Search Results (300)

In the irrigation districts of Northern China, the flood resources utilization for deep storage irrigation, which is essentially characterized by active excessive irrigation, aims to have the potential to mitigate freshwater shortages, and long-term groundwater overexploitation. It is crucial to detect the effects of irrigation amounts on agricultural yield and the mechanisms under deep storage irrigation. A three-year field experiment (2020–2023) was conducted in the Guanzhong Plain, according to five soil wetting layer depths (RF: 0 cm; W1: control, 120 cm; W2: 140 cm; W3: 160 cm; W4: 180 cm) with soil saturation water content as the irrigation upper limit. Results exhibited that, compared to W1, the W2, W3, and W4 treatments led to the increased plant height, leaf area index, and dry matter accumulation. Meanwhile, the W2, W3, and W4 treatments improved kernel weight increment achieving maximum grain-filling rate (W_max), maximum grain-filling rate (G_max), and average grain-filling rate (G_ave), thereby enhancing the effective spikes (ES) and grain number per spike (GS), and thus increased wheat grain yield (GY). In relative to W1, the W2, W3, and W4 treatments increased the ES, GS, and GY by 11.89–19.81%, 8.61–14.36%, and 8.17–13.62% across the three years. Notably, no significant difference was observed in GS and GY between W3 and W4 treatments, but W4 treatment displayed significant decreases in ES by 3.04%, 3.06%, and 2.98% in the respective years. The application of a structural equation modeling (SEM) revealed that deep storage irrigation improved ES and GS by positively regulating W_max, G_max, and G_ave, thus significantly increasing GY. Overall, this study identified the optimal threshold (W3 treatment) to maximize wheat yields by optimizing both the vegetative growth and grain-filling dynamics. This study provides essential support for the feasibility assessment of deep storage irrigation before flood seasons, which is vital for the balance and coordination of food security and water security. Full article

African hydrological systems are incredibly complex and highly sensitive to climate variability. This review synthesizes observational data, remote sensing, and climate modeling to understand the interactions between fluvial processes, water cycle dynamics, and anthropogenic pressures. Currently, these systems are experiencing accelerating warming (+0.3 °C/decade), leading to more intense hydrological extremes and regionally varied responses. For example, East Africa has shown reversed temperature–moisture correlations since the Holocene onset, while West African rivers demonstrate nonlinear runoff sensitivity (a threefold reduction per unit decline in rainfall). Land-use and land-cover changes (LULCC) are as impactful as climate change, with analysis from 1959–2014 revealing extensive conversion of primary non-forest land and a more than sixfold increase in the intensity of pastureland expansion by the early 21st century. Future projections, exemplified by studies in basins like Ethiopia’s Gilgel Gibe and Ghana’s Vea, indicate escalating aridity with significant reductions in surface runoff and groundwater recharge, increasing aquifer stress. These findings underscore the need for integrated adaptation strategies that leverage remote sensing, nature-based solutions, and transboundary governance to build resilient water futures across Africa’s diverse basins. Full article

In mining areas with high groundwater levels, intensive coal mining has led to the accumulation of substantial surface water and significant alterations in regional landscape patterns. Reconstructing the ecological security pattern (ESP) has emerged as a critical focus for ecological restoration in coal mining subsidence areas with high groundwater levels. This study employed the patch-generating land use simulation (PLUS) model to predict the landscape evolution trend of the study area in 2032 under three scenarios, combining environmental characteristics and disturbance features of coal mining subsidence areas with high groundwater levels. In order to determine the differences in ecological network changes within the study area under various development scenarios, morphological spatial pattern analysis (MSPA) and landscape connectivity analysis were employed to identify ecological source areas and establish ecological corridors using circuit theory. Based on the simulation results of the optimal development scenario, potential ecological pinch points and ecological barrier points were further identified. The findings indicate that: (1) land use changes predominantly occur in urban fringe areas and coal mining subsidence areas. In the land reclamation (LR) scenario, the reduction in cultivated land area is minimal, whereas in the economic development (ED) scenario, construction land exhibits a marked increasing trend. Under the natural development (ND) scenario, forest land and water expand most significantly, thereby maximizing ecological space. (2) Under the ND scenario, the number and distribution of ecological source areas and ecological corridors reach their peak, leading to an enhanced ecological network structure that positively contributes to corridor improvement. (3) By comparing the ESP in the ND scenario in 2032 with that in 2022, the number and area of ecological barrier points increase substantially while the number and area of ecological pinch points decrease. These areas should be prioritized for ecological protection and restoration. Based on the scenario simulation results, this study proposes a planning objective for a “one axis, four belts, and four zones” ESP, along with corresponding strategies for ecological protection and restoration. This research provides a crucial foundation for decision-making in enhancing territorial space planning in coal mining subsidence areas with high groundwater levels. Full article

