Water Conservation and Management (WCM)

The study evaluates anthropogenic impact on urban and suburban territories through monitoring chemical parameters of small river waters. The research encompasses 16 watercourses draining the territory of Khabarovsk and its suburbs. Water sampling and measurements were conducted during the winter low-water period using data from 2017 to 2025. Cluster analysis identified four groups of water bodies differing in the degree of alteration of hydrochemical parameters and presence of anthropogenic pollutants. The areas experiencing the highest anthropogenic impact were determined, along with potential sources of pollutants. The first cluster includes rivers flowing through the southern and northeastern parts of Khabarovsk. The second cluster comprises mainly rivers from the central part of Khabarovsk and occasionally from the eastern part. The third cluster includes both central and remote district rivers of Khabarovsk. The fourth cluster consists exclusively of rivers draining the territory of the Bolshekhekhtsirsky Nature Reserve. Samples from this cluster exhibit the lowest chemical substance concentrations, indicating minimal anthropogenic influence. These rivers can serve as background values for chemical substance concentrations in small rivers draining Khabarovsk and its inhabited suburbs, providing a reference for assessing technogenic pollution. The possibility of using cluster analysis of small river hydrochemical research data to indicate the intensity and types of anthropogenic impact on urbanized areas has been demonstrated.

In the face of growing water scarcity, particularly in hot and humid regions, the recovery and reuse of air conditioning condensate is emerging as a promising sustainability strategy. This often-overlooked byproduct of cooling systems, typically discarded as waste, presents opportunities for alternative applications such as landscape irrigation, facility maintenance, and industrial cooling. A longitudinal six-year study explored air conditioning condensate’s water resource potential, revealing that a two-ton unit consistently generates in excess of 2 liters of condensate per hour, suggesting significant untapped water harvesting opportunities. Building on these findings, this investigation explored sustainable water management by creating and deploying an innovative system that harvests condensate from residential air condition units and repurposes it for garden irrigation. The project verified condensate collection rates for newly installed 2-ton and 3-ton air conditioning units. Results demonstrate that harnessing air conditioner condensate can significantly contribute to water conservation efforts and promote eco-friendly practices in urban environments. This approach not only addresses water scarcity issues but also prevents the unsightly and potentially damaging effects of condensate dripping onto building exteriors. By reimagining this waste product as a valuable resource, the study highlights a practical method for enhancing sustainability in modern city planning and development.

El Niño-induced warming in the central and eastern Pacific often triggers droughts and deteriorates freshwater quality across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. This study aims to evaluate the impacts of El Niño and Northeast Monsoon dynamics on river water quality and their implications for freshwater cage aquaculture in the Pahang River. Specifically, it examines three 2023 climatic phases: (1) the Northeast Monsoon (January–March), (2) the El Niño period (April–October), and (3) their combined period (November–December). Monthly sampling across multiple sites (n = 96) was conducted to assess key water quality parameters. During the Northeast Monsoon (Jan–Mar 2023), all measured parameters remained within optimal ranges for freshwater fish, except phosphate levels (0.22 ± 0.11 mg/L). During the El Niño phase (Apr–Oct 2023), mean river temperature rose by 3 °C (28 ± 1 °C) with unionized ammonia at 0.013 ± 0.01 mg/L. The combined El Niño–Northeast Monsoon period (Nov–Dec 2023) demonstrated significant degradation in water quality: total suspended solids reached a maximum of 151.5 ± 93.2 mg/L, and ammonia concentrations increased to 1.08 ± 0.49 mg/L, while temperature fluctuated between 26 °C and 30 °C. These alterations adversely affect fish health by reducing dissolved oxygen levels and elevating nitrogen toxicity. The results highlight the considerable challenges that El Niño poses to the sustainability of aquaculture operations in the Pahang River. The implementation of effective mitigation strategies is imperative to protect the aquaculture sector in the region from climate-induced impacts.

