Current Water Use Research Articles

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE SOLUTIONS FOR THE FUTURE OF FOOD SECURITY

Due to reasons such as the increasing world population, climate change, changes in eating habits, unbalanced nutrition, and food waste, some precautions need to be taken for the world's food future. The world population, which was 8 billion in 2023, is expected to reach 9.7 billion in 2050. If important measures are not taken, food inadequacies, negative environmental impacts, and sustainable human life will be seriously affected in response to this population increase. Full compliance with the European Green Deal targets is required for a sustainable world life. The European Green Deal includes plans to keep the global temperature increase around 1.5 ºC, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030 compared to 1990, and to become a climate-neutral continent by 2050. It is known that these targets cannot be achieved if current nutrition habits, food waste, land use, water use, and carbon emission habits continue. If habits are not changed, an additional area twice the size of India will be required to feed the growing population by 2050. Considering that food practices constitute 26% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, significant changes need to be made, and measures need to be taken in the fields of agriculture, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and food. Foremost among these is the significant reduction of food-related emissions through changes in methods, inputs, and technology. In addition, it becomes necessary to make important changes such as returning 1/3 of the food currently wasted in the world to human consumption, a significant change in eating habits, an orientation towards plant-based inputs, and a balanced diet.

Improving a hydrological model by coupling it with an LSTM water use forecasting model

Long short-term memory (LSTM) networks have demonstrated excellent capabilities in identifying nonlinear relationships between variables and have proven to be effective in water use forecast modeling. However, current LSTM water use forecasting models do not consider the influence of regional water resources, which limits their ability to make full use of hydrological data. To address this issue, a distributed hydrological model (WetSpa-WW) was integrated in this study with a deep learning model (LSTM) based on water use activities. The water resources results simulated by WetSpa-WW were considered as an additional training input in the LSTM for water use forecasting. The coupled WetSpa-LSTM model was tested on the upper-middle of the Weihe River Basin, and the simulations were compared with those obtained from an experiment that did not consider water resources factors. The results indicated that the WetSpa-LSTM model performed better than the original model in simulating the streamflow. During calibration, logarithmic form of Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSEln) increased from 0.33 to 0.54 and the relative error (RE) decreased from 28 % to 13 %. Moreover, we observed that water resources factors can improve the accuracy of agricultural water use forecasting (NSE increases by 0.10) more than that of non-agricultural water use forecasting (NSE increases by 0.04). Overall, this study demonstrates the value of considering regional water resources in water use forecasting, and provides a perspective for integrating a distributed hydrological model (WetSpa-WW) and a deep learning model (LSTM) based on water use activities.

Quantifying the trade-offs in re-operating dams for the environment in the Lower Volta River

Abstract. The construction of the Akosombo and Kpong dams in the Lower Volta River basin in Ghana changed the downstream riverine ecosystem and affected the lives of downstream communities, particularly those who lost their traditional livelihoods. In contrast to the costs borne by those in the vicinity of the river, Ghana has enjoyed vast economic benefits from the affordable hydropower, irrigation schemes and lake tourism that developed after construction of the dams. Herein lies the challenge; there exists a trade-off between water for river ecosystems and related services on the one hand and anthropogenic water demands such as hydropower or irrigation on the other. In this study, an Evolutionary Multi-Objective Direct Policy Search (EMODPS) is used to explore the multi-sectoral trade-offs that exist in the Lower Volta River basin. Three environmental flows, previously determined for the Lower Volta, are incorporated separately as environmental objectives. The results highlight the dominance of hydropower production in the Lower Volta but show that there is room for providing environmental flows under current climatic and water use conditions if the firm energy requirement from Akosombo Dam reduces by 12 % to 38 % depending on the environmental flow regime that is implemented. There is uncertainty in climate change effects on runoff in this region; however multiple scenarios are investigated. It is found that climate change leading to increased annual inflows to the Akosombo Dam reduces the trade-off between hydropower and the environment as this scenario makes more water available for users. Furthermore, climate change resulting in decreased annual inflows provides the opportunity to strategically provide dry-season environmental flows, that is, reduce flows sufficiently to meet low flow requirements for key ecosystem services such as the clam fishery. This study not only highlights the challenges in balancing anthropogenic water demands and environmental considerations in managing existing dams but also identifies opportunities for compromise in the Lower Volta River.

