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 International Conference on Flood Management (ICFM) and 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 second half of 2023).
- 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 and Hydrobiology.
Impact Factor:
3.4 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.5 (2022)
Latest Articles
Greedy Weighted Stacking of Machine Learning Models for Optimizing Dam Deformation Prediction
Water 2024, 16(9), 1235; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091235 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Dam safety monitoring is critical due to its social, environmental, and economic implications. Although conventional statistical approaches have been used for surveillance, advancements in technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), offer promising avenues for enhancing predictive capabilities. We investigate
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Dam safety monitoring is critical due to its social, environmental, and economic implications. Although conventional statistical approaches have been used for surveillance, advancements in technology, particularly in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), offer promising avenues for enhancing predictive capabilities. We investigate the application of ML algorithms, including Boosted Regression Trees (BRT), Random Forest (RF), and Neural Networks (NN), focussing on their combination by Stacking to improve prediction accuracy on concrete dam deformation using radial displacement data from three dams. The methodology involves training first-level models (experts) using those algorithms, and a second-level meta-learner that combines their predictions using BRT, a Linear Model (LM) and the Greedy Weighted Algorithm (GWA). A comparative analysis demonstrates the superiority of Stacking over traditional methods. The GWA emerged as the most suitable meta-learner, enhancing the optimal expert in all cases, with improvement rates reaching up to 16.12% over the optimal expert. Our study addresses critical questions regarding the GWA’s expert weighting and its impact on prediction precision. The results indicate that the combination of accurate experts using the GWA improves model reliability by reducing error dispersion. However, variations in optimal weights over time necessitate robust error estimation using cross-validation by blocks. Furthermore, the assignment of weights to experts closely correlates with their precision: the more accurate a model is, the more weight that is assigned to it. The GWA improves on the optimal expert in most cases, including at extreme values of error, with improvement rates up to 41.74%. Our findings suggest that the proposed methodology significantly advances AI applications in infrastructure monitoring, with implications for dam safety.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety Evaluation of Dam and Geotechnical Engineering, Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Study on Properties of Micro-Nano Magnetic Composite Prepared by Mechanochemical Method of NdFeB Secondary Waste and Removal of As (V) from Mine Water
by
Xiujuan Feng and Yicheng Rao
Water 2024, 16(9), 1234; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091234 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The secondary waste produced by NdFeB waste after rare earth recycling, with an annual output of more than tens of thousands of tons, is the largest solid waste emission source in the rare earth industry, and long-term storage causes land resource occupation and
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The secondary waste produced by NdFeB waste after rare earth recycling, with an annual output of more than tens of thousands of tons, is the largest solid waste emission source in the rare earth industry, and long-term storage causes land resource occupation and environmental pollution. Arsenic-containing mine wastewater has serious harm, wide distribution, and long duration of pollution. In this study, the mechanical ball milling method was used to activate NdFeB secondary waste to prepare micro-nano magnetic composite materials, the main components of which are Fe2O3, Fe3O4, and C. Under mechanical mechanochemical action, the particles are more dispersed, the particle size decreases, the specific surface area increases significantly, the crystal structure changes to amorphous structure, the degree of amorphous shape increases, and the content of Fe-OH increases. Applied to the treatment of As (V) in simulated mine water, it was found that the removal of As (V) by this material was mainly based on chemisorption and monolayer adsorption, and the maximum adsorption amount reached 10.477 mg/g. Zeta, FT-IT, and XPS characterization confirmed that the removal of As (V) was a coordination exchange reaction between the material and As (V) to form an inner sphere complex. The removal rate of As (V) decreased from 94.33% to 73.56% when the initial concentration of solution was 10 mg/L, pH value was 3.0, and material dosage was 1 g/L after 5 times of regrowth. This study provides a new way for the application of NdFeB secondary waste, which has low cost, green environmental protection, and wide application prospects.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water, Wastewater and Waste Management for Sustainable Development)
Open AccessArticle
Determination of Critical Damage Size of Inclined Waterproof Coal Pillar under Asymmetric Load
