Abstract
Stormwater runoff from urban and suburban areas generates numerous pollutants. The areas include residential areas, parks, commercial areas, industrial areas and road/highways. Land use and human activities largely determine the nature and level of pollutants. Among the various types of pollutants that can contribute to adverse water quality impact in receiving water bodies, of concern are suspended solids, heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and nutrients. This paper provides a critical review of the characteristics and sources of urban stormwater pollutants and the manner in which the pollution occurs. Treatment systems for urban stormwater runoff and for urban stormwater harvesting are discussed.
Article PDF
Similar content being viewed by others
Explore related subjects
Discover the latest articles, news and stories from top researchers in related subjects.Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.
References
A. Estebe, H. Boudries, J.-M. Mouchel and D. R. Thevenot, Water Sci. Technol., 36(8–9), 185 (1997).
T. S. Fischer, D.G. Hayward, R.D. Stephen and M.K. Stenstrom, J. Environ. Eng., 125(2), 185 (1999).
J. T. F. Ashley and J. E. Baker, Environ. Toxicol. Chem., 18(5), 838 (1999).
M. C. Gromaire, S. Garnaud, A. Gonzalez and G. Chebbo, Water Sci. Technol., 39(2), 1 (1999).
M. C. Gromaire, S. Garnaud, M. Saad and G. Chebbo, Water Res., 35(2), 521 (2001).
J. J. Sansalone and J. Y. Kim, Water Res., 42, 909 (2008).
Y. Hijioka, H. Furumai, A. Ichikawa and J. Aoki, Proc. of the 8th International Conference on Urban Storm Drainage, 3, 1407 (1999).
M. G. Wolman and A. P. Schick, Water Res., 3(2), 451 (1967).
W. P. Roberts and J.W. Pierce, Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science, 4(3), 267 (1976).
W. Pope, In A. M. Gower (Ed.), Water Quality in Catchments, John Wiley & Sons, N.Y., 73 (1980).
S.M. Pirner and L. L. Harms, Wat. Sewage Wks., 125, 48 (1978).
E. H. Bryan, Water Res. Bull., 8, 578 (1972).
G. Mance and M. Harman, Urban storm drainage, Pentech Press, London, 603 (1978).
S.W. Trimble, Science, 278, 1442 (1997).
H. Liu, T.G. Cleveland and K.H. Wang, J. Am. Water Res. Assoc., 35, 1, 167 (1999).
T.N. McPherson, S. J. Burian, H. J. Turin, M.K. Stenstromand and I. H. Suffet, Water Sci. Technol., 45(9), 255 (2002).
E. J. Nelson and D. B. Booth, J. Hydrol., 264(1–4), 51 (2002).
T.H. Goodwin, A.R. Young, M.G. R. Holmes, G.H. Old, N. Hewitt, G. J. L. Leeks, J.C. Packman and B. P.G. Smith, Sci. Total Environ., 314–316, 475 (2003).
J.G. Lee and J. P. Heaney, J. Water Res. Plan. Manage., 129(5), 419 (2003).
C. Yin and L. Li, Wat. Sci. Tech., 57(12), 1945 (2008).
G. C. Bent, J. R. Gray, K. P. Smit and G.D. Glysson, US Geological Survey (USGS) Technical Report OFR-00-497 (2001).
G.A. Burton and R. E. Pitt, Stormwater Effects Handbook, Lewis Publishers, CRC Press Boca Raton, Fl, USA (2002).
J. Sartor and G. Boyd, EPA-R2-72-081, US EPA (1972).
W. L. Bradford, J. Water Pol. Control Feder., 49, 613 (1977).
J. B. Ellis and D. M. Revitt, Water Air Soil Poll., 17, 87 (1982).
J. Sartor, G. Boyd and F. J. Agardy, (No. EPA-R2-72/081), US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA (1974).
D.G. Shaheen, Report No. EPA-600/2-75/004, Municipal Pollution Control Division, Office of Research and Development, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA (1975).
R. Pitt, Conference on urban runoff quality-impact and quality enhancement technology, Henniker, New Hampshire. Edited by Urbonas and LA Roesner, Proceedings published by American Society of Civil Engineering, New York, June (1986).
