Water Scarcity Problems Research Articles

Construction of a self-floating fabric based on CVD-assisted coating and its application in interfacial evaporation

The discharge of industrial wastewater and the shortage of fresh water resources are increasingly endangering human daily life. In this experiment, bismuth oxychloride with oxygen vacancies was attached to a fabric surface using the solution deposition method, and then perfluoro-trichlorosilane was grafted on the surface to prepare a multifunctional superhydrophobic fabric. After mechanical stability testing, the fabric retained a water contact angle that consistently exceeded 150°, which could realize the selective adsorption of insoluble oil such as cyclohexane. Through a capture experiment of active species, the conclusion drawn was that holes (h+) and superoxide free radicals (·O2−) were primary active species for the photocatalytic degradation process. After 4 cycles of photodegradation, the degradation efficiency could still reach 92.8 %, showing excellent cyclic degradation stability. An interfacial solar steam generator (ISSG) was assembled using the superhydrophobic fabric as the support layer and a polypyrrole sponge as the photothermal layer, whose evaporation efficiency under one sun reached 2.8376 kg·m−2·h−1, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 92.255 %. This ISSG demonstrates excellent wastewater purification capabilities. Interfacial evaporation devices show promising prospects in solar-powered wastewater purification, which further expand the use of interfacial evaporation to solve the problem of water scarcity.

A review of India's water policy and implementation toward a sustainable future

ABSTRACT India is one of the most significant economies globally, and the sustainable use of this priceless resource depends considerably on its water supplies. Moreover, a rural and monsoon-dependent nation faces water scarcity challenges, fueling potential conflicts among sectors and regions while intensifying challenges to food security and livelihoods. This paper conducts a chronological review of India's evolving water supply policies, assessing their impact, identifying gaps in policy implementation, and striving to provide insights for the country's future development of equal and sustainable access to water. In this context, integrating artificial intelligence (AI), particularly in smart water management systems, presents promising implications for improving water supply efficiency and optimizing service delivery processes, proving indispensable in addressing water-related challenges, particularly in regions like India. It could detect and mitigate water losses within distribution systems, providing practical water purification, distribution, and conservation solutions. This review paper also discovered that the Practical Integrated Water Resource Management approach emphasizes decentralized management of water resources and advocates for more efficient, context-specific, and locally tailored solutions for assessing the water resource system for implementing water policy. This approach further leads to minimizing the water scarcity problem in a particular area or region.

Developing a hierarchical analytical process to determine the best irrigation system for date palm trees in the NENA region: the case of Iran

The NENA region faces serious challenges in achieving sustainable development due to water scarcity problems, especially in the agricultural sector. Identifying the most effective irrigation method for agricultural fields can have a positive impact on water consumption and management in this region. The purpose of this study is to develop an analytical hierarchy process for determining the best irrigation system for date palm trees in the NENA region. Iran was selected as the case study, and the Expert Choice software was used. Using document studies, library and field data, and the opinions of 42 experts, the most important criteria and sub-criteria were identified. Based on the results of the evaluations, there were 39.1%, 8.9%, 21.0%, 19.9%, and 11.0% effects of technical, economic, social, operation and maintenance, and environmental criteria on selecting the suitable irrigation system, respectively. For palm fields in Khuzestan, a furrow irrigation system with low-pressure water distribution pipes was determined to be the most appropriate irrigation system. The bubbler irrigation system is the most suitable irrigation system for Bushehr. In Kerman, Sistan, and Baluchestan, bubbler and sprayer irrigation systems were introduced as the most effective irrigation systems. Using the model presented in this study, useful, comprehensive, and practical results can be obtained for evaluating and ranking irrigation systems in the NENA region and similar water-scarce arid regions. It is also suggested that a database for palm irrigation be developed in the NENA region in order to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

Circular Economy and Water Resources Management

Objective: Present the Circular Economy of water as a regenerative system that maintains the value of the water resource in the economy for as long as possible, minimizing losses and the production of waste. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on the concepts of Circular Economy applied to water resources, highlighting the role of efficient and regenerative management in the context of a global problem of water scarcity. Method: A narrative review of the literature was carried out with research in databases such as Science Direct, Capes and Research Gate. Relevant articles on the topics of circular economy and water resources were selected. Results and Discussion: Significant interactions between water systems and all sectors of society were identified, as well as major opportunities to create additional value through the application of Circular Economy principles. The benefits observed include environmental factors such as water protection; social factors such as ensuring the supply of drinking water; and economic factors from strategic decision-making for implementation in the water sector. Research Implications: The adoption of the Circular Economy in water resources provides a viable model to meet the growing demand for water while promoting environmental sustainability, social equity and economic viability. Originality/Value: This study highlights the Circular Economy as an innovative and sustainable solution for water resource management, offering insights on how to apply its principles to maximize value and minimize environmental impacts.

