Water Resources in Arid Areas

Book of Abstracts

The 2nd International Conference on Water Resources in Arid Areas

November 9-11, 2020, Muscat, Oman

Preface The freshwater availability is under increasing pressure from population and economic growth, food demand, expanding irrigated agricultural areas, and climate change. The water deficit is especially drastic in arid areas characterized by low precipitation and high evaporation rates. In arid areas, groundwater is usually the only natural water resources, and is endangered by excess agricultural extraction and seawater intrusions to coastal aquifers. Climate change leads to temperature increase and shifts of precipitation patterns, and likely increase the frequency of flooding and drought seasons. It is important to understand the impact of climate changes on irrigation, subsurface hydrology, flood risk, salinization, as well as mitigation approaches to cope with the above mentioned issues. Desalination of seawater is a popular way to supplement insufficient water supply for drinking purposes and desalination of brackish water and treated wastewater reuse is also becoming popular mainly to provide water for irrigation and greenhouses. In addition, economical management and associated policy reforms are critical to induce water conservation and adoption of water saving and reuse technologies.

As discussed above water challenges in arid area, the 2nd International Water Conference on Water Resources in Arid Areas (WRAA 2020), jointly organized by Water Research Center at Sultan Qaboos University, and Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources of Oman, aims to provide a premier interdisciplinary forum for researchers, practitioners and educators to present and discuss the most recent innovations, trends, and concerns, practical challenges encountered and the solutions adopted in the field of water resources in arid areas. The present "Abstract Book" contains over 200 abstracts covering a wide spectrum of water science and addresses multiple issues and techniques. Thanks to all contributors and participants.

The Conference Scientific Committee has reviewed abstracts and made recommendations on the basis of quality and importance. In addition, we have received over 80 full papers to be considered for publication in a Spring book, as well as the two special issues in the Earth Systems and Environment (ESEV) and the Journal of Arid Land (JAL). Those papers are reviewed and under review handled by

the Conference Editorial Board members (listed is in the next page) and their valuable contribution and time is highly appreciated. The Springer book and the special issues will be published soon.

The reception of such large number of scientists and the organization of such large meeting is possible with the generous sponsorship of The Sultan Qaboos University, Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, The Research Council, and Sultan Qaboos Higher Center for Culture and Science. We are all indebted to our sponsors.

I would like to express my deepest thanks and gratitude to the organizing committee, scientific committee, technical committee (listed in the next pages), and reviewers for excellent work performed to make this Conference a successful event.

Dr. Ali Al Maktoumi

Director of Water Research Center

Associate Professor

Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering

College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences

Sultan Qaboos University

The organizing committee

Dr. Osman Abdalla Chairman, Earth Science, CoS Dr. Ali Al Maktoumi Director WRC, CAMS Ms. Diana Austria Coordinator, WRC Dr. Mingjie Chen Water Research Center Mr. Khamis Al-Moharbi SQU Admin Director Prof. Anvar Kacimov College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Dr. Azizallah Izady Water Research Center Prof. Slim Zekri Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Dr. Talal Al Hosni Earth Science, College of Science Dr. Ala'a Al-Muhtaseb PCE, College of Engineering Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghafri Aflaj Research Unit, University of Nizwa Dr. Jauad El Kharraz Head of Research, MEDRC Dr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi SWAE, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Dr. Aisha Al-Khatri Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries wealth & and Water Resources Eng. Ahmed Said Al-Barwani Oman Water Socity

The Scientific Committee

Dr. Ali Al Maktoumi Chair of Scientific Committee, Director WRC, CAMS Dr. Osman Abdalla Earth Science, College of Science Prof. Anvar Kacimov College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Prof. Slim Zekri Natural Resource Economics, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences Dr. Talal Al Hosni Earth Science, College of Science Dr. Mingjie Chen Water Research Center Dr. Azizallah Izady Water Research Center Dr. Aisha Al-Khatri Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries wealth & and Water Resources Dr. Ala'a Al-Muhtaseb PCE, CoE Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghafri Aflaj Research Unit, University of Nizwa Dr. Jauad El Kharraz Head of Research, MEDRC Prof. Ruide Yu Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Science, China Prof. Zekai şen Istanbul Medipol University, Turkey Dr. Issam Nouiri Tunisian Agronomic Institute Dr. Djiby Racine Thiam University of Cape town, South Africa Dr. Mohamed Chiban Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

The Technical Committee

Dr. Mingjie Chen Water Research Center

Dr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi SWAE, CAMS

Dr. Azizallah Izady Water Research Center

Mr. Hilal Al Mamari Water Research Center Ms. Rasha abdullah Said Al Saadi Water Research Center

Ms. Amira Suliman Al Rajhi Water Research Center

Ms. Afrah Hamed Al Shukaili College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences

Ms. Enas Elsir Mubarak Water Research Center

Reviewers List

Abdelaziz Hirich Abdulrahim Al-Ismaili Ahmed Douaik Ahmed Hadidi Alaba Boluwade Alexander Osadchiev Ali Sulaiman Anwar Ahmed Arash Malekian Azizallah Izady Balai Chandra Das Elsayed Abu El Ella Eman Hasan Farhad Hosseinali Furat Ahmed Mahmood Mahmood Al-Faraj Furat Al-Faraj George Zaimes Hamdan Al-Wahaibi Ibrahim Al-Helal Iswar Chandra Das Khadija Semhi Luminda Hewawasam Mansour Al-Haddabi Mohamed Chiban Mohammad Mahdi Rajabi Mohammed Farfour Mushtaque Ahmed Nalusamy Sivakumar Narasimman Sundararajan Pankaj Pathare Peter Zavialov Rashid Al-Yahyai Rashid Umar Rifaat Abdalla Roohollah Noori Said Al-Ismaily Slim Zekri Sundarajan Narasimman Yaseen Al-Mulla Yassine Charabi

Table of Contents

No. Theme Title Pages. No Themes

1 Subsurface hydrology 8

2 Salinization and irrigation practices 43

3 Climate change and water resources 72

4 Economics and management of wastewater 94

5 Water desalination and purification technologies 130

6 Aflaj and traditional water systems 157

7 Hydroinformatics 164

8 Urban water 228

Special Water-use and production in greenhouses 256 Theme

Subsurface

hydrology

Integrated Geoelectrical and Hydrogeological Studies of Groundwater Aquifers west Asyut and El Minya District, Egypt. Esam Ismail Department of Geology, Faculty of Science Minia University, Minia 61519, Egypt, [email protected]

Abstract

The main aim of this research is assessment the groundwater characteristics of the new reclamation land in the area located to the west Asuyt and El Minya district. To achieve this aim, forty two vertical electrical sounding (VES) and 58 water samples (3 surface water and 55 groundwater) were collected and analyzed for major ions. The VES data shows that, there are four geoelectrical units were recorded. The loose sand and gravel represent the first layer, the second layer characterized by low resistivity (clay and sand clay). The main water bearing formation (Pleistocene aquifer) represent third layer and composed of saturated sand and gravels. High remarkable resistivity values were recognized in the fourth layer which reflects the fractured Eocene limestone aquifer. The hydrogeologic and hydrogeochemical data concluded that, the main flow direction of groundwater is from southwest to northeast toward the River Nile. Surface water and most of Pleistocene water are suitable for drinking and irrigation purposes, while most of Eocene samples are not suitable for the same purposes due to high salinity.

Keywords: Asuyt District, electrical resistivity, groundwater aquifer, major elements, drinking and irrigation purposes.

