Reduce Water Consumption Research Articles

An Overview of How the Petrophysical Properties of Rock Influenced After Being Exposed to Cryogenic Fluid

Exposure to cryogenic liquids can significantly impact the petrophysical properties of rock, affecting its density, porosity, permeability, and elastic properties. These effects can have important implications for various applications, including oil and gas production and carbon sequestration. Cryogenic liquid fracturing is a promising alternative to traditional hydraulic fracturing for exploiting unconventional oil and gas resources and geothermal energy. This technology offers several advantages over traditional hydraulic fracturing, including reduced water consumption, reduced formation damage, and a reduced risk of flow-back fluid contamination. In this study, an updated review of recent studies demonstrates how the thermal shock caused by the cryogenic liquid during the fracturing process substantially affects the rock's physical properties. Additionally, changes in permeability, porosity, and pore structure brought about by cryogenic treatments are highlighted. This work aims to draw attention to the studies that deal with the effect of thermal shock on rock petrophysical properties and establish the ideal conditions for employing cryogenic liquids in these contexts. Simulation studies, laboratory trials, and field application cases have been undertaken to assess the efficacy of cryogenic liquid fracturing technology. These investigations have provided important insights into the physical and mechanical impacts of thermal shock on rock and the performance of cryogenic liquid fracturing in real-world situations.

Integral Assessment of Water Quality in the Volga River Basin According to Monitoring Data in the 21st Century

The Volga River has been the main Russian river for several centuries. The river, originating on the Valdai Hills, crosses several natural and climatic zones on its way to the Caspian Sea: from the southern taiga to the dry steppes of the Caspian Lowland. According to the latest data, 45% of industrial enterprises and 50% of agricultural production in Russia are concentrated in the river basin. The anthropogenic load on the river with its tributaries and their basins significantly exceeds the load on other large Russian rivers. The largest contaminated wastewater volumes fall on the share of Moscow, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, Saratov, Ufa, Volgograd, Balakhna, Tolyatti, Ulyanovsk, Cherepovets, Naberezhnye Chelny and other large cities. All these negative processes occur against the background of ongoing climate change. The article analyzes the Roshydromet hydrochemical monitoring data of river waters in the Volga River basin for the 2000–2021 period by water bodies and federal subjects. Regardless of the year water content, almost 70% of hydrochemical monitoring stations in the Volga River basin correspond to the third quality class (“polluted”). An integral assessment of the water quality in the Volga River basin shows that the situation has not changed significantly since the end of the last century. To improve the ecological condition of the Volga River basin, it is necessary to implement a set of measures for the protection and reproduction of water resources in catchment areas, rationalize water use systems, and reduce the volume of freshwater intake. Reducing water consumption is a necessary condition for reducing the wastewater volume discharged and, consequently, the number of pollutants contained in it. One of the problems is that almost all types of water use harm the surface waters’ natural quality, including the Volga River basin.

Green Sustainable Textile Supercritical Dyeing Process Using CO2 Madder (Rubia tinctorum L.) Extract

ABSTRACT Waterless or reduced water consumption dyeing methods based on supercritical technologies are of interest to fabric manufacturers. The study was aimed at developing a dyeing method for natural fibers, in particular linen and silk, by pressure supercritical impregnation using madder alizarin (R. tinctorum) coloring compound produced by supercritical extraction method as an ecological alternative to conventional dyeing methods. A comparative test of fabric dyeing using supercritical and conventional methods was also carried out. In these dyeing technologies, the pre-treatment process plays an important role in the color intensity. The tests were performed using fabrics without and with mordants, and the results were compared using the color analysis method. The colors of the dyed samples obtained in the supercritical technology are more in shades of carmine, and in the traditional method in duller reds. The proposed modern and ecological dyeing technology guarantees a good resistance to washing and light. Antibacterial activity tests were also performed using supercritical and ethanol extracts. Dyed fabrics play health-promoting and protective roles for their users. Linen fabrics showed antimicrobial activity and positive effects on the skin, which was more moisturized. Waterless technologies should be developed in conjunction with user and environmental impact studies.

