Flood-prone cities can slash runoff and pollution by 60% with smart green infrastructure
The study aimed to find the best ways to manage stormwater in cities using different green techniques. Researchers combined computer models with a smart algorithm to figure out the best size, type, and location for these methods in an urban area. They tried out different scenarios like normal, wet, and dry weather to see which green methods work best. Combining techniques like swales, bioretention systems, permeable pavements, and detention ponds made a bigger impact on reducing floods and cleaning pollutants compared to using them alone. The results showed that in rainy conditions, using permeable pavement reduced floods by around 56% and removed 60.2% of pollutants, with swales being effective for removing pollutants too.