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Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives

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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Water Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2025) | Viewed by 22724

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Special Issue Editors

Dr. Agnieszka Operacz

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Department of Sanitary Engineering and Water Management, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Ave. 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: water resources; groundwater and surface water protection and management; natural attenuation; therapeutic waters; geothermal waters; hydropower
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Karolina Migdał

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Guest Editor

Department of Sanitary Engineering and Water Management, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Ave. 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: constructed wetland, small and household wastewater treatment plants - reliability operation; sewage systems on village area

Dr. Piotr Bugajski

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Guest Editor

Department of Sanitary Engineering and Water Management, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza Ave. 24/28, 30-059 Krakow, Poland
Interests: household treatments plants; technological reliability; accidental water in sewerage system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nowadays, water supplies (surface water and groundwater) are too often contaminated or overused. According to the Water Framework, it is one of our most important responsibilities as humans to guarantee water sources for future generations. Scientists believe in this responsibility very strongly—and based upon their knowledge, education, and research they should show the innovative and effective solutions possible to improve, renew, or maintain the best condition of the water environment. One approach to this challenge is to work towards setting up a balance in the use and supply of water. The amount of water used should be less or about the same as the amount of water that is returning to the water source. This approach is an example of sustainability, the use of a natural resource in a manner so that it can be renewed or preserved for future generations. In addition, it should be remembered that sewage and pathogens (micropollutants, bacteria, and poorly biodegradable components) are one of the most common causes of water quality deterioration. Sustainable water management includes all types of water: natural resources as surface water and groundwater and also used water called wastewater. The current challenge is to find resources of potable water with high quality and quantity, maintain the waters in the best conditions or renew them, and also optimize the processes and design assumptions for wastewater treatment plants in order to achieve effective removal of this type of contamination.

The sustainable water management are key facilities for protecting human health and the environment. The primary goal of water management should be focused on water protection from pollution in order to meet water quality standards. Currently, equally important as a part of water management, have been optimization of using conditions, including especially quantity of resources and retention. Sustainable water management becomes a complex multivariable problem, which need to be solved by different mathematical techniques and experimental studies.

Accordingly, this Special Issue aims to publish original research or reviews on advanced or alternative water resources (surface water and groundwater) recognizing, protecting and balancing. Additionally, wastewater treatment processes for the removal of pollutants is the aim of this Special Issue.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

Sustainability and new technology of water management;
Innovation in infrastructure engineering (surface intakes, boreholes, wastewater plants);
Water environment protection (remediation, treatment processes and natural attenuation);
Sustainable project management of water using;
Risk management;
Assessing the water resources;
Human impact in water quality and quantity;
Recognizing the water resources (surface water and groundwater).

Dr. Agnieszka Operacz
Dr. Karolina Migdał
Dr. Piotr Bugajski
Guest Editors

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Keywords

water cycle
potable water resources (surface water and groundwater)
wastewater
protection
natural attenuation
sustainable water management

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Techno-Economic Analysis of Integrating an Urban Biorefinery Process Within a Wastewater Treatment Plant to Produce Sustainable Wood Adhesives

by Blake Foret, William M. Chirdon, Rafael Hernandez, Dhan Lord B. Fortela, Emmanuel Revellame, Daniel Gang, Jalel Ben Hmida, William E. Holmes and Mark E. Zappi

Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6679; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156679 - 22 Jul 2025

Viewed by 358

Abstract

Societies are aiming to have a higher ecological consciousness in wastewater treatment operations and achieve a more sustainable future. With this said, global demands for larger quantities of resources and the consequent waste generated will inevitably lead to the exhaustion of current municipal wastewater treatment works. The utilization of biosolids (particularly microbial proteins) from wastewater treatment operations could generate a sustainable bio-adhesive for the wood industry, reduce carbon footprint, mitigate health concerns related to the use of carcinogenic components, and support a more circular economic option for wastewater treatment. A techno-economic analysis for three 10 MGD wastewater treatment operations producing roughly 11,300 dry pounds of biosolids per day, in conjunction with co-feedstock defatted soy flour protein at varying ratios (i.e., 0%, 15%, and 50% wet weight), was conducted. Aspen Capital Cost Estimator V12 was used to design and estimate installed equipment additions for wastewater treatment plant integration into an urban biorefinery process. Due to the mechanical attributes and market competition, the chosen selling prices of each adhesive per pound were set for analysis as USD 0.75 for Plant Option P1, USD 0.85 for Plant Option P2, and USD 1.00 for Plant Option P3. Over a 20-year life, each plant option demonstrated economic viability with high NPVs of USD 107.9M, USD 178.7M, and USD 502.2M and internal rates of return (IRRs) of 24.0%, 29.0%, and 44.2% respectively. The options examined have low production costs of USD 0.14 and USD 0.19 per pound, minimum selling prices of USD 0.42–USD 0.51 per pound, resulting in between 2- and 4-year payback periods. Sensitivity analysis shows the effects biosolid production fluctuations, raw material market price, and adhesive selling price have on economics. The results proved profitable even with large variations in the feedstock and raw material prices, requiring low market selling prices to reach the hurdle rate of examination. This technology is economically enticing, and the positive environmental impact of waste utilization encourages further development and analysis of the bio-adhesive process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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15 pages, 1457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Hydrochemical Characteristics Evolution and Driving Factors of Shallow Groundwater in Luxi Plain