J. E. Ball, R. Jenks and D. Aubourg, Sci. Total Environ., 209, 243 (1998).
H. H. Yang and C. F. Chiang, Environ. Int., 25(5), 585 (1999).
N. P. Kobriger and A. Geinopolos, Volume III: Federal Highway Administration Final Report FHWA/RD-84/059, 358 (1984).
C.W. Randall, American Society of Civil Engineers, N. Y. (1982).
N. P. Kobriger, Vol. I.: Federal Highway Administration Final Report FHWA/RD-84/057, 24 (1984).
S. Roger, M.M. Vignoles, M. C. Andral, L. Herrmans and J. P. Fortune, Water Res., 32(4), 1119 (1998).
J. J. Sansalone, J. M. Koran, J.A. Smithson and S.G. Buchberger, J. Environ. Eng. ASCE, 124(5), 427 (1998).
M.C. Andral, S. Roger, M. Montrejaud-Vignoles and L. Herremans, Water Environ. Res., 71(4), 398 (1999).
L. Herngren, A. Goonetilleke and G.A. Ayoko, J. Environ. Manage., 76(2), 149 (2005).
H. Furumai, H. Balmer and M. Boller, Water Sci. Technol., 46(11–12), 413 (2002).
R.K. Aryal, H. Furumai, F. Nakajima and M. Boller, Water Sci. Technol., 53(2), 245 (2005).
J. Y. Kim and J. J. Sansalone, Water Res., 42, 2756 (2008).
M. Murakami, F. Nakajima and H. Furumai, Chemosphere, 61, 783 (2005).
S.-L. Li, M. Kayhanianand and K. Stenstrom, J. Environ. Eng., 131(9), 1267 (2005).
M. G. Faram, K. O. Iwugo and R. Y. G. Andoh, Water Sci. Technol., 56(12), 21 (2007).
C. Westerlund and M. Viklander, Sci. Total Environ., 362(1–3), 143 (2006).
J. J. Sansalone and S. G. Buchberger, Transportation Research Record 1523, 147–159, TRB, National Research Council, Washington, D.C. (1996).
C. Cristina, J. Tramonte and J. J. Sansalone, Water Air Soil Poll., 136, 33 (2002).
B.G. Krishnappan, J. Marsalek, W. E. Watt and B.C. Anderson, Water Sci. Technol., 39(2), 127 (1999).
A. P. Davis, M. Shokuhian and S. Ni, Chemosphere, 44, 997 (2001).
C. J. Byrne and I.R. DeLeon, Chemosphere, 16(10–12), 2579 (1987).
D.O. Harrop, K. Mumby, B. Pepper and J. Nolan, Sci. Total Environ., 93, 543 (1990).
J.M. Bubb, T. Rudd and J.N. Lester, Sci. Tot. Environ., 102, 189 (1991).
J.M. Zanders, Sci. Total Environ., 339, 41 (2005).
