Stormwater treatment design

Abstract

The implementation of scientifically robust stormwater management strategies needs to be underpinned by effective treatment systems. In this regard, stormwater quality models play a critical role for predicting pollutant loads and for determining important treatment system design parameters. A stormwater quality model is process driven, with the replication of pollutant build-up and wash-off processes being two key components. This chapter discusses the limitations in current modelling approaches and the need to have an in-depth understanding of pollutant processes and the role played by influential rainfall and catchment factors to enhance the accuracy and reliability of modelling results. Currently, only a limited number of parameters are incorporated in the model setup to represent the influence of catchment and rainfall characteristics on stormwater quality. This approach is inadequate as stormwater pollutant processes are complex and influenced by a range of factors. This highlights the importance of having an in-depth understanding of the role of rainfall and catchment characteristics on urban stormwater quality.