Utilization Management to Ensure Clean Water Sources in Coastal Areas

Coastal communities utilize tidal water sources; existing surface water does not meet clean water standards, and communities are greatly affected by current water use. Managing existing water sources to meet the needs of the community is very difficult to obtain, so research is needed to determine the quality, quantity, and distance of water sources needed to meet the standards. This study aims to determine the quality, quantity, and distance of water sources. This study used a descriptive qualitative approach, the observation method, a survey, a questionnaire, and documentation. Good water source management will ensure that everyone has enough water. October's highest surface water potential Q = 61.96 m3/s and April's low Q = 1.02 m3/s, highest Qt groundwater potential = 0.12 m3/s, and the lowest Qt = 0.05 m3/s. Water availability Q = 21.15 m3/s with a domestic demand rate Q = 0.127 m3/s and Q = 0.021 m3/s non-domestic. A suitable and compliant water source is located at point 5 at a distance of 9 km from the location of the coastal area, with 87% water quality and conditions Temperature, pH, NO3, NO2, TN, COD, BOD, and Chlo-a meet the standard value obtained at 0.2 mg/l, indicating that the condition is not contaminated and safe. Coastal water quality challenges demand research and prudent use management. Nature-based littoral zone management enhances water quality. Pollution management, sustainable water use, and community involvement safeguard coastal habitats, biodiversity, and water sources. Doi: 10.28991/HEF-2023-04-01-03 Full Text: PDF

A spatial-temporal optimal allocation method of irrigation water resources considering groundwater level

The healthy and sustainable development of irrigation area not only serves as the guarantee of national food production security, but also shoulders the important task of regional ecological security, in which maintaining groundwater level plays an important role. Due to the close relationship between groundwater level and irrigation recharge groundwater, realizing rational use of water resources under strictly implementing the total limit of water use and holding reasonable groundwater level is of great significance to the healthy development of irrigated areas. Therefore, this study established a spatial-temporal optimal allocation regulation method of irrigation water resources by coupling groundwater numerical technology and the characteristics of hydrological cycle with comprehensively considering the dual constraints between total water consumption and reasonable groundwater depth. Besides, taking Helan County, a typical area of Qingtongxia Irrigation district in Ningxia as an example, a case study on optimal allocation of irrigation water resources was carried out. The results show that compared with the actual current water use situation, the total irrigation water shortage rate of Helan County Irrigation District (HCID) decreases from 21.61% to 21%. Under the combined control of total available water and groundwater depths, it is realized the fairness and balance of water use in different regions and periods by the allocation of water resources in spatial and temporal. Meanwhile, the area located in the reasonable groundwater depth range increased by 1.65% after optimization. Overall, the balanced and optimal allocation method of irrigation water resources with both total water use and groundwater depth control is not only improving the efficient and rational utilization of limited water resources, but also can regulate groundwater depth to guarantee regional ecological health and sustainable development.

Variation of tap-water isotope ratios and municipal water sources across Kyiv city, Ukraine

Stable isotopes of water allow researchers to examine water pathways and better understand spatial and temporal variability in mixtures of municipal water sources. In regions such as Kyiv (Ukraine), with a water supply that is vulnerable to the effects of climate change, pollution, and geopolitical conflict, such understanding is critical for effective water management. Trends in stable isotope values and water sources can function as a confirmation of municipal data. Additionally, these data can provide an early signal for the effects of climate change on these sources, reducing uncertainty from physical measurements.For this study, tap water, surface water, and groundwater were collected over 14 months in Kyiv and nearby Boryspil, Brovary, and Boyarka and measured for hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) stable isotopes. The stable isotope values from the tap water for each district show a general seasonal trend in water sources, with more groundwater used in the supply in the winter for most districts. Spatially, groundwater use increases from south to north in the left-bank districts in Kyiv city and groundwater use generally decreases from south to north in the right-bank districts. As precipitation patterns shift and temperatures increase, the reliance on particular water sources may need to shift as well. Overall, δ2H and δ18O data provide a baseline expectancy for current water use throughout the year and, from this, deviations can be assessed early.

