Water Usage Research Articles

FUNDAMENTALS OF DESIGNING INTELLIGENT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

Smart irrigation systems integrate technology with agriculture to optimize water usage, reduce waste, and increase crop yields. This article explores the design of smart irrigation systems, discussing the essential components, methodologies, and technological innovations that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of irrigation practices. The study identifies key challenges in system design and proposes solutions based on current trends in sensor technology, data analytics, and automation. The results of this investigation highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative strategies to create robust, scalable, and sustainable irrigation solutions.

Spatio-temporal change and driving mechanisms of land use/cover in Qarhan Salt Lake area during from 2000 to 2020, based on machine learning

The significance of land use classification has garnered attention due to its implications for climate and ecosystems. This paper establishes a connection by introducing and applying automatic machine learning (Auto ML) techniques to salt lake landscape, with a specific focus on the Qarhan Salt Lake area. Utilizing Landsat-5 Thematic Mappe (TM) and Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) imagery, six machine learning algorithms were employed to classify eight land use types from 2000 to 2020. Results show that XGBLD performed optimally with 77% accuracy. Over two decades, salt fields, construction land, and water areas increased due to transformations in saline land and salt flats. The exposed lakes area exhibited a rise followed by a decline, mainly transforming into salt flats. Agricultural land areas slightly increased, influenced by both human activities and climate. Our analysis reveals a strong correlation between salt fields and precipitation, while exposed lakes demonstrate a significant negative correlation with evaporation and temperature, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change. Additionally, human water usage was identified as a significant factor impacting land use change, emphasizing the dual influence of anthropogenic activities and natural factors. This paper addresses the void in the application of Auto ML in salt lake environments and provides valuable insights into the dynamic evolution of land use types in the Qarhan Salt Lake region.

Assessment of rainfall trend over Periyar Vaigai Command area of Tamil Nadu

Rainfall trend analysis is critical for studying the effects of climate change. The most crucial aspect of understanding climate change at the basin level is, how it will affect water usage, planning, and development. The present study has been attempted to analyze the trend of annual and seasonal rainfall data over Periyar Vaigai Command area from 1982 – 2021 (40 years) employing different trend analysis methods i.e., Mann-Kendall test for trend significance, Sequential Mann-Kendall test for assessment of start and end of trend, Sen’s slope test for trend magnitude, Innovative Trend Analysis for combination of trends and linear regression analysis for trend detection. Statistically positive trend was detected in summer season using all methods whereas, annual and SWM rainfall showed a statistically significant decreasing trend. Winter and NEM rainfall resulted with no significant trend. The results from this study helps to adopt various water management practices and useful for policy makers to prepare appropriate mitigation strategies.

Optimized Coordination of Urban Water Usage in China’s Minjiang River Basin under the Influence of Climate Change

Optimized Coordination of Urban Water Usage in China’s Minjiang River Basin under the Influence of Climate Change

Remote sensing-based green and blue agricultural water footprint estimation at the river basin scale

Since the development of Water Footprint environmental indicator, significant research on blue and green crop water use and the respective water footprint estimations has been published. Such research is commonly approached using different methodologies that leverage tabulated values for crop development characterisation, while studies based on remote sensing data are less abundant, despite crop monitoring using remote sensing-based vegetation indices having demonstrated great capabilities and operability. To help fill this gap, we present a methodology that uses a remote sensing vegetation index time series from Sentinel-2 satellite near infra-red and red spectral bands data to derive basal crop coefficient time series to subsequently be used under the Remote Sensing-based Soil Water Balance approach that follows the globally operative FAO56 procedure. It provides pixel-based temporal and spatially distributed estimations of net irrigation requirements and adjusted crop evapotranspiration, with the aim being to divide up the latter and estimate the remote sensing-based green and blue crop water use and the subsequent green and blue water footprint. This is all done under the Agricultural Water Footprint Assessment framework for a growing crop or tree. This methodology was applied over a large, crop-diverse Spanish river basin district (Júcar) and across two different climatological years (humid vs. dry). Its feasibility was demonstrated by the acceptable behaviour of the remote sensing-based blue crop water use estimation for different herbaceous and woody crops, against the official dataset for irrigation water accounting at two water management scales (of a relative mean absolute error of 15.4 % in the case of the largest water user association and of 17.1 % in the case of the river basin water authorities’ own estimations). The proposed approach, which we call Remote Sensing-based Agricultural Water Accounting and Footprint, aims to provide reliable and accurate spatially and temporally distributed thematic cartography about the remote sensing-based blue and green crop water use and water footprint. This information is essential for water managers with the goal of generating transparent and complementary information to incorporate into their own working scales.

