ScienceJuly 21, 2026

bioswale

/ˈbaɪoʊsweɪl/

Definition

A landscape element designed to concentrate or remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water through the use of vegetation, mulch, and soil.

Etymology

The word is a 20th-century portmanteau of the prefix 'bio-' (from Greek 'bios', meaning life) and 'swale' (an Old English term for a low or marshy tract of land).

In the news

In the article, a bioswale is listed as a sustainable feature of a new science building's landscaping. It highlights the university's commitment to eco-friendly design by using natural methods to manage rainwater drainage.

Montclair State University Breaks Ground On $120 Million Interdisciplinary Science Building – Press Room

Read the full article ↗

Montclair State University

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