Biomedical subjects

G Chebbo

Publications and source records attributed to G Chebbo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Spatial variability of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon load of urban wet weather pollution in combined sewers.

In Paris, the OPUR research programme created an experimental on-site observatory of urban pollutant loads in combined sewer systems in order to characterise the dry and wet weather flows at different spatial scales. This article presents the first results on the spatial variability of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) load during wet weather flow (WWF). At the scale of a rain event, investigations revealed that (i) PAH concentrations were relatively homogenous whatever the spatial scale and were greater than those of the dry weather flow (DWF), (ii) PAH distributions between dissolved and particulate phases were constant, and (iii) PAH fingerprints exhibited a similar pattern for all catchments. Moreover, an evaluation of the contribution of DWF, runoff and erosion of sewer deposits to WWF load was established. According to the hypothesis on the runoff concentration, the contributions were evaluated at 14, 8 and 78%, respectively, at the scale of the Marais catchment. For all the catchments, the runoff contribution was found quite constant and evaluated at approximately 10%. The DWF contribution seems to increase with the catchment area, contrary to the sewer erosion contribution, which seems to decrease. However, this latter still remains an important source of pollution. These first trends should be confirmed and completed by more investigations of rain events.

Cities↗

PubMed2006

Design of a retention tank: comparison of stormwater quality models with various levels of complexity.

Stormwater quality simulation models are useful tools for the design and management of sewer systems. Modelling results are highly sensitive to experimental data used for calibration. This sensitivity is examined for three modelling approaches of various complexities (site mean concentration approach, event mean concentration approach and build-up, washoff and transport modelling approach) applied to a typical case study (design of a dry detention tank), accounting for the variability of calibration data and their effect on simulation results. Calibrated models with different calibration data sets were used to simulate 3 years of rainfall with different retention tank specific volumes. Annual pollutant load interception efficiencies were determined. Simulations results revealed (i) that there is no advantage in using the EMC model compared to the SMC model and (ii) that the BWT model resulted in higher design ratios than those given by the SMC/hydraulic approach. For both EMC and BWT models, using an increasing number n of events for calibration leads to narrower confidence intervals for the design ratios. It is crucial for design ratios to account for successive storm events in chronological order and to account for the maximum allowable flow to be transferred to the downstream WWTP.

Computer Simulation↗

PubMed2005

Sensitivity to experimental data of pollutant site mean concentration in stormwater runoff.

Urban wet weather discharges are known to be a great source of pollutants for receiving waters, which protection requires the estimation of long-term discharged pollutant loads. Pollutant loads can be estimated by multiplying a site mean concentration (SMC) by the total runoff volume during a given period of time. The estimation of the SMC value as a weighted mean value with event runoff volumes as weights is affected by uncertainties due to the variability of event mean concentrations and to the number of events used. This study carried out on 13 catchments gives orders of magnitude of these uncertainties and shows the limitations of usual practices using few measured events. The results obtained show that it is not possible to propose a standard minimal number of events to be measured on any catchment in order to evaluate the SMC value with a given uncertainty.

Environmental Monitoring↗

PubMed2005

A benchmark methodology for managing uncertainties in urban runoff quality models.

In this paper we present a benchmarking methodology, which aims at comparing urban runoff quality models, based on the Bayesian theory. After choosing the different configurations of models to be tested, this methodology uses the Metropolis algorithm, a general MCMC sampling method, to estimate the posterior distributions of the models' parameters. The analysis of these posterior distributions allows a quantitative assessment of the parameters' uncertainties and their interaction structure, and provides information about the sensitivity of the probability distribution of the model output to parameters. The effectiveness and efficiency of this methodology are illustrated in the context of 4 configurations of pollutants' accumulation/erosion models, tested on 4 street subcatchments. Calibration results demonstrate that the Metropolis algorithm produces reliable inferences of parameters thus, helping on the improvement of the mathematical concept of model equations.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2005

Calibration and validation of multiple regression models for stormwater quality prediction: data partitioning, effect of dataset size and characteristics.