Ultrasonic Bubble Cleaner as a Sustainable Solution

We aim to develop a floor-cleaning design by exploiting oscillating bubbles combined with ambient pressure waves to clean various surfaces. Previous studies of this method in lab settings have proven its efficacy, but practical applications, especially concerning real-world conditions like dirt surfaces, remain largely unprobed. Our findings indicate that, excluding a configuration with a heavy mass bottom transducer, all tested configurations achieved approximately 60–70% cleaning performance. A slight improvement in cleaning performance was observed with the introduction of microbubbles, although it was within the error margin. Particularly noteworthy is the substantial reduction in water consumption in configurations with a water pocket, decreasing from 280 mL to a mere 3 mL, marking a significant step toward more environmentally sustainable cleaning practices, such as reduced water usage. This research provides implications for real-world cleaning applications, promising an eco-friendly and efficient cleaning alternative that reduces water usage and handles a variety of materials without causing damage.

Fuzzy logic control for watering system

A two-dimensional finite element (FEM) model was developed to simulate water propagation in soil during irrigation. The first dimension was water distribution depth in soil, and the second dimension was time. The developed model was tested by analyzing water distribution in a conventional (clock-controlled) irrigation model. The values in the conventional model were calculated based on the literature. The results were consistent with the results obtained from the model. In the next step, a fuzzy logic model for irrigation control was developed. The input variables were ambient temperature, soil moisture content and time of day (which is related to solar radiation and evapotranspiration), and the output variable was irrigation intensity. The fuzzy logic control (FLC) model was tested by simulating water distribution in soil and comparing water consumption in both models. The study demonstrated that the depth of the soil moisture sensor affected water use in the fuzzy logic-controlled irrigation system relative to the conventional model. Water consumption was reduced by around 12% when the soil moisture sensor was positioned at an optimal depth, but it increased by around 20% when sensor depth was not optimal. The extent to which the distribution of fuzzy variables affects irrigation performance was examined, and the analysis revealed that inadequate distribution of fuzzy variables in the irrigation control system can increase total water consumption by up to 38% relative to the conventional model. It can be concluded that a fuzzy logic-controlled irrigation system can reduce water consumption, but the system’s operating parameters should be always selected based on an analysis of local conditions to avoid an unintended increase in water use. A well-designed FLC can decrease water use in agriculture (thus contributing to rational management of scarce water resources), decrease energy consumption, and reduce the risk of crop pollution with contaminated groundwater.

Maternal Embryo Effect Arrest 31 (MEE31) is a moonlighting protein involved in GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis and KAT1 potassium channel regulation

Due to anthropogenic global warming, droughts are expected to increase and water availability to decrease in the coming decades. For this reason, research is increasingly focused on developing plant varieties and crop cultivars with reduced water consumption. Transpiration occurs through stomatal pores, resulting in water loss. Potassium plays a significant role in stomatal regulation. KAT1 is an inward-rectifying potassium channel that contributes to stomatal opening. Using a yeast high-throughput screening of an Arabidopsis cDNA library, MEE31 was found to physically interact with KAT1. MEE31 was initially identified in a screen for mutants with delayed embryonic development. The gene encodes a conserved phosphomannose isomerase (PMI). We report here that MEE31 interacts with and increases KAT1 activity in yeast and this interaction was also confirmed in plants. In addition, MEE31 complements the function of the yeast homologue, whereas the truncated version recovered in the screening does not, thus uncoupling the enzymatic activity from KAT1 regulation. We show that MEE31 overexpression leads to increased stomatal opening in Arabidopsis transgenic lines. Our data suggest that MEE31 is a moonlighting protein involved in both GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis and KAT1 regulation.

Sustainable management of water, nitrogen and biochar resources for soybean growth considering economic, environmental and resource use efficiency aspects: An integrated modeling approach