Groundwater Pollution in an Arid Region, Southwest of Iran Nasrolah Kalantari1, Hassan Daneshian1, Farshad Alijani2 1Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran 2Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract The recharge sources of groundwater in Behbahan plain, southwest of Iran, as an urban aquifer, were determined using hydrogeochemistry and stable isotopes (18O and 2H) characteristics. Groundwater samples were collected from 40 water wells in both wet and dry periods, June 2017 and April 2018. The water samples were analyzed for determination of major ions, nitrate, fluoride, and bromide for both period and stable isotopes concentrations only for the dry period. The main hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater sources in the Behbahan plain were determined as natural groundwater recharge (R) and discharge (D) areas, Marun (M) and Bonehbasht (B) irrigation and drainage networks, contact with gypsum bedrock (G) of the Gachsaran formation, and waste water of Behbahan City (T). The spatial variation of electrical conductivity, chloride, ionic ratios, stable isotopes, and nitrate concentrations were investigated to determine anomalous groundwater zones associated with urban sources of groundwater pollution. Characteristic bivariate composition diagrams were employed to identify the major hydrochemical processes and to demarcate recharge sources of the aquifer. Cluster analysis (CA) was also employed to evaluate the recharge sources, where it was observed that both natural and anthropogenic factors were affecting the groundwater quality. Two major water types Ca-SO4 and Ca(Na)-SO4(Cl) were present in the Behbahan groundwater plain. The high concentrations of sulphate, calcium, and magnesium were reflected in moderate to high TDS (about 3000 mg/l). The dominant hydrogeochemaical processes in the aquifer were dissolution of gypsum and somewhat halite, dedolomitization, scant normal and reverse cation exchange, and mixing. The main sources of the nitrate pollution of groundwater were leaching of organic manure applied on cultivated areas as well as wastewater of Behbahan City. The minimum and maximum concentrations of nitrate in groundwater of the Behbahan plain were 5 to 105 mg/Land 5 to 150 mg/L in dry and wet periods, respectively. About one third of groundwater samples in the Behbahan plain had nitrate concentrations above drinking water standard (45 mg/L). The hydrochemical characteristics and stable isotope indicators of groundwater recharge sources are disturbed as a result of the mixing process.

Keywords: Hydrochemistry, Stable isotopes, Recharge sources, Nitrate, Iran

Transverse fault performance in inter-basin water transfer: a case study from the central Zagros Mountains, Iran Hossein Karimi Vardanjan [email protected]

Abstract Dimeh Spring emerges from the Zarab Anticline, Zagros Mountains (Iran), and the mean annual discharge is ~2.5m3/s. The region has a semi-arid climate. A rainy season starts in October and usually ends in May, with snowfall common on higher ground between December and February. The mean annual precipitation of the study mm. However, preliminary evaluations suggest that the spring ١٣٥٧ area is about recharge is from the Zarab Anticline but in several previous dye tracing tests, that the dye was injected in the Zarab anticline, the dye was not seen in the Dimeh Spring. Then, in order to find the catchment area of this spring, the present study has focused on tectonic aspects. For this purpose the tracing techniques were employed to determine the flow path and isotope studies used to determine the catchment elevation. First, the transverse fractures that extended from Zardkooh Mountains (Karoon River basin) to Dimeh Spring area (Zayandeh Rood River basin) were identified and 30 kg of Uranine dye was injected in one of them, Khadang Valley. Unlike previous tests, the dye was observed in Dimeh Spring. Furthermore, the relationship between elevation and δ18O in precipitation shows that a big part of Dimeh Spring waters recharges in Zardkooh Mountains. To confirm this further, some provisional water balance estimates have also been made.

Keywords: Karst, inter-basin water transfer, Karoon River, Zayandeh Rood Riverm Dimeh Spring

Hydrochemical and isotopic study of groundwater in two different aquifers, southwestern Iraq Ali Kamal, Zainab Alkhafagi University of Baghdad, Iraq [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract Hydrochemistry and stable isotope technique were used for the study of groundwater in the Dammam and Dibdibba formations, southwestern Iraq.

The hydrogeological units produced in the area are Dammam Formation (carbonate) and Dibdibba Formation (sandstone). The main aims of this study are determine types of groundwater, its uses and whether there is mixing between these two aquifer.

The result showed that groundwater is brackish water and it is unsuitable for direct consumption as human drinking water and irrigation, while it is suitable for livestock consumption. The hydrochemistry analysis showed that there is no mixing between Dammam and Dibdibba aquifers while there is mixing between Dammam aquifer and groundwater arising from formations beneath Dammam aquifer and there is with bitumen's contamination which caused increasing of SO4-2 .

The (LMWL) was plotted (δ 2H‰ = 8.23 δ 18O‰ + 15.53), and δ18O, and δD shows that groundwater samples separated into two groups indicate that there is no mixing between the two aquifers. There is no clear relationship between δ18O and TDS which indicates that the essential salinity in groundwater caused due to dissolution and rock-water interaction then enrichment of stable isotopes have occurred but it is not accompanied with a significant increasing of TDS.

Keywords: Dammam, Dibdibba, mixing, isotopes, hydrochemical

The worldwide adventures of Droppy - and its visit to Oman: Awareness raising for groundwater Ralf Klingbeil1, Ahmed Al Barwani2, Zaher Al Sulaimani2, Georg Houben1 1Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), Germany [email protected], [email protected] 2 Oman Water Society (OWS), Oman, [email protected]

Abstract Groundwater, our hidden asset, is often not only out of sight but also out of mind. Out of mind of the public, out of mind of young people and the future generations, out of mind of many scientists and political decision makers. Within the aim "groundwater: making the invisible visible", the theme of the UN Water topic for the World Water Development Report (WWDR) and World Water Day (WWD) in 2022, BGR and OWS have joined efforts to make awareness raising material on groundwater available also in the Arabic language. Droppy and its adventures are an example of an awareness-raising product to address the complexity of groundwater and its interaction with humans for its quantitative management as well as its quality and protection. Droppy was originally a comic book on groundwater for children in Spanish but has evolved into different products, including animated videos, posters, games etc. The Federal Institute for Geosciences an Natural Resources, Germany (BGR) has been using Droppy and similar products with the public, school children and students and in different language settings throughout the world. Together with the Oman Water Society (OWS) the video is now also made available in the Arabic language and will be presented the first time in the Arab region. OWS itself has been addressing groundwater awareness raising at many occasions at national level in Oman and will be sharing their experience. The renewed effort to bring groundwater to the surface and increase the understanding with all parts of society is an important step to ensure the sustainable utilisation and protection of groundwater in all countries. It contributes to national, regional and global efforts in the run-up to the year 2022 and the respective global agenda for groundwater in the WWDR and WWD. Keywords: groundwater, awareness raising, Arab region

Source identification of nitrate in the upper aquifer system using 15 18 δ N-NO3 and δ O-NO3, Wadi Shueib Catchment area, Jordan Mutawakil Obeidat 1 , Muheeb Awawdeh2 , Noor Al Kharabsheh3 1 Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan 2 Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan 3 Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Salt, Jordan

