Sectional analysis of the pollutant wash-off process based on runoff hydrograph.
The validity of using rainfall characteristics as lumped parameters for investigating the pollutant wash-off process such as first flush occurrence is questionable. This research study introduces an innovative concept of using sector parameters to investigate the relationship between the pollutant wash-off process and different sectors of the runoff hydrograph and rainfall hyetograph. The research outcomes indicated that rainfall depth and rainfall intensity are two key rainfall characteristics which influence the wash-off process compared to the antecedent dry period. Additionally, the rainfall pattern also plays a critical role in the wash-off process and is independent of the catchment characteristics. The knowledge created through this research study provides the ability to select appropriate rainfall events for stormwater quality treatment design based on the required treatment outcomes such as the need to target different sectors of the runoff hydrograph or pollutant species. The study outcomes can also contribute to enhancing stormwater quality modelling and prediction in view of the fact that conventional approaches to stormwater quality estimation is primarily based on rainfall intensity rather than considering other rainfall parameters or solely based on stochastic approaches irrespective of the characteristics of the rainfall event.
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310 UTM Skudai, Johor, Malaysia.
Noraliani
N
Alias
Research Centre of Environmental Engineering and Management, Graduate School at Shenzhen, Tsinghua University, 518055 Shenzhen, People's Republic of China. Electronic address: liu.an@sz.tsinghua.edu.cn.
An
A
Liu
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
Prasanna
P
Egodawatta
Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, P.O. Box 2434, Brisbane, Qld 4001, Australia.
Ashantha
A
Goonetilleke
D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D011891:Rain; D014872:Water Movements; D014873:Water Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
D014873:Water Pollutants
First flush; Pollutant wash-off; Rainfall characteristics; Stormwater pollutant processes; Stormwater quality