CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WETLAND'S INFLOW DRY DIFFUSE DUST AND DIRT FROM IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

This paper presented chemical characteristics of wetland inflow diffuse dust and dirt. Single land use impervious areas (parking and roads) were observed and analyzed in commercial and residential areas for organic matters, phosphorus and heavy metals. The buildup data were collected for approximately six months from December to June. The frequency of monitoring was observed daily for the first two months, twice a week for the next two months and once a week for the last two months. The results indicated significant variations in the organic matters and heavy metals strength and total accumulation among the observed areas. High pollutants strength was associated with smaller dust and dirt (DD) particles. Concentrations of phosphorus varied between 5.1 μg/g and 8.3 μg/g in DD particle less than 75 μm and account for 35%-60% of the total phosphorus. The organic matter accumulation rate associated with particles less than 600 μm and greater than 600 μm was 0.1-1 g·(curb-m)-1·d-1 and 0.1-1.5 g·(curb-m)-1·d-1 , respectively. DD particles greater than 600 μm consist of 70%-90% of leaves and other plant residues. The strength of heavy metals was more at road compared to parking areas both in commercial and residential areas. Percentage of Zn, Cu and Pb attached with particles less than 200 μm were in the range of 50%-70% in parking, 45%-90% on smooth roads and 30%-80% on rough roads. All the dust and dirt exhibited rising trend with time. Dust and dirt buildup data follow a non-linear accumulation function and can be presented better either by an exponential or power function.