Trace metal fractionation as a mean to improve on the management of contaminated sediments from runoff water in infiltration basins

Abstract

The management of stormwater sediment is a key issue for local authorities due to the pollution load and significant tonnages. In view of reuse, for example for civil engineering, the environmental evaluation of these highly aggregated sediments requires the study of the fractionation and mobility of trace metals. The distribution of trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) and their level of lability in three French stormwater sediments was determined using sequential and kinetic extractions (EDTA reagent) associated with mineralogical analysis and scanning electron microscopy observations. Using microanalysis, new data were acquired on the evolution of aggregate state during extractions, and on its significant role in the retention of trace metals. Trace metals were, in particular, observed to be very stable in small aggregates (10–50 μm). Comparison of the two extraction methods revealed that EDTA extraction was not convenient for evaluating the stable fraction of Cr, Ni and Zn. Moreover, the results were relevant for basins presenting similar sources of trace metals, whatever the physicochemical conditions in basins. The results suggest that the management of stormwater sediments could be improved by a better knowledge of metal mobility, as chemical extractions could highlight the localization of the mobile fraction of trace metals. Treatment could be therefore avoided, or specific treatment could be applied to a reduced volume of sediments.

Keywords:

• urban stormwater sediment
• chemical extraction
• retention/infiltration basins
• trace metal fractionation
• microanalysis

Acknowledgements

This work benefits from the financial support of the “Région des Pays de la Loire” in the framework of the research project POLESUR “Soil and water pollution in urban areas” (2008-2011). We gratefully acknowledge anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments.