Journal Description
Water
Water
is a peer-reviewed, open access journal on water science and technology, including the ecology and management of water resources, and is published semimonthly online by MDPI. Water collaborates with the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). In addition, the American Institute of Hydrology (AIH), The Polish Limnological Society (PLS) and Japanese Society of Physical Hydrology (JSPH) are affiliated with Water and their members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), Ei Compendex, GEOBASE, GeoRef, PubAg, AGRIS, CAPlus / SciFinder, Inspec, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Water Resources) / CiteScore - Q1 (Water Science and Technology)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
- Companion journals for Water include: GeoHazards.
Impact Factor:
3.0 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.3 (2023)
Latest Articles
Comparative Investigation of the Anammox Process Using Free-Floating Carriers of Activated Sludge-Attached Biocenosis
Water 2024, 16(23), 3363; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233363 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
For ammonium removal from wastewater, anammox technologies are among the most efficient and rapidly developing ones. Due to the low growth rate of anammox bacteria and their sensitivity to various inhibitors, technologies using attached biocenosis carriers (ABCs) provide for reliable operation. The goal
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For ammonium removal from wastewater, anammox technologies are among the most efficient and rapidly developing ones. Due to the low growth rate of anammox bacteria and their sensitivity to various inhibitors, technologies using attached biocenosis carriers (ABCs) provide for reliable operation. The goal of the present work was to investigate a new ABC type, ETEK biochips based on a nonwoven fibrous material. The work involved the techniques of materials science (design of a new ABC type) and physical modeling of the anammox process (in a laboratory bioreactor), as well as electron microscopy and molecular profiling of activated sludge communities. Comparison of the ETEK biochips with the ABCs of foamed polyethylene BF33 and Mutag revealed more rapid accumulation (5-fold) of the activated sludge biomass on ETEK biochips upon reactor launching, as well as comparable buoyancy and reactor productivity regarding N removal. The specific rate of nitrogen removal obtained with ETEK biochips considerably exceeded that for foamed polyethylene with a filler: 1.5–3 times higher per chip and 1.5 times higher per activated sludge biomass unit. The studied ABC shared the same issue of floating to the surface due to the active formation of gas (N2). The algorithm for calculating the downward flows in bioreactors with rapidly surfacing ABC is proposed, and a new hydrodynamic type of a bioreactor (with hybrid hydrodynamics) is described, a moving bed–sequencing batch reactor (MB-SBR).
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
Open AccessArticle
Optimization and Screening of Chl-a Inversion Model for Urban Water Bodies Based on Ground-Based Hyperspectra
by
Liling Xia, Yuelong Zhu and Zhenhua Zhao
Water 2024, 16(23), 3362; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233362 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) serves as a crucial indicator of water quality, making the precise monitoring of its concentration essential for aquatic environment ecosystem protection. Water color retrieval technology has gained prominence in monitoring spatiotemporal variations in water quality. This study evaluated inversion
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Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) serves as a crucial indicator of water quality, making the precise monitoring of its concentration essential for aquatic environment ecosystem protection. Water color retrieval technology has gained prominence in monitoring spatiotemporal variations in water quality. This study evaluated inversion models for Chl-a estimation in urban water bodies using ground-based hyperspectral data in Nanjing, China. The results indicate that the normalizing of water-leaving reflectance significantly enhances the correlation between water-leaving reflectance and measured Chl-a concentration. However, due to the complexity of urban water bodies and the diversity of interfering components, the three ratio algorithms of OC2V4, OC4V4, and TChla using blue–green bands yielded suboptimal inversion results. In contrast, the normalized fluorescence line height (NFH) algorithm exhibited a robust performance, yielding an R2 of 0.70. Furthermore, the overall performance of the near-infrared–Red (NIR-red)-band algorithms showed a commendable overall performance (R2 > 0.60), and the best four-band algorithm, 4BDA, achieved an R2 of 0.72. Other index algorithms, such as the Yang index and the normalized difference Chl-a index (NDCI), also performed well (R2 = 0.61). Notably, the classification of Chl-a concentrations did not significantly enhance the inversion accuracy of the empirical and semi-analytical models. Only the NFH algorithm using the fluorescence band greatly improved the inversion accuracy for low Chl-a concentrations (R2 = 0.75), likely due to the influence of Chl-a and other substances on fluorescence peak positioning and height. Ultimately, the NFH model is identified as the optimal approach for Chl-a inversion across varying Chl-a concentrations in urban water bodies. This study provides critical technical support for the protection of aquatic environments and the management of urban water resources.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing the Monitoring and Modelling of Freshwater Systems with New Remote Sensing Technologies)
Open AccessArticle
Solving the Solute Transport Equation Using Breakthrough Curve Modeling
by
Amir Panahi, Arezoo N. Ghameshlou, Abdolmajid Liaghat, Miguel Ángel Campo-Bescós and Amin Seyedzadeh
Water 2024, 16(23), 3361; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233361 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
The movement of solutes in soil is crucial due to their potential to cause soil and groundwater pollution. In this study, a mathematical model based on the Advection Dispersion Equation (ADE) was developed to evaluate solutions for solute transport. This equation enabled us
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The movement of solutes in soil is crucial due to their potential to cause soil and groundwater pollution. In this study, a mathematical model based on the Advection Dispersion Equation (ADE) was developed to evaluate solutions for solute transport. This equation enabled us to attain a relationship for concentrations at different locations and times, also known as the breakthrough curve. Five columns (5 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height) of soil types were prepared to check the validity of the results. An evaluation of the calculated relations showed high accuracy in estimating the breakthrough curve and the saturated hydraulic conductivity of the soil.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Utilizing a Novel Halotolerant Bordetella Bacterium Combined with Co-Metabolites to Boost the Degradation of P-Nitrophenol in High-Salinity Wastewater
by
Lei Qin, Haorui Li, Yingyu Tan, Xuenan Yan, Peng Tao, Zheng Fan, Tiejun Li, Jia Tan, Yiwei Wang and Lei Jin
Water 2024, 16(23), 3360; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233360 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
A novel strain capable of fully utilizing p-nitrophenol (PNP) as the sole carbon source under high-salinity conditions was isolated from the sediments of wastewater discharged from an aquaculture company. The identification of the strain as Bordetella sp. was confirmed by analyzing its morphological,
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A novel strain capable of fully utilizing p-nitrophenol (PNP) as the sole carbon source under high-salinity conditions was isolated from the sediments of wastewater discharged from an aquaculture company. The identification of the strain as Bordetella sp. was confirmed by analyzing its morphological, physiological, and biochemical traits in conjunction with its 16S rDNA sequence. Furthermore, pantothenic acid, serving as a carbon source for co-metabolites, could significantly enhance the biodegradation process of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Under the optimal growth conditions at a temperature of 30 °C, pH of 8.0, aeration of 0.32 m3·(m3·min)−1 and salinity of 3% (NaCl, w/v), the degradation rate of 350 mg·L−1 PNP increased from 60.8% to 85.9% within 72 h after adding 30 mg·L−1 of pantothenic acid to a 12-liter bioreactor. The intermediate products from the degradation process, analyzed via GC/MS, were determined to be hydroquinone, which suggests that the degradation pathway of the bacterium for PNP involves the breakdown of hydroquinone. Benefits have been derived from the microorganism’s tolerance to high salinity and high PNP concentrations, coupled with its superior PNP degradation performance, offering new insights and a research basis for the efficient biological treatment of high-salinity PNP wastewater.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Wastewater Treatment and the Circular Economy)
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Open AccessArticle
A Qualitative Definition of Reliable Water Supply for Public Water Systems
by
Easton G. Hopkins and Robert B. Sowby
Water 2024, 16(23), 3359; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233359 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
“Reliable water supply” does not have a clear definition in the Western United States, where water resources are limited and such a definition would be especially useful. In Utah, the three water agencies and 500 public water systems have no consistent method to
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“Reliable water supply” does not have a clear definition in the Western United States, where water resources are limited and such a definition would be especially useful. In Utah, the three water agencies and 500 public water systems have no consistent method to define, evaluate, and report it, potentially leading to an inability to meet regulatory water demands. We propose a unified definition of reliable water supply for Utah’s public water suppliers that can also be used elsewhere. We derive our definition from a two-part qualitative analysis: (1) an extensive review of existing definitions in industry and academia and (2) semi-structured interviews with managers of six diverse Utah water utilities. We propose that water supply be defined by three overlapping components—hydrology, infrastructure, and governance—and that reliability be defined by the capacity of the limiting component. The results from the qualitative analysis support our definition and further indicate that a definition is necessary to precede quantitative evaluations, set policy, and provide consistency to water resources management.
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(This article belongs to the Section Urban Water Management)
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Open AccessArticle
An Experimental Investigation of the Flexural Strength and Fracture Toughness of Granular Snow Ice Under a Three-Point Bending Test
by
Hongwei Han, Wanyun Li, Yu Li, Zhi Liu and Xingchao Liu
Water 2024, 16(23), 3358; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233358 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Ice is a common natural phenomenon in cold areas, which plays an important role in the construction of cold areas and the design of artificial ice rinks. To supplement our knowledge of ice mechanics, this paper investigates the mechanical properties of granular snow
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Ice is a common natural phenomenon in cold areas, which plays an important role in the construction of cold areas and the design of artificial ice rinks. To supplement our knowledge of ice mechanics, this paper investigates the mechanical properties of granular snow ice. The factors influencing the flexural strength of granular snow ice are analyzed through a three-point bending test. It is found that flexural strength is affected by strain rate. At low strain rates, flexural strength increases with increasing strain rate, whereas at high strain rates, flexural strength decreases with increasing strain rate. As temperature decreases, the flexural strength value of ice increases, but its brittleness becomes more pronounced, indicating that the strain rate corresponding to the maximum flexural strength is lower. Within the test temperature range, the tough-brittle transition range is from 6.67 × 10−5 s−1 to 3.11 × 10−4 s−1. At −5 °C, the strain rate corresponding to the maximum bending strength is 3.11 × 10−4 s−1, while at −10 °C, it is only 6.67 × 10−5 s−1. Flexural strength is influenced by crystal structure. At −20 °C, the average flexural strength of granular snow ice is 2.85 MPa, compared to 1.93 MPa for columnar ice at the same temperature. Through observation, we found that there are straight cracks and oblique cracks. The fracture toughness of granular snow ice was investigated by cutting prefabricated cracks at the bottom of the ice beam and employing a three-point bending device. It is found that fracture toughness decreases with increasing strain rate. Temperature also affects granular snow ice. At −15 °C, fracture toughness is 181.60 kPa·m1/2, but at −6 °C, it decreases to 147.28 kPa·m1/2. However, at varying temperatures and strain rates, there is no significant difference in the fracture patterns of ice samples, which predominantly develop upward along the prefabricated cracks.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ice and Snow Properties and Their Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Egg White Protein–Soybean Protein Isolate Hierarchical Network Hydrogel for Enhanced Adsorption of Methylene Blue
by
Mei Zhang and Xu Wang
Water 2024, 16(23), 3357; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233357 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
In terms of environmental protection and the sustainable development of society, the constraint of dye concentrations in industrial wastewater is vitally important for the development of every country. In this study, egg white protein (EWP)–soybean protein isolate (SPI) hierarchical-network hydrogel beads reinforced with
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In terms of environmental protection and the sustainable development of society, the constraint of dye concentrations in industrial wastewater is vitally important for the development of every country. In this study, egg white protein (EWP)–soybean protein isolate (SPI) hierarchical-network hydrogel beads reinforced with calcium alginate are devised using a one-step chemical crosslinking. The prepared EWP/SPI beads, with a specific surface area of 26.55 m2∙g−1, possess a self-floating ability that enhances their solid–liquid separation of methylene blue (MB) from industrial sewage and achieves adsorption equilibrium within 60 min. The investigation of adsorption behavior indicates that the results fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm mode and pseudo-first-order kinetic model. Based on the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model, the equilibrium adsorption capacity and maximum adsorption capacity of the EWP/SPI hydrogel beads towards MB are 187.495 and 336.265 mg∙g−1, respectively. Furthermore, the favorable regeneration of the EWP/SPI hydrogel is demonstrated, with a removal efficiency towards MB decreasing from 94% to 82% (10 mg dose, 100 mg∙L−1 MB, pH 7, 25 °C) after five adsorption–desorption cycles. The resulting EWP/SPI hydrogel beads with hydrophilicity exhibited good self-floating stability (above 80%) in wastewater for 7 days, suggesting their potential for recycling in diverse complex environments. Therefore, the inexpensive and sustainable floating EWP/SPI hydrogel beads provide a new insight for organic pollutant treatment in wastewater.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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Open AccessArticle
Data-Informed Synthetic Networks of Water Distribution Systems for Resilience Analysis in Puerto Rico
by
Kirk L. Bonney, Katherine A. Klise, Jason W. Poff, Samuel Rivera, Ian Searles and Mikhail Chester
Water 2024, 16(23), 3356; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233356 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
The increasing potential of infrastructure disruptions calls for high-quality infrastructure models to be used in resilience analysis and decision making. Unfortunately, many utilities and communities do not have access to accurate and detailed models due to a lack of data and resources. Furthermore,
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The increasing potential of infrastructure disruptions calls for high-quality infrastructure models to be used in resilience analysis and decision making. Unfortunately, many utilities and communities do not have access to accurate and detailed models due to a lack of data and resources. Furthermore, security restrictions on sharing infrastructure models present roadblocks to research, analysis, and decision making. Recent advances in the development of synthetic water distribution models provide a potential solution to this problem. There is an opportunity to improve these methods by leveraging incomplete pipe datasets to aid synthetic network generation. To address this gap, we developed a methodology for synthetic network generation that incorporates partial pipe data using a modification of the minimum cost flow algorithm for network generation and pipe sizing. This methodology demonstrates how partial pipe data can be leveraged to improve site-specific synthetic network generation. For the study area of Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, a synthetic model generated using 50% of real pipe data matches the pressure of the validation system with an average error of 23.5 m of head, which improves upon the average error of 31.6 m of head produced by a synthetic model generated using no data of the real pipes. Additionally, synthetic networks are shown to replicate the pressure response under a disruption scenario of the validation network, suggesting potential use in resilience analysis.
