Analysis of concentration trends and origins of heavy metal loads in stormwater runoff in selected cities: A review

University of Science and Technology in Bydgoszcz, Department of Construction, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Department of Heating, Ventilation and Sanitary Engineering, Kaliskiego 7, 85-796 Bydgoszcz, Poland

^* Corresponding author: julita.milik@utp.edu.pl

Abstract

The currently heavy metal pollution in rainwater is a huge problem, especially in industrial areas. Sediment from devices for stormwater runoff treatment, especially those located in city centers, industrial districts and within the area of highways is characterized by a high content of heavy metals and is found to be most contaminated. A significant fraction of these harmful chemicals are deposited on the surface of highways and urban roads and eventually transported into local waterbodies by stormwater runoff that is the primary source of water quality impairments in urban areas. This review analyzes and interprets the collected results of tests for the content of heavy metals in sediments from the urban drainage to determine the actual threat they pose to the environment. As a result of the combustion of liquid fuels, significant amounts of nickel, vanadium, cadmium and zinc get into the aquatic environment. Due to the amount of sediments accumulated in the rainwater drainage system, periodic pollution monitoring should be carried out leading to the determination of the method of management and utilization of sludge. The use of separators contributes to the reduction of the presence of heavy metals in the aquatic environment.