Water Scarcity Issues Research Articles

Trace Br- Inhibits Halogenated Byproduct Formation in Saline Wastewater Electrochemical Treatment.

The electrochemical technology provides a practical and viable solution to the global water scarcity issue, but it has an inherent challenge of generating toxic halogenated byproducts in treatment of saline wastewater. Our study reveals an unexpected discovery: the presence of a trace amount of Br- not only enhanced the electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds with electron-rich groups but also significantly reduced the formation of halogenated byproducts. For example, in the presence of 20 μM Br-, the oxidation rate of phenol increased from 0.156 to 0.563 min-1, and the concentration of total organic halogen decreased from 59.2 to 8.6 μM. Through probe experiments, direct electron transfer and HO• were ruled out as major contributors; transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) and computational kinetic models revealed that trace Br- triggers a shift in the dominant reactive species from Cl2•- to Br2•-, which plays a key role in pollutant removal. Both TAS and electron paramagnetic resonance identified signals unique to the phenoxyl and carbon-centered radicals in the Br2•--dominated system, indicating distinct reaction mechanisms compared to those involving Cl2•-. Kinetic isotope experiments and density functional theory calculations confirmed that the interaction between Br2•- and phenolic pollutants follows a hydrogen atom abstraction pathway, whereas Cl2•- predominantly engages pollutants through radical adduct formation. These insights significantly enhance our understanding of bromine radical-involved oxidation processes and have crucial implications for optimizing electrochemical treatment systems for saline wastewater.

A fully degradable flexible membrane via green synthesis for highly effective separation of oil-water emulsions

Flexible membranes have attracted extensive attention in water treatment due to their outstanding plasticity, portability, and toughness. However, conventional flexible membranes are usually made from non-degradable polymers or hazardous reagents, posing threats to the environment. In this work, a flexible silica nanofiber-regenerated cellulose composite membrane was fabricated by “no polymer solvents electrospinning” with cellulose regeneration. The membrane was fully degradable and eco-friendly, and it exhibited low oil adhesion force and recyclable oil emulsion separation performance. It achieved removal rates of almost 100 % and up to 0.1 % residual oil rate for six different types of oil emulsions with the addition of surfactant, which represents the optimal level reported in the literature to date. The presence of these extremely water-attracting functional groups on the surface of the membrane allows them to bond with water molecules, creating a stable water layer held together by hydrogen bonds. This layer can reject oil compounds during the separation process due to the inherent immiscibility between water and oil. Importantly, this membrane has excellent degradability. The regenerated cellulose layer on its surface can undergo complete microbial degradation (activated sludge) within 7 days, while the remaining substrate can be degraded continuously in concentrated hydrochloric acid, thereby facilitating complete environmentally benign disposal and providing a new strategy for developing green flexible membranes, which holds promise for addressing water scarcity and water pollution issues.

Heavy metals and microbial assessment of air conditioning condensate water in Jeddah city-Saudi Arabia: concept of sustainable water resources

The demand for water is rising worldwide, especially in Saudi Arabia, where the existing water sources are barely sufficient to meet the present requirements. Condensates from air-conditioning units can be invested as an economical and supportive source of available water resources, which can be considered within global water supply accounts. The aim of the present study is to examine the possibility of recovering condensate water from air conditioner (AC) systems by determining the quantity and quality of AC water generated by either split or window AC systems. The results showed that split air conditioner systems were more effective than window-type air conditioners in generating condensate water in terms of quantity and quality. There was a significant correlation between the humidity and water content. The results indicate that the annual amount of water generated was 8,725 L for window AC and 20,614 L for split AC. The recorded levels of all elements in the water samples obtained from both the window and split air conditioning units, including pH, TDS, EC, PO4-3, Cl-, SO4-2, COD, and heavy metals, were found to be within the acceptable thresholds set for both drinking water and irrigation purposes. Bacteria were only present in three water samples from the window AC, and all were non-pathogenic. Utilizing air conditioner condensate as a strategic measure can address the issue of water scarcity in Saudi Arabia’s agricultural and industrial sectors. The findings of this study are extremely relevant and opportune, especially given the growing concerns about water scarcity and the need to conserve resources. By demonstrating that the HVAC water condensate is clean and safe for consumption, this study adds to our understanding of how we can make better use of available resources.

