Alternative Water Research Articles

Analisis Faktor Kunci Keberhasilan Implementasi Last Planner System untuk Peningkatan Kinerja Waktu pada Proyek Bendungan

Infrastructure development is crucial to the development of a nation’s economy. Based on data from the 2021 World Competitiveness Yearbook, Indonesia's infrastructure is ranked 57th out of 64 countries and one of the assessment criteria is related to water resources. Water resource management in Indonesia is still faced with fundamental challenges, including the limited water storage capacity in Indonesia so alternative water resources development is needed, among which is through the construction of dams. In practice, dam projects are very vulnerable to time delays. One of the solutions to this problem is the application of the last planner system method. The implementation of the last planner system can help create major improvements in project planning, increase workflow and productivity, and reduce project time and site accidents. This research has an update regarding the implementation of the last planner system method on a dam project and analyzing the key success factors using SEM-PLS. According to the study's findings, the key success factors of the implementation of the last planner system method on dam projects are budget plan, work schedule, clarity of scope of work, work plan, planning process, and weekly plan

The Spatial-Temporal Matching Characteristics of Water Resources and Socio-Economic Development Factors: A Case Study of Guangdong Province

The spatial-temporal mismatch of water resources and socio-economic development in rapidly urbanized regions has been the focus of water resource management, and is one of the main limitations to sustainable development goals (SDGs). Guangdong Province is represented by a highly developed economy and society, and has been undergoing disproportionately rapid population growth during the past two decades. The uneven distribution and spatial mismatch of water resources have aggravated the contradictions between water supply demand. In this paper, we evaluate the matching degree of water resources and social economic elements, detect the spatial-temporal changing pattern of the matching degree, and reveal the changing mechanism using the combined methods of the Thiel index, the space–time Gini coefficient, and the Lorenz curve. The results show that (1) the temporal matching is relatively balanced and reasonable, while the spatial mismatch is prominent and deteriorating constantly, especially the connection between the amount of water and GDP; (2) the water volume pressure is mainly concentrated in the Peral River Delta and eastern and western Guangdong, while water consumption stress is relatively lower in northeastern Guangdong; and (3) the water volume inequality is dominated by an intercity difference and is primarily caused by regional differences. Based on the results, policy implications, such as the implementation of integrated water resource management plans, investment in the development of alternative water sources, as well as enhanced public education and the establishment of a water saving society, have been provided to alleviate the mismatch issue between water elements and socio-economic parameters, and to push the realization of water-related SDGs.

Elevated fluoride levels in groundwater in the Himalayan aquifers of upper Indus basin, India: Sources, processes and health risk

Groundwater plays an important role in socio-economics and ecosystem development in mountainous catchments of Himalaya. However, enriched geogenic pollutants in groundwater e.g. Fluoride (F−) and Arsenic (As) in many aquifer systems has deteriorated its suitability for drinking purpose. Although, F− enrichment in other Himalayan basins is well documented but its sources, fate and transport in groundwater of upper reaches of Indus Basin, western Himalaya is still unknown. In the present study, we collected groundwater samples (n = 334) across Upper Indus Basin, (UIB) India to assess the distribution, hydrogeological and geochemical processes controlling the origin, fate and transport of F− in the complex aquifer system. The groundwater is circum-neutral to alkaline with HCO3− -Na+, HCO3−- Ca2+- Na+ and HCO3−- Ca2+- Mg2+ type suggesting the dominance of silicate and carbonate weathering. The results showed that F− enriched groundwater is widespread in the basin with 70% samples having F− above the maximum permissible limit of 1.5 mg/L. High F− groundwater showed distinct hydrochemical evolution attributed to higher pH, HCO3−, Na+, low Ca2+ with Na+/Ca2+ ratio >1 exhibiting F− in groundwater is geogenic, facilitated by the release of Na+ and HCO ions via silicate and carbonate dissolution. F− release in groundwater is also assisted by the incessant dissolution of fluorinated minerals (fluoride) with active exchange between Na+ and Ca+. High HCO3− also facilitates exchange of hydroxides (OH−) and F− on sediment surfaces that contributes to F− enrichment in groundwater through desorption. Geochemical modelling indicated that the precipitation of calcite, dolomite and aragonite is conducive for F− release. F− risk assessment exhibited that people living in UIB are highly vulnerable to the potential risk of dental and skeletal fluorosis. Therefore, it is highly substantial to provide an alternative drinking water source or treat the contaminated water before consumption to mitigate human health hazards.

