Sustainable River Management Research Articles

Geotechnical Characterization of the Magdalena River Subsoil in Magangué, Colombia: A Study Using CPTu and SPT Tests

This study employs Cone Penetration Tests (CPTu) and Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) to analyze the geotechnical properties of the Magdalena River’s riverbed and banks. While these methods are standard in soil characterization, this research innovatively combines CPTu’s continuous profiling with SPT’s localized sampling to develop a nuanced stratigraphic model of the subsurface. This integrated approach provides a comprehensive view of the soil conditions, which is crucial for understanding sediment variability and stability along the riverbanks. The findings from this methodological integration enhance our ability to predict soil behavior under dynamic riverine conditions, offering valuable insights for erosion control and sustainable river management. The study underscores the practical benefits of synergizing traditional testing methods to address geotechnical challenges in river environments.

Effects of Leafy Flexible Vegetation on Bed‐Load Transport and Dune Geometry

AbstractThe development of sustainable river management strategies requires knowledge of the effect of vegetation on hydrodynamics and sediment transport. To date, the complex physical processes involving the combined effects of leafy flexible vegetation and mobile bedforms are not completely understood. Most sediment transport models have been developed for bare bed conditions so that their performance in the presence of leafy flexible vegetation remains unclear. On the other hand, recently developed models consider vegetated conditions but they typically account only for the presence of rigid cylinders and in some cases scour at their base. For this purpose, laboratory experiments were conducted with mobile dune bed conditions and artificial flexible plants with varying Leaf Area Index to investigate the effect of flexible vegetation on bed morphology and sediment transport. Sediment transport rates and bedform characteristics such as height, wavelength and celerity, were measured in specifically designed experimental runs. The collected data show that the presence of leafy vegetation alters bed morphology, tending to reduce the average dune wavelength and leading to the formation of complex 3D geometries. Bed‐shear‐stress‐based models for predicting sediment transport were verified to be valid under conditions of low vegetation roughness density. On the contrary, the collected data emphasize that the measured bed‐load transport rate increased in the presence of leafy flexible vegetation with higher frontal area. Recent bed‐load models for vegetated channels provide a better interpretation for dense leafy vegetation but are less effective when predominant effects related to dunes are present.

Simplified Methodology for Assessing River Carrying Capacity Based on Land-Use Types

Land conversions or land use changes also become the main cause of the decline in Citarum River conditions. The relationship between river sustainability and its watershed carrying capacity plays a vital role in protecting watersheds to implement sustainable water resources management. Previous studies on river assessment for watershed management have predominantly focused on specific hydrological and/or technical results, rather than considering the process of the development of carrying capacity methodology due to land-use types. Motivated by this fact, the objective of this study is to develop a simplified carrying capacity methodology due to land-use types for sustainable river management by selecting the Upper Citarum Watershed (a main part of Citarum Watershed) located in West Java Province, Indonesia as an example of a study area. The conceptual framework development for watershed carrying capacity due to land-use types was designed the step-by-step methodology standard regarding the sustainable river management. The methodology of this study also used AHP method consisting of screening and selecting attributes, transforming and developing sub-indices, assigning weights, and formulating a runoff cumulative (Ccum) to examine standards and criteria for carrying capacity classification due to the changes of land-use types. The analysis revealed a significant change in the proportions of the various land use types of the study area. The conclusion is it integrates the measures of selected important land-use types to create a single dimensionless number of runoff cumulative and its classification, and a modified approach to communicate information on river status to the public and related policy makers. To advance future studies, it is necessary to develop a comprehensive evaluation and monitoring systems by using GIS-based spatial and temporal analysis.