Modeling and Elucidating the Behavior of a Thermoresponsive LCST Ionic Liquid.

Desalination of seawater by forward osmosis is a technology potentially able to address the global water scarcity problem. The major challenge limiting its widespread practical application is the design of a draw solute that can be separated from water by an energetically efficient process and then reused for the next cycle. Recent experiments demonstrate that a promising draw solute for forward-osmosis desalination is tetrabutylphosphonium 2,4,6-trimethylbenzenesulfonate ([P4444][TMBS]). When mixed with water, this ionic liquid (IL) is thermoresponsive and exhibits a lower critical solution temperature (LCST), above which it phase-separates into an IL-rich phase and a water-rich phase. Elucidating the physical mechanism of the liquid-liquid phase separation, as well as rationally designing optimized derivatives, necessitates an accurate model to describe this and related ILs. In this paper, we resort to explicit-solvent all-atom molecular dynamics simulations and adopt AMBER-based force-field parameters for the cation whose partial charges were assigned by the RESP fitting procedure. Utilizing the same methodology, we parametrize the anion. The simulations' results indicate the IL/water mixture, at the experimental critical composition, can unambiguously phase-separate only when the partial charges of the ions are scaled down. Nevertheless, the best-performing charge scaling factor is found to be 0.95, a value much milder than those reported for ILs in neat phases. This can be explained by a diminished charge transfer, or induced dipoles, within the ions when the IL is in a mixture with water. With this charge scaling, the simulations reproduce well the LCST composition-temperature phase diagram, albeit overestimation of the critical temperature by 10 K. In particular, very good agreement is obtained for the composition of the two segregated phases. Estimation of viscosity points to IL/water mixture that is almost twice as viscous in simulations than that reported experimentally. Furthermore, we analyze changes in energy between different components in the mixture and find that the driving force for phase separation is, at least, enthalpic. Structural analyses of the ions and their interactions with water molecules corroborate the importance of the latter in mediating structural organizations of the anions, as well as in strengthening the interactions between the cations.

A practical strategy of electrospun fibers of polystyrene/cellulose acetate blend for atmospheric water harvesting

Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is an innovative and sustainable approach to deal with the expanding problem of water scarcity. Herein, the objective is to apply electrospun fiber through blended polymers of cellulose acetate (CA)/polystyrene (PS) with various ratios for collecting the water vapor from the atmosphere. A new prototype for AWH was implemented based on Peltier device. The prepared membranes were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity measurement. In CA/PS blend with a ratio of 1:1, SEM image illustrated homogenous, fine and small fibers with an average diameter 100 nm. The presence of CA increases water uptake compared to pure PS. This blend offers a moderate performance in water harvesting, with some water beads potentially forming on the PS fibers and being absorbed by the adjacent CA fibers. In 1:2 blend had a predominance of smooth and small fibers with 100 nm diameter without beads. To enhance the effectiveness of atmospheric water collection, a thermoelectric device (Peltier) in a new well-designed sealed chamber was employed. The efficiency of blended fibers of ratio 1:2 for CA/PS accomplished a collected water of 61.9 mg/cm2.hr with a contact angle of 124.7°.

The Utilisation of Solar-Powered Boreholes for Groundwater Supply: Addressing Water Scarcity in the Polokwane Municipality, Mankweng Cluster

In many African countries, including South Africa, groundwater remains vital for rural communities, yet sustainable methods of its supply still require improvement. The purpose of this study is to enhance groundwater supply through an innovative and sustainable borehole system that improves reliability and ensures a consistent water supply. This study was motivated by the need to provide sustainable water access in rural communities by addressing critical gaps in existing groundwater supply systems, thereby enhancing community resilience. This study identified a problem of water scarcity in the Polokwane Municipality, Mankweng Cluster, where the existing borehole systems are inadequate to supply groundwater. Handpumps demand significant physical effort, grid-powered boreholes cease to operate during frequent power cuts, and the inconsistent diesel supply further limits borehole operation. The study was conducted using a qualitative approach, involving data collection through interviews that were analysed using content analysis. Findings indicate several challenges, including power cuts, diesel supply shortages, poor infrastructure maintenance, vandalism, and theft of equipment, which affect the proper operation of boreholes. The study concludes that water scarcity in the Mankweng Cluster stems from inadequate water infrastructure. The study recommends implementing a solar-powered borehole system that uses photovoltaic energy to pump water from underground aquifers.

