Sustainable Development Of Water Resources Research Articles

Groundwater recharge estimation using WetSpass-M and MTBS leveraging from HydroOffice and WHAT tools for baseflow in Weyib watershed, Ethiopia.

WetSpass-M model and multi-technique baseflow separation (MTBS) were applied to estimate spatio-temporal groundwater recharge (GWR) to be used to comprehend and enhance sustainable water resource development in the data-scarce region. Identification of unit Hydrographs And Component flows from Rainfall, Evaporation, and Streamflow (IHACRES) techniques outperform the existing 13 MTBS techniques to separate baseflow depending on the correlation matrix; mean baseflow was 5.128 m3/s. The WetSpass-M model performance evaluated by Nash-Sutcliff Efficiency (NSE) was 0.95 and 0.89; R2 was 0.90 and 0.85 in comparison to observed and simulated mean monthly baseflow and runoff (m3/s), respectively. The estimated mean annual water balance was 608.2 mm for actual evapotranspiration, 221.42 mm for the surface runoff, 87.42 mm for interception rate, and 177.66 mm for GWR, with an error of - 3.29 mm/year. The highest annual actual evapotranspiration was depicted in areas covered by vegetation, whereas lower in the settlement. The peak annual interception rates have been noticed in areas covered with forests and shrublands, whereas the lowest in settlement and bare land. The maximum annual runoff was depicted in settlement and bare land, while the lowest was in forest-covered areas. The annual recharge rates were low in bare land due to high runoff and maximum in forest-covered areas due to low surface runoff. The watershed's downstream areas receive scanty annual rainfall, which causes low recharge and drought. The findings point the way ahead in terms of selecting the best approach across multi-technique baseflow separations.

Restore polder and aquaculture enclosure to the lake: Balancing environmental protection and economic growth for sustainable development

The restoration of lakes and their buffer zones is crucial for understanding the intricate interplay between human activities and natural ecosystems resulting from the implementation of environmental policies. In this study, we investigated the ecological restoration of shallow lakes and buffer zones in the Yangtze-Huaihe River Basin, specifically focusing on the removal of polder and aquaculture enclosure areas within the lakes. By examining data from eight shallow lakes and their corresponding buffer zones, encompassing lake morphology, water quality parameters, and land use/land cover (LULC) data spanning from 2008 to 2022, which shed light on the complex relationships involved. During the process of restoring polder and aquaculture enclosure areas, we observed a general decrease in the extent of polders and aquaculture enclosures within the lakes. Notably, the removal of aquaculture enclosures had a more pronounced effect (reduction rate of 83.37 %) compared to the withdrawal of polders (reduction rate of 48.76 %). Linear regression analysis revealed a significant decrease in the concentrations of seven water quality parameters, including COD, CODMn, TN, TP, NH3-N, Chl-a, and F, while pH and DO factors exhibit a distinct increasing trend. The results of redundancy analysis and Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated significant correlations between the area of polders and aquaculture enclosures and the changes in lake water quality. Encouragingly, the withdrawal of polders and the removal of aquaculture enclosures had a positive impact on the lake water quality improvement. In contrast, the LULC in the buffer zones of the lakes experienced a gradual decline owing to land degradation, resulting in a reduction in ecosystem service value (ESV). These results offer valuable support for policymakers in their endeavors to restore lake water quality, mitigate the degradation of buffer zones land, and promote the sustainable development of land and water resources.

