Water Agency Research Articles

Has unsustainable groundwater use induced low flow regimes in the Urucuia Aquifer System? An urgent call for integrated water management

Groundwater depletion in the Urucuia Aquifer System (UAS) has concerned the Brazilian water agencies since it is the principal water source in the arid length of the São Francisco river. In contrast, the irrigation fields increasing and uncertainty regarding climate variability have impaired the management of this important hydrograph region of Brazil. Therefore, the proper management of the UAS relies on the correct definition of the factors that are impacting most of the ground and surface waters, i.e., whether they are from climate or anthropogenic activities. Relying on Artificial Intelligence (AI) modeling and hydrological signatures, this study proposed a methodology to disentangle the role of climatic variability and groundwater pumping on streamflow dynamics by rebuilding natural time series in four watersheds within the UAS’s boundaries. By comparing the natural to the observed streamflow time series, the long-term 90th percentile (Q_90) discharge, from which 80% can be granted for multiple uses in the State of Bahia, decreased by up to 50% in the UAS. Yet, the watersheds’ productivity, given by the 90% specific yield, ranged from -52.3% (3.8 L/s.km2 to 1.8 L/s.km2) to -74.0% (23.4 L/s.km2 to 6.1 L/s.km2). Low flow duration was ∼ 1,650 days in natural conditions and increased to 10,354 days in the current land use and cover scenario. Changes in the maximum low flow duration length ranged from 191.7% to 1,315.7%, and in the low flow, deficits were up to 7,150%. These results highlight that groundwater pumping is the principal factor of the UAS’s dryness since climate variability could not track streamflow decreases. However, climate variability is secondary because of the intensification of the atmosphere demand. Although it is a Brazilian application, the proposed methodology can be applied in other aquifer systems to guide decision-makers' management strategies worldwide.

Design of Socio-Environmental ICMS in Pernambuco: Analysis of Legislative Progression and Environmental Mitigation Perspectives

Objective: Investigate the evolution of environmental legislation and the Socio-Environmental ICMS, analyzing its design and how it fits into the process of environmental mitigation and combating climate change in Pernambuco. Theoretical Framework: It sought to discuss the topic of public environmental management, ICMS Socio-environmental, conservation units and solid waste, sufficient to understand the context of the investigation. Method: Exploratory, qualitative study, descriptive analysis of environmental legislation and Socio-Environmental ICMS of Pernambuco during the period from 2000 to 2022. Data collection was through information contained in the portals of the Court of Auditors of Pernambuco, the Pernambuco Environmental Agency, in addition to the federal and Pernambuco Legislative Assembly. Results and Discussion: We identified 19 records relating to the country's environmental management and 15 relating to the Socio-Environmental ICMS in the state of Pernambuco. Among the main ones, we note the National System of Conservation Units, the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency and the National Solid Waste Policy. This data contributes to the process of environmental mitigation and combating climate change in the state. Research Implications: Provide updated data that can be applied to research in the areas of environmental management in Brazil and Ecological Fiscal Transfer, specifically the ICMS Socioambiental of Pernambuco. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by updating and consolidating the legal instruments of environmental policy in Brazil and the distribution of ICMS Socioambiental in Pernambuco.

Impact of Flooding and Drought Risks on the Cost of Bond Financing for Water Utilities.

The global water cycle has experienced significant changes due to the interplay of climate shifts and human activities, resulting in more frequent and severe droughts and floods. These shifts have started to impact the operational efficiency of water treatment and delivery systems. This, in turn, has implications for the economic performance of these assets and the climate-impacted cost of their financing through the issuing of municipal bonds. Analyzing a decade of water bond data (2009-2019), this study offers empirical evidence for the impact of flood and drought risks on bond investor demand to offset water risks. The results reveal that bond markets factored in coastal flood risks between 2013 and 2019, adjusting by 3-6 basis points (bps) per risk score unit, and riverine flood risks from 2009 to 2013, with a 5-11 basis points increase per risk score unit. These effects were primarily driven by bonds issued in the Pacific Coast and Great Plains regions, respectively. In contrast, the pricing of drought risks in the bond market followed a more nuanced pattern. Additionally, we show the channeling effects of water consumption and investor perceptions of climate change on water risk pricing in the bond market. These findings have significant implications for water risk management in the public sector as regions with heightened water risk exposure are perceived as riskier by market participants, leading to a higher cost of capital for municipalities and water agencies.

