Green Infrastructure Solutions Research Articles

Urban stormwater green infrastructure: Evaluating the public health service role of bioretention using microbial source tracking and bacterial community analyses

Bioretention cells (BRCs) control stormwater flow on-site during precipitation, reducing runoff and improving water quality through chemical, physical, and biological processes. While BRCs are effective in these aspects, they provide habitats for wildlife and may face microbial hazards from fecal shedding, posing a potential threat to human health and the nearby environment. However, limited knowledge exists regarding the ability to control microbial hazards (e.g., beyond using typical indicator bacteria) through stormwater biofiltration. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to characterize changes in the bacterial community of urban stormwater undergoing bioretention treatment, with the goal of assessing the public health implications of these green infrastructure solutions. Samples from BRC inflow and outflow in Columbus, Ohio, were collected post-heavy storms from October 2021 to March 2022. Conventional culture-based E. coli monitoring and microbial source tracking (MST) were conducted to identify major fecal contamination extent and its sources (i.e., human, canine, avian, and ruminant). Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) was utilized to quantify the level of host-associated fecal contamination in addition to three antibiotic resistant genes (ARGs): tetracycline resistance gene (tetQ), sulfonamide resistance gene (sul1), and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase resistance gene (blaKPC). Subsequently, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was conducted to characterize bacterial community differences between stormwater BRC inflow and outflow. Untreated urban stormwater reflects anthropogenic contamination, suggesting it as a potential source of contamination to waterbodies and urban environments. When comparing inlet and outlet BRC samples, urban stormwater treated via biofiltration did not increase microbial hazards, and changes in bacterial taxa and alpha diversity were negligible. Beta diversity results reveal a significant shift in bacterial community structure, while simultaneously enhancing the water quality (i.e., reduction of metals, total suspended solids, total nitrogen) of urban stormwater. Significant correlations were found between the bacterial community diversity of urban stormwater with fecal contamination (e.g. dog) and ARG (sul1), rainfall intensity, and water quality (hardness, total phosphorous). The study concludes that bioretention technology can sustainably maintain urban microbial water quality without posing additional public health risks, making it a viable green infrastructure solution for heavy rainfall events exacerbated by climate change.

The potential of carbon markets to accelerate green infrastructure based water quality trading

Green infrastructure solutions can improve in-stream water quality in lieu of building electricity-consuming gray infrastructure. Permitted under the United States Clean Water Act, these programs allow regulated utilities to trade point-source water quality obligations with non-point source mitigation efforts in the watershed. Carbon financing can provide an incentive for water quality trading. Here we combine data on impaired waters, treatment technologies, and life cycle greenhouse gas emissions in the Contiguous United States, and compare traditional treatment technologies to alternative green infrastructure. We find green infrastructure could save $15.6 billion dollars, 21.2 terawatt-hours of electricity, and 29.8 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year while sequestering over 4.2 million tonnes CO2e per year over a 40 year time horizon. Green infrastructure solutions may have the potential to generate $679 million annually in carbon credit revenue (at $20 per credit), which represents a unique opportunity to help accelerate water quality trading.

Sustainable Spatial Planning Based on Ecosystem Services, Green Infrastructure and Nature-Based Solutions

In the last decade, ecosystem services, that is, the goods and benefits provided by ecosystems to people, have gained significant importance in the planning domain, as a consequence of the growing scholarly awareness about, and interest in, the complex relationship between human well-being and nature [...]

Community-Centric Approaches to Coastal Hazard Assessment and Management in Southside Norfolk, Virginia, USA

Urban communities in environmentally sensitive areas face escalating challenges due to climate change and inadequate infrastructural support, particularly in underserved regions like southside Norfolk, Virginia. This area, characterized by its vulnerability to flooding and a predominantly low-income population, lacks equitable inclusion in broader urban flood protection plans. This research focuses on the development of community-centered resilience strategies through active engagement and collaboration with local residents. The methodology centered around building trust and understanding within the community through a series of interactions and events. This approach facilitated a two-way exchange of information, enabling the research team to gather crucial insights on community-valued assets, prevalent flooding issues, and preferred flood mitigation solutions. The engagement revealed a significant increase in community knowledge regarding climate change, sea level rise, and stormwater management. Residents expressed a strong preference for green infrastructure solutions, including rain gardens, permeable pavements, and living shorelines, alongside concerns about pollution and the need for infrastructure redesign. The outcomes of this community engagement have initiated plans to develop tailored, nature-based flooding solutions. These results are set to inform future urban planning and policy, offering insights to the City of Norfolk and the United States Army Corps of Engineers for potential redesigns of flood intervention strategies that are more inclusive and effective. A template for participatory research to inform coastal hazard management includes cross-sector collaboration, a long-term engagement commitment, and education and surveying opportunities to align solutions to lived, local experiences. This template allows for community trust building, which is especially important in environmental justice communities. The study highlights the importance of community involvement in urban resilience planning, demonstrating that local engagement is essential in shaping community-centric solutions and equitable environmental policies.

