First flush stormwater pollution in urban catchments: A review of its characterization and quantification towards optimization of control measures

Zan Gao; Qionghua Zhang; Jie Li; Yufei Wang; Mawuli Dzakpasu; Xiaochang C Wang

doi:10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117976

First flush stormwater pollution in urban catchments: A review of its characterization and quantification towards optimization of control measures

J Environ Manage. 2023 Aug 15:340:117976. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117976. Epub 2023 Apr 28.

Authors

Zan Gao¹, Qionghua Zhang², Jie Li¹, Yufei Wang¹, Mawuli Dzakpasu³, Xiaochang C Wang⁴

Affiliations

¹ Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China.
² Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an, 710055, China. Electronic address: qionghuazhang@126.com.
³ International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an, 710055, China; School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China.
⁴ Key Lab of Northwest Water Resource, Environment, and Ecology, Ministry of Education, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an, 710055, China; International Science & Technology Cooperation Center for Urban Alternative Water Resources Development, Xi'an, 710055, China.

PMID: 37121004
DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117976

Abstract

Identification, quantification, and control of First-Flush (FF) are considered extremely crucial in urban stormwater management. This paper reviews the methods for FF phenomenon identification, characteristics of pollutants flushes, technologies for FF pollution control, and the relationships among these factors. It further discusses FF quantification methods and optimization of control measures, aiming to reveal directions for future studies on FF management. Results showed that statistical analyses and Runoff Pollutographs Applying Curve (RPAC) fitting modelling of wash-off processes are the most applicable FF identification methods currently available. Furthermore, deep insights into the pollutant mass flushing of roof runoff may be a critical approach to characterizing FF stormwater. Finally, a novel strategy for FF control is established comprising multi-stage objectives, coupling LID/BMPs optimization schemes and Information Feedback (IF) mechanisms, aiming towards its application for the management of urban stormwater at the watershed scale.

Keywords: First Flush; LID; NPS; Runoff pollution; Urban stormwater.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Environmental Monitoring / methods
Environmental Pollutants*
Environmental Pollution
Rain
Water Movements
Water Pollutants, Chemical* / analysis

Substances

Water Pollutants, Chemical
Environmental Pollutants