Assessing regulatory governance for the water and sanitation Agencies in Brazil

This paper focuses on evaluating and benchmarking the governance of regulatory agencies in Brazil's water and sanitation sector. Using a unique database obtained through the application of a questionnaire, we developed an index of regulatory governance and ranked all the agencies in Brazil that participated in the study. The index is an aggregate number of the evaluation of four key governance characteristics: Autonomy, Transparency, Accountability, and Tools & Capacity, including not only formal aspects of regulation but also indicators related to actual implementation. Based on 18 different indices, we analyze the positions of agencies with regard to different aspects of their regulatory governance, considering not only performance in each variable but also scores in the different components of each category. This evaluation identifies particular agency shortcomings regarding governance and indicates needed improvements. Although Brazil has strived to consolidate the governance design of its regulatory agencies, implementing the independent regulator model still faces several challenges. Various aspects of governance can be improved to pursue greater efficiency and quality in providing services, particularly in Accountability and Political Autonomy, where the country shows the largest number of regulatory agencies with the lowest scores. Conversely, almost half of the participating agencies show optimal scores in the Regulatory Autonomy aspect of governance. The results, for the most part, corroborate the institutional theory, in which the role of institutions is paramount for greater efficiency in providing public services, as it reduces information asymmetries and transaction costs and maximizes economic incentives.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND IT’S INFLUENCE ON IMPLEMENTATION OF WATER PROJECTS IN MACHAKOS COUNTY OF KENYA

Objective: This study focused on the extent to which Community empowerment influence Implementation of water projects in Machakos County of Kenya. Accessibility to safe water has been a great challenge not only in Machakos County but to the developing world. The purpose of this study was to establish Community empowerment influence on Implementation of water projects in Machakos County of Kenya. Theoretical Framework: The study was anchored on Pragmatic paradigm and used descriptive survey research design. The target population for this study was Machakos County water representatives both staff and Community. Research sample comprised of, Water Resources Users Association officials, Water Resource Management Authority employees, County Ministry of Water and Irrigation staff, Water Services Trust Fund staff and Tana Athi Water Services Agency Staff, giving a total target population of 572 individuals. Method: The sample size of the study was derived from the various strata’s by using Krejcie and Morgan Table for sample size determination which gave a sample size of 226 participants. The research instruments used included: questionnaires; Key informant Interviews, Focus Group discussions, observation, documents review and Interview guides. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analysed using frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, composite mean and standard deviation. Qualitative data was analysed by content analysis. Research Implications: This Study is significant to policy makers, students, water agency managers and primary stakeholders in the research region. It was concluded that Community empowerment significantly influence implementation of water projects in Machakos County in Kenya.

Biochemical investigation of association of arsenic exposed polymorphic variants and disease susceptibility