Strategic petroleum reserves are critical for energy security. In Japan, 0.5 million kiloliters of crude oil (12% of the state-owned reserves) is stored using underground rock-cavern tanks, which comprise unlined horizontal tunnels bored into bedrock. Crude oil is held within the tank by water inside the tank, the pressure of which is kept higher than that of the crude oil by natural groundwater and irrigation water. This study applied microbial DNA-based monitoring to assess the water environments in and around national petroleum-stockpiling bases (the Kuji, Kikuma, and Kushikino bases) using the rock-cavern tanks. Forty-five water samples were collected from the rock-cavern tanks, water-supply tunnels, and observation wells. Principal-component analysis and hierarchical clustering indicated that microbial profiles of the water samples reflect the local environments of their origins. Particularly, the microbial profiles of water inside the rock-cavern tanks were distinct from other samples, revealing biological conditions and hence environmental characteristics within the tanks. Moreover, the clustering analysis indicated distinct features of water samples that have not been detected by other monitoring methods. Thus, microbial DNA-based monitoring provides valuable information on the in situ environments of rock-cavern tanks and can serve as an extremely sensitive measurement to monitor the underground oil storage. Full article

Reusing and recycling treated wastewater is a sustainable approach to meet the growing demand for clean water, ensuring its availability for both current and future generations. Wastewater can be treated in such advanced ways that it can be used for industrial operations, recharging groundwater, irrigation of fields, or even manufacturing drinkable water. This strategy meets growing water demand in water-scarce areas while protecting natural ecosystems. Treated wastewater is both a resource and a challenge. Though it may be nutrient-rich and can increase agricultural output while showing resource reuse and environmental conservation, high treatment costs, public acceptance, and contamination hazards limit its use. Proper treatment can reduce these hazards, safeguarding human health and the environment while enhancing its benefits, including a stable water supply, nutrient-rich irrigation, higher crop yields, economic development, and community resilience. On the one hand, inadequate treatment may lead to soil salinization, environmental degradation, and hazardous foods. Examining the dual benefits and risks of using treated wastewater for agricultural irrigation, this paper investigates the complexities of its use as a valuable resource and as a potential hazard. Modern treatment technologies are needed to address these difficulties and to ensure safe and sustainable use. If properly handled, treated wastewater reuse has enormous potential for reducing water scarcity and expanding sustainable agriculture as well as global food security. Full article

The Kundulun River Basin is the most prominent branch of the Yellow River system within the jurisdiction of Baotou City. As an important water source and ecological barrier, its ecological quality is directly related to the ecological security and sustainable development of the surrounding areas. This study selected the Kundulun River Basin in Baotou City as the research area. On the basis of collecting relevant information, a field investigation was conducted on the ecological and geological conditions of the atmospheric surface subsurface Earth system, using the watershed as the survey scope and water as the carrier for the transfer and conversion of materials and energy in the watershed. This study selected the main factors that affect the ecological geological quality of the watershed and established an evaluation model using the analytic hierarchy process, the coefficient of variation method, and the comprehensive analysis method. We have established an ecological geological quality evaluation index system for the Kundulun River Basin. We conducted quantitative evaluation and comprehensive analysis of regional ecological and geological environment quality. The results indicate that ecological environment indicators contribute the most to the ecological quality of the study area, while the impact of human activities on ecological quality is relatively small. From the perspective of evaluation indicators, grassland has the highest weight, followed by precipitation, groundwater depth, forest land, and cultivated land. Approximately 30.26% of the land in the research area is in a state of high or relatively high ecological and geological–environmental quality risk. It can be seen that the overall quality of the ecological geological environment is not optimistic and needs further protection. Full article

