The atmospheres contribution to stormwater pollution: a Christchurch context

Type of content
Reports
Publisher's DOI/URI
Thesis discipline
Degree name
Publisher
Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Language
Date
2015
Authors
Murphy LU
Cochrane TA
O'Sullivan AD
Abstract

Understanding the dynamics of atmospheric pollutant build-up and wash-off is essential for stormwater quality modelling. Atmospheric deposition loads in stormwater can be influenced by different land-use activities, meteorological conditions, and pavement types. To understand the dynamics influencing atmospheric deposition loads in stormwater, impermeable concrete boards were deployed in an industrial, residential, and airside land-use area in Christchurch for almost one year to determine the spatial and temporal variability of airborne pollutant loads (TSS, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in runoff. Additionally, atmospheric pollutant loads in runoff from different pavement types (impermeable and permeable concrete and asphalt) were quantified. Results showed that all three land-use areas exhibited similar patterns of varying metal and TSS loads, which indicates that atmospherically deposited metals and TSS had a homogenous distribution within the Christchurch airshed. Atmospheric deposition loads were influenced by the number of antecedent dry days and rainfall characteristics. However, the rainfall characteristics that imposed the greatest effect were dependent of the pollutants dominant speciation phase. Additionally, results showed that both permeable and impermeable concrete pavements were efficient at retaining Cu and Zn. However, bitumen leaching from an impermeable asphalt pavement was a significant source of Zn to runoff. Permeable pavements were effective at retaining particulate pollutants.

Description
Citation
Murphy LU, Cochrane TA, O'Sullivan AD (2015). The atmospheres contribution to stormwater pollution: a Christchurch context. Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering. University of Canterbury. Department of Civil and Natural Resources Engineering. 8pp-8pp.
Keywords
Ngā upoko tukutuku/Māori subject headings
ANZSRC fields of research
Field of Research::09 - Engineering::0905 - Civil Engineering::090508 - Water Quality Engineering
Field of Research::04 - Earth Sciences::0401 - Atmospheric Sciences
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