Our study aimed to establish the association of polymorphic variants and disease susceptibility in arsenic-induced metabolic disorders raised due to the variability of arsenic methylation in human population exposed to arsenic in drinking water. Water samples were systematically collected from various regions of Faisalabad, Pakistan, and subjected to arsenic quantification through inductively coupled plasma emission spectrophotometry (ICP-OES). The groundwater exhibited significantly elevated arsenic concentrations (68.18 ± 21.28 μg/L) in comparison to both water and sanitation agency Faisalabad (WASA)-supplied water (9.81 ± 1.2 μg/L) and locally filtered water (8.12 ± 1.42 μg/L), as determined by one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post-test at P < 0.05. An association was established between arsenic concentration and the incidence of disease, such as diabetes mellitus. A cohort of 120 participants residing in six areas of District Faisalabad was recruited. Urine and blood specimens were collected for analysis. Urine samples underwent ICP-MS analysis in helium collision mode, utilizing germanium as an internal standard. Blood samples were collected for biomarker assessments, including HbA1c, BUN, creatinine, CRP, ALT, AST, GSH, SOD, and MDA, to investigate the evidence of diabetes mellitus. Urinary arsenic concentrations were found to be considerably higher (P < 0.05) in about 22.50 % of the participants, with a mean value of 68.43 ± 16.73 ppb. Biomarker analysis in these participants revealed mean values for BUN (37.19 ± 2.87 mg/dL), creatinine (2.58 ± 0.18 mg/dL), IL-6 (11.35 ± 6.98 pg/mL), CRP (1.90 ± 0.26 mg/dL), MDA (3.70 ± 0.18 nmol/mL), ALT (40.27 ± 5.41 U/L), and AST (38.92 ± 4.72 U/L). Furthermore, the gender-based analysis indicated the higher levels of DMA, MMA, TAs, and TiAs in males compared to females when urine samples were analyzed with HPLC-ICP-MS. Participants with the positive genotype of GSTM exhibited significantly higher levels of TAs, and TiAs concentration in their urine than those with the null genotype of GSTM. Moreover, participants with positive genotypes for GSTT1 and GSTM1 demonstrated elevated levels of DMA in their urine compared to those with genotypes of GSTT1 (−) and GSTM1 (−), although this difference did not attain statistical significance. Participants with the genotype of GSTT1 (+) displayed a considerably higher secondary methylation index than those with genotype of GSTT1 (−). MMA and DMA levels were found to be correlated with the genotypes of GSTT1 and GSTM1 and the amounts of TAs in urine. In conclusion, our findings suggest a linkage between arsenic methylation, particularly levels of DMA and SMI, and GSTT1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms.

Spatio-Temporal Dynamics of Center Pivot Irrigation Systems in the Brazilian Tropical Savanna (1985–2020)

The 204-million-hectare Brazilian tropical savanna (Cerrado biome), located in the central part of Brazil, constitutes the main region of food and natural fiber production in the country. An important part of this production is based on center pivot irrigation. Existing studies evaluating the spatio-temporal dynamics of center pivots in Brazil do not consider their retraction. This study aimed to evaluate the expansion and retraction of center pivots in the Cerrado biome in the period 1985–2020. We relied on the data produced by the MapBiomas Irriga project. In this period, the area occupied by center pivots increased from 47 thousand hectares in 1985 to 1.2 million hectares in 2020, mostly concentrated in the states of Minas Gerais, Goiás, São Paulo, and Bahia, confirming previous reports available in the literature. Among the 13 irrigation poles recognized by the National Water Agency (ANA), the Oeste Baiano (Bahia State) and the São Marcos (Goiás State) presented the largest areas of center pivots (173,048 ha and 101,725 ha, respectively). We also found that 76% of the center pivots are concentrated in the regions with low water availability (0.01–0.45 mm day−1). Within this 16-year period (2005–2020), more than 10% of center pivots found in 2005 were either abandoned or converted into rain-fed crop production. The results of this study can provide an important foundation for public policies directed toward the sustainable use of water resources by different consumers.

Application of Game Theory in Solving Urban Water Challenges in Ibadan-North Local Government Area, Oyo State, Nigeria

The significance of water in human life cannot be ignored, but in most of the developing countries; availability, provision and access to good water source to the citizens has post major challenges. The nature of water scarcity has been majorly attributed to seasonal factor and high population pressure. This study therefore aimed at developing a practical approach and mechanism to solving water challenges in urban areas in Nigeria by means of game theory. The findings revealed that majority of respondents lack access to portable or drinkable water from water agency and that regular water supply sources have been traced to be borehole or well which was provided by citizens in the community at a cost. Applying the game theory approach, the outcome of the game indicates that the equilibrium value for the two players (the water agency and the residents) is N2,000 for 1,000 liters of water supply monthly. However, the payoff can be maiximised by every player (monetary values for the water agency and satisfactory water consumption for the residents). It is therefore importance that water agency should improve in the quality of their work in providing adequate water supply to the community to reduce or eradicate ailment arises from non availability of quality water.