Ponds and Wetlands Landscapes of Flood Management in the Cities of the Lower Yellow River Floodplain—The Case of Huaiyang, China

As interest has increased in green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, traditional approaches to managing landscapes have emerged as providing useful models for sustainable water and land management. From local gazetteers, archives, oral histories, maps, and satellite images, we documented the historical landscapes of ponds and wetlands back to the 17th century in the historic city of Huaiyang on the lower Yellow River floodplain. Like neighboring cities, Huaiyang was protected by a ring levee. As the floodplain rapidly aggraded, cities within the levee became topographically lower than the surrounding landscape. In this context, ponds and wetlands were essential for flood and storm water retention in the low-lying city. These seasonal waterbodies alternated between drying and wetting, providing a dynamic and diverse background for native habitats and human uses. CORONA satellite images ca. 1960s show ponds and wetlands shrinking in the dry season to 35.6% of their wet season extent, while the farmed area expanded 5.3 times. The multiple uses of wetlands included dry-season farming, harvesting wetland plants, and fishing, each use adapted to the localized topographic and hydrologic conditions of the wetlands. The late 20th century saw massive transformations for modern agriculture and urbanization. Understanding the historical evolution of this landscape can provide inspiration for developing green infrastructure and resilient designs that preserve cultural diversity and sustainably manage water in an urbanizing landscape.

Effects of urbanization and accessibility to sanitation services on water quality in urban streams in Uruguay.

The world's urban population is growing rapidly, and threatening natural ecosystems, especially streams. Urbanization leads to stream alterations, increased peak flow frequencies, and reduced water quality due to pollutants, morphological changes, and biodiversity loss, known as the urban stream syndrome. However, a shift towards recognizing urban streams as valuable natural systems is occurring, emphasizing green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. This study in Uruguay examined water quality in various watersheds with different urbanization levels and socio-environmental characteristics along a precipitation gradient. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and in situ data, we assessed physicochemical parameters, generated territorial variables, and identified key predictors of water quality. We found that urbanization, particularly urban areas, paved areas, and populations without sanitation, significantly influenced water quality parameters. These factors explained over 50% of the variation in water quality indicators. However, the relationship between urbanization and water quality was non-linear, with abrupt declines after specific urban intensity thresholds. Our results illustrate that ensuring sanitation networks and managing green areas effectively are essential for preserving urban stream water quality. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary teams and localized data for informed freshwater resource management.

Advancing Green Infrastructure Solutions in Rural Regions: Economic Impacts and Capacity Challenges in Southwest Ontario, Canada

Advancing Green Infrastructure Solutions in Rural Regions: Economic Impacts and Capacity Challenges in Southwest Ontario, Canada

Understanding Consumer Choices: Towards Sustainable Water Use in India

This study addresses the pressing issue of water scarcity in India, focusing on sustainable water management and the crucial role of consumer behavior. It establishes a clear correlation between safe water access, economic development, and public health, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these factors. The concept of a water footprint, comprising green, blue, and gray components, provides a framework for analyzing global water usage. The socio-economic context highlights the significance of recognizing water as an economic good for efficient resource allocation. Global water availability is discussed, revealing the inadequacies in freshwater distribution and the widening gap between demand and supply. India's precarious position, given its large population, is underscored. Issues related to water consumption, including reckless groundwater exploitation, emphasize the need for stakeholder involvement and a paradigm shift in water management. The study stresses the urgency of an action plan for sustainable water management, advocating strategies such as storage, conservation, and recycling. Disproportionate water usage in agriculture and urban inefficiencies are addressed, urging modernization and technological advancements. Public engagement emerges as pivotal, with consumer behavior significantly impacting water usage patterns. The study discusses the role of public feedback "report cards" in promoting accountability among service providers, whether private or government-owned. Highlighting growing awareness in India, referencing NITI Aayog's Composite Water Management Index, the study emphasizes the disparity between population and freshwater resources. Groundwater depletion and per capita water use statistics underscore the need for immediate action. The study explores untapped water supply sources, advocating for the reduction of system leakage and promoting rainwater harvesting. The potential of stormwater and wastewater management is discussed, emphasizing the importance of incorporating green infrastructure solutions. In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of studying consumer behavior to enhance water conservation strategies. Recommendations include assessing consumer awareness, understanding utilization patterns, and perceptions affecting economic impact. The research advocates for a paradigm shift in water use and recycling, emphasizing the critical role of consumers in shaping a sustainable water future for India.

