Kiera Jefferson
Urban stormwater is a major source of pollution, carrying a variety of pollutants from urban areas into natural water bodies. As rain falls on developed areas, it picks up a range of contaminants on the ground and carries them into storm drains and ditches, eventually flowing into streams, rivers, and lakes. This process, known as runoff, is a significant contributor to water pollution and can have detrimental effects on the environment. The pollutants found in urban stormwater can be broadly categorized into litter, natural pollution, and chemical pollution, with sources ranging from littering and industrial activities to atmospheric deposition and transportation-related activities. Understanding and managing these pollutants are crucial for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring clean water supplies for communities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nitrogen and phosphorus | Nutrients that can cause plant and algae blooms in streams and rivers |
| Fertilizer | Excess fertilizer on lawns and croplands |
| Bacteria | Harmful bacteria that cause gastrointestinal illnesses when ingested |
| Pesticides | |
| Oil | |
| Dirt | |
| Litter | Cigarette butts, cans, food wrappers, plastic bags, paper |
| Natural pollution | Leaves, garden clippings, animal waste |
| Chemical pollution | Fertilisers, oil, detergents |
| Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons | |
| Bioactive contaminants | Pesticides and pharmaceuticals |
| Organic chemicals | |
| Inorganic chemicals | Anions, cations, rare-earth elements, trace metals, total mercury |
| Heavy metals | Poisonous to living organisms |
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What You'll Learn
Nitrogen and phosphorus
Phosphorus, on the other hand, often enters stormwater through sewage waste, soil erosion, and runoff from urban watersheds. Soil erosion can carry phosphorus-laden particles into waterways, and urban runoff can wash phosphorus-containing pollutants from streets and other surfaces into storm drains. Additionally, sewage treatment plants and septic systems can contribute to phosphorus pollution if they are not properly maintained or upgraded to handle phosphorus removal.
The presence of excessive nitrogen and phosphorus in waterways can have detrimental effects. These nutrients can cause plant and algae blooms, including harmful blue-green algae blooms, which can produce toxins that are dangerous to both human and ecosystem health. These blooms can decrease dissolved oxygen levels in the water, creating an anoxic environment that threatens aquatic life, such as fish and insect communities.
To address the issue of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in urban stormwater, several management strategies can be implemented. These include upgrading stormwater systems, implementing nutrient management plans, and reducing nutrient inputs by applying fertilizers sparingly and avoiding application near high-risk areas such as waterways and wells. Proper leaf collection and street cleaning programs have also been shown to effectively reduce the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus entering storm drains, as leaves and other organic detritus can contribute to nutrient loading in stormwater runoff.
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Bacteria, protozoa, and viruses
Bacteria are ubiquitous in the environment, including in surface waters and groundwater. Some bacteria can be harmful to human health, and their presence in drinking water can lead to various illnesses. For instance, E. coli, a type of coliform bacteria, indicates fecal contamination and the potential presence of pathogens that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue, and even death in severe cases. Infants, children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable to these pathogens.
Protozoa are another type of pathogen found in stormwater. Cryptosporidium spp. is an example of protozoa detected in stormwater. Protozoans, like bacteria, can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and pose risks to public health.
Viruses are also present in stormwater runoff. Studies have identified various human viruses, including adenovirus, enterovirus, and norovirus, in urban stormwater. These viruses can have detrimental effects on human health, and their presence in recreational waters has been associated with illnesses.
The presence of these pathogens in stormwater highlights the importance of effective wastewater management and the treatment of stormwater before discharge into the environment. Implementing measures such as biofilters and vegetated buffer zones can help mitigate the impact of these pollutants on surface waters and reduce potential health risks to humans and aquatic ecosystems.
Overall, bacteria, protozoa, and viruses in stormwater are a significant concern, and their impact on environmental and human health underscores the need for comprehensive stormwater management strategies.
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Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
PAHs are commonly found in stormwater, which is water that has been contaminated by human activity and flows into storm drains and natural water bodies. Stormwater can pick up pollutants from a variety of sources, including residential, commercial, and industrial areas, as well as construction sites, automotive facilities, and forestry operations. As stormwater runoff moves across surfaces, it collects pollutants and carries them into lakes, rivers, wetlands, and groundwater.
PAHs are particularly harmful because they can settle at the bottom of stormwater detention ponds and accumulate in natural water bodies that receive untreated stormwater runoff. They are a significant contaminant in stormwater, and their presence can lead to adverse ecological and human health impacts. PAHs have been detected in substantial quantities in stormwater across the United States, with individual concentrations exceeding 10,000 ng/L and cumulative concentrations reaching 263,000 ng/L.