Increasing flood awareness through dam-break serious games

Dams are one of the most important human-made structures ever conceptualized and allow the development of society by providing multiple uses, such as the development of hydroelectric plants and as a source of water supply. A dam break problem is a catastrophic event that evolves rapidly, causing uncontrollable large floods downstream. In this paper, we develop a simplified modeling approach to assess flood characteristics associated with dam-break problems. The method offers a useful tool to improve the perception of dam safety in terms of the hydrodynamic impacts associated with a dam break. We apply our framework to 20 dams in Brazil, in addition to the Brumadinho dam failure at Córrego do Feijão. This event occurred in Brazil in 2019 leading to almost 300 fatalities. The second case study demonstrates the use of the modeling framework developed in this paper through the simulation of 20 dams in Brazil. The modeling approach uses GIS databases, Google Earth, and National Water Agency (ANA) databases and can be replicated whenever GIS information on dam characteristics, downstream channel, and downstream community is available. The results of this modeling approach indicate that several dams in the northeast of Brazil have relatively large flood hazards. A simplified dam-break hazard index was developed to establish a relative hazard impact that considers only deterministic factors such as the hydrodynamic force, velocity, and depth, as well as the arrival time of the maximum values of these states. These values are determined by a 1-D full momentum solver model (HydroHP-1D).

Appraisal of groundwater quality and hydrochemistry in three regions of Ghana: Implications for drinking purposes

Groundwater is the most relied upon source of water for rural areas and small communities with no access to national water systems. The Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) in Ghana is an institution that facilitates the provision of water and sanitation services to small towns and communities, hence it has engineered several boreholes all over the country. However, some of these boreholes have quality challenges. Hence this study was carried out to assess the quality and hydrochemical controls of such boreholes in the Ashanti, Upper East and Central Regions of Ghana. A total of 45 boreholes were sampled across these areas and subjected to physicochemical, microbial, and heavy metal analysis. Analysis of the groundwater in the Ashanti Region indicates that its quality is negatively impacted by its iron, manganese, and arsenic content. Same was observed for the Central Region. While in the Upper East Region, total hardness, fluoride, nitrate, and arsenic are the parameters that impact the groundwater quality greatly. Water quality index was used to assess the suitability of the groundwater for domestic purposes and based on this index, 80 % of the water samples were classified as either having an excellent or good quality, while about 7 % were classified as unsuitable for domestic purposes, across all regions. The suitability of the groundwater for irrigational purposes was assessed using sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), percentage sodium (% Na), and Kelly's index (KI). Based on SAR and % Na, all the water samples were suitable for irrigation, while 9 % were unsuitable based on KI. This study provides a comprehensive information on some of the CWSA boreholes with quality challenges. This kind of information is critical and useful when considering what options and treatment technologies would be suitable to address the challenges that these boreholes have.

Industrial-Based GSM Water Leakage Detection, Monitoring and Controlling System: A case of North Rift Valley Water Agency in Kenya

The current system for detecting and monitoring water leaks in Kenyan industries is manual and costly. Despite emerging new technological trends, many industries lack automated systems to detect, monitor, and control water leakage due to the high cost of maintenance and installation. This study's objective was to develop an automatic, remote, and real-time detection, monitoring, and, control system for water leaks. The system is made up of two nodes, one at the source and one at the destination or tap. The two nodes are made up of an ESP microcontroller, which is used to control all the connected components. The use of the ESP 32 microcontroller was efficient due to its ability to provide WI-FI. Aside from the solenoid valve, which was used to turn the water flow on or off in the event of leaks, the system also includes the FY-201 water flow sensor, which was used to gauge the amount of water flowing through the pipe. Water leakage is detected when the volume of water passing through the two sensors differs in terms of volume, indicating that a water leakage has just occurred. Thing-Board, an IoT-based platform used to monitor and visualize data from various devices connected, was used for real-time monitoring, visualization, and control. The developed system was tested with different water service providers, and the results showed that the system responds positively to water leakage parameters with capability of monitoring water leakages in a real time.

