Event mean concentration and loading of litter from highways during storms

Total captured gross pollutants in stormwater runoff were monitored at six Southern California highway sites over 2 years. Gross pollutants were defined as larger than 0.5 cm and were classified into three categories. The gross pollutants were 90% vegetation and 10% litter. Approximately 50% of the litter was composed of biodegradable materials. Event mean concentrations and mass emission rates are presented. No statistically significant correlations of litter production were noted, although the event mean concentrations show an increasing trend with antecedent dry days and a decreasing trend with total runoff volume or total rainfall. The mass emission rates will be useful to estimate total litter production for developing total maximum daily loads.