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Infiltration swales are a prospective key component of water-sensitive urban planning. The utilization of appropriate soil amendments is intended to facilitate the retention of pollutants from the stormwater runoff of traffic areas. Little is known about the possibility of utilizing processed construction and demolition waste (CDW) as an amendment to improve pollutant retention. We conducted batch and field tests to investigate (i) the leaching of metals and other elements from soil substrates containing CDW and (ii) their retention potential for copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) when charged with real traffic area runoff. To gain a comprehensive understanding of the chemical interactions, we (iii) employed sequential extractions using an optimized protocol from treated and untreated soil substrates. In batch tests, the potential of vanadium leaching from technosols amended with brick-dominated CDW was apparent. When charged with traffic area runoff, the retentions of Cu and Zn in the technosols were comparable to those of the control soil without CDW. However, the simulation of high rainfall intensities reduced Cu and Zn retention in the technosols and the control. The results from the subsequent sequential extraction of Cu and Zn imply shifts in the chemical binding in the technosols compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioretention cells (BCs) are widely used to manage urban runoff due to their positive impact on runoff control. Current research primarily focuses on optimizing the internal structural design of bioretention cells, while studies on the interactions between their spatial configuration, topography, and land use types are limited. This study employs the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) and uses extreme rainfall to analyze the influence of typical stormwater flow paths, determined by various land use types and topography, as well as the spatial configurations of bioretention cells on catchment hydrological performance. The results show the following: (1) Different stormwater flow paths significantly affect catchment hydrological performance, with series-type pathways performing best. (2) The spatial configuration of bioretention cells significantly influences catchment hydrological performance. Decentralized BCs under series-type pathways showed better performance for reducing total outflow and peak runoff, with reduction rates increasing by 7.1% and 8.8%, while centralized BCs better delayed peak times. (3) Stormwater flow paths affect BC efficiency in catchment hydrological performance. Decentralized BCs under a series-type stormwater flow path are recommended for priority use. This study provides a novel perspective for optimizing the spatial arrangement of BCs and urban stormwater management, thereby contributing to flood risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cities face growing challenges from stormwater: flooding, pollution, and habitat loss. Green infrastructure offers solutions, yet the aesthetic dimension is often overlooked. This study introduces the Buras Beauty Scale for objectively assessing the beauty of wetland configurations and emphasises its integration into green infrastructure projects. Our methodology involved surveying diverse groups, including non-architecture students and non-traditional architects, who perceived higher beauty in wetland configurations compared to traditional architects and architecture students (mean beauty scores: 7.8 and 7.5 vs. 6.2 and 6.4, respectively). Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation (r = 0.731, p < 0.05) between beauty assessments and Shannon-Weaver entropy, highlighting the importance of topographic diversity. We also observed that higher beauty scores correlated with greater consensus among respondents, as evidenced by a decrease in the coefficient of variation from 0.52 to 0.34. Multicriteria analyses, integrating beauty with functionality, identified optimal wetland configurations for urban landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) represent a paradigm shift in stormwater management, offering holistic solutions to urban water challenges. This review examines SUDS principles, design strategies, effectiveness and barriers to implementation. SUDS prioritize infiltration and mimic natural hydrological processes to reduce flood risk, improve water quality and support ecosystems in urban environments. Effective SUDS design integrates different components such as permeable pavements, green roofs, and rain gardens, tailored to the local context. Evidence suggests that well-designed SUDS can mitigate peak flows, reduce runoff volumes, and purify water. However, barriers to widespread adoption include lack of awareness, upfront costs, and regulatory complexity. Overcoming these will require collaborative stakeholder action to prioritize education, policy support, and funding opportunities. Future research should focus on optimizing SUDS design, assessing long-term performance, and quantifying socio-economic benefits. By integrating SUDS into urban landscapes, cities can strengthen hydrological resilience, promote sustainability, and enrich urban life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stormwater management in urban environments typically involves regulation of release rates of stored water from control structures to mitigate enhanced peak flows that can cause damaging