Anticipating Biological Succession in Rehabilitation of Long-Term Operated Nature-Based Solutions for Stormwater Treatment in Different Climate Zones

Nature-based solutions (NBS) for urban stormwater treatment are implemented globally.

Vegetation is crucial for their technical functiong (water quality, hydrology), aesthetic appearance, and other ecosystem services. However, over time, plant and associated microbial communities may change, also affecting the aesthetic appearance. Pollutant accumulation in the filter substrate requires rehabilitation to restore performance.

However, only few studies have looked at long term development and these, therewith associated issues.

Thus, this proposal aims to assess (i) evolution of plants and bacterial/fungal communities in stormwater NBS over time, (ii) how plants and microorganisms impact the hydraulic and treatment function, (iii) gaps in design, implementation and maintenance of stormwater NBS, (iv) develop rehabilitation concepts and, finally, (v) assess the public’s perception of plant development in aged NBS.

The results will be valuable for NBS operators and decision-makers as well as the public.

Three countries included in the consortium have long-term experience on the application of NBS for stormwater (Canada, France, Sweden), and one has recently started developing it (Estonia).

The involved researchers are continuously contributing to the development of guidance documents and are therefore very aware of the importance of acting on decision-making for a successful societal transformation. BioReStorm offers multiple possibilities for knowledge transfer.