Characterizing particle size distribution of nonpoint source pollutants in an agricultural area

Abstract

Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution is widely recognized as a major source affecting the water quality deterioration in rivers, lakes, and marine environments. Many studies about the relations between NPS pollutants and solid matters from drainage area have been carried out in the area of stormwater management. This study collected stormwater and soil samples from a drainage area in Korea; the particle size distributions (PSDs) were then analyzed during four storm events. The results indicate that the PSDs of fine and medium silt in the stormwater are related to the soil component of the drainage area. In addition, solid matter was strongly related to NPS pollutant discharges such as total nitrogen and total phosphorus during stormwater runoff. Therefore, to design an NPS management facility, the PSD from the drainage area should be considered. It is expected that this study can be applied to the designs of settling ponds used to remove particles from stormwater runoff.