Analysis of Erosion and Sedimentation Rates on the Service Life of Telaga Lebur Dam

Dam is a civil construction structure in hydrology. The concept of a dam essentially provides a solution by serving as a water reserve, meaning that during the rainy season, water is collected in the dam reservoir, and during the dry season, the stored water can be used as needed. Dams are highly effective in addressing water scarcity issues, both for raw water supply and irrigation purposes. The purpose of building dams is to create a water supply system to supply water for village residents and for irrigation needs. Water availability in dry climate regions is generally limited. Climate change phenomena exacerbate water scarcity issues. As a precaution and mitigation measure against water scarcity, the Indonesian government is actively constructing dams across various provinces. Particularly in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), a dry climate province facing challenges in water supply for households and irrigation, dam construction is essential. The level of total erosion hazard rate in the Telaga Lebur Dam Catchment Area is 5463.94 Ton/Ha/Year. 67.78% of the area of the Telaga Lebur Dam Catchment Area (11.23 km²) experiences erosion at a rate of 3703.5 Ton/Ha/Year, classified as very light erosion. 11.58% of the area of the Telaga Lebur Dam Catchment Area (25.90 km²) experiences erosion at a rate of 632.7 Ton/Ha/Year, classified as light erosion. 9.20% of the area of the Telaga Lebur Dam Catchment Area (20.58 km²) experiences erosion at a rate of 502.7 Ton/Ha/Year, classified as moderate erosion. 3.66% of the area of the Telaga Lebur Dam Catchment Area (8.19 km²) experiences erosion at a rate of 200 Ton/Ha/Year, classified as heavy erosion. 7.78% of the area of the Telaga Lebur Dam Catchment Area (17.41 km²) experiences erosion at a rate of 425.1 Ton/Ha/Year, classified as very heavy erosion. The total sediment yield in Telaga Lebur Dam is 16.619 m³/year. The reservoir's useful lifespan based on the analysis results is 11.44 years.

Maximizing daily rainfall prediction accuracy with maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform‐based machine learning models

AbstractRainfall is an important phenomenon for various aspects of human life and the environment. Accurate prediction of rainfall is crucial for a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, water resources management, energy production, disaster management and many more. The ability to predict rainfall in an accurate fashion enables stakeholders to make informed decisions and take necessary actions to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, water scarcity and other issues related to rainfall. In addition, advances in rainfall prediction technologies have the potential to contribute to sustainable water management and the preservation of water resources by providing the necessary information for decision‐makers to plan and implement effective water management strategies. Hence, it is important to continuously improve the accuracy of rainfall prediction. In this paper, the integration of the maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT) and machine learning algorithms for daily rainfall prediction is proposed. The main objective of this study is to investigate the potential of combining MODWT with various machine‐learning algorithms to increase the accuracy of rainfall prediction and extend the forecast time horizon to 3 days. In addition, the performances of the proposed hybrid models are contrasted with the models hybridized with commonly used discrete wavelet transform (DWT) algorithms in the literature. For this, daily rainfall raw data from three rainfall observation stations located in Turkey are used. The results show that the proposed hybrid MODWT models can effectively improve the accuracy of precipitation forecasting, based on model evaluation measures such as mean square error (MSE) and Nash‐Sutcliffe coefficient of efficiency (CE). Accordingly, it can be concluded that the integration of MODWT and machine learning algorithms have the potential to revolutionize the field of daily rainfall prediction.