An Analytical Hierarchy Process Approach for Prioritization of Objectives and Parameters for an Integrated Urban Water Management

For sustainable development of urban areas, it is essential to address urban water management integrated with the urban water systems and spatial planning of the cities and the subsequent uncertainties. An integrated urban water management and planning model will help ensure water security, mitigate floods and droughts, reduce the negative environmental impact of urbanization and climate change, and bring coherence in the water supply management with the cities' spatial planning and relevant policies. In the present research, the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria decision analysis, has been implemented to calculate the weightage of different parameters associated with urban water management and planning. AHP uses linguistic and quantitative variables based on experts' opinions for selecting and prioritizing the objectives and parameters for an integrated approach to urban water management and spatial planning under uncertainties. The local and global weights of objectives, parameters, key indicators, and sub-indicators were calculated after pairwise comparison by 32 experts from academia and industry in urban planning and civil and environmental engineering for the case of Ranchi, a city in eastern India. The study establishes the financial factors (36.97%) as one of the important attributes, followed by environmental factors (26.71%) for consideration in integrated urban water management. Further, Alternative D (45.256%) is framed by collaborating different objectives of IUWM, such as ensuring water security through alternative water sources, mitigating floods and droughts, and water supply planning considering land use, management policies, and climate change. The research findings can assist decision-makers in prioritizing the various objectives and parameters for integrated urban water management in cities with similar population sizes and organic growth.

Dynamic real-time forecasting technique for reclaimed water volumes in urban river environmental management

In recent years, the utilization of wastewater recycling as an alternative water source has gained significant traction in addressing urban water shortages. Accurate prediction of wastewater quantity is paramount for effective urban river water resource management. There is an urgent need to develop advanced forecasting technologies to further enhance the accuracy and efficiency of water quantity predictions. Decomposition ensemble models have shown excellent predictive capabilities but are challenged by boundary effects when decomposing the original data sequence. To address this, a rolling forecast decomposition ensemble scheme was developed. It involves using a machine learning (ML) model for prediction and progressively integrating prediction outcomes into the original sequence using complementary ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN). Long short-term memory (LSTM) is then applied for sub-signal prediction and ensemble. The ML-CEEMDAN-LSTM model was introduced for wastewater quantity prediction, compared with non-decomposed ML models, CEEMDAN-based LSTM models, and ML-CEEMDAN-based LSTM models. Three ML algorithms—linear regression (LR), gradient boosting regression (GBR), and LSTM—were examined, using real-time prediction data and historical monitoring data, with historical data selected using the decision tree method. The study used daily water volumes data from two reclaimed water plants, CH and WQ, in Beijing. The results indicate that (1) ML models varied in their selection of real-time factors, with LR performing best among ML models during testing; (2) the ML-CEEMDAN-LSTM model consistently outperformed ML models; (3) the ML-CEEMDAN-LSTM hybrid model performed better than the CEEMDAN-LSTM model across different seasons. This study offers a reliable and accurate approach for reclaimed water volumes forecasting, critical for effective water environment management.

Temporal public perceptions and experiences during water service disruptions: the case of Jackson, Mississippi

Failures in urban water systems are becoming a common occurrence in the US due to disasters, aging infrastructure, and financial constraints, among other concerns. For example, Jackson, Mississippi has experienced reoccurring water outages, burdening community members as they must seek alternative water sources. Prior research has primarily focused on technical, institutional, and public health aspects of water crises, with limited attention to community perspectives. Understanding such social aspects can shed light on, for example, community priorities, levels of trust, mental health concerns, and communication gaps. Here, we document the temporal experiences and perceptions of community members during the Jackson Water Crises. To do so, we qualitatively analyzed news media data and employed topic modeling techniques on social media data from two years, capturing two service disruption events. Our results reveal the cascading impacts of water outages on end-users, including financial, social, and technical issues. For example, over time, results indicate that trust in the government and water providers in Jackson eroded, which may hinder public support. Our results show that social media can be a useful tool for utilities to understand public perceptions in real-time. Recommendations proposed here can inform future responses to water crises in Jackson and other communities, ensuring end-users’ perspectives are incorporated.