The “Water Problem” in the Congo River Basin

Throughout the period of independent development of African nations, the peoples inhabiting them have been experiencing recurring political and socio-economic cataclysms, among which the problem of water scarcity has been gaining in prominence in recent decades. Despite the fact that Africa, especially the Congo River basin, possesses abundant water resources including full-flowing rivers, lakes, wetlands and groundwater, due to the lack of proper management and the shortage of qualified personnel and funds to develop adequate water intake and distribution infrastructure, the issue of providing the population with drinking water has become a major issue in almost all countries of the continent, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 98% of whose territory is located in this basin, which ranks second in the world in terms of the volume of discharge after the Amazon. The present article provides a description of the hydrological features of the Congo River basin and discusses the causes of the water shortages observed in the DRC, which have a negative impact on the development of not only the country’s economy and the provision of public services, but also on the health of the population. It is also noted that, unlike other regions of the continent, in the Congo basin there are no conflicts over access to water resources between the riparian states and, moreover, there is a permanent consensus among them on the issues of water use and recognition of the leading role of the DRC in their resolution.

The Problem of the Shortage of Fresh Water in Egypt and the Possibilities of Its Solution

The population growth rates that increased after the 1952 revolution accelerated the decline in the supply of fresh water to Egyptians due to the exhaustion of its traditional sources. As a result, at the turn of the 1980s – 1990s, Egypt has overcome the water deficit limit of 1000 m3 per person per year. In order to reduce water stress, the Government of the country in the second half of the twentieth century pursued a policy of birth control and reduction of cultivation of moisture-loving crops. Since the beginning of the 21st century, with the slow introduction of modern irrigation methods, it has focused on increasing the reuse of treated drainage waters in agriculture and the construction of seawater desalination plants to meet the needs of industry and public utilities. The Egyptian Government sees prospects for solving the problem of water scarcity, the growth rate of demand for which in the 21st century will decrease as population growth and economic development slow down, in the achievements of scientific and technological progress and the widespread use of cheap water treatment technologies.

Simulating water and salt changes in the root zone of salt-alkali fragrant pear and the selection of the optimal surface drip irrigation mode.

Faced with the increasingly serious problem of water scarcity, developing precise irrigation strategies for crops in saline alkali land can effectively reduce the negative effects of low water resource utilization. Using a model to simulate the dynamic changes in soil water and salt environment in the root zone of fragrant pear trees in saline alkali land, and verifying them from a production practice perspective with comprehensive benefits as the goal, can optimize the irrigation amount and irrigation technology elements of saline alkali fruit trees, broaden the comprehensive evaluation perspective of decision-makers, and have important significance for improving the yield and production efficiency of forestry and fruit industry in arid and semi-arid areas worldwide. In this study, a two-year field experiment based on three irrigation levels (3000, 3750, and 4500 m3·ha-1) and four emitter discharge rates (1, 2, 3, and 4 L·h-1) was conducted in Xinjiang, China. The root zone soil water content (SWC) and soil salinity content (SSC) dynamics were simulated during the fertility period of fragrant pear using the numerical model HYDRUS-2D and field data. The results showed that the R2, root mean squared error (RMSE), and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) of the HYDRUS-2D simulated soil water content (SWC) (soil salinity content SSC) reached 0.89-0.97 (0.91-0.97), 0.02-0.16 cm3·cm-3 (0.22-1.54 g·kg-1), and 0.76-0.95 (0.68-0.96), respectively, indicating the strong performance of the model. A positive correlation was observed between the irrigation amount and soil infiltration depth. Moderately increasing irrigation amount could effectively leach soil salinity at a depth of 80-100 cm and maintain a water and salt environment in the main root zone of 0-80 cm, benefiting the growth and development of the main root system of fragrant pear, as well as the yield and quality of above-ground fruits. The irrigation amount and emitter discharge were optimized and quantified based on multi-objective optimization methods, normalization processing, and spatial analysis methods to maximize yield, fruit weight, soluble solids, and net profits. When the yield, fruit weight, soluble solids, and net profits simultaneously reached 90% of their maximum value, the irrigation amount and emitter discharge ranges were 4274-4297 m3·ha-1 and 3.79-3.88 L·h-1, respectively. Our study provides new insights into regulating soil water and salt environmental factors in the saline fragrant pear root zone and assessing the impact of soil water and salt management under precision irrigation strategies, and profoundly influences decision-making for irrigation of forest fruits in saline arid zones based on a production practice perspective.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Water-Saving Society Construction in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China