Climate-adaptive crop distribution can feed food demand, improve water scarcity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Optimizing crop distribution stands as a pivotal approach to climate change adaption, enhancing crop production sustainability, and has been recognized for its immense potential in ensuring food security while minimizing environmental impacts. Here, we developed a climate-adaptive framework to optimize the distribution of staple crops (i.e., wheat, maize, and rice) to meet the multi-dimensional needs of crop production in China. The framework considers the feasibility of the multiple cropping systems (harvesting more than once on a cropland a year) and adopts a multi-dimensional approach, incorporating goals related to crop production, water consumption, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. By optimizing, the total irrigated area of three crops would decrease by 7.7 % accompanied by a substantial 69.8 % increase in rain-fed areas compared to the baseline in 2010. This optimized strategy resulted in a notable 10.0 % reduction in total GHG emissions and a 13.1 % decrease in irrigation water consumption while maintaining consistent crop production levels. In 2030, maintaining the existing crop distribution and relying solely on yield growth would lead to a significant maize production shortfall of 27.0 %, highlighting a looming challenge. To address this concern, strategic adjustments were made by reducing irrigated areas for wheat, rice, and maize by 2.3 %, 12.8 %, and 6.1 %, respectively, while simultaneously augmenting rain-fed areas for wheat and maize by 120.2 % and 55.9 %, respectively. These modifications ensure that production demands for all three crops are met, while yielding a 6.9 % reduction in GHG emissions and a 15.1 % reduction in irrigation water consumption. This optimization strategy offers a promising solution to alleviate severe water scarcity issues and secure a sustainable agricultural future, effectively adapting to evolving crop production demands in China.

Agroforestry as a Sustainable Solution for Mitigating Climate Change Impacts and Addressing Water Scarcity in Tunisia: A Review

Agroforestry, as a sustainable land management practice, has garnered attention worldwide for its potential to mitigate climate change impacts and address water scarcity issues. In Tunisia, where climate change-induced stresses are increasingly affecting agriculture and water resources, agroforestry presents a promising solution. This review paper examines the importance of agroforestry in Tunisia within the context of climate change, water shortage, and treated wastewater utilization. By analyzing existing literature and case studies, the paper elucidates the ecological, economic, and social benefits of agroforestry practices in Tunisia. Additionally, it discusses the role of agroforestry in enhancing resilience to climate change, conserving water resources, and utilizing treated wastewater sustainably. Furthermore, the paper evaluates policy support and identifies challenges hindering the widespread adoption of agroforestry in Tunisia. Overall, this review underscores the significance of agroforestry as a multifaceted approach to sustainable land management in Tunisia, offering recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to promote its implementation and integration into national strategies.

Optimal orientation of efficacy metal fins to enhanced freshwater generation in solar distillers: An experimental study

The pressing issue of water scarcity in remote regions has stimulated the search for simple desalination techniques. Solar distillers represent one of the most important solutions in remote regions for producing freshwater, but they have low productivity. The efficient iron fins represent an effective solution to improve their freshwater productivity. However, due to the negative effect of the shadow resulting from the metal fins, the present study aims to obtain the optimal orientation of efficacy metal fins that achieves the highest productivity for solar stills. To achieve this, three solar distillers were designed and built with identical dimensions. The first distiller has vertically oriented iron fins incorporated with its basin. The second distiller has 45° inclined iron fins incorporated with its basin. But the third distiller is devoid of any iron fins and represents the reference case. Our findings revealed that the inclusion of iron fins, particularly inclined ones, significantly enhanced the yield of the solar still by 48.94 %. In contrast, the enhanced distiller with vertical fins showcased a 33.84 % increase in productivity compared to the reference distiller. Based on these results, we recommend adopting the 45° inclined metal fins to mitigate shading effects and achieve the highest productivity.

Multi-biomimetic Double Interlaced Wetting Janus Surface for Efficient Fog Collection.

Various methods to solve water scarcity have attracted increasing attention. However, most existing water harvesting schemes have a high demand for preparation methods and costs. Here, a multi-biomimetic double interlaced wetting Janus surface (DIWJS) was prepared by laser for effective fog collection. The as-prepared surfaces are composed of superhydrophilic points/hydrophobic substrates on the A-side and superhydrophilic stripes/hydrophobic substrates on the B-side. The interlaced wettability and superhydrophilic points on the A side are conducive to capture and permeation of droplets. The superhydrophilic stripes and interlaced wettability on the B-side are conducive to transportation and shedding of droplets. Therefore, the overall fog collection process is accelerated. The proposal of smart farm model validates broad application prospects of DIWJS. This work provides an advanced and multi-biomimetic surface and provides important insights for green, low-cost, and versatile strategies to solve water scarcity issues.

