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Introduction: Current guidelines for double contrast barium esophagography studies (BAS) suggest that patients should be nil per os (NPO) prior to completing BAS for optimal esophageal coating, although the time required varies between practices and institutions. It is believed that consumption of food or water disrupts the ability for thick barium contrast to properly coat the esophageal mucosa. Exams that are rescheduled for this reason can lead to delays in care, without substantial evidence that NPO status truly affects esophageal mucosal coating for these exams with current barium mixtures. Objective: The study aims to identify the necessity, or lack thereof, of standard NPO protocol in patients undergoing BAS, in effort to prevent unnecessary procedural delay. Materials and methods: This study is an IRB-approved HIPAA-compliant study of 370 consecutive adult patients (115 male/255 female, mean age 55) who underwent BAS at our institution from January to June of 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: < 4 h NPO (n = 334), and ≥ 4 h NPO (n = 36). Four abdominal radiologists blinded to NPO interval independently reviewed a random sample of approximately 92 patients (91–94) and graded esophageal coating on a 4-point-scale with 1 being insufficient coating and 4 being optimal coating. Results: No significant statistical difference in mean esophageal coating score was found between the ≥ 4 h NPO cohort (3.04 ± SD 0.78) and the < 4 h NPO cohort (2.97 ± SD 0.70; P = 0.54). Subset analysis of patients who were NPO for < 2 h (n = 9) also showed no significant difference in mean esophageal coating score (3.11 ± SD 0.6; P = 0.92), compared to the standard ≥ 4 NPO status. Conclusion: Non-adherence to standard NPO protocol prior to BAS studies did not result in a significant difference in esophageal coating when compared to traditional preprocedural fasting of 4 or more hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: A method to investigate water consumption based on pressure data is developed. The method exploits the headloss-flowrate equation to obtain water-consumption data. The method is validated on a real case study, resulting in an average error of 2.3%. Limitations affecting the installation of domestic flow meters are overcome. Insights into the features of individual water-consumption events are provided. In the era of digital transformation of water distribution networks, an increasingly important role is played by smart metering technologies, which allow detailed characterization of water consumption up to the end-use (i.e., domestic-fixture) level. To this end, smart flow meters make the collection of water-consumption data at high temporal resolution possible, but their installation can be unfeasible due to technical and economic limitations. As an alternative to the traditional flow-measurement-based methods for end-use characterization, a pragmatic method to obtain information about end-use water consumption exclusively based on pressure data is proposed in this study. In particular, a dual-phase methodology is developed, exploiting (i) pressure data collected at two sections of the user's inlet pipeline and (ii) the pressure-flowrate relationship to discriminate between internal and external water-use events and estimate the household water-consumption time series, which is then subjected to individual-event analysis. The results obtained on a real case study undergone to 1-s resolution pressure monitoring over about one month and a half confirm the method's effectiveness in obtaining the flowrate time series with an average error of about 2.3% and successfully identifying water-consumption events along with their features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on stationary and expeditionary hydrological data and information about the water management complex and volumes of water use, we have calculated for the first time the minimum permissible, average, and optimal hydrographs (in monthly increments) of the influx of Ural waters from Russia to the West Kazakhstan and Atyrau regions, which would not limit the functioning of the main participants of the Kazakhstan water management complex, would not deteriorate the quality of life of the population and existence conditions for aquatic and near-water biocenoses, and would preserve the river as a hydrographic object. The resulting hydrographs summarize (1) the values of current and future water consumption in the cities of Uralsk and Atyrau and numerous rural settlements, as well as water intake by irrigation and water supply canals, including the Kushum Canal; (2) the needs of river navigation for controlling depths and continuous navigation from May to October; (3) the environmental flow necessary for the reproduction of sturgeon fish species and the preservation of the bioproductivity and biodiversity of floodplain ecosystems. The latter element required nonstandard solutions, including those based on the existing domestic approaches to determining critical and optimal values (with respect to floodplain–channel ecosystems) values. Another and completely new result of this research is analysis of the long-term dynamics of maximum and minimum levels in the lower reaches of the Ural River and the frequency, duration, and depth of floodplain flooding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study shows variations in the volumes of water consumption and disposal, as well as the mass of pollutant discharges in the Russian part of the Ural River basin under changing socioeconomic and technological conditions and gives estimates of water quality transformations in the river. It was found that since 1990 to 2022, water withdrawal for meeting the needs of the population and economy in the Russian part of the Ural River basin decreased by 3.9 times. The water turnover factor in the basin increased from 70.3 to 91.6%. The mass of most pollutants in the discharged wastewater has decreased by 3–20 times, though five pollutants show an appreciable increase in their discharge volumes. In the upper reaches of the Ural River, the water quality estimated by the specific value of combinatory water pollution index has practically not changed in 2008–2020, while in its middle reaches, an increase in water quality was recorded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 do not specify a single method for the performance of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). As a result, many different LCIA methods have been developed and the choice between them is not always obvious. Therefore, the main aim of this research is to systematically compare the most commonly used multi-impact LCIA methods worldwide to support practitioners in confronting the question of how the choice of LCIA method affects the LCA results. Methods: Four LCIA methods: ReCiPe 2016, ILCD 2011, CML-IA baseline and IMPACT 2002+ at the midpoint level were applied to compare the environmental profiles of the electricity consumption mix in the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, taking into account the electricity consumption mix in individual countries. The results of the impact categories were converted into common metrics using unit conversion factors to allow the comparison of the results in absolute values across LCIA methods. Results and discussion: In the LCA study, four common LCIA methods were compared across 12 defined midpoint areas of impacts. Results were consistent for climate change and ozone depletion, with the exception of the ReCiPe 2016 method, and acidification and eutrophication, with the exception of the IMPACT 2002+ method. Significant disparities were noted for ozone formation/respiratory organics, particulate matter/respiratory inorganics ecotoxicity and water consumption. The rankings of environmental profiles remained largely consistent across LCIA methods, with only a few exceptions concerning the following midpoint areas of impacts: ozone formation/respiratory organics, ecotoxicity and resource scarcity (minerals). Contribution analysis highlighted the crucial role of only a few key substances in each area. Conclusions: The methodological choices during LCIA have significant implications for the characterisation results in absolute values, but lead, in most cases, to comparable conclusions on the ranking of environmental profiles of the electricity consumption mix in the EU-27, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. This results from large methodological discrepancies between LCIA methods, concerning, among others, the geographical differentiation (either the European or global context), the scope of the impact categories grouped into the same midpoint area of impacts (for instance eutrophication) and the contribution of specific environmental flows to a given result of the impact category. Consequently, the findings of this research underpin the importance of careful selection of the LCIA method and impact categories, following the goal and scope definition and unique attributes of each method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Water resources is an essential factor to ensure the sustainable development of the society, but along with the utilization and treatment of water resources, a large amount of carbon emissions will be generated. The study of carbon emissions in social water cycle system is of great significance in promoting the achievement of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This study calculated the carbon emissions generated in social water cycle system in nine provinces along the Yellow River, used the Tapio decoupling model to analyze the decoupling relationship between water and carbon emissions, and constructed the STIRPAT expanded model to analyze the main influencing factors of carbon emissions. Results: (1) The total carbon emissions of the nine provinces showed an increasing trend over time, with a growth rate of 25.13%. (2) The carbon emission intensity of water use (1.60kg/m3) and drainage (1.45kg/m3) system is higher, the carbon emission intensity of water supply (0.30kg/m3) and water withdrawal (0.56kg/m3) system is lower. (3) The relationship between water resources utilization and carbon emissions along the Yellow River is generally in a state of negative decoupling and coupling. (4) Energy structure and population growth are the main factors affecting carbon emissions in social water cycle system, while water supply quantity and water use system are secondary factors. Conclusions: Water use system is the main body of carbon emissions in social water cycle system, and as the water consumption increases, the carbon emissions will continue to increase. In order to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change, carbon emission factors should be incorporated into water resources management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile dyeing requires optimizing combinations of ingredients and process parameters to achieve target colour properties. Modelling the complex relationships between these factors and the resulting colour is challenging. In this case, a physics-informed approach for multi-output regression to model CIELAB colour values from dyeing ingredient and process inputs is proposed. Leveraging attention mechanisms and multi-task learning, the model outperforms baseline methods at predicting multiple colour outputs jointly. Specifically, the Transformer model's attention mechanism captures the complex interactions between dyeing ingredients and process parameters, while the multi-task learning framework exploits the intrinsic correlations among the L*, a*, and b* dimensions of the CIELAB colour space. In addition, the incorporation of physical knowledge through a physics-informed loss function integrates the CMC colour difference formula. This loss function, along with the attention mechanisms, enables the model to learn the nuanced relationships between the dyeing process variables and the final colour output, thereby improving the overall prediction accuracy. This reduces trial-and-error costs and resource waste, contributing to environmental sustainability by minimizing water and energy consumption and chemical emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research seeks to comprehensively assess the water footprint and environmental sustainability of millet-based ethanol production in India, responding to the growing interest in resilient and nutritious alternatives. Utilizing a life cycle assessment approach, the study will scrutinize water usage across the entire production process, from millet cultivation to ethanol extraction. The primary aim is to gain an in-depth understanding of water consumption at each stage, pinpointing areas for enhancement and efficiency. Rajasthan exhibited the highest total water footprint at 6596 m3/ton, primarily due to its substantial ETc value, while Andhra Pradesh showcased the lowest at 1906 m3/ton, owing to its high average yield. Haryana displayed significant water usage during crop production, with a water footprint of 5870 m3/ton, where WFgreen, WFblue, and WFgrey contributed 3730 m3/ton, 2010 m3/ton and 130 m3/ton respectively. Uttar Pradesh demonstrated a comparatively lower total water footprint of 2564 m3/ton. These findings are anticipated to offer valuable insights into the viability and sustainability of millet-derived ethanol as an eco-friendly biofuel option in India, guiding policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in promoting its adoption and addressing environmental challenges linked with conventional fuel sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Though iron is one of the vital micronutrients in biological systems excess of which is associated with various illness. Consumption of contaminated water and crops because of its extensive industrial utility is one of the major sources for excess iron in living beings. Hence, we have designed a sensor based on carbon nanoparticles for the detection of Fe (III) and we have also attempted to estimate Fe (III) in spiked water samples. Carbon nanoparticles (CNP) with quantum yield of 40.2 % was synthesized by solid state synthesis from aromatic molecular precursors unlike conventional synthesis methodology. The particle size, stability and optical properties of CNP were investigated by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. CNP manifested a naked color change from colorless to yellow in presence of Fe (III) and 72 % of CNP's emission was quenched at 487 nm on excitation at 377 nm by Fe (III). The detection time was less than a second and limit of detection was calculated as 0.248 µM. The mechanistic aspect of detection was investigated and applicability of CNP was examined in spiked water samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intensification of water resource usage, correlated with changes in land use and cover as well as climate variability, has led to significant alterations in the hydrological cycle, impacting water availability in basins. This study assesses hydrological trends in the section of the Janeiro River basin located in the Brazilian savannah (Cerrado biome), focusing on the influence of anthropogenic activities and climate variability between 1985 and 2017. Using precipitation, actual evapotranspiration, streamflow, land use and cover, and water use authorization data, we applied statistical tests (Mann–Kendall, Sen's slope, Pettitt, and RHO Spearman) to identify trends, abrupt changes, and correlations. The results show a decreasing trend in average and minimum flows, with reductions of 30 to 40%, respectively, compared to the historical series average, not attributable to significant changes in precipitation but rather to an expansion of agricultural areas and an intensification of water consumption for irrigation. There was a reduction from 76.5% to the sum of Natural and Forest Formation areas and an increase of 71.1% in Agricultural areas. The correlation between land use changes and streamflows suggests that the conversion of natural vegetation into agricultural lands is directly associated with the decline in water availability. This study highlights the need for sustainable planning and management of water resources, considering the seasonality of water availability and agricultural demands, to mitigate the negative impacts on the hydrological cycle and ensure water sustainability in the Brazilian savannah region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water deficit resulting from climate variations limits the profitability and sustainability of sugarcane fields, making water supply through irrigation necessary to sustain the potential production of sugarcane. However, the water used for irrigation purposes must be properly managed, ensuring the conservation of water resources and the reduction of costs with the use of inputs and energy. Pulsed drip irrigation aims to support irrigation management, improving the efficient use of water and mitigating the deleterious effects of water deficit. This study aims to evaluate the growth, productivity, and industrial yield of sugarcane cultivated under continuous and pulsed drip irrigation. A field experiment was conducted at the Experimental Sugarcane Station of Carpina, in Carpina in the State of Pernambuco, Northeast Brazil, from December 2020 to December 2021. The experimental arrangement was randomized blocks in a 2 x 5 factorial design, with two types of irrigation application (pulsed and continuous) and five irrigation levels (40, 60, 80, 100, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration – ETc), with four replications. Pulsed drip irrigation increased the yield of stalks (9%) and sugar (21%) in the sugarcane crop and ethanol (17%) derived from sugar in the juice. Pulsed drip irrigation, when compared to continuous irrigation, improved the performance of sugarcane, providing a reduction in water consumption and increasing growth, stalk yield, sugar and predicted ethanol yield. Thus, based on this study, pulse irrigation is an efficient approach to irrigation management, contributing to the stability of sugarcane production while conserving water relative to continuous irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The distribution and availability of water resources have been greatly impacted by global climate change and unsustainable human activities. This has resulted in increased pressure on surface water supplies, human consumption and socioeconomic growth. Although water management requires monitoring, a substantial amount of water consumption globally, including both groundwater and surface water, remains unmeasured. Madhya Pradesh (MP) has a very varied semi-arid geographical region in Central India. Recent studies have found that 36 out of 51 districts in the state of MP have been facing severe hydrological drought conditions. Despite the challenges in the MP region, there is little understanding of the permanent and seasonal changes in surface water and the overall availability of surface water resources in each district. Field-based monitoring of surface water bodies in large regions such as MP poses considerable difficulties. However, gaining knowledge about changes in the distribution of water on the Earth's surface across time and space can be enhanced by analysing data obtained via remote sensing. To understand the long-term changes in surface water in different districts of Madhya Pradesh, India, over the past 38 years, we analysed a publicly accessible global surface water dataset provided by the Joint Research Centre (JRC) European Commission. This dataset is based on Landsat imagery and covers the period from 1984 to 2021. This research study examines the associations between variations in the permanent surface water level and the extent of land being irrigated, the intensity of agricultural activities and the seasonal oscillations in surface water for several districts in Madhya Pradesh. The findings from this research will be beneficial for assessing several significant MP districts in terms of their water footprint and sustainable management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates whether informative feedback on consumption can nudge water saving. We launched a five-month online information campaign which involved around 1,000 households located in the province of Milan (Italy) with a smart meter. A group of households received monthly reports via email on their per capita daily average water consumption, including a social comparison component. The Intention to Treat (ITT) analysis shows that, compared to a benchmark group, the units exposed to the intervention reduced their per capita water consumption by around 6% (25.8 liters per day or 6.8 gallons). Being able to observe the email opening rate, we find that the ITT effect is mainly driven by complying units. Through an Instrumental Variable approach, we estimated a Local Average Treatment Effect equal to 54.9 liters per day of water saving. A further Regression Discontinuity Design analysis shows that different feedback on consumption class size differentially affected water saving at the margin. We also found that the additional water saving increased with the number of monthly reports, though it did not persist two months after the campaign expired. