Trace metals in roof runoff

In this paper we present the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) in runoff from five different roofs (tar felt, pantiles, asbestos cement, Zn sheet, gravel) during two rainfall events. The heavy metal load of roof runoff is assessed and the different processes influencing the fate of heavy metals on roof surfaces and in roof runoff are discussed. The extent of contamination with heavy metals of runoff from different roofing material has the following sequence: zinc sheet>tar felt>pantiles>asbestos cement>gravel. The hazard of infiltration of roof runoff with respect to heavy metals is discussed by comparison with concentrations in rain.