SUSTAINABILITY IN URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE: ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF PERMEABLE PAVEMENTS FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT

Abstract

Urbanization creates vast expanses of impervious surfaces, severely disrupting the natural hydrologic cycle by generating excessive storm water runoff that causes flooding, stream erosion, and widespread pollution of water bodies. This article presents a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating the efficacy of permeable pavements, a cornerstone Low-Impact Development (LID) technology, in mitigating these critical environmental challenges. The research synthesizes empirical data from recent studies to quantitatively compare the performance of various permeable pavement types including pervious concrete, porous asphalt, interlocking concrete pavers, and grid systems against conventional impervious alternatives. The findings demonstrate that permeable pavements are overwhelmingly effective, typically reducing surface runoff volume by 72-98% and peak flow rates by 70-95% for frequent storm events. Furthermore, they serve as exceptional storm water treatment systems, showing median removal efficiencies exceeding 90% for total suspended solids (TSS), 65-85% for heavy metals like zinc and copper, and 55-85% for total phosphorus. The analysis concludes that the strategic implementation of permeable pavements can fundamentally restore pre-development hydrology, significantly enhance water quality, and contribute to broader urban sustainability goals such as groundwater recharge and heat island mitigation. Despite proven performance, barriers to adoption remain, including maintenance concerns and perceptions of cost. This study provides a robust evidence base to empower engineers, planners, and policymakers to overcome these hurdles and prioritize permeable pavements as a multifunctional solution for building resilient and sustainable urban infrastructure