Sustainable Water Management Research Articles

Innovative Strategy for Rainwater Harvesting in Saline-affected Urban Areas: A Case Study of a Sports Complex in Delhi

Water scarcity remains a critical global challenge, requiring immediate, sustainable management strategies, particularly in areas with an increasing disparity between water supply and demand. In India, and especially in Delhi, this issue is acute. In response to growing environmental concerns and the urgent need for sustainable water resource management, rainwater harvesting has emerged as a practical and effective solution for water conservation. This study investigates the application of rainwater harvesting to sustainably support water needs for a sports complex located in a salinity affected region. The land, originally intended for agriculture, has been converted into a complex featuring hydro-landscape facilities, including swimming pools, water polo areas, diving pools, toddler pools, and leisure pools. These facilities require an initial water input of 6,754.5 m³ and an annual replenishment of 7,957.28 m³ due to evaporation and seepage. By calculating the total rainwater harvesting potential based on the runoff coefficient, annual rainfall intensity, and the complex's catchment area, the study reveals that 29,693.8 m³ of rainwater can be harvested annually, providing a surplus of 14,981.7 m³ of potable water. This analysis demonstrates the viability of designing sports complexes in saline areas using efficient land use and rainwater harvesting, and presenting a scalable model for sustainable water management in similar regions worldwide.

Indicadores de Sustentabilidade para Gestão da Água

Water safety involves the sustainable use and protection of water sources, so that water is available in adequate quantity and quality to health, livelihoods, ecosystems and production, in addition to protecting it from the negative effects of extreme weather events. Internationally, the concept of water security began being discussed in the 1990s, and more so since 2009, when the issue became the subject of a greater number of publications. In Brazil Federal Law 9433/97, which establishes the National Water Resources Policy, and corresponding state laws implicitly provide the concept of water security. However, the National Water Safety Plan was only launched in 2019, and has became the fundamental instrument for decision-making on this issue. The objective of the research was to pre-select indicators to analyze the water safety of the municipalities contemplated in the Capibaribe river watershed, within the framework of sustainable water management. To achieve the objective, the following methodology was adopted: pre-selection of indicators; application of a questionnaire to a panel of experts; structure a database. Thus, this work aims to bring subsidies that contribute to water security actions and public policies through the development of an indicator database. Additionally, this research is a proposal for future work, helping to define an equation of the water security index for the municipalities in the watershed.

Seasonal and annual trends in reference evapotranspiration and prediction using machine learning models across seven climatic zones of Bangladesh

ABSTRACT The primary aim of this investigation is to examine the historical (1989–2020) and future trends and magnitude of Reference Evapotranspiration (ET0) in terms of spatiotemporal measures, considering its significance as a hydro-meteorological parameter influenced by changing climate. The FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method is employed to analyze ET0, while the Modified Mann Kendall test is utilized to assess trends and Sen’s Slope Estimator is used for magnitude analysis. The future prediction is conducted using Support Vector Machine (SVM), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Random Forest (RF) models. Results show an increasing ET0 trend annually in the southeastern and northeastern zones, while decreased values are observed in other regions, particularly in the northwest (0.83 mm). Sen’s slope estimator reveals distinct fluctuations in ET0, with notable disparities in the Southeastern, Northeastern, Southwestern, and South-Central zones. Notably, Chattogram and Sitakunda experience an ET0 magnitude of 0.02 mm/Year, while other zones show a magnitude of 0.01 mm/Year. SVM outperformed other models, predicting rising ET0 in various seasons. These findings offer insights for optimizing irrigation systems and sustainable water management under changing climatic conditions.