G. F. Birch and A. Scollen, Aust. J. Soil Res., 41(7), 1329 (2003).
R. Snowdon and G. F. Birch, Aust. J. Soil Res., 24, 329 (2004).
H. Yongming, D. Peixuan, C. Junji and E. S. Posmentier, Sci. Total Environ., 355, 176 (2006).
B. Wei, F. Jiang, X. Li and S. Mu, Microchem. J., 93(2), 147 (2009).
D. P. H. Laxen and R. M. Harrison, Water Res., 11(1), 1 (1977).
Y. A. Yousef, M. P. Wanielista, T. Hvitved-Jacobsen and H. H. Harper, Sci. Total Environ., 33, 233 (1984).
C. N. Hewitt and M. B. Rashed, Water Res., 26(3), 311 (1992).
M. S. Buffleben, K. Zayeed, D. Kimbrough, M.K. Stenstrom and I. K. Suffet, Water Sci. Technol., 45(9), 263 (2002).
L. Granier, M. Chevreuil, A.-M. Carru and R. Letolle, Chemosphere, 21(9), 1101 (1990).
A. E. Barbosa and H. T. Jacobsen, Sci. Total Environ., 235, 151 (1999).
H. Gan, M. Zhuo, D. Li and Y. Zhou, Environ. Mon. Assess., 140, 147 (2008).
C. Westerlund, M. Viklander and M. Backstrom, Water Sci. Technol., 48(9), 93 (2003).
M. Hallberg, G. Renman and T. Lundbom, Water Air Soil Poll., 181, 183 (2007).
A. B. A. Boxall and L. Maltaby, Water Res., 29(9), 2043 (1995).
B. Ngabe, T. F. Bidleman and G. I. Scott, Sci. Total Environ., 255, 1 (2000).
P. Pengchai, F. Nakajima and H. Furumai, Water Sci. Technol., 51(3–4), 169 (2005).
M. Sharma and E. McBean, J. Environ. Eng., 128(2), 186 (2002).
N. Vardar, O. Mustafa and T. M. Holsen, J. Environ. Eng., 128(3), 269 (2002).
M. Sharma, E.A. Mcbean and J. Marsalek, Water Qual. Res. J. Canada, 32, 1 (1997).
L.H. Lim, R. M. Harrison and S. Harrad, Environ. Sci. Technol., 33(20), 3538 (1999).
B.A. Benner, G. E. Gordon and S.A. Wise, Environ. Sci. Technol., 23, 1269 (1989).
J. Shcnelle, T. Jansch, K. Wolf, I. Gebefugi and A. Kettrup, Chemosphere, 31, 3119 (1995).
J. S. Latimer, E. J. Hofman, G. Hofman, J. Fasching and G. Quinn, Water Air Soil Poll., 52, 1 (1990).
D. Munch, Sci. Total Environ., 138, 47 (1993).
S. Pathirana, D.W. Connel and P.D. Wowels, Ecotox. Environ. Safe., 28, 256 (1994).
P. Weiss, A. Riss, E. Gschmeidler and H. Schentz, Chemosphere, 29(9–11), 2223 (1994).
W. J. Walker, R. P. McNutt and C. K. Maslanka, Chemosphere, 38(2), 363 (1999).
K. Krein and M. Schorer, Water Res., 34(16), 4110 (2000).
R.K. Aryal, H. Furumai, F. Nakajima and M. Boller, Water Res., 39, 5126 (2005).
R.K. Aryal, H. Furumai, F. Nakajima and H. K. P. K. Jindasa, Water Sci. Technol., 54(6–7), 205 (2006).
H.W. Mielke, G. Wang, C. R. Gonzales, E. T. Powell, B. Le and N. Quach, Environ. Toxicol. Phar., 18, 243 (2004).
M. Murakami, F. Nakajima and H. Furumai, Water Res., 38, 4475 (2004).
M. Murakami, F. Nakajima and H. Furumai, Chemosphere, 61, 783 (2005).
Y. Yang, B. Ligouis, P. Grathwohl and T. Hofmann, Environ. Pollut., 151, 121 (2008).
Y. Liu, L. Chen, Z. Jianfu, H. Qinghui, Z Zhiliang and G. Hongwen, Environ. Pollut., 154(2), 298 (2008).
T. Agrawal, P. S. Khillare, V. Shridhar and S. Ray, J. Hazard. Mat., 163(2–3), 1033 (2009).
M. Kafi, J. Gasperi, R. Moilleron, M.C. Gromaire and G. Chebbo, Water Res., 42, 539 (2008).
J.H. Sun, G. L. Wang, Y. Chai, G. Zhang, J. Li and J. Feng, Ecotox. Environ. Safe., 72(5), 1614 (2008).
P.D. Boehm and J.W. Farrington, Environ. Sci. Technol., 18(11), 840 (1984).
J.C. Colombo, E. Pelletier, C. Brochu and M. Khalil, Environ. Sci. Technol., 23, 888 (1989).
A. Gogou, I. Bouloubassi and E.G. Stephanou, Mar. Chem., 68, 265 (2000).
C.Q. Yin, X. Jiang, X. L. Yang, Y. R. Bian and F. Wang, Chemosphere, 73(3), 389 (2008).
S.A. Stout, V. S. Magar, R.M. Uhler, J. Ickes, J. Abbott and R. Brenner, Environ. Forensics., 2, 287 (2001).