Role of gram-panchayath and water user cooperative society (WUCS) in utilization of MGNREGA scheme in Malaprabha command area

Role of gram-panchayath and water user cooperative society (WUCS) in utilization of MGNREGA scheme in Malaprabha command area

Remote Sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Smart Agriculture Technology Trends of the Future

The efficient and sustainable operation of the agricultural sector has become increasingly important in light of the transformations brought about by the third and fourth industrial revolutions. Population growth, increasing food demand, rising input costs, and environmental pressures necessitate innovative approaches not only to ensure food security but also to mitigate the effects of climate change. The European Union (EU) emphasizes the role of digital technologies in supporting agricultural productivity and resilience by promoting a bio-based economy. Strategies such as Farm to Fork (F2F) initiative aim to reduce pesticide and nutrient inputs, thus preserving biodiversity and supporting ecosystem health. Artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics, along with connected sensors, offer opportunities to optimize water and nutrient usage and increase crop yields. By utilizing AI, combining remote sensing technologies, and monitoring changes in land use, it is possible to reduce environmental risks associated with agricultural practices. Although there are challenges such as high investment costs and data control for the integration of digital technologies, ongoing research and development efforts promise to overcome these obstacles. In conclusion, the integration of digital technologies into agriculture presents unique opportunities to address urgent issues and achieve sustainability goals. This review discusses the applicability of fundamental technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Precision Agriculture (PA), and Machine Learning (ML) in making agriculture more efficient and sustainable, by enabling the perception, monitoring, collection, analysis, and extraction of meaningful insights from agricultural data.

Analysis of Plant Watering Efficiency Using IoT Technology Controlled Through Google Assistant

This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of 120 academic documents sourced from the Scopus database, which analyses the efficiency of crop watering systems utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology controlled via Google Assistant. The review explores key advances in IoT-based irrigation systems, highlighting how real-time data from sensors and voice-controlled automation improve water efficiency and user experience. The findings reveal that IoT systems can reduce water wastage by 25-30%, optimise plant health, and offer convenience through voice commands. However, challenges such as connectivity issues, high implementation costs, and system maintenance complexity also need to be addressed. This paper discusses potential future research directions, including scalability, AI integration, and cost-effective solutions to expand the adoption of these technologies in agriculture and horticulture.

Evaluating the economic influence of water sources on green hydrogen production: A cost analysis approach

The production of green hydrogen requires significant water usage, making the economic evaluation of different water sources crucial for optimizing the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH). This study examines the economic impact of using seawater, groundwater, grid water, industrial wastewater, and rainwater for hydrogen production through PEM electrolysis considering the water abstraction, transport, treatment, and storage costs across various plant sizes (1 MW, 10 MW, 20 MW, 50 MW, and 100 MW) were assessed and a sensitivity analysis on electricity prices was conducted. Findings reveal that while water-related costs are minimal (<2% of LCOH), transport distance significantly impacts LCOH, sometimes exceeding 10%. Future studies should integrate life cycle analysis and sustainability criteria beyond economic factors, considering social, ecological, and technical dimensions.

Zero Produced Water Discharge Innovation in Production Fluid Management for Sustainability and Financial Efficiency

This paper will present the sustainability initiatives of PHI Tanjung Field obtained from the evaluation of existing oil and gas production activities. Through the Plan-Do-Check Action (PDCA) approach, based on the results of life cycle assessment and focus group discussions from managers and engineers in Tanjung Field, the identification of priority problems is related to the management of production fluid generated from outside the existing production facility process. Through a fishbone diagram approach to find out the root of the problem followed by Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) including Pareto diagrams and risk map analysis to get priority risk problems in the form of production fluid processing methods. Furthermore, through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach, the alternative solution taken is to modify the production fluid processing with CSSR (Contain, Sediment, Separate, Recovery) innovation. The results of this CSSR innovation are no more produced water is discharged into the environment so that the Tanjung Field Manager’s policy of moving towards zero produced water discharge is achieved. With this innovation, the processing efficiency of the production fluid in 2nd year (prediction) after innovation is 97.5%, up from 66.6% in initial year before innovation. By optimizing the use of produced water, the need for clean water for the injection program can be minimized. The reduction of clean water usage from Initial year to 2nd year (prediction) is 83.1%. The efficiency ratio of this innovation is 11.10 &gt; 1 indicates that the program generates more savings and revenue than its cost, making it a worthwhile investment. In energy reduction, the effectiveness of this innovation from Initial year to 2nd year (prediction) is reducing energy by 94.96%. In emission reduction, the reduction of CO2 emission load from Initial year to 2nd year (prediction) is 95%. This innovation contributes to the 6th Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) “Clean Water and Sanitation,” the 7th SDGs “Clean and Affordable Energy,” the 12th SDGs “Responsible Consumption and Production,” 13th SDGs “Handling Climate Change,” and the 14th SDGs “Ocean Ecosystems.”