Hydraulic characterization of Pwales aquifer in Malta Island preparatory for planning managed aquifer recharge (MAR) pilot plant

Whitin the aim to reduce the water demand by increasing water use efficiency and providing alternative water resources, and mainly to meet the demand of good quality irrigation water for agriculture, the Energy and Water Agency of Malta is planning to develop a Managed Aquifer Recharge pilot plant in Pwales Valley to improve the quantitative and qualitative status of the groundwater body. For this reason a detailed hydraulic characterization of the valley was carried out. Specifically, hydraulic properties of the rocks that constitute strata atop of the Pwales aquifer were determined by means of both laboratory measurements on samples and field test carried out in the studied area. The water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions, which relate the matric potential, ψ, and hydraulic conductivity, K, to the water content, θ, respectively, were measured using three experimental methods because each of them allows to obtain data points in a specific wet range. The water retention and hydraulic conductivity functions were measured on samples extracted from blocks of Upper Coralline Limestone formation, that hosts the aquifer, collected in three different quarries: Ghian Tuffieha, Mellieha and San Martin areas. The measured water retention and hydraulic conductivity data were fitted with LABROS SoilView Analysis software that allows to describe the functions and obtain the parameters which are crucial for modelling the water flow and transport processes in the critical zone. In addition, large ring infiltrometer test was carried out to determine the field saturated hydraulic conductivity, Kfs, and the average infiltration rate. Knowledge of the hydraulic characteristics of the Upper Coralline Limestone, completely missing in the scientific literature, allows developing a local groundwater-flow numerical model in order to better describe and understand how the water flows from the soil to the groundwater of the valley and visualize different environmental scenarios such as the potential effects of Managed Aquifer Recharge plant in the Pwales Coastal Groundwater Body.

Talking about my generation: exploratory insights from water policy makers in British Columbia

Abstract The values held by policy makers can influence policy change. But what those values are and their source has received little attention. We argue that one source of these values – and associated differences – is rooted in generational ‘social frames’. We provide evidence from an exploratory survey in British Columbia, Canada, where transformative changes in water policy are being implemented, which include potential changes in water governance to include First Nations (or Indigenous Peoples). Controlling for a range of variables, we found consistent generational differences between personal and organizational values, differences in priorities, and preferences for certain types of economic instruments between Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennial respondents. We offer our thoughts as to how these differences may influence the policy process. We also call for public water agencies to develop structures that harness this diversity for internal policy learning, adaptation and innovation.

Estimating Extreme Rainfall Equation Parameter in Southeast Brazil Using Machine Learning

Purpose: This article explores the use of advanced machine learning techniques, including Random Forests and Deep Learning, to predict parameters of the intense rainfall equation. Methods: The study applies deep neural networks and random forests to predict parameters of the intense rainfall equation. Random Forests method is employed to handle the heterogeneity of data, while Deep Learning captures non-linear relationships. The application takes place in the state of Rio de Janeiro, with a focus on predicting parameters for specific municipalities using available data from the ANA (Brazilian Water Agency). Results and Conclusion: The neural network demonstrates accuracy in learning these parameters, with discrepancies attributed to differences in historical data periods. Despite limitations, the neural network shows promise in predictions, while the Random Forest closely aligns with the results of the neural network and the Gumbel method. The algorithms perform less accurately in regions with limited training data, emphasizing the need for additional variables to enhance prediction accuracy. Research implications: The most significant implication of this research is the potential improvement in intense rainfall forecast, using advanced machine learning techniques such as Random Forests and Deep Learning. Society will benefit with it resulting in better systems, in specific municipalities within the state of Rio de Janeiro, for early warning, risk managements, and urban planning.