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(This article belongs to the Section Urban Water Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Variability of Drinking Water Quality on the Basis of Analysis of Qualitative Monitoring from a Selected Water Supply Network Located in South-Eastern Poland
by
Izabela Piegdoń
Water 2024, 16(23), 3355; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233355 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Various groups of contaminants can be found in water intended for human consumption, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. Many of these contaminants can cause serious health problems, so it is extremely important to ensure that water quality meets current standards.
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Various groups of contaminants can be found in water intended for human consumption, such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and heavy metals. Many of these contaminants can cause serious health problems, so it is extremely important to ensure that water quality meets current standards. The main objective of this study was to analyze and evaluate the variability of drinking water quality in a selected water supply system located in the southern part of Poland. The results of the research and analysis presented in the study were prepared on the basis of test reports carried out by the water supply company during the operating years 2018–2022. A total of 28 indicators from the group of physicochemical and microbiological parameters were analyzed: color, turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, nitrates, nitrites, chlorides, chromium, aluminum, cadmium, magnesium, manganese, copper, nickel, lead, mercury, sulfates, total iron, oxidizability, chloroform, total THM (Trihalomethanes), total organic carbon, chlorites and chlorates, Escherichia coli, Enterococci, Coliform Bacteria, Clostridium perfringens (with spores), and total hardness. The results obtained were compared with national and European standards. The analyzed tap water was characterized by a stable physicochemical composition and did not exceed microbiological parameters. The only parameter that would not meet the acceptable value is chromium. Its value in each of the analyzed months was <3.0 μg/L, while the new directive tightens the requirements to 0.25 μg/L. The water supply network operator should take action to reduce the amount of chromium in tap water so that it follows the introduction of new regulations on the quality of drinking water.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Sustainable Development of Clean Water and Sanitation)
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Quantitative Assessment of Future Environmental Changes in Hydrological Risk Components: Integration of Remote Sensing, Machine Learning, and Hydraulic Modeling
by
Farinaz Gholami, Yue Li, Junlong Zhang and Alireza Nemati
Water 2024, 16(23), 3354; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233354 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Floods are one of the most devastating natural hazards that have intensified due to land use land cover (LULC) changes in recent years. Flood risk assessment is a crucial task for disaster management in flood-prone areas. In this study, we proposed a flood
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Floods are one of the most devastating natural hazards that have intensified due to land use land cover (LULC) changes in recent years. Flood risk assessment is a crucial task for disaster management in flood-prone areas. In this study, we proposed a flood risk assessment framework that combines flood vulnerability, hazard, and damages under long-term LULC changes in the Tajan watershed, northern Iran. The research analyzed historical land use change trends and predicted changes up to 2040 by employing a Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and land change modeling. The flood vulnerability map was generated using the Random Forest model, incorporating historical data from 332 flooded locations and 12 geophysical and anthropogenic flood factors under LULC change scenarios. The potential flood damage costs in residential and agricultural areas, considering long-term LULC changes, were calculated using the HEC-RAS hydraulic model and a global damage function. The results revealed that unplanned urban growth, agricultural expansion, and deforestation near the river downstream amplify flood risk in 2040. High and very high flood vulnerability areas would increase by 43% in 2040 due to human activities and LULC changes. Estimated annual flood damage for agriculture and built-up areas was projected to surge from USD 162 million to USD 376 million and USD 91 million to USD 220 million, respectively, considering 2021 and 2040 land use change scenarios in the flood-prone region. This research highlights the importance of land use planning in mitigating flood-associated risks, both in the studied area and other flood-prone regions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Artificial Intelligence Models for Prediction of Groundwater Level)
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Open AccessArticle
Pollution Characteristics and Eutrophication Assessment in Plain River Network Areas: A Case Study of the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal (Changzhou Section)
by
Haizhen Hu, Gang Zhou, Sichen Tong and Tingting Hu
Water 2024, 16(23), 3353; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233353 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of water-quality spatiotemporal variations is essential for the long-term management of aquatic environments. However, the absence of indicators that fully capture the extent of eutrophication, the lack of long-term water-quality monitoring data, and the complexity of water pollutants sources have
