SUDS: SUSTAINABLE URBAN DRAINAGE SYSTEMS

(techno)soils

We experiment with different high-carbon organic soil amendments (HCAs) that are abundant and cheap in cities (e.g., biochar, compost) to investigate the potential of soil combinations to improve soil carbon sequestration and the associated formation of soil structure, which is critical for water infiltration and contaminant binding.

water dynamics

We assess the role of different soil amendment combinations to improve the removal of heavy metals and biocides, and analyze the physico-chemical mechanisms responsible for pollutant removal. Then we will investigate the remobilization potential of pollutants in soil remediation strategies.

plant & animal communities

We analyze the potential of HCA soil remediation strategies for above-ground plant communities and below-ground microbial communities. With this knowledge, we will implement strategies in Munich to test how improved soil structure and function can promote plant functional diversity but also reduce contaminant risk.

Urbanization has disrupted or replaced natural hydrological processes due to the regulation of urban watercourses, sealing, and degrading of natural soils. This results in reduced infiltration and frequent flooding, and the accumulation of pollutants from traffic, building materials, and industrial processes. Current technical solutions lead stormwater runoff via the sewer system out of the cities and discharge it into sewage treatment plants or surface waters. Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDS) that manage stormwater on-site may be a potential solution to absorb large amounts of stormwater, deal with pollutants, prevent erosion, and be planted with low maintenance plant communities that support biodiversity. However, there is a lack of understanding of the techno-ecological characteristics of SUDS as elements of green infrastructure that provides multiple functions and ecosystem services. Implementing large-scale SUDS programs requires new knowledge about the distribution and functional properties of soils relevant for plant systems and hydrological cycling.

This research combines expertise in wastewater treatment and urban drainage with ecology, soil science, and vegetation management to create SUDS that improve water purification, carbon sequestration, and above- and below-ground biodiversity. We will conduct technical and semi-technical experiments using high-carbon organic soil amendments (HCAs) in combination with nutrients to improve soil structure and functionality for contaminant remediation, water conservation and supporting above- and below-ground biodiversity and function. Knowledge will be used to implement and test SUDS in the City of Munich in final stages of the project.

Project duration: 04.2022 – 09.2026

Team: PIs: Prof. Dr. Brigitte Helmreich, Prof. Dr. Dr. Ingrid Kögel-Knabner, Prof. Dr. Johannes Kollmann, Prof. Dr. Michael Schloter; Doctoral Candidates: Nadja Berger, Natalie Páez-Curtidor, Lauren Porter, Swanandee Nulkar; Research Affiliates: Dr. Franziska Bucka, Dr. Stefanie Schulz, Dr. Leonardo H. Teixeira

Funding: German Research Foundation DFG.

Contact: Lauren Porter (Project researcher, PhD Candidate; lauren.porter@tum.de), Ingrid Kögel-Knabner (PI: koegel@tum.de), and Monika Egerer (PI; monika.egerer@tum.de)

Website: https://www.gs.tum.de/en/grk/urban-green-infrastructure/cluster-and-subprojects/cluster-3/ (Spokesperson: Prof. Dr. Stephan Pauleit)