Prediction of Suspended Solids in Urban Sewers by Transfer Function Model

There is increasing concern about the sediments transported in urban storm sewers. Progress has been made on the measurement of suspended solids, and telemetry systems have been installed that permit remote access to flow, temperature and suspended solids concentration data. Using observations obtained in the main trunk sewer in Brussels, Belgium, a transfer function model for the prediction of suspended load concentration from temperature and discharge measurements was developed. This model is based on the transfer function methodology developed by Box and Jenkins. It is shown that the transfer function model correctly tracks the suspended solids observations and makes reasonable forecasts. It provides a valid alternative for the determination of suspended solids in urban sewers from discharge and water temperature observations which are more easily measurable on line than suspended solids.