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A comprehensive understanding of water-quality spatiotemporal variations is essential for the long-term management of aquatic environments. However, the absence of indicators that fully capture the extent of eutrophication, the lack of long-term water-quality monitoring data, and the complexity of water pollutants sources have limited research on pollution characteristics and eutrophication assessments in plain river network areas. In this study, based on the monitoring data of water-quality indicators in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal (Changzhou section), the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of nutrient salts, as well as the eutrophication status of the water body, were revealed by using the comprehensive trophic level index (TLI) method. Meanwhile, the main sources of water pollutants were defined, and targeted control measures were proposed. The results showed that water-quality deterioration is more pronounced during the non-flood season, with significantly higher concentrations of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and total phosphorus (TP) compared to the flood season. Additionally, the analysis of the nitrogen-to-phosphorus (N:P) ratio suggested that some sampling sites exhibited phosphorus limitation. The eutrophication assessment indicated that most sections are eutrophic, with S8 and S2 being the most heavily polluted and at risk of cyanobacterial blooms. The primary sources of pollutants were identified as agricultural runoff, domestic sewage, and industrial discharges. To address these issues, it was recommended to reduce external pollution sources while focusing on internal control (1. Enhance the management of livestock and poultry farming; 2. Upgrade wastewater purification facilities; 3. Establish ecological protection zones along the riverbanks) and enhance aquatic ecosystem restoration. A coordinated and watershed-wide approach is crucial to improving water quality in this region. The findings of this study provide a scientific basis for the protection of the water environment and pollution control in plain river network areas.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatiotemporal Variability, Identification, and Control Technologies of Pollutants in Surface Water)
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Open AccessArticle
Seasonal Patterns of Water Chemistry into Three Boreal Rivers: Implication for Salmonid Incubation and Rearing in the Frame of Hydrological Extremes and Land Use Contexts
by
Rudy Benetti, Edoardo Severini, Nerijus Nika, Natalja Čerkasova, Monia Magri and Marco Bartoli
Water 2024, 16(23), 3352; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233352 - 22 Nov 2024
Abstract
Climate change is expected to alter the timing and intensity of precipitation and river discharge patterns, leading to hydrological extremes. Compared to forested watersheds, highly urbanized and cultivated areas are prone to sediment and nutrient loads from agricultural fields, impacting river water quality.
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Climate change is expected to alter the timing and intensity of precipitation and river discharge patterns, leading to hydrological extremes. Compared to forested watersheds, highly urbanized and cultivated areas are prone to sediment and nutrient loads from agricultural fields, impacting river water quality. On the other hand, prolonged low discharge periods limit the rivers’ dilution capacity, and result in hyporheic water stagnation and the accumulation of metabolic end products. Hydrological extremes may, therefore, produce severe implications for river water quality and, consequently, for aquatic life; however, this important aspect is poorly explored in the literature. In this context, three boreal streams that represent spawning and juvenile rearing habitats for anadromous salmonids were analyzed comparatively with respect to land use, anthropization level, and seasonal variability in water chemistry, during low and high discharge events. A set of chemical parameters depicting the water quality are discussed in relation to different land cover features, high discharge events, and seasonality. Finally, potential negative implications for the incubation period of salmonid embryos and juvenile rearing are outlined.
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(This article belongs to the Section Biodiversity and Functionality of Aquatic Ecosystems)
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Research on Challenges and Strategies for Reservoir Flood Risk Prevention and Control Under Extreme Climate Conditions
by
Wenang Hou, Shichen Zhang, Jiangshan Yin and Jianfeng Huang
Water 2024, 16(23), 3351; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233351 - 22 Nov 2024
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In recent years, reservoir flood control and dam safety have faced severe challenges due to changing environmental conditions and intense human activities. There has been a significant increase in the proportion of dam breaks caused by floods exceeding reservoir design levels. Dam breaks
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In recent years, reservoir flood control and dam safety have faced severe challenges due to changing environmental conditions and intense human activities. There has been a significant increase in the proportion of dam breaks caused by floods exceeding reservoir design levels. Dam breaks have periodically occurred due to flood overtopping, threatening people’s lives and properties. This highlights the importance of describing the challenges encountered in reservoir flood risk prevention and control under extreme climatic conditions and proposing strategies to safeguard reservoirs against floods and to protect downstream communities. This study conducts a statistical analysis of dam breaks resulting from floods exceeding reservoir design levels, revealing new risk indicators in these settings. The study examines recent representative engineering cases involving flood risks and reviews research findings pertaining to reservoir flood risks under extreme climatic conditions. By comparing flood prevention standards at typical reservoirs and investigating the problems and challenges associated with current standards, the study presents the challenges and strategies associated with managing flood risks in reservoirs under extreme climatic conditions. The findings show that the driving forces and their effects shaping flood risk characteristics in specific regions are influenced by atmospheric circulation and vegetative changes in underlying surfaces or land use. There is a clear increasing probability of dam breaks or accidents caused by floods exceeding design levels. Most dam breaks or accidents occur in small and medium-sized reservoirs, due to low flood control standards and poor management. Therefore, this paper recommends measures for improving the flood prevention capacity of these specific types of reservoirs. This paper proposes key measures to cope with floods exceeding reservoir design levels, to supplement the existing standard system. This includes implementing an improved flood standard based on dam risk level and the rapid reduction in the reservoir water level. To prevent breaks associated with overtopping, earth–rock dams should be designed to consider extreme rainfall events. More clarity is needed in the execution principles of flood prevention standards, and the effectiveness of flood calculations should be studied, adjusted, and validated. The research results provide better descriptions of flood risks in reservoirs under extreme climatic conditions, and the proposed strategies have both theoretical and practical implications for building resilience against flood risks and protecting people’s lives and properties.