Solutions to Difficult Problems Caused by the Complexity of Human–Water Relationship in the Yellow River Basin: Based on the Perspective of Human–Water Relationship Discipline

The human–water relationship in the Yellow River Basin is extremely complex, and the human–water relationship discipline is a powerful tool to solve difficult problems caused by the complexity. This study firstly analyzes the historical evolution of the human–water relationship in the Yellow River Basin. Secondly, we summarize some representative problems in dealing with the human–water relationship. Then, on the basis of discussing the main contents of the human–water relationship discipline, the possible solutions to the difficult problems are discussed. Taking the Yellow River water distribution dilemma as an example, we carry out a detailed application. Finally, the possibility of applying human–water relationship discipline to complex basin research is analyzed, and the future research prospects of the discipline are put forward. Results reveal that: (1) River diversion and unreasonable human activities are the main driving factors for the ecological evolution of the Yellow River Basin. In addition, the basin is currently in the “Protective coordination stage”. (2) The complexity of the human–water relationship is the root of many difficult problems, and forming a sound disciplinary system of human–water relationship discipline is the key to breaking through these difficult problems. (3) The Yellow River water distribution scheme based on human–water relationship discipline is consistent with the current water use pattern of the basin. (4) The theory and method system of human–water relationship discipline is also feasible and universal for other complex basins.

South Texas Water Resource Mental Models: A Systems Thinking, Multi‐stakeholder Case Study

AbstractThe Coastal Bend (CB), Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), and Wintergarden (WG) subregions of south Texas co‐exist in similar socio‐economic contexts but rely on markedly different water sources (CB: precipitation; LRGV: surface water; WG: groundwater). This has led to unique agricultural practices and municipal policies and reinforced mental models adapted specifically to each subregion, both of which are critical to understanding structural causes behind current water use and future water sustainability. To better stakeholder mental models in each subregion, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with individuals with a significant stake in water resource use and management. Results indicated near unanimous consensus among farmers and other stakeholders that water supply is limited and will be increasingly stressed under continued urban population growth. Farmers expressed concern that it will become more difficult to continue farming if additional water resources are not available, while each subregion expressed their own unique concerns: growing bureaucratic oversight and growing population problems (CB), lack of inflows, poor water quality, and international disputes with Mexico (LRGV), and political subdivision, declining groundwater levels, and information technology costs (WG). Mental models were synthesized based on dominant themes expressed by respondents; we synthesized these into two systems thinking archetypes: Tragedy of the Commons and Success to the Successful. Though it is unreasonable to create blanket region‐wide policies, the adoption of under‐utilized conservation practices coupled to stakeholder outreach remains unexplored leverage points, given most stakeholders are unaware of the feedback processes continuing to threaten south Texas water resources.

KAJIAN TEKNIS PENYEDIAAN AIR BERSIH DI DESA OEBOLA LUAR KECAMATAN FATULEU KABUPATEN KUPANG

The availability of clean water in the Oebola village community has not yet been available due to several obstacles, such as the distance of the water source from the residential area has not yet received the service of a clean water distribution system network that makes it easier for the community to obtain clean water to meet their daily needs. This study aims to determine the pattern of clean water consumption, the potential of water sources, the rate of clean water usage in 2020-2030, and strategies to meet the needs of clean water. The research method used in this research is descriptive method. The results of the analysis show that the current use of clean water is 43 liters/person/day less than the standard 60 liters/person/day, there is an adjustment to the limited water use in daily use such as bathing and washing habits. The potential available water sources from the Oetulu spring with a minimum discharge of 1.27 liters/second is smaller than the demand in 2020, which is 2.89 liters/second and in 2030 it is 4.39 liters/second. The strategy to fulfill clean water needs in Oebola Luar village is to provide clean water distribution system network services that make it easier for the community to obtain clean water.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Horticultural Processing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises on Energy and Water Use in Kenya

Horticultural processing involves intensive consumption of water and energy. It’s unknown whether the current energy and water use practices by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are sustainable. This study was conducted to investigate knowledge, attitude, and practices on energy and water use by horticultural processing MSMEs in Kenya. A cross sectional research design was adopted and purposive sampling was used to select 39 horticultural processing MSMEs. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The study found that the MSMEs had excellent knowledge on energy and water use efficiency. The study further found out that 75% of the respondents had a positive attitude towards the environment. Over 80% of the respondents had adopted simple housekeeping practices geared at conserving energy and water. Multiple linear regression indicates age has an effect on knowledge, attitude, and practices (R2=0.272; F=4.238; P=0.012). The other variables had a non-significant effect on knowledge, attitude, and practices. Despite the high level of knowledge possessed by the MSMEs, they still have not adopted long term practices that will lead to sustainability in the long run. In addition, the findings from this study reveal that MSMEs are not sufficiently motivated to move from positive attitude towards energy and water use practices. Subsidies and rewards could help MSMEs adopt practices that will lead to sustainability in this industry in the long run.

