The synergy of permeable pavements and geothermal heat pumps for stormwater treatment and reuse

The use of permeable pavement systems with integrated geothermal heat pumps for the treatment and recycling of urban runoff is novel and timely. This study assesses the efficiency of the combined technology for controlled indoor and uncontrolled outdoor experimental rigs. Water quality parameters su...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental technology 2010-12, Vol.31 (14), p.1517-1531
Main Authors: Tota-Maharaj, K., Scholz, M., Ahmed, T., French, C., Pagaling, E.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Bacteria
Biochemical oxygen demand
Conservation of Energy Resources - methods
Construction Materials - microbiology
Deoxyribonucleic acid
Exact sciences and technology
Geothermal
geothermal heat pump
Geothermal power
Heat pumps
Heating - instrumentation
Legionella
microbial diversity
Microbiology
Microorganisms
Natural water pollution
Pavements
pervious permeable pavements
Pollution
Pumps
Rain - chemistry
Rain - microbiology
Rainwaters, run off water and others
Recycling
Runoff
Salmonella
United Kingdom
urban runoff
Water Pollutants - isolation & purification
Water quality
water reuse
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:The use of permeable pavement systems with integrated geothermal heat pumps for the treatment and recycling of urban runoff is novel and timely. This study assesses the efficiency of the combined technology for controlled indoor and uncontrolled outdoor experimental rigs. Water quality parameters such as biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients, total viable heterotrophic bacteria and total coliforms were tested before and after treatment in both rigs. The water borne bacterial community genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and was further confirmed by DNA sequencing techniques. Despite the relatively high temperatures in the indirectly heated sub-base of the pavement, potentially pathogenic organisms such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli, faecal Streptococci and Legionella were not detected. Moreover, mean removal rates of 99% for biochemical oxygen demand, 97% for ammonia-nitrogen and 95% for orthophosphate-phosphates were recorded. This research also supports decision-makers in assessing public health risks based on qualitative molecular microbiological data associated with the recycling of treated urban runoff.
ISSN:0959-3330
1479-487X
DOI:10.1080/09593331003782409