Intensive soybean production requires that water and fertilizer are collaboratively managed in an accurate and efficient manner, while biochar application offers a sustainable approach for protecting land, alleviating water scarcity, and increasing crop yield. The purpose of this study was to carry out a multifactor coupling orthogonal experiment of irrigation, nitrogen and biochar in the soybean growing season in 2021 and 2022 via plot treatment, linking the effect of irrigation and nitrogen on soybean yield with the carbon sequestration and emission reduction properties of biochar. A dynamic regulation model with multi-dimensional objective synergy for soybean yield, water footprint (WF), carbon footprint (CFP), water use efficiency (WUE) and partial productivity of nitrogen fertilizer (PFPN) based on the comprehensive regulation framework of experimental-simulation-optimization was constructed. This model was used to explore the optimal irrigation, nitrogen and biochar application patterns and their synergistic effects on yield and environmental benefits. The results showed that soybean yield and PFPN were affected by irrigation, nitrogen application affected WF and WUE, and biochar application affected CFP. Irrigation significantly affected the soil water content and consequently the WF while enhancing the crop yield and PFPN. Compared to the I1 treatment, the I0 treatment reduced water consumption, and the addition of nitrogen (N0 and N1) contributed to higher crop yields and WUE. The addition of biochar significantly increased crop yield, WUE and PFPN while mitigating the impact of nitrogen fertilizer application on greenhouse gas emissions. Based on the three-factor interaction, the yield, WF, CFP, WUE, and PFPN in 2022 increased by 3.03%, 3.51%, 2.17%, 1.59%, and 7.61%, respectively, compared to those in 2021. In addition, combined with water and nitrogen application, biochar application reduced CFP while increasing soybean yield, WUE and PFPN. A multiobjective optimization model demonstrated that when the amounts of irrigation, nitrogen, and biochar in 2021 and 2022 were 178.4 mm, 104.6 kg/hm2, and 8650.8 kg/hm2 and 153.7 mm, 93.7 kg/hm2, and 8063.4 kg/hm2, respectively, the synthetic degrees of yield, WF, CFP, WUE, and PFPN reached 0.866 and 0.872, respectively. The coordinated regulation of irrigation, nitrogen, and biochar reached a high-quality coordinated level that was 14.39% and 7.13% higher in 2021 and 2022 than the best I0N0B1 treatment, respectively. In this study, a combination of experiment-simulation-optimization is used to propose optimal irrigation, nitrogen and biochar regulation methods that synergize soybean yield, resource use efficiency and environmental benefits, which are of theoretical value for promoting green and efficient soybean production in black soil areas.

Crop switching for water sustainability in India’s food bowl yields co-benefits for food security and farmers’ profits

AbstractGroundwater depletion due to agricultural intensification is a major threat to water and food security in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), a critical food bowl, home to 400 million people and currently producing 135 million metric tonnes of cereals. Among the solutions proposed to address this unsustainable water consumption, crop switching has received growing attention, yet its potential to produce co-benefits or trade-offs for other dimensions of sustainability (for example, food supply and farmers’ profits) remains largely unquantified. In this study, we developed and applied a crop switching optimization model for cereals in the IGP to maximize calorie production and farmers’ profits and minimize water consumption. We found that switching from rice to millets (pearl millet) and sorghum in the Kharif (monsoon) season and from wheat to sorghum in the Rabi (winter) season could potentially reduce water consumption by 32%, improve calorie production by 39% and increase farmers’ profits by 140%. We also found that switching crops offers a larger reduction in groundwater depletion and energy savings than improving irrigation efficiency (that is, from flood to drip irrigation). Our findings demonstrate the potential for crop switching to address the multidimensional sustainability challenges of the IGP, with possible application to other regions facing similar issues.

Recycling of nutrient medium to improve productivity in large-scale microalgal culture using a hybrid electrochemical water treatment system

Recycling and reusing of nutrient media in microalgal cultivation are important strategies to reduce water consumption and nutrient costs. However, these approaches have limitations, e.g., a decrease in biomass production, (because as reused media can inhibit biomass growth). To address these limitations, we applied a novel membrane filtration‒electrolysis‒ultraviolet hybrid water treatment method capable of laboratory-to-large-scale operation to increase biomass productivity and enable nutrient medium disinfection and recycling. In laboratory-scale experiments, electrolysis effectively remove the biological contaminants from the spent nutrient medium, resulting in a high on-site removal efficiency of dissolved organic carbon (DOC; 80.3 ± 5 %) and disinfection (99.5 ± 0.2 %). Compared to the results for the recycling of nutrient medium without water treatment, electrolysis resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in biomass production, which was attributable to the removal of biological inhibitors from electrochemically produced oxidants (mainly OCl−). In scaled-up applications, the hybrid system improved the quality of the recycled nutrient medium, with 85 ± 2 % turbidity removal, 75 ± 3 % DOC removal, and 99.5 ± 2 % disinfection efficiency, which was beneficial for biomass growth by removing biological inhibitors. After applying the hybrid water treatment method, we achieved a Spirulina biomass production of 0.47 ± 0.03 g L−1, similar to that obtained using a fresh medium (0.53 ± 0.02 g L−1). The on-site disinfection process described herein is practical and offers a cost-saving and environmental friendly alternative for nutrient medium recycling and reusing water in mass and sustainable cultivation of microalgae.