Demand-side water management using alternative water sources based on residential end-use

Abstract Demand-side water management in developing countries should ideally involve controlling the use of piped water supply and securing water sources that complement it to ensure sustainable use. To investigate the feasibility of incorporating these factors, we conducted a survey in Galle, Sri Lanka. First, an end-use survey was conducted to understand current and near future water use. The results indicated that the toilet, kitchen, clothes washing, and bathing related per capita water consumption in Galle was significantly lower than that in Colombo. The results also suggested that increases in indoor water needs cannot be supplemented via piped water supply only; it is necessary to consider alternative water sources, such as rainwater. Second, the residents' acceptance of rainwater usage for each indoor use was surveyed and it was found that acceptance depended on knowledge levels regarding rainwater harvesting.

Estimation of Current Water Use over the Complex Topography of the Nile Basin Headwaters: The Case of Ghba Subbasin, Ethiopia

Quantifying the available and useable water is critical work in any water resource study and design project. However, it is challenging to provide a robust and accurate estimation of water use and distribution for better water resource management and planning. This study aims to estimate the water use by different sectors, including water supply and irrigation sectors, by adopting estimated demand and supply water quantity. The current total population of the subbasin has been estimated to be 1.21 million. Thus, in the subbasin, current water use is estimated as follows: domestic and nondomestic water use in the rural area is 3.5 Mm3/year and 0.174 Mm3/year, respectively. The domestic water use of the towns is 12.77 Mm3/year. The industrial water use of the urban areas is 21.2 Mm3/year, whereas the commercial, public, and institutional water use are 1.87 Mm3/year. The real loss for all the water supply uses is 7.8 Mm3/year. Thus, the total current water supply uses are about 47.225 Mm3/year. From the existing irrigation schemes, about 10,254.8 ha areas are irrigated by both smallholders and different investors, growing vegetables, cereals, and fruit trees. The annual irrigation water requirements of these schemes are computed to be 151.55 Mm3. Livestock water demand of the subbasin was assessed and estimated based on the population and consumption rates of the species. Currently, the subbasin has a total livestock population of 1,527,835, and the water demand of which is estimated at 5.3 Mm3 per annum. Hence, the total current water use estimate of the subbasin is 204.1 Mm3.

Water use and management practices on U.S. golf courses

AbstractMeasuring water use on U.S. golf courses is an essential component of measuring best management practice adoption. To provide timely and meaningful education regarding current water use, continued measurement of golf course water use is necessary. The objective of this study was to assess the current water use and related management practices on U.S. golf courses in 2020. A survey was developed and distributed electronically to 14,145 U.S. golf courses with 11% responding. Since the initial survey conducted in 2005, water applied as irrigation to U.S. golf courses declined by 29% from 2.38 to 1.69 million acre‐ft. Factors contributing to this decline include a 12% reduction in golf facilities and a 25% reduction in water applied per acre since 2005. Reductions in water applied per acre were also measured in most regions except in the Southwest region, where an increase in water applied per acre was reported, which was probably a result of the increased stress the turfgrass may have experienced under the reduced precipitation and increased heat in the Southwest region. The responses indicate that golf course superintendents continue to use management practices associated with efficient water use. The use of technologies such as handheld moisture meters and drought‐tolerant turfgrass has increased since 2013, indicating that golf superintendents are receptive to using both new and traditional technologies to reduce water use.