Sensitivity of Runoff to Climatic Factors and the Attribution of Runoff Variation in the Upper Shule River, North-West China

Climate change and human activities exert significant impact on the mechanism of runoff generation and confluence. Comprehending the reasons of runoff change is crucial for the sustainable development of water resources. Taking the Upper Shule River as the research area, the M-K test and the moving t test were used to diagnose the runoff mutation time. Furthermore, the slope changing ratio of cumulative quantity method (SCRCQ), climate elasticity method, and Budyko equation were utilized to quantitatively evaluate the impacts and contribution rates of climate change and human activities. The following results were obtained: (1) The Upper Shule River experienced a significant increase in runoff from 1972 to 2021, with 1998 marking the year of abrupt change. (2) The runoff sensitivity showed a downward trend from 1972 to 2021. The main factor affecting the decrease in runoff sensitivity was the characteristic parameters of underlying surface (n), followed by precipitation (P), while the influence of potential evapotranspiration (ET0) was the weakest. (3) The response of runoff changes to runoff sensitivity and influencing factors were 90.32% and 9.68%, respectively. (4) The results of three attribution methods indicated that climate change was the primary factor causing the alteration of runoff in the Upper Shule River. The research results supplement the hydrological change mechanisms of the Upper Shule River and provide a scientific basis for future water resources management and flood control measures.

Transboundary water resource management and sustainable development in the lancang-mekong river basin: an analysis of international water law

ABSTRACT The Lancang-Mekong River Basin stands as one of the most critical and complex transboundary basins globally, where the utilization and protection of water resources are paramount. This basin, linking China, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam, is characterized by a dense population and rapid industrial and agricultural development, fostering frequent economic and cultural exchanges. Cooperative efforts in water resource utilization and protection among these countries lead to issues such as resource disputes, environmental pollution, and collaboration barriers. Since the six basin countries have not jointly joined any international convention on water resources development or protection, disputes have been resolved and cooperation promoted through existing inter-state cooperation mechanisms for many years. However, these mechanisms often fall short due to the lack of common guiding principles. Achieving sustainable water resource development in the Lancang-Mekong River Basin aligns with the national interests of the six countries. The basin states can establish a transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment system and a dispute settlement mechanism. Constructing a comprehensive Integrated Water Resource Management Cooperation Mechanism, rooted in the fundamental principles of international water law, is crucial for enhancing the level of international cooperation within the basin.

Response of Sandy Soil–Water Migration to Different Conditions under Unidirectional Freezing

In order to conserve valuable soil and water resources and avoid problems related to frozen soil, it is important to study the migration of frozen soil water. A greater understanding of frozen soil–water migration can assist with sustainable development and utilization of soil and water resources in frozen areas. This study used an indoor soil column test device to conduct a one-way indoor freezing test of unsaturated soil and the response of soil sample water migration to different freezing temperatures, initial moisture contents, soil densities, freezing times, solute concentrations, and solute types. The experimental and analytical results showed that the temperature field of the soil sample could be divided into three stages: sharp cooling, slow cooling, and stability. After the soil sample had been frozen for 100 h, the temperature field stabilized. The freezing temperature, initial water content, soil density, and freezing time affected water migration in the soil sample. Lower freezing temperatures and greater initial water content resulted in higher levels of water migration. By contrast, greater soil density led to lower water migration levels. In addition, longer freezing times produced smoother soil–water migration curves. The solute concentration and solute type also affected water migration in frozen soil; the higher the solute concentration, the greater the water migration. Compared with CaCl2, NaCl had a stronger effect, causing more water migration and leading to a higher water content. The research findings will aid further studies on soil and water utilization, environmental maintenance, and restoration in areas with seasonally frozen soil, as well as promote the sustainable development of agriculture, water conservancy project development, and the social economy.