Cold Plasma for Enhanced Water Purification

Abstract Access to clean water remains a critical global challenge, with traditional water treatment methods often failing to eliminate complex pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, dyes, and antibiotics. Cold atmospheric plasma technology offers a promising solution by generating reactive oxygen and nitrogen species at room temperature, effectively degrading these contaminants and inactivating pathogens. Recent advancements in cold plasma have shown significant potential in water treatment applications. Cold plasma has demonstrated efficacy in disrupting bacterial biofilms, reducing antibiotic contaminants, and degrading complex organic pollutants, making it an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. This review examines the principles of plasma technology, evaluates its performance in water sanitation, and addresses the challenges of scalability and economic feasibility. By integrating cold plasma into existing water treatment systems and developing standardized protocols, this technology can significantly contribute to sustainable water management and public health, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Precision Agriculture and Water Conservation Strategies for Sustainable Crop Production in Arid Regions

The intensifying challenges posed by global climate change and water scarcity necessitate enhancements in agricultural productivity and sustainability within arid regions. This review synthesizes recent advancements in genetic engineering, molecular breeding, precision agriculture, and innovative water management techniques aimed at improving crop drought resistance, soil health, and overall agricultural efficiency. By examining cutting-edge methodologies, such as CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, marker-assisted selection (MAS), and omics technologies, we highlight efforts to manipulate drought-responsive genes and consolidate favorable agronomic traits through interdisciplinary innovations. Furthermore, we explore the potential of precision farming technologies, including the Internet of Things (IoT), remote sensing, and smart irrigation systems, to optimize water utilization and facilitate real-time environmental monitoring. The integration of genetic, biotechnological, and agronomic approaches demonstrates a significant potential to enhance crop resilience against abiotic and biotic stressors while improving resource efficiency. Additionally, advanced irrigation systems, along with soil conservation techniques, show promise for maximizing water efficiency and sustaining soil fertility under saline–alkali conditions. This review concludes with recommendations for a further multidisciplinary exploration of genomics, sustainable water management practices, and precision agriculture to ensure long-term food security and sustainable agricultural development in water-limited environments. By providing a comprehensive framework for addressing agricultural challenges in arid regions, we emphasize the urgent need for continued innovation in response to escalating global environmental pressures.

Enhancing the SDG 6 Index: Implementing New Directions and Trends in Priorities of Integrated Water Resources Management Principles in the Republic of Korea

Enhancement of water and sanitation management acts as a significant component of global development as it is part of the United Nation’s sixth Sustainable Development Goal. Due to peculiar geographical and climatic attributes of the country and sincere efforts toward implementing IWRM, South Korea has improved its position in the SDG 6 index. The purpose of this research work is to evaluate the advancements that have been made in the IWRM of South Korea from 2018 to 2023 concerning policy changes, technical advancements, and societal engagement. Thus, this paper, through surveys and literature review, examines the measures that have been taken in the recent past to address the hydrological vulnerabilities resulting from climate change, as depicted by the UN Environment Program. Centrally, since South Korea has become more sensitive to climate change effects, and thus hydrological issues, the findings will assist in the improvement of current IWRM processes and help them achieve the SDG 6 goals. This study implies that there should be sustainable water management practices that balance natural and human interferences amidst prevailing climate change effects.

Assessing the grey water footprint of pesticide use in the Mendoza wine region (Argentina): implications for sustainable water resources management

This paper assesses the impact of viticulture on water resource quality in the Mendoza wine region using the grey water footprint (GWF) approach to estimate the amount of water required to dilute pesticides commonly used in local vineyards. Our analysis indicates that to progress towards sustainable water management in viticulture, limiting or replacing pesticides with high GWF values is essential. We provide detailed results for 24 fungicides, 7 insecticides, and 7 herbicides, assessed at both microregion and district levels, offering insights into pesticide impacts across both detailed and broader spatial scales. At the microregion level, the herbicide Fluroxypyr-meptyl was found to have the highest GWF (1.10 m³ kg-1), followed by the fungicide Fosetyl-aluminium (0.59 m³ kg-1) and the insecticide Imidacloprid (0.41 m³ kg-1). Our findings also show that pesticide impacts vary at the district level, highlighting the need for localised management strategies. Additionally, the significant variability in GWFs at the local level underscores the necessity for region-specific water quality standards to more accurately assess and manage the environmental impact of pesticide use. This study provides a framework for similar assessments in other viticultural regions, aiding in the development of more informed pesticide management to enhance water resource sustainability.