A strong and fast millimeter-sized soft pneumatic actuator based on alternative pole water electrolysis

A strong and fast millimeter-sized soft pneumatic actuator based on alternative pole water electrolysis

Microbiological quality assessment of treated municipal wastewater effluents for crop irrigation purposes

Massive crop production demands enormous volumes of water for irrigation. Water scarcity has led growers to look for suitable alternative water sources. Treated wastewater for agricultural purposes has been documented; however, high microbial loads pose a high risk to consumers of contaminated produce. This study evaluated the microbiological quality of treated wastewater from three artificial canals belonging to two treated municipal wastewater plants in Sinaloa, Mexico. Fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella were quantified by standard methods in 60 treated wastewater samples. Fecal coliforms and E. coli were quantified from 4.0x102 to 3.9x107 CFU/100 mL and 1.0x102 to 1.0x107 CFU/100 mL, respectively. Salmonella was isolated from 45 samples, with the highest value of 16.14 MPN/L. Most of the examined samples exceeded the national and international microbial limits in water for agricultural purposes. Therefore, treated municipal wastewater from central Sinaloa, Mexico, is unsuitable for agricultural irrigation.

Optimizing the post-harvest salting of cultured oysters (Crassostrea virginica) using a recirculating wet storage system by monitoring adductor hemolymph osmolality

The oyster aquaculture industry is steadily growing in the United States, principally driven by the rise of small farms. With an increasingly crowded marketplace, farmers are searching for methods to diversify their crops and remain competitive. Enhancing oyster liquor in wet storage while preserving the water's signature flavor, or ‘merroir,’ is one way to create a new product line and differentiate crops, especially with oysters grown in low-salinity environments. Previously, growers have attempted to increase the salinity of their product by ‘finishing’ their oysters in a saltier water body; however, mass mortality may accompany such a transfer. Therefore, implementing a wet storage system may be a useful intermediary step to reduce crop mortality prior to ‘finishing’ oysters in alternative waters. This project sought to understand how to effectively use recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) as wet storage to expose harvested oysters to a chosen salinity and temperature to function as a modified wet storage system. Additionally, this experiment describes the effects of both short-term and long-term salinity and temperature stress on the survival, condition index, and shelf life of adult oysters. The shelf life and rate of osmoconformity of low-salinity adult oysters depend on ambient temperature and acute changes in salinity. While increasing ambient temperature improves the rate of hemolymph osmoconformity, we observed high mortality above 25 °C. Additionally, the shelf life of oysters was negatively affected by the length of exposure time to higher salinity and increasing temperature. These data can guide oyster growers in low-salinity regions who wish to diversify their product using recirculating tanks or better understand the potential risks associated with transferring cultured oysters across water bodies of varying salinity.

Analysis of environmental performance indicators for concrete block manufacturing: embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption.

Concrete block production significantly contributes to environmental degradation. A thorough understanding of its ecological implications is critical for sustainable development. This study investigates concrete block manufacturing's environmental impact by quantifying embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption via a comprehensive life cycle assessment. An extended life cycle assessment methodology is utilized to quantify the environmental indicators throughout the concrete block production lifecycle. Primary industry data and secondary research data ensure accuracy and reliability. Findings showed that concrete block manufacturing requires 2.5-4.1 times more embodied energy than equal clinker mass. Cement and aggregate production and transportation account for substantial energy needs. Limestone calcination during cement production causes significant CO2 emissions, 2.3-3.3 times higher than the minimum. Water consumption is concerning during curing and washing. Exploring alternative cementitious materials, optimized processes, and water recycling can reduce embodied energy by up to 75%, CO2 emissions by up to 67%, and water consumption by up to 80%. Concrete block manufacturing necessitates considerable energy and generates significant emissions. Implementing sustainable measures can minimize embodied energy, CO2 emissions, and water consumption, enabling environmentally responsible manufacturing. This research emphasizes adopting sustainability practices to mitigate environmental impact. Policymakers, industry professionals, and researchers can employ these insights to develop effective strategies promoting green manufacturing. The concrete block industry can contribute to a sustainable future through sustainable practices.

