Meghan Hodges
Urban runoff is a major source of flooding and water pollution in urban communities worldwide. Urban runoff carries accumulated pollutants to streams, causing higher pollutant concentrations than would be found during regional precipitation events. These pollutants include trash, pesticides, fertilizer, oil, and other contaminants. Water running off impervious surfaces in urban areas tends to pick up gasoline, motor oil, heavy metals, trash, and other pollutants from roadways and parking lots, as well as fertilizers and pesticides from lawns. Atmospheric deposition, vehicular transportation-related activities, and metallic building envelopes are also among the major pollution sources.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sources | Vehicular transportation, atmospheric deposition, metallic building envelopes, agricultural lands, urban and suburban areas |
| Pollutants | Gasoline, motor oil, heavy metals, trash, fertilizers, pesticides, pet waste, oil, bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, lead, synthetic organic compounds |
| Effects | Water quality issues, flooding, erosion, loss of fish and wildlife habitat, increased water temperatures, health hazards |
| Prevention and Mitigation | Source controls, regenerative agriculture practices, impact investment, proper fertilizer application, stormwater management |
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![Sediment-pollutant relationships in runoff from selected agricultural, suburban, and urban watersheds : a statistical correlation study by Stanley W. Zison. 1980 [Leather Bound]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61IX47b4r9L._AC_UY218_.jpg)
What You'll Learn
Vehicular transportation and atmospheric deposition
Urban stormwater and snowmelt pollution have been found to significantly contribute to the deterioration of surface water quality in many locations. Vehicular transportation and atmospheric deposition have been identified as major sources of pollution in urban runoff.
Vehicular Transportation
The use of vehicles on the road is a major contributor to the pollution of urban runoff. Brake linings of cars and trucks, for example, are often made with copper, which sheds a fine dust of this toxic metal onto streets and can eventually end up in waterways. Similarly, roads and parking lots are major sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are created as combustion byproducts of gasoline and other fossil fuels. These impervious surfaces also cause urban flooding, as they carry polluted stormwater to storm drains instead of allowing the water to percolate through the soil.
Atmospheric Deposition
Atmospheric deposition is another major source of pollution in urban runoff. This includes the contribution of heavy metals and trace metals to stormwater loads, as well as the impact of dry deposition on small and highly trafficked urban road catchments. Atmospheric pollution, along with vehicular transportation, has been studied in greater detail than other sources of urban runoff pollution. However, due to the rapid advancement of clean manufacturing and pollution control technologies, much of the data on stormwater quality may now be considered historical and may not accurately reflect current conditions.
Mitigation Strategies
While the identification of stormwater runoff pollution sources and associated pollutants remains a work in progress, some mitigation strategies have been recognized. Source controls and other measures, such as on-site treatment plants, have been suggested as effective tools for pollution mitigation. Successful implementation of these strategies requires a comprehensive understanding of the pollution sources, including the specific pollutants present in urban runoff.
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Metallic building envelopes
Urban runoff is a major source of water pollution in urban communities worldwide. It is caused by the runoff of rainwater, landscape irrigation, and car washing on impervious surfaces such as roads, parking lots, and sidewalks, which carry polluted stormwater to storm drains instead of allowing it to percolate through the soil. This can lead to a lowering of the water table and increased flooding as the amount of water on the surface is greater. Urban runoff can carry a range of pollutants, including gasoline, motor oil, heavy metals, trash, fertilizers, and pesticides, which can contaminate local water sources and affect both wildlife and residents in the watershed region.
To mitigate the problem of urban runoff, it is important to consider the building materials used in urban areas. One option is to use metallic building envelopes, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. Metallic building envelopes refer to the use of metal as a primary material in the exterior cladding, roofing, or wall systems of a building. Metal cladding systems provide an efficient, attractive, and reliable solution for single-storey buildings. They have evolved from single-skin metal cladding to highly developed systems used in industrial, retail, and leisure applications. Metal cladding is typically made from steel or aluminum and offers a wide range of finishes and colours to choose from. It is important to ensure the correct specification, installation, and interaction with other building components to meet functional and aesthetic requirements.
One example of a metal cladding system is the use of metal fabrics, which can be used to create a veil that protects the building from the sun, wind, and rain while also softening the look of the structure. These metal fabrics, such as GKD's Metal Fabrics, offer a range of weave patterns, openness, and finishes to meet different conditions. Another example is the use of metal decks, which typically have a profile height of 100mm and a steel thickness between 0.75 mm and 1.0 mm. Metal decks support a layer of rigid insulation topped with a waterproof membrane, providing protection from external loads without the need for an external metal sheet or spacer system.