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water consumption dynamics lead to pressure fluctuations at network nodes, potentially associated with pipe leakages or unreliable supply within a water distribution system. Efficient management of secondary water supply system (SWSS) could enhance inflow modes of its essential component (i.e., storage tank) of potential implication on pressure control and water quality maintenance. In this study, a novel computational framework was developed to determine the optimal inflow profiles of storage tanks, where a water supply system simulation model was integrated with the particle swarm algorithm-based optimization for demand peak staggering. Experimental investigations on an example water supply system revealed that, as compared to the control of float ball valves, the optimizing regulation of SWSS tanks remarkably reduced water pressure oscillations by approximately 70%, correspondingly with the minimum pressure elevating and the maximum pressure declining among network nodes. Furthermore, the enhancing regulation schemes allowed water levels to fluctuate within an effective range, thus decreasing water retention time and facilitating associated water quality safety. Sensitivity analysis from our simulations indicates that increasingly appropriate tank number and size magnified the regulation capability, thereby reinforcing the promotion effect of optimizing control schemes on the system performance. The proposed approach is expected to provide theoretical support for optimizing the dynamic operations and management of SWSSs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scarcity of global water resources has been exacerbated by a variety of factors, including population growth, the impacts of climate change, and mismanagement. Policymakers face a challenge in managing tradeoffs between human water demands and maintaining the world's water resources. This study investigates water resource management strategies using Iran's example, a country in the Middle East with arid and semi-arid climate. A review of water resources management strategies in Iran shows the country's policies leaned more on short-term solutions. Short-term water management addresses immediate shortages and emergencies, implemented during droughts and water scarcity, while long-term strategies reduce water demand by addressing underlying drivers and involve significant investments and planning horizons. Iran has focused on implementing short-term solutions to address the effects of water scarcity on food and water security. This work shows that short-sighted water policies such as the large-scale use of water resources and water transfers may cause adverse impacts, among those land subsidence due to groundwater withdrawal and environmental degradation. It is worth noting that such short sighted water policies do not constitute sustainable solutions to water scarcity. On the other hand, water policies that seek long-term sustainability are frequently ignored by policymakers. The latter water policies are herein evaluated for the purpose of increasing water supply. Strategies such as improving water consumption patterns and setting reasonable water pricing can contribute to remedy the water crises in arid countries like Iran. An overview of case studies is presented and assessed to illustrate the effectiveness of long-term, sustainable, water supply policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions and water consumption are both important factors affecting sustainable development. Therefore, it is necessary to put them in the same research framework and investigate the synergy. In this study, the dynamic evolution characteristics of the synergistic effect of reducing carbon and saving water (RCSW) were analyzed. Then, taking the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomerations (YRDUA) as the research object, the influencing factors and specific paths of the synergistic effect were clarified. The results showed that the low-carbon emission efficiency (LCEE) had a stable synergy with the intensive utilization efficiency of water resources (IUEWR) in the YRDUA. Government financial expenditure, actual use of foreign capital, and population density were the most significant driving forces for the synergistic effect of RCSW, with q values of 0.561, 0.363, and 0.240, respectively. In addition, most of the interactions of the driving factors were nonlinear enhancement and double-factor enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study integrated hydrochemical analysis, isotopic analysis, the integrated water quality index (IWQI), and the health risk assessment model to analyze hydrochemical characteristics, quality, and nitrate health risks in a typical agricultural and industrial (i.e., Holocene and Pleistocene) simultaneously affected by anthropogenic activities, as well as to explore the recharge mechanisms of the groundwater. The shallow groundwater is mainly Ca-HCO3− and deep groundwater is mainly Na-HCO3− types. In shallow and intermediate aquifers (Holocene), rainfall recharge is seen, but in deep aquifers (Holocene) and the Madhupur tract (Pleistocene), there is no evidence of recent recharge from the stable isotopic (δ2H‰ and δ18O‰) composition of groundwater. Anthropogenic sources significantly impacted the groundwater chemistry of shallow and intermediate aquifers more than geogenic sources. Most metalloids, and metals (As, and Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Mn) and NO3− exceed the WHO-2011 and BD acceptable limit from shallow and intermediate groundwater. PCA analysis revealed the contamination of shallow and intermediate aquifers by metalloids, metals and from various anthropogenic activities. Based on the IWQI, HPI, HEI, and DC, groundwater samples from shallow and intermediate aquifers are unsuitable for oral consumption. The NPI shows that the metalloids, and metals are responsible for groundwater pollution in a descending order of As > Fe > Pb > Ni > Cr > Mn. Health risk assessment indicates oral and dermal consumption of contaminated water from shallow and intermediate aquifers can pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks for both the adults and the children. The HQ and HI values of shallow and intermediate groundwater indicates higher non-carcinogenic risk. Carcinogenic risk through oral and dermal consumption follows an order of As > Ni > Cr > Pb and Ni > Cr > As > Pb, respectively. Compared to adults, children are more susceptible to both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks. Potential threats to the health of people living in the study region need immediate attention from the public, government, and the scientific community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effect of electroosmotic (EO) and hydraulic flow on the removal of heavy metal (Pb2+, total Cr, and Fe2+) and salt (K+ and Clˉ) ions from artificially contaminated soil. For this purpose, the vertical electrokinetic (VEK) and hydraulic setups with wet sponges are introduced to reduce water consumption and avoid the accumulation of contaminants near the soil surface. In this study, during VEK experiments, different continuous and pulsed voltage gradients (i.e., 0.5, 1, and 2 V cm−1) are applied across the contaminated soil via iron mesh electrodes for 48 h, while during the hydraulic experiment, no voltage gradient is applied. The outcomes revealed that EO and hydraulic flow were directed downward from the top of the soil column, while EO flow was higher for a relatively higher voltage gradient. Therefore, the removal of cations (Pb2+ and K+) was higher than anions (total Cr and Clˉ) due to the effect of electromigration and EO flow. In contrast, under relatively low continuous and pulsed voltage gradient, the removal of anions was higher than cations due to electromigration and diffusion. In addition, during the hydraulic experiment, the removal of ions was comparatively lower than in all VEK experiments due to the low hydraulic flux. However, the accumulation of Fe2+ ions in soil increased with the intensity of voltage gradient due to the corrosion of anode during all VEK experiments, except in the case of the hydraulic experiment where no voltage gradient was applied and the removal efficiency of Fe2+ ions was 21%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in water consumption along with climate change makes freshwater more vulnerable to pollution. Conserving the dwindling freshwater resources is one of the major problems faced by water management experts. Hence, forecasting lake water level (WL) fluctuations is crucial for managing water resources systems. As part of this study, the standalone support vector regression (SVR) model along with the hybrid SVR model combined with the algorithm of innovative gunner (AIG) was employed for WL multistep-ahead (1–3 months) forecasting of Michigan and Superior Lakes. The hybrid model takes advantage of the unique strength of individual models and it can be an effective way to improve forecasting performance. The average mutual information (AMI) and Taylor diagram techniques were applied for WL of lakes up to a lag of 20 months to determine the most effective inputs for model development. Multistep-ahead WL forecasting models of each lake were built based on the training subset (70%; from 1918 to 1991) and the testing subset (30%; from 1992 to 2021). The models were validated statistically and visually in the testing stage. Finally, based on the results, error values were found to be small for AIG-SVR models for both selected stations: Lake Michigan: 0.039 m < RMSE < 0.140 m and Lake Superior: 0.037 m < RMSE < 0.133 m. The test results also revealed that AIG-SVR model has boosted the accuracy of the results. The great potential of the AIG algorithm based on SVR as a novel model was proved in estimating accurate multistep lake WL values with high generalization ability and low variance compared to the SVR model for both lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

