Green infrastructure solutions to improve the impacts of urbanization in rural communities in Tennessee

The natural ecosystems that surround people, in everyday life are becoming more and more at risk, from a number of forces, including urbanization and population growth. Many of these land degradation issues are caused by human interactions from various industries. Runoff in urbanized areas is a leading source of water quality impairments and the third-largest source of impairments of lakes. Since its early implementation in the 1990's phytoremediation has been an efficient tool for cleaning soil contamination. This thesis explores the basis of green infrastructure and how it can be used collaboratively with landscape design principles as a more effective land management strategy. The incorporation of green infrastructure techniques provides not only land restoration, but environmental mitigation, environmental education opportunities, social, and economical benefits to the community and public. Data collection includes case study research, soil samples, and water quality reports. Analysis of case studies revealed the success of phytoremediation and green infrastructure combined with sustainable design as successful in land remediation strategies of contaminated land. Landscape designers, environmentalist, and soil scientist can better address multiple land issues by combining green infrastructure and design principles.