Efficacy of rain barrels and rain gardens to reduce urban pluvial flooding in densely built-up residential areas: a case study on Miyahara-Cho in Saitama City, Japan

In recent years, flooding in densely built-up residential areas has tended to increase because of the increased frequency of heavy rain and climate change. Urban pluvial flooding mitigation is thus needed by reducing the runoff of sewer systems using green infrastructure solutions. In this regard, rain barrels (RBs) and rain gardens (RGs) are considered effective stormwater management methods. This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of RBs and RGs and their combined use in reducing urban pluvial flooding in densely built-up residential areas. This research undertook a case study in Miyahara-Cho, Saitama City, Japan. It involved the analysis of the total runoff of sewer systems and the flood condition in the sewer to verify the rainwater runoff control effect of RBs and RGs through simulations using the US Environmental Protection Agency’s stormwater management model. This study simulates two main types of rainfall events: short duration and long duration. The results of the short duration rainfall showed that the combination of RBs and RGs is highly effective and can reduce the impact of excess runoff. In the case of the long duration rainfall, the volume and speed of stormwater runoff of the first peak rainfall were reduced.

Global Paradigm Shifts in Urban Stormwater Management Optimization: A Bibliometric Analysis

Amidst the growing urgency to mitigate the impacts of anthropogenic climate change, urban flooding stands out as a critical concern, necessitating effective stormwater management strategies. This research presents a bibliometric analysis of the literature on urban stormwater management optimization from 2004 to 2023, with the aim of understanding how the field has responded to these escalating challenges. Aiming to map the evolution and current state of the field, this study employed a methodical approach, using CiteSpace to analyze publication trends, authorship patterns, and geographical distributions, as well as keyword and citation dynamics. The findings reveal a marked increase in research activity after 2014, with significant contributions observed between 2019 and 2022. Key research themes identified include low-impact development, green infrastructure, and stormwater management, with a notable shift towards hybrid grey–green infrastructure solutions that combine traditional and ecological elements. The prevalence of terms such as ‘best management practices’ and ‘Green Roofs’ in recent publications indicates a growing emphasis on practical, case-study-based research, particularly in green infrastructure technologies like bioretention cells. These insights underscore the field’s movement towards pragmatic, multi-objective optimization frameworks with tangible applications, guiding future research directions in this increasingly complex domain.

Combining a hydrological model with ecological planning for optimal placement of water-sensitive solutions

Newer water management approaches aim to better utilize runoff by treating it as a resource rather than a nuisance and by promoting a more holistic handling of runoff. These approaches use nature-based green infrastructure solutions to increase infiltration and detain water. Identifying optimal placement for these solutions is challenging due to multiple and sometimes competing objectives. Here, we propose a methodology to help planners and stakeholders maximize the benefits of flood mitigation projects by identifying opportunities for sustainable development. Most studies examine placement decisions based on metrics obtained from hydrological models. However, solely depending on hydrological indicators, without accounting for social and ecological indicators, might bias the placement decisions. We propose combining hydrological and land-use planning models. We used the revised version of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) known as SWAT+ to simulate existing hydrological conditions and the results as initial input for the conservation decision support software MARXAN. We added data on endangered species and distance from the human population as ecological and social indicators. This addition shifted the selected areas and provided a more complete view of runoff management than only hydrological indicators. Furthermore, we show that coupling SWAT+ and MARXAN can effectively balance hydrological concerns with ecological and social factors.

