Emission of heavy metals from an urban catchment into receiving water and possibility of its limitation on the example of Lodz city

Abstract

Heavy metals are among the priority pollutants which may have toxic effects on receiving water bodies. They are detected in most of samples of stormwater runoff, but the concentrations are very variable. This paper presents results of study on the amount of heavy metals discharged from urban catchment in Lodz (Poland) in 2011–2013. The research was carried out to identify the most important sources of their emission and to assess the threats to receiving water quality and opportunities of their limitation. The city is equipped with a combined sewerage in the center with 18 combined sewer overflows and with separate system in other parts. Stormwater and wastewater from both systems are discharged into 18 small urban rivers. There is a need of restoration of water bodies in the city. Research results indicate that the main issue is high emission of heavy metals, especially zinc and copper, contained in stormwater. Annual mass loads (g/ha/year) from separate system were 1629 for Zn and 305 for Cu. It was estimated that about 48% of the annual load of Zn, 38% of Cu, 61% of Pb, and 40% of Cd discharged into receiving water came from separate system, respectively 4% of Zn and Cu, 10% of Pb and 11% of Cd from CSOs, and the remaining part from wastewater treatment plant. Effective reduction of heavy metals loads discharged into receiving water requires knowledge of sources and emissions for each catchment. Obtained data may indicate the need to apply centralized solution or decentralized by source control.

Evaluation of a Low-Cost Ceramic Filter for Sustainable Reuse of Urban Stormwater in Arid Environments

“…wastewater and greywater due to the presence of various heavy metals [36]. Therefore, evaluating the extent of heavy metal removal from stormwater using the developed ceramic filter is a novel contribution of the present research which has not been investigated in past studies.…”

Spatial variability in heavy metal concentration in urban pavement joints – a case study

“…In addition to the natural occurrence of heavy metals in soils, urban areas and their soils are particularly exposed to anthropogenic heavy metal sources. Emissions from industrial or home incinerators, traffic, garbage and construction materials could all be seen as the major sources of heavy metals in urban areas (Gunawardena et al, 2015;Craul, 1999;Manta et al, 2002;Sansalone et al, 1998;Defo et al, 2017;Lu and Bai, 2010;Mahanta and Bhattacharyya, 2011). Although it is possible to distinguish between point sources (e.g.…”

“…Regardless of this question of definition, pavement joints are a common feature in urban areas, like the paving on pavements, parking lots and access roads, and are used as a design element in public places. Compared to full sealing, they offer the advantage in that infiltration is ensured, which plays an important role in the management of urban run-off (especially storm water run-off; Sorme and Lagerkvist, 2002;Sansalone et al, 1998;Dierkes et al, 2005). In this context, they could also be seen as the only anthropogenic material which assumes important functions in extremely sealed inner urban areas, like the interaction with the atmosphere or as substrate for lower plants (Munzi et al, 2014;Seaward, 1979;Wang et al, 2020).…”

“…Therefore, a number of studies have focused on the water quality of surface run-off from urban areas that have been sealed or partially sealed (Drake and Bradford, 2013;Drake et al, 2014). Sorme and Lagerkvist (2002) examined waste water, and Sansalone et al (1998) researched urban roadway storm water, with a focus on heavy metals. With a focus on urban water and effluent flow, Gilbert and Clausen (2006) studied drainage from different road surfaces, and Wessolek et al (2009) examined drainage and pollution in sealed areas (Gilbert and Clausen, 2006;Wessolek et al, 2009).…”

On copper removal from aquatic media using simultaneous and sequential iron-perlite composites

“…The ongoing rapid increase in global population, coupled with climate change, has been leading to unprecedented increased demands on water for myriad applications [1,2]. This is alarmingly increasing the burden on the environment especially in urbanised and heavily industrialised areas prone to heavy metal pollution [3]. Despite being essential for life in minimal amounts, copper easily accumulates in the environment and in organisms with farreaching negative consequences on the terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems [4][5][6][7].…”