Pengembangan Sistem Pengontrolan Irigasi Cerdas dengan Teknologi Internet of Things (IoT)

Agriculture plays a pivotal role in addressing global food demands, with efficient resource utilization, particularly water, being crucial for sustainability. In this context, the Internet of Things (IoT) has emerged as a potent tool for optimizing irrigation water usage. This study centers on developing an IoT-based smart irrigation control system to enhance agricultural water efficiency. The system integrates soil moisture sensors, water pumps, and an IoT platform for autonomous plant irrigation management. Real-time sensor data is collected and processed to make intelligent irrigation decisions, reducing water consumption by up to 30% compared to traditional methods, as demonstrated in field trials. Beyond water efficiency, the system empowers farmers to remotely access and manage irrigation through a web or mobile app, offering resource management flexibility and improved adaptability to changing weather conditions. This research underscores IoT's substantial potential in advancing agricultural irrigation efficiency, curbing water use, and promoting economically and environmentally sustainable farming. These findings serve as a blueprint for future agricultural solutions in the IoT-driven sector.

Strategies to Maintain Water Resources for Sustainability in the Sumbagut Region

This study uses a combined approach between economic analysis and observation by Pertamina Regional Sumbagut. The data obtained are analyzed to identify strategies that have been implemented and measure their impact on the sustainability of water resources. The results showed that Pertamina Regional Sumbagut has adopted several important strategies in safeguarding water resources. This strategy includes the use of water-saving technologies in their operations, such as the use of rainwater utilization systems and the use of water-saving methods in production facilities. In addition, Pertamina is also active in monitoring and managing the impact of their operations on water quality. The implementation of these strategies has had a positive impact in safeguarding water resources for sustainability. Pertamina Regional Sumbagut has succeeded in reducing water consumption, making savings in water consumption costs, and minimizing negative impacts on water quality in the region. The study provides valuable insights for Pertamina Regional Sumbagut and other energy companies in sustainable water management. It is hoped that the results of this study can encourage further efforts to continue to improve water saving practices.

Improved growth of coffee seedlings (Coffea canephora) under SMART irrigation system

Water stress in plants due to the effects of climate change resulted in reduced growth and yield of coffee in the tropics. Efficient use of water through the use of SMART irrigation systems available provides a promising solution to address such a problem. Thus, a study utilizing a combined climate- based and soil moisture SMART irrigation system has been conducted to assess its effects on the growth of Robusta coffee seedlings compared to practiced manual irrigation. The experimental design utilized a Complete Block Design (CBD) approach. Additionally, water consumption was measured to determine any significant differences. Over the course of the two-month experiment, 20 replications per treatment, it was observed that coffee seedlings subjected to the automated irrigation system (T1) exhibited significant improvements in both plant height and number of leaves, with growth rates of 72.56% and 65.29%, respectively, compared to manually irrigated plants (T0). Although the water savings achieved under the automated system were not statistically significant, there was an 18.95% reduction in water consumption. These findings highlight the potential benefits of automating irrigation systems using an IoT approach, specifically in terms of enhancing coffee seedling productivity. By utilizing real-time data from sensors, the SMART irrigation system effectively optimized water usage and resulted in improved growth and yield. This research underscores the importance of implementing such technological advancements to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on coffee cultivation in tropical regions.

