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
Sources, Risks, and Remediation Technologies of Pollutants in Aquatic Environments
Water 2024, 16(11), 1532; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111532 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Water, the lifeblood of our planet, is encountering unprecedented challenges stemming from a diverse array of pollution sources, including industrial wastewater, agricultural runoff, and urban domestic sewage [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Water Environment Pollution and Control, Volume II)
Open AccessArticle
Exploring Groundwater Quality Trends in Valliyar Sub-Basin, Kanniyakumari District, India through Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
by
Bhagavathi Krishnan Ramesh and Sankararajan Vanitha
Water 2024, 16(11), 1531; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111531 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The assessment of water quality assumes a position of utmost significance as it plays a critical role in upholding ecological balance and safeguarding the well-being of human populations. To achieve these goals, an in-depth consideration of water quality trends is essential, as it
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The assessment of water quality assumes a position of utmost significance as it plays a critical role in upholding ecological balance and safeguarding the well-being of human populations. To achieve these goals, an in-depth consideration of water quality trends is essential, as it offers comprehension into the intricate interplay between various elements within aquatic ecosystems. As a consequence, the proposed work investigates the water quality trends specifically within the Valliyar sub-basin, which encompasses the geographical areas of Kattathurai, Colachal, Thuckalay, and Villukuri. The temporal scope of investigation spans from the year 2000 to 2018 using the dependent variable of water quality parameters with dependent variables of climate data. Recognizing the need for advanced methodologies to tackle the multifaceted nature of water quality dynamics, this research harnesses the power of pioneering machine learning techniques. Two notable approaches, the Radial Bias Function Neural Network (RBFNN) and the DenseNet-121-based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), are brought into performance. The primary objective is to leverage these techniques to forecast water quality trends for the next twenty-two years. The effectiveness of various machine learning models in predicting water quality is evaluated using the following key performance metrics: the Mean-Square Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) and Root-Mean-Square Error (RMSE). Notably, the DenseNet CNN model exhibits accurate prediction among the Artificial Neural Network (ANN), Support Vector Machine (SVM), and Deep Learning (DL) models. This research underscores the significance of machine learning techniques, with DenseNet CNN model emerging as a particularly promising tool in this domain.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Valorization of Cherry By-Products as Coagulant/Flocculants Combined with Bentonite Clay for Olive Mill Wastewater Treatment
by
Ana R. Teixeira, Sílvia Afonso, Nuno Jorge, Ivo V. Oliveira, Berta Gonçalves, José A. Peres and Marco S. Lucas
Water 2024, 16(11), 1530; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111530 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
In this study, two by-products resulting from the processing of cherry (stems and pits) were used as natural coagulants to promote the valorization of these wastes and treat olive mill wastewater (OMW). The efficacy of the plant-based coagulants (PBCs) in the coagulation–flocculation–decantation process
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In this study, two by-products resulting from the processing of cherry (stems and pits) were used as natural coagulants to promote the valorization of these wastes and treat olive mill wastewater (OMW). The efficacy of the plant-based coagulants (PBCs) in the coagulation–flocculation–decantation process (CFD) was evaluated through the removal of turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), total polyphenols (TPh), and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). The CFD process was demonstrated to be effective in turbidity and TSS reduction in OMW. Using cherry stems (CSs), these reductions were 65.2% of turbidity and 58.0% of TSS, while cherry pits (CPs) achieved higher reductions, 78.6% of turbidity and 68.2% of TSS. To improve the effectiveness of OMW treatment, mainly regarding the removal of TPh and DOC, the CFD process was complemented with the adsorption process (using bentonite clay). The adsorption capacity of bentonite was higher in acidic conditions (pH 3.0) and, with a dosage of 3.0 g L−1, reached 17.3 mg of DOC and 13.8 mg of TPh per gram of bentonite. Several adsorption isothermal models were assessed, and the Langmuir (r2 = 0.985), SIPS (r2 = 0.992), and Jovanovic models (r2 = 0.994) provided the best fittings. According to the optimal operational conditions defined throughout the present work, the combination of CFD and adsorption removals were as follows: (1) 98.0 and 91.3% of turbidity, (2) 80.8 and 81.2% of TSS, (3) 98.1 and 97.6% of TPh and (4) 57.9 and 62.2% of DOC, for CSs and CPs, correspondingly. Overall, the results suggest that cherry by-products can be used as low-cost natural coagulants and, when combined with another natural, abundant, and cheap material, such as bentonite clay, can be a sustainable alternative for treating OMW.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
