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Updated: Mar 26, 2026
13:48
Design and Construction of an Urban Runoff Research Facility
Published on: August 8, 2014
13.7K
Elemental Concentrations in Urban Green Stormwater Infrastructure Soils
Journal of Environmental Quality
|February 2, 2016
Summary
Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) soils show increased calcium and iodine but not concerning heavy metals. While GSI soil poses no significant human health risk, some elements exceed residential cleanup objectives.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
- Urban Ecology
Background:
- Green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) utilizes soils for stormwater management.
- Urban GSI soils may accumulate contaminants from stormwater runoff.
- Soil contamination can impact GSI functionality and pose exposure risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess elemental concentrations in GSI soils compared to adjacent non-GSI soils.
- To evaluate potential human health and ecological risks associated with GSI soil composition.
- To determine if GSI facilities accumulate specific elements of concern.
Main Methods:
- Investigated soil elemental concentrations (macro/micronutrients, heavy metals) at 59 Philadelphia GSI sites.
- Collected comparative soil samples from adjacent non-GSI locations.
- Analyzed elemental differences, controlling for GSI age, soil type, drainage, and land use.
Main Results:
- GSI soils exhibited elevated concentrations of calcium (Ca) and iodine (I) compared to background levels.
- No significant increase or even lower concentrations of concerning heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb) were found in GSI soils.
- Despite lower heavy metal levels, mean concentrations of some elements in GSI soils exceeded residential soil cleanup objectives.
Conclusions:
- GSI facilities accumulate Ca and I, posing no significant human health risk.
- GSI soils do not show increased levels of key heavy metals of concern.
- Further evaluation is needed as some GSI soil elements exceed residential cleanup standards, indicating potential long-term management considerations.
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