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Open AccessReview
Interactions Between Forest Cover and Watershed Hydrology: A Conceptual Meta-Analysis
by
Mathurin François, Terencio Rebello de Aguiar, Jr., Marcelo Schramm Mielke, Alain N. Rousseau, Deborah Faria and Eduardo Mariano-Neto
Water 2024, 16(23), 3350; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233350 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
The role of trees in watershed hydrology is governed by many environmental factors along with their inherent characteristics and not surprisingly has generated diverse debates in the literature. Herein, this conceptual meta-analysis provides an opportunity to propose a conceptual model for understanding the
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The role of trees in watershed hydrology is governed by many environmental factors along with their inherent characteristics and not surprisingly has generated diverse debates in the literature. Herein, this conceptual meta-analysis provides an opportunity to propose a conceptual model for understanding the role of trees in watershed hydrology and examine the conditions under which they can be an element that increases or decreases water supply in a watershed. To achieve this goal, this conceptual meta-analysis addressed the interaction of forest cover with climatic conditions, soil types, infiltration, siltation and erosion, water availability, and the diversity of ecological features. The novelty of the proposed conceptual model highlights that tree species and densities, climate, precipitation, type of aquifer, and topography are important factors affecting the relationships between trees and water availability. This suggests that forests can be used as a nature-based solution for conserving and managing natural resources, including water, soil, and air. To sum up, forests can reduce people’s footprint, thanks to their role in improving water and air quality, conserving soil, and other ecosystem services. The outcomes of this study should be valuable for decision-makers in understanding the types of forests that can be used in an area, following an approach of environmental sustainability and conservation aiming at restoring hydrological services, mitigating the costs of environmental services, promoting sustainable land use, managing water resources, and preserving and restoring soil water availability (SWA) when investing in reforestation for watershed hydrology, which is important for the human population and other activities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Dynamics and Water Resource Management)
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Open AccessArticle
Prediction of Reference Crop Evapotranspiration in China’s Climatic Regions Using Optimized Machine Learning Models
by
Jian Hu, Rong Ma, Shouzheng Jiang, Yuelei Liu and Huayan Mao
Water 2024, 16(23), 3349; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233349 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
The accurate estimation of reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) is essential for crop water consumption modeling and agricultural water resource management. In the present study, three bionic algorithms (aquila optimizer (AO), tuna swarm optimization (TSO), and sparrow search algorithm (SSA)) were combined
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The accurate estimation of reference crop evapotranspiration (ET0) is essential for crop water consumption modeling and agricultural water resource management. In the present study, three bionic algorithms (aquila optimizer (AO), tuna swarm optimization (TSO), and sparrow search algorithm (SSA)) were combined with an extreme learning machine (ELM) model to form three mixed models (AO-ELM, TSO-ELM, and SSA-ELM). The accuracy of the ET0 estimates for five climate regions in China from 1970 to 2019 was evaluated using the FAO-56 Penman–Monteith (P-M) equation. The results showed that the predicted values of the three mixed models and the ELM model fitted the P-M calculated values well. R2 and RMSE were 0.7654–0.9864 and 0.1271–0.7842 mm·d−1, respectively, for which the prediction accuracy of the AO-ELM model was the highest. The performance of the AO-ELM combination5 (maximum temperature (Tmax), minimum temperature (Tmin), total solar radiation (Rs), sunshine duration (n)) was most significantly improved on the basis of the ELM model. The prediction accuracy for the stations in the plateau mountain climate (PMC) region was the best, while the prediction accuracy for the stations in the tropical monsoon climate region (TPMC) was the worst. In addition to the wind speed (U2) in the temperate continental climate region (TCC)—which was the largest variable affecting ET0—n, Ra, and total solar radiation (Rs) in the other climate regions were more important than relative humidity (RH) and wind speed (U2) in predicting ET0. Therefore, AO-ELM4 was selected for the TCC region (with Tmax, Tmin, Rs, and U2 as inputs) and AO-ELM5 (with Tmax, Tmin, Rs, and n as inputs) was selected for the TMC, PMC, SMC, and TPMC regions when determining the best model for each climate region with limited meteorological data.