Análise das Tendências de Precipitação Extrema no Estado de Minas Gerais

Abstract The study of the behavior of intense precipitation is extremely important in the management of disasters triggered by these events that culminate in environmental, social and economic damage throughout Brazil. The main objective of this work was to identify the trends and behavior of intense precipitation events in the State of Minas Gerais. Daily precipitation data from 309 rainfall stations managed by the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA) were analyzed, corresponding to the period between 1978 and 2017. The quantile technique was used as a confidence interval (95%) in the trend analysis. The Mann-Kendall Test and the Sen Estimator estimated the trends and their magnitudes, respectively. Of the 309 stations analyzed, 20 stations showed a statistically significant trend (at the 95% level) in the intensity of events, with 8 stations showing an increasing trend and 12 stations showing a decreasing trend, in the States of Minas Gerais. Summer recorded the highest rate of intense rainfall (≥ 50%) throughout the State. An increase in extreme rain events was observed in some points in the north of Minas (increase of 0.20 mm/day/year) and a reduction in the Triângulo Mineiro region and central strip of Minas Gerais (reduction of 0.1 mm /day/year).

Mapping and Characterization of Center Pivot and Lateral Move Irrigation Systems in South Carolina Using Quantum Geographic Information System

In recent decades, the adoption of overhead irrigation systems, especially center pivots, to irrigate row crops has been steadily increasing in South Carolina. The adoption of irrigation in the state has been enhanced by the predominance of coarse-textured soils with low water-holding capacities, which increases the likelihood of obtaining a significant and profitable crop yield response to irrigation. As the number of overhead irrigation systems in the state increases, it is vital to understand their number, location, and characteristics for better planning and managing available water resources. The objective of this project was to map and characterize the overhead irrigation systems (center pivots and lateral moves) available in each county in South Carolina. The Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) was used to manually locate and measure each overhead irrigation system in the state using a 2022 Google satellite image. Basic measurements included the length, number of spans, and wetted radius. In addition, the rotation angle of center pivots and the field length of lateral move systems were measured. This study found that with a few exceptions, the overwhelming majority of the overhead irrigation systems in the state were located in the central part of the Coastal Plain region, between the Fall Line and the coast, where groundwater resources are more abundant. Also, this study found a total of 2,980 center pivots and 15 lateral move irrigation systems in South Carolina. A total of 64,694 hectares were irrigated by center pivots, while lateral moves irrigated only 80 hecatares. Out of the 46 counties in the state, those with the highest number of center pivots were Orangeburg (633 pivots), Calhoun (361), Lee (296), Clarendon (249), Sumter (248), Lexington (197), Bamberg (130), Darlington (121), Hampton (117), and Barnwell (114). All the lateral move systems were located in the counties of Barnwell (11) and Darlington (4). Water stakeholders and agencies in South Carolina could use this information for long-term water resources planning at various levels. This research is also useful nationally to inform the understanding of irrigation practices in the southeastern United States.

RETRACTED: Exploring Groundwater Quality Assessment: A Geostatistical and Integrated Water Quality Indices Perspective

