Z. Polkowska et al., Levels of pollutants in runoff water from roads with high traffic intensity in the city of Gdansk, Poland, POL J ENV S, 10(5), 2001, pp. 351-363
Analyses of samples of runoff waters collected from the principal arterial
roads in the city of Gdansk at sites characterised by heavy traffic are des
cribed in this study. Collection of the samples was carried out over a six
month period, during rain events or directly after such events. Concentrati
ons of the following analytes were determined: nitro-, chloro-, and phospho
roorganic pesticides, volatile halogenoorganic compounds, petroleum hydroca
rbons, as well as cations (Na+, K+, NH4+, Ca2+) and anions (F-, Cl-, NO2-,
NO3-, PO43-, SO42-). Additionally, total parameters such as toxicity and pH
were also measured. The results permitted us to correlate the presence and
concentration of the individual analytes with the pollution sources and ev
aluating the influence of the local emission sources on the degree of pollu
tion in the area covered by this study. The analyses performed have confirm
ed the high pollution level in the runoff waters (from the arterial roads)
and a necessity to establish a system of continuous monitoring of the conce
ntration levels of toxic chemical compounds present in these waters. A corr
elation was also found between the toxicity and concentration levels of the
aforementioned groups of analytes.