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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
12:44
Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
Substance flow analysis as a tool for urban water management
N Chèvre1, C Guignard, L Rossi
1Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland. nathalie.chevre@unil.ch
Summary
Heavy metals like copper pollute urban waters, posing risks to aquatic life. Substance flow analysis identifies key sources, like roofs and trolleybuses, enabling targeted management for cleaner urban water systems.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Urban Hydrology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Urban activities release diverse pollutants into water systems.
- Heavy metals, particularly copper, are significant urban water contaminants.
- Aquatic organisms face risks from elevated heavy metal concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply substance flow analysis (SFA) for heavy metal management in urban environments.
- To quantify copper input into aquatic systems in Lausanne, Switzerland.
- To identify major copper sources and pathways in urban runoff.
Main Methods:
- Substance Flow Analysis (SFA) was employed.
- Case study focused on copper in Lausanne's urban water system.
- Quantification of copper input from identified sources.
Main Results:
- Approximately 1,500 kg of copper enter the aquatic compartment annually in Lausanne.
- Roofs and trolleybus catenaries are major sources, contributing 75% of copper input.
- Copper predominantly enters surface water during rain events, bypassing treatment.
Conclusions:
- Substance flow analysis is an effective tool for urban heavy metal management.
- Targeting roofs and trolleybus catenaries can significantly reduce copper pollution.
- Improving stormwater management is crucial for mitigating urban water contamination.
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