Integrating cultural perspectives in online ablution water usage monitoring: a design for sustainability

Integrating cultural perspectives in online ablution water usage monitoring: a design for sustainability

Hydrogen production from treated wastewater powered by solar–wind energy: Feasibility analysis and optimal planning

Wastewater treatment plants can provide a sustainable solution for hydrogen production by harnessing renewable energy and using treated water as feedstock as hydrogen demands in the future are expected to increase significantly. This study provides a decision-making model that enables the determination of optimal capacities of solar power, wind power, reverse osmosis, electrolyser, storage tank, and optimal hourly grid import. Such a project simultaneously provides electricity for hydrogen production and wastewater treatment, and sells hydrogen and renewable energy certificates. The planning aims to maximise the annual profits and renewable energy ratio. The case study shows that coupling a 120,000 m3/day plant scale with a 5 ton/day hydrogen facility shows a gross profit margin of 35.2%, a payback period of 7.2 years. This outperforms scenarios that exclude land and energy constraints in wastewater treatment plants. The influence of renewable energy ratios, hydrogen demand, and the prospective water usage for future regional scenario are further discussed.

Naringenin and caffeic acid increase ethanol production in yeast cells by reducing very high gravity fermentation-related oxidative stress.

Very high gravity (VHG) fermentation is an industrial-scale process utilizing a sugar concentration above 250g/L to attain a significant ethanol concentration, with the advantages of decreased labor, production costs, water usage, bacterial contamination, and energy consumption. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of the most extensively employed organisms in ethanol fermentation through VHG technology. Conversely, high glucose exposure leads to numerous stress factors that negatively impact the ethanol production efficiency of this organism. Here, the impact of various phytochemicals added to the VHG medium on viability, glucose consumption, ethanol production efficiency, total antioxidant-oxidant status (TAS and TOS), and the response of the enzymatic antioxidant system of yeast were investigated. 2.0 mM naringenin and caffeic acid increased ethanol production by 2.453 ± 0.198 and 1.261 ± 0.138-fold, respectively. The glucose consumption rate exhibited a direct relationship with ethanol production in the naringenin-supplemented group. The highest TAS was determined as 0.734 ± 0.044 mmol Trolox Eq./L in the same group. Furthermore, both phytochemical compounds exhibited robust positive correlations with TAS (rnaringenin = 0.9986; rcaffeic acid = 0.9553) and TOS levels (rnaringenin = -0.9824; rcaffeic acid = -0.9791). While naringenin caused statistically significant increases in glutathione reductase (GR) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities, caffeic acid significantly increased TrxR and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Both phytochemicals seem to impact the ethanol production ability by regulating the redox status of the cells. We believe that the incorporation of particularly cost-effective antioxidants into the fermentation medium may serve as an alternative way to enhance the efficiency of bioethanol production using VHG technology.

Shale Mechanics in Deep Drilling: Enhancing Stability and Efficiency Through AI and Hydraulic Fracturing

Shale mechanics is a critical field in the drilling process, especially during deep drilling and the development of unconventional resources, where shale formations present various challenges. Given the diverse and multi-scale nature of shale, mechanical characteristics such as brittleness, fracture toughness, and stress behavior must be effectively controlled to ensure wellbore stability, optimize fracture treatments, and enhance drilling efficiency. Key areas of interest in this review include wellbore stability, hydraulic fracturing methods, and the application of innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). The current literature was extensively reviewed, with an emphasis on major papers addressing various aspects of shale mechanics. The appropriate selection of fluid and mud weight has been identified as critical for maintaining wellbore stability. Despite advances in hydraulic fracturing technology that have improved production efficiency, environmental concerns - particularly regarding water usage and chemical management - remain significant. Furthermore, the integration of AI and ML has enhanced production forecasts and resource estimation, though challenges related to data quality and availability persist. A review of the current state of knowledge in shale mechanics indicates that further progress will require improved geomechanical models, advanced monitoring tools, and environmentally sustainable strategies.

