<p>In order to investigate the removal and mechanism of runoff pollutants by different permeable paving systems (PPS), Porous asphalt (PA), Porous concrete (PC), Cement brick (CTB), Ceramic brick (CCB), Sand base brick (SBB) and Shale brick (SB) were selected in this study. Studies showed that PA had the best purification for nearly all runoff pollutants, which the maximum removal rate was 100% for COD. PC was more effective in removing TP with a removal rate of 95.8%. For nitrogen pollutants, permeable bricks (CTB, CCB, SBB and SB) were effective in removing NO₃⁻-N and TN from runoff, especially SB, with removal rates of up to 94%. PA had the highest removal efficiency for NH₄⁺-N, with a removal rate of over 95%. The mechanism of pollutants removal by PPS were adsorption, precipitation and retention. Furthermore, the base, subbase and soil layers were the most effective in removing runoff pollutants, while the removal rate were more than 80%. The better purification of runoff pollutants by graded gravel and medium sand could be attributed to the higher adsorption capacity. This study provided theoretical support for the removal of runoff pollutions and new implications for the design and application of PPS.</p>