ASSESSING GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH AND GAPS IN ARID CLIMATES: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

The Green stormwater infrastructure approach to stormwater capture is a recommended alternative to traditional stormwater management approaches. Green stormwater infrastructure often includes capture methods such as bioretention ponds, rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, and permeable pavements, which aim to limit runoff and enhance infiltration. In contrast, traditional stormwater capture methods like detention ponds and channelization focus on moving stormwater quickly. Most green stormwater infrastructure research has focused on temperate regions, but comparatively few researchers have studied semi-arid and arid climates. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and research coverage of green stormwater infrastructure in semi-arid and arid regions through a systematic literature review. Papers were selected based on defined criteria: studies from arid (less than 250 mm annual precipitation) and semi-arid regions (between 250 mm and 500 mm annual precipitation) classified as highly relevant (categories 1 or 2) based on findings related to peak flow, recharge, storage capacity, or runoff. Visualization diagrams were employed to identify geographic and methodological research gaps. The findings highlight a need for expanded empirical studies to validate green stormwater infrastructure model performance in arid climates.