What is behind water user satisfaction with irrigation organizations´ performance? An empirical analysis under different water scarcity conditions

The level of satisfaction of individuals within a community sharing a common pool resource is essential to strengthening collective actions. In the case of irrigation water, which is becoming a critical resource due to its declining availability in many regions worldwide, the satisfaction level in Water User Associations (WUAs) is not guaranteed and also varies across individuals within these organizations. This study analyzed the satisfaction of users in WUAs and identified organization- and user-level characteristics associated with it. Using a sample of 393 users of 20 WUAs from the Mediterranean portion of Chile, we performed confirmatory factor analysis, correlational analyses, and multilevel regressions. A composite indicator of user satisfaction showed significant correlations with the positive evaluation of the WUA staff performance, the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement, and the confidence that other users do not withdraw more water than they are allocated. We also compared users’ satisfaction levels from WUAs facing higher and lower water scarcity problems and found that user satisfaction is significantly higher in the latter case. The results of the multilevel econometric models show that in WUAs under higher water scarcity, user satisfaction is affected by several structural characteristics (water withdrawal mechanism and location along the canal) and users' human and social capital variables (experience, education, and participation in organizations); in contrast, in WUAs with a low level of scarcity, few covariates were significant while unobserved characteristics became more relevant (34 % of total variance explanation). Our study contributes to the existing literature on user satisfaction in community resource management, which could be useful to promote effective and cohesive governance structures as, ultimately, users determine cooperation rates and willingness to participate in WUA actions.

Evidence of emotions and psychological defences in urban water-efficiency campaigns’ communications

ABSTRACT We analysed fourteen different American water-efficiency campaigns for evidence of (1) explicit and implicit emotions, (2) explicit and implicit mortality reminders, and (3) cultural worldview appeals that could offer water users self-esteem–striving and worldview-defending opportunities. Self-esteem–striving and worldview defences are components of terror management theory’s distal defences, which are used to repress discomforting mortality awareness. We discussed the implications for conservation campaigns containing mortality reminders and/or distal defence opportunities and considered how these potentially undermine residential water-efficiency efforts. Finally, we offered practical recommendations for scholars and practitioners responsible for developing water-efficiency campaigns.

Accumulation of Cd and Pb in soils irrigated with sewage and non-sewage water in Prayagraj, India

Unmanaged agricultural fields and the extended usage of sewage irrigation water can raise the concentration of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the soil, turning it into barren soil. The study was conducted during 2022-23 at four sewage and non-sewage irrigated sites in Prayagraj namely Naini, Baxibandh, Rasulabad and Draupadi Ghat. The representative soil samples were taken at depths of 0-15, 15-30, 30-45 and 45-60 cm. Di-acid mixture method was used for the estimation of heavy metals (Cd and Pb) in the soil sample by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer) (AAnalyst600, Perkin Elmer Inc., MA, USA). Contamination factor (CF) and enrichment factor % (EF) of different sites showed various results which fulfill the basic criteria of present and future prospective of research. The highest concentration of Cd and Pb was found in the surface layer (0-15 cm) of sewage and non-sewage irrigated sites at Naini i.e., Cd (4.46±0.42 and 1.05±0.08 mg/kg) and Pb (6.53±0.62 and 1.18±0.12 mg/kg) respectively. The lowest concentration of Cd and Pb was found in the sub-surface layer (45-60 cm) of sewage and non-sewage irrigated sites at Draupadi Ghat i.e., Cd (1.02±0.09 and 0.16±0.01 mg/kg) and Pb (1.68±0.12 and 0.18±0.01 mg/kg) respectively. The concentration of heavy metals cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) declined with soil profile depth in both sewage and non-sewage irrigated soils. The long-term persistence of heavy metal contamination in soil can lead to severe issues; therefore, regular monitoring of sewage-irrigated soils is necessary to minimize heavy metal pollution.

Environmental impact of modern agricultural practices: Strategies for reducing carbon footprint and promoting conservation