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Open AccessReview
An Extensive Review of Leaching Models for the Forecasting and Integrated Management of Surface and Groundwater Quality
by
Stephanos D. V. Giakoumatos, Christina Siontorou and Dimitrios Sidiras
Water 2024, 16(23), 3348; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233348 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
The present study reviews leachate models useful for proactive and rehab actions to safeguard surface and subsurface soft water, which have become even more scarce. Integrated management plans of water basins are of crucial importance since intensively cultivated areas are adding huge quantities
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The present study reviews leachate models useful for proactive and rehab actions to safeguard surface and subsurface soft water, which have become even more scarce. Integrated management plans of water basins are of crucial importance since intensively cultivated areas are adding huge quantities of fertilizers to the soil, affecting surface water basins and groundwater. Aquifers are progressively being nitrified on account of the nitrogen-based fertilizer surplus, rendering water for human consumption not potable. Well-tested solute leaching models, standalone or part of a model package, provide rapid site-specific estimates of the leaching potential of chemical agents, mostly nitrates, below the root zone of crops and the impact of leaching toward groundwater. Most of the models examined were process-based or conceptual approaches. Nonetheless, empirical prediction models, though rather simplistic and therefore not preferrable, demonstrate certain advantages, such as less demanding extensive calibration database information requirements, which in many cases are unavailable, not to mention a stochastic approach and the involvement of artificial intelligence (AI). Models were categorized according to the porous medium and agents to be monitored. Integrated packages of nutrient models are irreplaceable elements for extensive catchments to monitor the terrestrial nitrogen-balanced cycle and to contribute to policy making as regards soft water management.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil-Groundwater Pollution Investigations)
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Open AccessArticle
Reconstruction of Surface Water Temperature in Lakes as a Source for Long-Term Analysis of Its Changes
by
Mariusz Sojka and Mariusz Ptak
Water 2024, 16(23), 3347; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233347 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
One of the key parameters of lakes is water temperature, which influences many physical and biochemical processes. In Poland, in situ temperature measurements are or have been conducted in only about 30 lakes, whereas there are over 3000 lakes with an area larger
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One of the key parameters of lakes is water temperature, which influences many physical and biochemical processes. In Poland, in situ temperature measurements are or have been conducted in only about 30 lakes, whereas there are over 3000 lakes with an area larger than 10 hectares. In many cases, the length of existing observation series is not always sufficient for long-term analysis. Using artificial neural networks of the multilayer perceptron network (MLP) type, the reconstruction of average monthly water temperatures was carried out for nine lakes located in northern Poland. During the validation stage of the reconstruction results, BIAS values were obtained in the range of −0.33 to 0.44 °C, the mean absolute error was 0.46 °C, and the root mean square error was 0.61 °C. The high quality of the reconstructed data allowed for an assessment of water temperature changes in the analyzed lakes from 1993 to 2022 using the Mann–Kendall and Sen tests. It was found that, on an annual basis, the water temperature increased by an average of 0.50 °C per decade, ranging from 0.36 °C per decade to 0.64 °C per decade for individual lakes. For specific months, the largest increase was observed in November, about 0.99 °C per decade, and the smallest in May, 0.07 °C per decade. The obtained results confirm previous studies in this field while adding new data from lakes, which are particularly significant for the western part of Poland—a region with a previously limited number of monitored lakes. According to the findings, the analyzed lakes have undergone significant warming over the past three decades, which is important information for water management authorities.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Water Resources Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Unveiling the Spatial Variability of Soil Nutrients in Typical Karst Rocky Desertification Areas
by
Dongdong Zhang, Yaying Feng, Bin Zhang, Xinling Fan, Zhen Han and Jinxin Zhang
Water 2024, 16(23), 3346; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233346 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
Soil nutrients are essential for plant survival, especially in karst regions where soil erosion is a significant threat, leading to ecosystem degradation. Rocks exposed in these areas contribute to fragmented soil coverage and the complex spatial distribution of soil nutrients, hindering vegetation recovery.
