High-efficiency control strategies for urban composite non-point source pollution: optimization of source and process control facilities

Abstract

Urban composite non-point source (UCNPS) pollution has become a considerable source of basin pollution. Its control can generally be approached at the source and process levels; however, source and process control facilities face challenges in achieving high-efficiency control. To optimize the layout of source control facilities, two methods were developed in this study: 1) a Storm Water Management Model (SWMM)–group decision-making method for small-area basins and 2) a multi-objective optimization method for large-area basins. For process control of combined sewer overflow (CSO) pollution, methods based on the SWMM and ideal point theory were developed to determine the optimal CSO storage tank volume and the optimal interception ratio of the combined drainage systems. For process control of first-flush runoff (FFR) pollution in separate drainage systems, methods integrating SWMM simulations with empirical design formulas were proposed to determine the optimal volume and layout of FFR storage tanks. These methods were applied to develop high-efficiency source and process control schemes in two representative urban areas—Yongchuan and Jintan—in the Yangtze River Basin, China. The results indicated that by optimizing the layout of source control facilities, 12.44%–22.07% of the pollution load was intercepted at the source level. Furthermore, the rational deployment of process control facilities intercepted 29.6%–44.9% of CSO pollution and 22%–33% of FFR pollution at the process level, achieving efficient UCNPS pollution control with limited resources. The proposed methods and cases studies provide valuable references for UCNPS pollution control in other basins.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Urban composite non-point source / Source control / Process control / SWMM / Group decision-making / Multi-objective optimization

Highlight

	● The optimal layout of source control facilities was determined.
	● The optimal volume of CSO storage tank was determined.
	● The optimal interception ratio of combined sewer system was determined.
	● The optimal volume and layout of FFR storage tank was determined.

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