M. Bixian, F. Jiamo, Z. Gan, L. Zheng, M. Yushun, S. Guoying and W. Xingmin, Appl. Geochem., 16, 1429 (2001).
M. Kim, M. C. Kennicutt II and Y. Qian, Sci. Total Environ., 389, 367 (2008).
K. Chandru, M. P Zakari, S. Anita, A. Shahbazi, M. Sakari, S. Bahry and C.A. R. Mohamed, Marine Pollution Health, 56, 950 (2008).
T. Kose, T. Yamamoto, A. Anegawa, S. Mohri and Y. Ono, Desalination, 226(1–3), 151 (2008).
C. Pies, B. Hoffmann, J. Petrowsky, Y. Yang, T.A. Ternes and T. Hofmann, Chemosphere, 72(10), 1594 (2008).
W. Zhang, S. Zhang, C. Wan, D. Yue, Y. Ye and X. Wang, Environ. Pollut., 153, 594 (2008).
X. Peng, Z. Wang, Y. Yu, C. Tang, H. Lu, S. Xu, F. Chen, B. Mai, S. Chen, K. Li and C. Yang, Environ. Pollut., 156(2), 442 (2008).
A. R. Mostafa, A. H. Hegazi, M. Sh El-Gayar and J. T. Andersson, Fuel, 88(1), 95 (2009).
B. Chessman, P. Hutton and J. Burch, Freshwater Biol., 28, 349 (1992).
J. Steuer, W. Selbig, N. Hornewer and J. Prey, USGS Water Resources Investigation Report 97-4242 (1997).
B.G. Wernick, K. E. Cook and H. Schreier, J. Am. Water Res. As., 34(3), 639 (1998).
H. Garn, USGS Water Resources Investigatons Report 02-4130 (2002).
S. M. Lee, K.D. Min, N.C. Woo, Y. J. Kim and C.H. Ahn, Environ. Geol., 44, 210 (2003).
F. T. Wakida and D. N. Lerner, Water Res., 39, 3 (2005).
G. F. Lee, Water Res., 7(1–2), 111 (1973).
N.V. Jr. Colston, Environmental Protection Technol. Series, EPA-670/2.74.096, December (1974).
D. S. Cherkauer, J. Geol., 86(4), 505 (1978).
D. Boyd, Water Resources Branch, Ontario Ministry of the Environment, ISBN 0-7729-3702-8 (1988).
K. E. Juracek, U.S. Geological Survey Water-Resources Investigations Report 97-4235, 55 (1997).
D.W. Meals and L. F. Budd, J. Am. Water Res. As., 34(2), 251 (1998).
P. Basnyat, L.D. Teeter, K. M. Flynn and B.G. Lockaby, Environ. Manage., 23, 539 (1999).
T. Okubo, K. I. Yabunaka, M. Hosomi and A. Murakami, J. Japan Soc. Water Environ., 3, 199 (1995).
R. J. Waschbusch, W. R. Seibig and R. T. Bannerman, 1994–95 Water Resources Investigations Report 99-4021, US Geological Survey (1999).
J.M. Pratt, R.A. Coler and P. J. Godfrey, Hydrobiologia, 83, 29 (1981).
A. E. Zanoni, Water Res., 20(5), 651 (1986).
H. T. Jacobsen, N. B. Johansen and Y.A. Yousel, Sci. Total Environ., 146/147, 499 (1994).
J. Vaze and H. S. Chiew, J. Environ. Eng., 130(4), 391 (2004).
J. E. Ball and I. Abustan, Aust. J. Water Res., 4(1), 33 (2000).
D. Prasad, J.G. Henry and R. Kovacko, Proc. Inter. Symp. Urban Storm Runoff, Univ. of. Kentucky, July 28–31, 197–202 (1980).
J. R. Dorney, Water Air Soil Poll., 28, 439 (1986).
S. J. Riley and M. Abood, Proc. of 3rd Con. on Planning for Creative Stormwater Management, Sydney, September, International Erosion Control Association, 357 (1995).
R.A. Allison, F.H. S. Chiew and T.A. McMahon. J. Environ. Manage., 54(4), 269 (1998).
S. J. Riley and R.G. Banks, Sci. Total Environ., 182(1–3), 39 (1996).
J. E. Ball and I. Abustan, Proceedings of the Second International Symposium on Urban Stormwater Management, NCP No. 95/03(2), 531 (1995).