A study of the required sustainability-driven institutional and behavioural mechanisms to tackle the anticipated implications of agricultural water price shocks: a system dynamics approach

Economic policies for managing agricultural water use are often complicated by the challenge of using water prices as an efficient economic tool when other non-economic concerns are involved in the decision-making process. This study aims to analyse the impact of water pricing policies on preserving agricultural water resources in Iran. This study applies a system dynamics approach to simulate the system performance and behaviour of stakeholders and the economic implications. Our finding shows that water pricing policies will likely fail due to low water price elasticity and if there are lack of institutional and physical infrastructure, alternative professions, manufacturing technology, education, and training opportunities. The results also illustrate how agricultural water price increase (AWPI) fails to reduce water consumption in the absence of an adequate institutional arrangement. Also, it shows how the lack of advanced institutional infrastructure in the presence of physical infrastructure enhances pervasive overuse and destructive competition among stakeholders by increasing the area under cultivation. In the discussion, the paper portrays a way out of the decision-making body by following AWPI effects on water conservation in the agricultural sector as the most significant water consumer. It investigates the absence and subsequent presence of specific institutional conditions and evaluates training and enhancing farmers' skills and alternative career source with higher income and technology as the architecture of good environmental governance. Finally, it concludes that a series of inclusive measures must be considered to increase the elasticity of the water price. These measures must stimulate farmers towards pursuing the goals of global sustainable development and enhancing social welfare.

New Cosmetic Carriers to Reduce Water Consumption and Waste

Beauty industry produces each year about 120 billion of packaging units, 60% of which are made by plastic materials, invading the oceans as waste microparticles, toxic for animals and humans.

Evaluation of the toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of the stem bark of Virola elongata (Benth.) Warb. in in vitro and in vivo models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceVirola elongata (Benth.) Warb. (Myrsticaceae), referred to as “mucuíba" in Mato Grosso, is a native tree species that can be found in the Amazon Rainforest regions of South America and the Tropical Forests of Central America. The macerated extracts from the stem bark of this tree have been traditionally used to address various health issues, including gastric ulcers, infections, inflammations, and other ailments. In scientific literature, V. elongata has demonstrated pharmacological properties such as antiulcer, gastroprotective, antiproliferative, antimitotic, and psychoactive effects. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the safety profile of V. elongata has not been thoroughly established. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the toxicity of the hydroethanolic extract of the stem bark of Virola elongata (HEVe) in experimental models in vivo and in vitro. Materials and methodsHEVe was obtained by macerating the stem bark powder in 70% hydroethanolic solution (1:10 w/v). The cytotoxicity of HEVe (3.125–200 μg/mL) was evaluated by Alamar blue assay in Chinese hamster ovary epithelial cells (CHO-k1) and human gastric adenocarcinoma (AGS). Genotoxicity assessment of HEVe (10, 30, or 100 μg/mL) was performed in CHO-k1 cells by the micronucleus test. The acute toxicity of HEVe was assessed by single-dose oral administration (2000 mg/kg) in mice of both sexes. The subacute toxicity of HEVe was assessed by oral administration of 300, 600, and 1200 mg/kg of the extract over 30 days in rats. Clinical observations of toxicological parameters were noted and pooled every 6 days. After the treatment period, blood was collected for hematological and biochemical analyses, and some organs were removed for macroscopic and histopathological analyses. ResultsHEVe did not show cytotoxicity in CHO-K1 and AGS cells (IC50 > 200 μg/mL) and did not cause DNA damage in CHO-k1 cells. Oral administration of HEVe in a single dose of 2000 mg/kg did not result in the death of the mice, with a reduction in body weight variation (33.03%, p < 0.05) and an increase in the relative weight of the stomach (12 0.82%, p < 0.05) in male mice, and increased relative weight of the spleen (25.00%, p < 0.01) in female mice. In the assessment of subacute toxicity, HEVe did not result in the death of the animals over the 30 days. A reduction (p < 0.05) in water consumption of 36.65% and 34.12% was observed in the groups treated with 300 and 600 mg/kg, respectively, of HEVe on D6., and the urine excretion of animals treated with 600 mg/kg of HEVe showed an increase (p < 0.05) throughout the experiment, with a maximum value of 46.72% on D12. The blood counts showed that the dose of 300 mg/kg reduced (p < 0.05) the absolute number of lymphocytes, while the doses of 300, 600, or 1200 mg/kg of HEVe reduced the red blood cell count in whole blood by 24.84% (p < 0.01), 16.72% (p < 0.05), and 22.14% (p < 0.01), and the absolute number of monocytes (p < 0.05) in 59.77%, 65.51%, and 79.81%, respectively. As for the biochemical parameters, the glucose level found increased by 22.41% (p < 0.05) only at the highest dose, while creatinine was reduced by 44.71% (p < 0.05) at the dose of 300 mg/kg of HEVe. In animals treated with the three doses tested, plasma levels of AST and alkaline phosphatase showed a reduction (p < 0.05) with the vehicle group. However, the hematological and biochemical changes observed are within the physiological limits for this animal species. No macroscopic and histopathological changes were observed in the organs of the animals treated with the three doses of HEVe within 30 days. ConclusionThe results showed that HEVe did not show cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in vitro. HEVe proved to be safe in rodents in both acute and subacute toxicity tests. In rats, the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) dose was greater than 1200 mg/kg p. o. in rats.

