Abstract
This study evaluated the effectiveness of two bioswales eight years after construction in Davis, California. The treatment bioswale measured 9 m × 1 m × 1 m (L × W × D). Engineered soil mix (75% native lava rock and 25% loam soil) replaced the native loam soil. Four Red Tip Photinia (Photinia × fraseri Dress) trees and two Blueberry Muffin Hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis umbellata (Thunb.) Makino) shrubs were planted in the bioswale. Runoff flowed into the bioswale from an adjacent 171 m2 panel of turf grass. An identically sized control bioswale consisting of non-disturbed native soil was located adjacent to the treatment bioswale. Surface runoff quantity and quality were measured during three experiments with different pollutant loads. When compared to the control, the treatment bioswale reduced surface runoff by 99.4%, and reduced nitrogen, phosphate, and total organic carbon loading by 99.1%, 99.5%, and 99.4%, respectively. After eight years, tree growth characteristics were similar across both sites.
Highlights
Managing urban runoff and its associated pollutants is one of the most challenging environmental issues facing urban landscape management
This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using bioswales to reduce surface runoff, remove pollutants from surface runoff, and support tree growth in an urban landscape
The bioswale using engineered soil mixes (ESM) was functioning at the designed capacity
Summary
Managing urban runoff and its associated pollutants is one of the most challenging environmental issues facing urban landscape management. Impervious land surfaces adversely impact the quantity and quality of surface runoff because of their effects on surface water retention, infiltration, and contaminant fate and transport [2]. Large volumes of storm runoff from urbanized areas cause flooding, sewer system overflows, water pollution, groundwater recharge deficits, habitat destruction, beach closures, toxicity to aquatic organisms, and groundwater contamination [3,4,5]. As excess surface water is quickly drained from urban areas, it is no longer available for recharging groundwater, irrigating urban landscapes, sustaining wildlife habitat and other uses [6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
