ResSuDSCita

According to the United Nations, 58% of the citizens live in urban areas today, which is expected to reach 68% by 2050. The continuous migration leads to a greater demand for space to accommodate the population, destroying the natural covering of the ground. This process, known as soil sealing, is one of the main causes of soil degradation in the European Union, putting at risk biodiversity and citizens. Soil sealing affects the natural water cycle by: i) reducing water infiltration into the ground, ii) increasing surface flow velocity during rainfall events, iii) reducing evapotranspiration rate due to the loss of green areas, and iv) reducing the filtration capacity of soil. Several consequences can be pointed out. The local population may face water scarcity due to the reduction of groundwater levels, while urban flood events will be more frequent. Pollutant removal capacity is also lost, leading to an increase of pollutant concentrations in water bodies, and urban atmospheric temperatures are expected to rise due to the urban heat island effect. Several options can be proposed to face these challenges, namely Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS). 

The ResSuDSCita project will provide a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted benefits and limitations of SuDS, demonstrating innovative options for the reuse of industrial wastes, thereby contributing to sustainable urban water management and environmental conservation.