Elemental and size distribution characteristics of urban sediments: Hamilton, Canada

The elemental composition of urban sediments results from contributions from four ‘surfaces’. Three of these (local bedrock, soils and urban materials) are relatively constant and the fourth (prior deposition consisting of local and long range fallout sources) is more variable. The elemental and particle size characteristics of the urban sediments were related to source, surface winds, land use and traffic volume. The high proportion of coarser sediments (>0.037 mm) suggests that this fraction could contribute significantly to pollutant loading. This coarser material can be managed using in‐sewer holding tanks and optimization of street sweeping techniques.