Water

22 pages, 33086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mapping Interflow Potential and the Validation of Index-Overlay Weightings by Using Coupled Surface Water and Groundwater Flow Model

by Chuen-Fa Ni, Quoc-Dung Tran, I-Hsien Lee, Minh-Hoang Truong and Shaohua Marko Hsu

Water 2021, 13(17), 2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172452 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4204

Abstract

Interflow is an important water source contributing to river flow. It directly influences the near-surface water cycles for water resource management. This study focuses on assessing the interflow potential and quantifying the interflow in the downstream area along the Kaoping River in southern [...] Read more.

Interflow is an important water source contributing to river flow. It directly influences the near-surface water cycles for water resource management. This study focuses on assessing the interflow potential and quantifying the interflow in the downstream area along the Kaoping River in southern Taiwan. The interflow potential is first determined based on the modified index-overlay model, which employs the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to calculate the ratings and weightings of the selected factors. The groundwater and surface water flow (GSFLOW) numerical model is then used to link the index-overlay model to quantify the interflow potential for practical applications. This study uses the Monte Carlo simulations to assess the influence of rainfall-induced variations on the interflow uncertainty in the study area. Results show that the high potential interflow zones are located in the high to middle elevation regions along the Kaoping River. Numerical simulations of the GSFLOW model show an interflow variation pattern that is similar to the interflow potential results obtained from the index-overlay model. The average interflow rates are approximately 3.5 × 10⁴ (m³/d) in the high elevation zones and 2.0 × 10⁴ (m³/d) near the coastal zones. The rainfall uncertainty strongly influences interflow rates in the wet seasons, especially the peaks of the storms or heavy rainfall events. Interflow rates are relatively stable in the dry seasons, indicating that interflow is a reliable water resource in the study area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Groundwater Flow and Transport Models)

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22 pages, 5277 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Towards a Comprehensive Assessment of Statistical versus Soft Computing Models in Hydrology: Application to Monthly Pan Evaporation Prediction

by Mohammad Zounemat-Kermani, Behrooz Keshtegar, Ozgur Kisi and Miklas Scholz

Water 2021, 13(17), 2451; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172451 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2626

Abstract

This paper evaluates six soft computational models along with three statistical data-driven models for the prediction of pan evaporation (EP). Accordingly, improved kriging—as a novel statistical model—is proposed for accurate predictions of EP for two meteorological stations in Turkey. In the standard kriging [...] Read more.

This paper evaluates six soft computational models along with three statistical data-driven models for the prediction of pan evaporation (EP). Accordingly, improved kriging—as a novel statistical model—is proposed for accurate predictions of EP for two meteorological stations in Turkey. In the standard kriging model, the input data nonlinearity effects are increased by using a nonlinear map and transferring input data from a polynomial to an exponential basic function. The accuracy, precision, and over/under prediction tendencies of the response surface method, kriging, improved kriging, multilayer perceptron neural network using the Levenberg–Marquardt (MLP-LM) as well as a conjugate gradient (MLP-CG), radial basis function neural network (RBFNN), multivariate adaptive regression spline (MARS), M5Tree and support vector regression (SVR) were compared. Overall, all the applied models were highly capable of predicting monthly EP in both stations with a mean absolute error (MAE) < 0.77 mm and a Willmott index (d) > 0.95. Considering periodicity as an input parameter, the MLP-LM provided better results than the other methods among the soft computing models (MAE = 0.492 mm and d = 0.981). However, the improved kriging method surpassed all the other models based on the statistical measures (MAE = 0.471 mm and d = 0.983). Finally, the outcomes of the Mann–Whitney test indicated that the applied soft computational models do not have significant superiority over the statistical ones (p-value > 0.65 at α = 0.01 and α = 0.05). Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)

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16 pages, 37169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation of Rainfall-Runoff Process in a Catchment with a Check-Dam System Equipped with a Perforated Riser Principal Spillway on the Loess Plateau of China

by Zeyu Zhang, Junrui Chai, Shuilong Yuan, Zhanbin Li and Zengguang Xu

Water 2021, 13(17), 2450; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172450 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2647

Abstract

Check dams are applied worldwide as an effective approach for soil and water conservation. To improve the simulation accuracy of the hydrological processes in a catchment with a check-dam system, this study analyzed the applicability and accuracy of a formula for the drainage [...] Read more.

Check dams are applied worldwide as an effective approach for soil and water conservation. To improve the simulation accuracy of the hydrological processes in a catchment with a check-dam system, this study analyzed the applicability and accuracy of a formula for the drainage process of a perforated riser principal spillway based on observational experiments. The rainfall-runoff processes in a catchment with a check-dam system were also simulated with the recommended formulas for the drainage process of a perforated riser principal spillway. The deviations in the calculated discharge from the observed values of the experiment with the recommended formulas under normal and abnormal working conditions were within ±15% and ±5%, respectively. The hydrologic model used in this study needed only a few parameters to achieve a satisfactory simulation accuracy. The recommended formulas for the drainage process of a perforated riser principal spillway can improve the simulation accuracy of a flood peak by 7.42% and 19.58% compared with the accuracies of the technical code formula scenario and no drainage scenario, respectively. The results of this study are expected to provide a reference for flood warnings and safe operations of check-dam systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)

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45 pages, 21137 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dolomitization of Paleozoic Successions, Huron Domain of Southern Ontario, Canada: Fluid Flow and Dolomite Evolution

by Ihsan S. Al-Aasm, Richard Crowe and Marco Tortola

Water 2021, 13(17), 2449; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172449 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3797

Abstract

Integrated petrographic, isotopic, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and geochemical analyses of Paleozoic carbonate successions from multiple boreholes within the Huron Domain, southern Ontario were conducted to characterize the diagenetic history and fluid composition, on a regional scale, and evaluate the nature and origin of [...] Read more.