Reverse osmosis desalination for greenhouse irrigation: Experimental characterization and economic evaluation based on energy hubs

Water scarcity is a threat to crucial economic sectors, notably agriculture, which is a major concern in arid regions like Spain's Almería province, home to a substantial greenhouse industry. One of the possible solution for this fact is the use of alternative water sources, as desalination. This work offers a comprehensive characterization and economic evaluation of reverse osmosis desalinated water for greenhouse irrigation, exploring various scenarios, including photovoltaic electricity generation. To accomplish this, an economic model based on the energy hub methodology is proposed. This model provides a versatile framework that accounts for factors like variable electricity generation and water demand, allowing for accurate cost assessments. The results show that levelized cost of water between 2.51 and 3.69 €/m3 can be reached depending on the configuration of the system. Moreover, the cash flow analysis demonstrates that the investment in reverse osmosis systems for greenhouse irrigation can be recovered in less than three years in all the studied scenarios. These findings suggest that using reverse osmosis systems for greenhouse irrigation is a viable option particularly appealing to farmers and small associations in specific districts, promoting distributed desalination adoption in agriculture environments.

Temporal Patterns of Utilization of Constructed Water Pans by Different Mammal Species: A Study of Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya

Climate change induced risks like prolonged dry spells are exacerbating water scarcity especially, in the wildlife conservancies calling for alternative water supply systems for wildlife. In Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, water pans were constructed to provide water to animals during wet and dry seasons. The study aim was to establish patterns of water pans utilization by different mammal species in different seasons and times of the day. Study was conducted on the mammals visiting water pans in the dry season (June 2022) and wet season (October 2022) at two water pans in Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Mammal utilization of water pans was studied using observations and camera traps. Pearson correlation and t-test were used to analyze data. Impala had the highest water pan visitations (36.7%) followed by zebra (22.2%) while eland and reedbuck had the lowest (0.7%) visitations. Morning (0900hrs-1000hrs) was a period of peak visitations, followed by midday while dusk recorded the least visitations. Mammals utilized water pans for drinking, wallowing, grazing, socialization, and soil licking. There were significant differences in the number of visitations between the dry and wet seasons (df =7, t = 2.739, p=0.029) where dry season had high visitations (64.6%) while wet season had 35.4%. There was also a strong negative correlation between mammal visitations to the water pans and the time of the day. The study shows that constructed water pans provide important source of water in protected areas where natural water sources are absent, inaccessible due to fencing, or during the dry season when water is limited. Therefore, water provisioning during the dry season in areas lacking water to increase dispersal ranges in the conservancy reducing mammal concentration around water pans.

Prospects of alternative water supply for the population of Ukraine during wartime and post-war reconstruction

ABSTRACT Russia is using water supply as a weapon. Ukraine’s water infrastructure is being systematically destroyed. To date, Ukraine has lost almost a third of its accumulated fresh water reserves (approximately 19 km3) worth over $US18 billion, and damage to canals, pipelines, pumping stations and water supply systems has left more than 5 million people without drinking water. The loss of hydrostatic pressure in the Kakhovka Reservoir changes storage and flow in aquifers and surface waters, as well as water intake structures. We review the main elements of the structure of water supply, water distribution, and wastewater discharge within Ukraine’s river basins, and substantiate the prospects and technological solutions for the construction of wells to provide water from underground sources.

