Diego José Robles Lara
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Evaluation of the wastewater reutilization for irrigation in high-water stress regions in Chihuahua, Mexico Thesis for the degree Master’s in Resource Efficiency in Architecture and Planning (REAP) by Diego José Robles Lara Supervised by Prof. Dr. Ing. Wolfgang Dickhaut Mahmoud Moursy MSc. In cooperation with: i Acknowledgments The preparation of this document has been a gratifying challenge in a year that was already a challenge itself for the world, and that is the reason this research has a great personal significance. I would like to thank my supervisors Professor Wolfgang Dickhaut and Mahmoud Moursy from the HafenCity Universität, who guided and advised me throughout the whole process of investigation. My gratitude goes as well for Mr. Sören Rüd from the GIZ and based in Bonn, who was my first contact with the organization in December 2019 and showed interest in a cooperation for a master thesis since the first moment. This appreciation is particularly extended to Ms. Bianca Corona, from the WaCCliM technical team based in Mexico, who provided an important support to my research for almost a whole year. I want to thank additionally to Dr. Mario Olmos from JMAS Chihuahua, Dr. Hernández from IMPLAN Chihuahua, and Mr. Martínez from the Rural Development department of the municipality of Chihuahua, who provided key and reliable data that resulted in the completion of this research. To my family, supporting and loving me from the distance. To my colleagues and classmates, from whom I have learned greatly during these years. To all the people that were and still are in my life and have made this adventure in Hamburg an exceptional experience. Cheers. i Contents List of Figures .................................................................................................................................................... v List of Tables .................................................................................................................................................... ix Abstract ............................................................................................................................................................... xi Research questions and methodology ................................................................................................. xii 1. Mitigation and adaptation to the effects of climate change globally ........................... xiv 1.1. Climate change definitions .......................................................................................................... 15 1.2. Impacts of climate change ........................................................................................................... 16 1.2.1. Global temperature increase .......................................................................................... 16 1.2.2. Ocean level rise ................................................................................................................... 17 1.2.3. Migration ................................................................................................................................ 18 1.3. Vulnerability and exposure to climate change .................................................................... 18 1.4. Climate change mitigation and adaptation........................................................................... 19 1.5. Water stress ....................................................................................................................................... 21 1.6. Wastewater ........................................................................................................................................ 23 1.6.1. Greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater .......................................................... 26 1.6.2. Wastewater reutilization for agriculture ................................................................... 28 2. Climate and agriculture in Mexico: a literature review ........................................................ 38 2.1. Climate in Mexico ............................................................................................................................ 39 2.2. Agriculture in Mexico ..................................................................................................................... 40 2.2.1. Importance of agriculture in society and economy .............................................. 40 2.2.2. Agriculture and climate change .................................................................................... 41 2.3. Selection of the area of interest ................................................................................................ 42 2.3.1. Water security index .......................................................................................................... 42 2.3.2. Vulnerability of agriculture to climate change in Mexico .................................. 48 2.4. Chihuahua ........................................................................................................................................... 51 2.5. Climate in Chihuahua ..................................................................................................................... 52 2.5.1. Average annual temperature ......................................................................................... 54 2.5.2. Agriculture in Chihuahua ................................................................................................. 57 2.6. The water and wastewater situation in Chihuahua ........................................................... 60 2.6.1. Overview ................................................................................................................................ 60 2.6.2. Governance ........................................................................................................................... 62 ii 2.7. Current instruments addressing climate change ................................................................ 64 2.8. The WaCCliM program ................................................................................................................... 66 2.8.1. Scope ....................................................................................................................................... 66 2.8.2. Role in the energy and emissions improvement of the wastewater sector worldwide ............................................................................................................................................... 67 2.8.3. Projects in Mexico .............................................................................................................. 68 2.9. Wastewater reutilization for agriculture – case studies globally ................................ 70 2.9.1. Case study 1 .......................................................................................................................... 70 2.9.2. Case study 2 .......................................................................................................................... 72 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 74 3. Municipality of Chihuahua: Water resources and wastewater ............................................... 74 3.1. Existing wastewater system evaluation ................................................................................. 75 3.1.1. Installed technology of treatment ............................................................................... 76 3.2. Aquifers and surface water bodies ........................................................................................... 80 ............................................................................................................................................................................. 86 4. Data sources and analysis ................................................................................................................ 86 4.1. Current municipal wastewater quality .................................................................................... 87 4.1.1. Interpretation of the wastewater characterization ............................................... 89 4.2. Energy Performance, and Carbon Emissions Assessment and Monitoring (ECAM) tool 91 4.2.1. Procedure ............................................................................................................................... 91 4.2.2. Results and interpretation .............................................................................................. 99 ........................................................................................................................................................................... 102 5. Sustainable wastewater solutions for the agriculture in Chihuahua ............................ 102 6. Conclusions and outlook..................................................................................................................... 117 References ..................................................................................................................................................... 120 ANNEX I ................................................................................................................................................................ I ANNEX II ...........................................................................................................................................................