by
Xingping Lai, Xiaoqian Yuchi, Helong Gu, Pengfei Shan and Wenhua Yang
Water 2024, 16(9), 1233; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091233 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Quantitative determination of the critical size of an inclined coal pillar in an old goaf water-affected area is of great significance for water damage prevention and safe mining. The critical size of the inclined waterproof coal pillar is derived by using mechanical analyses,
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Quantitative determination of the critical size of an inclined coal pillar in an old goaf water-affected area is of great significance for water damage prevention and safe mining. The critical size of the inclined waterproof coal pillar is derived by using mechanical analyses, numerical calculations, and field engineering practices to determine the stability of the waterproof coal pillar in the old goaf water-affected area of the 1303 working face of Dananhu No. 1 Mine in the Xinjiang region. Firstly, a force model of the inclined waterproof coal pillar was established to reveal the law that the critical size of the coal pillar increases with the increase in coal seam inclination under the action of asymmetric load. Then, numerical simulation was applied to reveal the dynamic evolution processes of plastic deformation–destabilization of the coal pillar under the influence of mining and single-side water pressure, and the critical size of the coal pillar in the study area was determined to be 19.09 m. Finally, measures such as pumping pressure relief and slurry reinforcement were adopted to reduce the deformation rate of the roadway on the side of the coal pillar, which ensured the stability of the waterproof coal pillar and the safe mining of the working face.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theory and Technology of Mine Water Disaster Prevention and Resource Utilization)
Open AccessArticle
Parameter Optimization of Frazil Ice Evolution Model Based on NSGA-II Genetic Algorithm
by
Yunfei Chen, Jijian Lian, Xin Zhao and Deming Yang
Water 2024, 16(9), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091232 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study is based on the research results of frazil ice evolution in recent years and proposes an improved frazil ice evolution mathematical model. Based on the NSGA-II genetic algorithm, seven key parameters were used as optimization design variables, the minimum average difference
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This study is based on the research results of frazil ice evolution in recent years and proposes an improved frazil ice evolution mathematical model. Based on the NSGA-II genetic algorithm, seven key parameters were used as optimization design variables, the minimum average difference between the number of frazil ice, the mean and the standard deviation of particle diameter of the simulation results, and the observed data were used as the optimization objective, the Pareto optimal solution set was optimized, and the importance of each objective function was analyzed and discussed. The results show that compared to previous models, the improved model has better agreement between simulation results and experimental results. The optimal parameters obtained by the optimization model reduces the difference rate of water temperature process by 5.75%, the difference rate of quantity process by 39.13%, the difference rate of mean particle size process by 47.64%, and the difference rate of standard deviation process by 56.84% during the period of intense evolution corresponding to the initial parameter group. The results prove the validity of the optimization model of frazil ice evolution parameters.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
The Influence of Arctic Conditions on the Formation of Algae and Cyanobacteria Diversity and on the Water Quality of Freshwater Habitats on Kotelny Island, Lena Delta Wildlife Reserve, Yakutia
by
Sophia Barinova and Viktor Gabyshev
Water 2024, 16(9), 1231; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091231 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The significant interest in the islands in the Russian Arctic has been in terms of available oil reserves, which determine the direction of economic development and associated environmental risks for this sector of the Arctic in the near future. Kotelny Island is the
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The significant interest in the islands in the Russian Arctic has been in terms of available oil reserves, which determine the direction of economic development and associated environmental risks for this sector of the Arctic in the near future. Kotelny Island is the largest island of the New Siberian Islands Archipelago included in the protected zone of the Lena Delta Nature Reserve, which is located at 76° N, washed from the west by the Laptev Sea, washed from the east by the East Siberian Sea in a permafrost zone, and characterized by harsh climatic conditions defined by the northeast winds that prevail in vegetative season. January sees temperatures ranging from −32 to −35 °C, and July from +6 to +8 °C, which causes a short growing season. Samples were taken between August 3 and 8, 2018 in 12 freshwater bodies where 210 taxa were revealed. Aquatic communities were dominated by zygnematophycean and diatom algae, grouped in the basins of two rivers and associated with the position on the island’s landscape, which suggests the influence of cold north-east winds, leading to the avoidance of habitats in open and high places, which was revealed by statistical methods and also confirms the high individuality of taxa composition. Bioindication methods showed that water bodies are slightly alkaline, with low ion concentrations, with the presence of sulfides in low-lying habitats, and average saturation with organic matter. The mesotrophic status of the studied water bodies was evaluated through an assessment and the type of nutrition in the communities of algae and cyanobacteria indicates they formed there as true autotrophs, which corresponds to the status of a protected area and can serve as a reference level for monitoring anthropogenic impact.