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Extracting water directly from the atmosphere seems to be a perfect way to solve the water scarcity facing 2 billion people; however, traditional Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) lacks the ability to adsorb water molecules in an arid climate. Porous materials are capable of assisting water adsorption; however, currently, only certain customizable Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) are able to meet the standard of adsorbing water molecules at low humidity and releasing water at low temperatures at certain times that can realize assisted AWH's practical and energy-efficient use (Energy consumption < 5kWh/L-water). From this perspective, we offer a concise review of the advancements in enhanced AWH technologies, delve into the attributes of appropriate MOFs, and offer insights into the potential and future directions of MOFs–AWH. In conclusion, we underscore that that the development of designable MOFs holds the key to the widespread practical implementation of AWH, promising the availability of affordable clean water anywhere in the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan experiences abundant rainfall, but faces significant water shortages, making rainwater harvesting (RWH) a potential alternative water source. Additionally, extreme rainfall events strain urban flood control systems, highlighting the need for integrated stormwater management. To address these challenges, Taiwan mandates stormwater detention (SWD) in new buildings. However, the current RWH and SWD systems are designed independently, with no combined design guidelines available. This study proposes three combined RWH and SWD systems, series, parallel, and enhanced parallel with a valve using a passive release mechanism. System performance was evaluated through short-term and long-term simulations. Short-term simulations were conducted to ensure the system's compliance with the domestic flood control design standards. These simulations assessed the peak flow mitigation and lag times for 5-, 10-, and 25-year design storms under four scenarios. Long-term simulations used historical rainfall data to analyze the differences in the combined systems and operational plans for continuous rainfall events. Three performance indicators—volumetric reliability, the stormwater retention ratio, and the stormwater detention ratio—were employed to assess water supply and the stormwater detention performance. The short-term simulation results revealed that the system performance was sensitive to the initial conditions. The series and parallel systems performed well, while the enhanced parallel system outperformed the others under specific initial conditions and valve operations. In contrast, long-term simulations revealed that the series and parallel systems achieved higher stormwater retention and a more stable performance than the enhanced parallel system. Among the three systems, the parallel system offers reduced installation space, lower costs, and easier maintenance, making it the recommended option for Taiwan. This study provides valuable guidance for designing combined RWH and SWD systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tribocatalysis for environmental remediation faces ongoing challenges related to elucidating complex mechanistic pathways and achieving efficient performance. Engineering surface oxygen vacancies within material systems holds promise for improving overall tribocatalytic efficiency. Herein, a facile solid-phase reduction method was used to generate oxygen vacancies-rich BaTiO 3 (R-BaTiO 3). Both the pristine BaTiO 3 and R-BaTiO 3 can harvest friction energy for further tribocatalytic degradation of RhB. The R-BaTiO 3 exhibited remarkably higher degradation rate constant for RhB removal, i.e., 0.177 h−1, than that for the pristine BaTiO 3 , i.e., 0.0789 h−1. The introduction of oxygen vacancies in R-BaTiO 3 reduced the energy bandgap and facilitated effective electron-hole separation, leading to the generation of more reactive oxygen species (•O 2 − and •OH). Tribo-generated holes were identified as the primary reactive species responsible for RhB degradation, surpassing the contributions of •O 2 − and •OH. A preliminary reaction mechanism based on both electron transfer and electron citation was proposed. The solid-phase reduction method employed in this study presents a promising way for enhancing tribocatalytic performance by introducing oxygen vacancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study area is a densely populated residential zone located in central Mexico, characterized by a semi-arid climate and diverse land uses, including domestic, commercial, and services. In the study area, water demand is assessed based on land use requirements set by national and local regulations, and an urban configuration pinpoints spaces suitable for rainwater harvesting for self-consumption. This research proposes indicators based on urban, demographic, and hydrological parameters to assess the effectiveness of low-impact development (LID) techniques, such as rooftop rainwater harvesting, aimed at reducing water scarcity in a residential area vulnerable to water shortages in a semi-arid city in the Global South. Additionally, hydrological design conditions are defined to estimate the potential volumes of recoverable water. Indicators for infiltrated water, available water for consumption, runoff water, and sufficient water are established. This framework enables the development of strategies to mitigate water scarcity and improve water management in the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates sustainable water management strategies using TOPSIS and Fuzzy TOPSIS (FTOPSIS) to address global water scarcity by comparing rainwater harvesting, water recycling, and desalination across five criteria: water efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, social equity, and technological feasibility. The results show Rainwater Harvesting as the most balanced option with a relative closeness value of C i + =0.640, excelling in social equity and environmental sustainability. Water Recycling ranks closely behind ( C i + =0.608), highlighting its adaptability and technological feasibility, while Desalination, though highly efficient, is hindered by lower cost-effectiveness ( C i + =0.578). By integrating TOPSIS and FTOPSIS, the study addresses uncertainties and subjective criteria, providing a robust multi-dimensional assessment framework for resource management. This methodology aids decision-makers in identifying strategies that align with sustainable development goals and adapt to regional priorities. Future work can expand this framework to include stakeholder engagement and policy factors, enhancing water management strategies for resilient, long-term solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising demand for water and energy is driving the overuse of natural resources and contributing to environmental degradation. To address these challenges, the focus has shifted to low- and zero-emission technologies that utilize alternative sources of water and energy. Although such systems are commonly applied in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings, facilities along transportation routes generally depend on grid connections. This study aimed to enhance operational independence and reduce environmental impacts by modernizing the Rest Area Stobierna (RAS) along Poland's S19 expressway, part of the Via Carpatia road. A comprehensive technical, economic, and environmental analysis was conducted using HOMER Pro software (3.18.3 PRO Edition) and a simulation model based on YAS operating principles. The proposed Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) incorporates