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The Application of Rain Gardens in Urban Environments: A Bibliometric Review

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  • Mo Wang

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Architectural Design and Research Institute of Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510091, China)

  • Ji’an Zhuang

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Chuanhao Sun

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Lie Wang

    (Art School, Hunan University of Information Technology, Changsha 410151, China)

  • Menghan Zhang

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Chengliang Fan

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Jianjun Li

    (College of Architecture and Urban Planning, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Architectural Design and Research Institute of Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510091, China)

Abstract

The increasing challenges of urbanization and climate change have driven the need for innovative stormwater management solutions. Rain gardens, as a nature-based solution (NBS), have emerged as a critical component in urban water management, particularly in enhancing hydrological regulation, water quality, and ecosystem services. This bibliometric review examines the application of rain gardens in urban environments, focusing on their roles in stormwater management, pollutant removal, and ecological enhancement. Data from 728 academic papers published between 2000 and 2023 were analyzed using the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection, employing bibliometric tools such as the “Bibliometrix” R package and CiteSpace. The analysis highlights the increasing global interest in rain gardens, particularly since 2015, with China and the United States leading research efforts. Key findings reveal that rain gardens significantly reduce runoff, improve water quality, and contribute to urban biodiversity. In addition, their integration into public spaces offers landscape esthetics and social benefits, enhancing the quality of life in urban areas. However, challenges remain in optimizing their design for diverse climates and long-term performance. The study underscores the need for further research on plant–soil interactions, pollutant removal mechanisms, and the broader ecological and social contributions of rain gardens. This review provides insights into the evolution of rain garden research and identifies future directions for advancing sustainable urban stormwater management.

Suggested Citation

  • Mo Wang & Ji’an Zhuang & Chuanhao Sun & Lie Wang & Menghan Zhang & Chengliang Fan & Jianjun Li, 2024. "The Application of Rain Gardens in Urban Environments: A Bibliometric Review," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-23, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:13:y:2024:i:10:p:1702-:d:1501410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luke Whaley & Edward Weatherhead, 2016. "Managing water through change and uncertainty: comparing lessons from the adaptive co-management literature to recent policy developments in England," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(10), pages 1775-1794, October.
    2. Chao Xiao & Qian Shi & Chen-Jie Gu, 2021. "Assessing the Spatial Distribution Pattern of Street Greenery and Its Relationship with Socioeconomic Status and the Built Environment in Shanghai, China," Land, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Tong Chen & Mo Wang & Jin Su & Jianjun Li, 2023. "Unlocking the Positive Impact of Bio-Swales on Hydrology, Water Quality, and Biodiversity: A Bibliometric Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-19, May.
    4. Mukherjee, Debmalya & Lim, Weng Marc & Kumar, Satish & Donthu, Naveen, 2022. "Guidelines for advancing theory and practice through bibliometric research," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 148(C), pages 101-115.
    5. Annicka Cettner & Kristina Söderholm & Maria Viklander, 2012. "An Adaptive Stormwater Culture? Historical Perspectives on the Status of Stormwater within the Swedish Urban Water System," Journal of Urban Technology, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 19(3), pages 25-40.
    6. Jennifer Morash & Amy Wright & Charlene LeBleu & Amanda Meder & Raymond Kessler & Eve Brantley & Julie Howe, 2019. "Increasing Sustainability of Residential Areas Using Rain Gardens to Improve Pollutant Capture, Biodiversity and Ecosystem Resilience," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(12), pages 1-18, June.
    7. Martin Meyer & Kevin Grant & Piera Morlacchi & Dagmara Weckowska, 2014. "Triple Helix indicators as an emergent area of enquiry: a bibliometric perspective," Scientometrics, Springer;Akadémiai Kiadó, vol. 99(1), pages 151-174, April.
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    1. Shradhda Suman Jnawali & Matthew McBroom & Yanli Zhang & Kevin Stafford & Zhengyi Wang & David Creech & Zhongqian Cheng, 2025. "Effectiveness of Rain Gardens for Managing Non-Point Source Pollution from Urban Surface Storm Water Runoff in Eastern Texas, USA," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-23, May.

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