Hydro Economy: Environmental Sustainability of Water and Wastewater Resources and Infrastructure

Abstract

AbstractWater quality and sustainability is a major challenge worldwide. These challenges arise because of the many factors, such as changes in climate, the natural reservation of water, and human influence. Water resources are the source of survival and interest for all the plants and animals as it keeps the ecosystem balanced. Deficient water quality and over-exploitation of water resources can harm the environment and affect our health and subsistence. Poor management of these resources can even restrict the economic growth and development of a country. The last few decades have seen a massive increase in water resource utilization due to the establishment of new settlements and industries, population growth, increased deforestation, a decrease in groundwater level, climate change, etc. Recent years has seen an increased use of pesticides and fertilizers running off from agricultural lands, forest-clearing for new infrastructure has to lead to suspension of vast chunks of soil into river systems, acid rain due to increased air pollution, waterborne viruses from wastewater discharge, the release of heavy metals into rivers by mining and industries has to lead to damage the ecosystem. In many countries, water treatment systems are not sufficient or adequate to challenge these problems, especially in developing countries. Chances of deceases increases in these countries due to a lack of proper sanitation systems. Water shortages have become more frequent, Continental glaciers have started melting more rapidly due to climate change, floods, and storms caused due to global warming have become more frequent and severe. More attention must be given to growing and conserving the existing water resources. Identification of the multiple impacts and exploitation of these sources should be found and upgraded. New and more effective methods/systems that are both economical and effective should be made applicable to tackle pre-existing water systems. Decision making should be done so that these systems/solutions are economically cheap and easy to use. This paper discusses the various issues, technologies, and potential solutions/alternatives related to water and wastewater treatment sustainability.KeywordsSustainabilityWater managementWaste-water treatmentEco-systemExploitation