by Na Yu, Yingjie Han, Guang Liu, Fulei Zhuang and Qian Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6432; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146432 - 14 Jul 2025

Viewed by 257

Abstract

As China’s primary grain-producing area, the Luxi Plain is rich in groundwater resources, which serves as the main water supply source in this region. Investigating the evolution of hydrochemical characteristics and influencing factors of groundwater in this region is crucial for maintaining the safety of groundwater quality and ensuring the high-quality development of the water supply. This study took Liaocheng City in the hinterland of the Luxi Plain as the study area. To clarify the hydrochemical characteristics evolution trend of groundwater in the area, the hydrochemical characteristics of shallow groundwater in recent years were systematically analyzed. The methods of ion ratio, correlation analysis, Gibbs and Gaillardet endmember diagrams, as well as the application of the absolute principal component scores–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to determine the contribution rates of different ion sources to groundwater and to elucidate the driving factors behind the evolution of groundwater chemistry. Results showed significant spatiotemporal variations in the concentrations of major ions such as Na⁺, SO₄²⁻, and Cl⁻ in groundwater in the study area, and these variations demonstrated an overall increasing trend. Notably, the increases in total hardness (THRD), SO₄⁻, and Cl⁻ concentrations were particularly pronounced, while the variations in Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and other ions were relatively gradual. APCS-MLR receptor model analysis revealed that the ions such as Na⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, HCO₃⁻ and NO₃⁻ all have a significant influence on the hydrochemical composition of groundwater due to the high absolute principal component scores of them. The hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the study area were controlled by multiple processes, including evaporites, silicates and carbonates weathering, evaporation-concentration, cation alternating adsorption and human activities. Among the natural driving factors, rock weathering had a greater influence on the evolution of groundwater hydrochemical characteristics. Moreover, mining activities were the most important anthropogenic factor, followed by agricultural activities and living activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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20 pages, 7285 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Groundwater Storage Changes in Henan Province Based on GRACE and GLDAS

by Haijun Xu and Dongpeng Liu

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6316; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146316 - 9 Jul 2025

Viewed by 349

Abstract

As a major agricultural center in China, Henan Province is highly dependent on groundwater resources for its socioeconomic development. However, under the triple pressure of intensive agricultural irrigation, surging industrial water demand, and accelerating urbanization, the sustainable use of groundwater resources has become a key issue for regional development. This paper utilizes GRACE satellite data and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) assimilation model from 2003 to 2023 to invert alterations in terrestrial water storage (TWS) and groundwater storage (GWS) in Henan Province. We examine the factors influencing these changes and compare the spherical harmonic coefficient (SH) data with Mascon data, integrating precipitation and soil moisture data. Using the GRACE Mascon data as a reference, GWS in Henan Province exhibited a stable trend from January 2003 to October 2010, with a rate of −0.060 cm/month. From October 2010 to June 2020, GWS demonstrated a declining trend, with a rate of −0.121 cm/month. Conversely, from June 2020 to December 2023, GWS revealed a significant upward trend, with a rate of 0.255 cm/month. The TWS and GWS of the inverse performances of the Centre for Space Research (CSR) SH data and the CRS Mascon data exhibited a similar trend, albeit with differing values. Additionally, the precipitation data, soil moisture, and GLDAS data demonstrated significant seasonal variations, with a lag of approximately two months between changes in precipitation and GWS. Declining GWS could be related to climatic and anthropogenic factors. The changes in groundwater in Henan Province studied in this paper can provide a reference for the sustainable utilization of groundwater resources in the region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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16 pages, 6550 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Uncertainty-Based Industrial Water Supply and Demand Balance Pattern Recognition: A Case Study in the Yellow River Basin of Gansu Province, China

by Mingyue Ma, Junying Chu, Zuhao Zhou, Zuohuai Tang, Yunfu Zhang, Tianhong Zhou, Xusheng Zhang and Ying Wang