Groundwater potability assessment through integration of pollution index of groundwater (PIG) and groundwater quality index (GWQI) in Linggi River Basin, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Groundwater acts as a natural insurance in ensuring sustainable freshwater supply for multiple sectors, as well as drinking water for 2.5 billion people globally. In Malaysia, Kelantan, Perlis, and Negeri Sembilan have shifted to groundwater as a freshwater alternative to combat existing water scarcity issues. Multiple sectors in Malaysia such as domestic (60%), industrial (35%), and agricultural (5%) sectors utilise groundwater to ensure economic progression. Aligning with the 6th Sustainable Development Goal (Clean Water and Sanitation), this study aims to assess the overall groundwater quality, factors controlling the groundwater hydrochemistry, and its suitability for drinking purposes. In this study, 108 groundwater samples (dry and wet seasons) were collected along the Linggi River Basin for the determination of physicochemical parameters, followed by the application of statistical analyses (principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), Pearson's correlation), as well as drinking water quality assessments (pollution index of groundwater (PIG) and groundwater quality index (GWQI)). The PCA indicated that weathering of rocks influenced the groundwater hydrochemistry the most, followed by agricultural practices, intrusion of seawater, and dissolution of ions. The Piper plot exhibited the occurrence of seawater intrusion due to the transition of groundwater type from Ca–HCO3 to Ca–Cl water type and Na–Cl during the wet season. Stations BH12 (PIG: 8.54, GWQI: 1034.55) and BH13 (PIG: 6.97, GWQI: 952.55) experienced high contamination from their respective PIG and GWQI values during the wet season. The HCA justified the classification of these polluted stations during the wet season by dividing the polluted stations into a separate cluster (Cluster II). Overall, the outcome of this study indicates that groundwater quality during the wet season is more polluted than in the dry season. As a precaution, it is advisable to treat the groundwater in Linggi River Basin before further consumption.

English

The issue of water scarcity in Pakistan is a significant challenge which is due to exacerbated population growth as well as increase in freshwater demand. The application of wastewater for irrigation, especially in semi-urban regions, can indeed be a practical solution due to its ready availability and affordability. While wastewater can serve as a valuable resource in water-scarce regions, its use must be carefully managed to minimize potential risks to plant health, soil fertility, and human well-being. A study was conducted aiming to assess the seasonal changes in physicochemical properties of irrigated wastewater and their influence on morphological, physiological and biochemical responses of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.). Sugarcane plants were grown for consecutive two years in peri-urban agricultural areas near the water channels. Sugarcane plants were grown in two different fields and irrigation of the crop was done with wastewater and freshwater, respectively. Water (wastewater and freshwater) and plant samples were collected four times in a year in different seasons (winter, spring, summer, fall) for two consecutive years (2016-2017). All the collected data had been subjected to multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for assessing the impact of seasonal variation on plant responses under the influence of irrigated wastewater. The findings from the study highlighted the complex relationship between wastewater irrigation and the physiological responses of sugarcane plants. The observed increase in antioxidant activities of wastewater irrigated plants compared to freshwater irrigated plants suggested that sugarcane may undergo biochemical adjustments to cope with the stress induced by the contaminants present in the wastewater. Moreover, the significant differences in plant mineral contents across different seasons were observed which indicated the dynamic nature of nutrient availability in the irrigation water and its impact on plant growth and development. We concluded that wastewater irrigation can affect the potential output of the agriculture sector by altering plant physiology which underscores the importance of considering the quality of irrigation water in agricultural practices. For future prospectives, the study can be extended to other crops to develop comprehensive strategies for sustainable agriculture.

