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Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems
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Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 6593

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Kourosh Behzadian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Computing and Engineering, University of West London, London W5 5RF, UK
Interests: water and environmental engineering and management; data mining; strategic planning of water systems; urban water systems; urban flood risk management; real-time control in water and environmental systems; optimal design; rehabilitation and operation of water distribution; sewer systems
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luiza Campos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Civil, Environmental & Geomatic Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
Interests: water; sanitation and hygiene (WASH); drinking water and wastewater treatment technologies; water-waste-energy-food nexus in low- and middle-income countries; water reuse technologies and strategies, and decision making tools
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Stanisław Wacławek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Nanomaterials in Natural Sciences, Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technology and Innovation, Technical University of Liberec, Studentska 1402/2, Liberec 1, Czech Republic
Interests: chemical engineering; nanotechnology; environmental engineering; theoretical chemistry; environmental chemistry; adsorption; sustainable chemistry; water and wastewater treatment; anaerobic biogas; digestion; bioremediation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Water and environmental systems have a long history and advanced significantly in recent years. However, it should be noted that one of the important dimensions of this science is to consider sustainability with its different dimensions in the relevant infrastructures and technologies. The main goal of this Special Issue is to develop sustainable water and environmental systems and infrastructure based on methods such as the use of renewable energy sources, the implementation of the circular economy concept and optimization and artificial intelligence to improve the systems efficiency and early warning in response to short-term stresses and long-term impacts in hydro-environmental systems, the principles of sustainable development in these systems, as well as smart management approaches in water science. The key indicators of sustainable development should be evaluated in scientific articles, especially in the field of hydraulic engineering science, and this Special Issue seeks to highlight these indicators. In addition to technical dimensions, social, economic and environmental aspects should also be considered and integrated for any development in hydro-environmental systems.

We invite research and review papers on, but not limited to, the following research areas:

  • Conceptual methods or models of urban water systems.
  • Sustainability and hydraulic infrastructures in megacities.
  • Sustainable hydraulic engineering and applications.
  • Performance assessment of sustainability in urban water systems.
  • Dynamic Decision Systems and flood prevention technologies.
  • Circular economy and rainwater harvesting.
  • Smart sustainable hydraulic process in industry 4.0.
  • Pollution fate and transport in both surface and groundwater resources.
  • Water–food–energy nexus in urban and rural water and wastewater systems.
  • Application of artificial intelligence in hydraulic engineering.
  • Sustainable knowledge management concept and water resource management.
  • Water distribution network and energy supply.

This volume will include research works from around the world that contribute to a better understanding of the connections between sustainability and hydraulic engineering. The mentioned approach can be executed with different targets such as hydraulic facilities’ resiliency enhancement, water supply systems’ eco-environmental efficiency improvement, efficient rainwater harvesting system implementation, well-organized groundwater resource and conservation operation, etc.

Dr. Kourosh Behzadian
Dr. Luiza Campos
Dr. Stanisław Wacławek
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • sustainable development goals (SDGS)
  • hydraulic engineering
  • water infrastructure
  • resiliency
  • smart water systems
  • decision support system
  • water distribution network
  • flood management
  • real-time flood management
  • circular economy
  • knowledge management and water facility operations
  • eco-environmental assessment
  • hydraulic systems

