Deciphering the Sustainable Stormwater Management Strategies for Urban Areas: a Review

The imperative concern of water scarcity has prompted the exploration of different strategies to meet the escalating demands of the growing population. The constrained accessibility to freshwater, vital for both potable and non-potable usage, has intensified the pressure on the existing water resources. The deteriorating quality of the available freshwater poses a significant threat contributing to adverse health effects on the environment and living beings. Notably, a substantial volume of rainwater reaches the Earth’s surface as wet precipitation, and its interception before natural drainage along the terrain holds potential for reuse. The current study entails the different techniques such as gross pollutant traps, bioswales, and raingardens that can effectively mitigate the stormwater runoff impurities, encompassing organic matter (BOD), floating debris (leaves, paper, plastic), dissolved pollutants (nutrients like N and P, heavy metals, hydrocarbons) and suspended particles (sand, silt). The treatment systems not only contribute towards the preservation and treatment of stormwater runoff but also yield ancillary benefits, including better air quality, carbon sequestration, improved urban aesthetics, and a healthier ecology. The ensuing discussion in this paper delves into the nuanced management and treatment of stormwater runoff in urban areas of developing nations through the application of different techniques. Graphical Abstract