The current study aims to evaluate the conversion of virgin Eucalyptus leaves from domestic troublesome waste into a suitable adsorption medium for removing nitrate anions from simulated polluted aqueous solutions, using a batch-type adsorption unit and at notable range of operating parameters. Virgin Eucalyptus leaves were collected from northern Baghdad during the winter, washed, dried, then ground and sifted. The largest quantity of powder was used in the subsequent treatment step. The study investigated the effect of changing temperature, contact time, and agitation speed as operating conditions for the adsorption unit, while the contaminated solution variables varied between pH and initial nitrate ion concentration. The dosage of virgin Eucalyptus leaves powder was the key factor in determining the efficiency of the adsorptive treatment process. The results obtained from the experiments indicated that the powder of virgin Eucalyptus leaves has a good ability for recovering nitrate anions from contaminated simulated solutions. The efficiency was increased with increasing agitation speed, contact time, and adsorbent dose, while it decreased with increasing initial concentration of the target anions and temperature. The pH of the solution had a bi-behavior effect on efficiency, with removal increasing in acidic zone and decreasing in alkaline zone. The acidity function exhibited a dual behavior, increasing with rising pH values between 1-6, while in the alkaline range the percentage removal decreased dramatically. The optimal time for the adsorption process was two hours, as 6.5 g of virgin Eucalyptus leaves powder was able to remove 78% of 73 ppm concentration of the nitrate anions at room temperature, neutral-acidic pH, and moderate agitation speed. Based on the above results, the virgin Eucalyptus leaves confirm their ability to be a useful and important material in maintaining ecological balance, through the treatment of wastewater contaminated with nitrate anions, especially in agricultural areas that produce this type of pollutant as a byproduct of fertilizer use.

The study examines the current technogenic pressures affecting the Tobyl River basin and provides a scientific rationale for developing effective mitigation strategies. The introduction outlines the growing ecological risks in the region and the need for a systematic assessment of technogenic loads. The rationale of the study is based on identifying the main sources, types, and intensity of anthropogenic impacts to better understand their environmental consequences. Results show that technogenic loads consist of 40% chemical, 25% physical, 15% biological, and 10% mechanical factors, with industry, agriculture, and transport generating up to 80% of the total pressure on the ecosystem. The ecological impact analysis highlights significant risks to water quality, biodiversity, and resource sustainability. The study discusses the potential effectiveness of modern engineering solutions, including advanced environmental monitoring systems capable of reducing harmful waste by up to 30%, and improving water resource efficiency by 25%. The integration of renewable energy sources could decrease CO₂ emissions by 20%, while the establishment of recycling facilities may process up to 20,000 tons of waste annually. In conclusion, the research underscores the importance of engineering￾based optimization, waste management, and continuous monitoring to enhance ecological stability in the Tobyl River basin. Future research should focus on developing predictive ecological models, assessing climate-related risks, and evaluating long-term socio-economic benefits of sustainable technologies. The proposed solutions offer a practical framework for strengthening environmental safety and promoting sustainable regional development.

Industrial engineering is one of the major drivers of pressure on water resources and aquatic ecosystems worldwide, where up to 30% of rivers are affected by industrial waste and millions of people experience related health impacts each year. In Kazakhstan, this challenge is aggravated by limited water resources and high concentrations of industrial facilities, while quantitative geoecological assessments of their impact on water catchment areas remain insufficient. This study aims to provide a scientific justification of the impact of industrial engineering on aquatic ecosystems in Kazakhstan and to develop geoecological approaches for improving the stability and management of water catchment areas. Field monitoring, chemical analysis of water and soil, GIS and remote sensing, as well as mathematical modelling were applied to identify the main types and levels of pollution and to assess spatial patterns of impact. The results show that pollutant concentrations decrease from 120 mg/L at the discharge point to 30 mg/L at a distance of 5 km, whereas in several regions the concentrations of heavy metals in surface waters exceed permissible limits by 3–5 times. Modelling indicates that the implementation of green technologies and optimized industrial processes can reduce water pollutants by up to 85% and energy consumption by around 20%, while improving ecological stability indices of water catchment areas. The findings provide a quantitative basis for geoecological management of industrial regions and support the development of integrated monitoring, treatment and regulatory measures for the long-term protection and sustainable use of water resources in Kazakhstan.