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 13380 KiB  
Article
Identification of the Pollution Mechanisms and Remediation Strategies for Abandoned Wells in the Karst Areas of Northern China
by Huayao Li, Fawang Zhang, Xinqiang Du, Dezhi Tian, Shan Jiao, Jiliang Zhu and Fenggang Dai
Sustainability 2023, 15(23), 16458; https://doi.org/10.3390/su152316458 - 30 Nov 2023
Viewed by 803
Abstract
Abandoned well pollution is a critical component of global environmental issues and a historical legacy issue of national development. Despite this, the specific mechanisms by which abandoned wells pollute groundwater remain unclear, particularly in the karst regions of Northern China, where no scientifically [...] Read more.
Abandoned well pollution is a critical component of global environmental issues and a historical legacy issue of national development. Despite this, the specific mechanisms by which abandoned wells pollute groundwater remain unclear, particularly in the karst regions of Northern China, where no scientifically effective remediation methods exist. To address this gap, this study focuses on Yangquan City in Shanxi Province and employs field investigations, the analytic hierarchy process, high-definition deep-well logging technology, and qualitative analysis to assess the pollution risk of all abandoned wells in the study area, identifying those with high pollution risk. Through the analysis of extensive image and video data for these high-risk wells, we propose a conceptual model of cross-strata channels in abandoned wells and elucidate the mechanisms by which they pollute groundwater. The results show that, from a single-well perspective, the pollution mechanism is cross-strata pollution. From a regional perspective, the pollution mechanisms are hydraulic connectivity and solute migration and transformation. Based on these findings, we present a scientifically effective remediation strategy tailored to the typical characteristics of abandoned wells in the study area, offering a viable solution to the abandoned well pollution problem in Yangquan City. This research not only augments the theoretical framework in the domain of groundwater pollution but also advances sustainable groundwater security and management strategies. Moreover, the study furnishes theoretical foundations and pragmatic solutions for the remediation of abandoned wells in Yangquan City, which are crucial for the sustainability of the groundwater ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems)
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16 pages, 2195 KiB  
Article
The Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Characterization of Domestic Wastewater in Adétikopé (Togo, West Africa)
by Efui Holaly Gbekley, Kossi Komi, Koko Zébéto Houedakor, Sossawè Poli, Kossi Kpoezou, Djiwonou Koffi Adjalo, Kossiwa Zinsou-Klassou, Tchadjobo Tchacondo, Yaovi Ameyapoh and Pèssiezoum Adjoussi
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13787; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813787 - 15 Sep 2023
Viewed by 801
Abstract
Wastewater represents a health risk for the population. For sanitary safety, it is important to know its physico-chemical and microbiological qualities in order to better understand the risks incurred by the population. The aim of this study was to analyze Adétikopé’s domestic wastewater [...] Read more.
Wastewater represents a health risk for the population. For sanitary safety, it is important to know its physico-chemical and microbiological qualities in order to better understand the risks incurred by the population. The aim of this study was to analyze Adétikopé’s domestic wastewater from a microbiological and physico-chemical standpoint. Twelve wastewater samples were taken in Adétikopé from December 2022 to February 2023. Physico-chemical parameters were determined in accordance with AFNOR and the French NF standard. In microbiology, AFNOR was used as a reference for the detection of germs contaminating wastewater. Results were assessed in relation to European Union Criteria 98/83/EC. The wastewater analyzed has a pH close to neutral, with an average pH of 7.05. The pollutant load generated ranged from 32 mG/L to 201 mg/L for BOD5, from 660 mG/L to 900 mG/L for COD and from 408 mG/L to 2080 mG/L for suspended solids. The highest levels of germs were detected in the samples taken, with values of 68,000 CFU/100 mL and 47,000 CFU/100 mL for thermotolerant coliforms and fecal streptococci, respectively. The results show that fecal contamination originates from both animal and human sources. Concentrations of fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci are very high, far exceeding WHO guidelines. While a short-term solution would be to disinfect household sanitation systems on a daily basis, in the long term, the construction of collective sanitation systems, backed up by environmental education, remains a sustainable solution for the health and safety of populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems)
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24 pages, 26542 KiB  
Article
Introducing an Innovative Design Approach for Drainage Systems: Facilitating Shallow Aquifer Recharge and Mitigating Flooding
by Marcio Takashi Uyeno, Lucas Gabriel de Souza Bairros, Juliana Azoia Lukiantchuki, Cristhiane Michiko Passos Okawa and Sandro Rogerio Lautenschlager
Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13584; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813584 - 11 Sep 2023
Viewed by 843
Abstract
Maringá, in southern Brazil, is undergoing a crisis with the alternation of dry and wet periods and floods caused by heavy rainfall along with the lack of infiltration of the stormwater. Due to a combination of these two opposite factors, the central lake [...] Read more.
Maringá, in southern Brazil, is undergoing a crisis with the alternation of dry and wet periods and floods caused by heavy rainfall along with the lack of infiltration of the stormwater. Due to a combination of these two opposite factors, the central lake of Ingá Park, which is an important urban park of the city, is suffering from water level reduction. This paper aims to verify if a sustainable drainage system design with infiltration wells can help recharge the surface aquifer. To this end, a stormwater drainage system simulation was conducted using SewerGEMS. Additionally, a calibrated shallow aquifer computational model was run in Visual Modflow Flex considering recharge wells to verify whether rainfall events impact the water levels of the surface aquifer. The results show that the sustainable intervention in a drainage system to increase stormwater infiltration has the potential to effectively recharge the shallow aquifers, while helping, at the same time, the drainage system, which is operating beyond design capacity, and the Ingá Park Lake. Thus, this study demonstrates that the sustainable design of drainage systems can help restore the springs inside the urban park. However, it is important to continuously monitor the wells’ heads and the hydrological variables. Also, for future studies, new models and simulations must be undertaken using the continuous monitoring data already available. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems)
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11 pages, 1510 KiB  
Article
Moringa oleifera Seed Addition Prior to Sludge Thickening for Supernatant Quality Improvement: Analyses of Clarification Performance and Toxicity
by Gabrielle Soares Batista, Cely Roledo, Enovwo Erere Odjegba, Fabiana Alves Fiore, Rodrigo Braga Moruzzi and Adriano Gonçalves dos Reis
Sustainability 2023, 15(9), 7288; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15097288 - 27 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1116
Abstract
Low-cost and easily accessible sludge treatment technologies are necessary in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MO) as a natural sludge conditioner for supernatant quality improvement prior to thickening as a result of [...] Read more.
Low-cost and easily accessible sludge treatment technologies are necessary in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the use of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MO) as a natural sludge conditioner for supernatant quality improvement prior to thickening as a result of gravity settling. The zone settling rate (ZSR) and sludge volume index (SVI) were used to evaluate the gravity settling capacity. Supernatant clarification was evaluated in terms of the capacity to remove turbidity, apparent colour, Escherichia coli, and organic matter associated with zeta potential evolution. The effects on the values of pH and electrical conductivity were also evaluated. Finally, the effects on the toxicity (chronic and acute) of the supernatant effluent were examined. A significant supernatant quality improvement was observed with the addition of MO. The ZSR (0.16 cm/min) and SVI (53 mL/g) results showed that the sludge had good sedimentability, and the addition of MO maintained these characteristics in a statistical manner. Increasing the MO dosage increased the zeta potential of the supernatant, resulting in an optimal dosage of 1.2 g/L, with a removal of 90% turbidity, 70% apparent colour, 99% E. coli, and 40% organic matter. The pH and electrical conductivity values did not change with increasing MO dosage, which is a competitive advantage of MO addition compared to iron and aluminium salt addition. A reduction in the ability to remove organic matter was observed at higher dosages of the natural coagulant due to the presence of residual MO in the final effluent. The optimal MO dosage of 1.2 g/L did not affect the acute or chronic toxicity of the supernatant. These results emphasized that M. oleifera seed powder can improve the supernatant quality and can potentially be a low-cost and easily accessible conditioner for wastewater sludge thickening. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems)
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Review

