We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Unseen streams tracing emerging contaminants from stormwater to surface water: A brief review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines how stormwater runoff carries emerging contaminants including microplastics, PFAS, and vehicle-related chemicals into rivers and lakes. Researchers found that during wet weather, concentrations of most contaminants increased significantly in surface water, with stormwater discharges sometimes matching or exceeding those from wastewater treatment plants. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring and managing stormwater as a major pathway for pollutants entering waterways.
Emerging contaminants (ECs) have raised global concern due to their adverse effect on ecosystems and human health. However, the occurrence and transport of ECs in stormwater remain unclear. The impact of ECs from stormwater on surface water quality and ecosystem health is also poorly documented. In this review, we examined the variations in EC concentrations in surface water resulting from stormwater. During the wet weather, the concentrations of most investigated ECs, e.g., microplastics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, and vehicle-related compounds, significantly increase in surface water, indicating that stormwater may be a critical source of these contaminants. Furthermore, the potential pathways of ECs from stormwater enter surface water are outlined. Studies demonstrate that surface runoff and combined sewer overflows are important pathways for ECs, with discharges comparable to or exceeding those from wastewater treatment plants. Illicit connection also plays an important part in elevated EC concentrations in surface water. Overall, our findings underscore the importance of stormwater as a source for ECs in surface waters, and urge for increased emphasis on, and reinforcement of, stormwater monitoring and control measures to minimize the transport of ECs into receiving water bodies.
More Papers Like This
Are we underestimating stormwater? Stormwater as a significant source of microplastics in surface waters
AI summary Read the abstract
This review highlights stormwater runoff as a major but underestimated source of microplastic pollution in rivers and lakes. Tire and road wear particles, litter, and road dust are the primary sources, with concentrations varying widely depending on rainfall and land use. The findings matter because stormwater often receives less treatment than sewage, meaning large amounts of microplastics flow directly into the waterways that communities use for drinking water and recreation.
A plastic storm: The role of stormwater in the microplastic load of an urban river system
AI summary Read the abstract
Stormwater systems in urban areas were found to be a significant source of microplastics entering river systems, transporting particles from roads, buildings, and other surfaces during rainfall events. A fine-resolution study measured the types and quantities of microplastics carried by stormwater in an urban catchment, finding concentrations comparable to inputs from wastewater treatment plants. Better capture and treatment of urban stormwater is needed to reduce this largely unregulated pathway for microplastics reaching rivers and the ocean.
A plastic storm: The role of stormwater in the microplastic load of an urban river system
AI summary Read the abstract
A study of an urban river system found that stormwater runoff is a major source of microplastic pollution, transporting particles from roads, buildings, and other urban surfaces directly into waterways during rain events. Stormwater contributed a significant fraction of the total microplastic load reaching the ocean, comparable to inputs from wastewater treatment plants. Better management of urban stormwater could meaningfully reduce microplastic pollution in rivers and coastal waters.
A comprehensive review of emerging contaminants in water sources
AI summary Read the abstract
This comprehensive review examines the origins and environmental significance of emerging contaminants in water sources, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and PFAS chemicals. Researchers found that these persistent pollutants exhibit complex behaviors in aquatic systems and pose threats to both ecosystem and human health. The study highlights the need for advanced monitoring and treatment technologies to address the growing challenge of emerging contaminant pollution in water supplies.
Storm events as key moments of microplastic contamination in aquatic ecosystems
AI summary Read the abstract
Researchers monitored microplastic concentrations in waterways before, during, and after storm events and found that storm-driven runoff caused major spikes in microplastic abundance, identifying storm events as key transport moments that standard monitoring programs typically miss.
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.