photovoltaic panels, battery storage, and a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS). Two configurations of the HRES were evaluated, a prosumer-based setup and a hybrid-island mode. Optimization results showed that the hybrid-island configuration was most effective, achieving a 61.6% share of renewable energy in the annual balance, a 7.1-year return on investment, a EUR 0.77 million reduction in Net Present Cost (NPC), and a 75,002 kg decrease in CO2 emissions over the system's 25-year lifecycle. This study highlights the potential of integrating renewable energy and water systems to improve sustainability, reduce operational costs, and enhance service quality in road infrastructure facilities, offering a replicable model for similar contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater is a source of freshwater that affects the aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems, and consequently human health. Since potential toxic elements (PTEs) have been found in rainwater in Southern Europe, its quality should be evaluated. This review assesses the current knowledge of the quality of rainwater in Southern Europe concerning PTEs, as well as its impact on the environment and human health. The presence of PTEs in rainwater poses challenges and simultaneously an opportunity for innovation in environmental management, particularly in water management. Further monitoring of rainwater quality, research, and policy development are needed to ensure that rainwater remains a viable and safe water resource. The challenges of rainwater quality regarding PTEs and of rainwater harvesting as a measure of drought mitigation, as observed in Southern Europe, require investing in rainwater treatment technologies. The treatment of rainwater harvested in Southern Europe can reduce environmental and health risks posed by PTEs, while enhancing the region's resilience to climate change and water scarcity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of an increasing water crisis and rising energy consumption, an integrated approach to plant design and improvement can be highly effective. Specifically, the use of advanced multipurpose Atmospheric Water Generator (AWG) machines, integrated into existing or new HVAC systems, can improve efficiency while simultaneously extracting atmospheric water. However, hybrid plant configurations, which encompass both integrated and traditional solutions, can be difficult to assess. This paper presents a brief review of the most widely used AWG evaluation tools and proposes a new index, called AGEI, designed to address the knowledge gap in evaluating hybrid plants from an efficiency perspective. The paper shows how this index provides results that more accurately reflect the real efficiency of hybrid plant configurations compared to the Global Evaluation Index (GEI), which is the only existing tool addressed to the evaluation of integrated multipurpose machines. The work is complemented by the application of AGEI to three complex hybrid plant configurations, two of which include a bottling system supplied by desalination for drinking water production. The index is straightforward and requires only knowledge of the useful effects produced by the analysed plant and their corresponding efficiency indicators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is essential for human survival, economic growth, and environmental sustainability. However, rural South Africa faces ongoing challenges in delivering reliable and clean water due to infrastructural inadequacies, climate variability, and historical disparities. Addressing these water supply issues is critical for reducing poverty, improving health outcomes, and fostering sustainable development in rural areas. This study utilises a mixed-methods approach within a positivist framework, collecting data through document analysis, self-administered surveys, and structured interviews with various stakeholders across four rural settlements in the Joe Gqabi and Gert Sibande District Municipalities. The primary aims are to evaluate water accessibility and reliability, examine the impact of water scarcity on poverty, investigate the availability of water infrastructure, and assess the effects of water supply on health and education. Findings indicate that deficient water infrastructure and intermittent supply significantly disrupt daily life, educational access, and healthcare services. Health risks due to contaminated water were prevalent, leading to waterborne diseases. Socio-economic impacts included exacerbated poverty, with particular challenges for female students in maintaining menstrual hygiene due to inconsistent water availability. The study proposes a sustainability model that integrates indigenous practices, such as rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge, with modern water management technologies. This model, customised to local needs, underscores the importance of increased investment, integrated planning, and enhanced capacity-building in rural water management. By combining traditional and modern approaches, this model aims to improve water reliability, promote health, and support economic resilience in rural settlements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CPO‐27 is a metal‐organic framework (MOF) with coordinatively unsaturated metal centers (open metal sites). It is therefore an ideal host material for small guest molecules, including water. This opens up numerous possible applications, such as proton conduction, humidity sensing, water harvesting, or adsorption‐driven heat pumps. For all of these applications, profound knowledge of the adsorption and desorption of water in the micropores is mandatory. The hydration and water structure in CPO‐27‐M (M = Zn or Cu) is investigated using water vapor sorption, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and molecular dynamics simulation. In the pores of CPO‐27‐Zn, water binds as a ligand to the Zn center. Additional water molecules are stepwise incorporated at defined positions, forming a network of H‐bonds with the framework and with each other. In CPO‐27‐Cu, hydration proceeds by an entirely different mechanism. Here, water does not coordinate to the metal center, but only forms H‐bonds with the framework; pore filling occurs mostly in a single step, with the open metal site remaining unoccupied. Water in the pores forms clusters with extensive intra‐cluster H‐bonding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Livestock farming is a crucial source of income and livelihood. However, its sustainability is being adversely affected by the unpredictable climatic changes. It would be valuable to comprehend how livestock farmers perceive climate change (CC) and the adaptation strategies. This study evaluated farmers' views of climate change impact, adaptation measures, and the obstacles to these measures. A crosssectional and multi-stage sampling method was employed. Data collected from 300 randomly chosen farmers were analysed using descriptive statistics and the Garrett ranking technique. Most of the respondents were male (71.67%) and between the ages of 21-60 (62%). Most respondents were married (67%) and had a form of education. Increased disease occurrence, decreased livestock production rate, increased poor vegetation, increased water scarcity, and ambient temperature were perceived by the respondents to have been impacted 'to a great extent' by 45%, 38%, 53%, 36% and 42%, respectively. Perceived and rated as 'to a great extent' by the respondents on climate change impact were 'increased distance covered by livestock for water and pasture (29%), decreased growth rate (28%), and increased ambient temperature (30%)'. Based on descending