JWSS - Journal of Water and Soil Science

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Doosti M, Galoie M, Mahdikhani M. Numerical Modeling of the Performance of Bio-Infiltration Systems in Increasing Urban Infiltration. jwss 2026; 30 (1) :145-159
URL: http://jstnar.iut.ac.ir/article-1-4537-en.html

Rapid urbanization and the expansion of impervious surfaces in urban areas can cause a reduction in infiltration rate, which consequently increases the flash floods and surface runoff in cities. In recent years, the use of bio-infiltration systems has been considered as one of the most effective approaches based on low-impact development (LID) for sustainable urban runoff management. In this study, the performance of six types of biological infiltration basins was investigated to reduce the volume of runoff and improve surface water management in the eastern region of Qazvin city. First, 40 years of rainfall data (1983–2023) were collected from the Qazvin meteorological station, and Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) relationships were developed for various return periods. Six design scenarios were modeled: bioretention basins with and without a drainage system; tree boxes with and without a drainage system; infiltration trenches; and permeable pavements. The dimensions of all systems were kept constant to focus solely on hydrological performance without the influence of size or shape. Overall, using HEC-GeoHMS, SWMM, and MIDS models together offered a detailed and accurate framework for analyzing the hydrological behavior of bioretention systems in urban runoff management. Results showed that the runoff coefficients for the sub-basins averaged 0.79, highlighting the dominance of impervious surfaces in the area. These values were used as inputs for the MIDS model to simulate the six different bioretention scenarios. The results indicated that the permeable pavement scenario had the greatest effect on annual runoff reduction (about 728,555 m ³), while the bioretention cell with a drainage system had the lowest performance. SWMM results, based on DEM-derived sub-catchment data, showed low soil infiltration and high impervious surface coverage. These conditions highlighted the importance of bioretention systems in reducing urban flooding. Overall, the study demonstrates that well-planned bio-retention and other green infrastructure can decrease peak flows, increase time of concentration, and improve urban hydrological and environmental conditions.