Water Management Technologies Research Articles

Development of Microcontroller Based Water Quality Monitoring and Water Level Control Device

Access to clean and safe water is not only a fundamental human right but also a vital requirement for electronics industries, chemicals industries, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage production, fisheries and aquatic farming. This project addresses the pressing issue of water quality monitoring and efficient water usage within the context of these industries. The study's identification of problem areas for water quality can lead to more efficient interventions and solutions to safeguard the environment, and prevent waterborne diseases. This paper presents the design and implementation of microcontroller-based system for monitoring water quality and water level in the thank, the water in the thank is refilled when it goes beyond a set threshold with the aid of an automatic switch control. The system is a hybrid of 3 subsystems: a Water Level Checker, a Water Quality Monitoring System and an Automatic Switch control system. The Water level checker consists of Ultrasonic sensors. The Water Quality Monitoring system consists of pH sensors, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) sensors and Turbidity sensors. The continuous (Analog) data from the water quality sensors used would be outputted via an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The Automatic Switch control system consists of 5v Relay modules and a 12v Pump that would automatically switch ON/OFF depending on the level of water in the tank. The values of EC (Electrical Conductivity) and TDS spike drastically to the introduction of salt from as low as 138 -906 for TDS and 0.34 – 2.04 for EC, signifying increase in water capacity of electrical conductivity. Temperature rise in the afternoon also increases TDS values from 142 for clean water to 920 for the salty water while it ranges from 138 for clean water to 906 for salt water at both morning and evening time. Pumping aspects of the system are triggered when water level in the thank falls below 10% and trips off when water level goes above 95% as programmed in the control unit. The developed system marks a significant achievement in water management and automation technology. integration of quality monitoring sensors has enabled real-time evaluation of water parameters that holds potential for applications in environmental monitoring, ensuring safe drinking water, and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems. The automated switch control mechanism responds dynamically to water levels, enabling the system to trigger actions such as pump activation or filling processes based on predefined thresholds.

The effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting and integrated nutrient management on maize yields in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe

In the smallholder farming areas located in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe, low and unreliable rainfall distribution and poor soil fertility are the major factors limiting crop production. The negative effects of these biophysical factors have been worsened by climate change. However, the major challenges have been the lack of sustainable, low-cost water and nutrient management technologies for these semi-arid regions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of contour-based rainwater harvesting (RWH) namely tied contours (TC), infiltration pits (IP) which were compared with the standard contour (STDC), and intergrated nutrient management (INM) where cattle manure was used as basal fertiliser and Ammonium Nitrate (AN) as top dressing, on maize yields. Results showed that fields with RWH had higher yields compared to STDC. Average maize yields were 2210 and 1792 kg ha−1 for TC and IP which were 88% and 52% above STDC (1176 kg ha−1) respectively. Increasing nitrogen (N) levels resulted in a further increase in maize yields. Return on investment was negative during drier years and was significantly higher in RWH systems compared with STDC during wet seasons. Farmers need to reduce mineral fertiliser application during dry seasons since little rainwater is captured. We conclude that contour based RWH and INM can be used as sustainable low cost methods of crop production. Higher fertiliser application rates when rainfall is limiting, do not result in increased return on investiment.

Chorematic modeling to represent dynamics in the quinoa agroecosystems in Peru.

Our research occurred in the Andean region, one of the eight global centers of domestication of plant species grown for agriculture. The shores of Lake Titicaca (located between Peru and Bolivia), at 3800 meters above sea level, are recognized as the center of origin of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.). In this region, complex societies have emerged, thanks to the development of water and soil management technologies. They have managed to overcome high mountain territories' extreme and variable climatic conditions. These societies have traditionally protected and preserved quinoa as food for present and future generations through their long-standing knowledge and cultivation practices. The fieldwork occurred in the context of Andean family farming, and our study analyzes nature-society dynamics with a chorematic approach and interviews with local communities. The interest of this work is the transformation of the landscape at the scale of the mountain agroecosystem to understand better the impacts of rural development policies. Chorematic modeling was applied to two periods, before and after 1970, a pivotal year in Peru for agriculture, to show how socio-spatial dynamics in the Andean environment are changing, particularly concerning the evolution of quinoa cultivation. The results show that wild quinoa relatives' distribution is strongly linked to the socio-spatial organization of the agroecosystem. Different species of wild quinoa relatives are maintained by villagers for their multiple foods, medicinal and cultural uses in natural areas, grazed areas, on edge, and also within cultivated fields. However, this management is changing under the pressure of global issues related to the international quinoa market, whose requirements imply reducing the presence of wild relatives in cultivated fields.