Open AccessArticle
The Aging Behavior of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics by UV/Sodium Percarbonate Oxidation: Efficiency and Mechanism
by
Luhan Su, Zhongwen Liu, Jia He, Yan Wu and Qingguo Wang
Water 2024, 16(11), 1529; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111529 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The aging behavior of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has garnered significant attention, yet the exact aging process undergone by microplastics during advanced oxidation still remains unclear. This study emphasized elucidating the oxidation and dechlorination mechanisms of polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC MPs) within
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The aging behavior of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has garnered significant attention, yet the exact aging process undergone by microplastics during advanced oxidation still remains unclear. This study emphasized elucidating the oxidation and dechlorination mechanisms of polyvinyl chloride microplastics (PVC MPs) within the UV-activated sodium percarbonate system (UV/SPC). After 35 h of UV/SPC (0.05 M) treatment, it exhibited effective dechlorination with a Cl− release of 100.62 ± 13.17 mg/L. And this treatment resulted in the fragmentation and release of fragments from the PVC MPs, thereby contributing to their further aging and dechlorination. In addition, an increase in oxygen-containing functional groups was identified. Quenching experiments confirm that and are the primary active species present in the system. In summary, the aging of PVC MPs results in a process of fragmentation, releasing fragments that are more fragile and susceptible to mineralization compared to the original PVC MPs. The release of chloride ions originates from the mineralization of these fragments released from PVC MPs by and . This study has provided valuable insights into the aging mechanisms of MPs in practical wastewater treatment.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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Open AccessArticle
Development and Application of a New Open-Source Integrated Surface–Subsurface Flow Model in Plain Farmland
by
Hai Yang, Quanping Zhou, Yuehua Jiang, Lili Hou, Hui Yang and Qiuju Qi
Water 2024, 16(11), 1528; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111528 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
Accurately characterizing rainfall runoff processes in plain farmland, especially at the plot scale with significant micro-topographic features, has presented challenges. Integrated surface–subsurface flow models with high-precision surface flow modules are appropriate tools, yet open-source versions are rare. To address this gap, we proposed
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Accurately characterizing rainfall runoff processes in plain farmland, especially at the plot scale with significant micro-topographic features, has presented challenges. Integrated surface–subsurface flow models with high-precision surface flow modules are appropriate tools, yet open-source versions are rare. To address this gap, we proposed an open-source integrated surface–subsurface flow model called the FullSWOF-Plain model, in which the one-dimensional subsurface module Hydrus-1D was integrated with a modified two-dimensional surface water flow module (FullSWOF-2D) using the sequential head method. Various experimental scenarios were simulated to validate the model’s performance, including two outflow cases (i.e., 1D and 2D) without infiltration, a classical one-dimensional infiltration case, and two typical rainfall events at the experimental field. The results demonstrate the accuracy of this proposed model, with the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of the simulated discharge exceeding 0.90 in the experimental field case and the root mean squared error (RMSE) values for soil moisture at five depths consistently below 0.03 cm3/cm3. However, we observed a lag in the simulated response time of soil moisture due to the neglect of preferential flow. The micro-topography significantly influenced ponding time and ponding areas. Lower local terrain normally experienced earlier surface ponding. Scattered surface ponding water first occurred in the ditch and followed in the relatively low areas in the main field. The concentration process of surface runoff exhibited hierarchical characteristics, with the drainage ditch contributing the most discharge initially, followed by the connection of scattered puddles in the main field, draining excess surface water to the ditch through rills. This quantitative study sheds light on the impact of micro-topography on surface runoff in plain farmland areas.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Applications of Surface Water–Groundwater Modeling)