Abstract Groundwater forms the main freshwater supply in arid and semi arid areas, and contamination of this resource in these areas is complicated by the slow rate of recharge. Nitrate contamination of groundwater is a global water quality problem, as it entails threat to human health as well as aquatic ecosystems. Source identification of contamination is the cornerstone and a prerequisite for any effective management program of water quality. Stable isotope composition of dissolved nitrate (δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3) has been applied to identify NO3 sources in the upper aquifer system (A1/2, A4, and B2/A7 aquifers) in Wadi Shueib area, Jordan. Moreover, the stable isotope compositions of water (δ2H-H2O and δ18O-H2O) in conjunction with the groundwater hydrochemistry were integrated to investigate the origin and evolution of the groundwater. Results revealed that groundwater in the study area is freshwater, and mainly a Ca-Mg-Cl type. Nitrate concentration was in the range of 7 and 74 mg/l with an average of 37 mg/l. Most of the samples showed concentration higher than the natural background concentration of nitrate (5-10 mg/l). The δ 2H-H2O and δ18O- H2O values indicated that the groundwater is meteoric and of a Mediterranean origin, with a strong evaporation effect. The δ15N-NO3 values ranged between +6 and +11.3‰ with an average of 8.7‰, and the δ18O-NO3 values ranged between +1.6 and +5.9‰ with an average of 3.4‰. These values are in compliance with the stable isotopic composition of nitrate derived the nitrification of wastewater/manure, and soil NH4. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in the δ 2H-H2O and δ18O-H2O values, and δ 15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values for the three aquifers (A1/2, A4, B2/A7), indicating that the groundwater of these aquifers have the same origin, and a common source of pollution. Keywords: nitrate isotopes, meteoric, Jordan, arid, contamination

Integrated geophysical and hydrochemical study on assessment of groundwater quality in paleobeach aquifer of Cox’s Bazar –Teknaf area, south-east Bangladesh

Ashraf Ali1, Yoriko Yokoo2, Ryo Anma3, Harue Masuda4, S. Bipulendu Basak5, A.S.M. Woobaidullah6, M.Risalat Rafiq7, Teruyuki Maruoka8

1 Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, Email:[email protected] 2 Dept. of Environmental Systems Science, Doshisha University, [email protected] 3 Graduate School of Technology, Tokushima University, [email protected] 4Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, [email protected] 5 Dept. of Environmental Science and Engineering, Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, [email protected] 6 Dept. of Geology, Dhaka University, Bangladesh, [email protected] 7 Dept. of Geology and Mining, University of Barisal, [email protected] 8 University of Tsukuba ,Japan, [email protected]

Abstract

Cox’s Bazar-Teknaf paleobeach and its surrounding area have been extensively utilizing pumped water from the subsurface aquifers to meet the demand for thousands of tourists along with domestic, aquaculture and agricultural purposes. As the main aquifer is opened to the Bay of Bengal, the risk of saline water intrusion has increased significantly due to overexploitation of the aquifer and for the major infrastructural development over the last few years in the prime tourist resort of the Bangladesh. Combined electrical resistivity survey, hydro-geochemical indicators, selected trace elements (Sr and B) and in addition to δ18O and δ2H were used to detect variations in aquifer resistivity and to track the changes in groundwater quality of the study area. Eighteen vertical electrical soundings (VES) of Schlumberger configuration and twenty three constant separations traversing (CST) (profiling) of Wenner configuration with different spreads were executed at different sites of study area. Thereafter, in order to document the invasion of seawater into the groundwater system, 73 groundwater samples were collected from different types of tubewells, which included hand pump fitted bore wells (< 50m depth), moderately deep energized bore wells (50m–100m depth) and deep bore wells (>100m depth) during April 2016 from paleobeach and its vicinity and geochemically analyzed. After correlating the analyzed VES results with the lithological logs from hand tubewells deciphered six hydrostratigraphic units having three major aquifers i.e., upper, middle and lower aquifers. VES data shows that the upper saturated zone with

a thickness varying from 5 to 15m is composed of fine to medium sand and shows resistivity range of 15.0 to 120.0Ω-m. This unit is underlain by silty clay and/or clay with a thickness varying from 5 to 20m and is characterized by a resistivity range of 1.0 to 12.5Ω-m. The following zone with a thickness ranging from 15 to 50m is composed of fine to medium sand with resistivity values ranging from 11.0 to 35.0Ω- m mostly with saline water except some isolated fresh water pockets having higher resistivity (60.0 Ω-m) values. This unit underlain by silty clay and very fine sand with a thickness varying from 5 to 12m and is characterized by a resistivity range of 1.0 to 12.0Ω-m. The deepest identified zone with a thickness varying from 15 to 161m shows resistivity values ranging from 30.0 to 80.0Ω-m and is composed of fine to medium sand saturated with fresh water occurring below the depth of 80m. Profiling results show a dominant trend of decreasing resistivity with depth. Resistivity value (i.e.,<10.0 Ω-m) decreases at shallow depth (<30m) and saline water intrusion has identified at a number of locations in the area studied. Results also show that presence of fresh-saline water interface located in and around the coast line. Findings of the electrical resistivity have been complemented by high values of EC (202 μS/cm to 6730 μS/cm) and TDS (135 mg/L to 4509 mg/L) are found in groundwater of wells closer to the coast and few inland wells from the northern and southern part of the study area. The cross plot of HCO3/Cl and TDS shows that groundwater along the paleobeach and some isolated areas are saline with TDS > 1000 mg/L, associated with high ratios of Cl/TDS (0.065). Groundwaters along the paleobeach and some isolated areas, low ionic ratios of SO4/Cl (0.01–6.53) and Na/Cl (0.20–152.09), relative to marine ratios (0.05 and 0.86 respectively), are also observed. Moreover, the shallow depth (<50m) of tubewell water had the relatively high δ18O (-4.0‰) values and δ18O increases at a linear relationship with the concentrations of Cl, SO4 and, EC. Having significant positive correlation between TDS, B (0.01 to 5.83mg/l) and Sr (0.03 to 424.95mg/l), and the chemical signature of the saline plumes (e.g., marine SO4/Cl, Na/Cl and Br/Cl ratios) suggest that the quality of shallow tubewell (<50 m depth) water has deteriorated to a large extent due to seawater intrusion along the paleobeach toward inland up to a distance of about 3 km at the heavily groundwater exploited areas from the coast line.

Keywords: Cox's Bazar, Paleobeach aquifer, Electrical resistivity, Saline water intrusion

Groundwater Resources Assessment of Aquifer System in Al Batinah, Oman May Raksmey Department of Civil Engineering Faculty of Engineering Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia Mobile: +60-10-255-2459 Tel: +60-8-258-2605 Email: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract Groundwater resources is a substantial development component of Oman. The water resources is even more vital for the regional development in Al Batinah. The area consists of twelve (12) Wilayat along the coastline. The development activities requiring the groundwater resources are significantly for agricultural sectors, livestock, and environment. The irrigation practices of Aflaj and well consistently demand about 92% of the total water use in Oman. The aquifer system in Al Batinah is one of the potential aquifers in the country. The basin system extents from Al Hajar Mountains in the south, to Gulf of Oman in the north, to Fujairah of United Arab Emirate (UAE) in the west, and Muscat in the east. The geological features covering along Al Hajar Mountains are ophiolite, Arabia Platform, Pre-Permian Basement, and Hawasinah. Tertiary sediment and recent alluvium are dominant along lowland to coastal areas. A numerical simulation of groundwater is applied to assessment the subsurface resources of Al Batinah. The modeling work covers the whole basin and is calibrated and validated based on the hydrogeological data in the detailed hydrological observation report by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in 1986 and other significant published results. The water balances and several scenarios regarding climate and landuse changes are derived from the calibrated simulation. The groundwater resources assessment of the current paper, especially the calibrated model, is believed to be one of the essential tools for the Oman authorities and researchers to manage and preserve the groundwater resources in the country. Keywords: Al Batinah, groundwater modeling, groundwater resources assessment, arid groundwater, aquifer system, Al Hajar Mountain

