A systematic and bibliometric review of bioretention system (BRS) for urban ecosystem regulation services

• Main Authors: Su, Jin, Wang, Mo, Zhang, Dongqing, Sun, Chuanhao, Zhao, Xiaolong, Mohammad Razi, Mohd Adib
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2024
• Subjects: TD Environmental technology. Sanitary engineering
• Online Access: http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/12125/1/J17688_e9a8a3631911e37e986405bc71123994.pdf; http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/12125/; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.uclim.2024.101923

Bioretention systems (BRS) serve as effective nature-based solutions for addressing stormwater quality and hydrological challenges posed by rapid urbanization and global climate change. Even though substantial research on BRS has been explored, the design and evaluation of this system continue to pose challenges. Current research endeavors in this field primarily revolve around evaluations of performance metrics including surface runoff dynamics and pollutant removal efficiencies, along with optimizing design parameters, such as substrate composition and vege tation types. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on understanding the intricate microbial processes within BRS and their resilience in the context of climate change. This paper undertakes a systematic literature review on BRS, emphasizing its role in urban stormwater management and ecosystem regulation services. Advanced bibliometric tools, namely the “Bibliometrix” R package and “CiteSpace”, facilitate an in-depth analysis of 546 publications pertaining to stormwater management in BRS from 2000 to 2022. The pivotal roles of bioretention in offering regulation services for hydrological process are elucidate. Noteworthy contributions of BRS in reducing urban heat island, augmenting air quality, and promoting biodiversity are underlined. Particu larly, BRS has been recognized as a powerful tool for regulating urban hydrology, implying a shift from landscape architecture and horticulture to urban hydrological regulation service on the basis of ecosystem services. Significant research gaps and future research directions are highlighted, such as the fate, retention, transport and biodegradation of emerging contaminants in BRS. Crucially, the combined substrate and plant species selection emerge as pivotal considerations during the design and implementation phases of BRS. Furthermore, this review underscores the imperative to discern the direct or indirect effects of BRS on the thermal environment, air quality, and biodiversity; as well as advocating for interdisciplinary design strategies to enhance longterm BRS performance, stability and lifespan of BRS. This global implication of this review sheds insights into a better understanding for the regulation services of BRS and provides a theoretical reference for engineering applications of BRS for runoff reduction and pollutant mediation using multidisciplinary approaches.