Green stormwater infrastructure with low impact development concept: a review of current research

Green storm water infrastructure (GSI) or low impact development (LID) is an alternative land development approach for managing storm water close to the source that has been recommended instead of the traditional storm water design. The main purpose of LID is to reduce the impact of development on water-related problems through the use of GSI practices such as bioretention, green roofs, grass swales, and permeable pavements that infiltrate, evaporate, or harvest and use stormwater on the site where it falls. In recent years, more research has been carried out on GSI practices and the use of these practices has shown magnificent benefits in stormwater management. LID techniques have been successfully used to manage stormwater runoff, improve water quality, and protect environmental and hydrological aspects of the developed areas. Bioretention cells have been effectively used in retaining large volumes of runoff and capturing pollutants on site. Pervious pavements have been extremely effective and efficient at infiltrating stormwater on site and storing large quantities of rainwater. Sand ditches are a new water harvesting technique that is being used to significantly reduce runoff, soil loss and sediment loss and to increase infiltration. This paper highlights evidence in the literature regarding the beneficial uses of LID practices and encourages adopting these practices for environmental friendly construction and sustainable development in the world. In the end, some of recommendations for the implementation of LID practices to achieve multiple benefits are given.