Geoelectrical Surveys and Characterization of the Hydrogeological Conditions in Semi Arid Khanasser Valley region in Syria Jamal Asfahani Department of Geology, the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria (AECS), P.O Box 6091, Damascus, Syria E-mail address: [email protected]

Abstract Geoelectrical surveys are carried out to characterize the hydrogeological conditions in semi arid Khanasser valley region and its surroundings in Northern Syria. Ninety six vertical electrical soundings (VES) with Schlumberger array are measured and distributed on nine transverse and three longitudinal profiles. Several alternative approaches are developed, where ddifferent empirical relationships are established through coupling geoelectrical resistivity and hydrochemical data. The boundaries between fresh, brackish and saline waters are delineated, and the hydraulic conductivity and the transmissivity of the Quaternary and Paleogene aquifers in the study region are estimated. The different hydrogeophysical approaches developed in this integrated geophysical research project for water resource management are successfully applied in Khanasser valley, and can be recommended to be used in similar semi arid worldwide areas. This paper summarizes and shows how the geoelectrical VES technique is applied for solving different hydrogeological problems encountered in the semi arid regions such as Khanasser valley, Northern Syria (Fig.1). It clarifies the integrated geoelectrical results that we have already obtained during the Khanasser project. The main objectives of the geoelectrical surveys carried out in Khanasser valley and its surroundings are therefore to cover the following geophysical research topics: 1. Determine the geometrical characteristics of both Quaternary and Paleogene aquifers in the Khanasser valley, and basalt of Al-Hess and Shbith mountains. 2. Clarify the tectonic and evolution scenario characteristics of the study area, especially the geological structures related with groundwater distribution. 3. Relate the geoelectrical resistivity data with aquifer hydrogeological parameters and transfer the measured resistivity maps to subsurface salinity and groundwater quality maps.

4. Evaluate the salt water intrusion phenomenon in the studied Khanasser valley region. 5. Determine the groundwater flow directions in the Quaternary and Paleogene aquifers in the Khanasser valley by using circular multi directional VES. 6. Develop and apply purely alternative geophysical approaches for deriving the hydraulic parameters of the aquifers in the study area. The main integrated following results we have already obtained during the geophysical research project, carried out in the Khanasser valley are summarized as follows: 1- The geometrical and electrical characteristics of both Quaternary and Paleogene aquifers in the Khanasser valley region have been well delineated. The depth to the top of Maestrichtian is also estimated. The subsurface basalt distributions in Jable Al- Hess in the west and Jable Shbaith in the east have been also characterized through interpreting the VES measurements, executed on those two Jables. 2- The iso resistivity lines obtained for all AB/2 spacings indicate the presence of two different hydrogeological structures, separated by Hobs-Serdah water divide line. Those structures have their specific influences on thicknesses, resistivity, salinity, intrusion, hydraulic conductivity, and transmissivity of both Quaternary and Paleogene aquifers. 3- The boundaries of buried paleosabkha have been well delineated. 4- All the tectonic features with the fractured zones have been delineated in the Khanasser valley region. 1- The intrusion phenomenon in the study region has been well discussed and documented. 2- Two alternative geoelectrical approaches have been developed, tested and successively practiced for estimating the hydraulic conductivity and the transmissivity of Quaternary and Paleogene aquifers in the Khanasser valley region. The first one takes the clay effect into consideration, while the second one takes only the salinity of groundwater into account. Their applications in the study region give convincible and reasonable results in comparing with the results obtained by pumping tests. 3- The role of geoelectrical surveys in characterizing and deriving the constraints and hydrogeological conditions in studying the semi arid regions is clarified through the present case study of Khanasser Valley region in Syria.

This paper is important for future advanced hydrological studies. All the different approaches developed in this geophysical research have been successfully applied in the semi arid Khanasser valley, and could be recommended for other similar worldwide areas.

Application of Dipole-Dipole and Schlumberger arrays in groundwater exploration in steep karstic layers using resistivity and IP methods in Asmari formation in Izeh, South West Iran Mohammad Kazem Hafizi, Mohammad Ali Riahi, Leila Mirzaei Institute of Geophysics, University of Tehran, Iran [email protected]

Abstract To determine the ground water potential of the karst aquifer, in the Asmari Formation of Izeh, Iran, 50 vertical electrical sounding (VES) and two profiles conducted by Schlumberger and dipole-dipole arrays, respectively, using resistivity and IP methods. However, Schlumberger tomography with high investigation depth (about 150 m) may be shows the different zone of karst aquifer but because of 50 m of VES spacing has not the detectability of cavities with lower than 10 m diameter. The results show Asmari formation has a developed karst with high yield. The results in the 2-D geoelectrical tomography using a dipole-dipole configuration delineate the karst voids filled water to 70 meters depth. The tomography of resistivity and IP data in Izeh area and interpretation of the tomograms have been asserted by drilling success of two wells with high yield (discharge higher than 90 L/s) at Asmari formation.

Keywords: Groundwater, Karst, Geoelectrics, Tomography, Izeh, Iran

Assessment of groundwater quality and characterization of Wasia- Biyadh aquifer in the area east of Al-Kharj city, central Saudi Arabia Abid Khogali, Abdulaziz Al-Shaibani, Mohammed Benaafi King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract

The decline of groundwater quality and quantity due to extensive agricultural activities and over-exploitation from Wasia aquifer have been a major concern over decades in Al-Kharj area, central Saudi Arabia. This study assesses Wasia aquifer groundwater quality, evaluates its suitability for drinking and irrigation uses, investigates the relationships among its hydrochemical parameters, defines its spatial distribution, and describes its geochemical evolution in this area. This study is based on sixty-eight groundwater samples that were collected from thirty-four wells and analyzed for major ions and trace elements concentrations and then the results were compared to previously conducted studies on the area since 2010. The results revealed a major drop in the water table (up to 15 m) since 2010. The interaction of groundwater with its host rocks is the dominant process that controls the 2- hydrochemistry of Wasia aquifer based on Gibbs diagram. An increase in the SO4 concentration was noticed, where the gypsum layers and pyrite cement within Wasia group are the main suspects. Spatially, the ratios of TDS, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, NO3- and Cl- are increasing eastward with the regional groundwater flow direction except for the HCO3 which increases northward. Only one sample is considered good for drinking based on to Water Quality Index (WQI). According to Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR or Alkalinity Hazard), Magnesium Ratio (MR) and Kelly’s Ratio (KR), 100% of the samples are considered appropriate for irrigation. Moreover, as per Corrosivity Ratio (CR) and Total Hardness (TH), the studied groundwater is basically unsafe and very hard. Using the Salinity Hazard (EC) Wasia aquifer was found to be partially permissible for agricultural usage (26.4%), however, it’s still within the permissible limits based on Sodium Percent (Na%). As a result, suitable water treatment is required before drinking form Wasia aquifer though it's generally considered good for irrigation. Monitoring and regular checking for water quality are required in the study area.

