Stormwater quantity and quality control performance of bioretention systems: A literature review.

Abstract

Bioretention systems, as one of the most widely used modern stormwater management tools, have outstanding performance in capturing runoff, mitigating peak flow, delaying outflow occur time, and improving effluent quality. We reviewed the research of hydrologic and water quality performance of bioretention systems around the world from different perspectives, including the structure and classification of bioretention systems, the mechanisms of runoff and pollutants regulation of bioretention systems, the hydrologic and water quality performances of bioretention systems, the runoff control and water purification evaluation models of bioretention systems, as well as the influencing factors of runoff control and water purification efficiency. We proposed that future research should focus on hydrologic and water quality of bioretention systems, e.g., optimization of design configurations, revealing the mechanisms of plant action, revealing the mechanisms of microbial action, the effects of climate change on hydrologic and water quality performance, watershed/regional scale hydrologic and water quality performance, purification effect and mechanisms of emerging pollutants, maintenance methods, as well as life-cycle assessment and cost analysis. This review would provide theoretical and technical supports for research, design, construction, and maintenance of bioretention systems.