flooding. The extent to which this mitigation influences stream geomorphic stability remains largely unexplored. Moreover, few, if any, studies have examined how instability is related to hydraulic effects of in-channel structures within urban stream systems. This paper assesses the potential for channel instability under existing conditions in two urban streams in Cook County, Illinois using a stream-power modeling approach. It also evaluates the impact of watershed-specific release rates intended to mitigate flooding from future development on instability potential. The analysis utilizes hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to estimate stream power per unit area for 2-year and 50-year storm events for both the existing base condition and for four release-rate scenarios. Stream power exceeding the critical power required to mobilize channel bed material is integrated over time to determine excess work. Results show that the spatial distribution of excess work for the base condition varies by more than nine orders of magnitude within individual reaches, confirming high potential for instability. Release-rate scenarios both increase and decrease the magnitude of excess work relative to the base conditions within specific reaches of the two streams but do not alter substantially the high variability in excess work. The results demonstrate that instability potential in these urban fluvial systems is governed primarily by spatial variability in hydraulic properties associated with fragmentation of the streams by multiple in-channel structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Düzce University Journal of Forestry / Düzce Üniversitesi Orman Fakültesi Ormancılık Dergisi is the property of Duzce University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

A rain garden is a stormwater management system designed for on-site water control. Suboptimal rain garden designs may compromise hydrological performance during operation, necessitating developing and validating a mathematical model for engineering calculations and design assessment. This study aimed to model infiltration processes in a rain garden using a mathematical framework that accounts for the height of the water column (HWC) on the surface and the filtration coefficient of soil materials, simulating system behaviour during an extreme rainfall event (36 mm/h). The developed model generated performance curves illustrating the rain garden’s efficiency as a function of design parameters: construction depth, catchment-to-garden area ratio, filtration coefficient, and water retention capacity (WRC). Key soil material parameters were determined experimentally under laboratory conditions. The infiltration performance of the system was evaluated by analysing the variation in infiltration time, saturation of all layers, and the water filling level of the rain garden resulting from adjustments to its parameters and changes in HWC on the surface. The modelling results indicated that the primary parameters influencing the predicted time for complete system saturation and HWC formation are the catchment-to-garden area ratio and the filtration coefficient. The WRC of soil materials and the depth of the system layers significantly impact the time required for full saturation and water filling but have minimal effect on the surface HWC. It was demonstrated that a rain garden with a depth of 1.2 m, a catchment-to-garden area ratio of 15, and a filtration coefficient of 100-200 cm/h functions effectively under critical rainfall intensities. The developed model and the resulting data, providing precise calculations and design recommendations, can be utilised by engineers and planners to optimise rain garden designs, thereby enhancing stormwater management efficiency

Urban areas can be seriously disrupted by flooding after heavy rain events. Therefore, several strategies based on grey infrastructure have been implemented over the years to mitigate the impact of significant rainfalls and make urban areas more resilient against flash floods. Green Infrastructure (GI) is an environmentally appropriate alternative which can reduce the amount of stormwater delivered to a drainage system within an urban area while mitigating the contamination carried with it. To date, however, relatively little attention has been paid to public acceptance and to the challenge GI may face in the presence of shallow aquifers. This paper presents a framework for assessing the social and technical feasibility of GI in a coastal urban area with a shallow aquifer. The method consists of the assessment of potential scenarios upon the assessment of government acceptance coupled with a stormwater management model. The urban laboratory for this study is the city of Hoboken (NJ) which is located near the estuary of the Hudson River. It was selected due to the availability of data, its vulnerability to flooding, and the presence of a shallow aquifer. Results from interviews indicate positive feedback for the implementation of GI, but specific GI techniques could not be identified. So, based on generally accepted GI measures, right-of-way, resiliency parks, and green roofs were considered and implemented into a stormwater management model. The model was used to simulate the performance of various GI options to minimize stormwater runoff. Simulation results show that all the alternatives considered are effective in reducing runoff volumes for rainfall events of less than a 1-year