Urban Storm water Pollution Control through Nature Based Filtration Technologies

Abstract

Urban stormwater runoff is a major contributor to environmental pollution, transporting a wide range of contaminants such as heavy metals, nutrients, suspended solids, hydrocarbons, and emerging pollutants into natural water bodies. Nature-based filtration technologies have emerged as sustainable and effective solutions for mitigating urban stormwater pollution by leveraging natural processes such as adsorption, filtration, biodegradation, and plant uptake. This study evaluates the performance of various nature-based filtration systems, including biochar-amended filters, bioretention cells, constructed wetlands, and green infrastructure, in removing multi pollutant loads from urban runoff. Experimental and comparative analyses demonstrate that these systems can achieve high removal efficiencies, often exceeding 80% for key pollutants, while also providing additional benefits such as groundwater recharge, urban cooling, and biodiversity enhancement. The integration of natural materials and ecological processes enhances system resilience and adaptability under varying hydrological conditions. The findings highlight the potential of nature-based filtration technologies as cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable approaches for sustainable urban stormwater management.