Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, with the increasing need to address challenges such as flooding, water pollution, and ecosystem degradation. Green infrastructure has emerged as a promising approach to managing stormwater in urban areas, offering a nature-based solution that can mimic natural hydrological processes and provide multiple benefits to the environment and communities. This thesis presents a comprehensive assessment of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, focusing on its potential to mitigate the impacts of urbanization on water resources and ecosystems. The study begins with an introduction to the importance of urban stormwater management and the role of green infrastructure in addressing related challenges. The background of the study provides a detailed overview of the current state of urban stormwater management practices and the increasing recognition of green infrastructure as a sustainable alternative. The problem statement highlights the inadequacies of traditional stormwater management approaches and the need for innovative solutions to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on water quality and quantity. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, assess its effectiveness in reducing flooding and water pollution, and analyze the economic and environmental benefits associated with its implementation. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, including constraints related to data availability, time, and resources. The scope of the study is defined to focus on urban areas and specific types of green infrastructure interventions commonly used in stormwater management. The significance of the study lies in its potential to contribute valuable insights to the field of urban water management and sustainability. By assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure, this research aims to inform decision-makers, urban planners, and environmental professionals about the benefits and challenges of integrating nature-based solutions into urban stormwater management practices. The structure of the thesis is outlined to guide readers through the research methodology, findings, and conclusions presented in subsequent chapters. The literature review explores existing research on green infrastructure, urban stormwater management, and related topics to establish a theoretical framework for the study. Key themes such as stormwater runoff, water quality improvement, ecosystem services, and the socio-economic aspects of green infrastructure are critically analyzed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. The research methodology section describes the approach taken to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. Data collection methods, analytical techniques, and case study analysis are outlined to support the research objectives and facilitate the interpretation of findings. The study design incorporates both quantitative and qualitative methods to capture a holistic view of the performance of green infrastructure interventions. The discussion of findings chapter presents the results of the assessment, including the performance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, its impact on reducing flooding and water pollution, and the economic and environmental benefits associated with its implementation. Key findings are analyzed and interpreted in the context of existing literature to draw meaningful conclusions about the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. In conclusion, this thesis provides a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, highlighting its potential as a sustainable solution to mitigate the impacts of urbanization on water resources and ecosystems. The study contributes valuable insights to the field of urban water management and sustainability, informing policy decisions and guiding future research in this important area of environmental management.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure in Urban Stormwater Management" aims to investigate and evaluate the role of green infrastructure in managing stormwater in urban areas. This research is essential due to the increasing challenges posed by urbanization, climate change, and the associated impacts on water resources and infrastructure. Green infrastructure, which includes natural elements like vegetation, soil, and permeable surfaces, offers a sustainable approach to stormwater management by mimicking natural hydrological processes and reducing the burden on traditional grey infrastructure. The research will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore the existing knowledge and practices related to green infrastructure and stormwater management. This review will provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the key concepts, principles, and benefits of green infrastructure in urban settings. By examining previous studies, best practices, and case studies, the research will identify gaps in current knowledge and potential areas for further investigation. The methodology section will outline the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques to be employed in the study. This will include field assessments, modeling exercises, surveys, and interviews with stakeholders involved in stormwater management and green infrastructure implementation. By combining quantitative and qualitative approaches, the research aims to gather robust data and insights to support the evaluation of green infrastructure effectiveness. The core of the research will focus on assessing the performance and impact of green infrastructure in managing stormwater within urban environments. This evaluation will consider various factors such as water quantity and quality, flood mitigation, ecosystem services, cost-effectiveness, and community engagement. Through field observations, data analysis, and stakeholder consultations, the research will seek to determine the extent to which green infrastructure can effectively address stormwater challenges in urban areas. The findings from the assessment will be discussed in detail to highlight the strengths, limitations, and implications of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. By analyzing the data and comparing it with established criteria and benchmarks, the research aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, engineers, and other stakeholders involved in water resource management and infrastructure development. In conclusion, the research on the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management is expected to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable water management practices. By emphasizing the importance of green infrastructure as a viable solution for urban stormwater challenges, the study seeks to promote the adoption and integration of nature-based solutions in urban planning and development. Ultimately, the research aims to support informed decision-making and policy development to enhance the resilience and sustainability of urban water systems in the face of climate change and urbanization pressures.