Bioswales: As an Alternative Technique for Surface Groundwater Recharge Treatment in Urban Areas like Mumbai

Abstract

The expeditious development and population growth in urban areas are connected to the environmental quality of the city, including the quality of water. Surface groundwater plays an immense role in the sustainability of urban areas. A variety of techniques are used and implemented for surface groundwater recharge treatment in urban areas. This study aims to assess the suitability of bioswales as an alternative technique for surface groundwater recharge treatment in urban areas like Mumbai. A bioswale is nothing but a narrow and shallow strip of a landscaped area that redirects and filters surface groundwater. It has a linear formation and is shallow in depth, and it is used to collect surface ground runoff water from non-porous surfaces such as structural rooftops of buildings, parking lots, tar and concrete roads, etc. The research methodology adopted is to study bioswales as an alternative system to enhance storm sewers, and traditional stormwater pipes in urban areas like Mumbai. These factors include construction techniques and Design, application/ Installation and maintenance, and the economic feasibility of the Bioswales system. The result indicates that bioswales can help by providing a way to conserve water, improve water quality, reduce pollution in waterways, and enhance biodiversity in urban areas like Mumbai. Keywords: Bioswale, Alternative technique, Surface ground water, Urban area, Mumbai.