Keywords: Wasia-Biyadh aquifer, Hydrochemical classification, Drinking and irrigation groundwater quality

Aquifer characteristics and evidence of saltwater intrusion in coastal groundwater of Niger Delta (Nigeria) based on historical and recent data Aniekan Edet, Department of Geology, University of Calabar, Calabar, Nigeria. E mail [email protected], Phone +2348036667216 ORCID id 000-0001-5697-7150

Abstract The economic expansion of Niger Delta Region depends on groundwater resource for various uses. Therefore there is need for an understanding of the hydrogeological and hydrochemical characteristics as an integral for management of the resource. Hence, this study was aimed at delineating areas of saltwater intrusion in the area. Geological and hydrogeological data were used to delineate two aquifers: alluvial aquifer (upper designated as A and lower designated as B) and a coastal plain aquifer (designated as C). Groundwater in the area was classified as fresh (< 1500 μS/cm), brackish (1500- 3000 μS/cm) and saline (> 3000 μS/cm). Among the groundwater samples (n=105), 95% from A, B and C were classified as fresh, while 2% and 3% of the samples from A were classified as brackish and saline respectively. The main groundwater facies were Na-Cl, Mg-Cl and Na-HCO3 respectively for A, B and C aquifers. The enrichment of Na+ and Cl- , freshwater-seawater mixing ratio, cross plots and classifications by means of different schemes indicated that seawater intrusion was occurring in the A aquifer. Other processes controlling groundwater chemistry in the aquifers using cross plots include cation exchange, silicate, carbonate and weathering. In terms of drinking and irrigation use, the A aquifer water is of poor quality relative to the groundwater from B and C aquifers. The study highlights the potential danger of contaminated groundwater in the coastal areas occupied by low income dwellers. Hence seawater intrusion should be continuously monitored for sustainable development and management of groundwater in coastal areas.

Keywords: Coastal aquifer, Contamination, Saltwater, Niger Delta, Nigeria

Identifying major hydrochemical processes controlling groundwater quality degradation (case study of the coastal aquifer of Taleza in north-eastern of Algeria) Boumaiza, L.1 , Huneau, F.2 , Drias, T.3 , Chesnaux, R.1 , Walter, J.1 , and Garel, É.2 1 Groupe de recherche R2eau, Département des Sciences Appliquées, Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Chicoutimi (Québec) Canada,[email protected] 2 Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Département d’Hydrogéologie, Université de Corse Pascal Paoli, Corte, France, [email protected] 3 Département des Sciences de la Terre et de l’Univers, Université Mustapha Benboulaïd, Batna, Algérie

ABSTRACT Located in north-east of Algeria, the coastal aquifer of Taleza contains hundreds of private wells used by the local population for several purposes including drinking water supply. Recently, groundwater of this aquifer has become more and more salinized. Furthermore, organoleptic problems recently appeared (bad odor smelt as rotten eggs). In general, the groundwater quality is controlled by two factors: 1) natural processes related to water/soil-rock interactions and 2) anthropogenic activities. In the study area, the anthropogenic activities are considered to be the most serious sources of groundwater contamination. Our study aims to perform hydrochemical and stable isotopes groundwater characterization in order to (i) determine the actual spatial distribution of groundwater quality within the aquifer, and (ii) identify the major hydrochemical processes controlling the degradation of the groundwater quality. We collected 27 groundwater samples in the study area from private wells, 4 surface-water samples from two rivers, and 1 sample from the

Mediterranean Sea. Physico-chemical parameters (T, pH, EC, Dissolved O2, Alkalinity, and TDS) were measured in situ, and majors chemical anions and cations - 3 - 2- + + 2+ 2+ (Cl , NO , SO4 , Na , K , Mg , Ca ), as well as the stable isotopes of water: 18 2 oxygen (δ O-H2O) and deuterium (δ H-H2O) were analyzed in a specialized laboratory. The proposed communication describes an overview on the obtained results over the study area and their interpretation, as well as the major hydrochemical processes responsible to the degradation of groundwater quality, either natural or anthropogenic.

Geophysical methods for solving groundwater related problems: examples from Oman Talal Al-Hosni and Mohammed Farfour Department of Earth Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract Geophysical methods are very widely used for groundwater exploration and characterization. Numerous case studies from all over the world can be found in literature. In Sultanate of Oman, with the increasing demand to groundwater, geophysical methods are increasingly being involved in exploration activities and in solving problems relevant to this vital natural resource. In this study, geophysical methods, namely, seismic and resistivity are used to solve some very frequent problems related to groundwater in the Sultanate. Two case studies from North Oman are discussed. The first case is from Wadi Mayh, Al-Amerat. The bedrock in the area consists of consolidated and impermeable metamorphic rocks. The porous and unconsolidated rocks lying above this targeted bedrock have played a key role in charging a water-producing well in the area. After several years of production the well has run dry. Seismic refraction method was proposed to investigate possible reasons behind this problem. Depth map produced from seismic survey has shown that the well receives its water from a depressed area on the bank of the wadi. After the construction of a concrete basis for an electricity tower within this depressed area, the cementation and compaction of sediments have occupied a considerable accommodation space for water accumulation and filled the depressed area. This has caused a severe decline of the water accumulation and resulted in a drop in production from the well that subsequently became dry. The second example is from Bidbid, Northern Oman. Falaj Mazra in Bidbid, the ancient irrigation channel, receives its water from Wadi Samail's running surface water and the baseflow when the wadi is dry. Four pipelines were buried in the wadi channel, parallel to its course. After many years of flow, the falaj has dried up. Geophysical methods have been invoked to investigate if there is any influence of the pipelines on the falaj system. Resistivity along with seismic refraction have revealed a clear drop of the water table below the bottom of the falaj. This drop has resulted in the dryness of the falaj. Demographic

statistics over the past decade suggested that this drop might be due to the remarkable growth in population (nearly 200 thousands). Landsat images also have shown that there was a significant increase in agricultural activities in the area, which might have resulted in the overuse of water reserves. Keywords: Groundwater, geophysics, falaj, Oman

Contribution to the study of Vulnerability of terminal complex aquifer and wellhead protection area of water catchment in the valley of El Oued Amina REZIG1,3 , Lakhdar TIDJANI2 , Karima TIDJANI2 , , Sofiane SAGGAÏ1,2* 1Laboratory of Water and environment Engineering in Saharan Milieu (GEEMS). University KASDI MERBAH, 30 000 Ouargla, Algeria. 2Civil engineering and Hydraulic Department. University KASDI MERBAH, 30 000 Ouargla, Algeria. 3Water Engineering Department. University AKLI MOHAND OULHADJ, 10 000 Bouira. Algeria. Corresponding author: [email protected] & [email protected]

Abstract : Groundwater in the Algerian Sahara, which suffers from a severe shortage, is the only sources to be exploited in the various sectors. So, protection of groundwater, in this region, against the degradation of its quality caused by anthropogenic action is indisputable. The concepts of pollution vulnerability and wellhead protection area (WHPA) as protection tools are not new; and their use is becoming more and more important because of the avoidance of water contamination and consequently the costs of its treatment. Our study consists of verifying the vulnerability of the waters of the terminal complex of part of the Oued-Souf valley (Northern Algerian Sahara) and the wells that are most in need of protection by using the WYSSLING method to delineate the WHPA. The obtained results by using WYSSLING method and isochronous calculations show that the aquifer of the terminal complex is characterized by low vulnerability and weak sensitivity to pollution and that WHPA vary from place to other place according to geological features of the region and according to other reasons like the water upwelling.