Water is a crucial and fundamental resource. It is well known that agricultural cultivation, industrial production, and human daily life are not possible without water. Efficiently utilizing water resources is of great significance for achieving global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In order to improve water use efficiency in various industries and promote water-saving development, China has been implementing water-saving society construction since 2002. Henan Province is the main grain-producing area in China, with wheat production accounting for a quarter of the country’s total. As the core area of “Central Plains Agricultural Valley” in Henan Province, Xinxiang City plays an important role in agricultural technology innovation and agricultural production. However, Xinxiang City is facing problems of water scarcity and pollution, which constrain the sustainability of agricultural production. Therefore, building a water-saving society can solve the current water problems faced by Xinxiang City and ensure the sustainable development of the economy and society. This study built an evaluation index system for water-saving society construction in Xinxiang, Henan Province, China. The proposed evaluation index system includes 20 evaluation indices from six aspects—integrated, agricultural water, industrial water, domestic water, water ecology and environment, and water-saving management—and then divides its development level into several stages. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was adopted to calculate the index weight. Then, a comprehensive evaluation model for water-saving society construction in Xinxiang City was established by combining it with grey relative analysis (GRA). The results showed that the overall level of water-saving society construction in Xinxiang City is in the excellent stage, whereas water consumption per CNY 10,000 of GDP, the effective utilization coefficient of irrigation water, the reuse rate of industrial water, and the leakage rate of urban water supply network are all in the good stage. However, the urban recycled water utilization rate is still in the poor stage. These research results can effectively and reasonably reflect the development level of water-saving society construction in Xinxiang City and guide the continued implementation of water-saving society construction. At the same time, the comprehensive evaluation of water-saving society construction helps to formulate and adjust water resource management policies and measures; it also holds significant value for sustainable water management and combating water scarcity.

Reduced Graphene Oxide Loaded with ZCF Magnetic Nanoparticles as a Promising Photocatalyst and Antibacterial Agent

Due to waste, pollution, and unequal distribution of the world’s finite freshwater resources, there is currently a problem of water scarcity. Therefore, developing novel, affordable, and efficient techniques for water purification is essential. Here, the photo-assisted degradation of Methyl Orange dye (MO) under visible light and UV was achieved by using reduced graphene oxide (RGO) photocatalyst loaded with Zn0.5Cu0.5Fe2O4 (ZCF) called MRGO 20. Furthermore, all prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transformation infrared (FTIR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and Raman analysis. After 40 minutes, the high photocatalytic efficacy effectively eliminated about 96 % of the 10 ppm MO using 20 mg of MRGO 20 NPs at pH 5 under Visible light irradiation. From the results, MRGO 20 demonstrated good performance stability after five cycles of photocatalytic degradation of MO dye. The shown performance of the generated samples in both visible and UV light may motivate further investigation into more potent photocatalysts for water filtering. MRGO 20 NPs nanocomposite displayed great activity against Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria with a zone of inhibition (ZOI) mm value of 24.0 mm, and high biofilm inhibition of 94.3%. The produced samples’ observed efficacy in both UV and visible light may encourage continued research into more effective photocatalysts for the filtration of water and for biological applications.

