Water quality improvement in a small stormwater detention pond

The aim of this study was to investigate a small open detention pond predominantly receiving stormwater drainage from a highway. The results showed a difference in pollutant removal characteristics. Particle-associated pollutants were effectively removed during storm events as indicated by EMC (Event Mean Concentrations) while dissolved pollutants were not effectively removed. Outflow pollutant loads followed linear profiles when seven consecutive storm events were represented as cumulative graphs. PEMC's (Partial EMC's) during a storm event showed an association between the specific surface area of small particles and lead content. A detention pond should be designed according to capacity to detain the complete storm volume, thus avoiding short-circuiting of the pond by pollutants