Rainfall simulation as a tool for urban water quality research
(2005) Rainfall simulation as a tool for urban water quality research. Environmental Engineering Science 22(3):pp. 378-383.
Full text available as: |
Abstract
This paper discusses the design of a rainfall simulator for undertaking urban water quality research. Currently there is limited understanding of many of the fundamental concepts relating to urban stormwater pollution. This can be primarily attributed to research studies being dependent on natural rainfall with its inherent high variability and the use of heterogenous urban areas. These factors can act as significant constraints to the transferability of research outcomes outside the study area. The proposed rainfall simulator has the potential to significantly enhance research outcomes and has demonstrated its ability to successfully re-create the physical characteristics of natural rainfall. Rainfall simulation techniques used in agricultural research have been refined and made appropriate for use on paved surfaces. The procedures undertaken to calibrate its performance to match natural rainfall is described. It is important that the water used in the simulations is of a similar chemical quality to that of natural rainfall. This is because the chemical characteristics of rainfall can significantly influence the physico-chemical characteristics of pollutants in runoff. A rainfall quality profile has been developed for the proposed study area using natural rainfall samples and will form the basis for the chemical quality of the water used in simulations.
| Item Type: | Journal Article |
|---|---|
| Status: | Published |
| Keywords: | Rainfall simulation, Rainfall simulator design, Urban water quality, Urban stormwater pollution, Water quality research |
| Subjects: | 290000 Engineering and Technology > 290800 Civil Engineering > 290802 Water and Sanitary Engineering 290000 Engineering and Technology > 291100 Environmental Engineering > 291101 Environmental Engineering Modelling 290000 Engineering and Technology > 291100 Environmental Engineering > 291103 Environmental Engineering Design |
| ID Code: | 4015 |
| Deposited By: | Goonetilleke, Ashantha |
| Deposited On: | 04 May 2006 |
| Alternative Locations: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1089/ees.2005.22.378 |
| Copyright Owner: | Copyright 2005 Mary Ann Liebert |
| Additional Information: | Self-archiving of the author-version is not yet supported by this publisher. For more information, please refer to the journal’s website (see link) or contact the author. Author contact details: a.goonetilleke@qut.edu.au |