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Using the Heavy Metal and Biotic Indices to Assess Ecological Quality in the Central Area of the East Sea, South Korea
by
Jian Liang, Chae-Woo Ma and Dae-Sun Son
Water 2024, 16(9), 1230; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091230 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
With the rapid development of the South Korean economy, human activities have extensively affected Korea’s coastal environment. A precise ecological quality assessment remains paramount despite the relatively lower impact of human activities on the East Sea compared to the West and South Seas
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With the rapid development of the South Korean economy, human activities have extensively affected Korea’s coastal environment. A precise ecological quality assessment remains paramount despite the relatively lower impact of human activities on the East Sea compared to the West and South Seas of South Korea. Accurate ecological quality assessments can provide valuable marine environmental protection and management references. In our study, we employed seven indices based on heavy metals and macrobenthos to comprehensively assess ecological quality. Our results indicated the final ecological quality in the central East Sea of South Korea was acceptable at most stations; however, the ecological quality in winter marginally falls short compared to that in spring. The concentration of heavy metals emerges as a significant determinant of the final ecological quality, underscoring the need for subsequent studies to investigate the origins of heavy metals in the central East Sea of South Korea and the influence of anthropogenic activities on heavy metal concentrations. Furthermore, employing a single biotic index proves challenging for accurately assessing ecological quality in the East Sea of South Korea.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Marine Ecological Monitoring, Assessment and Protection)
Open AccessArticle
Effects of Bio-Organic Fertilizers Substitution on Gaseous Nitrogen Losses in Rice Fields
by
Zhengdi Han, Huijing Hou, Xianzi Yao, Xiang Qian, Qin Tao and Mingyao Zhou
Water 2024, 16(9), 1229; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091229 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Traditional practices for managing irrigation and fertilizer in Chinese rice fields have historically consumed large amounts of water resources and caused serious gaseous nitrogen losses (ammonia volatilization and N2O), resulting in low water and fertilizer use efficiency. While both water-saving irrigation
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Traditional practices for managing irrigation and fertilizer in Chinese rice fields have historically consumed large amounts of water resources and caused serious gaseous nitrogen losses (ammonia volatilization and N2O), resulting in low water and fertilizer use efficiency. While both water-saving irrigation and substituting organic fertilizer for chemical fertilizer can impact ammonia volatilization and N2O emissions, the impact of their combined application on gaseous nitrogen loss in rice fields remains unclear. To achieve this goal, we conducted a two-year experiment using two irrigation methods and three bio-organic fertilizer substitution modes. The experiment investigated the effect of different irrigation and fertilizer management techniques on gaseous nitrogen losses in rice fields. The result indicated that controlled irrigation could reduce the peak value of ammonia volatilization by 36.8~75.9% and ammonia volatilization accumulation by 45.8%. However, it also leads to a 71.4% increase in N2O accumulation emissions, resulting in a 43.0% reduction in gaseous nitrogen losses. Compared to full chemical fertilizers, bio-organic fertilizer substitution could effectively reduce the peak of N2O and ammonia volatilization. Cumulative ammonia volatilization and N2O emissions went down by 22.7~60.0% and 38.6~42.6%, respectively. This then led to a 23.4~52.9% drop in total gaseous nitrogen losses. In contrast, the utilization of controlled irrigation and bio-organic fertilizer substitution did not have a significant impact on rice yield. However, it did reduce the intensity of gaseous nitrogen loss from rice fields by 42.7% and 22.5% to 56.5%, respectively. When taken together, the substitution of bio-organic fertilizer in controlled irrigation can effectively reduce gaseous nitrogen losses while maintaining rice yields. This study has significant practical implications for reducing nitrogen loss from paddy fields, improving water and fertilizer utilization, and achieving sustainable agricultural development.