Green infrastructure and socioeconomic dynamics in London low-income neighbourhoods: A 120-year perspective

Green infrastructure (GI) and nature-based solutions (NBS) are increasingly adopted as urban planning and development solutions to enable sustainable and healthy urban transitions. However, urban green(ing) has featured as an instrument of urban planning for several centuries. The extent and causal effect of these instruments in delivering environmental and social sustainability outcomes are, however, often unclear, but raise concerns of green gentrification. This paper presents a 120-year analysis of GI in London low-income neighbourhoods drawing on below (soils) and above (urban greenery) components of GI. Three testable relationships are analysed in a long-term perspective (1881–2001): soils, geology and initial socio-spatial structures; impact of urban greenery in comparable low-income neighbourhoods; and the impact of urban greenery in low-income neighbourhoods set in their wider urban systems adjustments. The results suggest that new greenery in comparable low-income neighbourhoods had little independent effect on neighbourhood socioeconomic characteristics. Where gentrification does occur, wider processes of social, economic, and technological adjustment, rather than urban greening, is likely causal. The non-random distribution of soils is found to anchor socio-spatial structures. Future productivity of GI and NBS, e.g., sponginess or mass of green that can be sustained, will likely also vary spatially, and continue to anchor socio-spatial structures.

The Relationship between Urban Morphology on Impervious Surface Coverage in High-Density Areas - The HK Northern Metropolitan Area as a Case Study

Impervious surfaces are one of the key factors that impact stormwater management, especially for high density urban areas. This study explores the relationship between urban morphology and impervious surface coverage in high-density areas to address stormwater management challenges. Focusing on Hong Kong Northern Metropolitan Area as a case study, the research examines land use planning and diverse urban morphologies to understand the impact of impervious surfaces on stormwater runoff. From land use planning to analyzing different urban morphologies, the study elucidates the amount and distribution of impervious surfaces and their impact on stormwater runoff management in urban design. Findings provide valuable insights for urban design practices, enabling targeted strategies for sustainable stormwater management in high-density areas. By understanding the relationship between Hong Kong's context-specific urban form and properties of impervious surface /properties, targeted strategies can be developed to address the unique challenges, especially in the context of planning for the latest urban growth. Promoting the use of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, the research contributes to the knowledge on urban stormwater management, emphasizing resilience in Hong Kong’s new urban environment.

Overview of the III International Conference on Agricultural Engineering and Green Infrastructure Solutions (AEGIS-III 2023)

The overview describes the main directions and results of the III International Conference on Agricultural Engineering and Green Infrastructure Solutions (AEGIS-III 2023) held in Tashkent on 28-30 March 2023 It gives the details about the participants and the proceedings. A description of the main trends in agricultural mechanization and food technologies, green infrastructure solutions, environmental engineering for sustainable development of the modern society are given in the overview.List of Programme Committee, Organizing Committee are available in this Pdf.

Green and blue infrastructure (GBI) and urban nature-based solutions (NbS) contribution to human and ecological well-being and health

Abstract The article explores the contributions of urban green and blue infrastructure (UGBI) and nature-based solutions (NbS) to enhance human and ecological well-being and health in urban areas. It delves into the concepts of UGBI and NbS, highlighting their importance in creating sustainable and liveable cities. We consider UGBI natural elements in the urban environment, grouped into different typologies. NbS are considered solutions, or actions, to promote environmental and human health based on the use of UGBI. The assessment was done under the umbrella of human and ecosystem health, linking well-being dimensions from the Common International Classification of Ecosystem Services—freedom of choice, social relations, mental health, physical health, food security and physical security—with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, showing a link with 12 of the 15 goals. The article presents non-exhaustive lists of UGBI types and NbS actions linked to well-being dimensions. We assess ecosystem services provided by GBI and NbS and the implications of incorporating these solutions in urban environments for human and ecosystem health and the future of healthy and liveable cities.

Capitalisation of multiple ecosystems on property prices in Auckland, New Zealand

Ecosystems and their associated services have become essential in policymaking as they often have implications for the welfare of those who live nearby. Coupled with the shift toward integrating green infrastructure, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions in urban and environmental planning, ecosystems may capitalise on property prices. But a potential phenomenon in applications of hedonic prices models is the offsetting between amenities and disamenities values, which may result in insignificant marginal effects. Some strategies to mitigate this phenomenon involve introducing a greater categorisation of open spaces and housing submarkets typology. Hence, this paper explores the capitalisation patterns of 14 terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems across the housing market segments of Auckland, New Zealand's largest city. We used a dataset of 274 thousand sales transactions between January 2011 and December 2019. Models are estimated via OLS and unconditional quantile regressions (UQR) to account for heterogeneity, outliers and heavy-tailed distributions. UQR produce more accurate estimates of the implicit prices and lead to more effective policy recommendations. We find multiple capitalisation patterns across the prices distribution and confirm offsetting effects when ecosystems are not controlled as separate variables. This paper informs land-use decisions involving the preservation or creation of natural spaces in residential areas and improves our understanding of the interaction between their economic valuation and regional diversity.