Mining activities in Pakistan’s mineral-rich provinces threaten freshwater security through groundwater depletion, contamination, and flood-induced pollution. This study develops an Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction (IDRR) framework integrating governance, social, environmental, and technical (GSET) dimensions to holistically assess mining-induced water hazards across Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab. Using GIS-based spatial risk mapping with multi-layer hydrological modeling, we combine computational analysis and participatory validation to identify vulnerability hotspots and prioritize high-risk mines. Community workshops involving women water collectors, indigenous leaders, and local experts enhanced map accuracy by translating indigenous knowledge into spatially referenced mitigation plans and integrating gender-sensitive metrics to address gendered water access disparities. Key findings reveal severe groundwater depletion, acid mine drainage, and gendered burdens near Saindak and Cherat mines. Multi-sectoral engagements secured corporate commitments for water stewardship and policy advances in inclusive governance. The framework employs four priority-ranked risk categories (Governance-Economic 15%, Social-Community 30%, Environmental 40%, Technical-Geological 15%) derived via local stakeholder collaboration, enabling context-specific interventions. Despite data limitations, the GIS-driven methodology provides a scalable model for regions facing socio-environmental vulnerabilities. The results demonstrate how community participation directly shaped village-level water management alongside GSET analysis to craft equitable risk reduction strategies. Spatially explicit risk maps guided infrastructure upgrades and zoning regulations, advancing SDG 6 and 13 progress in Pakistan. This work underscores the value of inclusive, weighted frameworks for sustainable mining–water nexus management in Pakistan and analogous contexts. Full article

The transformative trajectory of urban development in the contemporary era has engendered a substantial escalation in construction waste generation, particularly in China, where it constitutes approximately 40% of the total solid waste stream. Traditional landfill disposal methodologies pose formidable ecological challenges, encompassing soil contamination, groundwater pollution, and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the unsustainable exploitation of natural sandstone resources undermines energy security and disrupts ecological balance. In response to these pressing issues, an array of scholars and researchers have embarked on an exploratory endeavor to devise innovative strategies for the valorization of construction waste. Among these strategies, the conversion of waste into recycled aggregates has emerged as a particularly promising pathway. However, the practical deployment of recycled aggregates within the construction industry is impeded by their inherent physico-mechanical properties, such as heightened water absorption capacity and diminished compressive strength. To surmount these obstacles, a multitude of enhancement techniques, spanning physical, chemical, and thermal treatments, have been devised and refined. This paper undertakes a comprehensive examination of the historical evolution, recycling methodologies, and enhancement strategies pertinent to recycled aggregates. It critically evaluates the efficacy, cost–benefit analyses, and environmental ramifications of these techniques, while elucidating the microstructural and physicochemical disparities between recycled and natural aggregates. Furthermore, it identifies pivotal research gaps and prospective avenues for future inquiry, underscoring the imperative for collaborative endeavors aimed at developing cost-effective and environmentally benign enhancement techniques that adhere to the stringent standards of contemporary construction practices, thereby addressing the intertwined challenges of waste management and resource scarcity. Full article

This study, taking Anhui Province as a case study, systematically evaluated the spatiotemporal differentiation characteristics of six ecosystem services (biodiversity maintenance, water yield, carbon fixation, vegetation net primary productivity (NPP), soil retention, and crop production) from 2000 to 2020 through the integration of multi-stakeholder decision-making preferences and the Marxan model. Four conservation scenarios (ecological security priority, social benefit orientation, minimum cost constraint, and balance synergy) were established to explore the spatial optimization pathways of ecological protection zones under differentiated policy objectives. The findings indicated that: (1) The ecosystem services in Anhui Province exhibited a “low north and high south” spatial gradient, with significant synergies observed in natural ecosystem services in the southern Anhui mountainous areas, while the northern Anhui agricultural areas were subjected to significant trade-offs due to intensive development. (2) High service provision in the southern Anhui mountainous areas was maintained by topographic barriers and forest protection policies (significant NPP improvement zones accounted for 50.125%), whereas soil–water services degradation in the northern Anhui plains was caused by agricultural intensification and groundwater overexploitation (slight soil retention degradation covered 24.505%, and water yield degradation areas reached 29.766%). Urbanization demonstrated a double-edged sword effect—the expansion of the Hefei metropolitan area triggered suburban biodiversity degradation (significant degradation patches occupied 0.0758%), while ecological restoration projects promoted mountain NPP growth, highlighting the necessity of synergizing natural recovery and artificial interventions. (3) Multi-scenario planning revealed that the spatial congruence between the ecological security priority scenario and traditional ecological protection redlines reached 46.57%, whereas the social benefit scenario achieved only 12.13%, exposing the inadequate responsiveness of the current conservation framework to service demands in densely populated areas. This research validated the technical superiority of multi-objective systematic planning in reconciling ecological protection and development conflicts, providing scientific support for optimizing ecological security patterns in the Yangtze River Delta region. Full article