Optimizing Water Productivity through the Conjunctive Use of Borewell and Canal Water for Enhancing Sheep Productivity in Arid Climate of Western Rajasthan, India

In the arid regions of Rajasthan, water scarcity poses a significant challenge to both agriculture and livestock productivity. Sustainable practices in such climates require effective management of limited water resources. This study focuses on optimizing water productivity through the conjunctive use of canal water and borewell water to address the problem of water scarcity while maximizing output per unit of water. The experiment involved eighteen healthy lambs of aged 2-3 months which were managed intensively and divided into three groups of six lambs each based on a randomized block design. All groups were fed Pennisetum glaucum (pearl millet) and Medicago sativa (lucerne) ad-libitum along with concentrates adjusted according to their body weights. The groups were offered three types of drinking water: canal water (G1), a combination of canal and borewell water (G2) and borewell water (G3) in a clean bucket twice a day. No significant effect on total feed intake and body weight of the lambs was found based on the drinking water source. However, G1 and G2 lambs, which were offered canal water, consumed significantly (p<0.05) less water (74.4 ± 1.84 liters) compared to the lambs in G3 (81.6 ± 1.91 liters). The virtual water requirement per kilogram of weight gain, calculated from both direct water intake and indirect intake through feed was lowest in G1 lambs (5771.34 liters) followed by G2 lambs (6129.00 liters) and G3 lambs (6312.00 liters) per kilogram of weight gain, respectively. These results indicate that water productivity was highest with canal water (G1) and lowest with borewell water (G3) per kilogram of weight gain. This study underscores the importance of efficient water management in maximizing productivity and resource use efficiency in water-limited arid regions.

Sustainable Water Management Solutions for Urban Areas

The management of water resources is a serious concern in urban areas because of the effects of climate change, aging infrastructure, and rapid population increase. This essay examines the vital significance of sustainable water management in urban settings, emphasizing cutting-edge frameworks for policy and technology that can improve water resilience and efficiency. Successful strategies, such as demand management and diversification of the water supply, are demonstrated by case studies like Windhoek, Namibia. In order to solve the intricate and interrelated problems of urban water scarcity, infrastructure constraints, and environmental repercussions, the essay emphasizes integrated water resources management (IWRM) as a crucial technique that incorporates multidisciplinary viewpoints. In order to guarantee a sustainable urban water future, the importance of inclusive policies and governance is also covered, highlighting the necessity of cooperative and flexible problemsolving techniques.

Nano Filtration Techniques in Waste Water Treatment

Nano filters, based on nanotechnology to improve filtration processes, offer sophisticated solutions for contaminant removal from liquids and gases. The filters in this group include polymeric membranes with a pore size of 1-100 nanometres, ceramic membranes that are tolerant to chemicals, and carbon nanotube and graphene-based filters with advancedpermeability and selectivity. Recently, differentiated nanomaterials have been developed to make composite membranes with improved performance and durability. However, NF have disadvantages such as membrane fouling and high production costs. In this respect, research is currently being done to come up with solutions to the challenges, optimize the integration of nanomaterials, and realize application possibilities in water treatment, air purification, and industrial processes. On the whole, NF stand as the radical improvement filtration technology has so far achieved, and further research is bound to make them more efficient and cheaper About 17–19 million people in the world lack access to clean water. It is estimated that about 3.4 million people die every year from water scarcity, sanitation, and hygiene-related problems out of which 99% of deaths occurin developing countries. In recent years, water contamination has become a global environmental concern. The paper providesinsights into advancements in wastewater treatment through nano-filters. The paper focuses on evaluating the effectiveness ofnanomembranes in removing containments such as inorganic salts, organic compounds, and heavy metals. Additionally, the paper gives information about performance based on a comparison of the tractional filters and RO in terms of flexibility, durability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, it explores the application of NF in industries such as textile, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture and evaluates the versatility and effectiveness in these sectors.

Fabrication of Micro/Nanostructured Copper Fibers by Vibration Cutting for Felt-Based Freshwater Purification

Freshwater purification from wasted water and seawater is crucial in addressing the global problem of water scarcity. Porous fiber felt with a micro/nanostructure emerges as an efficient approach for water purification; however, its production usually relies on chemical postprocessing to create micro/nano structures on the fiber surface, which might pollute the environment. This study proposed an ecofriendly method to produce micro/nanostructured copper fiber felt without chemical treatment. First, a new transverse-feeding vibration cutting is proposed to fabricate micro/nanostructured fibers with controllable structure characteristics. Through the sintering of the structured fibers without postprocessing, the fiber felt can be produced in an ecofriendly way and exhibit special wettability and excellent photothermal properties. Felt-based freshwater purification, including oil–water separation and solar-driven seawater desalination, can be realized effectively. Results show an oil–water separation efficiency of > 90% and a high evaporation rate of water of > 1.08 kg m−2 h−1 at 73 mW cm−2 are achieved, demonstrating the application prospect of the produced fiber felt.