Model and Ensemble Indicator-Guided Assessment of Robust, Exploitable Groundwater Resources for Denmark

Groundwater constitutes 99% of the Earth’s liquid freshwater and is crucial for human health, economic development, and ecosystem sustainability. This study assesses groundwater sustainability in Denmark by employing a comprehensive hydrological model and a set of ensemble indicators. The paper describes the methodology and the results based on nine selected indicators. Three indicators focus on recharge capture and aquifer sustainability, one focuses on groundwater level and wetland capture, two focus on baseflow and drainage flow capture, and three focus on eco flow capture. Our findings highlight that while overall exploitable groundwater resources are estimated at 1.1 billion m3/year, significant regional disparities exist, with certain areas, notably Zealand, facing over-exploitation rates exceeding 250% of sustainable limits. The indicators developed not only provide a framework for assessing current groundwater resource limits, but also serve as a basis for future monitoring and adaptive management strategies. This research underscores the need for stakeholder engagement and integrated approaches to ensure the sustainability of groundwater resources in the face of growing anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Our work contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainable water management and offers a robust methodology for assessing groundwater sustainability.

FRAMING WATER SUSTAINABILITY AND TECHNOLOGICAL SOLUTIONS: A MICROSTRUCTURAL ANALYSIS OF RHETORICAL STRATEGIES IN ELON MUSK’S 2024 WORLD WATER FORUM SPEECH

This study provides a detailed microstructural analysis of Elon Musk's 2024 World Water Forum speech, focusing on his use of rhetorical strategies to address critical water sustainability challenges and advocate for technological solutions. By analyzing Musk’s language, tone, and framing techniques, this research uncovers how he skillfully crafts a narrative that combines urgency with optimism, positioning technology as an essential tool for addressing water scarcity. Key findings reveal that Musk employs hyperbole to magnify technology’s potential impact, metaphors to simplify complex concepts, and rhetorical questions to engage his audience in critical reflection. Additionally, he uses repetition to emphasize core themes, reinforcing his message on the importance of collaboration across sectors. The study concludes that Musk’s rhetorical approach is not only informative but also mobilizing, as it seeks to inspire both public and private stakeholders to take active roles in sustainable water management. This research underscores the power of strategic rhetoric in advancing discourse on sustainability and encouraging actionable solutions.

Hydrochemical characterization and sustainability assessment of Ismailia canal water, Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt: implications for human health and environmental safety

Surface freshwater systems globally face severe stresses due to overpopulation and associated waste. The Ismailia Canal, a crucial freshwater source in the eastern Nile Delta, Egypt, serves multiple purposes and is endangered by various environmental activities. This study characterizes the canal’s water using physicochemical parameters to evaluate its suitability for different uses. Water samples were collected twice in winter and summer seasons of the year 2018 from eight sites distributed along the course of Ismailia Canal. A comprehensive chemical analysis of the samples was carried out. Water chemistry was graphically and statistically assessed. Water qualities were evaluated using WHO guidelines, water quality index (WQI), Pollution indices of metals (PIm) and long- and short-term effect of trace elements on irrigation. Results show that the water is slightly alkaline and moderately hard, with higher salinity in winter than summer. Major cations and anions are higher in winter, whereas NO₃ is higher in summer. The canal water is primarily of the Ca(Mg)-HCO₃ type, influenced mainly by rock-water interactions. While most physicochemical parameters meet drinking water standards, Al, Sb, As, Cd, Fe, Pb, and Tl exceed limits, with significant impacts from Al and Tl year-round, and seasonal impacts from As, Pb, Cd, and Fe. For irrigation, water quality is generally unaffected in winter, but Mo and Se have slight impacts in summer for long-term use. This research is vital for informing sustainable water management practices, which are crucial for Egypt’s research initiatives, economic stability, and environmental sustainability.