The agriculture sector is a major contributor to the economy of Alberta, Canada, accounting for almost 2.8% of the total GDP. Considering its importance, implementing efficient and cost-effective irrigation systems is vital for promoting sustainable agriculture in semi-arid regions like Lethbridge County, Alberta, Canada. Although irrigation is primarily carried out using the Oldman River and its allied reservoirs, groundwater pumping becomes a supplementary necessity during periods of limited surface water availability or droughts. This research investigates the potential of renewable energy resources, such as wind and solar energy, to meet the energy requirements for crop irrigation. The study begins by identifying and calculating the water requirements for major crops in Lethbridge County, such as wheat and barley, using the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization’s CROPWAT 8.0 software. Subsequently, energy calculations were conducted to meet the specific crop water demand through the design of a hybrid energy system using Homer Pro 3.16.2. A technoeconomic analysis of the renewable hybrid system has been carried out to demonstrate the efficiency and novelty of the proposed work. Outcomes revealed that the proposed system is both efficient and economical in fulfilling the crop water requirement through groundwater pumping, promoting sustainable agriculture, and helping to ensure food security in the region. Full article

Complex feedback mechanisms and interdependencies exist among the water–energy–food–ecosystems (WEFE) nexus. In water-scarce regions, fluctuations in the supply or demand of any single subsystem can destabilize the others, with water shortages intensifying conflicts among food production, energy consumption, and ecological sustainability. Balancing the synergies and trade-offs within the WEFE system is therefore essential for achieving sustainable development. This study adopts the natural–social water cycle as the core process and develops a coupled simulation model of the WEFE (CSM-WEFE) system, integrating food production, ecological water replenishment, and energy consumption associated with water supply and use. Based on three performance indices—reliability, coupling coordination degree, and equilibrium—a coordinated sustainable development index (CSD) is constructed to quantify the performance of WEFE system under different scenarios. An integrated evaluation framework combining the CSM-WEFE and the CSD index is then proposed to assess the sustainability of WEFE systems. The framework is applied to the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, a representative water-scarce area in China. Results reveal that the current balance between water supply and socio-economic demand in the BTH region relies heavily on excessive groundwater extraction and the appropriation of ecological water resources. Pursuing food security goals further exacerbates groundwater overexploitation and ecological degradation, thereby undermining system coordination. In contrast, limiting groundwater use improves ecological conditions but increases regional water scarcity and reduces food self-sufficiency. Even with the full operation of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project (Middle Route), the region still experiences a 16.4% water shortage. By integrating the CSM-WEFE model with the CSD evaluation approach, the proposed framework not only provides a robust tool for assessing WEFE system sustainability but also offers practical guidance for alleviating water shortages, enhancing food security, and improving ecological health in water-scarce regions. Full article

This review aims to increase attention on present water quality issues on Central Asia, finding gaps in the literature on ways to address treatment needs, and help ensure future use of Central Asia surface waters and groundwater for all beneficial uses. Central Asia is a landlocked region known for its harsh climatic conditions and scarce water resources, despite being home to some of the world’s largest internal drainage basins. The available literature suggests that increasing salinity has rendered water unsuitable for irrigation and consumption; hazardous trace elements are found throughout Central Asia, most often associated with mining and industrial sources; and that legacy pesticides influence water quality, particularly in agriculturally influenced basins. This study also focuses on the effects of municipal and industrial wastewater discharge. Additionally, the impact of inadequately treated wastewater on water resources is analyzed through a review of available data and reports regarding surface and groundwater quantity and quality. Given the challenges of water scarcity and accessibility, the reuse of treated wastewater is becoming increasingly important, offering a valuable alternative that necessitates careful oversight to ensure public health, environmental sustainability, and water security. However, due to insufficient financial and technical resources, along with underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, many urban areas lack adequate wastewater treatment facilities, significantly constraining their safe and sustainable reuse. Proper management of wastewater effluent is critical, as it directly influences the quality of both surface and groundwater, which serve as key sources for drinking water and irrigation. Due to their persistent and biologically active nature even at trace levels, we discuss contaminants of emerging concern such as antibiotics, pharmaceuticals, and modern agrochemicals. This review thus highlights gaps in the literature reporting on impacts of wastewater inputs to water quality in Central Asia. It is recommended that future research and efforts should focus on exploring sustainable solutions for water quality management and pollution control to assure environmental sustainability and public health. Full article

