Sustainability

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26 pages, 19006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biodiversity and Sediment Contamination in Wet Stormwater Ponds Depending on Design and Catchment Characteristics

by Anja Svane Kolath, Camilla S. Pedersen, Uffe L. Gangelhof and Sara Egemose

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 11809; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132111809 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2193

Stormwater ponds are a common way to handle stormwater and are used to retain pollutants through sedimentation. The ponds resemble small natural lakes and will be colonized by flora and fauna. How design with respect to age, ratio between wet volume and reduced [...] Read more.

Stormwater ponds are a common way to handle stormwater and are used to retain pollutants through sedimentation. The ponds resemble small natural lakes and will be colonized by flora and fauna. How design with respect to age, ratio between wet volume and reduced catchment area and land use influences the retention and how biodiversity is affected was examined. Age and ratio were determined in 135 and 59 ponds, respectively, and 12 of these ponds were selected for studies of dry weight (DW), organic matter (OM), total phosphorus (TP) and aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in the sediment. Invertebrate biodiversity was determined by Shannon–Wiener index (H’) and Pielou Evenness (J). DW, OM, TP and metals in the sediment close to the outlet of the ponds were influenced by pond age and the volume/area ratio whereas the sediment in the inlet area was more affected by the catchment type. Biodiversity increased with increasing ratio, while age had no effect on the sediment biodiversity but some effect on the water phase biodiversity. Biodiversity decreased with higher OM and TP and tend to decrease with increasing metal content. Higher volume/area ratio results in less sediment accumulation which improves the biodiversity. More pollutants are accumulating with age, which negatively affects the biodiversity. In conclusion, pond ratio, catchment type and, to some extent, age effect the load of contaminants in the sediment and the pond biodiversity. Proper design and management are recommended as a mitigating measure. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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24 pages, 5810 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dealing with Green Gentrification and Vertical Green-Related Urban Well-Being: A Contextual-Based Design Framework

by Tzen-Ying Ling, Wei-Kai Hung, Chun-Tsu Lin and Michael Lu

Sustainability 2020, 12(23), 10020; https://doi.org/10.3390/su122310020 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6506

Abstract

Urbanization and climate change have generated ever-increased pressure to the ecosystem, bringing critical resilience challenges to densely congested cities. The resulted displaced and encroached habitat in need of recuperation demands a comprehensive overhaul to the customary urban planning practices; further, the deteriorating public [...] Read more.

Urbanization and climate change have generated ever-increased pressure to the ecosystem, bringing critical resilience challenges to densely congested cities. The resulted displaced and encroached habitat in need of recuperation demands a comprehensive overhaul to the customary urban planning practices; further, the deteriorating public health state of urban residents calls for strategies in dealing with green deprivation and gentrification issues. Frequently, urban greening strategies are envisaged at a macro-scale on a dedicated horizontal track of land, rendering local implementation in a densely built neighborhood a challenged undertaking. Communities lacking green and land resources could promote vertical greening to enable and enhance social and psychological well-being. This study ascertains that vertical greenery closest to the inhabitants could be allocated on a building facade. It can contribute to a more sustainable ecology. The article presents the systemic design approach to urban vertical greening thinking and its role in well-being provision. We propose an interdisciplinary multicriteria contextual-based scalable framework to assess vertical green infrastructure; the prototype requires an innovative approach to balance architecture, human needs, and the local environment. The vertical greening application provides an alternative paradigm in the design implementation for urban green. We proposed the locality and place to be incorporated into the vertical greening design framework. The research concludes the three-tiered consideration framework resulted: (1) in line with the human-habitat ecosystem, the local environment-social dimension is explored; (2) the well-being criteria encourage the design practice’s support for localized driven community vitality; (3) the design paradigm requires integration with the increasing demand for green space as well as taking into account the impact of severe climate; and (4) the framework should achieve the strengthening of health and well-being of the community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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34 pages, 3252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

From EU Directives to Local Stormwater Discharge Permits: A Study of Regulatory Uncertainty and Practice Gaps in Denmark

by Ditte M. R. Jensen, Anja T. H. Thomsen, Torben Larsen, Sara Egemose and Peter S. Mikkelsen

Sustainability 2020, 12(16), 6317; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166317 - 5 Aug 2020

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4655

Abstract

Climate changes and urbanization push cities to redesign their drainage systems, which may increase separate stormwater discharges to local recipients. In the EU, regulation of these is governed by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Floods Directive, but national implementation varies and [...] Read more.