Assessment of Groundwater Quality in the Semi-Arid Environment: Implications of Climate Change

The hydrogeochemical properties and evolution of groundwater in the Essaouira syncline basin in northwestern Morocco were investigated in this study, with a total of 447 samples during different campaigns (April 2017, May 2018, March 2019, and July 2020). These samples were analyzed for major ions and stable and radioactive water isotopes (δ2H, δ18O, and 3H). With decreasing rainfall from climate change in Morocco, it is crucial to assess the sustainability of groundwater reserves. This shortage leads to the degradation of water and soil quality. To ensure sustainable water management and preserve the environment in the study area, it is necessary to assess groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation, take precautions, and establish management plans. This study assessed groundwater quality using two water quality index methods (WQI and IWQI). Several natural processes control groundwater mineralization, including the dissolution of evaporite and carbonate minerals, cation exchange phenomena, evaporation, and seawater intrusion. According to the results obtained using the WQI method, all groundwater samples in the study area are generally of poor quality and must be treated before being used for domestic purposes. Based on the results obtained by the IWQI method, the samples are suitable for use as irrigation water, especially for plants resistant to high salinity concentrations. Stable isotope measurements (δ2H and δ18O) indicate that Atlantic precipitation continuously recharges the recharge areas of the Essaouira Basin. Thus, the low values of tritium (3H) in groundwater mean that the freshwater in the Essaouira Basin is ancient.

The influence of natural factors on poverty in West Halmahera

Poverty remains one of the persistent social issues faced by governments in many regions, including coastal and small island communities. The poverty experienced in these areas is driven by a combination of natural, social, and economic factors. Dynamic environmental conditions, such as seasonal changes, extreme weather, wide geographic dispersion between sea and land, isolation due to limited accessibility, and vulnerability to natural disasters, often trap coastal populations in a cycle of poverty. Data from West Halmahera Regency indicates that poverty levels have shown little improvement up until 2023. This research focuses on a sample of 390 poor residents from the region, utilizing Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Principal Component Regression Analysis (PCRA) to examine the factors affecting poverty. The findings reveal that within the Natural Capital variable (X1), the most significant indicators are the distance from the house to a clean water source (X4), with a coefficient of 0.894, the condition of the water source near the residence (X5), with a coefficient of 0.884, and accessibility to clean water sources (X3), with a coefficient of 0.89. West Halmahera, being a coastal and mountainous region, suffers from an unequal distribution of essential infrastructure, particularly in areas far from the district capital. Clean water infrastructure remains absent in many areas, and even in mountainous regions where water piping exists, geographic challenges hinder functionality. Addressing these issues requires collaboration between local governments, the private sector, universities, and the community. Solutions may include programs that incorporate local wisdom and focus on infrastructure development, sustainable water management, and environmentally friendly practices. Such initiatives could enhance access to clean water, improve the local economy, and ultimately reduce poverty in West Halmahera.

Collective Action for Sustainable Farmer Water Management: The Case of the KILIMO NA MAJI Serious Game