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Open AccessReview
Microplastics in Groundwater: Pathways, Occurrence, and Monitoring Challenges
by
Elvira Colmenarejo Calero, Manca Kovač Viršek and Nina Mali
Water 2024, 16(9), 1228; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091228 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, are considered an emerging pollutant. Their presence in the water cycle and their interaction with ecological processes pose a significant environmental threat. As groundwater (GW) represents the primary source of drinking water,
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Microplastics (MPs), defined as plastic particles measuring less than 5 mm, are considered an emerging pollutant. Their presence in the water cycle and their interaction with ecological processes pose a significant environmental threat. As groundwater (GW) represents the primary source of drinking water, monitoring MPs in GW and investigating their potential sources and pathways is of urgent importance. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the primary contamination pathways of MPs from surface water, seawater, and soil into the GW. Moreover, it presents an examination of the occurrence of MPs in GW and identifies the challenges associated with their monitoring in GW. This study also discusses the difficulties associated with comparing research results related to MPs in GW, as well as indicating the need for implementing standardised techniques for their sampling and detection. On the basis of our experience and the literature review, we highlight the importance of understanding the specific hydrogeological and hydrogeographic conditions, collecting representative samples, using sampling devices with comparable specifications and comparable laboratory techniques for MP identification, and preventing contamination at all stages of the monitoring process. This review offers valuable insights and practical guidelines on how to improve the reliability and comparability of results between studies monitoring MPs in GW.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Microplastics Pollution)
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Open AccessArticle
Water-Level Prediction Analysis for the Three Gorges Reservoir Area Based on a Hybrid Model of LSTM and Its Variants
by
Haoran Li, Lili Zhang, Yaowen Zhang, Yunsheng Yao, Renlong Wang and Yiming Dai
Water 2024, 16(9), 1227; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091227 - 25 Apr 2024
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The Three Gorges Hydropower Station, the largest in the world, plays a pivotal role in hydroelectric power generation, flood control, navigation, and ecological conservation. The water level of the Three Gorges Reservoir has a direct impact on these aspects. Accurate prediction of the
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The Three Gorges Hydropower Station, the largest in the world, plays a pivotal role in hydroelectric power generation, flood control, navigation, and ecological conservation. The water level of the Three Gorges Reservoir has a direct impact on these aspects. Accurate prediction of the reservoir’s water level, especially in the dam area, is of utmost importance for downstream regions’ safety and economic development. This study investigates the application and performance of four distinct deep-learning models in predicting water levels. The models evaluated include the Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM), Convolutional Neural Network–Long Short-Term Memory (CNN–LSTM), and Convolutional Neural Network–Attention–Long Short-Term Memory (CNN–Attention–LSTM). The performance of these models was assessed using several metrics, namely the Coefficient of Determination (R2), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). The findings indicate that the CNN–Attention–LSTM model outperforms the others in all metrics, achieving an R2 value of 0.9940, MAE of 0.5296, RMSE of 0.6748, and MAPE of 0.0032. Moreover, the CNN–LSTM model exhibited exceptional predictive accuracy for lower water levels. These results underscore the potential of deep-learning models in water-level forecasting, particularly highlighting the efficacy of attention mechanisms in enhancing predictive accuracy. Precise water-level predictions are instrumental in optimizing hydropower generation and providing a scientific basis for effective flood control and water resource management.
