Evaluating the performance of Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems using Enfield as a Case Study

Project Description:

Urban environments face challenges in terms of water management and sustainability that may be overcome using Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SuDS). These are designed to mimic natural catchment processes and have a variety of functions in the environment including flood risk reduction, water quality management, enhancing biodiversity and improving air quality. However, there is a lack of studies regarding improvement their performance and improvement in receiving waters.

This PhD aims to explore the geochemical, hydrological and hydromorphic performance of a SuDS project. It aims to identify the pollutants in the urban river and explore the success of the SuDS with a focus on chemical analysis.

The London Borough of Enfield will collaborate with access to work on a SuDS development in the Pymmes Brook catchment in North London involving de-culverting and diversion of one of the most polluted rivers in the UK.

Policy Impact of Research:

In the near future the UK is set to implement SuDS measures in following the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 and the Pitt Review of 2008. It will develop SuDS policy relating to water quality management at a local, national and European level.

Research Relating to this Project:

1. Defra. (2013) “Tackling water pollution from the urban environment Consultation on a strategy to address diffuse water pollution from the built environment” and Summary of responses to the consultation on “Tackling water pollution from the urban environment”
2. Napier F et al. (2009) Evidence of traffic-related pollutant control in soil based Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS). Wat. Sci. Technol., 60, 221-230.
3. Schlea, D., et al. (2014) ”Performance and Water Table Responses of Retrofit Rain Gardens.” J. Hydrol. Eng., 19, 05014002.