Assessment of Groundwater Potential as Alternative Water Resource for Kapar Power Plants

The current surface water shortage due to drought is prompting industries in Peninsular Malaysia to explore alternative water resources (AWR). Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB)’s reliance on town water has increased the risk of interruptions in supply, exposing the plant to shutdowns and reduced generation capacity. Consequently, TNB requires alternative water sources to mitigate these risks. This study aims to assess the groundwater potential at the Kapar Power Plant in terms of volume and quality as an alternative resource. Hydrogeological and geophysical surveys were conducted to locate prospective groundwater and determine its characteristics. Specifically, 2-D Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) and Induced Polarization (IP) surveys were carried out using the ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000 and the ES10-64 electrode selector. A total of five survey lines were established, revealing four potential groundwater locations. However, two locations were selected for further evaluation, with a total yield of 15.5 m³/hr. This study provides valuable insights into utilizing groundwater as a sustainable alternative water source for TNB, helping to ensure operational stability and reliability for the power plant.

A Novel Low-Tech Water Treatment System to Provide Safe Water for the Rural Poor

While providing safe water for the rural poor is considered a basic human right, there are numerous issues associated with existing technologies with shortcomings. Performance issues have continued to fail to meet the needs of impoverished families due to issues including high cost, difficulties with performance, and continuing needs for maintenance. These issues have severely interfered the safe water accessibility. Key aspects of the Guelph water filter (GWF) system can avoid/minimize many of these issues. The GWF as described herein enables delivery of low cost, long-term performance at 3 log removal of E. coli and can deliver 1 to 3 L of treated water per hour. The GWF is simple to operate, has an ability to provide sufficient water for a family, maintains longevity of performance, is easy to maintain and has protection against breakage during the cleaning process, is repairable at village level, and operates using a sizable reservoir of water to supply raw water, meaning the technology does not need to be refilled frequently. Hence, the capability of the novel GWF technology is shown to bypass many of the troublesome features of alternative low-tech water treatment technologies. The potential for the GWF to function for 2 days continuously avoids the need for young girls to fetch raw water frequently during a day, thereby enabling them to attend school. Hence, the GWF enhances the potential to result in ‘safe water and full schools’, providing the opportunity for girls to receive education and capture socio-economic benefits for the community.

Переход к экономике замкнутого цикла в рамках комплексного управления водными ресурсами. Обзор методов оценки

The transition from a linear water use model to a circular economy (CE) is an urgent task in the context of growing freshwater shortages, pollution of natural water bodies and climate change. It is important to integrate «grey» (engineered) infrastructure with «green» (in particular, with nature-based solutions) infrastructure, which will connect water systems managed by humans and nature. Addressing these issues requires developing approaches to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the economic impact of CE in the water sector from a systems perspective, to develop a circular policy. The object of study are linear and circular models of water resources (WR) management. The subject of the study is the prospects for the transition to integrated WR management, considering alternative types of water supply, supported by assessments. The purpose of the study is to substantiate the relevance of the transition to integrated WR management, including solutions aimed at the transition to closed circular cycle water systems; consideration of circular strategies inherent in WR; review of approaches for assessing circular solutions in the water sector. The authors proceed from the following: the generally accepted definition of a CE in the water sector is one of the decisive factors for the successful transition to circular systems; the concept of a CE appears to be one of the key approaches to achieving sustainable development of the water sector; nature-based solutions are seen as an important tool for environmental conservation, providing additional benefits (improving urban microclimate, water quality, preserving biodiversity, reducing the impact of anthropogenic factors on water bodies); integration impact assessment approaches for CE in the water sector contributes to comprehensive assessment of circular solutions. Conclusions: integrated water resources management must consider alternative water supplies; systemic changes caused by the transition to a CE in the water sector should be given priority attention, giving preference to solutions integrating traditional and «green» infrastructure; the transition to CE requires the development of approaches (with the ability to adapt and scale them to specific conditions) for the economic assessment of the systemic impact of circular water systems. The study is aimed at researchers and decision makers in the field of WR management. The conclusions drawn can be used in developing strategies for the development of water management and making decisions at various levels. A systematic literature review methodology was used, based on tracking keywords in articles posted in scientific electronic libraries; scientometric analysis; analytical and logical methods for process analysis in the context of CE and water management.

