Evolution on Pollutant Removal Efficiency in Stormwater Ponds due to Changes in Pond Morphology

Paper in proceeding, 2006

Ponds are frequently used to remove pollutants from urban runoff, but only a few accurate studies have been carried out to determine the long-term pollutant removal efficiency, and almost none on changes in removal over time. Removal efficiency will be affected by changes in pond morphology, vegetation growth and sediment accumulation. This study presents the evolution of pollutant removal efficiency over a seven-year period. The results showed that vegetation growth and increased sediment thickness affected copper, zinc, and nitrogen removal efficiency nega-tively. Concluding recommendations are removal of vegetation in the au-tumn and sediment removal after approximately seven to ten years in op-eration.