РАДОНОВЫЕ ВОДЫ БОЛЬШОЙ БЕЛОКУРИХИ: СОВРЕМЕННОЕ ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВНЫЕ УЧАСТКИ РАЗВИТИЯ КУРОРТА

At present, a tourist and recreational cluster is being formed around the federal resort of Belokurikha, which includes the adjacent territories of the Smolensk, Altai and Soloneshensky municipal districts of the Altai Territory. To determine the directions of spatial development in the cluster, information is needed on the prospects for discovering new sources of radon waters. The purpose of the study is to assess the current level of use of radon waters by the resort of Belokurikha, to identify geological and geochemical prospecting indicators of radon waters and to assess the prospects for their detection within the tourist cluster "Bolshaya Belokurikha". A field study of the territory and sampling of granitoids from the Belokurikhinsky pluton were carried out. The analysis of isotopes of uranium and thorium from granitoids was carried out according to the classical method at the Center for Isotope Research of the Russian Geological Research Institute (St. Petersburg). The analysis of the current water use was carried out based on the data of the Hydroservice of the resort of Belokurikha on water consumption for 2019. The volume of radon water consumption by the sanatoriums of the Belokurikha resort in 2019 varied throughout the year from 435.1 m3 / day in August to 282.1 m3 / day in December. This does not exceed the operational reserves of the Belokurikhinskoye deposit, which are 600 m3 / day. Potential areas for the detection of radon waters are confined to the deep sub-latitudinal Belokurikha fault, which runs along the border of the Pre-Altai plain and the Altai Mountains, and especially to the zones of intersection of faults of different directions. This is the main geological prospecting indicator. The geochemical prospecting indicator is the increased content of uranium in rocks. The highest concentrations of 238U and 232Th isotopes in the granitoids of the Belokurikhinsky pluton were found for aplites and pegmatites. Thus, the entire strip of the transition zone from the Biysk-Barnaul depression to the mountain-folded structure of Altai has prospects for radon waters, due to a complex of features for prospecting and factors of water formation with the participation of the vadose component and of deep waters leaching minerals with increased radioactivity from aplites and pegmatites. Prospective sites for carrying out detailed prospecting for radon waters are located in Belokurikha-2 in the area of the village Ulyanovka and near the village of Danilovka. Here, in addition to indirect prospecting indicators, there are also direct ones (radon content in waters).

Linear Versus Nonlinear (Convex and Concave) Hedging Rules for Reservoir Optimization Operation

AbstractHedging rules of reservoir operations decide the timing and magnitude of current water delivery reduction and consequent carryover water storage conservation based on the tradeoff between the utility of current and future water use. Different forms of hedging can be used for reservoir release decision. This study presents general optimality conditions for hedging with convex, concave, and linear relationships between reservoir water availability and release, using criteria based on the relative value of marginal value of risk tolerance (MVRT) with respect to current reservoir release versus carryover storage. MVRT is quantified to measure reservoir operators' risk tolerance change (sensitivity) to the change of reservoir release or carryover storage, reflecting their attitudes to the risk with current release and that with the carryover storage (i.e., future release), as well as their perception of future water availability uncertainty. Higher, equal, or lower MVRT with current release than that with carryover storage for future release corresponds to convex, linear or concave hedging. Various levels of risk tolerance toward hydrologic uncertainty underlie different hedging types for reservoir release decisions. Specifically, negative, positive, and null risk premiums (or risk seeking, risk aversion, and risk neutrality) result from convex, concave, and linear hedging rules, respectively. In general, high uncertainty will move the convex or concave curve closer to the linear curve. The MVRT‐based criteria for optimal hedging policies are illustrated through a real‐world case study.

The Utilization of Nile Water among the Riparian States: Tensions and Controversies on the Filling and Annual Operation of the GERD

Despite the fear entertained by the downstream countries of the Nile basin, little attention was paid to the right of Ethiopia to utilize the Blue Nile waters. The purpose of this study is to explain the tension between upper riparian Ethiopia and downstream Sudan and Egypt on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) filling and controversies on its annual operation. A descriptive qualitative research method was employed to describe the tension concerning the filling and controversies on the annual operation of the GERD. The investigation relied on secondary sources of data obtained from YouTube videos of international broadcast media such as CGTN, Aljazeera, and TRT World. In addition, national broadcast media of Ethiopia (Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation and Ahadu Television), Sudan (Sudan Tribune), and Egypt (Daily News Egypt) accessed to make data balance. Moreover, letters from these countries sent to the UNSC have been reviewed. Besides, published and unpublished secondary sources on the Nile basin hydro-politics and the GERD were reviewed. The finding of the study reveals that the filling of the dam does not constitute significant harm as it can be seen from the first phase filling given the hydrological condition in the Eastern Nile Basin. The controversy regarding the annual operation of the GERD arises from the fear that their historical and current water use will be threatened. They wanted to conclude the binding agreement in their favor at the expense of Ethiopia’s future utilization of Blue Nile water. Their fear is Ethiopia would not remain faithful to its promises that the dam and its filling do not affect their water security. Rather than basing their claim on invalid colonial treaties, Egypt and Sudan should acknowledge Ethiopia’s right to utilize the Blue Nile water resource and fill the dam without causing significant harm. It is suggested to clear distrust and discuss issues of common concern by tolerating short-term risk for the long-term collective prosperity.