Analysis of Green Building Implementation in the Pahlawan University Class Hall Building

Green building, or green construction, is an approach to designing, constructing, and operating buildings that takes into consideration their impact on the environment and human health. Based on this, there is a need to conduct a study on green building in the Pahlawan University Class Hall Building to determine its green building rating or level of implementation. This research aims to analyze the implementation of green building and the benefits it generates. The research methods employed include a literature review and a case study. In the literature review, various relevant sources such as scholarly journals, articles, and research reports are used to gather information about the concept and practices of green building. The case study is conducted in the Pahlawan University Class Hall Building by analyzing several buildings that have been constructed and are in operation. The analysis is performed using the Greenship Existing Building version 1.1 standards from GBCI. Greenship EB 1.1 consists of 6 (six) standards, namely land use, energy efficiency and management, water management, materials cycle and resources, indoor air quality, and building environmental management. The analysis results indicate that the implementation of green building falls short in many aspects due to the lack of available benchmarks. Recommendations that can be provided include the use of more environmentally friendly construction materials, the adoption of more effective energy-saving systems, the utilization of advanced water management technologies, and improvements in waste management.

Adaptation to climate change: state of art technologies

PurposeThe world is increasingly threatened by climate change. As the dimensions of this danger grow, it becomes essential to develop the most effective policies to mitigate its impacts and adapt to these new conditions. Technology is one of the most crucial components of this process, and this study focuses on examining climate change adaptation technologies. The aim of the study is to investigate the entire spectrum of technology actors and to concentrate on the technology citation network established from the past to the present, aiming to identify the core actors within this structure and provide a more comprehensive outlook.Design/methodology/approachThe study explores patent citation relationships using social network analysis. It utilizes patent data published between 2000 and 2023 and registered by the US Patent and Trademark Office.FindingsStudy findings reveal that technologies related to greenhouse technologies in agriculture, technologies for combatting vector-borne diseases in the health sector, rainwater harvesting technologies for water management, and urban green infrastructure technologies for infrastructure systems emerge as the most suitable technologies for adaptation. For instance, greenhouse technologies hold significant potential for sustainable agricultural production and coping with the adverse effects of climate change. Additionally, ICTs establish intensive connections with nearly all other technologies, thus supporting our efforts in climate change adaptation. These technologies facilitate data collection, analysis, and management, contributing to a better understanding of the impacts of climate change.Originality/valueExisting patent analysis methods often fall short in detailing the unique contributions of each technology within a technological network. This study addresses this deficiency by comprehensively examining and evaluating each technology within the network, thereby enabling us to better understand how these technologies interact with each other and contribute to the overall technological landscape.

Critical review of capacitive deionization: design, operation consideration and real-world environmental applications

Capacitive Deionization (CDI) has emerged as a promising and environmentally sound solution for addressing pressing water treatment challenges. This critical review meticulously examines the design, operational considerations, and performance metrics of CDI systems, particularly highlighting their significance in environmental applications under real-world conditions for handling different water sources such as groundwater, surface water, sea water. Various CDI configurations, electrode materials, and operational parameters are scrutinized through an extensive analysis of literature, with their direct influence on system efficiency, ion removal capacities, and long-term stability being elucidated. The reduced energy consumption, minimal chemical usage, and potential for sustainable water treatment of CDI, as compared to traditional methods, are emphasized from an environmental perspective. Moreover, this review underscores the pivotal role of CDI in practical environmental applications, including desalination, wastewater treatment, and remediation of inorganic pollutants (heavy metals and hardness) and resource recovery (nutrient, uranium, lithium…). By presenting compelling case studies, CDI's efficacy in mitigating environmental impacts is illustrated, offering a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative to conventional treatment methods. By outlining challenges and charting future directions, this review serves as a roadmap for researchers, engineers, and policymakers, facilitating the development of sustainable and efficient water treatment strategies. In an era marked by escalating environmental concerns, CDI emerges as a potential technology for responsible and effective water management, poised to shape a more sustainable future.