The sources of PAHs in stormwater are diverse and widespread. They can originate from coal-tar sealants used in asphalt, petroleum leaks and spills, industrial activities, and vehicle emissions. PAHs can also come from common sources such as fertilizer on lawns and croplands, as well as eroded soil particles. The build-up of PAHs in stormwater detention ponds poses a challenge for disposal, especially during pond maintenance activities like dredging.
To address the presence of PAHs in stormwater, remediation techniques such as composting and aerobic biodegradation have been explored. Additionally, preventative measures such as reducing runoff, soaking up rainwater, and implementing green infrastructure can help minimize the amount of stormwater and the pollutants it carries. These strategies not only reduce the impact of PAHs but also contribute to overall water conservation and the beautification of urban areas.
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Bioactive contaminants
Stormwater is increasingly being considered as an alternative water source for both potable (drinking) and non-potable uses. However, one of the most significant issues concerning alternative water reuse is the public health risk associated with chemical and microbial contaminants.
The presence of bioactive contaminants in urban stormwater is largely due to human activity. Pesticides, for instance, are often used in agriculture and gardening to control pests, while pharmaceuticals are consumed by people for various health reasons. When pesticides are used outdoors, they can be washed away by rainwater and end up in stormwater drains. Similarly, pharmaceuticals can enter stormwater systems through sewer overflows, septic systems, or even when people dispose of unwanted medications down the drain.
The detection of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in urban stormwater highlights the potential impact of these contaminants on the environment and human health. As a result, there is a growing focus on understanding the factors that control the concentrations of these contaminants in stormwater. This includes studying the sources of these contaminants and implementing measures to reduce their presence in stormwater, such as proper waste disposal methods and the responsible use of pesticides and pharmaceuticals.
In addition to pesticides and pharmaceuticals, other bioactive contaminants may be present in urban stormwater. For example, personal care products, such as soaps, shampoos, and cosmetics, can also find their way into stormwater systems and contribute to the overall contamination.
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Vehicular transportation
One of the primary pollutants associated with vehicular transportation is the release of harmful gases and particles into the atmosphere. Vehicles emit pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and particulate matter (PM). These pollutants can be directly emitted from vehicle exhausts or formed through chemical reactions in the atmosphere. During rainfall or irrigation, these pollutants are deposited onto roads and other surfaces, eventually making their way into stormwater systems.
Nitrogen compounds, for example, are commonly found in urban stormwater, with ammonium, ammonia, organic nitrogen, nitrate, and nitrite being the most prevalent forms. According to the International Stormwater Database, nitrogen is detected in over 95% of samples collected from urban runoff, with concentrations typically ranging from 1 to 2 milligrams per liter. These nitrogen compounds can have adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the growth of algae and other plant life, which can lead to oxygen depletion and harm aquatic life.
In addition to nitrogen compounds, heavy metals are also a concern in stormwater runoff from roads and vehicular activities. Metals such as cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc have been detected in a significant number of samples from urban areas. Cadmium, for instance, was found in 42% of 2,234 samples, while copper was detected in 86% of 3,125 samples, as reported by Nieber et al. in 2014. These heavy metals can have toxic effects on both human health and aquatic ecosystems, even at low concentrations.
Moreover, vehicular transportation also contributes to the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and other organic chemicals in urban stormwater. PAHs are known carcinogens, and their presence in stormwater can pose risks to aquatic organisms and potentially enter the food chain. Other organic contaminants, such as pesticides and pharmaceuticals, have also been detected in stormwater, raising concerns about their potential environmental and health impacts.
To mitigate the impact of vehicular transportation on urban stormwater pollution, various measures can be implemented. These include improving vehicle emission standards, encouraging the use of alternative fuel vehicles, and implementing better stormwater management practices. By reducing the emission of pollutants from vehicles and effectively treating stormwater before it enters natural water bodies, the ecological and human health risks associated with vehicular transportation pollutants can be minimized.
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Frequently asked questions
Urban stormwater contains a variety of pollutants, including litter, natural waste, and chemical contaminants. Litter includes items like cigarette butts, cans, plastic bags, and paper, while natural waste encompasses leaves, garden clippings, and animal waste. Chemical pollutants can be further categorized into fertilizers, oil, detergents, and a range of organic and inorganic chemicals.
Organic chemicals in urban stormwater can include pesticides, pharmaceuticals, biogenic hormones, and halogenated chemicals. Inorganic chemicals may consist of anions, cations, rare-earth elements, and trace metals such as mercury.
The sources of pollutants in urban stormwater are varied. Atmospheric deposition, vehicular transportation, and metallic building materials are major contributors. Additionally, urban development, with its extensive pavement and compacted landscapes, increases stormwater runoff, providing a pathway for pollutants to enter lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