mean rank, the farmers' most favoured strategies for adapting to climate change included reducing their livestock numbers (58.98), collecting and storing water (55.66) and planning for supplementary feeding (55.35). The income management strategies under CC include off-farm employment (55.48), borrowing from self-help groups (54.48), and friends and relatives (50.72), in that order. The top barriers to CC, in descending order of mean rank, by the farmers include a high incidence of pests and diseases (61.47%), non-availability of improved forage seed (52.06), lack of appropriate water harvesting facilities (51.84), smaller/fragmented land holding for forage (51.56) and scarcity of farm labour (47.75). The livestock farmers' perception of climate change impacts indicated that most of the factors examined were rated as significant. Most respondents are aware of climate change (CC) and its repercussions on livestock productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, the advent of the smart era has confronted a novel "energy crisis"—the challenge of distributed energy provision, necessitating an imperative for clean energy development. Encompassing 71% of the Earth's surface, water stands as the predominant conduit for energy transfer on our planet, effectively harnessing a fraction thereof to fulfill global energy demands. Modern hydropower technology primarily harnesses concentrated low-entropy water energy. However, the majority of natural water energy is widely dispersed in the environment as high-entropy distributed water energy, encompassing raindrop energy, stream energy, wave energy, evaporation energy, and other small-scale forms of water energy. While these energies are readily available, their collection poses significant challenges. Consequently, researchers initiated investigations into high-entropy water energy harvesting technology based on the electrodynamic effect, triboelectric effect, water volt effect, and other related phenomena. The present paper provides a comprehensive review of high-entropy water energy harvesting technologies, encompassing their underlying mechanisms, optimization strategies, and diverse applications. The current bottlenecks of these technologies are comprehensively analyzed, and their future development direction is prospectively discussed, thereby providing valuable guidance for future research on high-entropy water energy collection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical pruning in narrow olive hedgerows is essential for managing alternate bearing and facilitating mechanical harvesting by influencing the number of fruit load points. In olive cv. Arbequina hedgerows (2000 trees ha−1), two pruning times (winter and spring) and two pruning types (unilateral and bilateral) were applied under contrasting bearing conditions (ON and OFF seasons) over four consecutive seasons in La Rioja, Argentina. A strong El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) event during the final season had a profound impact, increasing winter temperatures by 2 °C and reducing the average chill accumulation by 23%, significantly reducing productivity and exacerbating alternate bearing. The results demonstrated that pruning timing alone was ineffective in controlling alternate bearing, while bilateral pruning during ON seasons showed promise in regularizing fruit and oil yields and enhancing water use efficiency. However, the severe effects of the ENSO, which disrupted the winter dormancy break of fruiting buds, could not be mitigated by the evaluated pruning strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eco-friendly group housing emphasizes sustainability by integrating environmentally responsible design and construction practices. The existing body of research primarily centers on urban sustainability, leaving a significant gap for rural eco-housing in developing nations like India. In the present study, a multi-vector eco-housing modeling framework has been strategically developed. The framework presented in this study integrates multiple vectors such as energy, water, and waste, utilizing modern technologies like rainwater collection systems, greywater treatment plants, and efficient irrigation systems. A comprehensive survey collected data on housing type, location, type of construction material used, gender, social indicators, and livelihoods. PV Syst was used to optimally size and design solar-based net zero energy homes through data-based climatic analysis. Each household's water consumption and waste disposal were analyzed by calculating the usage/pax./day/activity and in kgs/day, respectively. Adopting solar technologies and practices, such as rainwater harvesting and waste management, led to a considerable reduction in resource consumption and environmental degradation. Eco-friendly houses promise long-term savings through efficient water management and reduced maintenance costs, fostering a healthy living environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater harvesting is a popular artisanal method that provides substantial economic advantages and effectively addresses the issue of water scarcity in many parts of Colombia. This method may not be appropriate from a public health standpoint in every instance. Despite Colombia's ample precipitation, ensuring a stable water supply is problematic, particularly due to the dramatic fluctuations in weather patterns, such as droughts and severe rainy seasons, which affect the dependability of the water delivery system. This study examines the urban region of Villavicencio with two main objectives: (I) to assess the physico-chemical and microbiological quality of rainwater in the municipality's residential and commercial sectors; and (II) to analyze the spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters within the study area. The quality and spatial distribution of rainwater resources in the urban catchment region of Villavicencio were evaluated through the analysis of data obtained from several sampling locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The systematic identification of appropriate sites for different rainwater harvesting (RWH) structures may contribute to better success of crop production in such areas. One approach to improving crop yields in North Kordofan, Sudan, that is mostly adaptable to the changing climate is in-field water harvesting. The main objective of this study is to employ a geographical information system (GIS) in order to identify the most suitable sites for setting in situ water harvesting structures, aiming to address climate change in this area. A GIS-based model was developed to generate suitability maps for in situ RWH using multi-criteria evaluation. Five suitability criteria (soil texture, runoff depth, rainfall surplus, land cover, and slope) were identified; then, five suitability levels were set for each criterion (excellent, good, moderate, poor, and unsuitable). Weights were assigned to the criteria based on their relative importance for RWH using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Using QGIS 2.6.1 and ArcGIS 10.2.2 software, all criterion maps and suitability maps were prepared. The obtained suitability map for the entire region showed that 40% of the region area fell within the "good" class, representing 7419.18 km2, whereas 26% of the area was "excellent", occupying 4863.75 km2. However, only 8.9% and 15.6% of the entire region's area were "poor" and "unsuitable" for RWH, respectively. The suitability map of the delineated pilot areas selected according to the attained FAO data revealed that one location, Wad_Albaga, was found to be in an excellent position, covering an area of 787.811 km2, which represents 42.94% of the total area. In contrast, the Algabal location