Historic channel dynamics of a highly developed dryland river

AbstractUnderstanding how river systems adjust to hydrologic alterations is critical to sustainable river management. Remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS) provide a reliable and cost‐effective approach to studying river adjustment, including the possible attainment of dynamic equilibrium. We used this approach to study the highly managed lower South Platte River in northeastern Colorado, USA. We assessed the active channel (inclusive of open water, sand bars and adjacent sparsely vegetated areas) in three 30 km study sections, using General Land Office (GLO) maps circa 1870, and a time series of eight sets of aerial photographs from 1941 to 2015. In the GLO surveys, the active channel was 72–80% larger and 65–85% wider than in the later aerial photographs. Mean daily discharge in the prior photo interval was the strongest hydrologic predictor of channel area, while mean June daily discharge was the strongest predictor of channel width. Maximum daily discharge was the only significant predictor of lateral movement of the main channel. The highest rates of channel movement occurred when the primary channel switched locations to occupy a pre‐existing secondary channel. An average of 17% of the total active channel area was persistent, defined as consisting of channels at ≥7 of the eight photo years, and there was a narrow, persistent active channel throughout 68–72% of the length of each section. Thus, the location of the river has been stable since 1941, though flanking the channel location were areas of the active channel that were more temporally dynamic. After 1956, the post‐development lower South Platte River channel planform achieved a state of dynamic equilibrium, fluctuating thereafter within a relatively narrow range of values. As conditions in the basin change in the future due to increased municipal and industrial water demand and climate change, we can expect the river to also change.

Multi-objective integrated decision method of cascade hydropower stations based on optimization algorithm and evaluation model

The establishment and functioning of cascade hydropower stations have significantly altered the natural state of rivers, leading to increasingly severe ecological impacts downstream. To mitigate the adverse effects of cascade reservoir impoundment on river ecosystems and achieve the multi-objective goals of hydropower development and environment protection, this study presents an integrated decision model for optimizing the operation of cascade hydropower stations, utilizing the lower Jinsha River as a case illustration. The proposed model comprises three main components: ecological flow calculation, establishment of a multi-objective optimization model, and scheme evaluation. The ecological flow threshold for the river was determined using the Tennant method. The multi-objective optimization model was formulated with objectives including power generation, ecological flow shortage, and navigation disruption days. The NSGA-II algorithm was employed to resolve the optimization framework. The improved TOPSIS method was adopted for evaluating the operation schemes. The case study conducted in the downstream region of the Jinsha River revealed significant conflicts between the objectives of power generation and ecological conservation. Moreover, different typical years exerted a considerable influence on determining the optimal operation scheme. The proposed integrated decision model provides a scientific framework for guiding the water resource dispatching of cascade hydropower stations and achieving the harmonization of economic and ecological benefits. Overall, this research contributes to the academic field by addressing the complex difficulties related to optimizing the operation of cascade hydropower stations while considering ecological concerns. The findings underscore the importance of adopting a comprehensive decision-making approach that integrates multiple objectives and utilizes advanced algorithms for sustainable river management.

The mystery of rich human gut antibiotic resistome in the Yellow River with hyper-concentrated sediment-laden flow

Human gut antibiotic resistome widely occur in anoxic environments characterized by high density of bacterial cells and frequent transmission of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Such resistome is greatly diluted, degraded, and restrained in the aerobic habitats within most natural rivers (regarded as “terrestrial guts”) connecting continents and the oceans. Here we implemented a large-scale monitoring campaign extending 5,200 km along the Yellow River, and provide the first integral biogeographic pattern for both ARGs and their hosts. We identified plentiful ARGs (24 types and 809 subtypes) and their hosts (24 phyla and 757 MAGs) in three media (water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediment). Unexpectedly, we found diverse human gut bacteria (HGB) acting as supercarriers of ARGs in this oxygen-rich river. We further discovered that numerous microhabitats were created within stratified biofilms that surround SPMs, particularly regarding the aggregation of anaerobic HGB. These microhabitats provide numerous ideal sinks for anaerobic bacteria and facilitate horizontal transfer of ARGs within the stratified biofilms, Furthermore, the stratification of biofilms surrounding SPMs has facilitated synergy between human gut flora and denitrifiers for propagation of ARGs in the anoxic atmospheres, leading to high occurrence of human gut antibiotic resistome. SPMs play active roles in the dynamic interactions of river water and sediment, thus accelerating the evolution of riverine resistome and transmission of human gut antibiotic resistome. This study revealed the special contribution of SPMs to the propagation of ARGs, and highlighted the necessity of making alternative strategies for sustainable management of large rivers with hyper-concentrated sediment-laden flows.