recurrence interval. However, they do not mitigate the negative impact of heavier rain events due to limited storage as a consequence of the size of the site and the shallow aquifer within the coastal urban area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Floodplain restoration is an approved stormwater management method, but rarely chosen by developers due to the perceived high cost and lengthy approvals required from regulatory agencies. Yet, when chosen, restoring a floodplain yields significant environmental benefits for the community due to improved flood resiliency and wetland habitat and superior reduction of negative externalities. In 2012, a corporation in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, explored the option to restore a historic floodplain on its 40‐hectare property to fulfill the stormwater management requirements for a planned development project. There was a social dynamic at play in this instance that allowed the developer, municipality, and citizens to achieve a win across three dimensions often in conflict: maximizing private economic returns, achieving environmental compliance, and benefiting the community ecologically. Using a social–ecological system (SES) framework, this paper analyzes the course of the development project through the government approvals process and the actual restoration of the floodplain. Two influential actors are identified who do not often appear in the literature on SESs: sports advocacy groups and religious groups. We posit that the developer's industry was uniquely receptive to conservation appeals and that the proximity of an urban metropolis made collective action a relevant strategy for the region. Critical factors in the decision process were the cost–benefit analysis contracted by the developer, local (county) government leadership, and a history of local citizen activism. We conclude that a misalignment of anthropogenic and ecological boundaries can prevent such positive outcomes and that collective action is a viable strategy to overcome that challenge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weather extremes such as heavy rainfall and long periods of drought brought about by climate change put a strain on the environment and people. Cities can counter these weather extremes with blue-green infrastructure, usually focusing on plant-based solutions. The ecosystem services of plants offer added value to these systems. Bioretention systems are a central element of rainwater management, and pioneering research into the role of vegetation in bioretention systems has taken place in the USA and Australia. There are comparatively few publications from Europe. A systematic literature search was carried out in Web of Science using the PRISMA model. A search was made for articles that investigated the use of plants in bioretention systems in order to obtain information on practices and their use in the temperate climate of Central Europe. A strength of this review is the compilation of all species used and their reported vitality. A total of 391 taxa were described in the journals. For almost all plant species, their vitality, performance, or function in bioretention systems was only documented once. Only Carex appressa, Juncus effusus, and Panicum virgatum were examined multiple times. Of particular importance are the functional characteristics observed, which determine the survival of the plants and their ecosystem services for this application. An understanding of functional traits can be of particular assistance in selecting the right plants to optimize stormwater management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its unique climate and geography, Taiwan experiences abundant rainfall but still faces significant water scarcity. As a result, rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) have been recognized as potential water resources within both water legal and green building policies. However, the effects of climate change—manifested in more frequent extreme rainfall events and uneven rainfall distribution—have heightened the risks of both droughts and floods. This underscores the need to retrofit existing RWHSs to function as stormwater management tools and water supply sources. In Taiwan, the use of simple and cost-effective passive release systems is particularly suitable for such retrofits. Four key considerations are central to designing passive release RWHSs: the type of discharge outlet, the size of the outlet, the location of the outlet, and the system's operational strategy. This study analyzes three commonly used outlet types—namely, the orifice, short stub fitting, and drainage pipe. Their respective discharge flow formulas and design charts have been developed and compared. To determine the appropriate outlet size, design storms with 2-, 5-, and 10-year return periods in the Taipei area were utilized to examine three different representative buildings. Selected combinations of outlet diameters and five different outlet locations were assessed. Additionally, probably hazardous rainfall events between 2014 and 2023 were used to verify the results obtained from the design storm analysis. Based on these analyses, the short stub fitting outlet type with a 15 mm outlet diameter was selected and verified. For determining the suitable discharge outlet location, a three-step process is recommended. First, the average annual water supply reliability for different scenarios and outlet locations in each representative