had 6.4% of its area classified as poor and the remaining portion classified as excellent. According to the findings from the validated trial, Wad_Albaga is located in a good site covering 844 km2, representing 46.04%, while Algabal is classified as a moderate site, covering 341 km2 or 18.6% of the area. This study concluded that the validation of the existing trial closely matched the suitability map derived using FAO data. However, ground data from field experiments provided more accurate results compared to the FAO suitability map. This study also concluded that using GIS is a time-saving and effective tool for identifying suitable sites and discovering the most appropriate locations for rainwater harvesting (RWH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last two decades, the use of bioreactors filled with aged refuse extracted from closed areas of landfills has proven to be a viable alternative for the treatment of different types of wastewater. This study presents the results obtained during the evaluation of aged refuse used as filling material for a downflow bioreactor during the removal of the organic load present in wastewater generated in the wet processing of coffee. The tests were carried out over a period of 120 days, with 15 days to start up and stabilize the bioreactor and 105 days to perform treatability tests. The aged refuse, once extracted, was dried and sifted to a particle size of less than 50 mm. The bioreactor used had a cylindrical geometry (Ø = 0.20 m, and h = 3.40 m), and it was fed with hydraulic loads of 50, 100, and 150 L m−3 d−1. The analysis of the data obtained shows that the system studied achieves the removal of 98.3% of the initial organic load when fed with 150 L m−3 d−1. This showcases recycling aged refuse as a technically viable alternative to treat the wastewater generated during coffee processing. Also, the evaluated system has the advantage of needing a short period of time to achieve its stabilization, which turns out to be of great value, especially in its possible use in the treatment of residual water generated in the harvest of agricultural products where the period of harvest is very short. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research utilized the bagging machine learning algorithm along with the Thornthwaite moisture index (TMI) to enhance the understanding of climate variability and change, with the objective of identifying the most efficient climate service pathways in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Monthly datasets at a 0.5° resolution (1960–2020) were collected and analyzed using R 4.2.2 software and spreadsheets. The results indicate significant changes in climatic conditions in Sudan, with aridity escalation at a rate of 0.37% per year. The bagging algorithm illustrated that actual water use was mainly influenced by rainfall and runoff management, showing an inverse relationship with increasing air temperatures. Consequently, sustainable strategies focusing on runoff and temperature control, such as rainwater harvesting, agroforestry and plant breeding were identified as the most effective climate services to mitigate and adapt to climate variability in SSA. The findings suggest that runoff management (e.g., rainwater harvesting) could potentially offset up to 22% of the adverse impacts of climate variability, while temperature control strategies (e.g., agroforestry) could account for the remaining 78%. Without these interventions, climate variability will continue to pose serious challenges to food security, livelihood generations, and regional stability. The research calls for further in-depth studies on the attributions of climate variability using finer datasets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Published results on rainwater management systems revealed a lack of holistic science-based design principles. A new approach to rainwater management is proposed. Its necessity and feasibility are discussed. It is demonstrated that quantitatively harvesting rainfall and infiltrating a fraction should be mandatory. Thus, the primary site-specific parameter is the intensity of rainfall. Clearly, rainwater should be harvested and used everywhere as a valuable resource. Under arid semi-arid conditions large tanks maximize water storage for the long dry season while under humid conditions the same helps to minimize the frequency of emptying to avoid flooding. The new approach separates rainwater (and stormwater) from sewage and has the potential to maintain the natural hydrological cycle in urban areas despite urbanization. In already crowded slums, rainwater harvesting (RWH) can also be used to restore the hydrological cycle. The new approach advocates for decentralized RWH infrastructures to harvest, infiltrate, and store rainwater in individual residences, while piping overflows to semi-centralized cluster-scale tanks. Rooting integrated water resource management on RWH appears to be the missing puzzle in: (i) restoring the natural hydrological cycle where it has been disturbed (landscape restoration), (ii) avoiding flooding, and (i) mitigating soil erosion. This is essential for sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Researchers have now developed a bioinspired double-stranded yarn to harvest water from atmospheric fog efficiently. The global water crisis is becoming more severe, particularly in arid regions with limited traditional [...]

Rainfall variability coupled with poor land and water management is contributing to food insecurity in many sub-Saharan African countries such as Ethiopia. To address such challenges, various efforts have been implemented in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term impacts of different soil and water conservation and water harvesting interventions on groundwater and drought resilience of the Gule watershed, northern Ethiopia. The study involved: (i) documentation of the approaches followed and the technologies implemented in Gule since the 1990s, (ii) monitoring the hydrological effects of the interventions for ten years, and (iii) evaluation of the effects of the interventions on groundwater (level and quality), spring discharge and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in runoff. Results showed that interventions were implemented at different stages and scales. As a result of the interventions, the watershed was transformed into a landscape resilient to rainfall variability: (a) dry shallow groundwater wells have become productive and the level of water in wells has raised, (b) the groundwater quality has improved, (c) SSC in high floods has reduced by up to 65%, (d) discharge of existing springs has increased by up to 73% and new springs have started to emerge. Due to improved water availability, irrigated land has increased from less than 3.5 ha before 2002 to 166 ha in 2019. Communities have remained water-secure during an extreme drought in 2015/2016. Implementation of watershed management practices has transformed the landscape to be resilient to rainfall variability in a semi-arid environment: a lesson for adaptation to climate variability and change in similar environments.

