Flower Power: The Surprising Benefits of Green Infrastructure for Flood Mitigation
NordenBladet – Green infrastructure, such as flower beds, can play a key role in managing urban stormwater runoff and reducing the impact of floods. Bioretention systems, which incorporate plants into their design, are becoming increasingly popular as they improve water quality and help to control runoff volume and peak flows. A recent study compared the performance of four different plant species commonly used in bioretention systems, including Cornus sericea, Juncus effusus, Iris versicolor, and Sesleria autumnalis.
The study found that all bioretention systems, regardless of the plant species used, were effective in reducing water volume and flow as well as pollutant levels during both the growing and dormant periods. The plants helped to improve the removal of macronutrients, including nitrogen and phosphorus, and also improved the removal of trace elements such as heavy metals.
The study also found that the species of plant used played a significant role in the effectiveness of the bioretention system. The results showed that the species with the highest evapotranspiration rates, such as Cornus sericea, were the most effective in reducing runoff volume and improving water quality. The results of the study highlight the importance of selecting the right plant species for bioretention systems in temperate climates.
In conclusion, incorporating flower beds and other forms of green infrastructure into urban design can help to mitigate the impacts of floods and improve water quality. This study highlights the significance of plant species selection in bioretention systems, and the potential for flower beds to play a key role in reducing runoff volume and improving water quality during floods.
Featured image: Unsplash
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