SOLUTIONS TO HYDROTECHNICAL PROBLEMS USING URBAN WETLANDS

Abstract

According to the United Nations, 55% of the world's population currently lives in urban areas. This number is also predicted to rise to 68% by 2050 (United Nations. World Urbanization Prospects, 2023). This accelerated growth of the urban environment affects the natural process of urban sustainability (Ampatzidis, P.; Kershaw, T, 2020). It also affects the physical and ecological functions of the urban environment, leading to vegetation degradation, water pollution and loss of biodiversity (Liao, R.; Jin, Z.; Chen, M.; Li, S., 2020). Management of urban watersheds requires a series of problems that can be solved by creating new infrastructure in the urban context that can mitigate the disturbances caused by climate change. Many problems can be solved by studying the impact of urban natural infrastructures, such as green-blue infrastructure.(Kati, V.; Jari, N., 2016). In cities, green-blue infrastructure enables the reduction of urban runoff, water purification, acceptance of flood waves, and the like. For example, aquatic ecosystems such as urban wetlands contribute to hydrological cycles in cities. This includes the preservation of the coastal belt (Temmerman, S.; Meire, P.; Bouma, T.J.; Herman, P.M.; Ysebaert, T.; De Vriend, H.J., 2013), water quality improvement (Verhoeven, J.T.; Arheimer, B.; Yin, C.; Hefting, M.M,2016), air pollution reduction, carbon sequestration (Mitsch, W.J.; Bernal, B.; Nahlik, A.M.; Mander, Ü.; Zhang, L.; Anderson, C.J.; Jørgensen, S.E.; Brix, H, 2013). Urban wetlands play an important role in cities for managing stormwater runoff, absorbing large amounts of pollutants, mostly heavy metals, controlling erosion and improving water quality. In addition, urban wetlands play an effective role in receiving storm water in case of flood wave movement due to their ability to store water, and thus prevent material damage from floods. Wetlands are considered one of the great natural resources in urban areas. Wetlands are one of the most important components of the green-blue infrastructure. In particular, wetlands located in urban areas are a basic element of urban ecosystems. Other positive effects of blue infrastructure, such as wetlands and ponds in the urban area, include controlling the impact of urban heat islands. Urban wetlands have their own microclimate and are generally cooler than the surrounding areas (Şimşek, Ç.K.; Ödül, H, 2013). Many cities are implementing the construction of urban wetlands as a strategy for development and a sustainable future and embedding in the basics of urban planning that can make cities more resilient to climate change (Shahjahan, A.T.M.; Ahmed, K.S.; Said, I.B,). With the expansion of cities, urban wetlands are in danger of disappearing, which poses a threat to the urban sustainability of cities (Well, F.; Ludwig, F. 2020). Green-blue infrastructure is presented as a strategy for sustainable coping with climate change in urban areas (Shahjahan, A.T.M.; Ahmed, K.S.; Said, I.B, 2020). In urban development, green-blue infrastructure helps optimize land use and meet the needs of people and nature in a sustainable way. Among the various functions, in cities, green-blue infrastructure enriches biodiversity, reduces the effects of global warming, improves hydrological stability and improves human health and well-being (Ingrao, C.; Failla, S.; Arcidiacono, C, 2020).