Keywords: Vulnerability, Groundwater protection, WYSSLING method, Wellhead protection area (WHPA), Oued Souf valley.

Geophysical methods for groundwater exploration: an overview and applications from Oman Mohammed Farfour1 , Faisal Al-Shukaili2 , and Talal Al-Hosni1 1 Dept. of Earth Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman 2 Discover Consulting Company, Oman

Abstract: Geophysical methods are very commonly used to study subsurface geological formations not exposed on surface. The latter methods help acquire different measurable geophysical properties of rocks and relate them to the rock’s mineral composition, geomorphology, lithology, and pore content. Groundwater reserves in subsurface rocks have been a very common target of interest for most of geophysical surveys because of the remarkable contrast in geophysical properties (elastic, resistivity, density, magnetic susceptibility, dielectric permittivity, etc.) between the host rocks and water. Groundwater in the Sultanate of Oman is the only natural permanent source of water for population's water supply, and for agricultural and industrial usages. The use of geophysical methods for groundwater exploration in Oman date back to decades ago and numerous successful geophysical surveys for groundwater investigation have been conducted. With the advent in geophysical equipment, computation hardware, and software packages, geophysical methods are gaining an increasing popularity and acceptance. In this study, various geophysical methods used in groundwater exploration in Oman over the last decades are reviewed and some historical applications are highlighted. New case studies from selected areas from Oman are also presented. To conclude, geophysical methods are playing major role in exploring for groundwater in Oman. With the increasing need to groundwater, the understanding of geophysical methods and advances in technology (hardware and software), future will bring more successes in securing groundwater reserves.

Keywords: groundwater, exploration, geophysical methods, Oman

HYDROGEOPHYSICAL INVESTIGATION OF FRACTURED SHALE AQUIFERS IN IKWO AND ENVIRONS, SOUTH-EASTERN NIGERIA

Amobi C. Ekwe, Georgebest Azuoko, Olufemi V. Omonona and Obialo S. Onwuka

Department of Geology and Geophysics, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike, Nigeria E-mail: [email protected] , [email protected] ,

ABSTRACT

A detailed assessment of the groundwater potential of IKWO and environs was carried out by integrating datasets from geology and electrical resistivity survey of the area. The dominant lithology in the area is the Asu River group of Albian age, which consists of consolidated Shales, Limestones and Sandstone lenses. The shales are generally weathered, fissile and highly fractured and vary between greyish brown to pinkish red in colour. Ten (10) vertical electrical sounding (VES) , with maximum current electrode (AB) spread of 300m were acquired using the Schlumberger configuration. Four (4) of the soundings were carried out near existing boreholes for comparative purposes between the geological and geoelectric sections. Data processing was done using IP12 WinTM software. The derived layer parameters from the analysis were combined with borehole logs and pumping test data from existing boreholes to estimate aquifer hydraulic parameters. Results show that the depth to the fractured shale aquifer ranges from 22.1- 54.9m at Ekpelu and Ndufu Alike respectively while aquifer thicknesses vary from 19m at Ndufu Alike to 69.6 m at Amainyima. Hydraulic conductivity varies between 0.006m/day at Ekpa Omaka and 0.016 m/day at Igweledeoha while transmissivity varies between 0.117m 2 /day at Ndufu Alike Ikwo and 0.760 m 2 /day at Amainyima Keywords: Aquifer parameters, Vertical Electrical Sounding, Fractures, Groundwater

Characterization And Quality Of The Waters Of The Traditional And Modern Wells Of The Region Of Pala In Mayo-Kebbi West In Southern Chad Leontine Tekoum, Doumnang Mbaigane, Edith Kadjangaba Université de N’Djaména (TCHAD), Chad [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract The geological formations of the Pala region in Mayo-kebbi in southwestern Chad consist of the crystallophyllian rocks of the basement, including granitoids, volcano- sedimentary rocks and laterite formations. The region has a high population density compared to other cities in Chad, 1300 inhabitants per square kilometer. Local domestic demand is insufficient and access to drinking water is difficult. The population feeds on water from temporary streams, traditional wells and some modern wells dug by non-governmental organizations. The only running water of the Chadian Water Company (STE), whose drilling is 15 km from the city, supplies only part of the city. The activities are modified according to the climate and the water resources. Traditional activities such as agriculture and livestock are gradually being replaced by artisanal gold mining. They could have an impact on the quality of water in the Pala region. The aim of this study is to assess the quality of the water in the wells based on its physico-chemical characteristics in the municipality of Pala. Twenty well water samples were collected and analyzed at the Montpellier hydroscience laboratory in France. The average values are compared with worjd health organisation (WHO) drinking water quality standards. Well water is slightly acidic to basic with an average pH of 5.8 to 8. It is lightly mineralized and slightly harsh with an average conductivity of 140 to 560 μS/cm, and an average total hardness of 2 to 28 mg/L. Nitrogen pollution is a major indicator of the water quality of the wells studied. This pollution results in high levels of nitrate and bicarbonate in more than 50% of wells. A strong correlation is reported between electrical conductivity and the following parameters: pH, Ca, Mg, Na, Sr, Li, As, Cl, and HCO3. Most of these waters are calcium and magnesian sulfide chlorurea, calcium and magnesium bicarbonates, and ultimately sulfatate chlorurea, the majority of which is alkaline. In conclusion, the rural population feeds with water from the less developed traditional wells. The contamination of these waters by unstandard levels of chemical elements is mainly anthropogenic in origin confirmed by the Gibbs diagram. This contamination is the cause of recurrent water diseases in the community. These waters are chemically inappropriate for human consumption and require prior treatment in most wells.

Keywords: Groundwater, Water quality, Chad

The hydrogeological characteristics of the Nubia Sandstone System in Sahl Karawein area, El-Farafra Oasis, Western Desert, Egypt Saad Ghoubachi Desert Research Center, Egypt [email protected]

Abstract The Nubia sandstone aquifer system in Sahl Karawein and its vicinities is represented by the Bahariya sandstone, which is considered as a portion of the concerned aquifer system. The present work throws the light on the hydrogeological conditions and groundwater characteristics of the Nubia sandstone aquifer in Sahl Karawein and its vicinities in the Western Desert of Egypt. The Bahariya sandstone aquifer herein is subdivided into 3 aquifer units (A, B and C) according to their lithological characters, revealing flowing artesian conditions and all productive wells tap the deeper water- bearing unit "C". The potentiometric map of the Bahariya sandstone aquifer reveals that, the groundwater of this aquifer flows from western direction to the east with an average hydraulic gradient of about 0.001. The pumping and recovery tests were carried out for two wells tapping Bahariya sandstone aquifer. The transmissivity attains 2544 and 3992 m2/day indicating high potential. Hydrochemical analyses of 15 groundwater samples representing the deeper unit "C" of Bahariya sandstone aquifer indicate that the salinity range from 170 ppm to 205ppm, while the groundwater salinity of the shallower unit "A" is determined using the interpretation of geophysical well logging and the calculated average salinity reaches 1345 ppm reflecting brackish water type. The hydrochemical characteristics and quality evaluation of the groundwater for different usages are discussed. Keywords: hydrogeological characteristics, Nubia Sandstone System, Sahl Karawein

Identification of suitable zones for constructing subsurface dams in arid areas using geophysics Abdol-Hamid Ansari*, Nosratollah Amanian**, Isa Ilyati*** and Mohammad Fatehi*

*Associate Professors at Department of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. ** Assistant Professor at Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran. *** Department of Civil Engineering, Yazd University, Yazd, Iran.

