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Ecological impacts of combined sewer overflows on receiving waters
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This review examines how combined sewer overflows — when heavy rain causes sewers to release untreated waste directly into rivers — deliver microplastics, micropollutants, and pathogens into waterways, and evaluates management strategies for protecting water quality as climate change makes intense storms more frequent.
Abstract Receiving water quality is increasingly recognized as a significant environmental issue due to rapid urbanization and climate change. The quality of water in urban streams is notably affected by discharges from waste water treatment plants (WWTPs) and sewer systems, particularly during combined sewer overflows (CSOs). WWTPs are essential for processing wastewater from both point and non-point sources, which is critical for the sustainable development of water supply systems. Nonetheless, the efficiency and performance of these plants can be significantly impacted during heavy storm events. This paper provides a concise overview of the various factors that lead to CSOs, the primary consequences of these overflows on receiving waters, and the mitigation strategies currently implemented to alleviate their adverse effects. Additionally, it discusses best management practices and strategies that have been developed to enhance the resilience of WWTPs against storm events. The paper also highlights contemporary environmental threats, including micropollutants, microplastics, and bioaerosols, while identifying gaps and challenges in the existing literature regarding these pollutants. Finally, it outlines prospective research avenues and recommends effective management strategies to address the impacts of CSOs on receiving waters.
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Microplastic accumulation in sewer systems and their pathways to the environment along with combined sewer overflows
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This study examines how microplastics accumulate in urban sewer systems and the pathways through which they enter the environment, particularly through combined sewer overflows during storm events. Understanding these infrastructure pathways is critical for controlling microplastic release into rivers and coastal waters.
Microplastic accumulation in sewer sediments and its potential entering the environment via combined sewer overflows: a study case in Paris
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During heavy rainfall events in Paris, sewer sediments containing densely accumulated microplastics — up to 178,000 particles per kilogram of dry sediment — are resuspended and discharged directly into rivers via combined sewer overflows. This previously overlooked pathway means that stormwater overflow events can rapidly transfer large quantities of microplastics stored in urban sewer networks into freshwater ecosystems.
Change in microplastic concentration during various temporal events downstream of a combined sewage overflow and in an urban stormwater creek
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Researchers examined how microplastic concentrations in urban waterways changed during rain events, snowmelt, and combined sewage overflow episodes, finding that stormwater runoff and sewer overflows substantially increase microplastic loads, with event type and intensity influencing concentration patterns.
Occurrence and fate of microplastics in Parisian combined sewer network
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This study investigated the occurrence and fate of microplastics in the combined sewer network of Paris, tracking particles from urban inputs through the wastewater system. Significant amounts of microplastics were found throughout the system, with storm events increasing concentrations. Combined sewer overflow events can release untreated microplastic-laden water directly into rivers during heavy rain.
Microplastics in Combined Sewer Overflows: An Experimental Study
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Researchers investigated microplastic concentrations and characteristics in combined sewer overflow events through experimental study, finding that overflow discharges transport significant quantities of microplastic particles directly to surface waters, bypassing wastewater treatment and representing a major urban microplastic pathway.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.