Abstract:

Green infrastructure is part of the built environment that incorporates ecological aspects into its design. Stormwater runoff is a major concern for cities globally, with many problems arising from the profound departure from the pre-development flow regime (a.k.a., the Urban Stream Syndrome). The ​stormwater biofilter (also called rain garden, bioretention system, and bioswale) is a promising approach ​use​d​ to manage urban stormwater runoff using ​planted filter media to capture, treat, and either infiltrate or release stormwater runoff. Some benefits of biofilters​ include flood prevention, water quality improvement, and wildlife habitat provision. ​Understanding how plant communities develop, what roles plants have in biofilter function, and which plants are most suitable for biofilters are topics of research much needed to improve our understanding of biofilter benefits and optimal design.