Water Conservation and Management (WCM)

There is a serious impact of heavy metals in waste water which threatens environmental and human health and this therefore encourages a need to find appropriate ways to treat this waste water productively. The paper entails the electrochemical treatment of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) contaminants out of industrial wastes, which were sampled in the Rustamiya sewage facility in Baghdad, Iraq. The three types of anode materials namely, copper, iron and stainless steel have been tested under different operating variables such as voltage (20-30 V), initial metal concentration (10-25 ppm), the distance between the pair of electrodes (1-4 cm) as well as different pH conditions (4-10). Copper anodes also exhibited the most efficient removal at 88 percent removal of lead and 80 percent removal of cadmium but with the main cause being of Cu (OH) 2 that increases the precipitation of the contaminants. The stainless steel was however suggested to be more sustainable, as it is longer lasting, less toxic and resistant to corrosion. It was also shown that a greater pH value and harder voltages enhanced removal efficiency whereas a greater initial concentration and greater electrode spacing impaired it. Such results raise the possibility of maximized electrochemical techniques towards sustainability in wastewater treatment system in the remediation of heavy metals.

Jordan is experiencing significant water scarcity, worsened by limited renewable resources, a growing population, and climate change. Reusing treated wastewater (TWW) for irrigation has become a promising solution to combat water shortages. This study examines the effects of TWW from three wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs)—Za’atri, Al-Salt, and As-Samra—on soil salinity, heavy metal accumulation, and plant uptake. Analysis of TWW samples revealed high levels of heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg), which exceed the permissible limits established by WHO. Soil irrigated with TWW showed increased salinity and heavy metal concentrations compared to soil irrigated with rainwater, especially at deeper layers. Some metals, including cadmium and selenium, were found to be bioavailable, raising concerns about environmental and health impacts. While TWW presents an alternative source for irrigation, it is crucial to implement careful monitoring and treatment adjustments to reduce the risks linked to heavy metal contamination and soil degradation.

Groundwater is a crucial resource for drinking and irrigation in the Bouareg-Garet basin, northeastern Morocco. This study assesses the groundwater quality and its seasonal variation to determine suitability for domestic and agricultural use. Thirty samples were collected during the rainy season and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters. Hydrochemical facies were dominated by Ca-Mg-HCO₃, Na-Cl, and mixed types. Water Quality Index (WQI) values ranged from 90.98 to 337.28, indicating that while most samples were suitable for drinking, several exceeded safety thresholds due to municipal and agricultural contamination. Spatial mapping using GIS and multivariate statistical analysis (PCA, correlation) revealed significant degradation in areas influenced by saline intrusion and human activity. The findings highlight the urgent need for sustainable groundwater management in semi-arid zones facing similar hydrogeochemical pressures.

Fluoride ion pollution is a problem that needs attention, as it is considered a hidden type of pollution due to its lack of direct or immediate effects. This study aimed to achieve comprehensive environmental treatment by preparing a high-performance adsorbent from non-valuable materials and then using it in the treatment of polluted water. The ability of cobalt oxide nanoparticles (prepared by green method) to treat aqueous solutions contaminated by high fluoride concentrations was investigated, using a batch adsorption unit and under various operating conditions. The obtained results showed that the prepared material was within the nanoscale range with an average size of 271.48 nm, with a surface area of 329 m2/g, possessing multiple functional groups, and a porous structure that qualifies it to be an effective adsorption medium, while its zero-charge point was 7.88. The treatment efficiency varied directly with the nano cobalt oxide dose, contact time, and agitation speed, while it had an inverse relationship with temperature and the fluoride initial concentration. While, the acid function had a dual effect, as the treatment efficiency increased between pH 1-5.5, then began to decrease, reaching the lowest value at pH=9. Nano-cobalt oxide contributed to recover 87% of the contaminated fluoride, with an adsorption capacity of 7.43 mg/g, recorded at 450 rpm, 94 ppm, 5.5, and 1.1 g, for each of the agitation speed, initial fluoride concentration, pH, and nano-cobalt oxide dosage, respectively, after three hours of treatment and at room temperature. The morphological study showed that the prepared nanomaterial suffered from obvious changes represented by the displacement and disappearance of peaks and the appearance of new peaks, a decrease in the surface area by 97%, agglomeration and blockage in the porous structure, dispersion of magnetic particles, increased roughness of the adsorption surface, and modification in the crystallization phases, as indicated by FTIR, BET, AFM, VSM, FESEM, and XRD tests, respectively, which reflects the effectiveness of the preparation method and the efficiency of the nanomaterial as an adsorption medium.

Rational water use amid global freshwater shortages requires the implementation of innovative solutions for soil moisture monitoring. One of the most effective tools in this field is the high-precision contact moisture meter, which provides prompt and accurate information about the moisture regime in the plant root zone. This article presents the results of experimental studies on the use of modern moisture meters under regulated irrigation conditions. A comparative analysis was conducted to evaluate the accuracy, sensitivity, and stability of measurements, along with the impact of the acquired data on decision-making in irrigation management. The results confirm that the use of such sensors can reduce water consumption by up to 25–30% without compromising crop productivity, thereby supporting sustainable water resource management. Scientific conclusions and practical recommendations are provided for agroecosystem applications.

