| Title |
Effects of Rain Gardens on Removal of Urban Non-point Source Pollutants under Experimental Conditions |
| Authors |
김창수 ( Chang Soo Kim ) ; 성기준 ( Ki June Sung ) |
| Keywords |
BMP; Heavy metals; LID; Mixed planting type; Nutrients; Stormwater management |
| Abstract |
As impermeable layer continues to increase with the urbanization process, direct input of nonpoint source pollutants into water bodies via stormwater has caused serious effects on the aquatic ecosystem. Potential applications of rain gardens are increasing not only as best management practices (BMP) for reducing the level of nonpoint source pollutants but also as an ecological engineering alternative for low impact development (LID). In this study, remediation performance of various planting types, such as a mixed planting system with shrubs and herbaceous plants, was assessed quantitatively to effectively manage stormwater and increase landscape applicability. The mixed planting system with Rhododendron lateritium and Zoysia japonica showed the highest removal performance of 76.9 ± 7.6% and 58.4 ± 5.0% for total nitrogen and 89.9 ± 7.9% and 82.4 ± 5.2% for total phosphorus at rainfall intensities of 2.5 mm/h and 5.0 mm/h, respectively. The mixed planting system also showed the highest removal performance for heavy metals. The results suggest that a rain garden with the mixed planting system has high potential applicability as a natural reduction system for nonpoint source pollutants in order to manage stormwater with low concentrations of pollutants and will increase water recycling in urban areas. |