Physicochemical Distribution of Metals in the Water Phase of Catch Basin Mixtures

Abstract

A mixture of sediment and water is formed during the cleansing of catch basins. This paper discusses the concentration levels and distribution of numerous metals and organic carbon (OC) in the water phase of this mixture. The results show that due to the high concentrations of metals in the water phase, the catch basin mixture should be treated before it reaches a recipient. Three sites with different types of area and traffic intensity were sampled. Four fractions were analyzed: unfiltered, dissolved (<0.2 µm), colloidal (0.22 µm to 1 kD [kilodalton]), and truly dissolved (<1 kD). The results of the unfiltered fraction show high concentrations of metals and OC in the catch basin mixture. A comparison of Canadian and Swedish Environmental Protection Agency guidelines and the catch basin mixtures shows that concentrations exceeded the threshold values for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Compared with samples from a reference lake in the area, the unfiltered fraction showed high concentrations of all elements. OC seems to have a large impact on the overall speciation of trace metals in the catch basin mixture. To trace the sources of the particulate fraction in the unfiltered samples, Al-normalization was used. Al-normalization indicated that Ca, K, Mg, Na, Mn, Ba, Co, and Cr concentrations could be explained by mineral particles used as traction control. Furthermore, the trace elements As, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni were all enriched in the catch basin mixture.