The Influence of Different Urban Pavements on Water Chemistry

ABSTRACT Urban pavements may influence water quality by leaching contaminants such as total hydrocarbons, nutrients and metals which can negatively influence receiving waters. We studied the influence of different pavement types on water chemistry using recirculating laboratory mesocosms. Pavement types tested were unsealed and sealed asphalt concrete pavement, recycled asphalt concrete pavement, Portland cement concrete (PCC), PCC with fly ash, PCC with ground-granulated blast furnace slag, and porous PCC. Pavement types variably influenced pH, metal, bromide, chloride, phosphate and sulfate concentrations relative to controls. Data suggest pavement types can act as a source of contaminants to receiving waters, not just a conduit.