In the current study, three roadside bioretention systems with different configurations were constructed to investigate their pollutant removal efficiency in different rainfall recurrence intervals. The bioretention systems (referred as units) (unit A: 700 mm height material without submerged zone; unit B: 400 mm height material with 300 mm submerged zone; unit C: 400 mm height material without submerged zone) were used to conduct the rainfall events with uniform 120 min rainfall duration for 2-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 30-year recurrence intervals. Results reveal that the gradual increase of rainfall return period would have negative effects on TN and NH 4 + -N removal. The higher filler layer may increase pollutant removal efficiency. Setting a submerged zone could improve the COD Mn and TN removal compared to TP and NH 4 + -N removal. The values for comprehensive reduction rate of pollutant load in the three bioretention systems were recorded as follows: 64% in SS, 50%~80% in TP, 69% in NH 4 + -N, and 28%~53% in NO 3 -N separately. These results provide greater understanding of the design and treatment performance of bioretention systems.