Build-up dynamics of heavy metals deposited on impermeable urban surfaces

A method using thin boards (3 cm thick, 0.56 m2) comprising different paving materials typically used in urban environments (2 asphalt types and concrete) was employed to specifically investigate air-borne deposition dynamics of TSS, zinc, copper and lead. Boards were exposed at an urban car park near vehicular traffic to determine the rate of contaminant build-up over a 13-day dry period. Concentration profiles from simulated rainfall wash-off were used to determine contaminant yields at different antecedent dry days. Maximum contaminant yields after 13 days of exposure were 2.7 kg ha−1 for TSS, 35 g ha−1 zinc, 2.3 g ha−1 copper and 0.4 g ha−1 lead. Accumulation of all contaminants increased over the first week and levelled off thereafter, supporting theoretical assumptions that contaminant accumulation on impervious surfaces asymptotically approaches a maximum. Comparison of different surface types showed approximately four times higher zinc concentrations in runoff from asphalt surfaces and two times higher TSS concentrations in runoff from concrete, which is attributed to different physical and chemical compositions of the pavement types. Contaminant build-up and wash-off behaviours were modelled using exponential and saturation functions commonly applied in the US EPA's Stormwater Management Model (SWMM) showing good correlation between measured and modelled concentrations. Maximum build-up, half-saturation time, build-up rate constants and wash-off coefficients, necessary for stormwater contaminant modelling, were determined for the four contaminants studied. These parameters are required to model contaminant concentrations in urban runoff assisting in stormwater management decisions.

► Heavy metals accumulate on impervious surfaces at an urban location >150 m from the nearest road.
► Accumulation increased for 6–9 days before levelling off.
► Surface type (asphalt, concrete) influences contaminant concentrations in runoff.
► Coefficients for build-up and wash-off functions were determined to mathematically describe processes.