Groundwater mapping of urban and coastal areas in Brunei

Groundwater mapping plays an important role in effective water resource management, sustainable development, and environmental protection. In the tropical Brunei Darussalam (north Borneo Island), groundwater mapping is yet to be provided. The aim of the study is to provide groundwater mapping of Brunei, particularly for the urban and coastal areas of the Brunei-Muara capital district. The study uses a GIS interpolation technique to generate a groundwater contour map based on groundwater data from 572 sacrificial boreholes located in the study area. Remote sensing data and published maps from secondary sources were digitised in ArcGIS software to produce thematic layers for further hydrological evaluations. Results showed that groundwater levels in the study area are generally high and shallow, ranging from 0 to 18 m below ground level with a mean value of 2.9 m. According to the evaluation of geo-thematic layers and groundwater contours, groundwater flows towards the South China Sea in the coastal areas and towards the Brunei River further inland. Hydraulic gradients towards the South China Sea also vary between 0.004 and 0.08. Thus, assuming surface aquifer thickness in the weathered zone between 10 to 20 m, hydraulic conductivities ranges from 1∙10−5 to 1∙10−4 m∙s−1, a submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) flux between 4.7∙10−7 to 4.0∙10−4 m3∙s−1 per unit width can be estimated for the shallow aquifer. This study provides valuable insights into the groundwater system dynamics so important, which are critical for its future utilisation and protection, aiming to contribute to the national water security in Brunei Darussalam.

Optimal pumping policy from well field connected with a stream

Conjunctive use management of water resources is of paramount importance in the backdrop of the growing demand for freshwater resources. With this viewpoint, this study is aimed to present a methodological approach utilizing the combined use of simulation and optimization models for evolving strategies or policies for the management of water resources in a well-field connected to a stream. The proposed methodology incorporates the coupling of the groundwater simulation model with the optimization model for decision-making through the response matrix method. In this study, a numerical groundwater flow model using MODFLOW was used to simulate the response of stream-aquifer interactions. A linear optimization model was formulated to account for the best optimal groundwater withdrawal taking into consideration the allowable drawdown, permissible stream flow depletion, and satisfaction of the water demands. Such management options permit the investigation of alternative strategies for groundwater abstraction in a well-field hydraulically connected to a stream for sustainable development of water resources. The model was applied in a hypothetical well field study area hydraulically connected to a stream and satisfactory results were obtained. The methodology was also very important to understand the tradeoff between groundwater withdrawal and the depletion of flow to the nearby stream. This approach was applied to the Aynalem well field stream-aquifer system which is located in Northern Ethiopia. Results show that groundwater extraction from the Aynalem well field triggers stream flow depletion and it is possible to decrease the stream flow depletion by 3.5–4.5% by adjusting current groundwater withdrawal schedules and configuration of existing wells.

Alginate-based adsorbents with adjustable slit-shaped pore structure for selective removal of copper ions

Adopting effective and efficient techniques for the treatment of heavy metal pollution in water bodies plays an important role in guaranteeing the quality of water and the sustainable development of water resources. In this study, GO, MMT and SA were used as raw materials to compare the adsorption behaviors of three alginate-based adsorbents crosslinked with different valence metal ions (Ca2+, Fe3+ and Zr4+) on Cu(II). The aerogels were based on sodium alginate as the matrix material with unique slit-shaped pore structures formed by stacking effect of sheets and chemical bonding. It was found that the pore structures of the aerogels were denser and more orderly with the increase of the valence states of the crosslinked ions, and the affinity for Cu(II) in planar configuration was stronger. The Zr4+-GMSA aerogel had the maximum adsorption capacity of 126.68 mg/g and the Kd of Cu(II) was up to 50.80 L/g, which exhibited good preferential adsorption performance. The adsorption mechanism of Mn+-GMSA aerogels on Cu(II) was mainly ionic exchange, surface complexation and physical adsorption, which was explored by combining XPS and EDS characterizations of Mn+-GMSA before and after adsorption. This scheme can provide valuable and meaningful contribution to realize the selective recovery of Cu(II).

