Settling of Road-Deposited Sediment: Influence of Particle Density, Shape, Low Temperatures, and Deicing Salt

Abstract

Separation of particulate matter (PM) is the most important process to achieve a reduction of contaminants present in road runoff. To further improve knowledge about influencing factors on the settling of road-deposited sediment (RDS), samples from three sites were collected. Since particle size distribution (PSD) has the strongest effect on settling, the samples were sieved to achieve comparable PSDs so that the effects of particle density, shape, fluid temperature, and deicing salt concentration on settling could be assessed using settling experiments. Based on the experimental data, a previously proposed model that describes the settling of PM was further developed and validated. In addition, RDS samples were compared to a standard mineral material, which is currently in use to evaluate treatment efficiency of stormwater quality improvement devices. The main finding was that besides PSD, particle density is the most important influencing factor. Particle shape was thoroughly described but showed no significant improvement of the prediction of the settled mass. Temperature showed an effect on PM settling; deicing salts were negligible. The proposed models can sufficiently predict the settling of RDS in settling column experiments under varying boundary conditions and are easily applicable.