Jordan faces a critical water shortage driven by rapid and uncontrolled population growth, regional instability, and the escalating impacts of climate change. Over the past century, the country has undergone a profound transformation in water resources management. This paper examines the evolution of Jordan’s water policy from a management and sustainability perspective, emphasizing its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6): ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. Through a qualitative review of legislative documents, national strategies, and academic sources, the study traces key milestones, including the establishment of the Central Water Authority, the
Water Authority of Jordan, and the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. The analysis reveals how adaptive management, integrated water resources management (IWRM) principles, and policy innovation have transitioned Jordan from fragmented to collaborative governance. Despite persistent scarcity, these reforms have strengthened institutional capacity, governance efficiency, and stakeholder coordination, advancing national progress toward SDG 6 and offering valuable insights for policymakers in other arid regions facing similar water security challenges.

Water is a critical resource for human life, agriculture, and industry, yet Thailand continues to face recurring challenges such as floods, droughts, and water pollution, which highlight the urgent need for an integrated and sustainable water management system. This study aims to examine water management, the central legal framework governing water allocation, utilization, development, maintenance, restoration, conservation, and water rights (Water Resources Act, B.E. 2561. 2018). The research also seeks to identify gaps in the current legal measures and propose guidelines for sustainable water resource management in Thailand. The research used a documentary methodology, which involved a systematic analysis of key legal instruments, government strategic plans, and relevant academic literature on water resource governance and policy implementation. Despite the Water Resources Act introducing crucial mechanisms, such as water licensing systems, usage fees, and avenues for public engagement through water user organizations, the study found that significant operational challenges persist. These issues specifically include the ambiguous roles and overlapping responsibilities among governmental agencies, a strong tendency toward centralized decision-making, and insufficient economic incentives to encourage efficient water consumption. The findings underscore the critical need to embed strong governance principles and ensure genuine community involvement to enhance both the legal effectiveness and the long-term sustainability of the sector. For Thailand to achieve enduring water security, the immediate focus must be on fortifying existing legal frameworks, accelerating the enactment of essential secondary legislation, and cultivating participatory governance. Ultimately, raising public awareness of the actual value of water and instituting market-based incentives for responsible use are vital steps toward sustainable water resource management.

This study explores the electrocoagulation (EC) process for removing six pharmaceutical compounds (PCs) from wastewater. The compounds investigated include azithromycin, diazinon, ibuprofen, ketoconazole, sertraline, and diclofenac. We employed Response Surface Methodology (RSM), specifically a Box-Behnken design, to systematically analyze how temperature, pH, and current density affect the removal efficiency of these compounds. Experimental results indicated that run 11, under optimal conditions of 20°C, a pH of 6.0, and a current density of 29.40 A/m², achieved the highest removal efficiencies. Specifically, the removal rates were 65.27% for Azithromycin and 70.09% for diazinon. Statistical analysis using ANOVA showed that current density has a positive influence on removal efficiency, while both temperature and pH have negative impacts. We also explored the interactions among the parameters, revealing significant insights into the operational dynamics of the EC process.

Eutrophication, caused by excess phosphorus in water bodies, remains a significant environmental challenge globally. This comprehensive study investigated the efficacy of direct filtration employing crushed and treated recycled glass as a novel filter medium for efficient phosphorus removal from synthetic wastewater. Our primary objective was to systematically evaluate and optimize critical operational parameters, including filtration velocity, simulated turbidity (Kaolin), coagulant (Al2(SO4)3·16H2O) dosage, and glass grain size, to establish optimal conditions for maximal phosphate removal. The research demonstrated that optimal phosphorus removal, achieving greater than 90% efficiency, was attained under direct filtration with precise pH adjustment to approximately 5.7-6.2. This was coupled with an Al/P mass ratio of around 1.3-1.57, a filtration velocity of 8 m/h, and a crushed glass granulometry ranging from 1.00-1.25 mm. The integration of a dedicated upstream flocculation stage was found to be critical for achieving these high efficiencies. Furthermore, head loss development was continuously monitored, providing valuable insights into filter run times and potential clogging mechanisms. This study conclusively illustrates the significant efficacy of crushed recycled glass as a sustainable and cost-effective filter medium for phosphorus removal, presenting a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials in wastewater treatment.