Evolution of spatiotemporal pattern of virtual water in the Yangtze River economic belt

Cross-regional water allocation within the river basin, coupled with the development of specialized industries based on comparative advantages, can effectively mediate overall water use efficiency. The uneven distribution of water resources and structural contradictions in water usage hinder the sustainable development of water resources in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YEB). This study aims to address these issues from the perspective of virtual water trade, to facilitate cross-regional water resource allocation and guide structural adjustments in industrial water use, ensuring water security. In this study, we developed a dynamic multi-regional input–output model (MRIO) to explore dynamic change of virtual water trade pattern in the YEB that evolves over time. This model sheds light on evolving virtual water transfer patterns and the nuances of water resource pressure transmission. Additionally, it quantifies sectoral water use variations, pinpointing the cornerstone industries across different regions. The findings are as follows: (1) The pattern of virtual water transfer predominantly towards the developed downstream regions remains unchanged, but regional disparities are gradually diminishing. (2) The upstream regions of the YEB transfer more water resource pressures externally, while the downstream regions do not experience excessive external transfers of water resource pressures. (3) The pattern of Agriculture-driven virtual water transfers is gradually being disrupted. While the upstream regions continue to rely on Agriculture as their pillar industries, the downstream regions are progressively shifting towards tertiary industries such as Service. These results indicate that economic development is the primary driver of changes in the the pattern of virtual water transfer, and economic disparities are a key factor in shaping the latest virtual water transfer. Based on existing policies, there is a need for comprehensive coordination of water resource allocation and strengthening of virtual water trade exchanges between regions to address the uneven distribution of water resources. Additionally, it is necessary to resolve structural water use conflicts by developing specialized economic strengths based on the main industries for virtual water in each region.

Evaluation of Carrying Capacity of Water Resource in the Heihe River Basin Based on Game Theory and Cloud Model

To optimize the allocation of water resources and ensure sustainable water resources management, we evaluated the carrying capacity of water resources in the Heihe River Basin. 16 evaluation indicators were selected from the social, economic, ecological, and water resource systems to construct an evaluation system of the carrying capacity. The combination weight and membership degree were determined using the game theory combined with the weighting method and normal cloud model. The water resource utilization efficiency during 21 years was estimated by analyzing influencing factors and development trends of carrying capacity of water resources. The water use rate was important in the carrying capacity, and indicators such as urbanization rate, per capita Gross Domestic Product (GDP), sewage discharge per 10000 yuan, and water consumption per 10000 yuan of industrial output value were important factors affecting the carrying capacity. The carrying capacity of the Heihe River Basin increased from a severe overload status (Level I) in 2000 to a good status (Level V) in 2021. In the other years, the status remained at Level IV. The carrying capacity was improved. The result of TOPSIS confirmed the consistency of the development trend of the carrying capacity and the appropriateness of the developed evaluation model in this study. The model based on the game theory and cloud model can be used to effectively guide the sustainable development of water resources and improve the carrying capacity of water resources of the Heihe River Basin. The results of this study serve as a reference for establishing policies to save water resources and evaluate the carrying capacity of water resources.

Energy Poverty Impact on Sustainable Development of Water Resources in China: The Study of an Entropy Recycling Dynamic Two-Stage SBM Model

Water scarcity is increasingly being recognized as a global concern. Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG-6) was established by the United Nations to address water resource governance within its sustainable development framework. This study employs the entropy weight method and a two-stage cyclical dynamic slacks-based measure (SBM) model to scientifically evaluate water resource utilization and governance across various regions in China. The findings reveal notable disparities in both the production and governance efficiency of water resources. Recognizing governance efficiency is crucial for promoting sustainable water resource utilization and socioeconomic development. The eastern, central, and western regions encounter unique challenges in attaining sustainability. The eastern region exhibits minimal potential for enhancing technical efficiency, necessitating interventions in management strategies and resource allocation. Conversely, the challenges in the central and western regions are more pronounced, demanding immediate implementation of new technologies and equipment. The data analysis in this study yields conclusions that offer targeted improvement recommendations to address disparities across China’s eastern, central, and western regions, and this is achieved by considering various developmental stages and regional contexts. These recommendations cover areas such as technical support, financial investment, and policy incentives, with the aim of enhancing the sustainable utilization of water resources in the country.