Abstract The subsurface dam is considered a way to tap subsurface flow in dry and warm areas. In this study, the appropriate locations for constructing a subsurface dam in Kashan plain were pinpointed using remote sensing and geophysical methods. To this end, topography, slope, lithology, waterway, lineament, and qanat information layers were provided. These information layers are studied to identify suitable locations for the storage of subsurface waters, which have been studied for underground features by GPR method. In providing these layers, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and Landsat 7 ETM satellite images were used. Due to the importance of alluvial formations in the reservoir volume of the subsurface dam, lithology layer in the form of geology map subject was made in order to separate the formations suitable for the dam reservoir. Alluvial regions in the lithology layer including recent alluvium, old alluvium, conglomerate, and sandstone have priority for locating. Faults have always been considered in the dam locating as a cause of water escape out of the dams. All information layers were combined by the weighted overlay method and the final map of location priorities for the construction of a subsurface dam was developed. After identifying seven locations of high priority (5 to 7), the geophysical data were collected from these locations using Ground Penetrating Radar method by georadar device to determine bedrock position and alluvium thickness in each cross section.

Keywords: Subsurface Dam; Remote Sensing; Geophysics; GPR

Different fluctuations of groundwater levels in karstic areas in related to 10 years droughts in Izeh and Lali, south west Iran Nasrolah Kalantari1, Iman Alijani1, Farshad Alijani2, Hassan Daneshian1 1Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Iran 2 Faculty of Earth Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University, Iran [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract In this paper, the groundwater fluctuations in the two karstic aquifer, Izeh and Lali, south west Iran, have been compared based on their hydrogeological behavior. Hydrographs of water depths of the wells, annual mean and total trend of losses have been compared in the two regions. Based on the hydrographs of the observation wells, the average drawdown in Shavish and Tanush karstic aquifers (Izeh) and Gurpi aquifer (Lali) were 129.1 m and 17 m, respectively, through the ten-year drought period. The main reason of the difference between the hydrogeological behavior of these two regions can be attributed to different lithology of Ilam and Sarvak Formations in the areas. In the Izeh study area, the separation between the Ilam and Sarvak formations is not possible and the thickness of the Ilam Formation (with low karst storage and development) is about more than 200 m on the Sarvak limestone, which it could be caused this formation by thin layers of limestone and marly limestone do not fractured highly and thus karst development has been limited. However, in the Lali region, the Ilam Formation is not exposed at the anticline and the Sarvak Formation, which is lithologically suitable for aquifer occurrence, is exposed to the surface.

Keywords: Karst, drought, Remote Sensing, Groundwater, Khuzestan

Dewatering Activity of Thar Coal Mining and Environmental Impacts on Ground Water Resources, Pakistan YASMIN NERGIS1 , NAEEM A. MUGHAL2 , MUGHAL SHARIF1 , JAWAD ABDULLAH BUTT3 1Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Bahria University, Karachi Campus, Pakistan 2Environmental Protection Agency, Sindh Pakistan 3Environmental Research Center, Bahria University, Karachi Campus, Pakistan Email of Corresponding: [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract This research covers the impacts of dewatering activity on ground water hazards in Thar coal mining) in block-11 of Tharparkar district, southeast of Sindh, Pakistan. Ground water is the main source of water in Thar area. Primarily, the ground water is recharged by rainfall, the rainwater precipitates on top cover of sand dunes and rush through the desert’s topography and recharge the ground water aquifers of Thar. The purpose of this study is to identify the impacts of ongoing coal mining activity on ground water quality and water table of Thar coal mine in block-II and propose mitigation measures for sustainability of the excessive water received from continuous dewatering from the mining area in block-II. 58 ground water samples from community wells located in 21 villages (surrounding the block-II) were collected and analyzed for the parameters like water table (Depth), TDS, and pH. It was found that TDS level in some of the wells were much above the NEQS and WHO limits for drinking water. The total dissolved solids in 95% of the community wells found 2,000 mg/l. With the progress in coal mining, the groundwater is being dewatered from second and third aquifer. The extracted ground water is being disposed in multiple depression areas, near villages of 1) Gorano 2) Kathar and 3) Dhoka Cho. The Gorano pond is comprising of 1500 Acre land in vicinity of mining area. The dewatering of aquifer from coal mining area has been progressed in Gorano pond having TDS 5478 mg/l. Depending on the actual situation (evaporation and percolation) even pond seems to be sufficient throughout mine operation. It is expected that the dewatering surplus from the mining action must not be depleted in the adjacent water bodies to avoid the dewatering surplus to be infused back in the aquifers. 2 This study also highlights various hazards and impacts of dewatering: ground water, flora & fauna, local physical environment and geomorphology. Groundwater quality beneath and especially downstream of the pond may be affected

by high saline water and heavy metals (Antimony, Aluminum, Barium, Cyanide, Lead) in near future. Aquifer dewatering discharged in the pond is of brackish nature, due to high evaporation rate the dewatering water will be converted into salt deposits and the Gorano pond will be converted into a future salt lake. The growth of the fishes in the salt water is also tested positively. The heavy metals concentration in the pond will be increased as dewatering progress. The toxicity of the heavy metals will have an adverse impact on growth of flora and fauna. However, the dewatering surplus can be utilized in growing of the halophytes and power generation.

Keywords: groundwater hazards; rainwall; dewatering

Qualitative assessment of groundwater evolution using Silica geothermometry in parts of Kelantan, Malaysia. Mohammad Muqtada Ali Khan1* , Kishan Raj Pillai A/l Mathialagan1 , Hafzan Eva Mansor1 and Aweng A/L Eh Rak1

1Department of Geoscience, Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Campus Jeli, Locked Bag No. 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia *Corresponding author: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract

The present study emphasizes the distribution of silica concentration in shallow quaternary aquifers in parts of Kelantan, Malaysia to assess the groundwater and surface-water interaction, to determine the depths, residence time duration of groundwater and to evaluate groundwater contamination by correlating silica with hydrogeochemical data. The most important factors controlling Silica concentration in the groundwater is the rock type with which water comes in contact and most importantly the duration of interaction. In the present study, silica concentrations were analyzed in 29 groundwater samples during two time periods. The concentration of silica ranged from 6.3 mg/l to 23.4 mg/l for pre-season (2017) and 6.2 mg/l to 23.5 mg/l for post-season (2017). By employing silica geo-thermometry based on chalcedony equation, the range of temperature estimated from 3.09°C to 37.61°C during preseason and 0.90°C to 37.79°C for post-season which under normal geothermal conditions would correspond to a depth range of 0.02 km to 0.32 km during pre-season and 0.01 km to 0.32 km for post-season by considering an average heat flow of 30 °C/km. These shallow depths (below 0.32 km) of groundwater circulation are pretty reasonable for such deficient silica concentrations. Such low Silica levels reflect minimal involvement of anthropogenic activities and small residence time of groundwater in terms of rock-water interaction. These low silica values also show that the water in the area is of recent meteoric origin. The surface water bodies in the area are influent type as revealed by the comparison and distribution of silica values with groundwater.

Keywords: Silica concentration, shallow aquifers, Kelantan, Malaysia.

