Best practice

Control (management)

Combined sewer

Ecology

Biology

Guideline

Economics

Computer science

Surface runoff

Risk analysis (engineering)

Environmental health

Business

Environmental planning

Environmental engineering

Management

Political science

Environmental resource management

Environmental science

Artificial intelligence

Stormwater

Medicine

Human health

Critical Reviews in Environmental Science and Technology

Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) are of major environmental concern for impacted surface waterbodies. In the last decades, major storm events have become increasingly regular in some areas, and meteorological scenarios predict a further rise in their frequency. Consequently, control and treatment of CSOs with respect to best practice examples, innovative treatment solutions, and management of sewer systems are an inevitable necessity. As a result, the number of publications concerning quality, quantity, and type of treatments has recently increased. This review therefore aims to provide a critical overview on the effects, control, and treatment of CSOs in terms of impact on the environment and public health, strict measures addressed by regulations, and the various treatment alternatives including natural and compact treatments. Drawing together the previous studies, an innovative treatment and control guideline are also proposed for the better management practices.

Combined sewer overflows: A critical review on best practice and innovative solutions to mitigate impacts on environment and human health