The control of non-point source pollutants (NPSP) is critical to achieving good surface water quality. Thus, the contribution of road runoff has received increased attention recently. This study monitored the runoff characteristics of NPSP, including ...
The control of non-point source pollutants (NPSP) is critical to achieving good surface water quality. Thus, the contribution of road runoff has received increased attention recently. This study monitored the runoff characteristics of NPSP, including suspended solids, particle size distribution, organic matter, and heavy metals concentration from asphalt (A) and concrete roads (B). Water quality parameters, including BOD, COD, and nutrients of the runoff receiving reservoirs were also studied. Event means concentration (EMC) value is used as measuring criteria. The EMC values of suspended solids concentration at sites A and B were 18.81 and 22.54 mg/L, respectively. The particle size distributions at site A were 10.7, 31.6, and 387 μm while 11.2, 43.6, and 507μm at site B for D10, D50, and D90, respectively. The EMC value at site A (0.675 mg/L) was significantly higher than site B (0.148 mg/L) in the testing of organic matter. The concentration of heavy metals was similar for both sites A and B. Moreover, water quality analysis of the runoff receiving reservoir showed satisfactory results for BOD, COD, and nutrient concentrations. The runoff concentration of suspended solids and particle size distribution was higher at site B. The organic matter concentration of site A was higher than site B; might be associated with the location of roads. Therefore, the road’s construction material is one factor that determines the characteristics of NPSP in road runoff.