building is calculated. Using this information, the maximum allowable decline in water supply reliability and the corresponding outlet location can be identified for each scenario. Second, break-even points between average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves, as well as the corresponding outlet locations, are identified. Finally, incremental analyses of average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves are conducted to determine the suitable outlet location for each scenario and representative building. For the representative detached house (DH), scenario 2, which designates 50% of the tank's volume as detention space (i.e., the discharge outlet located halfway up the tank), and scenario 3, which designates 75% (i.e., the discharge outlet at one-quarter of the tank height), are the most suitable options. For the four-story building (FSB), the outlet located at one-quarter of the tank's height is suitable for both scenarios 2 and 3. For the eight-story building (ESB), scenario 2, with the outlet at one-quarter of the tank's height, and scenario 3, with the outlet at the lowest point on the tank's side, are preferred. The framework developed in this study provides drainage designers with a systematic method for determining the key parameters in passive-release RWHS design at the household scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Vatten is the property of Foreningen Vatten and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Previously developed analytical stochastic models (ASMs) have the limitations in that they can only be individually applied for specific end-of-pipe or low impact development facilities. This paper proposed a framework of ASMs that can be used for easily analyzing different types of storm water control measures (SCMs). The effective storage capacity for either storage-based or infiltration-based control measures was defined and formulated. Various inflow and outflow patterns of specific SCMs were also considered and analyzed. This framework also provides better insights into the similarities and differences among the model structures of different SCMs. Case studies with six climatically different locations in China and the U.S., different soil properties and six types of SCMs demonstrated the effects of various factors on runoff reduction ratios. Despite the limitations of the proposed framework such as the assumption of exponential distribution for rainfall event characteristics and the unavailability to perform single rainfall event simulation, it can still be used as a convenient toolkit to make fast and comprehensive decisions in selecting different SCMs for a specific runoff control target in design practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditionally, urban stormwater infrastructure systems consist of passive infrastructure that is not actively controlled in response to rainfall events. Recently, real-time control (RTC) has been considered as a means to significantly increase the capacity and lifespan of these systems. This paper introduces the target flow control systems (TFCS) approach, which can use real-time control of systems of storages to achieve the desired flow conditions at the locations of interest. The first distinctive feature of this approach is that it does not require calibration to catchment-specific data, unlike existing approaches. This means that the TFCS approach is generally applicable to different catchments and is able to respond to future changes in runoff due to land use and/or climate change. The second distinctive feature is that the approach only requires storage-level information measured in real time with the aid of low-cost pressure sensors. This means that the approach is practical and relatively easy to implement. In addition to the introduction of the novel TFCS approach, a key innovation of this study is that the approach is tested on three case studies, each with different physical configurations and stormwater management objectives. Another key innovation is that the TFCS approach is compared to five RTC approaches, including three of the best-performing advanced approaches from the literature. Comparisons of multiple RTC approaches that consider both performance and practicality across multiple case studies are rare. Results show that the TFCS approach is the only one of the five control approaches analysed that has both the best overall performance and the highest level of practicality. The outcomes highlight the potential of the TFCS approach as a practical RTC approach that is applicable to a wide range of catchments with different stormwater management objectives. By maximizing the performance of existing stormwater storages, the TFCS approach can potentially extend the lifespan of existing infrastructure and avoid costly upgrades due to increased runoff caused by land use and climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the accuracy of water level forecasting using two approaches: the hydrodynamic model SWMM and machine learning (ML) models based on the Nonlinear Autoregressive with Exogenous Inputs (NARX) framework. SWMM offers a physically based modeling approach, while NARX is a data-driven method. Both models use real-time precipitation data, with their predictions compared against measurements from a network of IoT sensors in a stormwater management system. The results demonstrate that while both models provide effective forecasts, NARX models exhibit higher