Modern agricultural practices have significantly transformed food production, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. However, these advancements have also had notable environmental impacts, particularly concerning carbon emissions and resource depletion. This study explores the environmental impact of contemporary agricultural practices, emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate carbon footprints and enhance conservation efforts. Agriculture contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions through sources such as livestock, synthetic fertilizers, and fossil fuel consumption. These emissions contribute to climate change and global warming. Additionally, modern farming practices often lead to deforestation, habitat loss, and soil degradation, exacerbating biodiversity loss and reducing soil health. Water usage in agriculture also poses significant challenges, with high water consumption and pollution from runoff affecting water resources and aquatic ecosystems. To address these issues, several strategies can be employed to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture. Adoption of sustainable farming practices such as conservation tillage and no-till farming can enhance soil carbon sequestration, improving soil health and reducing emissions. Agroforestry and cover cropping further contribute by capturing atmospheric carbon and improving soil structure. The integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power in farming operations, along with energy-efficient technologies, can also reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower overall greenhouse gas emissions. Promoting conservation involves implementing practices that protect and restore natural resources. Soil conservation methods, including erosion control techniques like terracing and contour plowing, help maintain soil health and prevent degradation. Efficient water management strategies, such as drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting, reduce water consumption and mitigate pollution from runoff. Biodiversity conservation can be supported through the preservation of natural habitats and the promotion of biodiverse farming systems, which enhance ecosystem resilience and stability. Effective policy frameworks and support mechanisms are crucial for driving the adoption of these strategies. Government policies, including environmental regulations and incentives, play a pivotal role in encouraging sustainable practices. Research and innovation are essential for developing new technologies and practices, while education and extension services ensure the dissemination of knowledge and best practices to farmers. Modern agricultural practices have significant environmental impacts, but through the adoption of sustainable practices and innovative strategies, it is possible to reduce carbon footprints and promote conservation. Continued research, supportive policies, and effective implementation of conservation strategies are essential for achieving a more sustainable agricultural future. Keywords: Environmental Impact, Agricultural Practices, Carbon Footprint.

Drivers of variability in surf zone habitat use by sandy beach fish: Unwitting citizen scientists reveal detailed spatiotemporal patterns

Surf zones of sandy beaches are among the most heavily impacted aquatic ecosystems, yet are of critical ecological importance for inshore fish and fisheries. Knowledge of the drivers of fish habitat use in surf zones is needed across broad scales to advise conservation and fisheries management, but sampling capabilities can be limited in spatio-temporal extent and resolution. The lesser weever Echiichthys vipera is a small, benthic, venomous fish that dominates surf zone fish assemblages in Northwest Europe and inflicts painful stings on beachgoers. This study capitalises on an extensive record of E. vipera sting incidents to characterise variations in surf zone habitat use in relation to key physical environmental factors. Sting incidents, standardised by water user numbers, are used as a proxy for E. vipera abundance across 77 beaches throughout Southwest England, with 2 h resolution, from April–November 2018. General Additive Models indicated a clear peak in E. vipera abundance at spring low tides, in the afternoons of summer months, under calmer wave conditions and at higher levels of solar irradiance. Although the order of significance differed, human water users were also driven by the same variables, compounding sting interactions over time. Key physical variables did not explain spatial variation in E. vipera abundance, although there was a weak relationship with sea surface temperature, and some evidence that reflective beaches are unsuitable. Physical factors explained more spatial variation in human water users, who gathered at more dissipative beaches with greater wave heights. This detailed study of an important surf zone fish reveals clear drivers of temporal variation in habitat use, yet infers wide suitability of beaches varying in the key physical drivers of sandy shore ecology.

Are Water Use Efficiency and Effectiveness Relatively Lower in Arid Zones? Comparative Analyses of the Water Productivity of Typical Crops

Agriculture is the largest water user of all sectors. In arid regions in particular, achieving efficient water use in agriculture is an important way to solve water scarcity. However, the difference in water use efficiency between arid and humid regions has long been a focus of academic debate. Many studies consider water use efficiency to be higher in humid areas due to the abundance of water resources. This view is based on the fact that less irrigation in humid areas may lead to higher crop yields and better conditions for agricultural production; however, it ignores the efforts of researchers and agricultural workers in arid zones who have attempted to develop efficient water-saving technologies, as well as the effect of natural conditions on agricultural production. Correctly evaluating the efficiency of agricultural water use in arid zones is important for achieving efficient use of water resources, as well as for water management decisions. This study calculates the yield structure and water productivity of typical crops in both arid and humid regions in China based on the footprint theory and other methodologies. This approach allows for an accurate assessment of irrigation water benefits in various regions, providing a scientific basis for improving agricultural water use efficiency under different climatic conditions. The study results indicate that the average reliance on blue water for wheat and cotton gradually increases from 49.9% to 93.6% as regional aridity intensifies, ranging from the Central China Humid Region to the Northwest China Arid Region. Similarly, the average contribution of blue water to crop yield rises from 31.0% to 100%, while irrigation water productivity increases from 0.27 kg·m−3 to 0.53 kg·m−3. Finally, this study concludes that, in arid zones with lower precipitation and more hours of sunshine, a higher dependence on blue water for crop growth and development leads to a higher productivity of irrigation water. In addition, in arid zones, the focus should be on optimizing the use of irrigation water and improving irrigation technology and efficiency, while, in humid zones, there should be more use of natural precipitation to efficiently reduce dependence on irrigation water.