Characteristics and Estimation of Dew in the Loess Hilly Region of Northern Shaanxi Province, China

As a non-precipitation water source, dew is important for plant and animal survival and crop production in arid and water-scarce areas. This study assessed the amount of dew in a dry zone in a long-term (2016 to 2022) field observation experiment at the Ansai Experimental Station, a typical loess hilly area in China. Dew primarily occurred in summer and autumn, with a frequency of >50%. The average annual dew amount was 29.20 mm, with an average annual rainfall of 641.8 mm. The average annual dew-to-rain ratio was 4.58%, and the average annual number of dew days was 143.6 d/a. The surface soil moisture content increased by approximately 1.02% with increasing dew amounts. The change in the soil moisture at a 5 cm depth was 0.14% on average and lagged substantially by 1 h. Using the Beysens model, the annual estimated and measured dew amounts in 2022 were 25.27 and 29.84 mm, respectively, and the annual normalized root mean square deviation (NRMSD) was 0.17. Thus, the Beysens model evaluated the dew amount in the study area well at the monthly and annual scales. The quantification of dew resources can provide support for the development, utilization, and management of limited water resources in arid areas, promoting more accurate decision-making for the sustainable development of water resources in the future.

Inter‐ and intra‐annual fluctuations and attribution analysis of runoff and sediment transport in the middle and lower Yangtze River

AbstractAssessing the changing regimes of runoff and sediment load in rivers, as well as analysing their underlying causes, is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of rivers and promoting the sustainable development of water resources. Current methods of attribution analysis focus on accounting for the effects of climate change and human activities on inter‐annual variability in streamflow and sediment. However, the contribution of individual drivers to intra‐annual hydrologic variability is often overlooked. The study analysed the inter‐ and intra‐annual fluctuations in runoff and sediment load in the middle and lower Yangtze River using a water‐sediment variation attribution model, the Extreme Gradient Boosting algorithm, and the Multiple‐Factor Attribution method. The results showed that human activities were responsible for over 70% of the inter‐ and intra‐annual fluctuation in runoff and sediment load in the Yichang, Hankou, and Datong sections. Additionally, it was found that human activities were the main contributor to the reduction in both runoff and sediment load in all sections. Closer to the Yangtze estuary, human influence on intra‐annual fluctuation of runoff decreases while climate change influence increases, and human influence on both inter‐ and intra‐annual fluctuation of sediment load becomes less significant. The sensitivity of annual runoff to precipitation is greater than that of air temperature and evaporation in the Yichang, Hankou, and Datong sections. An increase of 10% in precipitation from baseline values leads to a corresponding increase of 3.13%, 2.24%, and 3.91% in runoff for the Yichang, Hankou, and Datong sections. The annual sediment load is more sensitive to changes in runoff than to precipitation, air temperature, and evaporation in each section. A 10% increase in runoff from the baseline value leads to an annual sediment load increase of 20.36%, 10.11%, and 8.78% at Yichang, Hankou, and Datong, respectively. This study provides a theoretical basis and guidance for decision‐making to protect and sustainably develop the water and sediment resources in the Yangtze River Basin.

Characterizing Offshore Freshened Groundwater Salinity Patterns Using Trans‐Dimensional Bayesian Inversion of Controlled Source Electromagnetic Data: A Case Study From the Canterbury Bight, New Zealand