Changing climate drives future streamflow declines and challenges in meeting water demand across the southwestern United States

Society and the environment in the arid southwestern United States depend on reliable water availability, yet current water use outpaces supply. Water demand is projected to grow in the future and climate change is expected to reduce supply. To adapt, water managers need robust estimates of future regional water supply to support management decisions. To address this need, we estimate future streamflow in seven water resource regions in the southwestern U.S. using a new SPAtially Referenced Regressions On Watershed attributes (SPARROW) streamflow model. We present streamflow projections corresponding to input data from seven climate models and two greenhouse gas Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP4.5 and 8.5) for three, thirty-year intervals centered on the 2030s, 2050s, and 2080s, and for a historical thirty year interval centered on the 1990s. Across water resource regions, about half of the RCP4.5 models (51%) and two thirds of the RCP8.5 models (67%) indicate decreases in streamflow in the 2080s relative to the historical period. Models project maximum decreases in streamflow of 36–80% in all water resource regions for all periods and RCPs relative to historical streamflow, and maximum streamflow decreases of up to 20–45% in the 2080s at sites along the Colorado River used for measuring compliance with interstate and international water agreements. Headwaters are projected to experience the greatest declines, with substantial downstream implications. Among these estimates, the streamflows from models forced with RCP8.5 tend to be lower than those forced with RCP4.5. Not all climate models, times, and RCPs project widespread streamflow declines. The most ubiquitous streamflow increases are projected to occur in the 2030s under RCP4.5. Later time periods and enhanced greenhouse gas forcings indicate smaller regions of streamflow increase and lower accumulated streamflows, suggesting that limiting or reducing greenhouse gas concentrations could support future water availability. Although some possible streamflow increases are promising, the modest and spatially limited increases in streamflow projected for later time periods are still unlikely to be sufficient to meet the projected water demand. These results inform the likelihood of future water agreement compliance, and support developing strategies to balance water supply and demand.

The Global Blue Water Use for the Dutch Diet and Associated Environmental Impact on Water Scarcity

Agriculture is responsible for around 70% of global water withdrawal, making it the largest consumer of freshwater. Globally, freshwater is a scarce resource, and there is increasing risk that current water use is crossing the planetary boundary, meaning that humanity is using more freshwater than nature can replenish. Beside the amount of water used for the production of food, also the location of water use is of importance to identify local water scarcity. In this study we determined and analyzed the blue water use for the Dutch diet. Also, we provide an indication of the the spatial distribution in water use, related to water scarcity. The blue water use per person for the average diet of the Dutch adult population aged 19-79 years as calculated in this study was 160 l/day (=57 m³/year) for men and 153 l/day (=56 m³/year) for women. Non-alcoholic beverages were the most important contributor to water use for the diet of men as well as women. Fruits were the second most important contributor to water use for the diet of women (particularly oranges, tangerines, strawberries and bananas), and the third most important for men. Meat was the second most important contributor for men (particularly chicken fillet and beef meat) and the third for women. About one third of the blue water use for the Dutch diet takes place in countries where 30 to 70 times less available water remaining per area than the world average. This means that water scarcity is relatively high in those countries compared to the world’s average. The main countries of origin of the water used for food production for the Dutch population we identified were Spain, the Netherlands itself, South Africa, Chile, India and USA. Products with ingredients from Spain are several types of greenhouse vegetables, citrus fruits and juices. To lower the environmental impact related to blue water use, for the Dutch situation we conclude that beside reducing meat and dairy consumption, consuming more Dutch fruits like apples and pears, and reducing imports of fruits and nuts from e.g. Spain, Chile and USA, are relatively easy changes that will have a positive effect on the global water scarcity impact. Also, reducing the consumption of non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, soft drinks and juices, and increasing the use of tap water, is recommended to lower the Dutch blue water use within a healthy diet.