Integrated petrographic, isotopic, fluid inclusion microthermometry, and geochemical analyses of Paleozoic carbonate successions from multiple boreholes within the Huron Domain, southern Ontario were conducted to characterize the diagenetic history and fluid composition, on a regional scale, and evaluate the nature and origin of dolomitized beds. Multiple generations of non-stochiometric dolomite have been observed. These dolomites occur as both replacement (D1 and D2) and cement (saddle dolomite; SD) and formed either at near-surface to shallow burial zone (D1) or intermediate burial (D2 and SD). Petrographic and geochemical data of dolomite types and calcite cement suggest that these carbonates have experienced multiple fluid events that affected dolomite formation and other diagenetic processes. Cambrian and Ordovician strata have two possibly isolated diagenetic fluid systems; an earlier fluid system that is characterized by a pronounced negative shift in oxygen and carbon isotopic composition, more radiogenic Sr ratios, warm and saline signatures, higher average ∑REE compared to warm water marine brachiopods, negative La anomaly, and positive Ce anomaly; and a later Ordovician system, characterized by less negative shifts in oxygen and carbon isotopes, comparable Th, hypersaline, a less radiogenic, less negative La anomaly, and primarily positive Ce anomaly but also higher average ∑REE compared to warm water marine brachiopods. Ordovician, Silurian, and Devonian Sr isotopic ratios, however, show seawater composition of their respective age as the primary source of diagenetic fluids with minor rock/water interactions. In contrast, the isotopic data of the overlying Silurian and Devonian carbonates show overlaps between δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O values. However, δ¹⁸O values show evidence of dolomite recrystallization. D2 shows wide T_h values and medium to high salinity values. Higher Th and salinity are observed in SD in the Silurian carbonates, which suggest the involvement of localized fluxes of hydrothermal fluids during its formation during Paleozoic orogenesis. Geochemical proxies suggest that in both age groups the diagenetic fluids were originally of coeval seawater composition, subsequently modified via water-rock interaction possibly related to brines, which were modified by the dissolution of Silurian evaporites from the Salina series. The integration of the obtained data in the present study demonstrates the linkage between fluid flux history, fluid compartmentalization, and related diagenesis during the regional tectonic evolution of the Michigan Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Diagenetic Alterations on Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Water Aquifers)

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18 pages, 2795 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pilot-Scale Groundwater Monitoring Network for Earthquake Surveillance and Forecasting Research in Korea

by Hyun A Lee, Se-Yeong Hamm and Nam C. Woo

Water 2021, 13(17), 2448; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172448 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3053

Abstract

Although there is skepticism about the likelihood of predictive success, research on the prediction of an earthquake through precursory changes in natural parameters, including groundwater, has continued for decades. One of the promising precursors is the changes in groundwater, i.e., the level and [...] Read more.

Although there is skepticism about the likelihood of predictive success, research on the prediction of an earthquake through precursory changes in natural parameters, including groundwater, has continued for decades. One of the promising precursors is the changes in groundwater, i.e., the level and composition of groundwater, and the monitoring networks are currently operated to observe earthquake-related changes in several countries situated at the seismically active zone. In Korea, the seismic hazards had not been significantly considered for decades since the seismic activity was relatively low; however, the public demands on the management and prediction of earthquakes were raised by two moderate-size earthquakes which occurred in 2016 and 2017. Since then, a number of studies that were initiated in Korea, including this study to establish a pilot-scale groundwater-monitoring network, consisted of seven stations. The network is aimed at studying earthquake-related groundwater changes in the areas with relatively high potentials for earthquakes. Our study identified a potential precursory change in water levels at one particular station between 2018 and 2019. The observed data showed that most monitoring stations are sufficiently isolated from the diurnal natural/artificial activities and a potential precursory change of water level was observed at one station in 2018. However, to relate these abnormal changes to the earthquake, continuous monitoring and analysis are required as well as the aid of other precursors including seismicity and geodetic data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Earthquakes and Groundwater)

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25 pages, 8285 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Predicting Inflow Rate of the Soyang River Dam Using Deep Learning Techniques

by Sangwon Lee and Jaekwang Kim

Water 2021, 13(17), 2447; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172447 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 3706

Abstract

The Soyang Dam, the largest multipurpose dam in Korea, faces water resource management challenges due to global warming. Global warming increases the duration and frequency of days with high temperatures and extreme precipitation events. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately predict the inflow [...] Read more.

The Soyang Dam, the largest multipurpose dam in Korea, faces water resource management challenges due to global warming. Global warming increases the duration and frequency of days with high temperatures and extreme precipitation events. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately predict the inflow rate for water resource management because it helps plan for flood, drought, and power generation in the Seoul metropolitan area. However, the lack of hydrological data for the Soyang River Dam causes a physical-based model to predict the inflow rate inaccurately. This study uses nearly 15 years of meteorological, dam, and weather warning data to overcome the lack of hydrological data and predict the inflow rate over two days. In addition, a sequence-to-sequence (Seq2Seq) mechanism combined with a bidirectional long short-term memory (LSTM) is developed to predict the inflow rate. The proposed model exhibits state-of-the-art prediction accuracy with root mean square error (RMSE) of 44.17 m³/s and 58.59 m³/s, mean absolute error (MAE) of 14.94 m³/s and 17.11 m³/s, and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.96 and 0.94, for forecasting first and second day, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)

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4 pages, 195 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Water and Irrigation Management in Arid and Semiarid Zones

by José Roldán-Cañas and María Fátima Moreno-Pérez

Water 2021, 13(17), 2446; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172446 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4132

Abstract

As we wrote in the summary of this special issue, the purpose of this Special Issue is to report, in more detail, research of water resources management in the frame of sustainable development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water and Irrigation Management in Arid and Semiarid Zones)

17 pages, 2625 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Advanced Oxidation Processes Based on Sulfate Radicals for Wastewater Treatment: Research Trends

by Lizeth Urán-Duque, Julio César Saldarriaga-Molina and Ainhoa Rubio-Clemente

Water 2021, 13(17), 2445; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172445 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5024

Abstract

In this work, the recent trends in the application of the sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) for the treatment of wastewater polluted with emerging contaminants (ECs) and pathogenic load were systematically studied due to the high oxidizing power ascribed to these technologies. [...] Read more.

In this work, the recent trends in the application of the sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs) for the treatment of wastewater polluted with emerging contaminants (ECs) and pathogenic load were systematically studied due to the high oxidizing power ascribed to these technologies. Additionally, because of the economic benefits and the synergies presented in terms of efficiency in ECs degradation and pathogen inactivation, the combination of the referred to AOPs and conventional treatments, including biological processes, was covered. Finally, the barriers and limitations related to the implementation of SR-AOPs were described, highlighting the still scarce full-scale implementation and the high operating-costs associated, especially when solar energy cannot be used in the oxidation systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue AOP Processes for Organics Removal in Water and Wastewater)

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26 pages, 4791 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Hydrogeochemical Evolution of an Aquifer Regulated by Pyrite Oxidation and Organic Sediments

by Eugenio Sanz, Catalina Bezares, Carlos Pascual, Ignacio Menéndez Pidal and Cristina Fonolla

Water 2021, 13(17), 2444; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172444 - 6 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2647

Abstract

Detailed full-scale groundwater monitoring was carried out over a period of nine years, sampling at selected points along the groundwater flow direction in its final stretch. This established the hydrogeochemical evolution along the flow of a natural system formed by a calcareous aquifer [...] Read more.