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Open AccessReview
Post-Removal of Phosphorus from Biologically Treated Wastewater and Recovering It as Fertilizer: Pilot-Scale Attempt—Project PhoReSe
by
Kyriaki Kalaitzidou, Manassis Mitrakas and Anastasios Zouboulis
Water 2024, 16(11), 1527; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111527 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
The major issue of raw materials’ depletion, and more specifically, of phosphorous (an important fertilizer) has currently become an emergent aspect due to expected depletion problems needing immediate handling. This was the reason for the implementation of the PhoReSe project that aimed to
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The major issue of raw materials’ depletion, and more specifically, of phosphorous (an important fertilizer) has currently become an emergent aspect due to expected depletion problems needing immediate handling. This was the reason for the implementation of the PhoReSe project that aimed to remove and recover phosphorus from the secondary (biologically treated) effluent of a municipal wastewater (biological) treatment plant (WWTP “AINEIA”, located near Thessaloniki, N. Greece), treating the wastewaters of the nearby touristic area. Regarding the phosphorous supplementary removal and recovery treatment options, two methods were examined, initially at the laboratory scale (batch experiments), i.e., (1) the adsorption of phosphorous, and (2) the chemical precipitation of phosphorus. Both methods were further applied at the pilot scale by initially performing the adsorption of phosphorous onto the AquAsZero commercial sorbent, which is a mixed manganese iron oxy-hydroxide, followed by the chemical precipitation of phosphorous implemented after the desorption process of the previously saturated adsorbent. The final precipitate of this procedure was examined as an alternative/supplementary fertilizer, this way returning phosphorus into the natural cycle. These experiments, as applied successfully in at the pilot scale, set the basis for larger-scale relevant applications for similar WWTP facilities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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Open AccessArticle
Research on the Flow Characteristics of Power-Law Fluids in Self-Priming Sewage Pumps
by
Xukan Li, Shuihua Zheng, Zhenghao Shao, Mingjie Xu, Yiliang Li, Qing Huang, Min Chai and Zenan Sun
Water 2024, 16(11), 1526; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111526 (registering DOI) - 26 May 2024
Abstract
To conduct a more in-depth study of the flow mechanism of power-law fluids within sewage pumps, this paper focuses on self-priming sewage pumps, with typical power-law fluid (Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CMC) as the conveying medium. The constitutive equations for sewage and typical power-law fluid
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To conduct a more in-depth study of the flow mechanism of power-law fluids within sewage pumps, this paper focuses on self-priming sewage pumps, with typical power-law fluid (Carboxymethyl Cellulose, CMC) as the conveying medium. The constitutive equations for sewage and typical power-law fluid (CMC solution) were established using the power-law model. Through numerical calculation methods, the non-steady flow field inside the pump of different concentration power-law fluids was analyzed from various aspects such as velocity, pressure, vorticity, and wall shear stress. The pressure pulsations at key locations in the pump flow field were monitored and analyzed. At the rated flow rate, when the concentration of CMC solution increased from 0.5% to 2.0%, the channel pressure and tongue pressure decreased by 16.5% and 3.5%, respectively. This indicates that the pressure on the impeller blades, within the flow passages, and at the tongue of the volute all decrease with the increase in concentration of CMC solution. This may alter the fluid flow pattern, leading to more vortex motion and shear deformation, while also reducing the pump’s pressure boosting capability, thereby affecting the pump’s performance stability. It can be inferred from quantitative comparisons that changes in rheological properties had a significant impact on the flow characteristics of sewage pumps. This paper reveals that some flow characteristics of power-law fluids in sewage pumps, providing a theoretical and reference basis for the performance optimization and flow mechanism research of sewage pumps.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrodynamics in Pumping and Hydropower Systems)
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Open AccessEditorial
Role of Snow in the High-Mountain Hydrologic Cycle
by
Hongyi Li
Water 2024, 16(11), 1525; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111525 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
2 Key Laboratory of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation in Qinghai Province, Xining 810000, China [...]