Urban Agriculture and the Sustainability Nexus in South Africa: Past, Current, and Future Trends

Urban agriculture remains a topical issue that needs to be better understood in striving for sustainable cities, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Through a literature review, this article examines urban agriculture studies in South Africa to identify trends, opportunities, and gaps in the literature. The article examines the discourses that have emerged based on a narrative literature review of 62 peer-reviewed articles from 1993 to 2022. The findings indicate that several gaps in the knowledge limit our understanding of the practice of urban agriculture toward sustainable cities, for instance, an under-representation of secondary cities and the general productivist focus of most studies in the country. The author argues that future research needs to focus on underrepresented cities using rich methodologies to gain further insights into urban agriculture and its place in the city. Moreover, other under-represented themes including environmental benefits such as green infrastructure and nature-based solutions need more exploration. A more holistic understanding of urban agriculture is required in order to buttress interventions that accommodate the practice within the urban environment.

From One to Many Natures: Integrating Divergent Urban Nature Visions to Support Nature-Based Solutions in Australia and Europe

Urban nature and ways of protecting, designing and even mimicking natural processes are some of the most popular themes inspiring humanities and natural science studies in different disciplines around the globe. Urban nature, green infrastructure and nature-based solutions are three intertwined concepts. This paper will highlight some of the many visions for urban nature (e.g., four urban natures: native, cultivated, designed/horticultural and spontaneous natures) and interpretations of nature-based solutions. While there are some similarities in the interpretation of urban natures by different disciplines, some significant differences exist. This paper analyses and synthesises knowledge from divergent theoretical concepts of urban natures in Europe and Australia, and the associated ecological concepts of novel and designed ecosystems. The complexity of urban natures and native landscapes has fostered the development of several typologies that often lead to misunderstanding between discipline areas and difficulties with practical implementation, such as in urban planning or landscape design. We argue that differences in interpreting the scope of urban nature are often underlined by the specific socio-political, historical, cultural and ecological contexts of a country or region (e.g., Australia and Europe). By applying an interdisciplinary approach, we explore the concept of urban natures by analysing and synthesising links between different disciplines. A transdisciplinary perspective is an important premise for collaboration between ecological sciences and landscape architecture in many restoration projects, or when social and ecological sciences jointly address societal challenges with the help of nature-based solutions co-created using participatory approaches. The latter highlights the role of transdisciplinary research to link practitioners, policymakers and scientists, helping to engage with citizens and inform design. The analysis of several examples from Europe and Australia allowed us to depict different approaches to existing urban natures and methods of their design, enhancement and conservation. These examples highlight that different urban natures are sources of inspiration for nature-based solutions that can be successfully implemented in contemporary landscape and planning practice.

Community-Scale Spatial Mapping to Prioritize Green and Grey Infrastructure Locations to Increase Flood Resilience

ABSTRACT With increasing investment in infrastructure to address flooding, including green and grey solutions, there are challenges in selecting the type and location of infrastructure. This paper proposes a method to prioritize locations for stormwater infrastructure. Compared to prior work, it considers both green and grey infrastructure and enables detailed spatial analysis of a community. It uses quantitative measures and includes the multiple potential benefits of green versus grey infrastructure. The method is applied to the coastal county of Chatham County, GA, USA. Results show how the methodology is used to select green or grey infrastructure solutions and highlight locations that should be prioritized for infrastructure investment. Analyses accounting for uncertainties in future climate projections and population estimates are also conducted. The method includes local community characteristics, results in clear placement locations, and with decision-maker input, enables solutions to be adapted as stakeholder priorities evolve to increase community flood resilience.

Challenges of Urban Artificial Landscape Water Bodies: Treatment Techniques and Restoration Strategies towards Ecosystem Services Enhancement

With the rapid adoption of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions for a low-impact development, much consideration is given to ecosystem services and the ecological enhancement in modern planning of urban spaces. Artificial landscape water bodies have, in recent years, been utilized to enhance the ecological quality of urban environments. As an environmentally friendly measure, the water source of these waters has predominantly been adopting reclaimed water (treated wastewater). As a result, landscape water bodies are often eutrophic, exhibiting poor hydrodynamics, with lengthy water change cycles, creating the ideal environment for algal blooms that negatively impact the aesthetic appeal of these landscape waters. Based on the existing literature, this paper summarizes the treatment techniques and strategies employed in enhancing the quality of urban artificial landscape water bodies and providing integrated design solutions in the urban environment.