Ontology-Based Smart Irrigation System: Enhancing Agricultural Water Management

An Ontology-Based Smart Irrigation System is presented in this research with the goal of improving agricultural water management. The main issue discussed is the inefficiency of conventional irrigation techniques, which results in water waste and lower crop yields. The process used entails creating an ontology, which includes defining concepts, establishing relationships, identifying domains, and populating the ontology. In order to facilitate real-time monitoring and decision-making, the irrigation system also incorporates sensors, actuators, and data processing algorithms. The main conclusions show that the ontology-based approach boosts crop output, encourages sustainable farming practices, and enhances water consumption efficiency. The findings of this study imply that ontology-based smart irrigation systems present a viable way to deal with the problems associated with water scarcity, improve agricultural output, and reduce their negative effects on the environment. The research adds to the expanding corpus of information on intelligent irrigation systems and emphasizes the significance of implementing cutting-edge technologies for agriculture's sustainable water management.

Editorial: Innovative treatment technologies for sustainable water and wastewater management

Editorial: Innovative treatment technologies for sustainable water and wastewater management

Technical and allocative efficiency of crop production using different storage and water‐lifting technologies in Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia

AbstractAssessing the efficiency gains, in terms of crop production and productivity, of using agricultural water management is critical to understanding the comparative advantage of using different storage and water‐lifting technologies in irrigation development. This study aims to compare the efficiency differences among irrigation farmers using various water‐lifting technologies and among users of various technology suites in the Central Rift Valley, Ethiopia. Cross‐sectional data collected from 320 randomly selected smallholder farmers, considering the 2019/2020 production season, were used to analyse a one‐step Cobb–Douglas stochastic frontier function. The results of the study revealed the existence of technical and allocative efficiency differences between gravity and fuel pump users. Factors that positively determine the level of technical efficiency scores are gender, age, education status, technology type and extension contact. Irrigation experience, access to credit, training and technology type positively affected allocative efficiency, while the distance to the irrigation water source had a negative effect. The findings have important implications for agricultural policy and practice as improving efficiency through the adoption of fuel‐powered water‐lifting technology could further improve overall agricultural productivity. Designing small‐scale friendly business models and promoting irrigation extension services, among others, is critical for scaling successful water management technologies.

Climate Smart Irrigation Practices for Improving Water Productivity in India: A Comprehensive Review

India, supporting 17% of the global population, from limited land (2.4% of the world's total) and freshwater resources (4%), faces severe water scarcity issues. The country experiences heightened challenges due to a monsoon climate leading to floods and droughts. Irrigation efficiency in India is 35-40% and irrigated area ~48.9%. To meet the demands of a large or growing population in limited land and water resources, climate-smart irrigation practices (CSIPs) are imperative. These practices not only increase yield but also precisely supply water, reduce water application volume, and enhance soil health under changing climate conditions. Precision water management technologies includes; advanced agro-techniques, micro-irrigation, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, and water harvesting. Micro-irrigation, encompassing drip and sprinkler systems, emerges as a critical solution for efficient water use. Techniques like Surface Drip Irrigation and Sub-surface Drip Irrigation (SSDI) not only save water but also enhance nutrient transport and reduce labor costs. The automation of micro-irrigation through sensors and wireless communication revolutionizes traditional practices, ensuring precise water management and boosting agricultural productivity. In addition, advanced agro-techniques, including laser land leveling, furrow-irrigated raised beds, aerobic rice cultivation, system of rice intensification, ground cover cum rice production system and Saguna rice technique have good potential to save water and improve water productivity. Implementing these advanced agro-techniques not only conserves water but also contributes to sustainable agriculture by improving overall water productivity, reducing environmental impact, and enhancing crop productivity. The integration of conservation agriculture (minimum soil disturbance, crop residue cover and crop diversification), integrated farming systems (combine diverse agricultural activities synergistically), and water harvesting is imperative for sustainable water management. This review paper systematically compiles climate-smart irrigation practices, including precision water management, combined with conservation agriculture, crop diversification, integrated farming systems, and water harvesting. This review paper offers researchers a comprehensive understanding of different CSIPs, assessing their impact on water conservation, increased crop and water productivity, and sustainability amid climate change. Farmers can gain practical understandings of CSIPs, while policymakers obtain essential information for addressing national water mission goals.