Climate changes and urbanization push cities to redesign their drainage systems, which may increase separate stormwater discharges to local recipients. In the EU, regulation of these is governed by the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Floods Directive, but national implementation varies and is often supplemented with local non-legislative guidelines. By reviewing trends and discrepancies in the Danish regulation practice for separated stormwater discharges, this article investigates how the directives are put into effect. A legislative gap for separate stormwater discharges introduces uncertainty in the discharge permit conditions, which especially affect conditions targeting water quality. We point to several topics to be addressed, e.g., the level at which the regulation of separate stormwater discharges takes place, opportunities for coordination with flood risk and climate change adaptation initiatives, as well as uncertainties regarding the application of Best Available Techniques. Working with these issues would elevate the regulation practice and aid regulators in reaching a more holistic and consistent approach, thus improving chances of reaching the desired recipient status before or after the WFD deadline in 2027. This could be undertaken at river basin, river basin district or national level, but there is also potential for harvesting mutual benefits by addressing these challenges internationally. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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9 pages, 1043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

First Flush Characteristics in Separate Sewer Stormwater and Implications for Treatment

by Sara Egemose, Anne B. Petersen, Melanie J. Sønderup and Mogens R. Flindt

Sustainability 2020, 12(12), 5063; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12125063 - 22 Jun 2020

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2535

Abstract

The characteristics of stormwater need focus due to climate change. Paved areas and recipients receiving more stormwater have an enhanced need for treatment before discharge to remove suspended solids, nutrients and xenobiotics. To handle and treat stormwater efficiently, knowledge concerning first flush patterns [...] Read more.

The characteristics of stormwater need focus due to climate change. Paved areas and recipients receiving more stormwater have an enhanced need for treatment before discharge to remove suspended solids, nutrients and xenobiotics. To handle and treat stormwater efficiently, knowledge concerning first flush patterns is crucial. Therefore, we have studied 12 entire rain events and correlated water volume, suspended solids, and dissolved and particulate phosphorus to catchment characteristics and precipitation characteristics. We have mainly studied smaller rain events (average 12.6 mm), as nearly 90% of the events in the studied catchment are <10 mm. We revealed first flush tendencies in 50% of the rain events, concerning both suspended solids and phosphorus. We also found significant correlations between catchment size and discharged masses, and most importantly between precipitation patterns and discharged mass per volume. A long dry period and low amount of rain during the previous event, as well as high rain intensity, gives a high chance of first flush. We conclude that stormwater treatment should focus on the initial part of the event, especially in areas with a lack of space and/or economy to handle and treat the entire event. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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23 pages, 11522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioclimatic Approach for Climate Classification of Nigeria

by Tolulope Dorcas Mobolade and Parastoo Pourvahidi

Sustainability 2020, 12(10), 4192; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12104192 - 20 May 2020

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 8805

Abstract

One of the fundamental determinants of buildings is the protection of the people who live and work within them from a harsh climate, but a lot of buildings in Nigeria are no longer providing the required comfort needed. The gas emissions through the [...] Read more.

One of the fundamental determinants of buildings is the protection of the people who live and work within them from a harsh climate, but a lot of buildings in Nigeria are no longer providing the required comfort needed. The gas emissions through the use of mechanical equipment and lack of energy efficiency in buildings are the major causes of climate change. The way architecture responds to climate change is important. Thus, this research attempted, by using the new bioclimatic chart, to prepare the new climate classification of Nigeria. The research was aimed at establishing a bioclimatically based approach for architecture in Nigeria. By retrieving the climatic data from thirty-six Nigerian meteorological stations about characteristics of each region, bioclimatic analysis was achieved. According to the bioclimatic analysis of this research, Nigeria can be divided into five different climatic regions, such as hot-dry, hot-humid, temperate-dry, temperate-humid, and temperate-dry with a cool climate. We aimed to prove that the climate classification gives the proper answer, dependent upon the vernacular architecture analyzed on Nigeria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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15 pages, 497 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Organizing the Challenges Faced by Municipalities while Formulating Climate Change Adaptation Plans

by Asako Iwami, Takanori Matsui, Michinori Kimura, Kenshi Baba and Mitsuru Tanaka

Sustainability 2020, 12(3), 1203; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12031203 - 7 Feb 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2763

Abstract

As the effects of climate change increase in severity, organizations across the world are attempting to measures to mitigate these effects. In accordance with the Paris Agreement of November 2015, wherein participating nations agreed to restrict the increase in global temperature below 2 [...] Read more.

