Environmental Science & Technology - XX(2023)XX, XX
Hydrophilic organic contaminants and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are difficult to remove from stormwater runoff. A contaminant transport model was validated to better estimate the removal of contaminants in stormwater filtration systems.
Persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT) substances pose a threat to water supplies and aquatic ecosystems. This review article presents our current knowledge on PMT substances in urban stormwater and identifies future research needs for improved stormwater monitoring and management.
Microplastics are found in lakes and reservoirs around the world. Pollution reaches even the most secluded places where human influence is minimal. Moreover, concentrations of microplastics in freshwaters are sometimes higher than in subtropical gyres, the marine areas where large amounts of waste accumulate.
The comprehensive study shows that between 1968 and 2010, biodiversity in river systems in 22 European countries initially recovered due to improved water quality. Since 2010, however, biodiversity has stagnated; many river systems have not fully recovered. The researchers therefore urgently recommend additional measures to further promote the recovery of biodiversity in inland waters.
The authors analysed a data set of 66-yr streamwater quality, 21-yr of groundwater quality and 31-yr streamflow nested from the heavily urbanized Panke catchment in Berlin. The upstream parts showed a flow regime most sensitive to changes in hydroclimatic conditions, downstream sites are more influenced by wastewater effluents, urban storm drains and inter-basin transfers for flood alleviation.
