Runoff of nutrients and pollutants from urban watersheds

Abstract

Runoff of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) and toxic pollutants from urbanized areas is significant source of toxic contamination and anthropogenic eutrophication of water bodies. It is difficult to calculate the surface runoff value. Overview of the runoff modules from urban watersheds with various degrees of urbanization is presented. Some results of our evaluation of the values for the watersheds of the Volkovka and Okhta rivers of St. Petersburg are considered. The evaluation was carried out with usage of our own methodology. The results of our research are compared with ones of other researches. The comparison demonstrates that urbanization significantly influences at intakes of the nutrients and pollutants into water object. The surface runoff is the main source of the pollutants and nutrients intakes into water objects from urban areas.