Pemetaaan Partisipatif Potensi Wisata Bantaran Sungai Sebagai Upaya Perencanaan Pembangunan Desa

The current management paradigm of the river area is no longer seen as a protected area without any exploitation activity in it. The involvement of the community around the river in the management is an effective alternative inining the sustainable functioning of the riverside area. One of the early approaches to achieving sustainable management of river transportation is by conducting participatory mapping for administrative boundaries and development of tourism activities. The objectives of this activity: 1) provide education on the functioning of the river transport area, potential threats and strategies for sustainable river management; 2) accompany the preparation of participatory maps of the administrative ducks and the development plan of tourist activities in the village of Peniti Besar. Dedication to the community is carried out by the method of community development. The stages are surveys, potential identification, base map making, participatory mapping, map finalisation, and evaluation. Through participatory mapping, the sustainable management of river basin areas based on tourist activities, has provided extensive space for the apparatus of the village, as well as the community in developing its territory independently and intelligently, as listed in the indicator of achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

CULTURAL HERITAGE AND SUSTAINABLE RIVER MANAGEMENT: INCORPORATING LOCAL WISDOM IN SUBAYANG RIVER, INDONESIA

The Lubuk Larangan is a sustainable water resource management system that consists of a water system and a river. This study aims to explore the potential of cultural heritage and indigenous knowledge in relation to sustainable river management. The study was conducted in the villages of Gema and Tanjung Belit in the Riau Province, Indonesia. The data were collected through in-depth interviews, observation, and a review of the relevant literature. The collected data were analysed using descriptive qualitative analysis, which consisted of three stages: Data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results indicate that the water system’s cultural practices have played a significant role in preserving the ecosystem, sustaining natural resources, and preserving water quality in the Subayang River. This study contributes to the growing body of literature. It provides a deeper understanding of the role of local wisdom and cultural heritage in achieving long-term ecological and social sustainability. Several factors, including geographical conditions, livelihood systems, customary law, and leadership patterns, support the ecological behaviour of a community in managing river resources.

River ecosystem health assessment in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau: A novel hybrid method based on artificial intelligence and multi-source data fusion

River ecosystem health assessment (REHA), an effective approach for identifying river ecosystem health, is crucial for achieving sustainable river management and ensuring water security. However, existing REHA methods still fail to consider the cumulated influences of uncertain inputs, stochastic environment and limited rationality of decision makers on REHA. Additionally, current REHA studies have mainly concentrated on plain areas, while the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) remains largely unknown. Developing REHA techniques for plateau rivers is an urgent matter, due to the heightened fragility and complexity of river ecosystems in the QTP. To accurately assess river ecosystem health in the QTP, this study proposed Pythagorean fuzzy cloud (PFC) via coupling the Pythagorean fuzzy sets and cloud model. A novel PFC-TODIM model was developed by extending TODIM (the acronym in Portuguese for interactive and multicriteria decision making) to the Pythagorean fuzzy environment. The hybrid decision making framework was then created to handle REHA with uncertain inputs and stochastic environment, and the Senge Tsangpo River (STR) served as a case study in the QTP. We developed the indicator system based on multi-source data fusion, and employed Bayesian model averaging (BMA) method to reveal the potential risks and driving factors of river ecosystem health. Results showed that the developed models considered the limited rationality of decision makers, effectively handled REHA with uncertainties, and avoided overestimating river health levels due to ignoring the randomness and fuzziness of REHA. In STR, health statuses exhibited marked spatial differences. Sampling sites of 9.091%, 77.273 % and 13.636 % were excellent, healthy and subhealthy, respectively. Our findings highlight that dams, urban development, fish release, and grazing have adverse impacts on STR health, and effective protection measures are required to minimize human interferences on ecologically fragile areas. These findings can improve our understanding of the human disturbances and natural factors that interfere with river ecosystem health in the QTP.