Ocean-forcing of cool season precipitation drives ongoing and future decadal drought in southwestern North America

The US Southwest is in a drought crisis that has been developing over the past two decades, contributing to marked increases in burned forest areas and unprecedented efforts to reduce water consumption. Climate change has contributed to this ongoing decadal drought via warming that has increased evaporative demand and reduced snowpack and streamflows. However, on the supply side, precipitation has been low during the 21st century. Here, using simulations with an atmosphere model forced by imposed sea surface temperatures, we show that the 21st century shift to cooler tropical Pacific sea surface temperatures forced a decline in cool season precipitation that in turn drove a decline in spring to summer soil moisture in the southwest. We then project the near-term future out to 2040, accounting for plausible and realistic natural decadal variability of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and radiatively-forced change. The future evolution of decadal variability in the Pacific and Atlantic will strongly influence how wet or dry the southwest is in coming decades as a result of the influence on cool season precipitation. The worst-case scenario involves a continued cold state of the tropical Pacific and the development of a warm state of the Atlantic while the best case scenario would be a transition to a warm state of the tropical Pacific and the development of a cold state of the Atlantic. Radiatively-forced cool season precipitation reduction is strongest if future forced SST change continues the observed pattern of no warming in the equatorial Pacific cold tongue. Although this is a weaker influence on summer soil moisture than natural decadal variability, no combination of natural decadal variability and forced change ensures a return to winter precipitation or summer soil moisture levels as high as those in the final two decades of the 20th century.

Coupling Simulation and Prediction of Sustainable Utilization of Water Resources in an Arid Inland River Basin under Climate Change

The arid endorheic basin of northwest China is characterized by rich land resources, water shortage, and a fragile ecological environment. The establishment of a credible coupling model of groundwater and surface water based on multi-source observation data is an effective means to study the change in basin water cycles and the sustainable utilization of water resources in the past and future. Based on the latest understanding of hydrogeological conditions, hydrology and water resource utilization data in the middle reaches of the Heihe River Basin (HRB), this paper constructs an up-to-date coupling model of surface water and groundwater to study the water balance change of the basin. The water resources data series under historical replay and CMIP5 climate model prediction are constructed to predict future changes in water resources. The study shows that, under the joint influence of natural conditions and human activities, the average annual recharge of groundwater in the study area from 1990 to 2020 is 17.98 × 108 m3/a, the average annual discharge is 18.62 × 108 m3/a, and the difference between recharge and discharge is −0.64 × 108 m3/a. The total groundwater storage is −19.99 × 108 m3, of which the groundwater storage from 1990 to 2001 was −17.52 × 108 m3 and from 2002 to 2020 was −2.47 × 108 m3. Abundant water from 2002 to 2020 in the basin significantly improved the loss of groundwater storage. Under the prediction of historical reappearance and the CMIP5 CNRM-CM5 model RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 pathways, the groundwater level of the Heihe River–Liyuanhe River inclined plain falls first because the HRB has just experienced a wet season and then rises according to future climate change. The groundwater level of the inclined plain east of the Heihe River and Yanchi basin decreases continuously because of the change in water cycle caused by human activities. The erosion accumulation plain is located in the groundwater discharge zone, and the water level is basically stable. Under the conditions of water resource development and utilization, the runoff of Zhengyixia hydrological station cannot meet the requirements of the “97 Water Dividing Plan” of the State Council in most years in the future, and the ecological and production water in the lower reaches of HRB cannot be effectively guaranteed. With the implementation of water-saving irrigation under the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, the runoff of Zhengyixia can meet the “97 Water Diversion Plan”. It is suggested to further improve the level of agricultural water savings in the middle reaches of the HRB and control the reasonable scale of cultivated land in order to reduce water consumption in the middle reaches of the HRB and implement sustainable utilization of water resources in the HRB.