Sustainability 2025, 17(2), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17020693 - 17 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1003

Abstract

The balance between water supply and demand is essential for industrial growth, affecting economic, social, and environmental sustainability. Our research employs a Gaussian process regression for demand prediction. Additionally, it takes into account water limits and policy thresholds when determining the supply, thereby defining a range of uncertainty for both the industrial demand and the supply. A pattern recognition method matches this trade-off range, identifying three patterns to support water management. The study focuses on the analysis of industrial water supply and demand dynamics under uncertain conditions in nine cities (Baiyin, Dingxi, Gannan, Lanzhou, Linxia, Pingliang, Qingyang, Tianshui, and Wuwei) in Gansu Province of China’s Yellow River Basin in 2030. The results of the study show that industrial water use in Baiyin, Linxia, Dingxi, and Tianshui cities falls into Pattern I, providing water resources to support industrial development. Industrial water use in Wuwei, Pingliang, Qingyang, and Gannan cities represents Pattern II, which maintains a balance between supply and demand while allowing flexibility in water demand. Finally, the industrial water use in Lanzhou city is characterized by Pattern III, which requires optimization through structural, technological, and management improvements to mitigate the negative impacts of water scarcity on the sustainable development of the economy and society. The results of the research can be used as a reference for policy making in water resources planning and management in the basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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27 pages, 6324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Management on Drinking Water Reservoirs in the Aspect of Climate Variability: A Case Study of the Dobromierz Dam Reservoir, Poland

by Magdalena Szewczyk, Paweł Tomczyk and Mirosław Wiatkowski

Sustainability 2024, 16(15), 6478; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16156478 - 29 Jul 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2246

Abstract

Water reservoirs are important sources of drinking water in many parts of the world. The aim of the article is to check how water management is carried out in the Dobromierz reservoir (southwestern Poland) in the aspect of climate variability and defining recommendations for water management of this object. The reservoir was put into operation in 1986 and supplies drinking water to the city of Świebodzice. The analysis of water management (expressed by characteristic flows) showed that in most cases it is carried out in accordance with the water management manual (average compliance of approximately 93%). The main problems in the proper operation of this facility, based on literature analysis, were a lack of constant water monitoring inflow and outflow from the reservoir, lack of a fish ladder, and unsatisfactory water quality due to agricultural pollutants. The solution to these problems would be to install monitoring devices, build a fish ladder, and regulate the use of arable lands. It was shown that the construction of the reservoir had an impact on the dynamics of annual flows in the Strzegomka River (reduced fluctuations in flows after the reservoir was put into operation; daily data from Łażany water gauge, 1951–2022). Moreover, climate variability has an impact on water management (changes in temperature and sunshine duration, which affect the dynamics of flows) Water management in reservoirs should be adapted to local conditions, as well as strategies for dealing with climate variability, recommendations, documentation, and policies at various levels of management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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23 pages, 7230 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring and Predicting Landscape Changes and Their Driving Forces within the Mulan River Basin in China from the Perspective of Production–Living–Ecological Space

by Yunrui Zhou, Linsheng Wen, Fuling Wang, Chaobin Xu, Aifang Weng, Yuying Lin and Baoyin Li

Sustainability 2024, 16(11), 4708; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16114708 - 31 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