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Open AccessArticle
An Assessment of the Suitability of Contrasting Biosolids for Raising Indigenous Plants in Nurseries
by
Claudia Garcés-Hernández, Brett Robinson, Claudio Bravo-Linares, Hamish Lowe, Seinalyn Villanueva, Jennifer Prosser and María-Jesús Gutiérrez-Ginés
Water 2024, 16(9), 1226; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091226 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Disposal of biosolids, the solid fraction of sewage treatment, is a global environmental issue. Biosolids contain valuable organic matter and plant nutrients; however, they also contain contaminants including trace elements, xenobiotics, and pathogens. The quality of the biosolids greatly depends on the source
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Disposal of biosolids, the solid fraction of sewage treatment, is a global environmental issue. Biosolids contain valuable organic matter and plant nutrients; however, they also contain contaminants including trace elements, xenobiotics, and pathogens. The quality of the biosolids greatly depends on the source of wastewater (i.e., industrial vs. domestic) and the treatment processes. We aimed to determine the potential of three distinct biosolids and one pond sludge to grow indigenous plants for ecosystem restoration. For each amendment, we tested six indigenous species, Veronica salicifolia, Corokia cheesemanii, Griselinia littoralis, Phormium tenax, Poa cita, and Cordyline australis in bark mixed with biosolids and/or pond sludge at rates of 0–50%. There was a significant positive correlation between plant growth and biosolid addition up to a species-dependent plateau. Growth decreased at the highest rates. At a rate of 10% for fresh biosolids and 30% for aged biosolids provided consistent optimal growth across all species. The pond sludge was unsuitable for the establishment of indigenous seedlings. At the optimal rates, there were significant increases in foliar N, P, K, S, and Zn. None of the trace elements accumulated in the plants at phytotoxic concentrations or levels that presented a risk to ecosystems. Future work should determine how plants raised with biosolids perform once planted out in the field.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sewage Sludge: Treatment and Recovery)
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Open AccessArticle
A Distributed Catchment—Scale Evaluation of the Potential of Soil and Water Conservation Interventions to Reduce Storm Flow and Soil Loss
by
Tilashwork C. Alemie, Wouter Buytaert, Seifu A. Tilahun and Tammo S. Steenhuis
Water 2024, 16(9), 1225; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091225 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Finding effective ecosystem services (ESS) management practices to counteract land degradation and poverty is becoming increasingly urgent in the Ethiopian highlands, where livelihood security is strongly dependent on local ESS, particularly those provided by water and soil. In this paper, we test the
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Finding effective ecosystem services (ESS) management practices to counteract land degradation and poverty is becoming increasingly urgent in the Ethiopian highlands, where livelihood security is strongly dependent on local ESS, particularly those provided by water and soil. In this paper, we test the effects of widely implemented soil and water conservation (SWC) interventions on storm flow and sediment concentration in the Debre Mawi watershed (representative of watersheds in the upper Blue Nile basin and Ethiopian highlands). The SWC interventions were tested with a Parameter Efficient Distributed (PED) model. The PED model simulates saturation excess runoff from degraded and saturated valley bottoms, and base and interflow from hillsides. The model was calibrated with observed runoff and sediment data in a 95-ha subcatchment. We found that the PED model simulated the discharge and soil loss well by decreasing the proportion of degraded lands due to installing SWC practices. The results show that four years after the implementation of SWC practices, the infiltration of rainwater was improved in 53% of the degraded lands. Thus, installing SWC practices on hillsides where infiltration is limited is most beneficial and will result in greater water availability during the dry phase, especially in locations where volcanic dikes block the lateral flow.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ecohydrology: Insights into Water Dynamics and Ecosystem Functioning)
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Open AccessArticle
Geophysical Characterization and Seepage Detection of the Chimney Rock Dam Embankment Near Salina, Oklahoma
by
Peter Adetokunbo, Ahmed Ismail, Farag Mewafy and Oluseun Sanuade
Water 2024, 16(9), 1224; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091224 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
The operator of Chimney Rock Dam observed the emergence of increasing seepage at the toe of the dam when the water level in the reservoir exceeded a particular elevation. However, the source and the pathways of the seepage were not identified. To address