Detailed full-scale groundwater monitoring was carried out over a period of nine years, sampling at selected points along the groundwater flow direction in its final stretch. This established the hydrogeochemical evolution along the flow of a natural system formed by a calcareous aquifer which discharges and then passes through a quaternary aquifer of lake origin which is rich in organic matter. This evolution is highly conditioned by the oxidation of pyrites that are abundant in both aquifers. In the first aquifer, one kilometre before the discharge location, oxidizing groundwater crosses a pyrite mineralization zone whose oxidation produces an important increase in sulphates and water denitrification over a short period of time. In the quaternary aquifer with peat sediments and pyrites, water experiences, over a small 500 m passage and residence time of between three and nine years, a complete reduction by way of pyrite oxidation, and a consequent increase in sulphates and the generation of hydrogen sulphuric acid. This is an example of an exceptional natural hydrogeological environment which provides guidance on hydrogeochemical processes such as denitrification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrates Pollution in Water: Sources, Pathways and Receptors)

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12 pages, 3626 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Stage-Fall-Discharge Rating Curves to a Reservoir Based on Acoustic Doppler Velocity Meter Measurement Data

by Yeonsu Kim, Sungryul Oh, Seungsoo Lee, Jisun Byun and Hyunuk An

Water 2021, 13(17), 2443; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172443 - 5 Sep 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2819

Abstract

The applicability of the stage-fall-discharge (SFD) method in combination with acoustic Doppler velocity meter (ADVM) data, upstream of a hydraulic structure, specifically, the Sejong-weir located in the Geum River, Korea, was examined. We developed three rating curves: a conventional simple rating curve with [...] Read more.

The applicability of the stage-fall-discharge (SFD) method in combination with acoustic Doppler velocity meter (ADVM) data, upstream of a hydraulic structure, specifically, the Sejong-weir located in the Geum River, Korea, was examined. We developed three rating curves: a conventional simple rating curve with the data measured using an acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP) and floating objects, an SFD rating curve with the data measured using the ADCP and floating objects, and an SFD rating curve with the data measured using an ADVM. Because of the gate operation effect, every rating curve involved many uncertainties under 1000 m³/s (3.13 m²/s, specific discharge). In terms of the hydrograph reconstruction, compared with the conventional simple rating curve, the SFD developed using ADVM data exhibited a higher agreement with the measured data in terms of the pattern. Furthermore, the measured discharge over 1000 m³/s primarily ranged between 97.5% and 2.5% in the graph comparing the ratio of the median and observed discharge. Based on this experiment, it is confirmed that the SFD rating curve with data to represent the backwater effect, such as ADVM data, can reduce the uncertainties induced by the typical rating curve Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)

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23 pages, 3280 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effectiveness of Permeable Reactive Bio-Barriers for Bioremediation of an Organohalide-Polluted Aquifer by Natural-Occurring Microbial Community

by Martina Bertolini, Sarah Zecchin, Giovanni Pietro Beretta, Patrizia De Nisi, Laura Ferrari and Lucia Cavalca

Water 2021, 13(17), 2442; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172442 - 5 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3925

Abstract

In this study, a bioremediation approach was evaluated for the decontamination of an aquifer affected by the release of organohalides by an industrial landfill. After preliminary physicochemical and microbiological characterization of the landfill groundwater, the stimulation of natural organohalide respiration by the addition [...] Read more.

In this study, a bioremediation approach was evaluated for the decontamination of an aquifer affected by the release of organohalides by an industrial landfill. After preliminary physicochemical and microbiological characterization of the landfill groundwater, the stimulation of natural organohalide respiration by the addition of a reducing substrate (i.e., molasse) was tested both at microcosm and at field scales, by the placement of an anaerobic permeable reactive bio-barrier. Illumina sequencing of cDNA 16S rRNA gene revealed that organohalide-respiring bacteria of genera Geobacter, Sulfurospirillum, Dehalococcoides, Clostridium and Shewanella were present within the aquifer microbial community, along with fermentative Firmicutes and Parvarchaeota. Microcosm experiments confirmed the presence of an active natural attenuation, which was boosted by the addition of the reducing substrate. Field tests showed that the bio-barrier decreased the concentration of chloroethenes at a rate of 23.74 kg d⁻¹. Monitoring of organohalide respiration biomarkers by qPCR and Illumina sequencing revealed that native microbial populations were involved in the dechlorination process, although their specific role still needs to be clarified. The accumulation of lower-chloroethenes suggested the need of future improvement of the present approach by supporting bacterial vinyl-chloride oxidation, to achieve a complete degradation of chloroethenes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on the Role of Microorganisms in Subsurface Contaminated Aquifers)

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14 pages, 2142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Modification of the Structure of Water and Water-Containing Systems in Changing Their Biological, Therapeutic, and Other Properties Overview

by Galina Sidorenko, Mitja Brilly, Boris Laptev, Nikolay Gorlenko, Leonid Antoshkin, Andrej Vidmar and Andrej Kryžanowski

Water 2021, 13(17), 2441; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172441 - 5 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6411

Abstract

Based on published research on modifying the structure of water and water-containing systems, we assess external influence methods: temperature, magnetic field, light radiation, and their combination. We evaluate changes in the electrophysical, photo- and pH-metric biological, therapeutic, and other properties of water systems [...] Read more.

Based on published research on modifying the structure of water and water-containing systems, we assess external influence methods: temperature, magnetic field, light radiation, and their combination. We evaluate changes in the electrophysical, photo- and pH-metric biological, therapeutic, and other properties of water systems using non-destructive electrophysical research methods, i.e., thermometry, pH, laser interference, dynamic light scattering, microelectrophoresis, conductivity, surface tension, dielectric constant, polarimetric measurements, atomic force microscopy, and UV and EPR spectroscopy. The effects of temperature or magnetic field lead to a change in the content and size of water clusters, and physicochemical, biological, therapeutic, and other changes in the properties of water and water-containing systems. The combined effect of a magnetic field and curative mud and the impact of magnetised mineral water have a more pronounced therapeutic effect than only mineral water or curative mud. The data presented indirectly indicate structural changes in water and water-containing systems. We conclude that the primary mechanism of action of a magnetic field, light, or a combination of these factors on water and water-containing systems, including mineral water and therapeutic mud, is a change in the structure of water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Emerging Solutions for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene)

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16 pages, 5928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inland and Coastal Bathing Water Quality in the Last Decade (2011–2020): Croatia vs. Region vs. EU

by Slaven Jozić, Vanja Baljak, Arijana Cenov, Dražen Lušić, Dominik Galić, Marin Glad, Daniel Maestro, Nerma Maestro, Damir Kapetanović, Romina Kraus, Sandra Marinac-Pupavac and Darija Vukić Lušić

Water 2021, 13(17), 2440; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172440 - 5 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3635

Abstract

Europe is one of the leading tourist destinations where tourism is one of the key economic sectors. The quality of bathing waters is a very important factor when choosing a vacation destination. Croatia recognized this early and was one of the first Mediterranean [...] Read more.