On-line monitoring of flow rate is rather important to evaluate the water consumption of the pump-turbine and the overall efficiency of the pumped storage station. Flow rate can be worked out based on the flow differential pressure measured in the flow passage and coefficients determined on model test. But the coefficients must be calibrated to obtain the reliable flow rate. As thermodynamic method is a common way to measure the discharge of prototype pump-turbine, site test is carried out on a vertical pump-turbine with 600 m rated head to calibrated the coefficients in this paper. Measuring devices are designed to satisfy both the turbine and pump operating conditions, and test results of flow rate at both turbine and pump operating conditions are presented and show that the calibrated coefficients are different to the predicted values. The calibrated results indicate the importance of site calibration on prototype turbine to ensure the monitoring validity on real-time flow rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to establish a solvent-assisted salt-free dyeing method for cotton fabric utilizing commercially available reactive dyes. In this study, the feasibility of substituting water as the dyeing medium with environmentally friendly solvents, specifically ethanol (EtOH), isopropyl alcohol (IPA), and propanol (PrOH), was investigated. Eight commercial reactive dyes, each possessing distinct chemical structures, were examined with various dyeing characteristics including exhaustion, fixation, and fastness properties, in the presence of various alcohols. However, solvent-assisted dyeing exhibited comparable or enhanced color strength (K/S) values, exhaustion, and fixation rates compared to conventional aqueous dyeing. For instance, the RR35 dye demonstrated a substantial increase in K/S values with PrOH, EtOH, and IPA, ranging from 115 to 369% improvement. The substitution of alcohol for water did not affect the wash, rub, and light-color fastness properties, as these properties remained consistently excellent. Solvent-assisted salt-free dyeing of cotton fabrics offers a promising solution to address the environmental impacts of traditional water-based dyeing methods by eliminating the requirement for water and salt. Overall, this study presents a solvent-assisted salt-free dyeing technique and contributes to the field by offering detailed insights into its mechanisms and performance. Our research has the potential to reduce water consumption, eliminate salt usage, and mitigate environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Iran has been dealing with a significant problem. A consistent lack of rainfall, often distributed unevenly across different areas and times. Such weather issues have led to a growing demand for groundwater, resulting in serious social, economic, and engineering challenges in various regions. This study focuses on a thorough examination of the practicality of constructing a reservoir in Kariyan village, located in the Hormozgan province, capable of storing nearly one million cubic meters of runoff water. Various engineering analysis techniques were employed to understand critical parameters that determine the effectiveness of such infrastructure. These parameters include rainfall pattern, rate of evaporation, water pricing, the permeability of the reservoir, local geography, and proximity to the area where the water is needed. This research not only sheds light on the specific case of Kariyan village, but also provides a useful framework that can be applied to similar situations elsewhere. By adopting this comprehensive approach as a practical model, regions grappling with similar water resource challenges can improve their water management, reduce potential negative impacts, and move towards sustainable solutions. This study offers practical insights and strategies to improve water management in arid regions, facilitating sustainable solutions to address water scarcity challenges and minimize negative impacts on communities and ecosystems, also offering practical insights and strategies to ensure the preservation of this essential resource for future generations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional approaches to microcomponent identification are typically confined to analysing limited periods of flow data (e.g. selected one to two week periods) for houses with up to 5–6 occupants where clear repeating patterns in the flow signal can be identified and associated with particular water use devices. However, this approach is not feasible when there are large numbers of occupants in single households (e.g. 15–20 occupants for extended families) due to the complex nature of the flow signal. In order to address these limitations, two innovative developments were undertaken. Firstly, sound frequency monitoring of water use devices in multiple rooms in a single house in Kuwait was undertaken, and this additional information was used to enhance microcomponent identification. Secondly, new data processing and microcomponent identification software was developed which can utilize both flow and sound frequency data for microcomponent identification, and which also allows the automated processing of large data records for extended periods. A probabilistic approach to identification was developed which quantifies the uncertainty in attributing a sound signal to a water use device. A procedure was also developed whereby the results obtained from detailed flow and sound data from one house were extrapolated to a set of 18 houses for which flow data only were available. The main result from this study is that the mean consumption for the set of 19 Kuwaiti extended family houses in the study area is 246 ± 27 (95% CI) litres per capita per day (lcd) and the largest use is for showering (31%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, demand for freshwater resources has increased the risk of severe water stress. With the growing prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI), many researchers have turned to it as an alternative to linear methods to assess water consumption (WC). Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework, this study utilized 229 screened publications identified through database searches and snowball sampling. This study introduces novel aspects of AI's role in water consumption assessment by focusing on innovation, application sectors, sustainability, and machine learning applications. It also categorizes existing models, such as standalone and hybrid, based on input, output variables, and time horizons. Additionally, it classifies learnable parameters and performance indexes while discussing AI models' advantages, disadvantages, and challenges. The study translates this information into a guide for selecting AI models for WC assessment. As no one-size-fits-all AI model exists, this study suggests utilizing hybrid AI models as alternatives. These models offer flexibility regarding efficiency, accuracy, interpretability, adaptability, and data requirements. They can address the limitations of individual models, leverage the strengths of different approaches, and provide a better understanding of the relationships between variables. Several knowledge gaps were identified, resulting in suggestions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater resources play an important role in meeting the water needs of agriculture and industry. Therefore, identifying the factors affecting the potential challenges of groundwater resources can be key to proper implementation and management, considered the main goal of the current research. In this study, agricultural groundwater poverty index (AGPI) and industrial groundwater poverty index (IGPI) were developed based on General, Effective, and Data mining methods for the study period 2012–2020 in the West Azerbaijan Province, Iran. Both agricultural and industrial sectors were classified into five categories with 17 and 15 associated variables, respectively. The total scores of AGPI and IGPI were obtained (48.63, 47.80, 49.67) and (33.35, 33.60, 33.37), respectively, for General, Effective, and Data mining methods in the West Azerbaijan Province. In 2012–2020, the qualitative classification of the sustainability status of groundwater resources for the agriculture and industry sectors was at a good and very good level. The crop cultivation patterns of Pea, Beans, and Lentils products require management reforms to avoid the relative unsustainability in groundwater resources. Also, Production of Food and Beverages, Tobacco products, Production of Coke fuel, Oil refineries, and Nuclear fuels, Chemical Products, Rubber and Plastic products, and Non-Metallic Mineral Products could face management challenges in the West Azerbaijan Province. As the agricultural sector puts more