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Detection of semi-volatile organic compounds in permeable pavement infiltrate
Citation:
OConnor, T. Detection of semi-volatile organic compounds in permeable pavement infiltrate. Journal of Sustainable Water in the Built Environment. American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), New York, NY, 3(2):Online, (2017). https://doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000822
Impact/Purpose:
Permeable parking lots are beneficial in reducing runoff and encouraging the infiltration of stormwater into the subsurface. A permeable parking lot was installed at the Edison Environmental Center with three different types of permeable pavement systems. The purpose of this study was to determine if the different systems affect the concentrations of pollutants in the infiltrating water. This research is important because these pollutants could eventually reach the subsurface which can be a concern, especially in areas where the groundwater is high and used as a source of drinking water. Communities, planners, regulators, and engineers that are interested in the installation of a permeable parking lot could apply these results.
Description:
Abstract The Edison Environmental Center (EEC) performs research on green infrastructure (GI) treatment options. One such treatment option is the use of permeable pavements. EEC constructed a parking lot comprised of three different permeable systems: permeable asphalt, porous concrete and interlocking concrete permeable pavers. Water quality and quantity analyses have been ongoing since January, 2010. This paper describes the analysis of semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in the water that passes through the three different porous pavements (known as infiltrate). Seventy-six SVOCs were analyzed in samples collected from 11 dates over a 3-year period, from 2/8/2010 to 4/1/2013. Results are broadly divided into three categories: 42 chemicals were never detected; 12 chemicals (11 chemical test) were detected at a rate of less than 10% or less; and 22 chemicals were detected at a frequency of 10% or greater (ranging from 10% to 66.5% detections). Fundamental and exploratory statistical analyses were performed and results were grouped by surface type. The statistical analyses were limited due to low frequency of detections and dilutions of samples which impacted detection limits. Conclusions from these and additional analyses on the 22 most frequently observed SVOCs in the infiltrate indicated that porous asphalt acts as a source for chemicals with low octonal water partitioning and as a sink for high low octonal water partitioning. The frequency of SVOC detection in the infiltrate for the two types of concrete were more evenly distributed.
URLs/Downloads:
DOI: Detection of semi-volatile organic compounds in permeable pavement infiltrate
http://dx.doi.org/10.1061/JSWBAY.0000822
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