Study on Ship Ballast Water Treatment Methods

With the rise of the world's maritime industry, the ecological and environmental concerns produced by ballast water discharges from ships are growing more and more significant, and can be hazardous to marine ecosystems, the marine economy, and human health. The ballast water management (BWM) convention from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) sets the rules for ballast water discharge and the two methods of ballast water exchange and ballast water treatment. Common types of ballast water management technology are introduced in this paper and the pros and cons of specific types of technology are explained. The research of this paper demonstrates that it is difficult for a single ballast water treatment system to achieve the D-2 discharge standard established in the BWM. More and more countries are increasingly supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly ballast water combination treatment systems. This paper may offer a reference for the development of ballast water treatment technology.

Water management technology for implementing a water culture for bus operators

Transit operators' concerns regarding water resources are minimal. No standards or policies are available for managing water in washing operations, which are currently accomplished according to local practices. This paper presents a cost-benefit scenario assessment in which an innovative water-reclamation and harvesting technology for the bus sector is applied to washing operations within the European Commission's LIFEH2OBUS project. The theoretical approach (coherent with consolidated methodologies applied in transportation studies developed within past European research projects) is aimed at assessing the performance trends and impacts (associated with several evaluation categories, such as society, environment, operations, and energy) in various scenarios and via cost-benefit and sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, a performance threshold was designed to successfully implement the innovative technology outside the LIFEH2OBUS project. The scenario's results show a 92% reduction in water consumption after one year of implementation; that is, 21,528,000 L saved for a fleet of 500 buses. If this technology can be implemented in 50% of the European transit fleet in five years (342,143 buses), 14,731,309,008 L/year can be saved, along with a 29 GWh/year reduction in energy consumption and 74 ktCO2eq/year fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The research goal is to evidence water saving potential and pioneer a new field of study on water management, thereby launching a new “Water Culture” among bus operators.

The Role of Agricultural Projects in Building Sustainable and Resilient Maize Value Chain in Burkina Faso

Poor seed quality and climate change significantly affect the maize value chain in Burkina Faso. To address the challenges, a catalytic project titled “Strengthening resilient seed systems in the maize value chain in Burkina Faso—from research to markets” was initiated to enhance the development of a resilient maize value chain. This study aims to assess the role of the project in developing a sustainable and resilient maize value chain. In this study, we used a mixed approach in design and implementation: qualitative research using key informants’ interviews, secondary data such as baseline survey reports, and lessons learned during the seed value chain greening intervention implemented in the Hauts-Bassins and Cascades regions of Burkina Faso. We analyzed qualitative data following the Gioia method. Kabako, a drought-tolerant hybrid seed variety, doubled crop yields in demonstration plots compared to smallholder farms and regional and national averages. Extension officers and village-based advisors (VBAs) were trained on improved seeds, composting, strip cropping, intercropping, crop rotation, and water management technologies and afterward trained smallholders. The VBAs trained smallholders on proper postharvest management practices and processing. The off-takers acted as the market. However, smallholders also sold their maize products in the informal open markets. The aggregator system was the missing link in Burkina Faso’s maize value chain. There was limited involvement of women in the project. Results obtained from this study are valuable for policymakers and value chain actors in preparing policies and filling missing gaps for exploiting the potential of the maize value chain.

