Assessment of the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management

Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Urban stormwater management is a critical aspect of sustainable urban planning, aiming to mitigate the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff on the environment and public health. Green infrastructure has emerged as a promising approach to address stormwater management challenges by incorporating natural elements into urban landscapes. This thesis focuses on assessing the effectiveness of green infrastructure in urban stormwater management, examining its performance in reducing stormwater runoff, improving water quality, and enhancing urban resilience to climate change impacts. The study begins with an introduction that provides background information on urban stormwater management issues and the growing importance of green infrastructure as a sustainable solution. The problem statement highlights the inadequacy of traditional stormwater management practices and the need for innovative approaches to address urban runoff challenges effectively. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure in managing stormwater, identify key factors influencing its effectiveness, and provide recommendations for enhancing its implementation in urban settings. The literature review explores existing research on green infrastructure and urban stormwater management, analyzing the benefits, limitations, and challenges associated with its implementation. Key themes include the role of vegetation, soil, and permeable surfaces in stormwater management, the economic and social benefits of green infrastructure, and the importance of stakeholder engagement in promoting its adoption. The research methodology section outlines the approach taken to assess the effectiveness of green infrastructure, including data collection methods, site selection criteria, and analytical techniques. The study uses a combination of field surveys, water quality monitoring, and modeling to evaluate the performance of green infrastructure practices in reducing stormwater runoff and improving water quality in urban environments. The discussion of findings presents the results of the study, highlighting the performance of different types of green infrastructure practices in managing stormwater and their impact on water quality parameters. The analysis identifies factors influencing the effectiveness of green infrastructure, such as design considerations, maintenance practices, and stakeholder engagement. The findings contribute to a better understanding of the benefits and challenges of implementing green infrastructure in urban stormwater management. In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of green infrastructure as a sustainable approach to urban stormwater management, offering multiple benefits in terms of flood mitigation, water quality improvement, and urban greening. The thesis provides recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of green infrastructure practices, emphasizing the need for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and policy support to promote its widespread adoption in urban areas. Keywords Green infrastructure, Urban stormwater management, Sustainable urban planning, Water quality, Climate change resilience.