Egyptians awareness towards domestic water conservation and reuse

Egypt's population growth has led to the expansion of new cities and urban communities in the desert areas near the Delta and Nile Valley. However, providing fresh water to these cities is a costly affair due to their distance from the Nile River, high elevation, and excessive water consumption by residents. To address this issue sustainably, renewable sources of water must be found, and existing resources must be managed efficiently. Public acceptance is crucial for success, so a survey was conducted in four governorates (Cairo, El-Minya, Assuit, and Sohag) to assess public awareness of water-saving practices and treated greywater reuse for non-potable options. The results indicated that women have a lower level of awareness of water scarcity issues compared to men. Only 53 % of female participants were aware of the problem, while 75.2 % of male participants were aware. Similarly, only 79.5 % of female participants were aware of the importance of water conservation compared to 92.3 % of male participants. This lack of awareness has resulted in negative impacts on their water consumption habits, willingness to adopt water conservation measures, and their willingness to reuse treated greywater. Shockingly, only 50 % of individuals between the ages of 18 and 25 were aware of the issue of water scarcity. Furthermore, only 25 % of participants with primary education were aware of the issue of water scarcity and the importance of conserving water. There is a strong correlation between knowledge of the water crisis issue and willingness to adopt water conservation measures and reuse treated greywater. Participants were most accepting of reusing greywater for car washing at 66.5 %, followed by irrigation of green spaces at 64.5 %, and then for toilet flushing at 33.5 %. About 44.2 % of participants believed that the main challenge in reusing treated greywater was concerns about water quality.

Sustainable Planning & Optimization of Water Distribution System of Vikasnagar, Dehradun

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the planning process for establishing a distribution network for water supply in Vikasnagar, Dehradun, focusing on the utilization of groundwater sources over surface water sources. It delves into the characteristics of groundwater source, discusses the infrastructure requirements, and addresses the projected water demand for Vikasnagar in the coming decades. Additionally, it highlights the current water scarcity issues faced by Vikasnagar and emphasizes the urgency of implementing sustainable solutions to ensure adequate water supply for the growing population. The sustainable provision of water in Vikasnagar remains a critical challenge due to the depletion of surface water sources. To address this issue, ongoing research endeavors are exploring the utilization of groundwater as a primary source to meet the region's ultimate water demand. Preliminary findings suggest the potential viability of groundwater as a dependable water source for Vikasnagar ultimate demand. However, challenges such as groundwater depletion, contamination risks, and socio-economic implications necessitate further investigation and intervention. In conclusion, ongoing research on groundwater-based water supply in Vikasnagar shows promising prospects for mitigating water scarcity challenges. However, to realize a sustainable water future for the region, concerted efforts must be made to address existing limitations and pave the way for innovative solutions that prioritize both environmental conservation and societal well-being.

Enhancing thin-film composite polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes through alkali-induced interfacial polymerization modification for effective separation of monovalent/divalent salts

Amidst the escalating global water scarcity issues, finding better ways to sustainably treat brackish water and seawater while simultaneously recovering resources becomes increasingly important. In this work, we investigated the fabrication strategies to produce polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes (PES HFMs) with robust characteristics and uniformly arranged shape. The presence of an air gap (AG) in the dry-wet spinning process facilitates the chain orientation due to the gravitational force and elongational stretch and moisture-induced early phase inversion, therefore preventing corrugations on the shell side. We extensively studied the correlation between HFM spinning parameters and the appearance and disappearance of buckling effects. Moreover, it was proven that the addition of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to the bore fluid composition prolongs the demixing process, overcoming the HFMs' delamination issue. After optimizing the spinning conditions, a facile alkali-induced interfacial polymerization (IP) was employed to enhance the formation of a selective polyamide (PA) layer on PES HFM substrates. The final membrane made by this modification process, denoted as PES-IP-BOH, exhibits a Na2SO4 rejection higher than 96 %, while maintaining low rejections for other monovalent salts. Accordingly, it achieved a high ideal selectivity of >23 for the selective separation of monovalent and divalent salts.