Quantitative evaluation framework and application for regional water sustainability under local energy transition

Quantitatively analysing the impacts on regional water sustainability under the energy transition is vital to regional water management and specific technology selection, which is also relevant to dealing with climate change. This study proposed a new multi-indicator evaluation framework for regional water sustainability under local energy transition to quantitatively evaluate the water withdrawal and water environment during the energy transition from a lifecycle perspective. An integrated regional energy‒water evaluation model was also developed based on the Low Emissions Analysis Platform with a combination of lifecycle assessment and water footprint analysis. Shaanxi province in China was then taken as a case study, and the impacts of its energy transition on regional water environmental sustainability, including quantity and quality, were investigated under five scenarios. Results showed that the large-scale application of carbon capture, utilisation and storage technology and bio-energy equipped with carbon capture and storage technology could have additional advantages regarding CO2 emissions. However, such technologies exhibit a minimal effect on improving water environmental quality and reducing water demand for the first time due to the leakage of absorbents, CO2 and other risky substances during capture, transportation and storage from a lifecycle perspective. This finding drives the innovation of related breakthrough technologies with the promotion of water and end-treatment technologies in the future.

Blockchain for environmental peacebuilding: application in water management

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to spur further exploration of blockchain technologies for environmental peacebuilding, specifically through water management. Although the environmental peacebuilding field acknowledges the potentially transformative nature of frontier technologies, most existing studies do not address how such technologies can contribute to peacebuilding through improved natural resource governance. Using a theory synthesis research design, this conceptual paper connects these studies to discuss how blockchain technologies in water management may contribute to environmental peacebuilding through the efficient and transparent management of natural resources.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use a conceptual approach and a theory synthesis research design to present potential mechanisms through which blockchain technology can potentially contribute to environmental peacebuilding.FindingsThe authors discuss the limitations in the literature on environmental peacebuilding, blockchain and water management, concluding that the third generation of studies should focus on the role of frontier technologies. This approach should especially address the negative consequences of technology for peacebuilding objectives. The authors argue that blockchain applications in water management can potentially contribute to environmental peacebuilding objectives in three ways: (i) creating a mechanism for confidence-building in low-trust contexts through automated and transparent water transactions, (ii) facilitating postconflict economic development through attracting capital and increasing the efficiency of water management and (iii) improving governance through greater transparency and local participation in natural resource management.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to conceptually explore the use of blockchain technology for water management in the context of environmental peacebuilding. The insights from this study can guide policymakers of conflict sides that focus on resolving issues such as lack of governance and low state agency.

Homogenous Climatic Regions for Targeting Green Water Management Technologies in the Abbay Basin, Ethiopia

Spatiotemporal climate variability is a leading environmental constraint to the rain-fed agricultural productivity and food security of communities in the Abbay basin and elsewhere in Ethiopia. The previous one-size-fits-all approach to soil and water management technology targeting did not effectively address climate-induced risks to rain-fed agriculture. This study, therefore, delineates homogenous climatic regions and identifies climate-induced risks to rain-fed agriculture that are important to guide decisions and the selection of site-specific technologies for green water management in the Abbay basin. The k-means spatial clustering method was employed to identify homogenous climatic regions in the study area, while the Elbow method was used to determine an optimal number of climate clusters. The k-means clustering used the Enhancing National Climate Services (ENACTS) daily rainfall, minimum and maximum temperatures, and other derived climate variables that include daily rainfall amount, length of growing period (LGP), rainfall onset and cessation dates, rainfall intensity, temperature, potential evapotranspiration (PET), soil moisture, and AsterDEM to define climate regions. Accordingly, 12 climate clusters or regions were identified and mapped for the basin. Clustering a given geographic region into homogenous climate classes is useful to accurately identify and target locally relevant green water management technologies to effectively address local-scale climate-induced risks. This study also provided a methodological framework that can be used in the other river basins of Ethiopia and, indeed, elsewhere.

