Long-term performance and maintenance of bioswales: A review of aging, clogging, and lifecycle costs
Department of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomosho, Nigeria.
Review Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2019, 04(02), 171–178
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2019.4.2.0138
Publication history:
Received on 16 December 2019; Revised 25 December 2019; accepted on 28 December 2019
Abstract:
Bioswales have increasingly been adopted as sustainable stormwater management practices, providing ecological benefits by reducing runoff volumes and improving water quality in urban environments. Despite their growing popularity, long-term performance issues such as aging, clogging, and associated maintenance challenges have emerged, affecting their effectiveness and reliability. This review critically evaluates the current literature regarding the long-term performance of bioswales, focusing specifically on aging processes affecting hydraulic conductivity, vegetation health, and media integrity. It examines primary clogging mechanisms, their impacts on pollutant removal efficiencies, and practical mitigation measures. A comprehensive lifecycle cost analysis underscores the economic implications, contrasting bioswales with traditional stormwater systems. Case studies from diverse geographical locations highlight practical insights and adaptive management practices, demonstrating effective maintenance strategies under various environmental conditions. The paper concludes by identifying gaps in current research, proposing essential future studies aimed at optimizing bioswale design, maintenance, and economic sustainability.
Keywords:
Bioswales; Aging; Clogging; Lifecycle Costs; Stormwater Management
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Copyright © 2019 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0