Access to water has been and remains one of humanity's greatest challenges. Especially in arid plains exposed to significant climatic fluctuations and future global change trends. In the past and present, local communities of the arid plains of central-western Argentina (i.e., Guanacache Lagoons, Cuyo region) have developed multiple strategies to manage water supply problems. The aims of this study are: i) to characterize the different water harvesting technologies (pre-Hispanic and modern) used, and ii) to compare the small local strategies of water harvesting (bottom-up solutions) with the large centralized projects (top-down solutions). On the one hand, we show the transformations of these technologies over time, and the challenges faced by inhabitants in the context of climate change trends. On the other hand, we analyze the role of the state through hydraulic policies and projects implemented by the provincial states over the last two centuries and how this impacted the study area. This review is based on a historical and archaeological bibliography, and recent publications about the region, including articles based on our ethnographic fieldwork. Our results demonstrate the valuable experience accumulated by local populations in water harvesting methods, particularly in areas where groundwater is deep and saline, and shows the adaptability of these technologies in contexts of increasing scarcity. We considered that local indigenous knowledge can largely contribute to the sustainable management of water resources. This study might be useful for decision-makers and water managers in drylands around the world to find and equitable approach that combines technical advances with local knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intricate hydrogen-bonded network of water gives rise to various structures with anomalous properties at different thermodynamic conditions. Nanoconfinement can further modify the water structure and properties, and induce specific water motifs, which are instrumental for technological applications such as atmospheric water harvesting. However, so far, a causal relationship between nanoconfinement and the presence of specific hydrophilic adsorption sites is lacking, hampering the further design of nanostructured materials for water templating. Therefore, this work investigates the organisation of water in zirconium-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with varying topologies, pore sizes, and chemical composition, to extract design rules to shape water. The highly tuneable pores and hydrophilicity of MOFs makes them ideally suited for this purpose. We find that small nanopores favour orderly water clusters that nucleate at hydrophilic adsorption sites. Favourably positioning the secondary adsorption sites, hydrogen-bonded to the primary adsorption sites, allows larger clusters to form at moderate adsorption conditions. To disentangle the importance of nanoconfinement and hydrophilic nucleation sites in this process, we introduce an analytical model with precise control of the adsorption sites. This sheds a new light on design parameters to induce specific water clusters and hydrogen-bonded networks, thus rationalising the application space of water in nanoconfinement. The presence of water adsorption sites plays a pivotal role in the suitability of metal-organic frameworks for atmospheric water harvesting. Here, the emergence of templated water motifs and their beneficial influence on adsorption are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increasing water demand driven by population growth and climate change strains water resources, especially in arid regions. The effectiveness of rainwater harvesting (RWH) as a viable solution is contingent upon the meticulous selection of appropriate sites. Contemporary efforts have increasingly utilized Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing technologies to optimize the identification of ideal locations for implementing RWH infrastructure. However, inconsistencies in rainfall classification methodologies can compromise the accuracy of the resulted suitability maps. Consequently, a standardized approach to grading rainfall depth for mapping RWH sites becomes imperative. This study presents an innovative rainfall classification method tailored for both micro and macro catchment areas, offering a reliable and adaptable approach to rainfall analysis. By refining classification criteria, this method aims to improve the consistency and precision of RWH mapping, addressing a gap in existing methodologies and providing a more standardized approach. Through the application of FAHP and Fuzzy overlay techniques in ArcGIS 10.4, the study compares traditional rainfall classification with the proposed new classification method to assess RWH suitability in Kalar. The comparison highlights that the new rainfall classification-based map yielded higher accuracy and realism compared to traditional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban water metabolism focuses on measuring water inflows and outflows within a defined urban system. As an emerging concept, it provides valuable understandings into water flow dynamics, supporting evidence-based decision-making. One approach to quantify these flows is the urban water mass balance method, which accounts for both human-induced and natural water resources. By equating these flows, it identifies whether water movement within the system is linear or circular. The primary goal of water mass balance analysis is to assess how closely a city aligns with water-sensitive management approaches. However, urban metabolism studies are rare in developing countries, where cities often lack the experience to estimate water inflows and outflows for informed water-sensitive interventions. This study addresses this gap by analyzing Adama city in Ethiopia using the water mass balance method to measure its water metabolism. The result revealed that the city faces a negative water balance with outflows exceeding inflows by 46.89 million cubic meters annually. The results indicated that Adama's water flow follows a linear "take-make-use-dispose" model. The imbalance in Adama's water cycle is driven by urbanization, impervious surfaces, and climate change, which increase runoff and evaporation. The study found that 61.3% of the city's water comes from a centralized system, with 90% sourced from distant rivers through a telecoupling system. In the city, inadequate water harvesting, high population density and intensive water use are worsening water scarcity. Urban water metabolism indicators reveal significant losses and indicating the need for water conservation efforts. Despite the reliance on centralized systems, the study identifies strong potential for decentralized solutions and alternative water harvesting. To tackle these challenges, the research recommends adopting water-sensitive strategies such as low-impact development, sustainable urban drainage systems, and water-sensitive urban design and planning. These approaches can reduce the negative effects of urbanization, mitigate urban water scarcity risks and improve water management through water sensitive management approach. The study also emphasizes the need for collaborative learning, community involvement, and innovative technologies, supported by legal frameworks to ensure effective water wise interventions. Shifting toward circular water management and decentralized water systems will boost Adama's resilience and promote sustainable water resource management, making the city more internally self-sufficient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Studies utilizing GIS-based tools (e.g., PVGIS), which provide localized atmospheric data with a limited number of parameters. Accurate dew point estimation is crucial for measuring water condensation in various fields such as environmental studies, agronomy, or water harvesting, among others. Despite the numerous models and equations developed over time, including empirical and machine learning approaches, they often involve trade-offs between accuracy, simplicity, and computational cost. A major limitation of the current approaches is the lack of balance among these three factors, limiting their practical applications under diverse conditions. This research addresses these key challenges by developing a