Managing Toxins and Making Water ‘Safe’: Consumer Buffering Practices in Contexts of Chemo-Uncertainty

When it comes to water quality, seeing is not believing; even clear-looking water can harbour nefarious elements that are harmful to health. To protect against water’s hidden toxins, Indian consumers are adopting technologies designed to filter and mechanically ‘heal’ the waters they consume. This paper ethnographically examines the use(s) of household water management technologies based on ten weeks of ethnographic fieldwork in the city of Kochi, Kerala. It contemplates the socio-economic and anthropological significance of measures to filter and alkalinise tap water and to transform ‘dead’ municipal waters into healing waters with the power to ‘cure cancer’. Technological and infrastructural innovation is a means to an end in these safeguarding efforts; it enables what I argue are ‘buffering practices’ that allow a potentially dangerous element to feel restorative and wholesome once more. These insights add to scholarship exploring the rise of middle-class solutions for water safety in contemporary urban India.

Sustainability status of water management in oil palm plantations in peatlands: a case study in Koto Gasib District, Siak Regency, Riau Province

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sustainability status of water management of oil palm plantations on peatlands and provide recommendations for water management. This research was conducted in Teluk Rimba Village, Koto Gasib District, Siak Regency, Riau Province. The sustainability analysis used was Multidimensional Scaling (MDS). The sustainability status category in this study is based on four basic scales (0-100); 24.9 (poor); 25-49.9 (less); 50-74.9 (enough); and > 75 (good), then a leverage analysis is performed to assess sensitive attributes. The results showed that water management in Koto Gasib District is in a very sustainable status with a value of 84.17. In the environmental dimension, land fertility is the most important aspect of oil palm productivity. In the economic dimension, farming capital and access to marketing are sensitive attributes. The social dimension has the most sensitive attributes. The technology dimension has two sensitive attributes, namely information and the introduction of water management technology as well as oil palm cultivation. The recommendations given are implementing a partnership in water management between private oil palm plantations and smallholder plantations.

INTEGRATION OF TRADITIONAL CULTURE AND MODERN TECHNOLOGY: AN EXPLORATION OF THE OPTIMIZATION OF CULTURAL ELEMENTS AND WATER SELF-PURIFICATION SYSTEMS IN THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE WATERSCAPE DESIGN

Traditional Chinese waterscape design is a profound cultural symbol and a perfect embodiment of the natural landscape. The philosophical ideas, aesthetic concepts and cultural connotations embedded in traditional Chinese culture have played an important role in the design of traditional water features. However, traditional water features have struggled to maintain their lasting beauty due to their impact on the environment and ecology. With the development of modern technology and advances in water management theory and techniques, modern water treatment systems have become an important means of solving water management and ecological and environmental problems. Combining traditional cultural elements with modern water self-purification systems has become an effective way to optimise traditional water features.
 This paper focuses on the cultural elements and water self-purification systems embedded in the design of traditional Chinese water features, and ways to optimise them with the help of modern technology. Firstly, the cultural background of traditional Chinese garden water features is analysed in terms of their unique traditional cultural elements, design methods and characteristics. Then, through the analysis and study of modern water management theories and technologies, the principles of realisation and optimisation strategies of water treatment are discussed. Finally, the combination of traditional cultural elements and modern water purification is used to explore in depth how traditional Chinese waterscape design can integrate traditional and modern elements, making it convenient for people while having a positive impact on the natural environment and ecology. The findings of this paper help to promote the combination of traditional culture and modern technology, and provide references and lessons for the environmental development of traditional Chinese waterscape design.

Farmers’ perceptions, adoption and impacts of integrated water management technology under changing climate

ABSTRACT This study investigates the correlations between Chinese banana farmers’ perceptions of integrated water management technology (IWMT) and their adoption behaviours and examines the impact of IWMT adoption on farm performance. The results revealed that farmers’ IWMT adoption correlates significantly with their perceptions of whether IWMT adoption can help reduce farm workload, fertilizer and water, the extent to which the technology is easier to operate, and the extent to which the technology can generate higher economic benefits than furrow irrigation technology. IWMT adoption significantly increases banana yields, gross revenue, net returns and irrigation frequency, but does not significantly affect irrigation expenditure.