Background Farmers in water scarce landscapes adapt in response to the erratic weather conditions. Adaptation through irrigation, depend on water access, while impacting on downstream water availability. Competition for scarce water commons among multiple users defines a collective action problem. Farmer land-, and water-use decisions are based on both economic rationality of cost-benefit expectations, and relational rationality of reconciling conflicting opinions of important person(s) in a farmer’s social world, such as other water users, government, or spirits. Serious games that represent this duality of choices can help both players and interested others to analyze how social relations influence farmer decision-making. Intervention Here we describe the generic design and early experiences with specific use of the KILIMO NA MAJI game. The game is designed to analyse effect of social relations as farmers individually and/or collectively explore alternative options for crop production in scarce water commons. Methods We designed and applied the game in the Mt. Kenya region; a semi-arid region, ranging across a gradient of upstream water abundance to downstream water scarcity. The design of the game was informed by literature, and information from local stakeholders. We analyzed data from the pilot game sessions to assess quality and effectiveness of the game using Likert scale and a ‘solution space’ which defines a bandwidth around the mean where tradeoffs between farm-income and water-use can be partially managed. Results Playing the game with local stakeholders showed that social relations that participants had with traders, agro-export companies and other important persons determined where their game outcomes were positioned within the solution space. Conclusion Playing KILIMO NA MAJI can help assess influence of social relations and support collective exploration of alternatives to crops production in water scarce landscapes.

From dishwasher to river: how to adapt a low-cost turbidimeter for water quality monitoring.

This study presents the process of design and development of a low-cost turbidimeter for monitoring water quality, facilitating rigorous spatial-temporal variability analysis within large-scale hydrological systems. We propose a low-cost optical turbidimeter, modifying the existent SEN0189 turbidity sensor, Arduino boards, and additional sensors for temperature compensation. We compared a low-cost system with high-tech sensors, modifying the original low-cost SEN0189 probe for enhanced environmental performance. The three-step methodological framework involved prototype development, compensation for environmental factors, and preparation for future field deployment. Calibration equations with a high coefficient of determination and a temperature correction equation were established. We made adaptations to overcome field deployment challenges, including a 3-D printed sensor case, defining the relationship between measurement uncertainty and energy consumption, and specifying field installation guidelines. In summary, this study presents a comprehensive approach to a low-cost optical turbidity system, demonstrating its potential for accurate and affordable field deployment. We aim to address the critical need for sustainable inland water management tools, making this system a valuable contribution to environmental monitoring practices. We also aim to inspire similar development of open-source monitoring systems within our community.

Groundwater quality in Sargodha City, Pakistan: Comprehensive research of geochemical modeling, groundwater quality assessment, and risk evaluation

Groundwater, an indispensable global resource, faces escalating contamination threats, jeopardizing human health and environmental sustainability. This study offers detailed insights into the quality of the groundwater, its drinking suitability, and associated human health risks in Sargodha City, Pakistan. Employing hydrogeochemical analysis, inverse geochemical modeling, groundwater quality index, and human health risk evaluation, this research highlights widespread exceedances of WHO drinking water standards, particularly in TDS, EC, TH, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−, NO3–N, and As levels, signifying that a significant portion of the groundwater is unfit for consumption. Hydrochemical facies analysis reveals a dominance of the Na–Cl type. Water–rock interactions, cation exchange, and anthropogenic influences are the primary factors shaping groundwater hydrochemistry in the region. Saturation indices and inverse geochemical modeling demonstrated intricate geochemical processes involving both mineral precipitation and dissolution. Notably, the GWQI reveals a diverse spectrum of water quality, with 50% of the samples exhibiting excellent to good quality, 29% falling into the poor to extremely poor category, and 21% deemed unfit for drinking. Health risk assessment reveals alarming carcinogenic risks from As, affecting children (70.8%) and adults (83.35%), while 8.3% of the samples indicate non-carcinogenic risks. Conversely, NO3–N presents acceptable non-carcinogenic risks across all samples. The total hazard index spans between 0.14 and 1.90 for adults and 0.16 to 2.23 for children, underscoring the heightened vulnerability of children. This study advances the understanding of groundwater contamination dynamics in urbanized regions, offering insights to safeguard public health and ensure sustainable water management in areas with similar hydrogeochemical conditions.