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The operator of Chimney Rock Dam observed the emergence of increasing seepage at the toe of the dam when the water level in the reservoir exceeded a particular elevation. However, the source and the pathways of the seepage were not identified. To address this issue, integrated geophysical methods were employed to delineate the different units of the dam embankment and identify potential seepage zones and pathways. The methods utilized in this study included electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), self-potential (SP), and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). The ERT profiles revealed variations in the dam’s fill properties, including areas with anomalously low resistivity, interpreted as zones of relatively high moisture content. The two long SP profiles conducted along the dam embankment displayed similar spatial correlations with these low-resistivity zones, suggesting potential preferential seepage pathways. The SP map generated from a suite of parallel SP profiles conducted over the abutment depicts a pattern of positive background and negative potential anomalies, which may suggest fluid movement or seepage potential. The MASW profile along the top of the dam characterized an upper low shear-wave velocity layer corresponding to the top dry section of the embankment underlain by a higher shear-wave velocity layer, interpreted as saturated zone. The utilized geophysical methods successfully characterized the different materials of the embankment and identified zones of potential seepage.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety Evaluation of Dam and Geotechnical Engineering, Volume II)
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Open AccessArticle
Combining Crop and Water Decisions to Manage Groundwater Overdraft over Decadal and Longer Timescales
by
Yiqing Yao, Jay R. Lund and Josué Medellín-Azuara
Water 2024, 16(9), 1223; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091223 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Coordinating management of groundwater, surface water, and irrigated crops is fundamental economically for many arid and semi-arid regions. This paper examines conjunctive water management for agriculture using hydro-economic optimization modeling. The analysis is integrated across two timescales: a two-stage stochastic decadal model for
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Coordinating management of groundwater, surface water, and irrigated crops is fundamental economically for many arid and semi-arid regions. This paper examines conjunctive water management for agriculture using hydro-economic optimization modeling. The analysis is integrated across two timescales: a two-stage stochastic decadal model for managing annual and perennial crops spanning dry and wet years and a far-horizon dynamic program embedding the decadal model into a longer groundwater policy setting. The modeling loosely represents California’s San Joaquin Valley and has insights for many irrigated arid and semi-arid regions relying on groundwater with variable annual hydrology. Results show how conjunctive water management can stabilize crop decisions and improve agricultural profitability across different water years by pumping more in dry years and increasing recharging groundwater in wetter years. Using groundwater as a buffer for droughts allows growing more higher-value perennial crops, which maximizes profit even with water-scarce conditions. Nevertheless, ending overdraft in basins with declining groundwater for profit-maximizing farming reduces annual crops to maintain more profitable perennial crops through droughts. Results are affected by economic discount rates and future climates. Operating and opportunity costs from forgone annual crops can reduce aquifer recharge early in regulatory periods.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Resources Planning Toolkits for Climate Resiliency and Economic Sustainability)
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Open AccessArticle
Fractal Characteristics of Water Outflows on the Soil Surface after a Pipe Failure
by
Małgorzata Iwanek and Paweł Suchorab
Water 2024, 16(9), 1222; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091222 - 25 Apr 2024
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Water pipe failures result in real water losses in the form of water outflowing into the porous medium, such as the surrounding soil. Such an outflow may result in the creation of suffosion holes. The appropriate management of the water supply network may
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Water pipe failures result in real water losses in the form of water outflowing into the porous medium, such as the surrounding soil. Such an outflow may result in the creation of suffosion holes. The appropriate management of the water supply network may contribute to reducing the number of failures, but due to their random nature, it is not possible to completely eliminate them. Therefore, alternative solutions are being sought to reduce the effects of the failures. This article presents a fragment of the results from a broader scope of the research, which attempted to determine the outflow zone in relation to the fractal characteristics of water outflows. The research included the analysis of the actual geometric structures created by the water outflows, which were simplified into linear structures using isometric transformations. The structures were analyzed in terms of the parameters characterizing them, including their fractal dimensions. As a result, it was found that there was no relationship between the analyzed fractal parameters and the leakage area or hydraulic pressure in the water pipe. However, the influence of the number of points forming each linear structure on the analyzed parameters was shown. This allowed for the determination of further research aimed at estimating the size of the water outflow zone after the unsealing of an underground water supply pipe.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Safety of Tap Water in Terms of Changes in Physical, Chemical, and Biological Stability
by
Andżelika Domoń, Beata Kowalska, Dorota Papciak, Edyta Wojtaś and Iwona Kamińska
Water 2024, 16(9), 1221; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091221 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Monitoring the quality of tap water in the distribution system and the ability to estimate the risk of losing its sanitary safety is an important aspect of managing the collective water supply system. During monitoring, the physical, chemical, and biological stability of water
