First Flush Phenomenon: Proper Definition and Treatment Implication

Masoud Kayhanian
Research Professor
Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of California at Davis

Abstract:

First flush is a phenomenon that occurs when a larger concentration or mass of pollutants are associated with initial portion of a storm event as compared to the rest of the event. This seminar will introduce proper definition for both concentration and mass first flush. The first flush concept is also used for monitoring of O&G as well as its implication for pollutant treatment and toxicity removal. A methodology will be introduced to identify the best time to obtain a single runoff sample for O&G measurement to be considered as representative of the storm event. In addition, several methods will be introduced to estimate the O&G EMC without additional sampling. Mathematical modeling and simulations are also use to show the benefit of first flush treatment compared to the conventional BMPs.

Short bio:

Dr. Kayhanian is Research Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of California at Davis. Most of his current research activities are related to stormwater runoff characterization and treatment. He has published over 150 peer reviewed and conference proceeding papers. He is the contributing editor of Stormwater and the member of the editorial board for the Journal of Scientia Iranica and the Global Journal of Environmental Science and Technology.