Selecting a Time-Series Model to Predict Drinking Water Extraction in a Semi-Arid Region in Chihuahua, Mexico

As the effects of global climate change intensify, it is increasingly important to implement more effective water management practices, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Meoqui, Chihuahua, situated in the arid northern center of Mexico. The objective of this study was to identify the optimal time-series model for analyzing the pattern of water extraction volumes and predicting a one-year forecast. It was hypothesized that the volume of water extracted over time could be explained by a statistical time-series model, with the objective of predicting future trends. To achieve this objective, three time-series models were evaluated. To assess the pattern of groundwater extraction, three time-series models were employed: the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), Prophet, and Prophet with extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The mean extraction volume for the entire period was 50,935 ± 47,540 m3, with a total of 67,233,578 m3 extracted from all wells. The greatest volume of water extracted has historically been from urban wells, with an average extraction of 55,720 ± 48,865 m3 and a total of 63,520,284 m3. The mean extraction volume for raw water wells was determined to be 20,629 ± 19,767 m3, with a total extraction volume of 3,713,294 m3. The SARIMA(1,1,1)(1,0,0)12 model was identified as the optimal time-series model for general extraction, while a “white noise” model, an ARIMA(0,1,0) for raw water, and an SARIMA(2,1,1)(2,0,0)12 model were identified as optimal for urban wells. These findings serve to reinforce the efficacy of the SARIMA model in forecasting and provide a basis for water resource managers in the region to develop policies that promote sustainable water management.

FeBTC MOF‐Derived Fe3O4@C Nanocomposite: Controlled Synthesis and Application as Potential Adsorbent for Rhodamine Dye Elimination From Wastewater

ABSTRACTThis study explores the controlled synthesis of a novel Fe3O4@C magnetic nanocomposite derived from FeBTC metal–organic framework (MOF) and its application as an efficient adsorbent for the removal of rhodamine dye from wastewater. The FeBTC MOF was first synthesized and then thermally decomposed in a controlled oxygen atmosphere at 375°C (1 h) to form the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite with a magnetic Fe3O4 core embedded in a porous carbon matrix. A comprehensive characterization of the nanocomposite was performed using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to confirm the successful formation and to evaluate its structural and morphological properties. The morphological investigation revealed that the particles of Fe3O4 had a spherical shape with diameter of 10–15 nm. The carbon coating appeared as a thin amorphous layer surrounding the Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The adsorption capacity of Fe3O4@C for rhodamine B (RhB) dye was assessed under various conditions, including different pH values, contact times, initial dye concentrations, and temperatures. Complete dye removal was attained in 45 min using 50 mg of the nanocomposite and 50 mL of 5.0 ppm RhB at the optimum pH of 9.1. Under the same experimental conditions, the highest adsorption capacity of 13.0 mg/g was obtained, but using 15.0 mg of the nanocomposite. Fe3O4@C nanocomposite exhibits high adsorption efficiency, with a maximum removal capacity of 100%, which is clearly superior to many conventional adsorbents. This performance can be attributed to the synergistic effects of the magnetic Fe3O4 and the large surface area of the carbon matrix. Kinetic models were employed to understand the adsorption mechanism. The adsorption kinetics followed a pseudo‐second‐order model. The reusability of the adsorbent was tested over multiple cycles and showed a minimal loss of performance (drops to 93.0% after five removal cycles). The study demonstrates that the Fe3O4@C nanocomposite is a promising candidate for the effective removal of organic dyes from wastewater, offering potential benefits for environmental remediation and sustainable water management.

Polycaprolactone-zinc oxide biocomposite membranes for wastewater treatment by ultrafiltration process: Synthesis, characterization and removal of inorganic pollutants