pressure on groundwater resources than the industrial sector, it is expected that the southern part of the province will be more affected by water crises in the future. Also, the countries' internal management plans and international relations, such as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), could have a significant impact on the status of their water resources. Due to saving time and money, it is highly recommended to use the Data mining method to develop the AGPI and IGPI in practical projects. The results of current study will have a critical impact on improving and optimizing the performance of implemented groundwater resource management projects in various temporal–spatial levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arsenic poisoning of groundwater is one of the most critical environmental hazards on Earth. Therefore, the practical and proper treatment of arsenic in water requires more attention to ensure safe drinking water. The World Health Organization (WHO) sets guidelines for 10 μg/L of arsenic in drinking water, and direct long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water beyond this value causes severe health hazards to individuals. Numerous studies have confirmed the adverse effects of arsenic after long-term consumption of arsenic-contaminated water. Here, technologies for the remediation of arsenic from water are highlighted for the purpose of understanding the need for a single-point solution for the treatment of As(III)-contaminated water. As(III) species are neutral at neutral pH; the solution requires transformation technology for its complete removal. In this critical review, emphasis was placed on single-step technologies with multiple functions to remediate arsenic from water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Electrolytic Manganese Residue (EMR) is a by-product of the electrolytic manganese metal (EMM) industry, containing high concentrations of potential pollutants such as NH4+-N and soluble Mn2+. These components pose a serious threat to the ecological environment. To explore accurate, efficient, and harmless treatment methods for EMR, this study proposes a low-temperature thermochemical approach. The orthogonal experiment design investigates the effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, quicklime (CaO), sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), sodium phosphate (Na3PO4) (Reviewer #3), and water consumption on manganese solidified and ammonia removal from EMR. The results indicate that optimal conditions are a reaction temperature of 60 ℃ (Reviewer #3) and a reaction time of 10 min. CaO precipitates Mn2+ as manganese hydroxide (Mn(OH)2) (Reviewer #3), achieving effective manganese solidified and ammonia removal. The addition of Na2CO3 causes Mn2+ to form manganesecarbonate (MnCO3) (Reviewer #3)precipitate, while Na3PO4 makes Mn2+ form Manganese phosphate trihydrate (Mn3(PO4)2·3H2O) (Reviewer #3). Increased water consumption enhances the interaction adequacy between ions. Under optimal conditions (CaO 10%, Na2CO3 1%, Na3PO4 0.5%, and 80% water consumption), the removal rate of ammonium ions reaches 98.5%, and the solidification rate of soluble Mn2+ is 99.9%. The order of influence on ammonium ion removal is CaO > water consumption > Na3PO4 > Na2CO3. Therefore, this study provides a new method for low-cost process disposal and efficient harmless treatment of EMR (Reviewer #3). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The state known as the bread basket of India has now been defamed as the cancer capital of the country. The toxicity of groundwater associated with the declining water level is reported in recent years. However, an extensive temporal and spatial analysis is required to identify hotspots. In this study, spatial tools are utilized to understand the evolution of groundwater in Punjab (> 315 sites) for the last two decades (2000–2020) for drinking purposes using the water quality index (WQI). The data for pH, electric conductivity (EC), bicarbonate (HCO3¯), chloride (Cl¯), sulfate (SO42¯), nitrate (NO3¯), fluoride (F¯), calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+) collected from the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) were analyzed. The results show that the average cation abundance is in declining order of Na > Mg > Ca > K, and anion abundance is in order of HCO3¯ > SO42¯ > Cl¯ > NO3 > F. The ions are compared with water quality standards defined by BIS and WHO. The study shows that in the year 2000, 69.52% of locations are above the acceptable limit for EC, 68.89% for Mg2, 84.76% for Na+, 51.75% for HCO3¯, 38.41% for NO3¯, and 17.20% for F¯. While in the year 2020, 48.89% exceed the acceptable limit for EC, 57.78% for Mg2+, 68.25% for Na+, 34.92% for HCO3¯, 27.30% for NO3¯, and 8.88% for F¯. WQI shows that in the year 2000, 13.01% of sampling locations are categorized as very poor and 20% as unsuitable for drinking. Meanwhile, in 2020, 6.35% of locations are categorized as very poor and 12.38% as unsuitable for drinking in the study area. In addition to the effect on plant growth, consumption of contaminated water can adversely affect human health. The health hazards for F¯ (HQF) and NO3¯ (HQN) and their total health index (THI) are also evaluated that depicts 244 groundwater sampling sites in the year 2000, and 152 sampling sites in the year 2020 show high non-carcinogenic effects on adults, children, and infants. Southwestern Punjab is found to be the worst affected, while north-eastern regions drained by the Himalayan rivers show better quality water. Shifting in agricultural practices in the last two decades and declining water levels due to excess pumping of water from deeper water tables deteriorated the quality of water in the Southern region as observed from the geospatial analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attaining sustainable agriculture requires water consumption management. A water allocation optimization model was developed for the Moghan irrigation network (northwest of Iran) based on the AquaCrop plug-in model. The genetic algorithm was applied to optimize water allocation for five main crops, including wheat, first-cultivation maize, second-cultivation maize, soybeans, and alfalfa. The heuristic economic utility (EU) function was used as the objective function to optimize water allocation. In this function, drained water salinity was applied as a penalty factor to the total benefit, and soil salinity deterioration due to irrigation was also considered as a factor in each crop's benefit. The results showed that the optimal allocated water depth was 17% less than the normal water consumption. Moreover, the application of soil water salinity coefficients did not affect the ratio of EU to EB (economic benefits) for wheat and alfalfa. However, first-cultivation maize, second-cultivation maize, and soybeans cultivation led to a reduction in EU within the study area. A combination of the crops cultivation led to a change in river water quality and an 8.2% reduction in the ratio of EU to EB function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial variations of the nutrient concentration along the northwestward stream from the Bering Sea to the Chukchi Sea are considered for dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) based on data from two surveys conducted in early September 2010 and 2020. The water mass from the Bering Sea has higher DIP than Chukchi Sea water, but in the upper layer its phosphorus is gradually lost due to both mixing with local water and consumption for photosynthesis. In the subsurface layer, the decrease in DIP is prevented by its recycling from degraded organic matter. The fluxes of phosphorus are estimated separately using the balance model with TS analysis, previously used in estuarial studies. Successive DIP utilization along the stream is traced, which forms in the Chukchi Sea two zones of high productivity divided by a wide low-productive zone. Nutrients from the upper layer are utilized within the southwestern Chukchi Sea, resulting in primary production 0.1–0.2 gC m–3 day–1, but the main stock of allochthonous nutrients from the subsurface layer is utilized further downstream (at Wrangel Island or in the northern Chukchi Sea) and results in production of 0.3–0.4 gC m–3 day–1. Localization of high-productive zones is determined by density stratification, which possibly depends on the stream strength: the stronger the advection through Bering Strait, the farther from the strait both zones are located. The recent tendency of strengthening of the stream tends to remove the zones of utilization the nutrients of Pacific origin from the southwestern Chukchi Sea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the frequency and clinical presentation of the four types of vocal-fold cyst described by the Koren classification. Glottic cysts operated in a 1-year period were grouped retrospectively into Koren A, B, C and D (KA, KB, KC, KD). The age and sex of the patient, cyst location, laterality, associated lesions, profession, daily water consumption, duration of symptoms prior to surgery and postoperative healing time were noted. Of 30 cysts, 14 KA, 10 KB, 4 KC and 2 KD were identified. Average age of symptoms in KA to KD was 45, 52, 40 and 37 years. KC and KD were found only in females unlike the male predominance of KA and KB. Striking zone was the location of 28/30 cysts with a focal pit in 1 KC and mucosal bridge in 1 KD. There was no significance to laterality or profession. Average daily water consumption was 1.8, 1.75, 2 and 2 L in KA to KD. Average duration of symptoms up-till surgery for KA to KD was 2.6 years, 1.4 years, 2.9 years and 1 month. Post-operative healing time for KA to KD was 6.6, 7.4, 11.7 and 10 weeks. KA was the commonest cyst excised followed by KB, KC and KD. The KD patients were earliest and youngest to present. All KC and KD cysts were found in females unlike the male predominance of KA and KB. As majority of the cysts were found on the striking zone, phonotrauma