Europe is one of the leading tourist destinations where tourism is one of the key economic sectors. The quality of bathing waters is a very important factor when choosing a vacation destination. Croatia recognized this early and was one of the first Mediterranean countries to start systematic monitoring of bathing waters. On the other hand, monitoring of inland bathing waters is relatively new and includes a much smaller number of sites (41) compared to coastal waters (894). The aim of this paper was to summarize and analyze the water quality of inland and coastal bathing sites of Croatia, closer regions (non-EU Member States) and in the EU for the last decade. The share of excellent water quality in EU Member States increased by 10.1% and 6.6% for inland and coastal waters, respectively (2011–2020). Germany recorded the highest proportion of excellent water quality for inland waters (92.2%) and Cyprus for coastal waters (99.3%). Looking at the 10-year average of the proportion of bathing waters with excellent quality, the proportion of coastal bathing sites exceeds that of inland waters by 7.1%. It is clear that additional efforts should be made to improve the management and monitoring of inland waters. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Healthy Recreational Waters: Sanitation and Safety Issues)

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11 pages, 2158 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Total Control of Total Nitrogen in the Laizhou Bay

by Haohong Peng, Haoyi Geng, Xinyan Mao, Jie Shi and Xianqing Lv

Water 2021, 13(17), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172439 - 5 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2758

Abstract

Human activity imposes a stronger and increasing impact on the coastal environment by land-based discharge and run-off pollution inputs. Land-based total nitrogen (TN) pollution, as the main cause of eutrophication in the Laizhou Bay, China, should be controlled effectively. Based on a three-dimensional [...] Read more.

Human activity imposes a stronger and increasing impact on the coastal environment by land-based discharge and run-off pollution inputs. Land-based total nitrogen (TN) pollution, as the main cause of eutrophication in the Laizhou Bay, China, should be controlled effectively. Based on a three-dimensional pollution transport model, 20 groups of allocation schemes were designed under the requirement that the allocations of three estuaries in the inner bay were adjusted properly, while the two estuaries in the outer bay, i.e., the Yellow River and the Jiehe River, were kept unchanged. The statistical results show that the area ratio of heavily polluted seawater to the entire Laizhou Bay reached the maximum (35.14%) when the load allocation of the Xiaoqinghe River accounted for a high proportion (65%), and the Yuhe River and the Jiaolaihe River accounted for 15% and 20%, respectively. Overall, the pollution levels of the Laizhou Bay were positively associated with the allocation of the Xiaoqinghe River. Reducing pollutant allocation in the Xiaoqinghe River contributed most to the improvement of the seawater quality of the entire Laizhou Bay, and it was followed by a reduction in the Yuhe River and the Jiaolaihe River. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pollution in Estuaries and Coastal Marine Waters)

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15 pages, 2067 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Non-Metallic Organic Tanning Agents with a Double-Triazine Structure on the Microbial Community Structure in Wastewater

by Zhifen Xu, Hongrui Ma, Areeb Hassan, Chengtao Li and Xihuai Qiang

Water 2021, 13(17), 2438; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172438 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2518

Abstract

This study examined the correlation between non-metallic organic tanning agents (NOTAs) and wastewater containing double-triazine (bistriazine). Specifically, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze how the physical and chemical properties of the bistriazine-containing wastewater affected the microbial community. In total, 9995 operating taxonomy units [...] Read more.

This study examined the correlation between non-metallic organic tanning agents (NOTAs) and wastewater containing double-triazine (bistriazine). Specifically, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze how the physical and chemical properties of the bistriazine-containing wastewater affected the microbial community. In total, 9995 operating taxonomy units (OTUs) were detected at a similarity level of 97%. According to the taxonomy results and relative bacterial richness, the non-metallic organic tanning agent (NOTA) wastewater communities showed significant differences. Clostridium sensu stricto and Turicibacter bacteria were dominant in NOTA T2, T3, and the blank control (KB) wastewater; Trichococcus and Aeromonas were dominant in NOTA T4; and Pseudomonas was dominant in T2, T4, and the blank control (KB). Thus, the addition of bistriazine ring derivatives altered the composition of the bacterial community. Furthermore, Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed a substantial correlation in the composition of the communities and the physicochemical properties of the wastewater. Acidocella and norank c Cyanobacteria correlated positively with Total Phosphorus (TP) (p ≤ 0.001) and Mycobacterium showed a positively held correlation with pH (p ≤ 0.05). Conversely, norank_f__Elev-16S-1332 indicated a negative correlation with TP, Total Nitrogen (TN), and Total Organic Carbon (TOC) (p ≤ 0.05), whereas Zoogloea correlated negatively with NH₃–N, TOC, and TN (p ≤ 0.05). Regarding water quality, a significant correlation between microbial communities and the physicochemical properties of bistriazine wastewater was also observed (p ≤ 0.05). We concluded that Trichococcus, Clostridium sensu stricto, Turicibacter, Pseudomonas, Intestinibacter, Acidocella, Bacillus, and Tolumonas showed a high tolerance for bistriazine wastewater, which could offer insight into its bioremediation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)

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16 pages, 5252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Aquifer Parameters Estimation from Natural Groundwater Level Fluctuations at the Mexican Wine-Producing Region Guadalupe Valley, BC

by Mario A. Fuentes-Arreazola, Jorge Ramírez-Hernández, Rogelio Vázquez-González, Diana Núñez, Alejandro Díaz-Fernández and Javier González-Ramírez

Water 2021, 13(17), 2437; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172437 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3273

Abstract

Determining hydrogeological properties of the rock materials that constitute an aquifer through stress tests or laboratory tests presents inherent complications. An alternative tool that has significant advantages is the study of the groundwater-level response as a result of the pore-pressure variation caused by [...] Read more.