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24 pages, 2440 KiB  
Review
Resilience Assessment in Urban Water Infrastructure: A Critical Review of Approaches, Strategies and Applications
by Fatemeh Asghari, Farzad Piadeh, Daniel Egyir, Hossein Yousefi, Joseph P. Rizzuto, Luiza C. Campos and Kourosh Behzadian
Sustainability 2023, 15(14), 11151; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151411151 - 17 Jul 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2394
Abstract
Urban water infrastructure (UWI) comprises the main systems, including water supply systems (WSS), urban drainage/stormwater systems (UDS) and wastewater systems (WWS). The UWI needs to be resilient to a wide range of shocks and stresses, including structural failures such as pipe breakage and [...] Read more.
Urban water infrastructure (UWI) comprises the main systems, including water supply systems (WSS), urban drainage/stormwater systems (UDS) and wastewater systems (WWS). The UWI needs to be resilient to a wide range of shocks and stresses, including structural failures such as pipe breakage and pump breakdown and functional failures such as unmet water demand/quality, flooding and combined sewer overflows. However, there is no general consensus about the resilience assessment of these systems widely presented by various research works. This study aims to critically review the approaches, strategies and applications of the resilience assessment for the complex systems in UWI. This review includes examining bibliometric analysis, developed frameworks related to resilience assessment to help comprehend resilience concepts for the specified UWI systems in urban settings, strategies for improving resilience, resilience indicators and common tools used for modelling resilience assessment in UWI. The results indicate that resilience assessment has primarily been conducted in developed countries, underscoring the macroeconomic significance of UWI. Three key areas have been identified for analysing resilience in UWI: system design, development of resilience concepts and implementation of green infrastructure. Moreover, it has been discovered that although resilience is commonly defined using technical approaches, a more comprehensive understanding of resilience can be gained through a holistic approach. Furthermore, while strategies such as system upgrades, decentralisation, digitalisation and nature-based solutions can enhance UWI resilience, they may be insufficient to fulfil all resilience indicators. To address the challenge of effectively comparing different resilience options, it is crucial to extensively examine comprehensive and sustainability-based indicators in future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Water and Environmental Systems)
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