may be one of the etiologies for all four cysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Assessing water consumption in intercropping systems relative to sole crop systems is important for planting system planning. Methods: This study focused on wheat/maize (Triticum aestivum L./Zea mays L.) relay intercropping to evaluate water use advantage of relay intercropping system based on the same period. Field experiments were conducted from 2014 to 2016, and three cropping patterns were designed: sole wheat, sole maize, wheat/maize intercrops. Method for evaluating water use advantage in intercropping was revised by considering water consumption of sole crops during the fallow period (periods where no plants are grown). Results: Intercropping grain yield was higher than sole cropping yield. Based on the existing method, the intercropping system had 20.4% greater water use than the sole cropping system and the water equivalent ratio (WER) was lower than 1; after revision, intercropping had 7.7% less water use than sole cropping, and the WER was greater than 1. Before revision, intercropped wheat used 3.1% more water than sole wheat, and the intercropped maize used 38.8% more water than sole maize; after revision, intercropped wheat used 24.4% less water than sole wheat, and intercropped maize used 11.0% more water than sole maize. Conclusion: These results indicated that the revised method can be better used to evaluate water use advantage of relay intercropping system. This study implied that wheat/maize intercropping increased both yield and water use based on revised method, and relay intercropping can be a suitable production practice employed in fallow policy, especially in areas with limited water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global expansion of the bioenergy industry raises concerns, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation and sustainable management. To facilitate this, life cycle assessments beyond greenhouse gas emissions and energy balance are essential, along with the standardization of assessment methodologies to enable meaningful comparisons. Here, we review life cycle assessment, chemical aspects, and policy implication of bioenergy production. We discuss life cycle assessment in terms of concepts, methods, impacts, greenhouse gases, land use, water consumption, bioethanol, biodiesel, biogas, and techno-economic analysis. Chemical aspects comprise reaction processes and means to improve efficiency. Concerning policies, tools, and frameworks that encourage sustainable energy production are presented. We found that carbon dioxide removal ranges from 45 to 99% in various bioenergy processes. The review also emphasizes the importance of chemistry in advancing sustainable bioenergy production for a more sustainable and secure energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study deals with an overview of the distribution of radon (Rn-222) concentration in the groundwater and its associated annual effective doses in Ranchi district, Jharkhand, India. The samples were collected from deep tube-wells and the Rn-222 concentration was measured in the collected samples using an ionization chamber type radon monitor AlphaGUARD. The measured Rn-222 activities in few groundwater samples are found beyond 100 Bq/L. The total annual effective dose (AED) has been estimated for three different age groups (adults, children and infants); and the result shows that the total AED of 72.17% samples for infant, 93.04% samples for children and 99.13% samples for adults are above 0.1 mSv/y. Additionally, the excess life-time cancer risk and the lung cancer cases per year per million persons (LLC) due to the consumption of the Rn-222 rich water have been assessed for the local inhabitants in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater with high prevalence of uranium (> WHO limit, 30 µg/L) associated with natural radioactivity and chemical toxicity, poses severe health risks and necessitates efficient water treatment methods for removing uranium to provide safe water for human consumption. In the current work, nanocellulose (NC) extracted from wheat straw using facile chemical process, was investigated of its structural, chemical, and surface properties utilising various techniques such as XRD, FESEM, EDX, and FT-IR followed by systematic batch mode studies to explore its adsorptive potential for U(VI) in water. The adsorption data so obtained were examined using thermodynamic, isotherm, and kinetic models. The adsorption process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic, with maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity of 77.13 mg/g. Remediation of U(VI) from aqueous solution is primarily accomplished through monolayer chemisorption and electrostatic interactions. The potential of NC as a key filling component in columns used in water filtration systems was explored for practical application and successfully utilized for treatment of high prevalent groundwater samples from Bathinda district of SW-Punjab, India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores age-dependent ingestion doses arising from uranium accumulation in drinking water sources (both groundwater and surface water) in Rupnagar, Punjab, and Una, Himachal Pradesh. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, electrical conductivity, and total dissolved solids were assessed in collected water samples to calculate the water quality index, indicating good water quality in both regions. The study also analyzed uranium concentration in groundwater at varying depths, revealing no significantly high values. The average radiological risk was found to be consistent with reported values, and chemical risk hazard quotient data indicated no adverse health effects from uranium ingestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the concentrations of uranium and heavy metals in drinking water samples from Garhwal Himalaya, India determined using LED Fluorimeter and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), respectively. The radiological (carcinogenic) and chemical (non-carcinogenic) risks associated with the consumption of uranium in water were estimated for the public. The concentrations of natural uranium in the analyzed drinking water samples vary from 0 to 21.57 ppb with a mean value of 1.54 ppb. The average concentrations of heavy metals in the analyzed drinking water samples were found to be in the order of iron (3.99 ppm) > zinc (0.32 ppm) > copper (0.04 ppm) > nickel (0.01 ppm) > chromium and lead (Below Detection Level). The estimated risk quantities were found to be lower than World Health Organization (WHO) and United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) guideline values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater serves crucial roles in resource preservation, ecological maintenance, and geological security in addition to being a significant component of water supplies. This work meticulously summarized data on the growth and consumption of water resources, hydrogeological survey, and groundwater inquiry and evaluation since 1959 to 2021 to estimate the evolution of the recharge, discharge, and storage of groundwater in the Hami Basin. The results suggest that: 1) Human activities primarily influenced the evolution of the groundwater recharge and discharge factor in the Hami Basin, and the abrupt changes in recharge and discharge were consistent with the implementation of policies such as reform and opening up and western development, which is a key factor in controlling human activities; 2) Total groundwater recharge fell from 8.22 × 108 m3/a in 1959 to 4.08 × 108 m3/a in 2021. The discharge of groundwater has reduced from 8.21 × 108 in 1959 to 5.67 × 108 m3/a in 2021; and 3) The equilibrium between groundwater recharge and discharge was disrupted in 1975, and ever since then, the discharge has always been greater than the recharge, indicating a negative equilibrium state. The total amount of storage over the last 45 years was –71.3 × 108 m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water resource modelling plays a crucial role in water resources management, but it involves many inherent uncertainties. This research investigates how epistemic uncertainties affect reservoir water budgets, projecting forward over a 30 year period using Monte Carlo simulation. It encompasses long-term variations in water demand, reservoir volume, precipitation, evaporation and inflow, while also considering siltation processes, reservoir dredging, population growth, reduced water consumption, and the hydrological impacts of climate change. The research focuses on fifty reservoirs in a semi-arid region of Brazil. The findings demonstrate that some reservoirs consistently met their demands with high level reliability, even within a wide range of uncertainty. Conversely, reservoirs with morphohydric indices indicating a tendency toward water scarcity are significantly affected by input variability introduced through uncertainty analysis. An empirical model is proposed to estimate the probability of these reservoirs achieving the reference volume reliability of 90%, while considering the uncertainties of: annual average inflow, reservoir maximum volume and annual demand. Sensitivity analysis reveals that reservoir inflow and demand are the two most influential variables affecting a reservoirs' ability to meet its demand. For over exploited reservoirs, variations in these variables strongly impact the volume reliability. This research provides a valuable tool for estimating the likelihood of reaching a 90% volume reliability, while taking into account the inherent uncertainties in the modeling process. Additionally, it identifies key variables that have the most influence on the reservoirs' ability to meet its demand. Notably, this study conducts uncertainty and sensitivity analyses in the context of physical and hydrological reservoir features for a large number of reservoirs, adding novelty to the research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater is the primary source of water for people living in rural areas, especially during seasons when surface water is contaminated or unavailable. In Colombia, people use groundwater as drinking water without additional treatment. In addition, there is no infrastructure for wastewater collection and sewage treatment in the region of the Middle Magdalena Valley. The current study aims to evaluate the quality of groundwater in this region to determine any potential health hazards associated with its consumption. To reach the objective, three (3) physicochemical and microbiological sampling campaigns were carried out during different hydrological periods. A total of 428 groundwater samples were analyzed for over 28 parameters. The results were compared with the water quality standards proposed by the US EPA and Colombian regulations for human consumption. The analysis revealed the presence of total and fecal coliforms in 89% and 58% of the analyzed samples, respectively, identifying them as the main contaminants in groundwater. Furthermore, the pH levels did not meet the standards set by the US EPA in 33.8% of the cases and by Colombian regulations in 31.02%. Additionally, 32.8%, 17.6%, 14.3%, and 10.9% of the samples failed to meet the established thresholds for apparent color, magnesium, iron, and nitrates, respectively, under both standards. Moreover, only the analyses of selenium, mercury, and zinc complied with the quality standards under both regulatory frameworks. Based on the Colombian Drinking-Water Quality Risk Index (CDWQRI-IRCA), the risk associated with water quality meant for human consumption was assessed. The results showed that over 84% of the samples analyzed posed a high risk to human health, 4.6% posed a medium risk, 5.5% posed a low risk, and only 5.7% posed no risk at all. Additionally, official mortality statistics for children under four years old were reviewed, which revealed two deaths in 2019 due to Acute Diarrheal Disease (ADD) caused by consumption of contaminated water. Therefore, it is crucial to implement water treatment systems, establish aqueducts in rural areas, and conduct rigorous and systematic monitoring of drinking water to ensure it is safe for human consumption. It is also important to track morbidity and mortality rates associated with water consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 1956 to 2016, Hai River Basin suffered the most severe surface water resource attenuation among the 10 first-class river basins in China. Based on the surface water circulation process, and evolving characteristics of precipitation and underlying surface in Hai River Basin, this study attributed the causes of surface water resource attenuation to six primary impact factors, analyzed each factor's quantitative contribution, and revealed four patterns of surface water resource attenuation in Hai River Basin. The pattern of the dominant factor: comparing the 1980–2000 period with the 1956–1979 period, the variation of precipitation is the dominant factor of which contribution is 7 billion m3, accounting for 59% of total 11.7 billion m3; comparing the 2001–2016 period with the 1956–1979 period, the increasing of vegetation cover in mountainous area is the dominant factor of which contribution is 2.78 billion m3, accounting for 51% of total 4.9 billion m3. The pattern of spatial distributions: comparing the 2001–2016 period with the 1956–1979 period, mountainous areas were more affected by increasing vegetation cover which for example contributed 42% in Luan River Basin mountainous; the plains were more impacted by farmland ridge interception which for example contributed 51% in Beisi River Basin plains. The pattern of attenuation trend: comparing the 2001–2016 period with the 1980–2000 period, surface water resources in mountainous areas continued to decline, owing to the increasing water consumption of large-scale vegetation restoration, while the influence of the underlying surface changes on surface water resources in plains areas tended to remain stable. The pattern of reversible change: among factors led to surface water resource attenuation, the human activity, including vegetation cover increase, farmland ridge interception, and urbanization expansion, contributed 36% of the attenuation, which resulted in the variation of precipitation-runoff relation. This study improved the traditional attribution classification model of climate change and human activity and analyzed the causes and contributions of water resource attenuation in Hai River Basin based on the water circulation process, which can provide scientific support for the development of water resource management in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coordination cages have been widely reported to bind a variety of guests, which are useful for chemical separation. Although the use of cages in the solid state benefits the recycling, the flexibility, dynamicity, and metal-ligand bond reversibility of solid-state cages are poor, preventing efficient guest encapsulation. Here we report a type of coordination cage-integrated solid materials that can be swelled into gel in water. The material is prepared through incorporation of an anionic FeII4L6 cage as the counterion of a cationic poly(ionic liquid) (MOC@PIL). The immobilized cages within MOC@PILs have been found to greatly affect the swelling ability of MOC@PILs and thus the mechanical properties. Importantly, upon swelling, the uptake of water provides an ideal microenvironment within the gels for the immobilized cages to dynamically move and flex that leads to excellent solution-level guest binding performances. This concept has enabled the use of MOC@PILs as efficient adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water and for the purification of toluene and cyclohexane. Importantly, MOC@PILs can be regenerated through a deswelling strategy along with the recycling of the extracted guests. The efficient encapsulation of guests by coordination cages in the solid state is prevented by their flexibility, dynamicity, and metal-ligand bond reversibility. Here, the authors report coordination cages integrated into poly(ionic liquid)s to control swelling and mechanical properties of the gels and develop efficient and regenerable supramolecular separation materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining a country's water footprint and underlying factors is essential to understand water resource problems and challenges. In Indonesia, along with the rapid economic development and population growth, the water crisis problem is suspected of gradually increasing. Limited information and statistics regarding water use result in minimal water monitoring in the country. It is also still unclear which sectors need to be prioritised and what efforts can be taken to anticipate a further water crisis. This study attempts to estimate in more detail the amount of water used during the production process in Indonesia. Using the concept of water intensity and water footprint and using information on economic structure for a decade, this study detects which sectors have the highest level of inefficiency in water use and then explores which aspects cause this high inefficiency. From 2005 to 2016, the estimated total water intensity value decreased, indicating an increase in water use efficiency. To see whether the increase in efficiency is followed by more efficient water use, sectoral water consumption is estimated using the water footprint approach. After estimating the water footprint, it is found that in some sectors, the increase in efficiency was followed by an increase in the amount of water used, better known as the Jevons paradox. The three sectors that experience the most serious Jevons Paradox are the plantation, horticulture, and livestock sectors, as these sectors have a high level of gross water and virtual water footprint. It is anticipated that if no action is taken to increase efficiency, it will result in a waste of resources and a drain on the national budget, as the government may need to spend additional funds for the 'water budget' when producing commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water Scarcity is a very severe problem across the world, one of the main factors is improper distribution of water and careless use of water by people, this is only going to be more severe in future as population and needs of the world rises. Many countries have increased deployment of smart water meters to monitor water usage and tried convincing people to not use water in a careless manner but have not been successful yet. This research paper presents the development and implementation of a smart water meter (SWM) prototype for household water consumption measurement. The SWM utilizes Wi-Fi or Long Range (LoRa) technology to transmit data and is integrated with Citizen Id (SSN) to centralize water distribution, and help detect water theft. Additionally, the meter incorporates SARIMA forecasting to predict water consumption based on past usage trends on the edge. The water consumption data can be accessed through a web and Android application, and an integrated billing system has been developed to provide users with information about their current water usage. The machine learning model was trained and tested on the water consumption dataset by DAIAD. The DAIAD dataset consists of hourly water consumption time series for 1,007 randomly selected consumers from the AMAEM (Association of Energy and Water Management) utility in Alicante, Spain, spanning from January 2015 to May 2017, totaling 16,857,056 measurements. The whole system was tested by installing it in a house and the forecasting model achieved an accuracy of 74%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To develop a water conscious strategy, it is critical to track and trace water from its source to the end users, understand water conservation behaviors, and identify the factors that influence water consumption. However, in developing nations, little research has