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Role of Snow in High-Mountain Hydrologic Cycle)
Open AccessArticle
Progress on the Use of Hydroponics to Remediate Hog Farm Wastewater after Vermifiltration Treatment
by
Kirill Ispolnov, Tomás M. R. Luz, Luis M. I. Aires and Judite S. Vieira
Water 2024, 16(11), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111524 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Hog farm wastewater may require novel biological treatment techniques to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Previous studies combining vermifiltration with downstream hydroponics showed the need for a balanced wastewater nutrient content, particularly the nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio. Here, a deep-water culture hydroponic system, growing lettuce
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Hog farm wastewater may require novel biological treatment techniques to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Previous studies combining vermifiltration with downstream hydroponics showed the need for a balanced wastewater nutrient content, particularly the nitrogen-to-phosphorus ratio. Here, a deep-water culture hydroponic system, growing lettuce as model culture, was used to remediate hog farm wastewater after an initial vermifiltration stage, aiming to produce an effluent suitable for irrigation. Supplemented vermifiltered wastewater (SVW) with added nutrients was tested against unsupplemented vermifiltered wastewater (VW) over 35 days, using a synthetic nutrient solution (NS) as a control. Supplementation was shown to improve lettuce growth, light use efficiency, and water use efficiency. Nutrient analysis over time showed a better-balanced phosphorus and nitrogen removal in SVW than in VW; in all treatments nitrogen and phosphorus content was reduced to legally acceptable levels for treated wastewater reuse in irrigation: nitrate 5 mgN L−1 in VW and undetectable in SVW and NS; ammonia undetectable in all treatments; and total phosphorus 2.4 mg L−1 in SVW, 0.9 mg L−1 in NS and undetectable in VW. Coliforms increased in VW and SVW during hydroponic treatment, which should be solved by disinfection. Overall, combining vermifiltration with downstream hydroponic culture proved to be a promising treatment to remediate nutrients in hog farm effluent to make it suitable to be reused for irrigation.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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Open AccessArticle
Predictability of Hurricane Storm Surge: An Ensemble Forecasting Approach Using Global Atmospheric Model Data
by
Rebecca E. Morss, David Ahijevych, Kathryn R. Fossell, Alex M. Kowaleski and Christopher A. Davis
Water 2024, 16(11), 1523; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111523 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Providing storm surge risk information at multi-day lead times is critical for hurricane evacuation decisions, but predictability of storm surge inundation at these lead times is limited. This study develops a method to parameterize and adjust tropical cyclones derived from global atmospheric model
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Providing storm surge risk information at multi-day lead times is critical for hurricane evacuation decisions, but predictability of storm surge inundation at these lead times is limited. This study develops a method to parameterize and adjust tropical cyclones derived from global atmospheric model data, for use in storm surge research and prediction. We implement the method to generate storm tide (surge + tide) ensemble forecasts for Hurricane Michael (2018) at five initialization times, using archived operational ECMWF ensemble forecasts and the dynamical storm surge model ADCIRC. The results elucidate the potential for extending hurricane storm surge prediction to several-day lead times, along with the challenges of predicting the details of storm surge inundation even 18 h before landfall. They also indicate that accurately predicting Hurricane Michael’s rapid intensification was not needed to predict the storm surge risk. In addition, the analysis illustrates how this approach can help identify situationally and physically realistic scenarios that pose greater storm surge risk. From a practical perspective, the study suggests potential approaches for improving real-time probabilistic storm surge prediction. The method can also be useful for other applications of atmospheric model data in storm surge research, forecasting, and risk analysis, across weather and climate time scales.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Simulation and Numerical Analysis of Storm Surges)
Open AccessArticle
Low-Permeability Layered Clay Soil Hinders Organic Macromolecular Pollutant Migration in the Transition Zone of the Jianghan Plain–Dabie Mountain Area
by
Tingting Shi, Wenyan Liu, Yulin Yang, Yongyi Liu, Mengru Li, Tianwen Liu, Zhichen Wu and Qing Wang
Water 2024, 16(11), 1522; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111522 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
With the development of industry and agriculture, the level of organic pollutants in groundwater exceeds the standard in some parts of the transition zone of the Jianghan Plain–Dabie Mountain area. To investigate the ability of low-permeability layered clay soil in the study area