Application of batch reverse osmosis as an appropriate technology for inland desalination: Design, modeling, and operating strategies

Despite the recent development of desalination, water scarcity problems in rural areas with insufficient infrastructure cannot be easily resolved. Although batch reverse osmosis (BRO), with its compact design and high second-law efficiency, presents a promising solution for low-energy desalination, the implementation of BRO in rural or energy-deficient regions remains challenging. This study suggests a novel concept of BRO as an appropriate technology (BRO-AT) powered by alternative energy sources, particularly livestock, aiming to achieve high recovery and permeate flux without external electricity. To effectively utilize the BRO-AT, two operating strategies, center supply and village-sharing, are proposed according to local livestock availability. Livestock working schedules were considered to analyze the performance of BRO-AT practically. In high recovery and large permeate flux cases, maximum recovery and permeate flux reached 0.9165 and 3.72 m3/d, respectively. Average recoveries of 0.8296 and 0.6937, and water production rates of 1.15 m3/d and 0.96 m3/d, were achieved using the center supply and village-sharing methods, respectively. This analysis demonstrates the feasibility of BRO-AT for rural regions and highlights the importance of understanding the dynamic characteristics of alternative power sources. The findings provide design and operation guidelines for BRO-AT, offering insights for future utilization and application in energy-limited areas.

Wastewater treatment, greenhouse gas emissions, and our environment

The reclamation and reuse of wastewater is a vital process that helps to address water pollution and scarcity problems. Nevertheless, wastewater treatment is also a significant source of greenhouse gases (methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide). Methane, the most significant greenhouse gas is majorly emitted during anaerobic process, carbon dioxide from aerobic processes while nitrous oxide is associated with nitrification and denitrification processes. The increase in the level of these greenhouse gases is the main cause of global warming and climate change and has resulted in change in weather patterns, severe weather events, habitat loss and loss of wildlife. The adjusting of operating conditions, conversion of methane to fuel for energy production, carbon dioxide capturing are some highlighted methods to minimize the release of these heat-trapping gases from wastewater treatment plants. Also, methods of monitoring these GHG as well as the direct and indirect effects of climate change on the management of wastewater are also discussed in this review.

Water reservoir techniques using remote sensing and GIS: a literature survey

Abstract The issue of storing flood waters caused by rains and river floods is very important to address the problems of drought. This study reviewed the latest research to address the problems of water scarcity and conservation with advanced methods. these study methodologies range from employing Geographic Information Systems Programs to handle and analyses remote sensing data to incorporating contemporary techniques to enhance morphometric analysis, where researchers employed various analytical techniques. To determine if these watersheds are appropriate for storing water, some studies have preferred Multi-Criteria Decision-Making models (MCDM), more especially the fuzzy analytical hierarchy (FAHP) Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process. Others have employed techniques for hydrological analysis, such as the ArcGIS program’s Arc hydrology tools. Researchers reached a consensus regarding the fundamental parameters required for morphometric analysis in the demarcation of watersheds, notwithstanding methodological variances. Additionally, many researchers have argued the importance of using the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model (SRTM-DEM) mission and the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER DEM) in morphometric and hydrologic studies.

Identification of hotspots and cold-spots of groundwater potential using spatial statistics

Study regionThe Guna-Tana landscape is located in Ethiopia. This landscape is seriously facing water scarcity problems, that’s why we studied this landscape and provided the hotspots of groundwater potential areas in this region. Study focusIn this study the hotspots and cold-spots of groundwater potential at, 99, 95, and 90 % confidence levels has been deciphered. Using Gi-Bin values, four classes has been identified viz., 2–3 (highly favorable), 0–1 (fairly favorable), −2 to −1 (poorly favorable) and −3 (very poorly favorable). The hotspots was subjected to ordinary least squared (OLS) regression to understand the impact of chosen parameters (viz., geology, land-use, soil, rainfall, slope, and distance to rivers) towards groundwater potential. New hydrological insights for the regionThe absence of redundancy among the selected parameters was indicated by the VIF values of the parameters, which were determined to be less than 7.5. It was discovered that the Robust Probability (Robust_Pr) was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The OLS model appears to have captured the variability of exploratory variables, as evidenced by the decreased values of Akaike's Information Criterion (AICc). The Adjusted R-squared value of 0.9119 indicates that exploratory variables has successfully explained 91.19 % of the variance of the model.