Application of low impact development techniques to control water pollution in Riacho das Piabas, Campina Grande, Brazil

ABSTRACT

The irregular release of domestic sewage and solid waste into the drainage system, resulting in the pollution of urban water bodies, is a reality commonly found throughout Brazil. This study analyzes the application of Low Impact Development measures in the drainage area of Riacho das Piabas, in the city of Campina Grande, state of Paraíba, through the qualitative hydrological modeling of water pollution indicators, using the Storm Water Management Model program. Physicochemical indicators of water quality were monitored, in both dry and rainy periods, and flow measurements along the channel and sewage contributions were made. In the modeling stage, three scenarios were simulated: a) current in the dry period; b) current in the rainy season; c) a scenario foreseeing the application of structural and non-structural Low Impact Development measures. In the current dry season scenario, it was found that the flow propagation process increases the concentrations of the indicators along the channel. In the simulation of the rainy season, it was observed that there is a dilution of concentrations of the indicators in events with large, precipitated volume. Lastly, the simulation of the third scenario showed that the adoption of Low Impact Development measures leads to the reduction of polluting loads from surface runoff and to the improvement of quality of channel water.

Keywords:
urban drainage; rainwater quality; hydrological modeling