Groundwater is an important source of freshwater. At the same time, anthropogenic activities, in particular, industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and excessive application of fertilizers, are some of the major reasons for groundwater quality deterioration. Therefore, the present study is conducted to evaluate groundwater quality by using integrated water quality indices and a geospatial approach to identify the different water quality zones and propose management strategies for the improvement of groundwater quality. Groundwater quality was evaluated through the physicochemical parameters (pH, chloride (Cl−), fluoride(F−), iron (Fe−2), nitrate (NO3−1), nitrite (NO2), arsenic (As), total hardness, bicarbonate (HCO3−), calcium (Ca+2), magnesium (Mg+2), color, taste, turbidity, total dissolved solids (TDS)) and microbiological parameters including total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli of samples collected from the water and sanitation agency (WASA) and urban units. Irrigation parameters crucial to the assessment, including (electrical conductivity (EC), residual sodium carbonates (RSC), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR)), were also collected at more than 1100 sites within the study area of upper and central Punjab. After collecting the data of physicochemical parameters, the analysis of data was initiated to compute the water quality index for groundwater quality, a four-step protocol in which the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to determine the weights of selected parameters by generating a pairwise matrix, on the relative importance of parameters using the Satty scale. The index was then classified into five classes for quality assessment of drinking water (excellent, good, medium, bad, and very bad) and four classes for irrigation water quality assessment (excellent, good, permissible, and unsuitable). After computing the index values for drinking as well as irrigation purposes, the values were interpolated, and various maps were developed to identify the status of groundwater quality in different zones of the study area. Mitigation strategies for water pollution involve source control, such as monitoring industrial discharge points and managing waste properly. Additionally, treating wastewater through primary, secondary, or tertiary stages significantly improves water quality, reducing contaminants like heavy metals, microbiological agents, and chemical ions, safeguarding water resources. The findings highlight significant regional variations in water quality issues, with heavy metal concerns concentrated notably in Lahore and widespread emerging microbiological contamination across all studied divisions. This suggests a systemic problem linked to untreated industrial effluents and poorly managed sewerage systems. The computed indices for the Lahore, Sargodha, and Rawalpindi divisions indicate water quality ranging from marginal to unfit, underscoring the urgency for remediation. Conversely, other divisions fall within a medium class, potentially suitable for drinking purposes. Notably, microbiological contamination at 27% poses a major challenge for water supply agencies, emphasizing the critical need for pre-disposal primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments. These treatments could potentially rehabilitate 9%, 35%, and 41% of the study area, respectively, pointing toward tangible, scalable solutions critical for safeguarding broader water resources and public health. With the current pace of water quality deterioration, access to drinking water is a major problem for the public. The government should prioritize implementing strict monitoring mechanisms for industrial effluent discharge, emphasizing proper waste management to curb groundwater contamination. Establishing comprehensive pre-disposal treatments, especially primary, secondary, and tertiary stages, is imperative to address the prevalent heavy metal and microbiological issues, potentially rehabilitating up to 41% of affected areas. Additionally, creating proactive policies and allocating resources for sustainable groundwater management are crucial steps for ensuring broader water resource security and public health in the face of deteriorating water quality. Therefore, urgent regional action is needed to address escalating anthropogenic threats to groundwater, emphasizing the crucial need for proactive measures to safeguard public health and ensure sustainable water resources.

Water Balance, Climate Classification and Empirical Distribution of the Probability of Rain for the Region of Tangará da Serra – MT

Objective: The present work aimed to describe the Climatological Water Balance (BHC), carry out the Climate Classification (CC) and evaluate the Empirical Probability (EP) of rainfall occurrence for the region of Tangará da Serra – MT. Theoretical Frame: This study used the following main citations as a theoretical basis: National Water Agency (ANA) and National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), source of climate data; Thornthwaite &amp; Mather (1955) for the climatological water balance methodology; Thornthwaite (1948) and Koppen (1900) for climate classification; and Thom (1966) for the methodology of probability of occurrence and return period of rain. Method: To carry out the study, a series of 31 years of climate data was used, covering the period from 1989 to 2019, obtained from the National Water Agency (ANA) and the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET). Filling gaps in the data was carried out using the Regional Weighting method, according to the methodology of Mello et al. (2017). The climatological water balance was estimated according to Thornthwaite &amp; Mather (1955). The climate classification was obtained using the methodologies of Thornthwaite (1948) and Koppen (1900). The probability of occurrence and the period of return of rain were achieved using the methods of Thom (1966). Results and Conclusions: Through studies carried out, it was found that the average annual precipitation in Tangará is 1603 mm and the average annual air temperature is 24.5 °C. The months of May, June, July, August and September present a water deficit, while in the months of December, January, February, March and April there is a water surplus. According to Thornthwaite's methodology, the region has a humid climate, with moderate water deficiency in winter, megathermal and with potential evapotranspiration in the summer less than 48% of the annual potential evapotranspiration, whereas according to Koppen's methodology, the location was classified as megathermal or tropical with drought in the winter. The probability of rainfall less than the maximum average of 47.7 mm is 93.3% and its return time is approximately 15 years. Implications of the research: This research is classified as of great importance for the purposes of the Department of Agricultural Engineering of the State University of Mato Grosso, Campus of Nova Mutum and Tangará da Serra - MT, as well as for the entire academic and scientific community and interested rural producers. in climatic data, water balance and climate of the studied region. Originality and value: This study aimed to show the academic and scientific community and rural producers the behavior of climatic variables throughout the year in the municipality of Tangará da Serra – MT, where this information can be used for agricultural planning in the region and also serve as a basis for future studies.