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With the development of industry and agriculture, the level of organic pollutants in groundwater exceeds the standard in some parts of the transition zone of the Jianghan Plain–Dabie Mountain area. To investigate the ability of low-permeability layered clay soil in the study area to hinder the migration of organic macromolecular pollutants, the traditional tracer fluorescein sodium was used to represent organic macromolecular pollutants. The adsorption and migration behavior of organic macromolecular pollutants in the layered soil were explored through indoor experiments. Additionally, a one-dimensional soil column solute transport model was established for the study area using HYDRUS-1D to obtain the dispersivities and dispersion coefficients of organic macromolecular pollutants in layered clay soil. The results showed that the breakthrough duration of sodium fluorescein was up to 116 days in silty clay soil, while the breakthrough duration in sandy sub-sandy soil was only 2.6 days. The dispersion coefficient of organic macromolecular pollutants was only 0.0038 cm2/d in silty clay soil, while the dispersion coefficient was up to 4.724 cm2/d in sandy sub-sandy soil. The dispersion coefficient decreased with the increasing clay fraction of the soil. Compared with homogeneous soil, the dispersivity of organic macromolecular pollutants in clayed soil decreased, and the dispersion coefficient also changed. It indicates that the layered clay soil in the study area effectively hinders the downward migration of organic macromolecular pollutants due to its low permeability and pollutant adsorption capacity. Simultaneously, the lateral transport of water at different soil interfaces in layered soil prolongs the time for organic macromolecular pollutants to reach the underlying aquifer. Low-permeability clay soil may act as a short-term barrier to the migration of organic pollutants to deeper soil and groundwater in the study area. This study provides data support and a theoretical basis for future pollution prevention and control in the Jianghan Plain–Dabie Mountain area.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrogeology)
Open AccessArticle
Hydrochemical Characteristics, Mechanisms of Formation, and Sources of Different Water Bodies in the Northwest Coal–Electricity Agglomeration Area
by
Xuan Han, Lei Huang, Junli Gan, Mengfan Yang, Guangyan Zhu, Yanna Li and Jiang Xu
Water 2024, 16(11), 1521; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111521 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Water resources are relatively scarce in Northwest China. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and sources of different water bodies in the Northwest Coal–Electricity Agglomeration area, and the utilization of water resources in the region. Hydrochemical diagrams and correlation analysis
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Water resources are relatively scarce in Northwest China. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and sources of different water bodies in the Northwest Coal–Electricity Agglomeration area, and the utilization of water resources in the region. Hydrochemical diagrams and correlation analysis were applied to data obtained through the collection of 40, 14, and 42 surface water, shallow groundwater, and deep groundwater samples, respectively. The Positive Definite Matrix Factor Decomposition (PMF) model was used to explore the origins of ions in different water bodies. The results show the following: (1) The rank of anions in surface water, shallow groundwater, and deep groundwater in water bodies of the Bulianta mining area during the wet period according to concentration was as follows: SO42− > Cl− > HCO3− > NO3−; that of cations was as follows: Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+; (2) The chemical composition of surface water is mainly regulated by the dissolution of evaporites; that of shallow groundwater was regulated by silicates; that of deep groundwater was mainly regulated by the hydrolysis of silicates and the dissolution of evaporites; (3) Four main sources of ions in different water bodies were identified, namely agricultural activities, rock weathering, primary geology, and unknown sources. Two natural factors, namely rock weathering and primary geology, and human activities contributed to 35.2% and 38.8% of ions in shallow groundwater, respectively. Rock weathering and human activities contributed to 20.6% and 63.9% of ions of deeper groundwater, respectively. This study can provide a basis for the conservation and rational planning and utilization of water resources in the Northwest Coal–Electricity Agglomeration area.
Full article
Open AccessArticle
Multispectral Inversion of Citrus Multi-Slope Evapotranspiration by UAV Based on Modified RSEB Model
by
Shijiang Zhu, Zhiwei Zhang, Chenfei Duan, Zhen Lin, Kun Hao, Hu Li and Yun Zhong
Water 2024, 16(11), 1520; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111520 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
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Evaptotranspiration (ETc) is a crucial link in the farmland water cycle process. To accurately obtain the citrus ETc in different slope positions, the METRIC, RSEB, and FAO Penman–Monteith (P-M) models were constructed based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral images
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Evaptotranspiration (ETc) is a crucial link in the farmland water cycle process. To accurately obtain the citrus ETc in different slope positions, the METRIC, RSEB, and FAO Penman–Monteith (P-M) models were constructed based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) multispectral images to invert the ETc values. The ETc of citrus calculated by the P-M model was used as a reference standard, and the accuracy of the ETc inversion was evaluated by the METRIC model and the RSEB model. The results showed that the R2, RMSE, and SE of the METRIC model and the RSEB model were 0.396 and 0.486, 4.940 and 3.010, and 4.570 and 2.090, respectively, indicating a higher accuracy of the RSEB model for inverting the ETc values. Furthermore, the accuracy of the RSEB model could be improved by introducing the optimal correction coefficient (after correction: RMSE = 1.470, SE = 0.003). Based on the modified RSEB model, the ETc values of the citrus in different slope positions were obtained. We also found that the middle slope ETc > the top slope ETc > the bottom slope ETc, indicating that the slope position indeed affected the citrus ETc. This research provides a favorable framework for the ETc inversion, and the results are of theoretical and practical importance to realize crop water conservation.
