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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
08:49
Vegetated Treatment Systems for Removing Contaminants Associated with Surface Water Toxicity in Agriculture and Urban Runoff
Published on: May 15, 2017
Correlation analysis among highway stormwater pollutants and characteristics
Y H Han1, S L Lau, M Kayhanian
1Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1593, USA. younghan@ucla.edu
Summary
Highway stormwater runoff contains pollutants. This study analyzed runoff data, finding that total suspended solids (TSS) correlate with metals, while other pollutants like COD and DOC correlate with the first flush, indicating targeted BMPs can remove contaminants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Water Quality Management
- Highway Runoff Pollution
Background:
- Highway stormwater runoff is a significant non-point source of pollutants.
- Understanding pollutant characteristics is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze highway stormwater runoff characteristics in Los Angeles.
- To investigate correlations between water quality parameters and storm events.
- To determine the relationship between the mass first flush ratio (MFF) and storm/site characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Collected and analyzed highway stormwater runoff data over three wet seasons (2000-2003).
- Performed statistical and graphical correlation analyses on water quality parameters.
- Examined the mass first flush ratio (MFF) in relation to storm characteristics.
Main Results:
- Total suspended solids (TSS) showed strong correlation with particulate-bound metals but weak correlation with other pollutants.
- Strong correlations were found among dissolved and total metals, DOC, COD, TKN, oil and grease, conductivity, and chloride (Cl).
- Total metals, COD, and DOC correlated well with the mass first flush ratio (MFF).
Conclusions:
- Pollutant concentrations in highway stormwater runoff exhibit specific correlations.
- The first flush phenomenon is linked to key pollutants like total metals, COD, and DOC.
- Best Management Practices (BMPs) targeting the initial runoff phase can effectively remove these pollutants.
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