With rapid economic development and urban expansion, China faces a serious imbalance between production, living, and ecological land use, in which the erosion of water ecological space by urban expansion is especially notable. In order to alleviate or solve this imbalance, this study constructs the water ecological space in the Mulan River Basin based on national land spatial planning using remote sensing statistics and the 2000–2020 statistical yearbooks for the Mulan River Basin. A landscape index is applied to explore this landscape in terms of its production–living–ecological space (PLES) patterns and evolutionary characteristics. Factors affecting the drivers of PLES changes are analyzed through Geo-Detector, and predictions are made using the cellular automata Markov (CA-Markov) model. It was found that (1) PLES distribution patterns in the Mulan River Basin from 2000 to 2020 are dominated by non-watershed ecological spaces, with a significant expansion of living space. Its ecological space is shrinking, and there is significant spatial variation between its near-river and fringe areas. (2) Of the PLES conversions, the most dramatic conversions are those of production space and living space, with 81.14 km² of production space being transferred into living space. Non-water ecological space and water ecological space are also mainly transferred into production space. (3) As shown by the results of the landscape index calculation, non-water ecological space in the Mulan River Basin is the dominant landscape, the values of the Shannon diversity index (SHDI) and Shannon homogeneity index (SHEI) are small, the overall level of landscape diversity is low, the aggregation index (AI) is high, and the degree of aggregation is obvious. (4) The progressive PLES changes in the Mulan River Basin are influenced by a combination of natural geographic and socioeconomic factors, with the mean population density and mean elevation being the most important factors affecting PLES changes among social and natural factors, respectively. (5) The Kappa coefficient of the CA-Markov model simulation is 0.8187, showing a good simulation accuracy, and it is predicted that the area of water ecological space in the Mulan River Basin will increase by 3.66 km² by 2030, the area of production space and non-water ecological space will further decrease, and the area of construction land will increase by 260.67 km². Overall, the aquatic ecological space in the Mulan River Basin has made progress in terms of landscape ecological protection, though it still faces serious erosion. Therefore, attaching importance to the restoration of the water ecological space in the Mulan River Basin, integrating multiple elements of mountains, water, forests, fields, and lakes, optimizing the spatial structure of its PLES dynamics, and formulating a reasonable spatial planning policy are effective means of guaranteeing its ecological and economic sustainable development. This study offers recommendations for and scientific defenses of the logical design of PLES spatial functions in the Mulan River Basin. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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23 pages, 2983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Long-Run and Short-Run Relationship between Water Demand and Socio-Economic Explanatory Variables: Evidence from Amman

by Dua’a B. Telfah, Aiman Q. Jaradat and Rabah Ismail

Sustainability 2024, 16(6), 2315; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16062315 - 11 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1882

Abstract

This study investigates the key factors that influence household water usage in Amman, Jordan, with the aim of improving water management practices in a region facing significant scarcity. The research focuses on factors such as temperature, water pricing, system input, and family size. The Vector Error Correction Model with Exogenous Variables (VECMX) is applied to data from 1980 to 2015 to provide insights into consumption patterns, both in the short-term and long-term. The results show that family size and marginal costs significantly impact long-term water demand, while system input and family size influence short-term water demand. The study also finds that water pricing has a limited impact on consumer behavior, indicating inelasticity. Temperature and income, however, did not emerge as significant determinants. These findings highlight the need for water management policies in arid areas like Amman to prioritize factors other than price, such as household size and water infrastructure, to establish more effective strategies for conserving water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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16 pages, 8390 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Climate Conditions on Pollutant Concentrations in the Effluent from a One-Stage Constructed Wetland: A Case Study

by Agnieszka Operacz, Krzysztof Jóźwiakowski, Joanna Rodziewicz, Wojciech Janczukowicz and Piotr Bugajski

Sustainability 2023, 15(17), 13173; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151713173 - 1 Sep 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1651

Abstract

This paper reports the results of an investigation into the influence of precipitation and air temperature on the efficiency of pollutant removal processes and effluent pollutant concentrations in a one-stage constructed wetland with subsurface vertical flow. We studied an on-site constructed wetland system that used Phragmites australis for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The system was located in central Europe, in the south-east of Poland, in a temperate climate zone with transitional features. Physico-chemical analyses of influent and effluent wastewater, as well as measurements of precipitation and air temperature were carried out in the years 2001–2010. It was shown that the pollutant removal efficiency of the treatment plant was significantly higher in the growing season than outside the growing season (the mean efficiency is usually a few percent higher but generally this parameter is highly varied). This indicated that temperature determined the efficiency of the wastewater treatment. We found that the amount of precipitation affected the concentration of pollutants in the effluent. The more rainfall there was, the lower the content of pollutants in the effluent from the treatment plant, which demonstrated that rainwater diluted the concentrations of pollutants in the treated wastewater—thus improving the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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21 pages, 4224 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the Bed Temperature on the Operational Reliability of a Hybrid Constructed Wetland Wastewater Treatment Plant in South-Western Poland—A Case Study

by Karolina Jóźwiakowska and Piotr Bugajski

Sustainability 2023, 15(15), 11790; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151511790 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1794