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Open AccessArticle
Climate Change Adaptation Strategies for Coastal Resilience: A Stakeholder Surveys
by
Charalampos Nikolaos Roukounis and Vassilios A. Tsihrintzis
Water 2024, 16(11), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111519 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
We studied the significance of stakeholder engagement in climate change adaptation within the context of coastal resilience. Our approach aimed to enhance collaboration in environmental planning processes by leveraging modeling tools to facilitate learning about the complexity of the socioecological system. A comprehensive
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We studied the significance of stakeholder engagement in climate change adaptation within the context of coastal resilience. Our approach aimed to enhance collaboration in environmental planning processes by leveraging modeling tools to facilitate learning about the complexity of the socioecological system. A comprehensive questionnaire survey was conducted using Google Forms. The questionnaire included clear instructions and structured response formats, aiming to gather stakeholder perspectives on adaptation measures and define action thresholds in response to climate uncertainties. A total of 47 responses were received and included consulting firm professionals, freelance engineers, local authority professionals, port authority professionals, researchers, and university professors in the field of coastal management. The survey data were analyzed using statistical methods in SPSS to identify key insights and patterns. The survey findings offer valuable insights into the effectiveness of adaptation measures, threshold perceptions for initiating adaptation actions, and the dynamics of stakeholder perspectives. Therefore, the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives in climate change adaptation efforts is highlighted. As answers tend to vary for different stakeholder occupations, the urge for collaboration in future decision-making procedures is highlighted. By bridging the gap between stakeholder input and climate change adaptation measures, this study demonstrates the potential of participatory approaches in enhancing resilience and fostering sustainable development in coastal regions vulnerable to climate change.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modeling and Analysis of Hydrological Responses to Climate Change or Variability)
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Open AccessArticle
Measuring the Gains and Losses of Virtual Water Flows in China’s Coastal Areas
by
Liangshi Zhao and Shuang Yang
Water 2024, 16(11), 1518; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111518 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
The virtual water flow behind product trade provides researchers with ideas to alleviate water problems in China’s coastal areas, with accompanying resource and economic implications. This paper adopts a multi-region input–output model to calculate virtual water flows in coastal areas and analyses resource
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The virtual water flow behind product trade provides researchers with ideas to alleviate water problems in China’s coastal areas, with accompanying resource and economic implications. This paper adopts a multi-region input–output model to calculate virtual water flows in coastal areas and analyses resource benefits and economic benefits, by combining the water stress index and shadow price, to measure gains and losses of virtual water flow. This study shows that (1) China’s coastal areas depends on external water supplies; (2) virtual water flows between coastal and inland areas generated 38.26 billion m3 of net scarce water savings and CNY 31,751 billion of net economic benefits, indicating that coastal areas benefited from virtual water flows from both resource and economic perspectives; (3) virtual water flows among coastal provinces and cities caused 11.10 billion m3 of net scarce water losses, but generated CNY 9784 billion of net economic gains, indicating that a further intensification of water stress in coastal areas, but such a virtual water flow pattern was beneficial from an economic perspective. This paper reveals the resource and economic impacts of virtual water flow at the national scale and among coastal provinces and cities and further proposes suggestions for promoting the beneficial flow of virtual water in coastal areas.