Two main issues regarding stormwater quality models have been investigated: i) the effect of calibration dataset size and characteristics on calibration and validation results; ii) the optimal split of available data into calibration and validation subsets. Data from 13 catchments have been used for three pollutants: BOD, COD and SS. Three multiple regression models were calibrated and validated. The use of different data sets and different models allows viewing general trends. It was found mainly that multiple regression models are case sensitive to calibration data. Few data used for calibration infers bad predictions despite good calibration results. It was also found that the random split of available data into halves for calibration and validation is not optimal. More data should be allocated to calibration. The proportion of data to be used for validation increases with the number of available data (N) and reaches about 35% for N around 55 measured events.

Calibration↗

PubMed2005

Spatial variability of characteristics and origins of urban wet weather pollution in combined sewers.

An experimental on-site observatory of urban pollutant loads in combined sewers was created in the centre of Paris to quantify and characterise the dry and wet weather flow in relation to spatial scale. Eight rainfall events were studied from April 2003 to May 2004. Samples were analysed for suspended solids, organic matter, nitrogen and heavy metals. Results confirm the extent of wet weather pollution. They have shown the relative homogeneity of SS and organic matter characteristics from one urban catchment area to another. Two groups of heavy metals were identified. The first one concerns Cu, which has a higher concentration in wet weather flow (WWF) than in dry weather flow (DWF), and runoff. The second includes Cd, Pb and Zn, where higher concentrations were measured in urban runoff than in WWF and DWF. A first evaluation of contribution of wastewater, urban runoff and sewer deposit erosion sources to wet weather pollution was established and has highlighted the contribution of wastewater and sewer deposits to this pollution. However, it has shown that sewer deposit erosion remains an important source of wet weather pollution at different spatial scales.

Cities↗

PubMed2005

Stormwater quality modelling in combined sewers: calibration and uncertainty analysis.

Estimating the level of uncertainty in urban stormwater quality models is vital for their utilization. This paper presents the results of application of a Monte Carlo Markov Chain method based on the Bayesian theory for the calibration and uncertainty analysis of a storm water quality model commonly used in available software. The tested model uses a hydrologic/hydrodynamic scheme to estimate the accumulation, the erosion and the transport of pollutants on surfaces and in sewers. It was calibrated for four different initial conditions of in-sewer deposits. Calibration results showed large variability in the model's responses in function of the initial conditions. They demonstrated that the model's predictive capacity is very low.

Bayes Theorem↗

PubMed2005

Nature and dynamic behaviour of organic surface layer deposits during dry weather.

In-situ observations were performed at two different spatial and temporal scales, in order to get a better identification of the nature of the organic layer situated at the water-sediment interface, and which had previously been identified as major of combined sewer overflows organic loads. Its composition and its build up mechanisms during dry weather periods are presented. Results showed that the concept of dry weather accumulation and more generally the way organic sewer sediments are modelled needs to be reconsidered.

Organic Chemicals↗

PubMed2005

Hydrocarbons and heavy metals fixed to the lift station sediment of the Paris combined sewer network.

This work aims to characterise the pollutant loads fixed to the Lift Station (LS) sediments. Firstly, levels of n-alkanes, PAH and heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) of LS sediments were assessed, and were found of the same order of magnitude as those reported for street runoff. In addition, investigations on LS sediment reveal that n-alkane distributions reflect the combination of biologic and petrogenic inputs, while PAH distributions indicate a major pyrolytic origin with traces of petrogenic contaminations. The metallic fingerprints also attest to the important contribution of road traffic emissions. Secondly, a comparison between LS sediment and the Gross Bed Sediment (GBS) pollutant contamination was established in order to optimize the in-sewer deposits management. For hydrocarbons, a similar contamination between both sediments is found. For the heavy metals, this comparison indicates a similar Fe and Zn content, while Pb, Cu and Cd contents differ. Indeed, LS sediment shows a higher Cu content, linked to the occurrence of intensive brake lining abrasion, compared with GBS, which reflects a higher Pb and Cd content, owing to the contribution of roof runoff. This result reveals the impact of specific inputs such as road traffic or roof runoff on the in-sewer sediments contamination, and provides a complete overview of the LS sediment contamination. This database could be used by the municipality to optimize their contaminated in-sewer sediment management.

Environmental Pollutants↗

PubMed2005

Stormwater quality models: sensitivity to calibration data.

