Oil water separators are controls that remove which of the following from storm water runoff?

Oil water separators are specifically designed to remove insoluble oils from storm water runoff. This type of equipment functions by taking advantage of the differences in the density and viscosity of oil compared to water, allowing the oil to rise to the surface and be collected separately.

In storm water management, reducing the amount of oils in runoff is critical because these substances can be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and water quality. The efficiency of oil water separators in removing oils helps to protect waterways from contamination.

Other contaminants such as soluble nutrients, heavy metals, and sediment particles are typically addressed through different treatment systems or practices, as they do not behave in the same way as oils in water. For instance, soluble nutrients might require biological treatment methods, heavy metals often necessitate filtration or absorption techniques, while sediment particles are typically managed through sediment basins or filters. Thus, while oil water separators effectively manage oils, they are not designed to remove these other types of pollutants.