Water masses surface temperatures assessment and their effect on surrounding environment

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Thermal Engineering
• Ecology

Background:

• Surface temperature significantly impacts surrounding environments and urban heat island effects.
• Water bodies and vegetation play crucial roles in thermal regulation.
• Understanding these effects is vital for sustainable urban planning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of water masses and vegetation on surface temperature.
• To compare the thermal performance of different water systems: vegetated constructed wetland (CW), unvegetated lake, and partially vegetated lake.
• To assess the potential of these systems in mitigating urban heat island effects.

Main Methods:

• Infrared thermography was employed to map surface temperature distribution.
• Comparative analysis of surface temperatures between water systems and their surrounding areas.
• Evaluation of temperature variations within a constructed wetland with different plant species (Canna flaccida, Canna indica, Zantedeschia aethiopica).

Main Results:

• Both vegetated and non-vegetated water systems generally exhibited lower surface temperatures than their surroundings.
• Constructed wetlands showed significant temperature differences, up to 22 °C cooler than the surrounding soil.
• Lakes demonstrated a temperature reduction of up to 19 °C compared to their borders.
• Canna indica showed slightly higher average surface temperatures within the CW compared to other tested species.

Conclusions:

• The inclusion of water systems, such as lakes and constructed wetlands, can effectively reduce surface temperatures.
• These systems offer a viable strategy for influencing local thermal conditions and mitigating urban heat island effects.
• Implementing water features supports sustainable environmental management and enhances urban resilience.