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Monitoring the quality of tap water in the distribution system and the ability to estimate the risk of losing its sanitary safety is an important aspect of managing the collective water supply system. During monitoring, the physical, chemical, and biological stability of water was assessed, which is the main determinant ensuring the appropriate quality of water for consumers. The physicochemical and microbiological quality of water was analyzed for two distribution systems (DSs), including the analysis of heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb). The tests carried out showed that in both distribution systems, the water supplied to consumers met the guidelines for water intended for human consumption. It can be considered that the risk of uncontrolled changes in water quality in DSs with an average water production of <10,000 m3/d and the length of water pipelines < 150 km is very low. The water introduced into the system differed in the place of water intake and water purification technology, which influenced the final water quality. In DS(II), higher values were recorded for hardness, conductivity, calcium, alkalinity, nitrates, and DOC. It was found that the content of heavy metals during water transport to the consumer increased in the case of DS(I) for Zn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb, and in the case of DS(II) for Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Pb. The observed differences resulted from the different quality of the intake water as well as from different materials used to build internal installations and their age and technical condition. The analyzed tap water was characterized by physical and chemical stability. However, the water did not meet the guidelines for water biostability due to the increased content of biogenic substances.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Monitoring and Assessment of Water Quality in Drinking Water Distribution Systems)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Precision and Accuracy Limits of Wastewater-Based Epidemiology—Lessons Learned from SARS-CoV-2: A Scoping Review
by
Juris Laicans, Brigita Dejus, Sandis Dejus and Talis Juhna
Water 2024, 16(9), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091220 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become crucial for early microbial outbreak detection and public health surveillance globally, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite advancements in sampling and analyses, interpreting results and estimating infection rates pose challenges. Enhancements in sewer system engineering, understanding
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Background: Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has become crucial for early microbial outbreak detection and public health surveillance globally, underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite advancements in sampling and analyses, interpreting results and estimating infection rates pose challenges. Enhancements in sewer system engineering, understanding the wastewater environment, and addressing the impact of the environment on the accuracy of results are needed. Objective: This scoping review aims to identify engineering knowledge gaps in WBE to guide future study designs. Design: Research on “wastewater-based epidemiology” involving “engineering”, published between 2015 and 2023, was extracted from the Scopus database. Results: This scoping review examines elements influencing WBE’s precision and reliability, especially in identifying and measuring SARS-CoV-2 RNA. It identifies significant effects of engineering, analytical practices, and the wastewater’s composition on WBE performance. Conclusions: This review calls for further investigation into economical evaluation methods of these factors to enhance WBE data normalization and interpretation, utilizing existing wastewater treatment plant data used for treatment control, which could be a cost-effective approach over more expensive population biomarkers. This approach, aside from SARS-CoV-2, holds potential for application to a broader number and types of diseases, as well as population consumption habits.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wastewater-Based Epidemiology (WBE) Research)
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Open AccessReview
Current Status of and Suggestions on Sewage Treatment Fees in China
by
Guoming Zeng, Zilong Ma, Yu He, Lin Chen, Da Sun and Xiaoling Lei
Water 2024, 16(9), 1219; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091219 - 25 Apr 2024
Abstract
China’s sewage treatment standards have been gradually improving, yet there is a widening gap between sewage treatment fees and actual costs. This discrepancy, where the fees for sewage treatment are lower than the actual operational expenses, poses a significant bottleneck to the sustainable
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China’s sewage treatment standards have been gradually improving, yet there is a widening gap between sewage treatment fees and actual costs. This discrepancy, where the fees for sewage treatment are lower than the actual operational expenses, poses a significant bottleneck to the sustainable development of China’s sewage treatment industry. As a core aspect of environmental economic policies, sewage treatment fees are pivotal in regulating water pollution emissions and addressing water resource shortages. Currently, there are major issues with sewage treatment fees, including an incomplete pricing system, insufficient fees, unclear fee distribution, and a heavy reliance on local finances. These problems impede systematic planning, diminish management efficiency, and hinder the sustainable development of the sewage treatment industry. Thus, future research efforts should prioritize the establishment of a pricing mechanism that comprehensively covers the full cost of sewage treatment. This article presents a concise summary and review of the current situation, types of fee collection, cost accounting methodologies, challenges, and proposed countermeasures for sewage treatment fees, and could serve as a relevant reference for future research on sewage treatment fees. By comprehensively addressing these issues, the sewage treatment industry would progress towards healthier and more sustainable development, ultimately achieving the goal of green growth.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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Open AccessArticle