Fate of nitrogen in French human excreta: Current waste and agronomic opportunities for the future

Nitrogen (N) is essential for plant growth and protein synthesis but global reactive N losses, mainly from food systems, induce strong environmental impacts. N losses after human excretion are often overlooked because, in Western societies, they partly occur as inert N2, following denitrification in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP), and losses in waters are often small compared to diffuse agricultural emissions. Yet N from human excretions could be used for crop fertilization, potentially with very high recycling rates via source separation. In this study we use unique operational data from the ∼20,000 French WWTPs to produce a N mass-balance of excretions in the French sanitation system. Even though 75 % of WWTPs' sludge is spread on crops, only 10 % of the excreted N is recycled and 50 % of N is lost to the atmosphere, mainly through WWTP nitrification-denitrification. The remaining 40 % ends up in water or in diffuse losses in the ground, of which about half is lost outside of the WWTPs' discharge system, through sewers storm water and individual autonomous systems. While WWTPs removal efficiency increased in the 2000s, it has been followed by a decade of stagnation, reaching 70 % at the national level. This national average hides regional discrepancies, from 60 to 85 % in the 6 French water agencies basins. These differences closely correlate with the classification as “N sensitive areas” and is mainly due to large WWTPs which handle most of the N load. Recycling all N in excretions could supply 10 % of domestic protein consumption in the current French food system, and up to 30 % if it is prioritized towards crop production for human consumption. Redesigning the food system (decrease of nutrient losses, more plant-based diets) could further increase this contribution.

Spatial and temporal variability of rainfall in Western Bahia

Western Bahia is a region widely recognized for its significance in large-scale agricultural production, being one of the mainstays of the local economy. However, agricultural activities in this area are often challenged by extended periods of low precipitation, posing a constant threat to the productivity of major crops. Deep concerns are raised by unpredictability of rainfall, especially in February during the critical period of crops, which encompasses the flowering and/or grain filling stages of most crops in the region. In this scenario, this study assumes a central role in search for answers. Thus, this paper aimed to analyze the behavior of spatial and temporal variability of rainfall in the Western region of Bahia. The research focused on the month of February due to its critical relevance to the life cycle of local crops and its direct influence in agricultural productivity. Rainfall data were obtained from the stations network of the National Water Agency (ANA) through the Hydroweb platform for the period from 1986 to 2015. The Rain Anomaly Index (RAI) for the month of February was then calculated using equations developed by Rooy (1965). To analyze the space-time variability of drought events in their different intensities, RAI maps were generated containing eight categories ranging from extremely wet to extremely dry, for the measurement and classification of rainfall anomalies in relation to the historical average. The results revealed that throughout the analyzed period, approximately 53.33% of the February months exhibited negative anomalies, denoting drought events ranging from mild to extreme, while approximately 30% of the months displayed positive anomalies, indicating moisture levels ranging from low to extremely wet. Notably, in the years with the most significant negative anomalies (drought events), there was a predominance of spatial variability from east to west, with the lowest negative anomalies on the western side and the highest on the eastern side of the region. On the other hand, positive anomalies (wet events) exhibited a predominance of spatial variability from south to north in the region. This study provides valuable insights for the agricultural sector, water resource planning, and environmental management. It underscores the importance of adaptive strategies to address climatic fluctuations and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in the Western Region of Bahia.