Evaluating Residual Strength of RCC Tanks Affected by ASR Using NDT Methods

This case study focuses on the groundwater level tanks (GLR) located in Netra Village, 35 km from Jodhpur, on Nagour Road. The investigation revealed that people and livestock in the area were grappling with water scarcity issues. Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods were employed to assess the residual strength of three tanks in the region. The results showed that Tank-1 had a residual strength of 35.41%, Tank-2 had 63.08%, and Tank-3 had 53.8%. Alkali-silica reaction (ASR) poses a significant threat to the structural integrity of concrete tanks, necessitating accurate and non-destructive methods for residual strength assessment. This research paper delves into the effectiveness of NDT methods, specifically rebound hammer and Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV), in evaluating the residual strength of ASR-affected tanks. Through an extensive review of literature, case studies, and experimental data, this study aims to shed light on the practical application of rebound hammer and UPV for ASR assessment in tank structures. The paper discusses the principles, advantages, and limitations of each NDT method, emphasizing their ability to detect ASR-induced damage and predict the remaining structural capacity of tanks. Moreover, the research addresses the challenges associated with implementing rebound hammer and UPV techniques in ASR-affected environments, offering recommendations for enhancing their reliability and accuracy. By harnessing the combined capabilities of rebound hammer and UPV, engineers and asset managers can make well-informed decisions regarding the maintenance, repair, and retrofitting of ASR-affected tanks, ensuring their long-term safety and functionality in critical infrastructure applications.

Strengthening adaptation in coastal Bangladesh: community-based approaches for sustainable agriculture and water management

The coastal region of Bangladesh is significantly influenced by soil and water salinity, which is further exacerbated by the increasing frequency of tropical cyclones and rising sea levels. Understanding the extent of salinity and its challenges is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and ensuring access to safe drinking water. Using quantitative (soil and water parameters) and qualitative (focus group discussion and key informant interview) data, we investigated (i) soil and water salinity and soil nutrient contents; and (ii) adaptive practices in agriculture and drinking water management in three sub-districts (Assasuni, Dacope and Morrelganj) in the southwestern coastal region of Bangladesh. Results show that soil salinity levels did not significantly differ among the sub-districts, with Assasuni having slightly higher soil salinity (8.24 dS m-1) compared to Dacope (8.08 dS m-1) and Morrelganj (7.96 dS m-1). Significant differences were observed in the salinity level of pond and canal water among the sub-districts, with Assasuni having the highest levels of salinity in both pond (13.98 dS m-1) and canal water (77.85 dS m-1), compared to other sub-districts. Soil and water salinity were the major challenges reported by the respondents; however, climate-induced stresses (e.g., untimely precipitation) and outbreaks of pests during droughts have been identified as prominent issues in sustainable agriculture. Rainwater harvesting has been identified as a viable adaptive technique in drinking water management, offering a feasible solution to address water and soil salinity. The study underscores the importance of implementing adaptive practices (e.g., rainwater harvesting) to address water scarcity and salinity issues in the coastal region and promote resilient agricultural systems.

Deficit Irrigation-Based Improvement in Growth and Yield of Quinoa in the Northwestern Arid Region in China

Given the current global water scarcity issues, which particularly affect arid regions such as northwestern China, it is crucial to find crop planting patterns that result in efficient water resource utilization. Quinoa, as a drought-resistant and highly nutritious crop, has garnered significant attention from agricultural researchers in recent years. From 2019 to 2020, a series of experimental studies were conducted under non-mulching drip irrigation conditions to investigate the growth adaptability and the response to different irrigation levels of quinoa in an arid region in northwestern China. A comparative analysis of quinoa’s dry matter accumulation, yield, thousand-grain weight, harvest index, and water use efficiency under varying irrigation levels revealed that increasing irrigation significantly enhanced quinoa’s dry matter accumulation and yield. By optimizing the irrigation strategies, we found that the water-saving practice of initiating moderate irrigation in the sensitive water-demanding stages (flowering and fruiting) of quinoa increased the yield. The experiment results showed that, in 2020, the optimal irrigation amount was 3675 m3·ha−1 during a 14-day irrigation cycle, meeting quinoa’s growth requirements while improving water resource utilization efficiency. This study not only provides a scientific basis for the efficient cultivation of quinoa in the arid regions of northwestern China, but also offers new insights into and technical support for agricultural water resource management in the region, contributing to the sustainable development of agriculture in arid areas.

