Stormwater
Rain is a crucial component of local urban water cycles and an important source of water for urban greenery and small standing water bodies. We investigate how rainwater can be utilised as a valuable resource instead of causing problems, such as flooding or water pollution during periods of rapid runoff.
Our measurements also show that rainwater runoff is often heavily polluted: it contains a variety of substances that we use in cities, from nicotine in cigarette butts, to biocides in façade paints, to microplastics from tyre abrasion. We therefore focus on developing solutions to these problems that target their sources. Our research and advisory work is important for the sustainable management of rainwater in urban areas