Sediment transport processes in the Sangu River basin using a rainfall-sediment runoff model for sustainable river management

Sediment transport processes in the Sangu River basin using a rainfall-sediment runoff model for sustainable river management

Characterizing seasonal, environmental and human-induced factors influencing the dynamics of Rispana River's water quality: Implications for sustainable river management

This study will comprehensively evaluate the Rispana River's aquatic environment from February to June 2021, integrating physicochemical, biological, and hydrological data. Key objectives include identifying pollution sources, assessing climate change impacts, and evaluating health effects on humans and aquatic life. Analysis of 50 water samples reveals significant pH variations across five sampling sites influenced by natural and human factors. Fluctuating water temperatures (16.41 °C–20.81 °C) impact various parameters, including dissolved oxygen (DO), total dissolved solids (TDS), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). Microbiological assessment detects coliforms, indicating contamination with potential health risks. The study highlights the degradation of the Rispana River due to pollution and climate change. Urgent action is needed to mitigate impacts and safeguard human and aquatic health. Sustained monitoring and strategic management approaches are crucial for the river's sustainability. Collaborative efforts are necessary to address pollution sources and restore the river's health, emphasizing the importance of protecting this vital resource for current and future generations.

Human interventions alter morphodynamics of meandering channels: Insights from decadal to pre-industrial observations in the Yangtze River

Human activities, such as reservoir construction and bank revetment, significantly alter downstream flow and sediment regimes and river channel changes, impacting river ecosystem services. However, our understanding of how intense human activities affect morphodynamics of meandering channels in big river systems remains incomplete due to the lack of high-resolution in-situ data. Here, we use comprehensive data encompassing hydrology and sediment, historical channel maps, and high-resolution river bathymetry to investigate the evolution of meandering bends in the Middle Yangtze River (MYR) across three distinct phases: the natural period (1490–1975), the bank revetment period (1975–2002), and the post-dam period (2003–2018). The study revealed that, in the absence of human intervention, the meandering channels of the MYR naturally experienced inner bank deposition and outer bank erosion, largely governed by curvature-induced secondary flow patterns in flow and sediment transport mode. In 1975–2002, outer-bank revetments reduced erodibility, stabilizing outer banks, while inner banks continued to experience lateral and vertical deposition, causing a narrower and deeper channel hydraulic geometry. Conversely, meandering bends had exhibited an unusual pattern of ‘outer bank deposition and inner bank erosion’ in 2003–2018. Channel morphological changes characterized by channel incision and widening were driven by changes from erodible bank boundaries to solidified bank boundaries, substantial reduction in suspended sediment concentration, and an altered and extended effective flow range (10,000–25,000 m3/s). Our findings highlight that human interventions such as damming and bank revetments can alter the conventional erosion–deposition morphodynamics of meandering bends in large river systems, carrying vital implications for sustainable river management in the Anthropocene.

Design of Non-Structural Practices for Sustainable Water Quality Improvement in an Urban River: A Case Study of South Korea

Urban rivers exhibit characteristics of low flow and significant water quality fluctuations, making them susceptible to pollution from various sources such as untreated sewage, non-point pollution within the urban area, and unknown inflows. To address water quality management in urban rivers, precise investigations into background water quality, pollution levels, and the characteristics of pollution sources are essential. Following the identification of pollution sources, sustainable river management strategies, incorporating both structural and non-structural measures, are crucial. This study aims to develop continuous and long-term river management strategies, considering the characteristics of urban river basins, through citizen participation governance and non-structural approaches. Citizen networks were formed for each target urban river, and activities for water quality improvement were proposed and implemented. This study provides phased approaches to citizen participation governance, and activities include citizen-led water quality monitoring, the purification and monitoring of riverbank pollution sources, and water-related education. It emphasizes the importance of local residents’ interest in urban river water quality improvement and underscores the need for sustained activities through local citizen networks. Additionally, active participation and investments from the local government, government agencies, and various experts are deemed essential.

Cultivating Health: The Crucial Role of Rivers in Stunting Eradication and Human Nutrition

This study, conducted in the Komati River watershed in South Africa, investigates the many roles of rivers in addressing stunting and enhancing human nutrition. This study aims to investigate how rivers can help reduce stunting and enhance human nutrition by providing better access to clean water, increasing agricultural productivity, and supporting aquatic biodiversity. The study used a mixed-methods approach involving surveys, health record analysis, interviews, and focus group discussions to highlight the importance of rivers in providing clean water, supporting various agricultural activities, and improving dietary quality by including river fish. The cited contributions underscore the ability of rivers to improve public health and nutrition, stressing the importance of adopting sustainable river management techniques and coordinated policies to maximize their potential on a broader scale.