Innovative configurations for spherical solar distillation: Ball rotation and preheating for improved productivity

Solar stills are acknowledged as an environmentally friendly desalination method that addresses water scarcity issues in remote areas; however, they contend with a productivity challenge. This work presents a combination of novel arrangements for the spherical solar distiller (RBSD) to augment its productivity. Rotational sphere was anticipated. The influence of speed for RBSD (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 rpm) with and without wick was tested. Also, the effect of utilizing a preheater to supply the RBSD with hot feed water under various preheating temperatures, specifically 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, and 70 °C with and without condenser was investigated. Results revealed that the optimized speed is 0.5 rpm and 1 rpm for the RBSD with and without wick, respectively, where the productivity rise reached 62 % and 45 %, respectively. Also, the best preheating temperature that provided the highest performance for RBSD was 65 °C, where the CSD produced 3250 mL/m2.day, while, at 0.5 rpm and 65 °C, the RBSD with a preheater produced 6200 mL/m2.day with an increase in productivity by 91 %. When integrating the external condenser to RBSD with wick and preheater, the productivity of RBSD (6800 mL/m2.day) was augmented by 116 % over that of the CSD (3150 mL/m2.day). Also, the thermal efficiency of CSD and RBSD with wick, preheater and condenser was 32 % and 62 %, respectively. Finally, the cost of distilled water for CSD, RBSD with wick, RBSD with wick and preheater, and RBSD with wick, preheater, and condenser was found to be 0.220$/L, 0.075$/L, 0.055$/L, and 0.030$/L, respectively.

Analysis of rainwater utilization for landscaping and sanitation needs at Kalvari Church, Jakarta

This study examines the potential of rainwater harvesting for addressing flooding and water scarcity issues at Calvary Church Lubang Buaya, Jakarta. Utilizing primary and secondary data, we calculated the rainwater harvesting potential by considering the building’s roof area, runoff coefficient, and average mainstay rainfall. During the rainy season, the average monthly rainfall was 244.35 mm/month, while it dropped to 0 mm/month during the dry season. To ensure water availability in the dry season, we recommend constructing a concrete tub with a storage capacity of 255 m3. Through rainwater harvesting, the church can annually save approximately Rp. 899,201. This sustainable approach offers a practical solution for the church’s landscaping and sanitation needs, contributing to water management efforts in Jakarta. Rainwater harvesting stands as an eco-friendly and cost-effective strategy to mitigate water-related challenges faced by the city.

Efficient antibiotic remediation from wastewater using a lamellar free-standing 2D graphene oxide/Ti3C2Tx hybrid membrane

The existence of elevated levels of antibiotics in wastewater has facilitated the emergence and spread of pathogens with antimicrobial resistance (AMR). When combined with the worldwide water scarcity issue, this situation results in detrimental impacts on both the ecosystem and human well-being. Traditional methods employed by wastewater treatment facilities exhibit limited effectiveness in eliminating antibiotics. This paper describes the synthesis and performance of two-dimensional (2D) lamellar free-standing graphene oxide (GO)/Ti3C2Tx membrane for the removal of antibiotics from wastewater. The 50 %GO/Ti3C2Tx composite membrane demonstrated a remarkable increase in water flux, achieving 61.9 L m−2 h−1, surpassing the performance of the pristine GO membrane, which achieved 22.8 L m−2 h−1. Additionally, the GO/Ti3C2Tx composite membranes exhibited outstanding tetracycline rejection, consistently exceeding 99 %, a significant improvement compared to the pristine Ti3C2Tx membrane. The composite membranes of with a ratio of GO to MXene of 50 %, 40 %, 30 % and 20 % had contact angles of 54.5°, 57.4°, 60.6°, and 61.6°, respectively. Combining GO and Ti3C2Tx at specific mass ratios enhanced properties, evidenced by altered interlayer spacing and hydrophilicity. Furthermore, the superior composite membrane demonstrated superior antifouling properties compared to both pristine GO and Ti3C2Tx membranes.