Determining hydrogeological properties of the rock materials that constitute an aquifer through stress tests or laboratory tests presents inherent complications. An alternative tool that has significant advantages is the study of the groundwater-level response as a result of the pore-pressure variation caused by the internal structure deformation of the aquifer induced by barometric pressure and solid Earth tide. The purpose of this study was to estimate the values of the physical/hydraulic properties of the geological materials that constitute the Guadalupe Valley Aquifer based on the analysis of the groundwater-level response to barometric pressure and solid Earth tide. Representative values of specific storage (1.27 × 10⁻⁶ to 2.78 × 10⁻⁶ m⁻¹), porosity (14–34%), storage coefficient (3.10 × 10⁻⁵ to 10.45 × 10⁻⁵), transmissivity (6.67 × 10⁻⁷ to 1.29 × 10⁻⁴ m²∙s⁻¹), and hydraulic conductivity (2.30 × 10⁻³ to 2.97 × 10⁻¹ m∙d⁻¹) were estimated. The values obtained are consistent with the type of geological materials identified in the vicinity of the analyzed wells and values reported in previous studies. This analysis represents helpful information that can be considered a framework to design and assess management strategies for groundwater resources in the overexploited Guadalupe Valley Aquifer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geo-Environmental Approaches for the Analysis and Assessment of Groundwater Resources at Catchment-Scale)

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18 pages, 316 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Governing Water Resource Allocation: Water User Association Characteristics and the Role of the State

by Alejandra Engler, Oscar Melo, Francisca Rodríguez, Bárbara Peñafiel and Roberto Jara-Rojas

Water 2021, 13(17), 2436; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172436 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3433

Abstract

Water, as a common pool resource, is threatened by the possibility of overextraction generating a negative economic impact, conflicts among users, and greater income inequality. Scholars have discussed different governance approaches to deal with this threat, including centralized governance and self-governance, and lately, [...] Read more.

Water, as a common pool resource, is threatened by the possibility of overextraction generating a negative economic impact, conflicts among users, and greater income inequality. Scholars have discussed different governance approaches to deal with this threat, including centralized governance and self-governance, and lately, special attention has been paid to the interactions between formal institutions (the state) and local water user associations and how this promotes self-governance. The aim of this paper was to examine the adoption of Ostrom’s design principles present in the legal norms dictated in the Chilean Water Code by water user associations and to analyze the roles of their size, community homogeneity, and perceived water stress on adopting legal norms. The results showed that water communities generally follow the rules established in the Water Code, but the voting system, distribution of water, and fee payment are adjusted in small and homogenous water user associations. We can also conclude that a cornerstone in the system is implementing graduated sanctions, as water users see the tools provided by the Water Code as ineffective. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Resources Management, Policy and Governance)

20 pages, 4345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dissolved Oxygen in a Shallow Ice-Covered Lake in Winter: Effect of Changes in Light, Thermal and Ice Regimes

by Galina Zdorovennova, Nikolay Palshin, Sergey Golosov, Tatiana Efremova, Boris Belashev, Sergey Bogdanov, Irina Fedorova, Ilia Zverev, Roman Zdorovennov and Arkady Terzhevik

Water 2021, 13(17), 2435; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172435 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5539

Abstract

Oxygen conditions in ice-covered lakes depend on many factors, which, in turn, are influenced by a changing climate, so detection of the oxygen trend becomes difficult. Our research was based on data of long-term measurements of dissolved oxygen (2007–2020), water temperature, under-ice solar [...] Read more.

Oxygen conditions in ice-covered lakes depend on many factors, which, in turn, are influenced by a changing climate, so detection of the oxygen trend becomes difficult. Our research was based on data of long-term measurements of dissolved oxygen (2007–2020), water temperature, under-ice solar radiation, and snow-ice thickness (1995–2020) in Lake Vendyurskoe (Northwestern Russia). Changes of air temperature and precipitation in the study region during 1994–2020 and ice phenology of Lake Vendyurskoe for the same period based on field data and FLake model calculations were analyzed. The interannual variability of ice-on and ice-off dates covered wide time intervals (5 and 3 weeks, respectively), but no significant trends were revealed. In years with early ice-on, oxygen content decreased by more than 50% by the end of winter. In years with late ice-on and intermediate ice-off, the oxygen decrease was less than 40%. A significant negative trend was revealed for snow-ice cover thickness in spring. A climatic decrease of snow-ice cover thickness contributes to the rise of under-ice irradiance and earlier onset of under-ice convection. In years with early and long convection, an increase in oxygen content by 10–15% was observed at the end of the ice-covered period, presumably due to photosynthesis of phytoplankton. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Processes in Lakes)

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21 pages, 4909 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Laying the Groundwork for Raising Awareness on Water Related Issues with a Socio-Hydrogeological Approach: The Inle Lake Case Study (Southern Shan State, Myanmar)

by Viviana Re, Myat Mon Thin, Chiara Tringali, Mya Mya, Enrico Destefanis and Elisa Sacchi

Water 2021, 13(17), 2434; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172434 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3747

Abstract

Translating scientific findings into concrete action for (ground)water protection should be fundamental component of any hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical assessment, thus ensuring that scientific outcomes have a positive impact in the real world. To this purpose, understanding the water-related issues and the perceived criticalities [...] Read more.

Translating scientific findings into concrete action for (ground)water protection should be fundamental component of any hydrogeological and hydrogeochemical assessment, thus ensuring that scientific outcomes have a positive impact in the real world. To this purpose, understanding the water-related issues and the perceived criticalities by the water users is an asset, especially for earth scientists who are often the first contact with local communities during in situ measurements. By presenting the results of a socio-hydrogeological assessment in the Inle Lake area, this paper aims at demonstrating the feasibility and added value of this approach. In conjunction with groundwater sampling, public engagement activities were conducted by administering semi-structured interviews at a household level in each monitoring site. Hydrogeochemical data show that groundwater is characterized by an elevated hardness and by the presence of trace metals in solution due to the low redox potential. The work provides suggestions on how to translate the hydrogeochemical information associated to (i) the impact of climate change on water supply and availability, and (ii) the presence of geogenic groundwater contamination (Fe, Mn, As) into accessible information for local communities and water users’ associations. Sharing knowledge and promoting capacity building would also help to assess the reasons for the discrepancy between self-reported perception of groundwater quality (e.g., hardness) and analytical results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Socio-Hydrogeology in Groundwater Resources Assessments and Management)

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17 pages, 2057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Urban Pluvial Flood Management Part 2: Global Perceptions and Priorities in Urban Stormwater Adaptation Management and Policy Alternatives

by Charles Axelsson, Silvio Giove, Stefano Soriani and Patricia J. Culligan

Water 2021, 13(17), 2433; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172433 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3855

Abstract

Urban stormwater infrastructure is at an increased risk of being overwhelmed by pluvial flood events due to climate change. Currently, there are no global standards or frameworks for approaching urban rainfall adaptation policy. Such standards or frameworks would allow cities that have limited [...] Read more.