The rapid expansion of shale gas development has revolutionized global energy markets, yet it has also introduced substantial environmental challenges, particularly concerning groundwater resources. This comprehensive review systematically examines the multifaceted impacts of shale gas extraction on groundwater, with a focus on contamination mechanisms, pollutant sources, and mitigation strategies. The study identifies key operational stages—exploration, drilling, hydraulic fracturing, and flowback—as potential sources of groundwater contamination. Inorganic pollutants, including heavy metals and radionuclides, as well as organic compounds such as hydrocarbons and chemical additives, are identified as primary contaminants. The review critically evaluates current wastewater treatment technologies, including reinjection, internal reuse, and advanced desalination methods, highlighting their efficacy and limitations. Additionally, the study proposes a refined environmental management framework that integrates wellbore integrity optimization, enhanced shale gas wastewater treatment, and stringent monitoring protocols. The adoption of clean fracturing technologies and renewable energy applications is recommended to minimize environmental footprints. By establishing comprehensive baseline data and robust pollution monitoring systems, this research provides a scientific foundation for sustainable shale gas development, ensuring the protection of groundwater resources. This review emphasizes the imperative of balancing energy security with environmental sustainability, offering actionable insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and environmental scientists. Full article

Drought frequency and severity intensify with climate change, challenging many Mediterranean cities to face securing sustainable water supplies. In this context, groundwater emerges as a key but often overlooked resource, particularly in urban areas historically reliant on external drinking water systems. This study provides a comprehensive hydrogeological characterisation of the groundwater system in Aix-en-Provence (southeastern France), with a specific focus on hypothermal springs and the cold springs of the Vallon des Pinchinats, which historically supplied the town before the creation of the Canal de Provence by the company of the same name (Société du Canal de Provence (SCP)). By combining chemical and isotopic analyses (δ¹⁸O, δ²H, and chloride concentrations) with a statistical clustering (DACMAD method), we characterise the origin and dynamics of distinct water sources and evaluate their influence with surface water and external supply systems. Four key hydrological entities influencing the study area were identified. (1) regional precipitation (RRW) contributing significantly to groundwater recharge in the region. The isotope composition of the RRW was calculated (δ¹⁸O: −6.68‰, δ²H: −41.80‰, Cl: 2.2 mg/L) (2) Groundwater from the Oligocene aquifer (OG) characterised by an enrichment in chloride and sulphate. (3) Groundwater from the Cretaceous–Jurassic aquifer (CJG), a karstified aquifer from the Sainte-Victoire-Concors massif, which supplies the cold and hypothermal springs in Aix-en-Provence and multiple springs in the region. (4) Canal de Provence water (CPW) as an external water source, used for domestic supply, which has left a traceable signal in the local hydrosystem. The study reveals that cold springs of the Vallon des Pinchinats result from the mixing of Oligocene and Cretaceous–Jurassic groundwaters. Hypothermal springs (20–30 °C) circulate at moderate depths (165–500 m), unlike previous models suggesting deeper infiltration and mixing processes. This study contributes a novel hydrogeochemical and isotopic framework applicable to other Mediterranean urban areas facing similar pressures and highlights the strategic role that local groundwater can play in building long-term water resilience. Full article

Underground structures are subject to deterioration conditions in which water leakage occurs through cracks due to the long-term influence of soil and groundwater. Therefore, composite waterproofing sheets can play an important role in securing the leakage stability of structures by combining them with concrete structures. In this study, a total of eight composite waterproofing sheets were used according to the thickness of the compound and the properties of the material attached to the concrete, and the deformation characteristics at the bonding surface were identified through repeated tensile tests. Types A, B, and C, with a compound thickness of 1.35 to 1.85 mm and a single layer, had strong bonding performance, with a deformation rate of 0.5 to 2 × 10⁻⁴ and a DE/RE ratio of 0.3 to 1.3; tensile deformation progressed while maintaining integrity with the concrete at the bonding surface. Types D and E were viscoelastic and non-hardening compounds with a compound thickness of 1.35 to 3.5 mm, where the strain rate due to tensile deformation was the lowest, at 0.1 × 10⁻⁴ or less, and the DE/RE ratio was −5 to 3; therefore, when internal stress occurs, the high-viscosity compound absorbs it, and the material is judged to have low deformation characteristics. Types F, G, and H, which were 2 to 2.9 mm thick and had two layers using a core material, were found to have characteristics corresponding to tensile deformation, as the strain rate increased continuously from 0.2 to 0.5 × 10⁻⁴, and the DE/RE ratio increased up to 8 mm of tensile deformation. Full article