Stormwater quality modelling is a useful tool in sewer systems management. Available models range from simple to detailed complex ones. The models need local data to be calibrated. In practice, calibration data are rather lacking. Only few measured events are commonly used. In this paper, the effect of the number and the variability of calibration data on models of various levels of complexity are investigated. The study is carried out on "Le Marais" catchment for suspended solids where 40 reliable measured events and good knowledge of the sewer system are available. The method used is based on resampling subsets of measured events among the 40 available ones. Three types of models were calibrated using subsets of events of different sizes and characteristics resampled among the 40 available ones. For each calibration, the model was validated against the remaining events to stand upon the quality of the model. It was found that the models are quite sensitive to calibration data, a problem neglected in practical studies. The use of more complex models does not necessarily improve modelling results since more problems and error sources are to be expected. The findings are specific to "Le Marais" catchment and the models used.

Calibration↗

PubMed2005

Bayesian analysis for erosion modelling of sediments in combined sewer systems.

Previous research has confirmed that the sediments at the bed of combined sewer systems are the main source of particulate and organic pollution during rain events contributing to combined sewer overflows. However, existing urban stormwater models utilize inappropriate sediment transport formulas initially developed from alluvial hydrodynamics. Recently, a model has been formulated and profoundly assessed based on laboratory experiments to simulate the erosion of sediments in sewer pipes taking into account the increase in strength with depth in the weak layer of deposits. In order to objectively evaluate this model, this paper presents a Bayesian analysis of the model using field data collected in sewer pipes in Paris under known hydraulic conditions. The test has been performed using a MCMC sampling method for calibration and uncertainty assessment. Results demonstrate the capacity of the model to reproduce erosion as a direct response to the increase in bed shear stress. This is due to the model description of the erosional strength in the deposits and to the shape of the measured bed shear stress. However, large uncertainties in some of the model parameters suggest that the model could be over-parameterised and necessitates a large amount of informative data for its calibration.

Bayes Theorem↗

PubMed2003

The nature and pollutant role of solids at the water-sediment interface in combined sewer networks.

Solids at the water-sediment interface in combined sewers are known to be important for pollution potential during storm washout via CSOs. They have been investigated in several studies, but nonetheless, little is known about the origins, build-up, transport and nature of these solids. From a review of current knowledge it is apparent that whilst there is general agreement that these solids are largely organic and have high polluting potential, their modes of transport and definition are not generally agreed upon. It is possible that there may be several "types" of these solids, defined as either: "near bed solids" or "fluid sediments/dense undercurrents", possibly representing transport modes in flows with different ranges of ambient (dry weather) velocities and with differing sewerage layouts. Current knowledge is presented and new ideas for resolving the uncertainties regarding the nature, movement and effects of this material are outlined.

Geologic Sediments↗

PubMed2003

In situ observation of the water-sediment interface in combined sewers, using endoscopy.

A new method for water-sediment interface observation has been designed. This system is based on a small diameter endoscope protected by a graduated plastic tube. It makes it possible to visualise in a non-destructive manner the sediments and the water-sediment interface. The endoscope was used to investigate Le Marais catchment (Paris): an immobile organic layer was observed at the water-sediment interface. This layer appears in pools of gross bed sediment, at the upstream of collectors, in zones where velocity is slow and where bed shear stress is less than 0.03 N/m2.

Cities↗

PubMed2003

Biofilm in combined sewers: wet weather pollution source and/or dry weather pollution indicator?

In a sewer trunk, three kinds of deposit, acting as potential wet weather sources, be found: the biofilm, the organic layer and the gross bed sediment. This research program, on the "Le Marais" catchment (Paris, France), focused on the biofilm. The objectives were to describe, using a Transmission Electronic Microscope, the architecture of the sewer biofilm and to investigate the contents and the distributions of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in biofilm. The electron micrographs illustrated a uniform film of bacteria totally covering the surface of a thick organic matrix. A large cohesion of the cell layer and organic matrix complex, due to exopolysaccharides, was noticed. Hence, the hydrocarbon contents were measured not only in the biofilm itself, but in this complex. Our results showed that almost all hydrocarbons were stored in the gross bed sediment and the organic layer and, consequently, the biofilm was not an important potential source of wet weather pollution. Comparison between the hydrocarbon distributions in the biofilm and in the other deposits indicated that the biofilm could be used as an indicator of the aliphatic hydrocarbon pollution in the organic layer.

