Trend and concentrations of legacy lead (Pb) in highway runoff

This study presents the results of lead (Pb) concentrations from both highway runoff and contaminated soil along 32 and 23 highway sites, respectively. In general, the Pb concentration on topsoil (0–15 cm) along highways was much higher than the Pb concentration in subsurface soil (15–60 cm). The Pb deposited on soil appears to be anthropogenic and a strong correlation was found between the Pb concentration in surface soil and highway runoff in urban areas. The concentration of Pb measured during 1980s from highways runoff throughout the world was up to 11 times higher than the measured values in mid 1990s and 2000s. The current Pb deposited on soil near highways appears to be a mixture of paint, tire weight balance and old leaded gasoline combustion. Overall, the Pb phase-out regulation reduced the Pb deposits in the environment and consequently lowered Pb loading into receiving waters.

► Pb concentrations in highway runoff ranged from 0.5 to 752 mg/L.
► 78% of total lead concentration in highway runoff was in particulate form.
► Pb deposited on highway sites was mostly within 0 to 15 cm of soil column.
► Pb concentration in highway runoff and top soil was strongly correlated.
► Current Pb concentration in highway runoff is up to 11 times lower than late 1980s.