Urban stormwater infrastructure is at an increased risk of being overwhelmed by pluvial flood events due to climate change. Currently, there are no global standards or frameworks for approaching urban rainfall adaptation policy. Such standards or frameworks would allow cities that have limited time, finances or research capacities to make more confident adaptation policy decisions based on a globally agreed theoretical basis. Additionally, while adaptation via blue-green infrastructure is often weighed against traditional grey infrastructure approaches, its choice must be considered within the context of additional policy alternatives involved in stormwater management. Using six global and developed cities, we explore to what extent a standardized hierarchy of urban rainfall adaptation techniques can be established through a combined Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis. While regional and stakeholder differences emerge, our study demonstrates that green infrastructure undertaken by public bodies are the top policy alternative across the cities and stakeholder groups, and that there exists some consensus on best management practice techniques for urban stormwater adaptation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Blue-Green Cities for Urban Flood Resilience)

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15 pages, 2966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Towards a High Order Convergent ALE-SPH Scheme with Efficient WENO Spatial Reconstruction

by Rubén Antona, Renato Vacondio, Diego Avesani, Maurizio Righetti and Massimiliano Renzi

Water 2021, 13(17), 2432; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172432 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

This paper studies the convergence properties of an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) Riemann-based SPH algorithm in conjunction with a Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) high-order spatial reconstruction, in the framework of the DualSPHysics open-source code. A convergence analysis is carried out for Lagrangian and Eulerian [...] Read more.

This paper studies the convergence properties of an arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian (ALE) Riemann-based SPH algorithm in conjunction with a Weighted Essentially Non-Oscillatory (WENO) high-order spatial reconstruction, in the framework of the DualSPHysics open-source code. A convergence analysis is carried out for Lagrangian and Eulerian simulations and the numerical results demonstrate that, in absence of particle disorder, the overall convergence of the scheme is close to the one guaranteed by the WENO spatial reconstruction. Moreover, an alternative method for the WENO spatial reconstruction is introduced which guarantees a speed-up of 3.5, in comparison with the classical Moving Least-Squares (MLS) approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydraulics and Hydrodynamics)

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21 pages, 1142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Constructed Wetlands to Face Water Scarcity and Water Pollution Risks: Learning from Farmers’ Perception in Alicante, Spain

by Sandra Ricart and Antonio M. Rico-Amorós

Water 2021, 13(17), 2431; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172431 - 4 Sep 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 4086

Abstract

Treated wastewater is constantly produced and relatively unaffected by climatic conditions, while Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are recognized as green technology and a cost-effective alternative to improve treated wastewater quality standards. This paper analyses how farmers consider (1) treated wastewater to face water scarcity [...] Read more.

Treated wastewater is constantly produced and relatively unaffected by climatic conditions, while Constructed Wetlands (CWs) are recognized as green technology and a cost-effective alternative to improve treated wastewater quality standards. This paper analyses how farmers consider (1) treated wastewater to face water scarcity risk and (2) CW as mechanisms to face agricultural water pollution in a climate change adaptation context. A survey about climate change perception and adaptation measures was answered by 177 farmers from two irrigation communities near El Hondo coastal wetland and the Santa Pola saltmarshes, both perceived as natural-constructed systems in Alicante, southern Spain. Results highlighted how, even with poor-quality standards, treated wastewater is considered a non-riskier measure and more reliable option when addressing climate change impacts. Overall, physical water harvesting (such as CWs) is the favorite choice when investing in water technologies, being perceived as the best option for users of treated wastewater and those concerned about water quality standards. Consequently, CWs were recognized as mechanisms to increase water supply and reduce water pollution. Policy-makers and water managers can use these learnings from farmers’ experience to identify the main barriers and benefits of using treated wastewater and CWs to address water scarcity and water pollution risks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Constructed Wetland Systems for Agricultural Wastewater Treatment in the Mediterranean Region)

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22 pages, 931 KiB

Open AccessReview

The World of Edges in Submerged Vegetated Marine Canopies: From Patch to Canopy Scale

by Jordi Colomer and Teresa Serra

Water 2021, 13(17), 2430; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172430 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3338

Abstract

This review describes the world of edges in submerged vegetated marine canopies (seagrasses, saltmarshes, and seaweeds) where an edge is a boundary with a frontal area separating the vegetation from the adjacent non-vegetated zones. Plants within the vegetation are made of flexible elements [...] Read more.

This review describes the world of edges in submerged vegetated marine canopies (seagrasses, saltmarshes, and seaweeds) where an edge is a boundary with a frontal area separating the vegetation from the adjacent non-vegetated zones. Plants within the vegetation are made of flexible elements pronating in the direction of the flow and oscillating back and forth in response to wave forcing. Some of them also occupy the full height within the water body. The analysis focuses on both the canopy- and local-patch scales to acquire knowledge about the hydrodynamics and the biophysical interactions in the structural shallows and deep limits of the canopies as well as on the structural edges of vegetation patches and the edges in the gaps within the canopies. The spatial arrangements of both canopy and patch edges are not only well imposed through the modification of hydrodynamics, but so too through small-scale interactions from internal structural causes and modifications. The continuous fragmentation of coastal marine habitats has reduced their structural complexity, thus making habitat edges a prevalent seascape feature, including in the shallow (or upper) and deep (or lower) limits of the canopies, the patch edges, and the edges in the gaps within the canopies. Canopy patches represent a region of high flow resistance where flow deflects and accelerates above and/or next to the canopy, resulting in an increase in water velocity and turbulence, especially at the edges of the patch. At the edges, energy transfer is found in spectral wave velocities from the longer to shorter wave period components. Likewise, at the edges, the net deposition of sediments decreases over a distance to a certain length, relative to the bare bed, which is associated with a region of vertical updraft and elevated turbulent kinetic energy. The edge effects also relate to the influence that a patch edge can have on determining species composition and predation risk, which is additionally mediated by the effect the edges have on habitat complexity within the vegetated patch. Organism feedback within the edges does not simply follow the canopy and local features and, in fact, the intricate interaction between biogeophysical processes is key in explaining the complexity of coastal submerged canopy landscapes. For example, proximity to patch edges has a greater influence on epifaunal density and community structure than structural complexity or predation do. The extent to which edges reduce predation risk depends on the extent to which they support higher structural complexities compared to patch interiors. The canopies’ shallow limits and their position in the underwater beach profile are mostly limited by light availability, the intensity of the wave action, and the local nearshore hydrodynamics, but they also depend on the local structural conditions at the vegetated side. The deep limits of the canopies, however, mainly depend on the availability of light and research findings support migration both to the deeper and shallower layers. All structural edges face changes caused by increasing nutrient inputs, development of coastal zones and the increasing impact of climate change. A considerable challenge to managing, restoring, and conserving coastal marine ecosystems stems from understanding how the canopies are able to cope with these natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Oceans and Coastal Zones)

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21 pages, 4618 KiB

Open AccessArticle

River Runoff Modelling and Hydrological Drought Assessment Based on High-Resolution Brightness Temperatures in Mainland China

by Xing Qu, Ziyue Zeng, Zhe Yuan, Junjun Huo, Yongqiang Wang and Jijun Xu

Water 2021, 13(17), 2429; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172429 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3035

Abstract

Under the background of global climate change, drought is causing devastating impacts on the balance of the regional water resources system. Hydrological drought assessment is critical for drought prevention and water resources management. However, in China to assess hydrological drought at national scale [...] Read more.