Spatio-temporal dynamics of ecological, bacteriological, and overall water quality of the Damodar River, India.

Assessing river water quality is crucial for human and ecological needs because of the deterioration of the river and escalated water pollution under the threats of anthropogenic activities. In order to assess river water quality, the Damodar River water was evaluated from the perspectives of spatio-temporal dynamics of ecological (organic pollution index or OPI and eutrophication index or EI), bacteriological (coliform count and comprehensive bathing water quality index or CBWQI), and overall water quality assessments (water quality index or WQI and comprehensive pollution index or CPI). The OPI reveals that 44.66% of water samples have heavy organic pollution; however, EI depicts that almost all water samples of Damodar River have severe eutrophication, especially in the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Moreover, the fecal coliform count and CBWQI indicate the unsuitability of river water for bathing. The overall WQI portrays that 21.56%, 33.59%, and 22.47% of water samples have heavy pollution in pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon, respectively. Moreover, 73.39% of water samples have low CPI indicating slight comprehensive pollution. This study also reveals that the pollution level in the Damodar River downstream of the Durgapur barrage is high among the other stations. The major reasons behind the severe contamination of Damodar River water are urban-industrial and agricultural effluents mixing into the river that lead to higher concentrations of BOD, DO, fecal coliform, COD, fluoride TSS, and turbidity in the river water. Thus, this study carries appreciated information on policy recommendations for the different stakeholders of the Damodar River basin including regional planners, agri-engineers, and ecological river engineers for sustainable river management.

Physico-Chemical and Biological Water Quality of Tuntang Estuary, Demak, Central Java as A Base for Sustainable River Management

The estuary, downstream of the river, accumulates pollutants from upstream and marine. Tuntang is one of the major rivers in Central Java, 139 km length from Rawapening Lake, and ends in the Java Sea. Mangroves are the dominant riparian vegetation in the downstream and estuary of the Tuntang River. This research analyzes the water quality and pollution index (PI) of Tuntang Estuary, Demak. Water samples were collected from four sites in February (wet season) and September 2022 (dry season) and were analyzed for temperature, TDS, pH, BOD, COD, DO, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, TN, TP, Cd, Cu, Pb, Cr, fecal coliform, and total coliform. The water quality parameters of Tuntang Estuary in the dry season exceeded the threshold for Class I-III, such as TDS in T1 ((2530 mgL-1), BOD (4.06-5.12 mgL-1), COD (28.32-102 mgL-1), DO for Class I and II (3.93-4.28 mgL-1), Pb at T1 and T3 in the wet season, and T1 in the dry season, and Cr for Class I, II, and III (. 0.05 mgL-1), Pb (T1), and Cr for Class I, II, and III (. 0.05 mgL-1). In contrast, in the wet season, BOD (4.37-7.15 mgL-1), Pb (T1 and T3), fecal coli, and coliform exceeded the threshold. The TN (0.83-2.48 mgL-1) and TP in the wet season (0.45-0.53 mgL-1 at T1 and T1) indicated that Tuntang Estuary was in the eutrophic condition. Based on the PI method, the water quality of Tuntang Estuary is good to slightly polluted for Class I, II, and III. The sustainable river management that is appropriate to be developed for the Tuntang River is conserving the mangrove ecosystem in the Tuntang Estuary.

A GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS ON RIVER DYNAMICS IN UPPER ACTIVE BRAHMAPUTRA-JAMUNA FLOODPLAIN REGION, BANGLADESH

The hydro-geomorphic dynamism of the Brahmaputra-Jamuna River system in Bangladesh poses critical challenges for sustainable river management, given the country's vulnerability to climate change and riverbank erosion. The present study employs a longitudinal analysis of Landsat and Sentinel images from 1988 to 2023, integrated with Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to provide a temporal assessment of the river’s dynamic behavior. Results reveal significant temporal and seasonal fluctuations in the riverbed's spatial extent, dynamism rate, and common area, underlining the system's inherent volatility. Between 1988 and 2023, the riverbed’s area exhibited marked variability, ranging from 237.9537 km² to 365.8552 km². Seasonal evaluations also pinpointed pronounced changes, particularly in pre-monsoon and monsoon periods, revealing substantial variations in dynamism area and rates. The study uncovers intriguing patterns, such as the anomalous high dynamism area in 2020 and the surge in winter dynamism rate in 2022, calling for a deeper inquiry into potential climatic anomalies or anthropogenic influences and the need for ongoing monitoring and adaptive river management, particularly under increased environmental stress from climate change.