Analysis of Self-Rescue Possibilities for Pedestrians in the Aftermath of Destabilization during a Flood Event
by
Xin Guo, Wenhai Wang, Xing Fang, Yongwei Gong, Junqi Li, Mengying Wang and Xiaojing Li
Water 2024, 16(9), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091218 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Human safety is paramount in flood disasters. Current research indicates that the majority of fatalities in such disasters are due to people moving in water. Existing studies on human stability in floods have primarily focused on the static resistance of a standing posture
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Human safety is paramount in flood disasters. Current research indicates that the majority of fatalities in such disasters are due to people moving in water. Existing studies on human stability in floods have primarily focused on the static resistance of a standing posture against water flow, neglecting the realistic scenario where people need to move and attempt self-rescue in the aftermath of destabilization. This paper introduces an analysis of the stability during the self-rescue process following a fall in floodwaters, providing insights into the baseline risks of human impact in floods. The self-rescue process is defined as the recovery to a standing position after a fall, segmented into four postures: sitting, kneeling, squatting, and standing. Additionally, considering the significant variability of the current method ( water depth multiplied by flow velocity) used to assess human stability in floods, this research thoroughly investigates previously undefined parameters, including submerged volume, frontal area, wet friction coefficient, and flow resistance coefficient. This leads to the development of a physically meaningful self-rescue risk assessment formula, which is validated against previous studies for accuracy, with the aim of contributing new insights to flood risk management and public education.
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(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)
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Open AccessArticle
Impacts of Extreme Climate on the Water Resource System in Sichuan Province
by
Fang Ma and Zhijun Li
Water 2024, 16(9), 1217; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091217 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Based on the data of Sichuan Province from 2007 to 2021, the extreme climate events in Sichuan Province was identified by statistical method, and the coupling coordination degree of water resources-climate system and separate water resource system was analyzed. Based on the difference
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Based on the data of Sichuan Province from 2007 to 2021, the extreme climate events in Sichuan Province was identified by statistical method, and the coupling coordination degree of water resources-climate system and separate water resource system was analyzed. Based on the difference of coupling coordination degree under these two systems, the influence mechanism of extreme climate factors on the water resource system is analyzed. The results show that the extreme climate types in Sichuan Province gradually transition from extreme drought to extreme precipitation and from extreme low temperature to extreme high temperature. When climate factors are not considered, the coupling coordination degree of the water resource system is generally improved and the distribution is more concentrated. Moreover, the influence of climate factors on the water resource system is not a simple linear relationship.
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(This article belongs to the Section Water and Climate Change)
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Open AccessReview
Recent Issues and Challenges in the Study of Inland Waters
by
Ryszard Staniszewski, Beata Messyasz, Piotr Dąbrowski, Pawel Burdziakowski and Marcin Spychała
Water 2024, 16(9), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16091216 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
This paper addresses several important problems and methods related to studies of inland waters based on the existing scientific literature. The use of UAVs in freshwater monitoring is described, including recent contact and non-contact solutions. Due to a decline in biological diversity in
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This paper addresses several important problems and methods related to studies of inland waters based on the existing scientific literature. The use of UAVs in freshwater monitoring is described, including recent contact and non-contact solutions. Due to a decline in biological diversity in many parts of the globe, the main threats are described together with a modern method for algae and cyanobacteria monitoring utilizing chlorophyll a fluorescence. Observed disturbances in the functioning of river biocenoses related to mine waters’ discharge, causing changes in the physico-chemical parameters of waters and sediments, give rise to the need to develop more accurate methods for the assessment of this phenomenon. Important problems occurring in the context of microplastic detection, including the lack of unification, standardization and repeatability of the methods used, were described. In conclusion, accurate results in the monitoring of water quality parameters of inland waters can be achieved by combining modern methods and using non-contact solutions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impacts of Climate Change and Anthropogenic Pressure on Freshwater Ecosystems)
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