Additional Details

Description

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, and the city of New Bedford Department of Public Works, examined accumulation rates and chemical composition of street dirt in residential areas in 2003 and 2004 and analyzed the effectiveness of two types of street sweepers. Street-dirt accumulation rates were determined on two streets within an area of predominantly multifamily homes in the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts. Accumulation rates were determined for 1-, 2-, or 3-day intervals; street dirt with particle sizes larger than 125 micrometers was collected; and finer material was flow-proportionally sampled. Chemical composition of street dirt was determined at the two residential locations from a handheld vacuum equipped with a 0.2-micrometer high-efficiency particulate air filter. Vacuumed material was analyzed for elements (including trace metals) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are contaminants typical of urban environments. Street-sweeper efficiencies were determined by applying a known mass of dirt to a street and measuring the mass of dirt swept by mechanical- and vacuum-type sweepers. Street dirt swept by the city in routine sweeping by both types of sweepers was analyzed for particle-size distribution, elements, and organic compounds, and these data were used to estimate the mass of contaminants removed from the city's streets.

Survey Date

2005

Print Date

2005

Two Sided

Yes

Pieces

1

Languages

English