Equilibrium partitioning of heavy metals as a function of urban storm water sediment granulometry — Implications for eco-treatment

Urban storm water mobilizes a wide gradation of entrained anthropogenic solids that are capable of mediating the equilibrium partitioning of heavy metals discharged in the urban environment. For residence times conditions that result in partitioning equilibration (12–24 hours), whether in existing drainage conditions or engineered eco-treatment systems such as detention basins, this study investigates partitioning of heavy metals as a function of particle granulometry. Study results are useful for selection, design and maintenance of storm water eco-treatments, such as detention or settling basins, utilizing mechanisms of clarification and partitioning to clarified solids.