new, streamlined equation for dew point estimation. Using the Magnus–Tetens equation, deemed as the most reliable equation, as a benchmark, and by applying a process of non-linear regression fitting and parametric optimization, a new equation was derived. The results demonstrate high accuracy with a streamlined implementation, validated through extensive data and computational simulations. This study highlights the importance of accurate dew point modeling, especially under variable environmental conditions, provides a reliable solution to existing limitations, paving the way for enhanced efficiency in related processes and research endeavors, and offers researchers and practitioners a practical tool for more effective modeling of water condensation phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption-based atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) has the potential to address water scarcity in arid regions. However, developing adsorbents that effectively capture water at a low relative humidity (RH < 30%) and release it with minimal energy consumption remains a challenge. Herein, we report a fluorophenyl oligomer (FO)-incorporated metal-organic framework (MOF), HKUST-1 (FO@HK), which exhibits fast adsorption kinetics at low RH levels and facile desorption by sunlight. The incorporated fluorophenyl undergoes vapor-phase polymerization at the metal center to generate fluorophenyl oligomers that enhance the hydrolytic stability of FO@HK while preserving its characteristic water sorption behavior. The FO@HK exhibited vapor sorption rates of 8.04 and 11.76 L kg−1MOF h−1 at 20 and 30% RH, respectively, which are better than the state-of-the-art AWH sorbents. Outdoor tests using a solar-driven large-scale AWH device demonstrate that the sorbent can harvest 264.8 mL of water at a rate of 2.62 L kg−1MOF per day. This study provides a ubiquitous strategy for transforming water-sensitive MOFs into AWH sorbents. In arid regions, effective atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) is essential. The fluorophenyl oligomer (FO)-incorporated HKUST-1 (FO@HK) shows impressive performance. F3@HK achieves up to 11.76 L kg−1MOF h−1 at 30% RH and can harvest 2.62 L kg−1MOF of water daily with solar energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adsorption-based direct air capture (DAC) of carbon dioxide, using chemisorbents like solid amines, has been widely recognized as a sustainable measure to contain atmospheric CO2 concentrations. However, the productivity and economic viability of DAC have been compromised by the high energy consumption for regenerating the adsorbents. Here, we show that by synergistically harvesting water and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, we can regenerate the unit using in situ vapor purge at low energy and capital cost. The desorption of CO2 is substantially enhanced in the presence of concentrated water vapors at around 100 °C, concurrently producing 97.7% purity CO2 and fresh water without the use of vacuum pumps and steam boilers. Moreover, we demonstrate that the DAC prototype can also be powered by sunlight, which recovers 98% of the adsorbed CO2, with 20% less energy demand, enabling sustainable carbon capture from air in a real distributed manner. Direct air capture of CO2 suffers from high energy consumption. Here, the authors use co-harvested water as in situ vapor purge to regenerate the sorbents, achieving over 98% recovery of the adsorbed CO2, more than 20% reduction in energy penalty, and synergistic production of CO2 and water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Atmospheric water harvesting through reticular materials is an innovation that has the potential to change the world. Here, this study offers a technique for creating a solar-powered hygroscopic polymer material for atmospheric water harvesting with the reticular materials. The results show that the porous hygroscopic polymer materials can achieve high performance with high vapor capture (up to ac. 28.8–49.7 mg/g at 28–38 %RH and 25 ℃), rapid photothermal conversion efficiency (up to 32.2 ℃ within 15 min under 1000 W/m−2 light at 25 ℃), a low desorption temperature (lower than 40 ℃), and an effective water release rate. Besides, the material also has excellent water-retention properties, which can effectively store desorbed liquid water in polymer networks for use by vegetation during water demand periods. The strategy opens new avenues for atmospheric water-harvesting materials, which will hopefully solve the global crisis of freshwater shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Newly incorporated module into the WASH_2D model has enabled simulating a rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) using a tank. The incorporated module in WASH_2D was tested for two field experiments to determine the optimal tank capacity and cultivated area that give the highest net income for farmers. The first experiment was composed of treatments A, B, and C having the same cultivated and harvested areas (plastic sheets) of 24 m2 and 12.5 m2, respectively. The capacity of the tanks for treatments A, B, and C was set at 500, 300, and 200 L, corresponding to storability of 21, 13, and 8 mm, respectively, while in the second experiment we carried out three treatments: F, G, and H having the same tank capacity of 300 L and harvested area of 12.5 m2 with variable cultivated areas as G and H were larger by two and three times than F (10.5 m2), respectively. Water was applied automatically through a drip irrigation system by monitoring soil water suction. Results of the first experiment showed that the optimal storability and seasonal net income simulated by WASH_2D were 17 mm and 5.82 USD yr−1, which were fairly close to 18 mm and 5.75 USD yr−1 observed from field data, respectively. Similarly, the results of the second experiment revealed that simulated net incomes for different cultivated areas agreed well with the observed data. We concluded that the use of the simulation model WASH_2D can be economically useful to promote small-scale irrigation in semi-arid regions and guide planning irrigation or rainwater harvesting investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the variety of fibers and fabrics, the studies of the surface structure of the textile yarns, the weave fabric, and their surface wettability are still potential factors to improve and optimize the fog harvesting efficiency. In this work, inspired by the fog harvesting behavior of the desert beetle dorsal surface, a wavy–bumpy structure of post-weave yarn (obtained from woven fabric) was reported to improve large droplet growth (converge) efficiency. In which, this study used tetrabutyl titanate (Ti(OC4H9)4) to waterproof, increase hydrophobicity, and stabilize the surface of yarns and fabric (inspired by the feather structure and lotus leaf surface). Moreover, PDMS oil was used (lubricated) to increase hydrophobicity and droplet shedding on the yarns (inspired by the slippery surface of the pitcher plant) and at the same time, enhance the fog harvesting efficiency of the warp yarn woven fabric (Warp@fabric). In addition, a three-dimensional adjacent yarn structure was arranged by two non-parallel fabric layers. The yarns of the inner and outer layers were intersected at an angle decreasing to zero (mimicking the water transport behavior of Shorebird's beaks). This method helped large droplets quickly form and shed down easily. More than expected, the changes in fabric texture and fiber surface yielded an excellent result. The OBLWB-Warp@fabric's water harvesting rate was about 700% higher than that of the original plain weave fabric (Original@fabric). OBLWB-Warp@fabric's water harvesting rate was about 160% higher than that of