Relationship between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments and Invertebrates of Natural and Artificial Stormwater Retention Ponds

Abstract

Sediments and invertebrates were sampled from 9 stormwater retention ponds (SWRPs) and 11 natural, shallow lakes in Denmark. Samples were analyzed for 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The SWRPs received urban and highway runoff from various types of drainage areas and the lakes were located in areas of various land uses. Comparing PAHs in the sediments of the SWRPs and the lakes, it was found that levels of total PAH were similar in the two aquatic systems, with median values of 0.94 and 0.63 mg·(kg·DM)−1 in sediments of SWRPs and lakes, respectively. However, the SWRP sediments tended to have higher concentrations of high-molecular-weight PAHs than the lakes. A similar pattern was seen for PAHs accumulated in invertebrates where the median of total PAH was 2.8 and 2.1 mg·(kg·DM)−1 for SWRPs and lakes, respectively. Principal component analysis on the PAH distribution in the sediments and invertebrates showed that ponds receiving highway runoff clustered with lakes in forests and farmland. The same was the case for some of the ponds receiving runoff from residential areas. Overall, results showed that sediment PAH levels in all SWRPs receiving runoff from highways were similar to the levels found in some of the investigated natural, shallow lakes, as were the sediment PAH levels from some of the residential SWRPs. Furthermore, there was no systematic trend that one type of water body exceeded environmental quality standards (EQS) values more often than others. Together this indicates that at least some SWRPs can sustain an invertebrate ecosystem without the organisms experiencing higher bioaccumulation of PAHs then what is the case in shallow lakes of the same region.

Scientific Evidence behind the Ecosystem Services Provided by Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems

“…For some of them, as for the endangered species Libellula depressa and Ischnura pumilio, a temporary hydroperiod is necessary [204]. Stormwater retention ponds can support an invertebrate ecosystem without greater bioaccumulation of PAHs in organisms than in shallow lakes in the same region [205].…”

“…Between Juncus effusus L., Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani, Palla, Pontederia cordata L., and Carex comosa, the last one has the best performing and is more suitable for this climate [209]. Some stormwater retention ponds can sustain an invertebrate ecosystem without the organisms experiencing higher bioaccumulation of PAHs, but then what is the case in shallow lakes of the same region [205]? 3.10.5.…”

“…Cfb. Total PAH levels are similar in retention ponds and natural lakes; however, higher molecular weight PAH concentration in sediments is higher in retention ponds [205]. These devices are also effective in eliminating metals [226] and have the potential to remove some, but not all, pharmaceuticals contained in the effluent through faulty connections, sewer leaks, and overloading [227].…”

“…There are several kinds of polymers in retention ponds in function of catchment land use [241] and metals in sediments [242]. Levels of total PAHs are similar in retention ponds and lakes; however, retention pond sediments tended to have higher concentrations of high-molecular-weight PAHs [205]. There are variations between summer and winter in the settlement of some salt components [243].…”

Evaluating the hydrologic and water quality performance of novel infiltrating wet retention ponds

“…Does a risk exist for pollutant resuspension? Also, this study focused on sediment and nutrients, but wet ponds are expected to treat many other pollutants as well [e.g., microplastics (Olesen et al 2019) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Stephansen et al 2020)]. How might infiltrating wet ponds retain these pollutants?…”