In addition to metal cladding and decking, there are a variety of metal products that can be used in building envelopes. These include metal roof and wall panels, commercial roll-up doors, backup wall systems, stone veneer, column covers, protective wall panels, decorative privacy screens, and more. When selecting metal building envelope solutions, it is important to consider local planning requirements and comply with relevant standards, such as those set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
By using metallic building envelopes and incorporating metal products in the exterior design of buildings, we can contribute to the mitigation of urban runoff pollution. Metal building envelopes can provide a weathertight barrier against external elements, reducing the impact of rainwater, irrigation, and car washing on impervious surfaces. Additionally, metal building envelopes can offer a controlled internal environment, protecting the building and its occupants from the variable and uncontrollable external climate. Overall, the use of metallic building envelopes can be a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution to help address the issue of urban runoff and its impact on water quality and flooding in urban communities.
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Fertilizers and pesticides
Fertilizers, when applied improperly or in excess, can contaminate urban runoff. Nitrogen-based, phosphorus-based, and potassium-based fertilizers are commonly used in agriculture to enhance crop growth. When not properly managed, these fertilizers can enter runoff due to over-application, improper timing, or failure to incorporate them into the soil. For example, when turf is over-fertilized, it can be a source of nitrates and phosphorus in urban runoff.
Pesticides are another significant pollutant in urban runoff. Insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides are used to protect crops from pests, but they can be toxic to aquatic life such as fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, causing mortality and developmental issues. Pesticides can accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms through bioaccumulation, leading to higher concentrations as they move up the food chain in a process known as biomagnification. This poses risks not only to aquatic species but also to predators, including birds and humans, who consume contaminated fish.
The impact of fertilizers and pesticides in urban runoff is evident in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, where stormwater runoff carries these pollutants from streets and yards into local rivers and streams. Researchers have detected pesticides in 97% of suburban and urban runoff samples, with levels harmful to aquatic life in 83% of cases. The overapplication of fertilizers and pesticides, as well as improper irrigation practices, contribute to these pollutants entering water bodies and causing environmental damage.
To mitigate the impact of fertilizers and pesticides in urban runoff, regenerative agriculture practices, and conservation measures can be implemented. These practices can include impact investment projects that slow down and absorb runoff while also creating sustainable jobs and vibrant communities. By addressing the sources of pollution and adopting better land management practices, the negative effects of fertilizers and pesticides in urban runoff can be reduced, improving water quality and protecting aquatic ecosystems and human health.
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Trash and litter
To mitigate the impact of trash and litter in urban runoff, several trash capture technologies and trash traps have been implemented. For example, Baltimore's Inner Harbor has installed water wheels nicknamed "Mr. Trash Wheel," "Professor Trash Wheel," and "Captain Trash Wheel," which successfully collected 1,608 tons of trash between May 2014 and January 2021. These trash capture devices are effective in managing litter and debris, especially in areas with heavy trash loads in urban runoff. However, the successful implementation of these technologies depends on various factors, including municipal budgets, local hydrology, and site-specific considerations.
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Bacteria
One of the major concerns with urban runoff is its impact on water quality. As the runoff flows into storm drains and local waterways, it can carry bacteria and other contaminants, leading to the deterioration of surface water quality. This contaminated water can affect both drinking water sources and recreational areas, posing serious health risks to residents. For example, Virginia and Maryland have issued cautions against swimming in waterways within 48 hours of heavy rain due to the presence of bacteria in the water, which has resulted in serious illnesses.
The sources of bacteria in urban runoff can be attributed to various factors. One significant contributor is pet waste, which can be picked up by rainwater and snowmelt as they run off streets, parking lots, and lawns. In addition, leaking sanitary sewers and urban animal populations, such as in the case of Baltimore streams, can also introduce bacteria into the water systems.
Furthermore, urban runoff can carry bacteria from agricultural and forested watersheds. Studies have identified culturable stream water bacteria, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), in urban runoff, indicating the presence of bacterial pathogens that can pose health hazards to humans and ecosystems. The impact of these bacteria on public health is an area of ongoing research, with efforts focused on enhancing the understanding of long-term pathogen dynamics to facilitate improved watershed management and public education.
The presence of bacteria in urban runoff highlights the importance of effective pollution mitigation strategies. While source controls and clean manufacturing technologies have been recognized as effective tools, there is still a need for comprehensive research and implementation of measures to address the diverse sources of pollution in urban runoff. By improving our understanding of the sources and dynamics of bacterial pollution, we can better manage and minimize the impact of urban runoff on the environment and human health.
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Frequently asked questions
Urban runoff carries a range of pollutants, including:
- Trash and waste
- Fertilizers and pesticides
- Gasoline and motor oil
- Heavy metals
- Bacteria
- Nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus
The sources of these pollutants are varied and include:
- Vehicular transportation and activities
- Atmospheric deposition
- Metallic building materials
- Poorly maintained construction sites
- Lawn care and pet waste
The effects of these pollutants on the environment can be detrimental and include:
- Water quality issues, including increased temperatures in streams, harmful algae blooms, and lowered oxygen levels
- Erosion and loss of natural features like meanders and sandbars
- Flooding in urban areas
- Contamination of recreation areas
