Determination of Pollution and Environmental Risk Assessment of Stormwater and the Receiving River, Case Study of the Sudół River Catchment, Poland

Abstract

Changes in the land use of urban catchments and the discharge of stormwater to rivers are causing surface water pollution. Measurements were taken of the quality of discharged stormwater from two areas with different types of development: a residential area and a residential–commercial area, as well as the quality of the Sudół River water below the sewer outlets. The following indicators were studied: TSS, COD, N–NO3, N–NO2, TKN, TN, TP, Zn, Cu, Hg, HOI, and PAHs. The influence of land use on the magnitudes of flows in the river was modeled using the SCS–CN method and the Snyder Unit Hydrograph Model. The results showed an increase in sealing and a resulting increase in surface runoff. Concentrations of pollutants in stormwater and analysis of the potential amounts of loadings contributed by the analyzed stormwater outlets indicate that they may be responsible for the failure to meet environmental targets in the Sudół River. Environmental risk assessment shows that the aquatic ecosystem is at risk. A risk factor indicating a high risk of adverse environmental effects was determined for N–NO3, Zn, and Cu, among others.

Simulation and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Multidimensional Environmental Benefits of Sponge Cities

“…; total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) from agricultural pollution, leaf litter and animal manure; heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from road wear, tire wear, oil spills and corrosion of construction materials [4]. Runoff carrying large amounts of pollutants into the sewers leads to high concentrations of pollutants in the drainage system, which, combined with erosion, pollute both groundwater and surface water [5]. In addition to the destruction of water quality, aquatic ecosystems are degraded as a result, human health is greatly endangered and the world's biodiversity is reduced [6].…”

Simulation and Comprehensive Evaluation of the Multidimensional Environmental Benefits of Sponge Cities

“…; TN and TP from agricultural pollution, leaf litter and animal manure; heavy metals and PAHs from road wear, tyre wear, oil spills and corrosion of construction materials [4]. Runoff carrying large amounts of pollutants into the sewers leads to high concentrations of pollutants in the drainage system, which, combined with erosion, pollute both groundwater and surface water [5]. In addition to the destruction of water quality, aquatic ecosystems are degraded as a result, human health is greatly endangered and the world's biodiversity is reduced [6].…”