Determination of Surrogate Indicators for Phosphorus and Solids in Urban Stormwater: Application of Multivariate Data Analysis Techniques

Abstract

Solids and phosphorus found within urban stormwater have the potential to cause environmental damage to ecological systems in receiving waters. The evaluation of these pollutants in urban stormwater is usually undertaken by physico-chemical monitoring programs which sample streamflow for laboratory assessment. In this study, data from two such monitoring programs have been examined for the catchment characteristics which influence solids and phosphorus discharge behaviour and the potential for the use of surrogate indicators to predict streamflow concentrations. The study involved partitioning of the components on the basis of the dissolved and particulate fractions. Suspended solids and particulate phosphorus were found to depend on the extent of impervious area within the catchment. Surrogate indicators were evaluated in order to provide supplementary key indicators that can be used for site based measurements with fewer requirements for laboratory based analysis. Investigation of the physical and chemical behaviour of solids and phosphorus by univariate and multivariate data analysis techniques allowed the identification of a number of parameters with the potential for interrelationship. Thus, relationships were developed for suspended and dissolved solids using turbidity and conductivity, and for dissolved and particulate phosphorus using suspended and dissolved solids. These relationships will enhance rapid generation of vital information on spatial and temporal variation of indicator concentrations in urban stormwater.

Coal Seam Gas Water Quality and Impacts on Downstream Treatment Technologies

“…The surrogate indicators were those that can be tested at the water source and included turbidity and EC. The surrogate indicators were chosen based on the correlations between parameters and the known relationships as shown in the literature [77,108]. …”

“…indicator EC in urban storm water [108]. In relation to correlating EC and SAR, Seilsepour and Rashidi used linear regression models to predict soil SAR from EC [77,78].…”

“…outlined that some water quality parameters such as TDS can be either specific to the water catchment area due to the similarity of geological origin and form or generic across multiple catchments [108].…”

“…Figure 20 shows the relationship between the calculated TDS and the measured TDS using the predictive model for EC-TDS, which was to form a predictive equation should be developed based on site water quality monitoring data to ensure that any regional variations are taken into consideration [78,108].…”

Turbidity Dynamics during High-Flow Storm Events in the Clackamas River, Oregon 2006-2012

“…The sources of sediment and particulate matter contributing to elevated turbidity readings can have a n impact on the water quality of rivers, because various types of chemical compounds can 4 be adsorbed onto the surface of sediment particles. Sediment, solids and other particulate matter can act as a substrate for transport of pollutants such as heavy metals (Horowitz, 1991), nutrients such as total phosphorus, bacteria (E. Coli), (Anderson and Rounds, 2003), nutrients (McKee and others, 2000), hydrocarbons and pesticides (Larson, 1997, Settle andAshantha, 2007). Sediment and sediment-associated constituents are leading pollutants impacting waterbodies and undermining their values and functions for habitat, water supply, recreation, energy production, navigation and other functions (Fletcher and Deletic, 2007).…”