Dynamic Characteristics of Particle Size Distribution in Highway Runoff: Implications for Settling Tank Design
Publication: Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 132, Issue 8
Abstract
To understand the characteristics of particle size distribution (PSD) in highway runoff and to facilitate designing best management practices, PSD was monitored in seven rainfall events in the 2002–2003 rainy season at three highway sites in west Los Angeles. Most of the particles in number were less than in diameter and more than 90% were less than . Particle number concentration decreased rapidly to of accumulated rainfall and then declined more slowly throughout the storm. Particle number concentration was correlated with total suspended solids (TSS) and turbidity. Grab sample particle median diameter increased with increasing TSS. A two-compartment settling tank was evaluated using the measured PSD and was effective in removing both small and large particles. Capturing and retaining the first 20% of the runoff volume on seasonal average can remove 40% of the total particulate load based on calculated particle mass. Using literature data for metal concentrations sorbed to particles, this size holding compartment coupled with a similar size continuous flow clarifier can achieve 65–90% removal for the metals investigated.
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Acknowledgments
This study was supported in part by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Environmental Analysis. The writers are grateful for their continuous support.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Environmental Engineering
Volume 132 • Issue 8 • August 2006
Pages: 852 - 861
Copyright
© 2006 ASCE.
History
Received: Sep 20, 2004
Accepted: Nov 28, 2005
Published online: Aug 1, 2006
Published in print: Aug 2006
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