been done to provide a quantitative picture of how water is consumed and transformed in urban households, as well as the water sensitive interventions needed to improve access to clean water. Hence, the main objective of the study was to determine the most significant residential water consumption variables and to predict residential water consumption in a way that can generate water consumption information for water sensitive intervention decision making using the case study of Adama city in Ethiopia. A combination of top down and bottom up data collection techniques were employed as the data collection instrument. Machine learning was integrated with spatial and socioeconomic analytic techniques to estimate daily household water consumption and identify the factors that significantly influence household water consumption. The results show that there is only "one source option" for the city's clean water supply and that different water harvesting methods are not likely to be developed. The average daily water consumption per person is 69 liters which falls below the national standard of 80 liters allocated per person per day. The result reveals that the water distribution network covers only 45% of the city master plan. About 38% of the water demand is unmet and 30% of households only receive water once every three days or fewer. This shows that the city is experiencing physical and economic water scarcity. The results demonstrated that family size, housing quality, income, number of rooms, legal status of the parcel, supply reliability, climate, and topographical features are the most important factors in predicting residential water consumption. This study further demonstrates how well supervised machine learning models, such as the Random Forest Regression algorithm, can predict the household's daily water consumption. The findings also showed that there is a need for significant improvements in water saving habits of the households. Another conclusion that can be drawn is that as long as the city's business as usual water consumption practice doesn't change, the water supply problem will worsen over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents graphite recycling by doping nanosilver for water filtration because of the need for secure water for consumption. It has demonstrated the significance of looking for alternative materials that can filter water independently or in combination with other materials. Adsorbent nanomaterials have unique characteristics as compared to conventional ones due to their small size and significant surface area relative to volume ratio. In this study, an effort is made to test the usability of nanomaterials, such as graphite-doped nanosilver, as adsorbents for the elimination of different kinds of heavy metals from water. This study detects the elimination of metal ions from aqueous solutions by using modified graphite nanosheets. The shape of the synthesized graphite adsorbent nanosheet was characterized by spectroscopic analyses such as SEM and HR-TEM. The sizes of these nanocrystals are comparatively small, at about 38 nm for Ag and 56 nm for G–Ag samples, as shown by HR-TEM. The results showed that raising the duration of immersion and adsorbent quantity improved adsorption effectiveness. Chemical treatment frequently affects the surface characteristics of nanoadsorbents and considerably enhances their adsorption capacities. The metal-nanomaterial interactions, processes, and capacities of nanomaterial-based adsorption are analyzed and described in this work in a variety of experimental settings. The improved adsorbent graphite recycling showed a significant adsorption efficiency of 91.7% for heavy metals. It is vital to research ecologically friendly and sustainable applications that can lead to innovative and revolutionary water treatment systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is devoted to a mathematical model with diffusion and cross-diffusion to describe the interaction between vegetation and soil water. First, the existence of Hopf bifurcation and cross-diffusion-driven Turing instability are discussed. Then, based on the nonlinear analysis, we obtain the exact parameters range for stationary patterns and show the dynamical behavior near Turing bifurcation point. It is found that the model has the properties of gap, strip and spot patterns. Moreover, the small water-uptake ability of vegetation roots promotes the growth of vegetation and the transitions of vegetation pattern. But with the continuous increase of the water-uptake ability of vegetation roots, the local vegetation biomass density increases and the isolation between vegetation patches also increases, which may induce the emergence of desertification. In addition, our results reveal that the water consumption rate induces the transitions of vegetation pattern and prohibits the increase of vegetation biomass density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate the unfavorable effects of excessive water resources consumption, mainly induced by poor performance of irrigation practices, efficient water resource management strategies are required. In response to this need, we have, in an innovative way, enhanced the water resources management (WRM) strategies by both considering the regional conditions with the graph model for a conflict resolution (GMCR) decision support system, and linking the irrigation concept and water resources allocation theory to develop a coupled WRM simulation–optimization model. Typically, implementation of the modified WRM strategies may cause local conflicts because of losing the original water rights. To improve the current irrigation water allocation system with the minimum objections, the hypergame theory was utilized to enhance the capabilities of traditional GMCR models by including the parties' misunderstandings in the negotiation process and assessing the partial perceptions rather than crisp options. Moreover, by dynamic monitoring of available water resources and water consumption patterns, a WRM simulation model was developed, which is applicable in real agricultural conditions of multi-agricultural zones with multi-crop and intercropping systems and variable water supply sources. The genetic algorithm was utilized to allocate the water resources and determine optimal WRM strategies with the lowest irrigation water shortage. The efficiency of the proposed framework was assessed in conventional agricultural zones in Oman. The recommended strategies not only address local conflicts during the implementation of optimal WRM strategies, but also demonstrate significant potential to reduce the water shortage as a serious environmental concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virtual water trade (VWT) provides a new perspective for alleviating water crisis and has thus attracted widespread attention. However, the heterogeneity of virtual water trade inside and outside the river basin and its influencing factors remains further study. In this study, for better investigating the pattern and heterogeneity of virtual water trade inside and outside provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin in 2015 using the input-output model (MRIO), we proposed two new concepts, i.e., virtual water surplus and virtual water deficit, and then used the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model to identify the inherent mechanism of the imbalance of virtual water trade between provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin and the other four regions in China. The results show that: 1) in provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin, the less developed the economy was, the larger the contribution of the agricultural sector in virtual water trade, while the smaller the contribution of the industrial sector. 2) Due to the large output of agricultural products, the upstream and midstream provincial regions of the Yellow River Basin had a virtual water surplus, with a net outflow of virtual water of 2.7 × 108 m3 and 0.9 × 108 m3, respectively. 3) provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin were in a virtual water deficit with the rest of China, and the decisive factor was the active degree of trade with the outside. This study would be beneficial to illuminate the trade-related water use issues in provincial regions along the Yellow River Basin, which has far-reaching practical significance for alleviating water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantifying the drivers of water footprint evolution in the Yangtze River Delta is vital for the optimization of China's total water consumption. The article aims to decompose and predict the water footprint of the Yangtze River Delta and provide policy recommendations for optimizing water use in the Yangtze River Delta. The paper applies the LMDI method to decompose the water footprint of the Yangtze River Delta and its provinces into five major drivers: water footprint structure, water use intensity, R&D scale, R&D efficiency, and population size. Furthermore, this paper combines scenario analysis and Monte Carlo simulation methods to predict the potential evolution trends of water footprint under the basic, general, and enhanced water conservation scenario, respectively. The results show that (1) the expansion of R&D scale is the main factor promoting the growth of water footprint, the improvement of R&D efficiency, and the reduction of water intensity are the main factors inhibiting the increase of water footprint, and the water footprint structure and population size have less influence on water footprint. (2) The evolution trend of water footprint of each province under three scenarios is different. Compared to the basic scenario, the water footprint decreases more in Shanghai, Zhejiang, and Anhui under the general and enhanced water conservation scenario. The increase in water footprint in Jiangsu under the enhanced scenario is smaller than that of the general water conservation scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]