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Soil nutrients are essential for plant survival, especially in karst regions where soil erosion is a significant threat, leading to ecosystem degradation. Rocks exposed in these areas contribute to fragmented soil coverage and the complex spatial distribution of soil nutrients, hindering vegetation recovery. In this study, we collected 60 soil samples (0–30 cm deep) from a typical rocky desertification slope. Classical statistics and geostatistics were used to assess the spatial variability of the following key soil properties: soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK). The study mapped a continuous surface of soil nutrients using the ordinary kriging method to analyze the spatial variability of the karst slope. The results showed that, except for the bulk density and porosity, which showed little variation, the other soil characteristics had moderate to high levels of variability. The SOC, TN, and TP levels decreased with soil depth, while the TK content increased with soil depth. Each soil layer has strong spatial autocorrelation in its SOC. The variability of TP and TK decreases with soil depth, indicating strong spatial autocorrelation. In the 0–10 cm soil layer, the SOC displays the highest level of continuity, with the TN exhibiting a higher level of variability compared to the other nutrients. Within the 10–20 cm soil layer, the SOC, TN, TP, and TK all exhibit strong spatial autocorrelation. Moving to the 20–30 cm soil layer, the structural variability of SOC is the most pronounced. The correlation between soil nutrients and other soil properties was not strong, with only a cumulative explanatory power of 11.81% in the first two axes of a redundancy analysis (RDA). Among them, the bulk density and silt content had a significant impact on soil nutrients. Studying the spatial variability of soil nutrients in rocky desertification areas is crucial for improving soil quality and promoting vegetation restoration.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Erosion and Soil and Water Conservation)
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Open AccessArticle
Investigation of Stress Tensor Anisotropy in Two- and Three-Dimensional Dunes
by
Elham Fazel Najafabadi, Hossein Afzalimehr, Mohammad Nazari-Sharabian and Moses Karakouzian
Water 2024, 16(23), 3345; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233345 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
Investigating the creation of bed forms due to sediment transport and flow structure in the presence of bed forms in alluvial channels is a constant challenge for engineers and researchers, because of its complex nature. In this research, turbulent flow structure and turbulence
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Investigating the creation of bed forms due to sediment transport and flow structure in the presence of bed forms in alluvial channels is a constant challenge for engineers and researchers, because of its complex nature. In this research, turbulent flow structure and turbulence anisotropy in the presence of two- and three-dimensional laboratory dunes were investigated. The results showed that, at the reattachment point, the turbulence anisotropy at the centerline of a three-dimensional dune was the largest. On the stoss slope, the turbulence anisotropy for two-dimensional dunes was at its highest at the bed form’s trough and below the crest. The results also demonstrated a tendency at the crest line toward the plane–strain limit for two-dimensional dunes and the centerline of three-dimensional dunes. However, at a 20 cm distance, turbulence anisotropy at the crest line tended toward asymmetric contraction to an oblate spheroid.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hydraulics Engineering)
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Acidogenic Fermentation of Cassava Wastewater: Effect of the Substrate-to-Microorganism Ratio and Temperature on Volatile Fatty Acids Production
by
Lina Marcela Sanchez-Ledesma, Jenny Alexandra Rodríguez-Victoria and Howard Ramírez-Malule
Water 2024, 16(23), 3344; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16233344 - 21 Nov 2024
Abstract
The production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through the acidogenic fermentation of wastewater is an emerging technology that requires further research to optimize operational variables for specific substrates. Cassava wastewater, which is a byproduct of the cassava sour starch extraction process, has been
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The production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) through the acidogenic fermentation of wastewater is an emerging technology that requires further research to optimize operational variables for specific substrates. Cassava wastewater, which is a byproduct of the cassava sour starch extraction process, has been minimally studied regarding its potential for VFA production through acidogenic fermentation. Batch reactors were used to evaluate the effects of the substrate-to-microorganism (S/M) ratio and temperature on VFA production from cassava wastewater. The results showed no statistically significant differences between the evaluated S/M ratios. The maximum total VFA concentration observed was 2214.64 mg of acetic acid (HAc)/L (0.32 gCODVFA/gCOD), which was achieved at a S/M ratio of 4 gCOD/gVS. This concentration was predominantly composed of acetic acid (42.7%), followed by butyric acid (30.1%) and propionic acid (24.6%), with a minor quantity of isovaleric acid (2.6%). The statistical analysis for the temperature variable showed significant differences between the evaluated conditions. The maximum concentration of total VFAs was 2650.19 mgHAc/L (0.45 gCODVFA/gCOD) at 34 ± 1 °C, with acetic (40.9%), butyric (29.8%), and propionic (29.3%) acids as primary metabolites. Cassava wastewater shows promise as a potential substrate for VFA production, warranting evaluation in continuous reactors.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Reuse and Recycling)
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