Reduction of Suspended Solids in First Flush from a Building Rooftop using Various Media

We analyzed the water quality of first flush and rainfall runoff from a building rooftop, and investigated the removal of suspended solids (SS) in first flush using various media to develop a first flush filtration system. Particle size distribution exhibited most of particles in first flush from the rooftop ranged from 10 to 30 μm. SS concentrations maxed in 10~20 min and decreased afterwards. Dissolved organics and inorganic materials in runoff also showed highest levels in first flush (10 min). Filtration tests using anthracite (AC), polyurethane (PU), polypropylene (PP) showed about 50% of SS removal during the first 10 min operation, but the removal rates dramatically decreased after 20 min of filtration. Based upon the results from rinse and run cycle tests, only AC could achieve nice cycles without distinct decease of SS removal. SS removal rates increased with higher depth of media bed and lower flowrate. The system achieved over 50% of SS removal with a media depth of 30 cm and flowrate < 12 L/min. Key words: First Flush, Rainwater, Media, Filtration, Suspended Solids