Biofilms↗

PubMed2003

Bayesian approach for the calibration of models: application to an urban stormwater pollution model.

In environmental modelling, estimating the confidence level in conceptual model parameters is necessary but difficult. Having a realistic estimation of the uncertainties related to the parameters is necessary i) to assess the possible origin of the calibration difficulties (correlation between model parameters for instance), and ii) to evaluate the prediction confidence limits of the calibrated model. In this paper, an application of the Metropolis algorithm, a general Monte Carlo Markov chain sampling method, for the calibration of a four-parameter lumped urban stormwater quality model is presented. Unlike traditional optimisation approaches, the Metropolis algorithm identifies not only a "best parameter set", but a probability distribution of parameters according to measured data. The studied model includes classical formulations for the pollutant accumulation during dry weather period and their washoff during a rainfall event. Results indicate mathematical shortcomings in the pollutant accumulation formulation used.

Algorithms↗

PubMed2002

Identification of in-sewer sources of organic solids contributing to combined sewer overflows.

Previous research has shown that combined sewer systems are the main source of particle and organic pollution during rainfall events contributing to combined sewer overflow. The aim of this article is to identify in an urban catchment area called "Le Marais", in the center of Paris, the types of sediments that are eroded and contribute to the pollution of combined sewer overflow. Three sediment types are considered: granular material found in the inverts of pipes, organic biofilms and organic sediment at the water bed interface, identified as an immobile layer in the "Le Marais" catchment area. The method used consist, firstly, of sampling and assessing the organic pollutant loads and metallic loads of the particles in each type of sediment. Then, the mass of each type of sediment is assessed. The mass and the characteristics of each type of sediment is finally compared to the mass and characteristics of the particles eroded in the catchment area, estimated by mass balances, in order to find the source of eroded particles. The only identified type of deposit that can contribute to combined sewer overflows is the organic layer. Indeed, the solids of this layer have mean and metallic loads that are of the same order of magnitude as the eroded particles. Moreover, the mass of the organic layer considered over different time scales is of the same order of magnitude as the eroded masses during rainfall events and an erosion experiment showed that the organic layer is actually eroded.

Chemical Phenomena↗

PubMed2002

Impact of zinc roofing on urban runoff pollutant loads: the case of Paris.

Previous research on the Marais catchment in Paris demonstrated the very high zinc and cadmium contamination of runoff from zinc roofing. Thus further investigations were aimed at evaluating the relative importance of this type of roofing in Paris and its potential contribution to zinc and cadmium loads in wet weather flows. According to these results, about 40% of the surface of roofs in Paris is covered with rolled zinc (1016 ha), and this proportion is not likely to vary significantly in the next years, due to architectural rules. The Zn and Cd concentrations measured in runoff from these roofs are in accordance with literature

Construction Materials↗

PubMed2001

Contribution of different sources to the pollution of wet weather flows in combined sewers.

Experiments performed on "Marais" catchment, in central Paris, aimed to follow up the quality of wet weather flows from the entry to the exit of a combined sewer network. SS, VSS, COD, BOD5, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn concentrations were measured for an important number of rain events in roof, yard, street runoff, as well as in dry and wet weather flows at the catchment outlet. Mass entry-exit totals, at the scale of the catchment, were calculated over 31 rain events in order to evaluate the contribution of different types of runoff, of sanitary sewage and of sewer sediments to the total wet weather pollutant loads at the catchment outlet. The erosion of in-sewer pollutant stocks was found to be the main source of particles and of organic matter in wet weather flows, whereas heavy metal loads mainly originated from roof runoff, due to the corrosion of metallic roofs. Particles eroded inside the sewer during rain events were found to be quite different from the particles constituting the main part of sewer sediments: they are organic and biodegradable, with rather important settling velocities and seem to accumulate during dry weather periods. A change of the chemical form of heavy metals was noticed during the transport in the sewer and it is suspected that a fraction of the dissolved metals from the runoff is adsorbed on sewer sediments.

Cadmium↗