As the effects of climate change increase in severity, organizations across the world are attempting to measures to mitigate these effects. In accordance with the Paris Agreement of November 2015, wherein participating nations agreed to restrict the increase in global temperature below 2 °C, Japan has formulated guidelines on creating adaptation plans that can be implemented by local governments. A Climate Change Adaptive Information Platform was also launched to promote understanding and cooperation by sharing information on climate risks. However, the literature on this topic lacks information related to the organization of requirements and challenges faced by municipal administrative officials that formulate adaptation plans. To address these issues, we examined the four municipal forums hosted at Hosei University to encourage administrative needs for new technological ideas in areas such as climate modeling and impact assessment. We used text mining on the transcripts of the various workshops conducted in these forums and attempted to understand the changes in discussions and to extract issues related to the formulation process. The results showed that various topics, such as creating adaptation promotion systems, assessing the impacts of climate change, formulating adaptation plans, communicating with related organizations and stakeholders, developing human resources, and capacity building, were discussed, and a need for information, procedures, and assistance was identified for the formulation of feasible adaptation plans. This study is expected to provide a useful reference to stakeholders involved in framing adaptation plans to mitigate the effects of climate changes, particularly at the municipal level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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12 pages, 3735 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Land Use and Runoff on Stream Quality

by Claudia S. Karlsen, Mogens R. Flindt, Melanie J. Sønderup, Martin H. Madsen and Sara Egemose

Sustainability 2019, 11(19), 5479; https://doi.org/10.3390/su11195479 - 3 Oct 2019

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3301

Abstract

Climate changes, intensive agricultural production, and expanding urban areas make the study of runoff and its possible impact on stream quality increasingly important. In this study, we examined large datasets concerning catchment type, stream quality, and invertebrate composition in a comprehensive geographic information [...] Read more.

Climate changes, intensive agricultural production, and expanding urban areas make the study of runoff and its possible impact on stream quality increasingly important. In this study, we examined large datasets concerning catchment type, stream quality, and invertebrate composition in a comprehensive geographic information system study. The aim was to examine correlations between land use type and quality of the receiving waters to detect possible differences in anthropogenic impacts. The studied area covered 937 km², and the dataset included 1672 stretches of streams and data from 468 fauna sampling stations. Runoff from agricultural areas more negatively influenced the stream quality than runoff from urban areas. Considering urban catchments, the areas with separate sewer systems generally influenced the stream quality less than catchments with combined sewer systems. In conclusion, the catchment of any specific stream must contain an area with a minimum of 20–30% without agriculture or urban areas to obtain good ecological status; when focusing only on the riparian zone (10 m on each side of the stream), a minimum of 40–55% is needed to create a good ecological status. Therefore, management focus on the entire catchment is important and separate sewers should be preferred rather than combined sewers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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14 pages, 2685 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Affects Chinese Residents’ Perceptions of Climate Change?

by Jinjia Wu, Jiansheng Qu, Hengji Li, Li Xu, Hongfen Zhang, Suman Aryal, Jingjing Zeng, Yujie Fan, Qin Wei and Xiafei Liu

Sustainability 2018, 10(12), 4712; https://doi.org/10.3390/su10124712 - 11 Dec 2018

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4420

Abstract

The theme of global sustainable development has changed from environmental management to climate governance, and relevant policies on climate governance urgently need to be implemented by the public. The public understanding of climate change has become the prerequisite and basis for implementing various [...] Read more.

The theme of global sustainable development has changed from environmental management to climate governance, and relevant policies on climate governance urgently need to be implemented by the public. The public understanding of climate change has become the prerequisite and basis for implementing various climate change policies. In order to explore the affected factors of climate change perception among Chinese residents, this study was conducted across 31 provinces and regions of China through field household surveys and interviews. Combined with the residents’ perception of climate change with the possible affected factors, the related factors affecting Chinese residents’ perception of climate change were explored. The results show that the perceptive level of climate change of Chinese residents is related to the education level and the household size of residents. Improving public awareness of climate change risk in the context of climate change through multiple channels will also help to improve residents’ awareness of climate change. On the premise of improving the level of national education, improving education on climate change in school education and raising awareness of climate change risk among dependents will help to improve the level of Chinese residents’ awareness of climate change, which could be instrumental in promoting public participation in climate change mitigation and adaptation actions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Adaptation from an Environmental Perspective)

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