Resource recovery and reduction of tidal waste to produce cellulose through sulphur-free pulping

AbstractThe transition towards a sustainable cellulose industry needs more environmentally friendly technologies, including the use of lignocellulosic waste as alternative raw materials. This work shows the potential of dead biomass from the Andalusian Mediterranean coastline to obtain cellulosic pulp. With this purpose, predominant species in onshore residues (mainly Posidonia oceanica) were prepared, characterized, and subjected to a soda-anthraquinone pulping process. A central composite design was defined in order to relate the process conditions to the composition and characteristics of the cellulose pulp. It was concluded that polynomial models encompassing linear, quadratic, and binary effect parameters reproduce the experimental results satisfactorily. Results allowed to choose high anthraquinone dosage, alkali charge and temperature, low liquid/solid ratio and short time as a compromise solution, by which the brightness, ethanol–benzene extractives content, kappa number, lignin content and viscosity were near their optimal. Low values of liquid/solid ratio reduce water consumption, which is of utmost importance in cellulose industries likewise short time treatments to save energy.

Analysis of water consumption in technological processes of grain processing for alcohol

The article deals with the issues of water consumption in the production of ethyl alcohol from grain raw materials. The data on its demand for technological needs (for preparing a batch), as a refrigerant, for steam generation, for household needs are given. It is shown that water in specific terms is the most voluminous raw material resource (up to 1600 m3/1000 decaliters), but at the same time it is practically not consumed as a reagent for technological purposes. The analysis of options for the reuse of water was carried out and the possibility of reducing its consumption to 200 m3/1000 decaliters was shown, due to the repeated use of cooling water, by introducing a circulating water supply system, constant circulation of water through the cooling towers, where it is cooled. It is also noted the possibility of complete exclusion of water in the cooling processes through the use of "dry" cooling towers. In this case, the circulation of the refrigerant (for example, ethylene glycol) is carried out in a closed cycle. The relevance of using a single water flow for sequential cooling of semi-products is also shown: fermenting and saccharified wort, boiled mass using efficient heat exchangers of a spiral, plate type. An example is given of reducing water consumption for steam generation by reusing "conditionally clean" steam condensate formed in systems of "dull" heating of semi-finished products. An analysis was made of reducing the consumption of water for the preparation of the mixture due to the processing of raw materials in conditions of high concentrations and the reuse of the stillage filtrate. In addition to saving heat and energy resources, this reduces the volumes of formed stillage and industrial effluents. As a result, the costs of their processing and purification are reduced. A list of measures has been proposed that will reduce water consumption by 10 or more times and increase the profitability of alcohol production by 2–2.5%.

Effect of Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) on the Growth and Development of Pear Fruit (Pyrus communis L.), var. Triunfo de Viena

The irrigation of crops represents 70% of the world’s water use. For crops grown in high-altitude tropical climates, due to the decrease in rainfall with increasing altitude, along with the effects of global warming, it is necessary to propose alternatives for sustainable fruit production with reduced water consumption. This study was carried out in Sesquilé, Colombia (South America), at an altitude of 2595 m a.s.l. for two successive years with pear trees, var. Triunfo de Viena. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) on the absolute and relative growth rates of the equatorial diameter of the fruits, the fresh and dry weights, the number of fruits, the yield per tree and the water potential of the fruits. In 2014, during the rapid growth phase of the fruit, one group of plants was irrigated at 100% of the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) (control), another at 74% and a third group at 60%. In 2015, the three groups were irrigated at 100%, 48% and 27% of the ETc. The use of RDI did not significantly affect the growth of the fruits. This study showed that the ‘Triunfo de Viena’ pear tree not only has sufficient adaptive reserves, but also has good ecological plasticity under water stress conditions in high-altitude tropical climates. In cases where water is a limiting factor for pear tree production, RDI can obtain production rates similar to those of a regularly irrigated crop, as long as this technique is used and implemented in phenological states of low sensitivity to water stress without exceeding the tolerance limits of the plants to the stressor.