Synergies of CGE and IAM modelling for climate change implications on WEFE nexus in the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea Basin (MSB) is experiencing increasing pressure on its natural resources due to climate change (CC) and demographic growth, posing challenges to water and food sustainability. In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) nexus, this study projects shifts in welfare and food security under various climatic conditions. Agriculture, a sector that is highly vulnerable to climate variability, depends predominantly on rainfed croplands, which constitute 70-100% of agricultural land in most MSB countries. The remaining areas are irrigated by climate-dependent water bodies such as rivers and aquifers.A comprehensive analysis of the WEFE nexus is essential for a coherent examination of climate policy and future pathways for the economy and the natural environment. Using a dual-modeling approach, this research assesses the impacts of alternative water sources and irrigated agriculture within the MSB amidst uncertainties of CC-driven extreme events. A global computable general equilibrium (CGE) model, based on the GTAP framework, was used to examine inter-sectoral and inter-regional impacts. In tandem, the Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) based on the RICE-99 framework quantifies the uncertainties related to future extreme climatic events. This synergistic approach provides a comprehensive assessment of CC impacts, integrating adaptation strategies for alternative water sources and irrigated agriculture, as well as mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from energy production.The focus on cross-sectoral and multi-scale management of water, ecosystems, and food in the MSB was embedded into the economic models - CGE GTAP-AW and IAM RICE-MED, to analyze the impacts of CC adaptation and mitigation strategies on the WEFE nexus. The results indicate a reduced impact of CC on food production, and provide a comprehensive overview of potential adaptation and mitigation measures to reduce food security risks in the MSB. These findings are crucial for policymakers to promote sustainable water and agricultural practices in the face of a changing climate.

Enhancing Water Quality: A Rainwater and Reclaimed Water Sediment Filtration System

This research explores the development of a novel water filtration system. Using a mix of online and direct surveys, the study reveals strong support for addressing water supply challenges in specific areas of the campus. It introduces an innovative approach centered on recycling excess water and rainwater, which has broad applications beyond the campus, benefiting both humans and the environment. Preliminary results highlight the importance of implementing this “Every Drip Filtration System” on campus, emphasizing its potential to conserve water. Furthermore, the study underscores the universal value of water recycling and offers a versatile solution for daily living. In conclusion, this research holds immense promise for public and private sectors, advocating for water conservation and alternative water sources, benefiting both society and the environment.

Long-term Effects of Irrigation with Treated Municipal Wastewater on Soil Chemical and Physical Responses in Commercial Vineyards in the Coastal Region of South Africa

The prolonged drought in the Western Cape province of South Africa in recent years has been particularly detrimental to the wine industry. Water restrictions imposed by authorities and the limited supply of fresh water that can be stored, have emphasisedthe need for alternative water sources for vineyard irrigation. Treated municipal wastewater has been used successfully as an alternative source of irrigation water in other countries. A long-term trial was conducted in commercial vineyards in the Coastal region of South Africa to assess the impact of treated municipal wastewater irrigation on vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon blanc grapevines were irrigated using treated municipal wastewater from the Potsdam wastewater treatment works for 11 years. Grapevines were either rainfed (RF), irrigated with treated municipal wastewater via a single dripper line (SLD), or received twice the volume of wastewater via a double dripper line (DLD). Irrigation using treated municipal wastewater increased soil pH(KCl), the electrical conductivity of the saturated extract (ECe) and Cl-. Substantial amounts of Na+ and K+ accumulated in the topsoil due to irrigation with treated municipal wastewater. These soil K+ increases could have a negative effect on wine colour stability should the levels of soil K+ be such that they are absorbed excessively by grapevines. The near-saturation hydraulic conductivity (Kns) at the surface of the soil could be related to the ECe in the topsoil. The results represent specific in-field situations in three commercial vineyards under one set of climatic conditions.

Ecological features and resource status of carp fish in the lower Amu Darya River

This study presents the results of multi-year comprehensive scientific research conducted in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River. The primary material for the study consisted of our own collections of ichthyological material of fish populations to determine their current status in fisheries. The research focused on various groups and statuses of carp fish. As a result of the study, the current composition of carp fish fauna in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River, their ecological characteristics, and their commercial status in connection with the anthropogenic transformation of the river's hydrological regime were identified. Under these conditions, research is being conducted to create sustainable fish resources and their effective utilization, including the study of alternative water sources in the Southern Aral Sea region.