Spatio-temporal analysis of river water pollution levels in the Angke-Pesanggrahan watershed

River water is an important part of people’s lives, both in quantity and quality. Various utilizations will influence the decline in water quality, especially from household, industrial, and solid waste or garbage disposal. One of the watersheds affected by this anthropogenic influence is the Angke-Pesanggrahan watershed in Jakarta Province. The study was conducted at 31 observation points of several rivers, such as the Angke, Sekertaris, Sepak, Mookervart, Grogol, Cengkareng, Kamal, and Pesanggrahan Rivers. This study aims to analyze the water pollution level spatio-temporal for eight periods in 2021-2022. The dynamics of the pollution level are analyzed by the Pollution Index (PI) using water physical-chemical-biological parameters. The pollution level in each river was then mapped using ArcGIS software. The pollution level of this watershed was light to heavily polluted (PI value of 4.13-19.34). The status of river water quality in almost all rivers is likely to be worse in 2022 than in 2021. High pollution levels are generally found in almost all rivers, especially the Sekertaris and Sepak Rivers. Pesanggrahan River has a better status, with an average PI of 8.06 (moderately polluted). Parameters often do not meet quality standards: color, TSS, ammonia, free chlorine, H2S, BOD, COD, DO, nitrite, MBAS, fecal coliform, and total coliform. Pollution in the watershed needs to be resolved by involving local stakeholders, implementing communal WWTP, applying for stricter wastewater discharge permits, and continuously educating and empowering the community on sustainable river management.

A plural knowledges model to support sustainable management of dryland rivers in western India

AbstractDirect and indirect human disturbances present major challenges to sustainable management of dryland rivers, impacting upon their role as critical lifelines in arid and semiarid regions. This paper presents an overview of changing human–river relations, knowledges and practices in the management of dryland rivers in western India over the last 4500 years. In ancient times, traditional knowledges underpinned local water harvesting techniques that worked with nature. Subsequent imposition of external values and knowledge frameworks in colonial times applied a command‐and‐control ethos that asserted human authority over rivers. Postindependence, development programmes in the second half of the 21st century further accentuated this legacy, with profound implications for river health. Discipline‐bound approaches to river restoration in recent decades have failed to address these concerns. Using the Sabarmati catchment (~20,000 km2) as a case study, we develop a holistic, transdisciplinary approach that integrates traditional place‐based knowledges and practices alongside scientific understandings and the generative potential of Big Data to show how a plural knowledges model can support proactive and precautionary approaches to sustainable river management.

Social imaginaries methods and socio-engineering competences in sustainable river management (a case study in the living lab Upper Citarum)

The Living Lab approach has become popular and developed in the past decade. It could provide a configuration to pursue a shared vision of integrated water resources management of the Citarum River in West Java - Indonesia. The multi-stakeholder situation and the growing recognition of interdependencies among stakeholders foster the complexity of addressing sustainable river management for the Upper Citarum River. To gain insights on essential competencies and adaptations in higher education curricula, the Environmental Engineering Department of the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering-ITB, Telkom University Indonesia, and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands, joined hands in a collaborative research project. This study aims to develop a socio-engineering aspect for sustainable river water quality management in the Environmental Engineering Field and Curricula. The methods used are social imaginaries of Participatory Mapping and a Poetry Route that allowed the involved river bank communities to activate their role and take positions in the living lab. Institutional stakeholders, acting in a facilitating role, learned to gain and share information from and with the community. The result concludes that social imaginaries methods enable a new perspective in developing community-based programs and advocate further exploring the socio-engineering competencies of environmental professionals.