AbstractThe study of offshore freshened groundwater (OFG) is gaining importance due to population growth and environmental pressure on coastal water resources. Marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) methods can effectively map the spatial extent of OFG systems using electrical resistivity as a proxy. Integrating these resistivity models with sub‐surface properties, such as host‐rock porosity, allows for estimates of pore‐water salinity. However, evaluating the uncertainty in pore‐water salinity using resistivity models obtained from deterministic inversion approaches presents challenges, as they provide only one best‐fit model, with no associated estimate of uncertainty. To address this limitation, we employ trans‐dimensional Markov‐Chain Monte‐Carlo inversion on marine time‐domain CSEM data, acquired in the Canterbury Bight, New Zealand. We integrate resistivity posterior probability distributions with borehole and seismic reflection data to estimate pore‐water salinity with corresponding uncertainty estimates. The results highlight a low‐salinity groundwater body in the center of the survey area, hosted by consecutive silty‐ and fine‐sand layers approximately 20–60 km from the coast. The posterior probability distribution of resistivity models indicates freshening of the OFG body toward the shoreline within a permeable, coarse‐sand layer 40–150 m beneath the seafloor, suggesting an active connection between the OFG body and the terrestrial groundwater system. The approach demonstrates how Bayesian inversion constrains the uncertainties in resistivity models and subsequently in pore‐water salinity estimates. Our findings highlight the potential of Bayesian inversion to enhance our understanding of OFG systems and provide uncertainty constraints for hydrogeological modeling, thereby contributing to sustainable water resource development.

Effects of climate and land use change on runoff of the Second Songhua River Basin guided by SWAT model

Abstract The driving effect of global climate change (CC) on the ecohydrological process was quantitatively evaluated. Based on Geographic Information System technology, a Soil and Water Assessment Tool model suitable for watershed hydrological simulation was constructed to study the impact of climate and land-use change on runoff in the Second Songhua River (SSR) basin. Within the base period (1965–2010), the annual average temperature (AAT) of the SSR basin is 4.2 °C. Under the CC scenario representing concentration pathway (RCP) 4.5, the AAT of the watershed increased to 5.4 °C between 2020 and 2049. Under the CC scenarios of RCP 8.5 and RCP 4.5, the temperature in the watershed increased by 1.1 and 0.2 °C in June, respectively. The research results indicate that (1) there is a positive correlation between runoff and precipitation in the SSR watershed, and a negative correlation with temperature; (2) when the precipitation remains unchanged, the temperature increases by 1 °C and the runoff decreases by 7.2%; and (3) when the temperature remains constant, for every 10% increase in precipitation, the runoff increases by 30.5%. This study provides the scientific basis for water resource planning and sustainable development in the Northeast region and has important practical significance.

Agent-based simulation model to evaluate government policies for farmers’ adoption and synergy in improving irrigation systems: A case study of Lake Urmia basin

The complexities of water issues, in which human factors directly affect the qualitative and quantitative indicators of water resources in a variable, extensive, and undefined manner, make social interactions necessary for the water resources sustainable development. In this situation, local government admins (local divisions of the Water Institutions and Ministry of Agriculture) (LGA) can play a fundamental role in attracting the participation of independent farmers in sustainable agriculture and preserving water resources by modifying support policies. In this study, an agent-based simulation model of social interactions and economic interests of farmers is presented along with different scenarios of support policies as well as random supervision and training by LGA agents to evaluate its impact on the independent decision making of farmers in the form of a complex adaptive system. Questionnaires and expert interviews were used to determine the data and scenarios. Farmers’ adaptation for development technology in irrigation management (DTIM), simulated output of WP, field application efficiency (FAE), and their adaptation speed are influenced by input factors such as assumed cost of sustainable water supply (SWS), mean government expenditure (subsidy count), and the level of supervision and training by LGA. The results showed that the assumed cost of SWS and government supervision and training are the most influential indicators of the farmer agent’s propensity to DTIM with F-value=4375.59 and F-value=1055.10, respectively. The results confirm that appropriate policies in strengthening LGA supervision and training and increasing farmers’ awareness of the importance of long-term water resource sustainability can help achieve more adaptability.

Ground Water Resource and Their Characteristics of the Eastcentral Rajmahal Highlands, Jharkhand, India

This study examines the ground water resources and their characteristics of the Eastcentral Rajmahal Highlands in Jharkhand, India, The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the ground water resources in the region and their geographical distribution. The study categorizes the area into four water table classes on the basis of 67 water samples sites, and explores the role of ground water in maintaining agriculture, the economy, and the environment in the region. The results of the study will provide valuable information for water resource management, agricultural planning, and sustainable development in the Eastcentral Rajmahal Highlands in Jharkhand.

