate these metals, which usually depend on the concerned plant’s bio- accumulation potential for concerned metal and characteristics of the soil. This study was aimed to evaluate the bio-accumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the root, stem and leaves of the wild plant Lantana camara L., Verbenaceae, grown on waste dump site, by analyzing levels of studied metals in soil and plant parts. The bio-concentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) for metals under study were also evaluated, to find out the suitability of Lantana plant for phytoextration of the tested metals. The observed order of metal concentrations in soil samples was Pb (8.91± 0.54) &gt; Cr (6.42 ±0.43) &gt;Cu (1.91± 0.17) &gt; Ni (1.42± 0.13) &gt; Cd (0.86± 0.09, mg/Kg). The observed levels of studied metals in roots, stem and leaves of Lantana were, Pb(8.73±0.32)&gt; Cr (2.96± 0.18)&gt; Cu (2.16±0.15)&gt; Ni (1.38±0.12)&gt;Cd (0.54±0.03mg/kg); Pb(5.18±0.24)&gt;Cr (3.18±0.18)&gt;Cu (2.42±0.17) &gt;Ni (1.49±0.12) &gt;Cd (0.28±0.02, mg/Kg) and Pb (6.07±0.27)&gt; Cr (1.30±0.13) &gt;Cu (0.88±0.07) Ni (0.16±0.02) &gt;Cd (0.10 ±0.01, mg/Kg), respectively. The bio-concentration factors for Lantana from soil to roots (BCFRoot) and from roots to shoots (BCFShoot) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb were 0.63, 0.46, 1.13, 0.97 (~ 1.00) and 0.98 (~ 1.00) and 0.70, 1.51, 1.49, 1.20 and 1.29, respectively. The translocation factors from root to stem (TFStem) and from stem to leaves (TFLeaf) for tested metals in Lantana camara were, 0.52, 1.07, 1.12, 1.08, 0.59 and 0.36, 0.41, 0.36, 0.11, 1.17, respectively. Thus, the recorded BCF values, mostly being &gt;1, makes Lantana suitable for phyto-extraction of tested metals from agri-soil and medium to good translocation factors (TF) suggested the potential of the plant to translocate the tested metals into the stem and leaves.

Performance of Inclined-Plate Settler and Activated Carbon Sponge-Cube Media Filter for the Treatment of Urban Stormwater Runoff from an Industrial Complexs

Urban stormwater runoff contributes to the deterioration of water quality of urban waterbodies. Development of a cost-effective treatment system that renders the treated effluent suitable for the recharge of receiving waterbodies meeting stringent regulations is required. This study evaluated the performances of the inclined-plate settler (IPS) and activated carbon sponge-cube media filter (ASMF) in treating urban stormwater runoff from an industrial complex area. The stormwater runoff during the first hour of rainfall had significantly high concentrations of suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and total nitrogen. The IPS and ASMF bed with hydraulic retention times of 15 ± 5 and < 3 min showed the removal efficiency of 5.4 – 33.2% and 32.8 – 95.1% for SS, turbidity, COD, and TP including < 5 – 20% for TN. The combined IPS/ASMF or biofilm (BF)-ASMF system at filtration velocity of 10 m/h showed removal efficiencies of 46.7 – 99.2% for insoluble fractions such as turbidity, COD, TP and heavy metals including < 40% for TN. The ASMF or BF-ASMF bed coupled with IPS is a cost-effective option for the treatment of urban stormwater runoff, achieving an effluent quality suitable for industrial or multipurpose reuse and for the recharge of waterbodies.

Developing Lignite Pervious Concrete for Application in Pedestrian Walkways and Urban Runoff Treatment

In the present study, the mechanical characteristics and environmental aspects of lignite pervious concrete (LPC) in reducing stormwater pollution were investigated. Therefore, fine-grained lignite (0.6–1.2 mm) in various portions (up to 15% w/w of coarse aggregate) was added to the PC mixture. The workability, strength, cementitious paste thickness, and physical properties of LPC were examined for further application in urban areas with a focus on stormwater treatment. The statistical analysis of the results of ANOVA and visualization of the microstructure of LPC by means of scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were also presented. The results showed that LPC is a sticky paste with no slump (0). Adding lignite also slightly reduced the compressive strength of LPC up to 23% lower than the control sample (13.8 MPa). In addition, the presence of lignite led to a considerable reduction in permeability (40%) and porosity (51%) compared to the control sample. It was also found that the increase in cementitious paste thickness resulted in an increase of the compressive strength, which was mainly concentrated between 0.3 and 1.8 mm. However, the performance of LPC in reducing stormwater contamination was promising. Sample L15, with the highest removal efficiency, reduced the chemical oxygen demand, total suspended solids, and turbidity up to 42.14%, 63.38%, and 67.24%, respectively, while no significant changes were observed in pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrate (NO3). In short, although adding lignite to PC caused a reduction in the strength and physical properties of LPC, its efficiency in reducing stormwater pollution is quite promising, and it is recommended for use in green spaces of urban areas.Graphical

Application of Analytical Probabilistic Models in Urban Runoff Control Systems’ Planning and Design: A Review

Urban stormwater is known to cause a myriad of problems, ranging from flooding to water quality degradations. This paper provides an extensive review of analytical probabilistic model (APMs) used in the design of urban runoff control systems. APMs are closed-form mathematical expressions representing a long-term system’s output performance derived from the probability distribution of the system’s input variables. Once derived, the APMs are easy to handle, allow for sensitive analysis, and can be co-opted into optimization frameworks. The implementation of APM in the planning and design of runoff control systems will not only help address the runoff quantity and quality problems of urban stormwater, but will also go a long way in optimizing the benefits derived from the systems. This paper reviews studies that document the negative impacts of urbanization on runoff quantity and quality, and the best management practices (BMPs) used to mitigate the impacts. Three design methodologies used in urban stormwater control systems were reviewed. A detailed review of research on the development and use of APMs in urban stormwater management in various runoff control systems is presented, and recommendations are proffered.