The severe droughts impacting North Africa have intensified the pressure on potable water supplies and agricultural irrigation, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable water management solutions. This study explores the potential of poly(ε-caprolactone)/zinc oxide (PCL/ZnO) biocomposites as ultrafiltration membranes for treating urban wastewater, with the goal of enabling water reuse in agriculture. PCL/ZnO membranes, fabricated using the solvent-casting method, were thoroughly characterized using FTIR, XRD, EDAX, SEM, AFM, DSC, TGA, and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Key findings revealed that increasing ZnO content (1–4 wt%) significantly enhanced membrane thickness, crystallinity, mechanical robustness, and surface roughness, while lowering WCA values to improve hydrophilicity. These enhanced properties are critical for ultrafiltration, as they contribute to higher contaminant rejection and improved water permeability. Performance tests demonstrated ion retention rates of 32–61 % post-filtration, including for toxic metals, effectively reducing pollutant levels. Notably, the treated water met the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards for irrigation quality, indicating its suitability for agricultural applications. This work highlights the efficacy of PCL/ZnO membranes in facilitating sustainable wastewater recycling under drought conditions, presenting a promising, adaptable solution for water reclamation in water-scarce regions. The results underscore the potential of these biocomposite membranes to advance sustainable water treatment practices, supporting both environmental resilience and agricultural productivity.

Integrated water resource management in the Segura Hydrographic Basin: An artificial intelligence approach

Managing resources effectively in uncertain demand, variable availability, and complex governance policies is a significant challenge. This paper presents a paradigmatic framework for addressing these issues in water management scenarios by integrating advanced physical modelling, remote sensing techniques, and Artificial Intelligence algorithms. The proposed approach accurately predicts water availability, estimates demand, and optimizes resource allocation on both short- and long-term basis, combining a comprehensive hydrological model, agronomic crop models for precise demand estimation, and Mixed-Integer Linear Programming for efficient resource distribution. In the study case of the Segura Hydrographic Basin, the approach successfully allocated approximately 642 million cubic meters (hm3) of water over six months, minimizing the deficit to 9.7% of the total estimated demand. The methodology demonstrated significant environmental benefits, reducing CO2 emissions while optimizing resource distribution. This robust solution supports informed decision-making processes, ensuring sustainable water management across diverse contexts. The generalizability of this approach allows its adaptation to other basins, contributing to improved governance and policy implementation on a broader scale. Ultimately, the methodology has been validated and integrated into the operational water management practices in the Segura Hydrographic Basin in Spain.

Sequential decline in cyanobacterial, total prokaryotic, and eukaryotic responses to backward flow in a river connected to Lake Taihu

River ecosystems face escalating challenges due to altered flow regimes from human activities, such as urbanization with hydrological modifications. Understanding the role of microbial communities for ecosystems with changing flow regimes is still incomplete and remains at the frontier of aquatic microbial ecology. In particular, influences of riverine backward flow on the aquatic biota remain largely unknown. Therefore, we examined the impact of backward flow on the cyanobacterial, total prokaryotic, and eukaryotic communities in the Changdougang River, which naturally flows into Lake Taihu, through environmental DNA metabarcoding. We analyzed the differences in community diversity, assembly, and ecological network stability among groups under backward, weak, and forward flow direction conditions. Non-metric multidimensional scaling showed higher variations in communities of groups across flow direction conditions than seasonal groups. Variations in alpha and beta diversity showed that cyanobacterial and total prokaryotic communities experienced strong homogenization under backward flow conditions, whereas the ecological uniqueness of the eukaryotic community decreased. Assembly of the three flow-related communities was primarily governed by drift and dispersal limitation in stochastic processes. However, in the cyanobacterial community, homogeneous selection in deterministic processes increased from 22.79% to 42.86% under backward flow, aligning with trends observed in the checkerboard score (C-score). More importantly, the topological properties of ecological networks and the degree of average variation revealed higher stability in the cyanobacterial community compared to total prokaryotic and eukaryotic communities. Considering the variations in cohesion, the network stability in the cyanobacterial community decreased under backward flow. Our findings emphasize the distinct and sequentially diminishing responses of cyanobacterial, total prokaryotic, and eukaryotic communities to backward flowing rivers. This knowledge is crucial for maintaining ecological health of rivers, assessing the complex ecological impacts on hydrological engineering, and formulating sustainable water management strategies.