Assessing the impact of incentive coordination effect on the equilibrium of agricultural water usage by China's South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Route Project.

In recent years, the sustainable development of agricultural water resources has received much attention. The mismatch between agricultural water distribution patterns, land resources, and socioeconomics threatens food production, especially in vast water-scarce plains. Therefore, monitoring agricultural water spatial equilibrium (AWRSE) is necessary. Based on equilibrium theory and information entropy, in this study, the AWRSE evaluation model is constructed from three aspects: agricultural water resources, land resources, and socioeconomics. In addition, the relationship between social factors with cropping pattern as the primary explanatory variable and AWRSE was examined in conjunction with the extended STIRPAT model and applied to the water-receiving area of the Middle Route of South-to-North Water Diversion Project (MR-SNWDP). The results show that compared with the pre-diversion period, the AWRSE of 75% of the water-receiving cities has been significantly improved by the MR-SNWTP water supply. The MK test z value of the overall regional AWRSE has changed from - 0.328 to - 2.65, and the AWRSE development has shifted from not significantly better to significantly better. The cropping pattern shows a positive response to this development, and this effect can be mitigated in the late stage of water transfer; when the proportion of food crop cultivation increases by 1%, the sub-regional AWRSE value will increase by 0.347%. The evaluation model demonstrates a broad range of inclusiveness and application potential; it provides novel insights for examining agroecological, social, and economic stability.

Analysis of sustainable water resource management and driving mechanism in arid region: a case study of Xinjiang, China, from 2005 to 2020.

The long-term dynamic comprehensive evaluation of the water resource carrying capacity (WRCC) and the analysis of its potential driving mechanism in arid areas are contemporary research issues and technical means of mitigating and coordinating the conflict between severe resource shortages and human needs. The purpose of this study was to explore the distribution of the WRCC and the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of drivers in arid areas based on an improved two-dimensional spatiotemporal dynamic evaluation model. The results show that (1) the spatial distribution of the WRCC in Xinjiang, China, is high in the north, low in the south, high in the west, and low in the east. (2) From 2005 to 2020, the centers of gravity of the WRCC in northern and southern Xinjiang moved to the southeast and west, respectively, and the spatial distribution exhibited slight diffusion. (3) The factors influencing the WRCC exhibit more obvious spatial and temporal heterogeneity. The domestic waste disposal rate and ecological water use rate were the main factors influencing the WRCC in the early stage, while the GDP per capita gradually played a dominant role in the later stage. (4) In the next 30 years, the WRCC in Xinjiang will increase. The results provide a theoretical reference for the sustainable development of water resources in arid areas.

The influence of technology perceptions on farmers' water-saving irrigation technology adoption behavior in the North China Plain

Abstract The application and promotion of water-saving irrigation technology are of great significance for maintaining food security and the sustainable development of agricultural water resources. Based on the characteristics of integrated agricultural technologies, a binary logistic model was used to analyze the impact of technology perception on farmers' adoption behavior regarding water-saving irrigation technologies using data from surveys of 775 wheat and maize farmers in the North China Plain. The results show the following: the perceived ease of use of technology significantly contributes to farmers' water-saving irrigation technology adoption behavior, but the effect of the perceived usefulness of technology is not significant. Government regulation plays a moderating role in the impact of the perceived ease of use of technology on the adoption of water-saving irrigation technologies by farmers. In addition to the perceived ease of use of technology and technology training, large-scale farmers are influenced by government advocacy and technology subsidies, while smallholders are mainly influenced by the perceived usefulness of technology. Therefore, the focus of future work should be on improving farmers' perceptions of the ease of use of water-saving irrigation technologies, expanding the scope of technical training and technical subsidies, and strengthening government advocacy and education.