Under the background of global climate change, drought is causing devastating impacts on the balance of the regional water resources system. Hydrological drought assessment is critical for drought prevention and water resources management. However, in China to assess hydrological drought at national scale is still challenging basically because of the difficulty of obtaining runoff data. In this study, we used the state-of-the-art passive microwave remote sensing techniques in river runoff modelling and thus assessed hydrological drought in Mainland China in 1996–2016. Specifically, 79 typical hydrological stations in 9 major basins were selected to simulate river runoff using the M/C signal method based on a high-resolution passive microwave bright temperature dataset. The standardized runoff index (SRI) was calculated for the spatial and temporal patterns of hydrological drought. Results show that passive microwave remote sensing can provide an effective way for runoff modelling as 92.4% and 59.5% of the selected 79 stations had the Pearson correlation coefficient (R) and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NS) scores greater than 0.5. Especially in areas located on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in the Inland and the Southwest River Basin, the performance of the M/C signal method is quite outstanding. Further analysis indicates that stations with small rivers in the plateau areas with sparse vegetation tend to have better simulated results, which are usually located in drought-prone regions. Hydrological drought assessment shows that 30 out of the 79 stations present significant increasing trends in SRI-3 and 18 indicate significant decreasing trends. The duration and severity of droughts in the non-permanent dry areas of the Hai River Basin, the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Basin and the Southwest of China were found out to be more frequent and severe than other regions. This work can provide guidance for extending the applications of remote sensing data in drought assessment and other hydrological research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterizing, Monitoring and Prediction of Hydrometeorological Extremes under Climate Change)

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18 pages, 2319 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hydrochemical Assessment of the Irrigation Water Quality of the El-Salam Canal, Egypt

by Yasser A. El-Amier, Wafaa K. Kotb, Giuliano Bonanomi, Hala Fakhry, Najat A. Marraiki and Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad

Water 2021, 13(17), 2428; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172428 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 4868

Abstract

The El-Salam canal in Egypt is considered an important stream of fresh water for the agricultural sector that extends from the Nile River to Sinai, while it is subjected to several anthropogenic stresses. In this study, five-georeferenced stations (named from S1 to S5) [...] Read more.

The El-Salam canal in Egypt is considered an important stream of fresh water for the agricultural sector that extends from the Nile River to Sinai, while it is subjected to several anthropogenic stresses. In this study, five-georeferenced stations (named from S1 to S5) were monitored along the El-Salam Canal before El-Sahara of the Suez Canal, via the estimation of the WQ index based on major cations and anions analysis including salinity hazard, permeability index, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium hazard, sodium percentage, sodium adsorption ratio, Kelley index, potential salinity, total hardness, and irrigation water quality index (IWQI). The sequence of average concentration of cations in water were Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺. The major cations constitute around 60% of the total dissolved salts. While the sequence of major anions in water were SO₄²⁻ > HCO₃⁻ > Cl⁻ > CO₃²⁻. These cations and anions showed an increasing trend from S1 (intake of the canal) to S5 (before El-Sahara) of the El-Salam Canal. Moreover, the order of heavy metals was Zn < Cd < Cr < Ni < Fe < Mn < Co < Cu < Pb. According to the US EPA (1999) guidelines, the levels of Fe and Zn in the El-Salam Canal are within the permissible limits for drinking and irrigation purposes, while Mn, Pb, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, and Cd were detected at higher concentrations than those recommended. The value of IWQI in water samples varied from 40.26 to 114.82. The samples of S1 showed good water, the samples of region S2 (after mixing with Faraskour drainage) showed poor water quality, samples of regions S3 (after mixing with the El-Serw drain waters) and S5 (before El-Sahara) fell under the very poor water category and samples of region S4 (after mixing with the Hadous drainage) showed unsuitable water. Croplands irrigated with such water will not be exposed to any alkaline risks but will be exposed to the risk of salinity, which is more severe after mixing at the S3 and S4 sites. It is recommended to treat the drainage water before mixing with the irrigation water of El-Salam Canal to raise the suitability of irrigation water for crops, particularly for the Hadous drain. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Interrelationship between Agricultural Activities, Water Quality and Human Health)

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23 pages, 5129 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis and Model of River Basin Sustainable Management by SWOT and AHP Methods

by Tomáš Bakalár, Henrieta Pavolová and Alexander Tokarčík

Water 2021, 13(17), 2427; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172427 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4398

Abstract

The sustainable management of river basins is a comprehensive problem involving not only environmental quality but also socio-economic aspects. The primary objective of the study is to propose a sustainable management model of a river basin based on a clear identification of the [...] Read more.

The sustainable management of river basins is a comprehensive problem involving not only environmental quality but also socio-economic aspects. The primary objective of the study is to propose a sustainable management model of a river basin based on a clear identification of the good water quality in the river basin applicable for any river basin. The proposal is based on a monitoring of the quality of surface water in the basin, a quantitative and qualitative analysis of pollution, a questionnaire survey on the sewer systems and wastewater treatment in the basin and the diffuse sources of water pollution. For a better outline, a case study of Hornád river basin, Slovakia, was carried out. Two methodologies were applied: SWOT analysis for identification of indicators and the priorities and AHP analysis for a prioritization of the decisions. These analyses can be carried out for any activity based on identification of indicators and the priorities of the defined indicators to promote sustainable development. Based on the findings and the results of the analyses the model for managing the development of surface water quality in the basin was proposed. Generally applicable principles of sustainable development, accepting legislation in the field of water management, considering the quality of surface water in the basin, the impacts of wastewater discharges into the recipient, the identification and evaluation of positive and negative aspects of surface water quality, and the implementation of the proposed measures and post-implementation monitoring of qualitative development were covered in and by the proposed model. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Anthropogenic and Geoenvironmental Impacts on the Hydrosphere: Diagnosis, Monitoring, Assessment, and Sustainable Management)

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37 pages, 41482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Coastal Boulder Dynamics Inferred from Multi-Temporal Satellite Imagery, Geological and Meteorological Investigations in Southern Apulia, Italy

by Marco Delle Rose, Paolo Martano and Luca Orlanducci

Water 2021, 13(17), 2426; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172426 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2974

Abstract

Boulder dynamics may provide essential data for coastal evolution and hazards assessment and can be focused as a proxy for the onshore effect of intense storm waves. In this work, detailed observations of currently available satellite imagery of the Earth surface allowed us [...] Read more.

