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Vertical Green Wall Systems for Rainwater and Sewage Treatment

Author

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  • Wen Wang

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Xiaolin Zhou

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Suqing Wu

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China)

  • Min Zhao

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China)

  • Zhan Jin

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China)

  • Ke Bei

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China)

  • Xiangyong Zheng

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China)

  • Chunzhen Fan

    (College of Life and Environmental Science, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China
    National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Ecological Treatment Technology for Urban Water Pollution, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325000, China)

Abstract

Rainwater and sewage are important pollution sources for surface water bodies. Vertical greening systems (VGSs) are extensively employed for these wastewater treatments due to the green and sustainable characteristics, as well as their high-efficiency in pollutant (organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus) removal. At present, more and more VGSs are designed with green buildings, serving city ecosystems. This study provides an overview of different kinds of VGSs for rain and sewage treatment, emphasizing their types, design, mechanisms, selection of plants, and growth substrate. Plants play a crucial role in pollutant removal, and different plants usually obtain different efficiencies of water treatment. Climbing plants and ornamental plants with fast growth rates are priority selections for VGSs, including Canna lilies , Jasmine , Grape vine , Boston ivy , Pittosporum tobira , Pelargonium australe , Mentha aquatica , and Lythrum salicaria . The substrate is the most critical part of the VGS, which plays an important role in regulating water flow, supporting plant growth, promoting biofilm growth, filtering pollutants, and adsorbing nutrients. The single substrate either has a blockage problem or has a short holding time. Therefore, a number of studies have mixed the substrates and integrated the advantages of the substrates to form a complementary effect, thereby improving the overall purification efficiency and stability. Novel substrates (sand, spent coffee grounds, date seeds, coffee grinds, reed-based, etc.) are usually mixed with coco coir, light-weight expanded clay, growstone, or perlite at a certain ratio to obtain optimum treatment performance. Moreover, plants in clay show more significant growth advantages and health statuses than in zeolite or soil. Operating parameters are also significant influences on the treatment performance. This review provides theoretical and technical support for designing sustainable, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective VGSs in treating rainwater and sewage.

Suggested Citation

  • Wen Wang & Xiaolin Zhou & Suqing Wu & Min Zhao & Zhan Jin & Ke Bei & Xiangyong Zheng & Chunzhen Fan, 2024. "Vertical Green Wall Systems for Rainwater and Sewage Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-18, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:17:p:7593-:d:1469544
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pérez, Gabriel & Rincón, Lídia & Vila, Anna & González, Josep M. & Cabeza, Luisa F., 2011. "Green vertical systems for buildings as passive systems for energy savings," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 88(12), pages 4854-4859.
    2. Manso, Maria & Castro-Gomes, João, 2015. "Green wall systems: A review of their characteristics," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 863-871.
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    Cited by:

    1. Wencong Zhu & Xiangyong Zheng & Min Zhao & Huijun Xiang & Suyang Zhang & Wenjuan Han, 2025. "A Review of the Effects and Influencing Factors of Vertical Greening Systems in Wastewater Treatment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(13), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Oluwayinka Seun Oke & John Ogbeleakhu Aliu & Damilola Ekundayo & Ayodeji Emmanuel Oke & Nwabueze Kingsley Chukwuma, 2025. "Assessing the Adoption and Feasibility of Green Wall Systems in Construction Projects in Nigeria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(15), pages 1-19, August.
    3. Milana Radujković & Alexis Versele & Hilde Breesch, 2024. "Exploratory Analysis of a Novel Modular Green Wall’s Impact on Indoor Temperature and Energy Consumption in Residential Buildings: A Case Study from Belgium," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-25, October.

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