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of atmospheric air temperature on the efficiency and reliability of pollutants removal from wastewater. The studied facility was a hybrid constructed wetland wastewater treatment plant with vertical and horizontal flow serving a single-family building in the village of Krajanów in south-western Poland. The operation of the facility was evaluated on the basis of studies conducted in 2021–2022. The tests included a physico–chemical analysis of wastewater treated mechanically in a settling tank and effluents from constructed wetland beds with the vertical and horizontal flow. The following parameters were determined: BOD₅, COD, total suspended solids, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. No statistically significant effect of air temperature on the analyzed pollutants removal levels was found. The temperature in the soil–plant bed never fell below 0 °C, and so the wastewater flowing through the beds never froze. The discussed facility was characterized by high efficiency and reliability of the tested pollutants removal across the seasons. The mean concentrations of pollutants in treated wastewater did not exceed the limit values specified in the currently binding legal act. It was shown that hybrid constructed wetlands can be successfully used for wastewater treatment in the climatic conditions of southern Poland. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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Review

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23 pages, 3418 KiB

Open AccessReview

Impounding Reservoirs, Benefits and Risks: A Review of Environmental and Technical Aspects of Construction and Operation

by Maksymilian Połomski and Mirosław Wiatkowski

Sustainability 2023, 15(22), 16020; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152216020 - 16 Nov 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 9397

Abstract

The operation of multi-functional reservoirs, together with their benefits and risks, is a complex issue. The scientific and social discussion has been burgeoning recently, and all the more so as no planning and technological solutions for the realisation of storage reservoirs have yet been worked out that could represent a universal approach, assuming ecologically and socially sustainable operations, maximising economic returns and supporting the development of the region concerned. Although the creation of each reservoir facility involves different engineering and environmental considerations, this article attempts to isolate the key benefits of impounding reservoirs and to summarise the risks associated with their operation, considering flood protection, retention, environmental and social aspects and water quality. Based on a review of the scientific literature for each of these aspects, various sub-categories representing intensively developing sectors of research were distinguished, and the published results were used to formulate a register taking into account the spectrum of impact of a given factor and a proposal for remedial action. As a basic conclusion of this review, it can be pointed out that the current development of scientific research, technological progress in hydrotechnical engineering and information technology, as well as advanced data analysis capabilities, provide the basis for developing sustainable solutions to avoid or mitigate the negative impact of all the identified risks. In addition, remedial measures in the catchment area and the reservoir should be taken on board to counteract the negative effects of reservoirs. The results presented can be a valuable source of information for institutions responsible for the planning and implementation of investments in the construction of multi-functional reservoirs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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Other

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31 pages, 1708 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Circular Economy and Water Sustainability: Systematic Review of Water Management Technologies and Strategies (2018–2024)

by Gary Christiam Farfán Chilicaus, Luis Edgardo Cruz Salinas, Pedro Manuel Silva León, Danny Alonso Lizarzaburu Aguinaga, Persi Vera Zelada, Luis Alberto Vera Zelada, Elmer Ovidio Luque Luque, Rolando Licapa Redolfo and Emma Verónica Ramos Farroñán

Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6544; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146544 - 17 Jul 2025

Viewed by 374

Abstract

The transition toward a circular water economy addresses accelerating water scarcity and pollution. A PRISMA-2020 systematic review of 50 peer-reviewed articles (January 2018–April 2024) mapped current technologies and management strategies, seeking patterns, barriers, and critical bottlenecks. Bibliometric analysis revealed the following three dominant patterns: (i) rapid diffusion of membrane bioreactors, constructed wetlands, and advanced oxidation processes; (ii) research geographically concentrated in Asia and the European Union; (iii) industry’s marked preference for by-product valorization. Key barriers—high energy costs, fragmented regulatory frameworks, and low social acceptance—converge as critical constraints during scale-up. The following three practical action lines emerge: (1) adopt progressive tariffs and targeted tax credits that internalize environmental externalities; (2) harmonize water-reuse regulations with comparable circularity metrics; (3) create multi-actor platforms that co-design projects, boosting local legitimacy. These findings provide policymakers and water-sector practitioners with a clear roadmap for accelerating Sustainable Development Goals 6, 9, and 12 through circular, inclusive, low-carbon water systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development in Sustainable Water Management: Processes, Barriers, Protection and Future Perspectives)

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