Interplay of changing irrigation technologies and water reuse: example from the upper Snake River basin, Idaho, USA

Abstract. Careful allotment of water resources for irrigation is critical for ensuring the resiliency of agriculture in semiarid regions, and modernizing irrigation technology to minimize inefficient water losses is an important tool for farmers and agricultural economies. While modernizing irrigation technology can achieve reductions in the nonbeneficial use of water, such as bare soil evaporation and nonconsumptive losses, water returned to the landscape is also reduced, often eliminating flow paths that other users rely on. In basins using a combination of surface and groundwater, replenishing aquifer storage by the managed aquifer recharge (MAR) of seasonally available water can mitigate the aquifer drawdown that results from reduced recharge when irrigation efficiency is improved. We examine the effects of MAR on the system-scale efficiency of modernizing irrigation technology and the resulting changes in the reuse of nonconsumptive losses, using a macroscale hydrologic model applied to the semiarid upper Snake River basin (USRB) of western Wyoming and southern Idaho, USA. Irrigation technologies were represented explicitly in the model, and available data informed baseline parameterizations of the irrigation technology. A suite of parameterizations were simulated that updated the existing technologies to be more efficient, both with and without sufficient MAR to cause a stabilization of the aquifer at the present-day head. As expected, simulated changes in irrigation technology resulted in greater downstream export of pristine water and a higher rate of aquifer drawdown when MAR was not simulated. Under current water use and cropping patterns, we were not able to simulate aquifer stabilization and maintain discharge downstream at any level of irrigation efficiency. We found support for the hypothesis that, as efficiency improves, less MAR is required to maintain a stable aquifer than when return flows are reduced due to increased efficiency. To evaluate the hypothesis, we defined the management benefit as a metric that compared the difference between the change in irrigation's net recharge and the change in MAR required as irrigation technology became more efficient. The metric generally indicated that less MAR was needed than net recharge was lost, but only for the most efficient case did the management benefit exceed the MAR needed at the baseline to stabilize the aquifer. Increasing efficiency of irrigation technology reduced the reuse of the gross irrigation derived from prior nonconsumptive losses, but simulating MAR increased reuse for a given parameterization, leading to higher effective irrigation efficiency. We find that local groundwater storage that users depend on is generally more sensitive to management decisions than downstream flows, and the drawdown of the aquifer without MAR always exceeded any decrease in discharge induced by MAR. Improving resource sufficiency in semiarid systems like the USRB will require an array of solutions that will need to balance benefits to local and downstream users.

Development of novel extraction reagents for analyzing dried blood spots from crime scenes

Evidence of dried blood is very valuable in forensic science. Since the discovery of luminescence with Luminol and dried blood spots (DBSs) in 1928, interest and research on blood have continued to date. One of the most important factor that DBSs have is genes. However, the current use of distilled water (DDW) to collect and extract blood samples has disadvantages related to DNA stability. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an extraction reagent that is most suitable for gene extraction from DBSs. Blood was collected from 45 healthy adult men and women in vacuum blood containers without coagulants or anticoagulants. The collected blood was dried in various settings to check the performance of the extraction reagent. Extraction with Tris-EDTA (TE) and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was found more suitable in terms of gene interference effects compared with DDW; their performance was also compared with those of the newly developed extraction reagents. Upon comparing the results of polymerase chain reaction for human genomic DNA samples using glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene as the target, the performance of the newly developed extraction reagents, modified TE and PBS, was found to be relatively good. To determine the optimal composition of the developed extraction reagents, 12 new extraction reagents were developed with different pH and sodium concentrations. Among them, the best results were found when the DNA was extracted using extraction reagent No. 3 with pH 8.0 and containing 1 M NaCl. Next, the four extraction reagents, DDW, TE, PBS, and No. 3 were compared under nine different temperature and humidity conditions. Similarly, under various environmental conditions, extraction reagent No. 3 performed better than other reagents. It is proposed that modified TE and PBS mixed extraction reagents are the most suitable for collecting and preserving crime site samples. The proposed composition for a DNA extraction reagent can contribute greatly to crime scene reconstruction.