

@article {5183,
	title = {{Impact of Microbial Partitioning on Wet Retention Pond Effectiveness}},
	journal = {Journal of Environmental Engineering},
	volume = {135},
	number = {9},
	year = {2009},
	pages = {758{\textendash}767},
	abstract = {<p>Wet detention basins are among the most common best management practices$\backslash$n(BMPs) being implemented as means of complying with United States Phase$\backslash$nII storm-water rules and impending Total Maximum Daily Load limits. The$\backslash$neffectiveness of these basins for removal of microbial contaminants, one$\backslash$nof the most frequent causes of water quality impairment, may be$\backslash$nsignificantly affected by the degree to which microbes associate with$\backslash$nparticles in storm water. Little is known with regard to where$\backslash$nmicrobial-particle associations are initiated within the storm-water$\backslash$ntransport chain as flow travels from upland sources (e.g., lawns,$\backslash$nparking lots) through storm sewer systems and BMPs and finally on to$\backslash$nreceiving waters. A similar lack of information exists on the relative$\backslash$nconcentrations of microbes at each point in the transport chain. Both of$\backslash$nthese factors have important implications for the location of wet$\backslash$ndetention basins within a watershed, as well as their anticipated$\backslash$neffectiveness. This study tracked the concentrations and partitioning$\backslash$nbehavior of three indicator organisms (fecal coliform, E. coli, and$\backslash$nenterococci) at several locations in the transport chain and also$\backslash$nexplored the impacts of partitioning on wet pond removal efficiency.$\backslash$nResults suggest that microbial-particle association is primarily$\backslash$ninitiated at upland sources and the degree of microbial partitioning$\backslash$ndoes not vary greatly throughout the transport chain; therefore,$\backslash$ntreatment ponds will likely be most effective if located near upland$\backslash$ncontaminant sources. The overall reduction in microbial concentration$\backslash$nbrought about by the ponds was less than that assumed by most regulatory$\backslash$nagencies, but the ponds did show some evidence of preferentially$\backslash$nremoving particle-associated fecal coliform and E. coli, suggesting that$\backslash$nsedimentation is a key removal process. These findings should provide$\backslash$ninsights useful in the design and implementation of storm-water$\backslash$nmanagement strategies.</p>
},
	issn = {0733-9372},
	doi = {10.1061/(ASCE)EE.1943-7870.0000040},
	author = {Krometis, LAH and Drummey, Patricia N. and Characklis, Gregory W. and Sobsey, Mark D.}
}
