Sulfide production and management in municipal stormwater retention ponds

Municipal stormwater retention ponds are a means of managing stormwater in urban settings. Numerous contaminants collect in stormwater retention ponds, creating problems such as odor. Because of the complex and variable nature of stormwater quality, a comprehensive study involving both a field study and a laboratory study were accomplished. These two components used a multidisciplinary approach, focused on both water chemistry and microbiological methods to analyze the existing conditions that encourage sulfide production. The field study compared two stormwater retention ponds in terms of water quality and sediment microbial communities in Edmonton, Canada to determine methods to reduce sulfate levels, which are believed to stimulate generation of the toxic hydrogen sulfide. The field study comparison was followed by laboratory studies focused on methods of suppressing sulfide production. Nitrate amendments were found to be effective in suppressing sulfate production; however, the addition of a carbon source stimulated greater sulfide production.