Original–Warp@fabric. This shows the great practical application potential of woven fabrics with a low cost and large scale, or you can make use of textile wastes to collect fog, suitable for the current circular economy model. This study hopes to further enrich the materials used for fog harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In the event of a natural disaster, water is often unavailable. Natural disasters often prevent the existing water infrastructure from functioning to supply water to citizens. Existing water systems are also vulnerable to poisoning such as terrorism and can be destroyed in war because they are centralized infrastructure systems. In the U.S.A, a huge investment of $50 billion is required just to improve infrastructure for drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater. Scope and Approach This paper introduces state-of-the-art technologies for sustainable water harvesting to prepare for natural or human-induced disasters to fulfill the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A literature review was conducted on drinking water technology. Key findings The latest water-harvesting technology uses Metal–Organic Framework materials. The properties of MOFs allow us to survive and efficiently harvest water from air. We can create a sustainable society with MOF materials where the society will become resilient to natural and human-induced disasters for fulfilling the SDGs. Conclusions This paper will show that MOFs play an important role in enhancing urban water sustainability and resilience with the most economical and ecological engineering technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Red Sea region is considered one of the regions that suffer most from water scarcity among the Egyptian areas. This situation reinforces the importance of maximizing the utilization of available water sources. Rainwater and flood harvesting may form a good water source if good harvesting practices are applied. Natural pastures, Bedouin communities, and wild plants may be affected by severe droughts expected due to climate change. Additional water resources are very important to enhance the resilience of the Bedouin communities to probable droughts. Five main hydrographic basins are issued from Gebel El Sibai (+1435 m), including Wadi Esel, Wadi Sharm El Bahari, Wadi Sharm El Qibli, Wadi Wizr, and Wadi Umm Gheig. Detailed investigation of morphometric parameters, runoff/rainfall relationship, and flood volume using GIS and HEC-HMS model of each basin were estimated as well as natural vegetation. This study reveals that rainfall ranges from 84 mm to 0 mm, and a storm of 84 mm (highest event) is expected to occur every 42 years with a probability of 2.4%. Quantitative morphometric analysis implies that the area has good potential for flooding, especially Wadi Sharm El Qibli and Wadi Umm Gheig, where Wadi Sharm El Bahri represents the lowest priority for flooding. The flood volume of Umm Gheig basin is the greatest: 12 million m3 at the basin outlet with a rainfall event of 15 mm. Wadi Esel is expected to collect 8.7 million m3 due to the ratio of the impervious soil and rainfall quantity, Wadi Sharm El Bahari 2.1 million m3, Wadi Sharm El Qibli 1.6 million m3, and Wadi Wizer 1.04 million m3. Seven storage dams (SD1-SD7) were proposed to enhance the utilization of the surface water potentialities of this study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the water quality of different rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems and the social acceptance of their reuse in young users as an exploratory approach. Three RWH systems were implemented, and the quality of harvested rainwater was evaluated focusing on physicochemical and in situ parameters. Social acceptance was studied in one of the RWH systems using an adapted technology acceptance model. An informative talk about the operation of RWH was given to the users, who were students from a rural primary school. Surveys were conducted before and after the talk to evaluate the impact of providing information to users. The social acceptance was studied in one of the RWH systems. The results indicated that the harvested rainwater from RWH systems was suitable for reuse in agriculture despite the increase in turbidity and chloride concentrations in the outlet tap. The concentration of turbidity, phosphate as phosphorus, chloride and nitrate ranged between 0.8 and 1.9 NTU, 0.01–0.2 mg/L, 2.8–5.0 mg/L and 0.3–0.9 mg/L, respectively. In the acceptance study, the survey results and correlation analyses showed that providing information to users is crucial for increasing the acceptance of RWH systems. Moreover, this study demonstrated that RWH systems are a viable alternative technology for reusing and supplying water in arid and semiarid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as promising platforms for membrane separations, while remaining challenging for separating ions in a fast and selective way. Here, we propose a concept of COF membranes with vertically aligned nanorods for efficient separation of rare metal ions. A quaternary ammonium-functionalized monomer is rationally designed to synthesize COF layers on porous substrates via interfacial synthesis. The COF layers possess an asymmetric structure, in which the upper part displays vertically aligned nanorods, while the lower part exhibits an ultrathin dense layer. The vertically aligned nanorods enlarge contact areas to harvest water and monovalent ions, and the ultrathin dense layer enables both high permeability and selectivity. The resulting membranes exhibit exceptional separation performances, for instance, a Cs+ permeation rate of 0.33 mol m−2 h−1, close to the value in porous substrates, and selectivities with Cs+/La3+ up to 75.9 and 69.8 in single and binary systems, highlighting the great potentials in the separation of rare metal ions. Covalent organic frameworks (COF) membranes designed for the separation of ions in a fast and selective way are desirable. Here, the authors report COF membranes with vertically aligned nanorods to enlarge contact areas and harvest water and monovalent ions with high permeability and selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Defluoridation Technology Project was called upon to survey existing water resources by three different institutions lying in fluorotic Tanzania: 1) The Ngongongare Secondary School. 2) The St Constantine International School and 3) The Minjingu Church Project. In case 1), due to low affordability, an open dug well was proposed. In case 2) a defluoridation system was installed and could be used to estimate essential design parameters, as Operation Period (1 Year), Removal Efficiency (93 %) and Removal Capacity (3-4 mg/g of Bone Char). In case 3) the water was deadly toxic because of high fluoride concentrations, but, fortunately, unpalatable due to high contents of Alkalinity/Salinity. The salinity renders the defluoridation process useless. A system of combined rain water harvesting and defluoridation of brought water sources was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Private and government agencies have identified an increase in water consumption for agricultural, commercial, industrial, and domestic activities. Agriculture worldwide accounts for 70% of water consumption. However, industrial activities report more than half of the available water for human consumption. Therefore, sustainable nanomaterials have been investigated to improve atmospheric water harvesting technologies and enhance renewable sources of potable water even in remote regions with limited access to potable water and electricity. This research describes a novel methodology to produce biodegradable and hygroscopic materials studying the