accuracy, with improved Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) coefficients and 33–37% lower mean absolute error (MAE) compared to SWMM. Despite these advantages, NARX models may struggle with limited data on extreme flooding events, where they could face accuracy challenges. Enhancements in SWMM modeling and calibration could reduce the performance gap, but the development of SWMM models requires substantial expertise and resources. In contrast, NARX models are generally more resource-efficient. Future research should focus on integrating both approaches by leveraging SWMM simulations to generate synthetic data, particularly for extreme weather events, to enhance the robustness of NARX and other ML models in real-world flood prediction scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stormwater management in coastal urban cities, where drainage networks are influenced by marine dynamics and specific soil and altimetry conditions, has specific challenges that need to be addressed to ensure adequate management in such areas, which are also heavily affected by floods. Their location downstream of drainage basins and the interaction of network outfalls with current and tidal variability increases the vulnerability of populations and should therefore be the target of specific studies. This article presents a literature review, where publications that focus on stormwater management in coastal urban areas were identified and analyzed. The main objective was to present the key issues related to drainage in coastal areas, the most relevant challenges, the solutions and strategies that reveal the greater potential for application and the challenges for modeling this type of case. It is intended to provide a grounded basis for new ways of optimizing stormwater drainage in coastal areas and promote a sustainable urban water cycle. This review reveals the necessity to implement a multidisciplinary approach to minimize three main issues: urban flooding, stormwater pollution and groundwater salinization, including the adaptation of existing infrastructures, complementing them with control solutions at source, correct urban planning and the involvement of populations. For an effective management of urban stormwater drainage in coastal areas, this approach must be carried out on a watershed scale, duly supported by reliable decision support tools and monitoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impermeable surfaces have increased due to urbanization, leading to environmental problems in urban areas. To address these challenges, more municipalities are turning to green infrastructure strategies. Municipalities need to implement green infrastructure on public land and encourage residents to adopt it on their private properties. While previous research has explored factors influencing residents' willingness to install green infrastructure, little attention has been given to the combined barriers to implementation, particularly social barriers. This study aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the factors affecting residents' willingness. An online survey was created utilizing a previously employed scale, and regression models were used for each green infrastructure strategy. The study area was selected as Villakent, Izmir, and the responses of 123 participants were analyzed. The findings suggest that municipalities can facilitate greater adoption of green infrastructure by organizing seminars and training sessions in addition to existing incentives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic climate change and rapid urbanization are contributing to more frequent and intense urban flooding. There is widespread agreement that traditional gray infrastructure, a single‐purpose solution, fails to address the problem properly and contributes to adverse direct and indirect environmental impacts. As such, Nature‐based Solutions (NbS) can provide improved outcomes to flood risk management along with co‐benefits to society and the economy, as they have numerous benefits incuding often a smaller carbon footprint or even sometimes sequestering carbon. However, there is ambiguity and misconception about NbS and the uptake of NbS for flood management, which is still inadequate compared to traditional gray infrastructure. This research seeks to explore various nature‐based infrastructures including their present status of application for flood risk management to build resilience to urban flooding through a systematic literature review. The robustness of some NbS is questionable and varies across different spatial scales from plot to watershed. NbS can work stand‐alone in many cases as well as supplement traditional gray infrastructure to achieve wider benefits. The review provides a comparison of nature‐based solutions with gray infrastructure, identifies flood mitigation infrastructures that include nature‐based elements, and provides an overview of their effectiveness across different scales. The research findings should contribute to a better understanding of appropriate and diverse options of NbS, gray, and hybrid designs by policymakers and decision‐makers to enable them in effectively designing and implementing urban flood risk mitigation measures. This article is categorized under:Climate and Development > Urbanization, Development, and Climate ChangeVulnerability and Adaptation to Climate Change > Learning from Cases and Analogies [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]