Faculty of Geosciences and Environment, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
Water Sci Technol. 2011;63(7):1341-8. doi: 10.2166/wst.2011.132.
Human activity results in the production of a wide range of pollutants that can enter the water cycle through stormwater or wastewater. Among others, heavy metals are still detected in high concentrations around urban areas and their impact on aquatic organisms is of major concern. In this study, we propose to use a substance flow analysis as a tool for heavy metals management in urban areas. We illustrate the approach with the case of copper in Lausanne, Switzerland. The results show that around 1,500 kg of copper enter the aquatic compartment yearly. This amount contributes to sediment enrichment, which may pose a long-term risk for benthic organisms. The major sources of copper in receiving surface water are roofs and catenaries of trolleybuses. They represent 75% of the total input of copper into the urban water system. Actions to reduce copper pollution should therefore focus on these sources. Substance flow analysis also highlights that copper enters surface water mainly during rain events, i.e., without passing through any treatment procedure. A reduction in pollution could also be achieved by improving stormwater management. In conclusion, the study showed that substance flow analysis is a very effective tool for sustainable urban water management.
人类活动会产生大量污染物，这些污染物可能通过雨水或废水进入水圈。其中，重金属在城市地区周围仍被检测到高浓度，它们对水生生物的影响是主要关注点。在本研究中，我们建议使用物质流分析作为城市地区重金属管理的工具。我们以瑞士洛桑的铜为例来说明这种方法。结果表明，每年约有 1500 公斤的铜进入水相。这一数量导致沉积物富积，这可能对底栖生物构成长期风险。受纳地表水中铜的主要来源是无轨电车的屋顶和架空线。它们占铜进入城市水系统总输入量的 75%。减少铜污染的措施应因此侧重于这些来源。物质流分析还表明，铜主要在雨水事件期间进入地表水，即在不经过任何处理程序的情况下。通过改善雨水管理也可以减少污染。总之，该研究表明，物质流分析是可持续城市水资源管理的一种非常有效的工具。