water harvesting phenomenon. Two hygroscopic compositions of materials are considered: polydimethylsiloxane with modified silica nanoparticles (0.2g silica, 10g toluene, 2g octadecyl trichlorosilane) and polydimethylsiloxane with modified halloysite nanoparticles (0.2g halloysite nanotubes, 10g toluene, 2g octadecyl trichlorosilane). The hygroscopic performance is studied with a three-dimensional printed polymethyl methacrylate structure to compare the experimental and numerical results of the Python-based model. A surface area of 0.018 m2 with an angle less than 44.9° concerning the airflow direction is configured to produce water in terms of 24 hours of water harvesting testing. The error rate less than 5% between experimental and numerical results of polydimethylsiloxane with halloysite nanotubes demonstrates the possibility to study the water harvesting on sustainable materials and printed structures in a virtual environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is an important plant in desert ecology, where low rainfall and water scarcity limit its growth. In order to explore harvested rainwater and use for Glycyrrhiza uralensis growth and to reduce water scarcity in Northwest China's arid area, this study was conducted in April and July of 2023. Five types of slope micro rainwater collection measures, including horizontal terraces, square ridges, and contour ridges, were utilized to monitor rainfall and runoff. Glycyrrhiza uralensis seedlings were utilized as test subjects for supplementary irrigation in pots utilizing the natural drought method. The results show that supplemental irrigation boosts Glycyrrhiza uralensis root growth and water uptake capacity in short-term drought conditions. Irrigation with 42.97 mm enhanced Glycyrrhiza uralensis root length, belowground dry weight, and water use efficiency by 104.5%, 39.54%, and 4.18%. Supplemental irrigation under prolonged drought stress shifted Glycyrrhiza uralensis development from below- to aboveground, resulting in decreased activity of osmotic adjustment material activity in leaves. After 31 days of continuous drought following supplemental irrigation, plant height and aboveground fresh weight increased by 58.16% and 20.03%, respectively, whereas the superoxide dismutase activity was reduced by 63.16% in the 42.97 mm irrigated treatment. Furthermore, under short-term drought stress following supplemental irrigation, leaf water use efficiency was primarily influenced by osmoregulatory substances and plant growth characteristics. Under long-term drought stress, it was influenced by osmoregulatory substances and photosynthetic properties. This research is critical for preventing soil erosion and restoring grassland ecological health in the Ili River Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its unique climate and geography, Taiwan experiences abundant rainfall but still faces significant water scarcity. As a result, rainwater harvesting systems (RWHSs) have been recognized as potential water resources within both water legal and green building policies. However, the effects of climate change—manifested in more frequent extreme rainfall events and uneven rainfall distribution—have heightened the risks of both droughts and floods. This underscores the need to retrofit existing RWHSs to function as stormwater management tools and water supply sources. In Taiwan, the use of simple and cost-effective passive release systems is particularly suitable for such retrofits. Four key considerations are central to designing passive release RWHSs: the type of discharge outlet, the size of the outlet, the location of the outlet, and the system's operational strategy. This study analyzes three commonly used outlet types—namely, the orifice, short stub fitting, and drainage pipe. Their respective discharge flow formulas and design charts have been developed and compared. To determine the appropriate outlet size, design storms with 2-, 5-, and 10-year return periods in the Taipei area were utilized to examine three different representative buildings. Selected combinations of outlet diameters and five different outlet locations were assessed. Additionally, probably hazardous rainfall events between 2014 and 2023 were used to verify the results obtained from the design storm analysis. Based on these analyses, the short stub fitting outlet type with a 15 mm outlet diameter was selected and verified. For determining the suitable discharge outlet location, a three-step process is recommended. First, the average annual water supply reliability for different scenarios and outlet locations in each representative building is calculated. Using this information, the maximum allowable decline in water supply reliability and the corresponding outlet location can be identified for each scenario. Second, break-even points between average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves, as well as the corresponding outlet locations, are identified. Finally, incremental analyses of average annual water supply and regulated stormwater release curves are conducted to determine the suitable outlet location for each scenario and representative building. For the representative detached house (DH), scenario 2, which designates 50% of the tank's volume as detention space (i.e., the discharge outlet located halfway up the tank), and scenario 3, which designates 75% (i.e., the discharge outlet at one-quarter of the tank height), are the most suitable options. For the four-story building (FSB), the outlet located at one-quarter of the tank's height is suitable for both scenarios 2 and 3. For the eight-story building (ESB), scenario 2, with the outlet at one-quarter of the tank's height, and scenario 3, with the outlet at the lowest point on the tank's side, are preferred. The framework developed in this study provides drainage designers with a systematic method for determining the key parameters in passive-release RWHS design at the household scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the critical issue of water scarcity and its impact on public health in Nongpok Sekmai and surrounding villages in India. Despite government initiatives to provide universal tap water access by 2024, these villages lack safe drinking water. Traditional sources like open wells are contaminated, and the primary river is drying up due to illegal sand mining and gravel extraction activities upstream. This situation results in a significant public health burden, with villagers facing financial strain due to waterborne diseases and the need to purchase water for basic needs. The study also examines the negative link between on-premise access to safe water and mothers' time spent on water collection. The study highlights the need for a multi-pronged approach. Renewed government efforts to implement the tap water initiative or provide alternative clean water sources like filtration plants or community wells are crucial. Additionally, stricter enforcement is needed to curb illegal mining activities and ensure river sustainability. Furthermore, exploring community-based solutions like rainwater harvesting and raising awareness about waterborne diseases and sanitation practices can empower the population. Addressing this water crisis demands a collaborative effort from the government, local communities, and environmental agencies. This study employed a mixed-methods approach, utilizing visual photographic analysis and community engagement to investigate water contamination in Nongpok Sekmai river, Manipur. The findings highlight key contamination indicators such as turbidity, algae blooms, and floating debris, while also addressing the health and social impacts perceived by the local population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]