Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban development, particularly in addressing the challenges posed by increased urbanization and climate change. Green infrastructure has emerged as a promising approach to managing stormwater runoff by utilizing natural systems to reduce the impact of urbanization on water quality and quantity. This thesis presents an assessment of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, focusing on its implementation in urban areas and its potential benefits and limitations. The study begins with an introduction to the importance of urban stormwater management and the role of green infrastructure in addressing related challenges. A comprehensive review of the existing literature is conducted to explore the various types of green infrastructure, their mechanisms of action, and their effectiveness in managing stormwater runoff. The literature review also discusses the key factors influencing the performance of green infrastructure, including design considerations, maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. The study includes a combination of field surveys, data collection, and analysis to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure installations in different urban settings. The methodology also considers the perspectives of stakeholders, including local authorities, urban planners, and residents, to understand the challenges and opportunities associated with implementing green infrastructure. The findings of the study highlight the positive impact of green infrastructure on urban stormwater management, including improvements in water quality, reduced peak flows, and enhanced biodiversity. However, the research also identifies several challenges and limitations, such as limited public awareness, maintenance issues, and variability in performance across different green infrastructure types. The discussion of findings delves into these aspects in detail, providing insights into the factors influencing the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. In conclusion, this thesis emphasizes the importance of green infrastructure as a sustainable approach to urban stormwater management. The study underscores the need for integrated planning and design strategies that consider the unique characteristics of urban areas to maximize the benefits of green infrastructure. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and provides valuable insights for policymakers, urban planners, and other stakeholders involved in urban stormwater management. Keywords urban stormwater management, green infrastructure, sustainability, water quality, urbanization, climate change.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Assessment of the Effectiveness of Green Infrastructure in Urban Stormwater Management" aims to investigate and evaluate the impact and efficiency of green infrastructure in managing stormwater within urban environments. Urbanization has led to increased impervious surfaces, resulting in higher volumes of stormwater runoff that can overwhelm existing drainage systems and lead to various environmental issues such as flooding, pollution, and erosion. Green infrastructure, which includes nature-based solutions like green roofs, rain gardens, permeable pavements, and constructed wetlands, presents a sustainable approach to managing stormwater by mimicking natural hydrological processes and promoting infiltration, retention, and treatment of runoff. This research project will delve into the current state of urban stormwater management practices and the role of green infrastructure as a viable solution to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization on water resources. By conducting a comprehensive literature review, the study will explore existing knowledge, theories, and case studies related to green infrastructure implementation in urban settings. The literature review will also analyze the effectiveness of various green infrastructure practices in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, enhancing biodiversity, and providing multiple co-benefits for urban communities. Furthermore, the research methodology will involve field investigations, data collection, and analysis to assess the performance and effectiveness of selected green infrastructure projects in managing stormwater within a specific urban area. By employing quantitative and qualitative research methods, the study will evaluate key performance indicators such as runoff reduction, water quality improvement, infiltration rates, and cost-effectiveness of green infrastructure installations. Through monitoring and modeling techniques, the project aims to provide empirical evidence and insights into the practical application and outcomes of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. The findings and discussion chapter will present a detailed analysis of the research results, highlighting the strengths, limitations, and implications of green infrastructure as a sustainable stormwater management strategy in urban contexts. The discussions will address the challenges, barriers, and opportunities associated with the design, implementation, and maintenance of green infrastructure projects, considering factors such as land use, climate conditions, policy frameworks, and stakeholder engagement. In conclusion, this research project seeks to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on green infrastructure and its effectiveness in urban stormwater management. By synthesizing theoretical insights with empirical data, the study aims to provide valuable recommendations for policymakers, urban planners, engineers, and environmental practitioners to promote the widespread adoption and integration of green infrastructure practices within urban landscapes. Ultimately, the project aspires to advance sustainable water management practices, enhance urban resilience to climate change, and foster healthier and more livable cities for present and future generations.