Impact of LID Implementation on Water Quality in Alibeykoy Watershed in Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract

In this study, the impact of low-impact development (LID) methods implementation on total suspended solids (TSS) is investigated by developing a hydrologic-water quality model for Alibeykoy Watershed located in Istanbul, Turkey. For this purpose, the US Environmental Protection Agency Storm Water Management Model (EPA SWMM) was used, which was calibrated in this watershed. Then, several LID types, such as bioretention, vegetative swales, infiltration trenches and permeable pavements were incorporated into the model, in an effort to evaluate the impacts of distinct and combined LIDs on TSS removal in the Alibeykoy Watershed for different scenarios. Both distinct and combined impacts of LID-BMPs on the reduction of TSS concentration in Alibeykoy Watershed are observed. It is found that bioretention, vegetative swales, permeable pavements, and infiltration trenches have significant effects on TSS removal both in case of distinct and combined implementations. Moreover, it is seen that bioretention and vegetative swales are slightly more effective on TSS removal under a strong rainfall.