S. P. Seitzinger, R.W. Sanders and R. Styles, Limnol. Oceanogr., 47, 353 (2002).
D.B. Lewis and N. B. Grimm, EGS — AGU — EUG Joint Assembly, Nice, France, 6–11 April 2003, abstract #11798 (2003).
J. Strynchuk, J. Royal and G. England, Practical Modeling of Urban Water Systems, Monograph 11. Edited by W. James. 373 (2003).
G.D. Taylor, T.D. Fletcher, T.H. F. Wong, T.H. F. P. F. Breen and H. P. Duncan, Water Res., 39, 1982 (2005).
S. Begum, M.G. Rasul and R. J. Brown, WSEAS, Transactions on Environment and Development, 4(11), 1002 (2008).
DECC (2006). NSW Department of Environment and Conservation, ISBN 1741378753. April 2006. Vol. 1 and 2.
S. Clark, R. Pitt, J. Easton, O. Mirov, K. Parmer and R. Field, Pollutant Removal Capacity of Stormwater Filtration Media — Breakthrough Tests, 70th Annual Water Environment Federation Conference and Exposition, Chicago, United States of America (1997).
T.R. Schueler, P.A. Kumble and M.A. Heraty, A current assessment of urban best management practices: Techniques for reducing non-point source pollution in the coastal zone, Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, prepared for the US EPA, Washington DC, USA (1993).
NSW Premiers, Report to the NSW Government on the Proposal by Sydney Water Corporation for Sewage Overflow Abatement in Sydney Harbour. Waterways Advisory Panel Report. NSW Premiers Department, www.muim.nsw.gov.au/wap/5. htm (1997).
J. J. Lee, M.K. Jeong, J.H. Im, R. BenAim, S.H. Lee, J. E. Oh, H. J. Woo and C.W. Kim, Water Sci. Technol., 53(7), 59 (2006).
J. J. Lee, J.H. Im, R. BenAim, J. R. Kim, Y. J. Kim, K.M. Poo and C.W. Kim, Water Sci. Technol., 55(1–2) (2007).
M.A.H. Johir, J. J. Lee, S. Vigneswaran, J. Kandasamy and K. Shaw, Water, Air, & Soil Pollution: Focus, 9(5), 439 (2009).
S. Vigneswaran, J. S. Chang and J.G. Janssens, Water Res., 24, 927 (1990).
M. Wilf, The guidebook to membrane desalination technology: reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and hybrid systems: process, design, applications, and economics, Balaban Desalination Publications, L’Aquila, Italy (2007).
M.A.H. Johir, S. Vigneswaran and J. Kandasamy, Desalination and Water Treatment, 12313–12323 (2009).
J. J. Qin, M.H. Oo, K.A. Kekre, F. Knops and P. Miller, Desalination, 193, 344 (2006).
S. Allgeier B. Alspach and J. Vickers, Membrane Filtration Guidance Manual, United States Environmental Protection Agency, US (2005).
J. Wagner, Membrane Filtration Handbook Practical Tips and Hints, Second Edition, Revision 2, Osmonics, Inc. (2001).
T. Mohammed, S. Vigneswaran and J. Kandasamy, Biofiltration as pre-treatment to water harvesting and recycling, Water Sci. Technol., (under review) (2010).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Additional information
Prof. S. Vigneswaran is currently Professor of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT (1996 to present) and Director of Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia. He obtained his Dr. Sc from the University of Toulouse, France in 1987 and D. Eng form University of Montpellier, France, in 1980. He has been Visiting Faculty Member, Department of Chemical Engineering, Syracuse University, USA (1985–1986), and Honorary Visiting Professor, UNESCO Center for Membrane Technology, UNSW (1997–1998). His area of interests includes water and wastewater treatment, stormwater, membrane filtration and membrane hybrid systems and desalination. He was awarded a Life member of The International Water Academy (TIWA) and IWA Asia Pacific Honor Award for Applied Research in 2008 and 2010.
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Aryal, R., Vigneswaran, S., Kandasamy, J. et al. Urban stormwater quality and treatment. Korean J. Chem. Eng. 27, 1343–1359 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-010-0387-0
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11814-010-0387-0