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(This article belongs to the Section Oceans and Coastal Zones)
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Open AccessArticle
Numerical Simulation of Rainfall-Induced Erosion on Infiltration and Slope Stability
by
Qunzhi Cheng, Kepeng Hou, Huafen Sun and Xiangdong Niu
Water 2024, 16(11), 1517; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111517 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
In slopes where a mixture of coarse and fine particles is present, the infiltration of rainfall can cause the migration of fine particles. This migration alters the hydraulic properties of the soil and has implications for slope stability. In this study, the slope
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In slopes where a mixture of coarse and fine particles is present, the infiltration of rainfall can cause the migration of fine particles. This migration alters the hydraulic properties of the soil and has implications for slope stability. In this study, the slope under investigation is a tailings dam composed of loosely consolidated soil with a wide particle size distribution. Due to rainfall infiltration, fine particles tend to migrate within the voids of the coarse particle framework, leading to changes in hydraulic properties and inducing slope instability. The classical internal erosion constitutive model, known as the Cividini and Gioda erosion criterion, is commonly used to predict the behavior and effects of fine particle erosion in geotechnical engineering. However, certain parameters in this erosion criterion equation, such as long-term density, are challenging to obtain through experiments. To investigate the coupled evolution of seepage and erosion within landfill slopes under the influence of rainfall infiltration and to understand the mechanisms of slope instability, this research assumes the erosion of fine particle suspension and adopts the Worman and Olafsdottir erosion criterion to establish a coupled model of unsaturated seepage and internal erosion. The developed model simulates the coupled response of seepage and erosion in unsaturated landfill slopes under three different rainfall intensities. It is then combined with the infinite slope model to quantitatively analyze the impact of fine particle migration on soil permeability and slope stability. The numerical simulations provide the following findings: The Worman and Olafsdottir erosion criterion, unlike the Cividini and Gioda erosion criterion, only requires the determination of the soil’s gradation curve to estimate the erosion rate. Internal erosion primarily occurs within the leading edge of moisture penetration, accelerating the advancement of the wetting front and reducing slope stability. When the rainfall intensity is lower than the saturated permeability coefficient, the influence of internal erosion can be disregarded. However, under rainfall intensities equal to or greater than the saturated permeability coefficient, considering internal erosion results in a difference in the depth of the wetting front of up to 34.2 cm after 6 h in the R2 scenario. The safety factor without considering internal erosion is 1.12, whereas considering internal erosion yields safety factors between 1.08 and 1.09. In the R3 scenario, the difference in the depth of the wetting front reaches 53.8 cm after 6 h, with a safety factor of 1.12 without considering internal erosion and safety factors between 1.06 and 1.07 when considering internal erosion.
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Open AccessArticle
Water Quality from Natural Sources for Sustainable Agricultural Development Strategies: Galapagos, Ecuador
by
Paúl Carrión-Mero, Fernando Morante-Carballo, Josué Briones-Bitar, María Jaya-Montalvo, Emily Sánchez-Zambrano, Joselyne Solórzano, Jenifer Malavé-Hernández, Francisco Javier Montalván Toala, Jaime Proaño, Ángel Flor-Pineda and Ramón Espinel
Water 2024, 16(11), 1516; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111516 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Water is an essential element for agricultural sustainability. In volcanic islands, freshwater sources are limited, challenging the local farming water supply. Rainfall dependence in the Galapagos Islands limits continuous agriculture, and despite using natural water sources, their irrigation quality is little known. This
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Water is an essential element for agricultural sustainability. In volcanic islands, freshwater sources are limited, challenging the local farming water supply. Rainfall dependence in the Galapagos Islands limits continuous agriculture, and despite using natural water sources, their irrigation quality is little known. This study aimed to carry out a control–diagnosis of irrigation water quality of the natural sources of the four agrarian islands of the Galapagos, considering water quality parameters for the proposal of sustainability strategies in the water and agricultural context. The workflow included (i) freshwater supply situation diagnosis, (ii) physicochemical parameters measurement and hydrochemical characterisation, and (iii) irrigation analysis and sustainability strategies configuration. Results indicated that of the 34 sources analysed, 55.88% are suitable for irrigation and are located in San Cristobal and Santa Cruz. The remaining 44.12% showed problems with parameters such as faecal coliforms, salinity, metals, carbonates, BOD5, and COD above the national permitted limits. Six strategies for water and agricultural sustainability are proposed, including periodic water monitoring, academy–government–community projects, community water board creation, water sowing and harvesting systems, effective management of effluent, and agricultural strengthening. The study guides comprehensive hydric management initiatives to benefit agrarian development and food security, aligning with SDGs 2 and 6.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Water Quality and Soil Health in Agroecosystems)
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Open AccessArticle
Estimating Increased Transient Water Storage with Increases in Beaver Dam Activity
by
Konrad C. Hafen, Joseph M. Wheaton, Brett B. Roper, Philip Bailey, William W. Macfarlane, Bethany T. Neilson and Christopher J. Tennant
Water 2024, 16(11), 1515; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111515 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Abstract: Dam building by beaver (Castor spp.) slows water movement through montane valleys, increasing transient water storage and the diversity of residence times. In some cases, water storage created by beaver dam construction is correlated to changes in streamflow magnitude and timing.