The Batang Layar river in Sarawak, Malaysia, is a vital water resource for local communities, supporting aquaculture, agriculture, transportation, recreation, and drinking water supply. Despite its significance, the river’s water quality remains understudied, raising public health concerns due to potential contamination from anthropogenic activities. This research evaluates water quality of the river at four (4) sites (Nanga Tiga, Spak, Lubau, and New Layar Bridge) through in-situ physicochemical analysis and microbial profiling, focusing on coliform bacteria as pollution indicators. Results show that faecal coliform counts (FCC) and total coliform count (TCC) at these sites are classified under Class III of Malaysia’s National Water Quality Standard (NWQS), indicating significant contamination and requiring substantial treatment. Notably, The New Layar Bridge site showed highest contamination levels (FCC: 817 CFU/100 mL; TCC: 12,517 CFU/100 mL), suggesting anthropogenic impacts from domestic waste or urban runoff. Molecular techniques via (GTG)5 PCR fingerprinting and 16S rRNA sequencing identified ten bacterial genera, with Acinetobacter (28.57%), Chromobacterium (14.29%), and Escherichia (9.52%) being the most prevalent genera, commonly associated with faecal contamination. This study highlights the urgent need for effective sustainable management strategies, including proper waste disposal practices and regular monitoring, to preserve the rivers in the study area.

Sustainable Cidanau Watershed Management (CWM) is essential for maintaining ecosystem services and ensuring long-term water security in Banten Province. This study investigates farmers’ participation in the PES mechanism in the Cidanau watershed, and how their land-use decisions affect water quality and ecosystem services. Through a qualitative approach that combines field observations, interviews, and policy analysis, the challenges faced in CWM are examined. The findings reveal that the participation of farmers and farmer groups is critical in watershed governance for (CWM). Farmers and farmer groups participated in determining the price of PES compensation, enhancing and participating in the PES program, and actively monitoring and evaluating PES implementation initiatives. In the CWM mechanism, farmers and farmer groups interests are prioritized, and provided broader space for active and inclusive engagement in conserving the Cidanau watershed. Although participation models may vary across different watersheds, the inclusive participation model developed in the CWM is a potential reference for PES-based watershed governance.

The Semarang–Demak coastline of northern Java, Indonesia, faces severe erosion and land subsidence driven by tidal forcing, sediment transport, and human interventions. This study evaluates the impacts of the Semarang–Demak Sea toll road on hydrodynamics, sediment dynamics, and seabed morphology. Field data were collected through sediment sampling, tidal and current measurements, and monitoring of suspended sediments. A coupled hydrodynamic–sediment transport model (MIKE 21/3) was developed to simulate tidal currents, sediment dispersion, and bed level change. Results indicate a mixed, predominantly diurnal tidal regime, dominated by O1 and K1 constituents. Current simulations have revealed significant spatial variability, with spring ebb tides generating seaward flows exceeding 0.6 m/s, which enhance sediment resuspension and export, while neap tides promote fine sediment deposition. Suspended sediment concentrations were notably higher during spring tides, particularly in mid-reach zones of convergent flow. Bed level change modeling identified critical erosion near Tanjung Emas Port and Bedono, as well as depositional zones offshore of Sriwulan and Demak. Importantly, the toll road corridor intersects dynamic sediment redistribution areas, posing risks of localized scour, differential settlement, and altered flow pathways that could compromise structural stability and increase coastal hazards. These findings underscore the importance of integrated sediment management, continuous monitoring, and adaptive engineering approaches in mitigating infrastructure impacts and fostering long-term coastal resilience.

The Batanghari River is the longest river in Sumatra, exhibiting a significant fish diversity. Settlements, agricultural and plantation lands, together with gold mine activities, have emerged as sources of contaminants that degrade river water quality. This adversely affects biodiversity and public health. This study aimed to assess the water quality of the Batanghari River through physical, chemical, and biological characteristics to inform sustainable management practices. The research was carried out from 2018 to 2023 at five locations by collecting samples on surface water. The observed water quality parameters included iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), fecal and total coliforms, pH, water temperature, and total suspended solids (TSS). The water contamination level was assessed using the cumulative pollution index (CPI) and the water pollution index (WPI). The findings indicated that the water quality in the Batanghari River has deteriorated, classified as significantly contaminated temporally and spatially. The CPI and WPI values observed at all stations varied from 2.11-4.21, with an average of 2.79, whereas the range was from 2.04-4.15, with an average of 2.73, and the highest record at station 5. The CPI and WPI values throughout the observation period varied from 2.16-5.5, with an average of 3.29, and from 2.10-5.48, with an average of 3.26, the highest values is in 2022. The concentration of heavy metals has surpassed quality limits in the following order: Fe>Cu>Mn>Hg. The parameters Fe, TSS, fecal coliform, and COD were the characteristics that significantly influence the values of CPI and WPI.

ISTN Lake is located in a campus environment and has an important ecological role as a water source, local conservation area, and natural laboratory for academic research. However, increasing pollution pressure from domestic activities around the lake can cause a decline in water quality and disrupt its ecological function. Therefore, a scientific study is needed to assess the lake’s water quality, identify pollution sources, and formulate waste management strategies that support the sustainability of the lake ecosystem and its use as a natural laboratory. This study uses a quantitative descriptive approach, with measurements of physicochemical parameters (pH, DO, BOD, COD, TSS, TN, TP), and water quality index (IKA) analysis to assess the level of pollution. The results of the study showed that most observation points had water quality status in the “MODERATE” category (IKA: 67.76 – 73.89), with one point reaching the “GOOD” category (IKA: 77.63). The main factors affecting water quality come from high organic loads due to domestic waste and nutrient runoff from the surrounding environment. The analysis shows that a better waste management system is needed, restoration of riverbank vegetation, and regular water quality monitoring are needed to maintain the sustainability of the lake. ISTN lake management can adopt an integrated and sustainable approach, including pollution control, ecosystem restoration, and utilization of the lake as an ecological laboratory. By implementing an effective waste management system, technology-based water quality monitoring, and environmental education for the academic community, the lake can continue to function as a healthy water resource and support the campus ecosystem.