Boulder dynamics may provide essential data for coastal evolution and hazards assessment and can be focused as a proxy for the onshore effect of intense storm waves. In this work, detailed observations of currently available satellite imagery of the Earth surface allowed us to identify several coastal boulders displacements in the Southern Apulia coast (Italy) for a period between July 2018 and June 2020. Field surveys confirmed the displacements of several dozens of boulders up to several meters in size, and allowed us to identify the initial position for many of them. Two possible causative storms were identified analysing archive weather maps, and calculations based on analytical equations were found in agreement with the displacement by storm waves for most of the observed boulders. The results help to provide insights about the onshore effect of storm waves on the coastal hydrodynamics and the possible future flooding hazard in the studied coast. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effect of Climate Change on Coastal Hydrodynamics)

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18 pages, 4558 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ensemble Projection of Future Climate and Surface Water Supplies in the North Saskatchewan River Basin above Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

by Muhammad Rehan Anis and David J. Sauchyn

Water 2021, 13(17), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172425 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3062

Abstract

Changes in temperature and precipitation are expected to alter the seasonal distribution of surface water supplies in snowmelt-dominated watersheds. A realistic assessment of future climate change and inter-annual variability is required to meet a growing demand for water supplies in all major use [...] Read more.

Changes in temperature and precipitation are expected to alter the seasonal distribution of surface water supplies in snowmelt-dominated watersheds. A realistic assessment of future climate change and inter-annual variability is required to meet a growing demand for water supplies in all major use sectors. This study focuses on changes in climate and runoff in the North Saskatchewan River Basin (NSRB) above Edmonton, AB, Canada, using the MESH (Modélisation Environnementale communautaire—Surface Hydrology) model. The bias-corrected ensemble of Canadian Regional Climate Model (CanRCM4) data is used to drive MESH for two 60-year time periods, a historical baseline (1951–2010) and future projection (2041–2100), under Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 8.5. The precipitation is projected to increase in every season, there is significant trend in spring (0.62) and fall (0.41) and insignificant in summer (0.008). Winter extreme minimum temperature and summer extreme maximum temperature are increasing by 2–3 °C in the near future and 5–6 °C in the far future. Annual runoff increases by 19% compared to base period. The results reveal long-term hydrological variability enabling water resource managers to better prepare for climate change and extreme events to build more resilient systems for future water demand in the NSRB. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)

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17 pages, 5798 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Climate Change on Water Quality in the Jucar River Basin (Spain)

by Gabriel Gómez-Martínez, Lorena Galiano, Toni Rubio, Carlos Prado-López, Darío Redolat, César Paradinas Blázquez, Emma Gaitán, María Pedro-Monzonís, Sergio Ferriz-Sánchez, Miguel Añó Soto, Robert Monjo, Miguel Ángel Pérez-Martín, Pura Almenar Llorens and Javier Macián Cervera

Water 2021, 13(17), 2424; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172424 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4221

Abstract

The Mediterranean region is a climate change hotspot, especially concerning issues of hydrological planning and urban water supply systems. In this context, the Jucar River Basin (Spain) presents an increase of frequency, intensity and duration of extreme meteorological phenomena, such as torrential rains, [...] Read more.

The Mediterranean region is a climate change hotspot, especially concerning issues of hydrological planning and urban water supply systems. In this context, the Jucar River Basin (Spain) presents an increase of frequency, intensity and duration of extreme meteorological phenomena, such as torrential rains, droughts or heat waves, which directly affect the quantity and quality of raw water available for drinking. This paper aims to analyze the effects of climate change on the raw water quality of the Jucar River Basin District, which mainly supplies the city of Valencia and its metropolitan area, in order to adapt drinking water treatments to new conditions and opportunities. For this purpose, we used observed data of water quality parameters from four stations and climate drivers from seven Earth system models of the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project—Phase 6. To model water quality (turbidity and conductivity) in the past and future scenarios, this study employs a backward stepwise regression taking into account daily values of mean temperature, maximum temperature, total rainfall and minimum and maximum relative humidity. Results showed that the model performance of the water quality simulation is more adequate for short moving-average windows (about 2–7 days) for turbidity and longer windows (about 30–60 days) for conductivity. Concerning the future scenarios, the most significant change was found in the projected increase of conductivity for the station of the Júcar river, between 4 and 11% by 2100, respectively, under the medium (SSP2–4.5) and pessimistic (SSP5–8.5) emission scenarios. The joint use of these types of management and monitoring tools may help the managers in charge of carrying out the different water treatments needed to apply a better plan to raw water and may help them identify future threats and investment needs to adapt the urban water supply systems to the changing conditions of raw water, such as turbidity or conductivity, as a consequence of climate change. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Water Quality and Contamination)

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22 pages, 14452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CFD Model of the Density-Driven Bidirectional Flows through the West Crack Breach in the Great Salt Lake Causeway

by Michael Rasmussen, Som Dutta, Bethany T. Neilson and Brian Mark Crookston

Water 2021, 13(17), 2423; https://doi.org/10.3390/w13172423 - 3 Sep 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3510

Abstract

Stratified flows and the resulting density-driven currents occur in the natural environment and commonly in saline lakes. In the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA, the northern and southern portions of the lake are divided by an east-to-west railroad causeway that disrupts natural lake [...] Read more.

Stratified flows and the resulting density-driven currents occur in the natural environment and commonly in saline lakes. In the Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA, the northern and southern portions of the lake are divided by an east-to-west railroad causeway that disrupts natural lake currents and significantly increases salt concentrations in the northern section. To support management efforts focused on addressing rising environmental and economic concerns associated with varied saltwater densities throughout the lake, the causeway was recently modified to include a new breach. The purpose of this new breach is to enhance salt exchange between the northern and southern sections of the lake. Since construction, it typically exhibits a strong density-driven bidirectional flow pattern, but estimating flows and salt exchange has proven to be difficult. To obtain much needed insights into the ability of this hydraulic structure to exchange water and salt between the two sections of the lake, a field campaign coupled with CFD modeling was undertaken. Results from this study indicate that the vertical velocity profile in the breach is sensitive to density differences between flow layers along with breach geometry and water surface elevations. The CFD model was able to accurately represent the bidirectional flows through the breach and provides for improved estimates of water and salt exchanges between the north and south sections of the lake. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Numerical Modeling on Hydraulic Structures Flow Associated with Urban and Environmental Engineering)

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