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Abstract: Dam building by beaver (Castor spp.) slows water movement through montane valleys, increasing transient water storage and the diversity of residence times. In some cases, water storage created by beaver dam construction is correlated to changes in streamflow magnitude and timing. However, the total amount of additional surface and groundwater storage that beaver dams may create (and, thus, their maximum potential impact on streamflow) has not been contextualized in the water balance of larger river basins. We estimate the potential transient water storage increases that could be created at 5, 25, 50, and 100% of maximum modeled beaver dam capacity in the Bear River basin, USA, by adapting the height above nearest drainage (HAND) algorithm to spatially estimate surface water storage. Surface water storage estimates were combined with the MODFLOW groundwater model to estimate potential increases in groundwater storage throughout the basin. We tested four scenarios to estimate potential transient water storage increases resulting from the construction of 1179 to 34,897 beaver dams, and estimated surface water storage to range from 57.5 to 72.8 m3 per dam and groundwater storage to range from 182.2 to 313.3 m3 per dam. Overall, we estimate that beaver dam construction could increase transient water storage by up to 10.38 million m3 in the Bear River basin. We further contextualize beaver dam-related water storage increases with streamflow, reservoir, and snowpack volumes.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research Advances in Hydraulic Structure and Geotechnical Engineering)
Open AccessArticle
Effect of Fermentation Time, pH, and Their Interaction on the Production of Volatile Fatty Acids from Cassava Wastewater
by
Lina Marcela Sanchez-Ledesma, Jenny Alexandra Rodríguez-Victoria and Howard Ramírez-Malule
Water 2024, 16(11), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111514 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Acidogenic fermentation is a technology that involves halting methanogenesis in the conventional anaerobic digestion process to produce mainly volatile fatty acids (VFAs). VFAs serve as direct precursors to energy-rich or higher value-added products upon undergoing additional processing. In this study, batch reactors were
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Acidogenic fermentation is a technology that involves halting methanogenesis in the conventional anaerobic digestion process to produce mainly volatile fatty acids (VFAs). VFAs serve as direct precursors to energy-rich or higher value-added products upon undergoing additional processing. In this study, batch reactors were utilized to assess the individual and interaction effects of fermentation time and pH variables on VFA production from acidogenic fermentation of cassava wastewater through the establishment of a completely randomized design and a second-order response surface (rotatable central composite design), respectively. The maximum VFA production observed was 3444.04 mg of acetic acid (HAc)/L (0.58 gCODVFA/gCOD) in a fermentation time of 6 days, with acetic (48.5%), propionic (28.3%), and butyric (13.6%) acids identified as the main metabolites. Additionally, in the assessment of the effect of pH, the maximum VFA production reached 2547.72 mgHAc/L (0.34 gCODVFA/gCOD) at pH 5.9, and acetic acid was identified as the predominant organic acid. Statistically, the fermentation time and pH variables individually affect VFA production from cassava wastewater; however, the interaction between them generated a non-significant effect.
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(This article belongs to the Section Wastewater Treatment and Reuse)
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The Transformation of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Aquatic Environment of a Fluorochemical Industrial Park
by
Jingqi Huang, Zhen Zhao, Jing Liu and Shiyue Li
Water 2024, 16(11), 1513; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16111513 (registering DOI) - 25 May 2024
Abstract
Jiangsu High-Tech Fluorochemical Industrial Park in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, is the largest fluorochemical industrial park in Asia. The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water and widespread local plants was investigated in Jiangsu High-Tech Fluorochemical Industrial Park. Thirty-two target
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Jiangsu High-Tech Fluorochemical Industrial Park in Changshu City, Jiangsu Province, is the largest fluorochemical industrial park in Asia. The occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in surface water and widespread local plants was investigated in Jiangsu High-Tech Fluorochemical Industrial Park. Thirty-two target PFASs were detected in dissolved-phase, particle-phase and plant samples. The concentrations of total PFASs ranged from 1650 to 8250 ng/L in the dissolved-phase samples, 132 to 6810 ng/g dw in the particle-phase samples and 25.8 to 9460 ng/g dw in different plant tissues. Perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), Perfluorooctanoate acid (PFOA) and 6:2 fluorotelomer carboxylic acid (6:2 FTCA) were predominant PFASs and contributed 80−91% to ΣPFAS in water samples. A total of 67 emerging PFAS were identified in all samples using nontargeted analysis. Typha orientalis showed better accumulation ability, with an average ΣPFAS concentration of 3450 ng/g dw and the highest root concentration factor (RCF) of 171. Typha orientalis, Eichhornia crassipes and Alternanthera sessilis have potential for use in PFAS phytostabilization.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Analytical Methodology, Environmental Behavior and Risk Assessment of New Organic Pollutants)
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