<p> This work focuses on the advanced physical analysis of stormwater
sediments using laser diffraction particle size analyzer and scanning electron
microscope and chemical characterization using neutron activation analysis. Since
previous studies of sediments from stormwater ponds in the Greater Toronto Area
indicated a marginal-to-significant level of pollution by most of the regulated
heavy metals, the characteristics of the storm water sediment samples obtained in
this study were compared to the sediment quality guidelines of the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment. The images from optical microscope showed that
the particles in the dried sediment were irregular, and the sizes of each particle
vary greatly. Using scanning electron microscope, it was shown that two different
structures of particles were present in the storm water sediment. It was also
observed that the main compositions (above 1000ppm) of the dried sediment
included, in descending order of concentration, Ca >AI> Fe> K > Mg > Na >Ti
> Mn. The trace compositions (below 1000ppm) included, also in descending
order of concentration, Cl > Zn > Ba > Sr > Cr > V > La > Nd > As > Br > Co >
Sc > Th > Sb > Sm > Eu. The concentrations of regulated elements such as Cr, Fe
Zn, As and Mn were above the lowest effect level, suggesting that treatment of
stormwater sediment may be necessary. A preliminary stormwater sediment
treatment experiment using thermal plasma technology was therefore conducted.
After the thermal plasma treatment, the percentage of total organic carbon
decreased and eight gas compounds including CO, COz, NO, NOz, NOx, SOz, H2S and CxHy emitted during the process. Enrichments of Mg, Cl and Na were observed in the treated sludge while the concentrations of K and Ca decreased. The potential of thermal plasma technology for the treatment of contaminated stormwater sediment was demonstrated. </p> / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:mcmaster.ca/oai:macsphere.mcmaster.ca:11375/21782 |
| Date | 08 1900 |
| Creators | Li, Helena |
| Contributors | Guo, Yiping, Chang, Jen-Shin, Civil Engineering |
| Source Sets | McMaster University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
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