Land use-based characterization and source apportionment of microplastics in urban storm runoffs in a tropical region

Urban stormwater runoff has been suggested as one important land-based pathway of microplastics (MPs) entering the oceans, in which the abundance and characteristics of MPs may be influenced by urban land use types. However, little information has been reported regarding this, especially in the tropical monsoon region. This study first reports the MPs in urban stormwater runoffs in a tropical monsoon region that were collected from four typical urban land use types, including industrial, highways, commercial, and residential areas. The average MP particle count and mass concentration were measured as 4.7 ± 3.5 particles/L and 3.8 ± 2.9 mg/L, respectively. MP abundances showed clear urban land use gradients following the order of industrial > transportation > commercial > residential area. In terms of the seasonal variation in MP abundances, a slightly increasing particle count in the dry season was noted for the residential site. Source apportionment of MPs in stormwater runoffs was demonstrated based on the land use type, particle morphology, and chemical compositions. With the simple apportionment approach, approximately 85% of the MP sources were able to be identified in the industrial, transportation, and residential sites. However, the commercial site showed high variability in terms of the morphology and polymer type of MPs. Furthermore, significantly positive correlations between MP abundance and runoff turbidity, TSS, COD, and rainfall intensity were identified, while, no significant correlation was found between MP characteristics and selected water quality/meteorological parameters.

Performance of Sand and Mixed Sand–Biochar Filters for Treatment of Road Runoff Quantity and Quality

Nature-based solutions and similar natural water retention measures to manage urban runoff are often implemented by cities in order to reduce runoff peaks, catch pollutants, and improve sustainability. However, the performance of these stormwater management solutions is relatively rarely assessed in detail prior to their construction, or monitored and evaluated following implementation. The objective of this study was to investigate the field-scale performance of road runoff filters with respect to the management of stormwater quantity and quality. This study synthesizes data from two intensive measurement surveys after the construction of sand and biochar-amended road runoff filters. The filters were able to strongly control the runoff volume and shape of the hydrograph. The long-term retention was about half that of the water inflow, and a hydrographic analysis showed the significant but strong event-size-dependent detention of runoff in both the sand and the sand–biochar filters. The biochar amendment in the filter showed no clear hydrological impact. The pollutant attenuation of the implemented road runoff filters was modest in comparison with that observed under controlled conditions. The impact of the biochar layer on the effluent water quality was observed as the levels of phosphorous, organic carbon, K, Ca and Mg in the sand–biochar filter effluent increased in comparison with the sand filter.

A Combined Approach Using Water Quality Indexes and Statistical Analyses to Assess the Urban Surface Runoff: a Case Study in São Paulo Coastal Zone, Brazil

Although the most conventional methods to determine the quality of an aquatic ecosystem are aimed to evaluate its physicochemical, microbiological and ecotoxicological characteristics, the monitoring of a large number of environmental variables can represent a high cost for developing countries like Brazil. However, a combined approach using water quality indexes and statistical analyses may help us to monitor water quality through a previous selection of a few key environmental variables. In this context, the objective of this study was to highlight the set of environmental variables most useful to assess the urban channels water quality of Guarujá, Brazil, whose diffuse loads flow continuously into four tourist beaches (Tombo, Enseada, Perequê and Iporanga). For this purpose, three different methods were applied: (i) an existent published large data set (30 environmental variables: 28 physicochemical/microbiological, plus 2 ecotoxicological) obtained during a previous monitoring of the urban drainage channels of these beaches; (ii) the potential risks for the aquatic local fauna and flora through established water quality indexes, such as IMPC, TSI and ALPI; and (iii) through statistical methods such as Cohen D test, Standardized Odds Ratio and Logistic Regression, the set of environmental variables with the greatest potential to cause acute and chronic toxicity in urban channels waters. This combined approach using water quality indexes and statistical analyses was effective to successfully reduce the number of environmental variables needed to assess the ecological status of this coastal area. Moreover, this combined approach was useful to gather intuitive and user-friendly environmental information that could help decision makers (i.e., public authorities and environmental agencies) to plan and perform low-cost and effective monitoring plans in different coastal zones worldwide, namely in developing countries such as Brazil.

Iron slag pervious concrete for reducing urban runoff contamination

This study investigates the engineering properties of Iron Slag Pervious Concrete (ISPC) along with its ability on reducing urban runoff contaminations. For this reason, different proportions (up to 15%) of fine-grained iron slag (0.6–1.2 mm) were added to pervious concrete mixture design. With regarding to mechanical characteristics ISPC with 15% of iron slag (IS15) had the better performance by improving the average fresh density (9%), and strength (compressive (16.12%), flexural (10.28%), tensile (9.23%)). However, a decreasing in slump (41.17%), permeability (16.19%) and porosity (15.29%) was observed compared to that of the control sample. Also, the average cementitious paste thickness declined as the iron slag added to ISPC mixture. Apart from this, IS15 had a better performance in reducing urban runoff contaminations, due to having a porous nature and decreasing the size of pores in ISPC to capture more pollutants, in which Chemical Oxygen Demand, Total Suspended Solids, and turbidity declined by 69.75%, 68%, and 69%, respectively. Overall, IS15 mixture, which requires a little lower cost of mixing and implementation than conventional concrete, is recommended to be applied in urban areas with low traffic loads to collect urban runoffs and enhance its quality.