Characterization of Umm er Radhuma karst aquifer using petrophysical data, well logs and geochemical analyses, eastern Saudi Arabia: Implications for aquifer properties and fluid content Aref Lashin1, 3 , Mohammed El Alfy2, 4 and Azza Ragab4

1 Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering Department, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11421, Saudi Arabia. 2 Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia. 3Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha, 13518, Egypt. 4Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt. [email protected]

Abstract:

The Umm er Radhuma karst aquifer (UER) is one of the main aquifers which are used for many domestic purposes in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia. This work aims manly to characterize the aquifer properties and assess its water type and quality, through analyzing the available geophysical well logs, petrophysical properties of rock samples and enhancing geochemical analyses of some collected water samples. The petrophysical investigation and well logging analyses have revealed the dominance of carbonate limestone and dolomite lithology, with a minor argillaceous matter and shale. Three hydro-geological zones with different petrophysical properties are indicated for the aquifer with an upper zone of good hydraulic characteristics as compared to the other underlying zones. The hydrochemical characteristics of the aquifer, as indicated from the geochemical analyses, Piper’s and Durov’s diagrams, indicate alkaline water with prevailing sulfate-chloride and dissolution of gypsum, anhydrite and halite as well as ion exchange of Ca+2 with Na+ and K+ of clay intercalation of the aquifer sediments. Geggenbach diagram demonstrates immature waters that do not reach equilibrium with their associated rocks or mixing with superficial waters. Fluid flow is structurally controlled from west to east due to normal dipping of strata and subsurface faults.

Keywords: Umm er Radhuma aquifer, petrophysical data, geochemical analyses, aquifer properties, eastern Saudi Arabia.

Application of Time-domain Electromagnetic method in hydoGeophysicsal study at AlKhoud coastal area, Oman Hesham M. El-Kaliouby Professor of Geophysics, Head of Geophysics Dept., National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt. [email protected] Abstract Electromagnetic (EM) geophysical method is a relatively low cost, rapid, and noninvasive reconnaissance tool to locate potential freshwater resources. EM method is well suited to near-surface hydrological studies as it can be used to differentiate between fresh, brackish, and saline water. EM method investigates the electrical conductivity of the subsurface through measurements of electromagnetic field over time. The characteristics of the EM responses of the earth due to a pulsed primary signal from a large wire square-loop laid on the ground surface yield information about the variations of the electrical conductivity with depth. The conductivity of soils and rocks are controlled by mineralogy, clay content, water content, salinity, and porosity. Changes in the conductivity of soils and rocks produce variations in the electromagnetic signature. The exact position of the saline water/ freshwater interface in most coastal areas is poorly constrained on a local level. Surface EM can be used to accurately map the position of the interface and intrusion zone. Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) method has been widely used in mapping and assessment of groundwater resources and sea water intrusion along coastal alluvial plains. TDEM soundings were used to define aquifer zones in the alluvial aquifer at Al Khoud coastal area in North Oman. The main aquifer zones, composed of clean gravels, clayey gravels, and cemented gravels, could be identified, along with the basal contact of the aquifer. The TDEM data were also used to map the depth to the interface between freshwater and saline-water along the coast. The inland extents and thickness of the saline water intrusion zone were mapped along two sets of TDEM profiles. TDEM proved to be a successful tool for mapping saline zones and fresh water in arid environment with high depth of penetration and speed of operation. The presentation will cover a case study about mapping saline water in coastal aquifer using timedomain electromagnetic method. Keywords: Groundwater, Sea water intrusion, Time-domain Electromagnetic, TDEM, Salinity, coastal area

INVESTIGATION OF THE CONCENTRATION OF RADON IN RAUDHATAIN GROUNDWATER FIELD IN KUWAIT H. Naseeb, B. Al-Salman and F. Al-Ajeel Kuwait institute for scientific research Kuwait [email protected]

Abstract Radon is the main cause of lung cancer in the world. National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA, has estimated that 15,000-22,000 lung cancer deaths per year in the United States are related to radon (NCI, 2011). It is the earth's only naturally produced radioactive gas and originates from the breakdown of uranium in soil, rock, and water. One of the problems with understanding the amount of risk due to a specific radon level measurement is that the risk statistics are based on an average lifetime exposure to it from air, soil, or drinking water, separately but not as a sum total from all of these mediums. This study was an investigation on the concentration of radon in 6 groundwater samples collected from Raudhatain water field which is located north of Kuwait 5 from observation wells surrounding Raudhatain plant, P1, P2, P3, P4 and P5 and one from the plants main pumping well (source) has been investigated and there was no significant radon concentration in any of the samples, the maximum reading was 873 pCi/L from the observation well P1 located northwest of the Raudhatain plant where as anything below 4000 pCi/L is safe for consumption. Naseeb et al. (2018) Keywards: Radon; groundwater; radioactive gas

FLOW AND SEDIEMNT TRANPORT MODELING AT DRY RESERVOIRS IN OMAN Mohamed Saber1, Yusuke Ogiso1, Sameh A. Kantoush1, and Tetsuya Sumi1, Ali AlMaktoumi2, 3, Osman A. Abdalla3 1-Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan. Email: [email protected] 2-Soils, Water, and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University. 3-Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Sultan Qaboos University 4-Earth Sciences Dept., College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University.

Abstract

Flash floods in arid regions are not only destructive, but also associated with high sediment yield. Reservoir sedimentation in arid catchments become a real problem leading to reduction of storage capacity and sediment clogging hindering the groundwater recharge. Therefore, the main objective of this study to predict the sediment transport for better understanding the sedimentation in dry reservoirs such as Wadi Mijlas in Oman. An integrated approach of rainfall-runoff and sediment transport modeling along with field investigation is introduced in ungauged basin. The sedimentation layers in the reservoir were investigated showing that about vertical sediment layers were accumulated since the time of dam construction in 2011. Then, these layers were linked with the deriving flash floods based on the rainfall analysis and runoff modeling due to the lack of observations. Rainfall-Runoff Model (RRI) is used to simulate runoff at the basin and the outputs were used as inputs for TELEMAC SISYPHE model to simulate sediment transport at the reservoir. Both models were successfully calibrated and validated in the study area with an acceptable agreement between the observed and simulated results. The results of sediment transport modeling show that sediment concentration is 34.45 (g/l), which means quite large volume of sediment is transported in arid regions. Keywords: Rainfall-runoff model; sediment transport, field survey, flash floods; arid regions

Evaluation of groundwater quality and its suitability for different purposes in SW Qena Governorate, Egypt. Elnazer, A.A.1 , Salman, S.A.1 , Seleem, E.M. 2 , Zeid, S.M. 2 , Ismail, I.S.3 , Bahlol, H.A.1 1 Geological Sciences Department, National Research Centre, 33 El Bohouth St. (Former El- Tahrir St.), Dokki, Giza, Egypt. P.O. Box 12622 2 Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Al Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Egypt. 3 Geology Department, Faculty of Science. South Valley University. Qena, Egypt.

Abstract: Groundwater is the second most important natural resource of freshwater in Egypt after the River Nile. Groundwater is the only reliable water resource for human consumption, as well as for agriculture and industrial uses in the desert area in SW of Qena Governorate. So pumping from the Plio-Pleistocene aquifer is widely practiced in this area. The objective of the present study is to determine the hydrological characteristics of the aquifer and to assess the chemical composition of groundwater and its suitability for drinking and agricultural purpose in SW Qena Governorate. Groundwater samples were collected for that study. The pH of groundwater is slightly alkaline while the TDS varies widely from 440 to 3920 mg/l. The groundwater samples lie in two classes; freshwater samples and brackish water samples. The predominant cation was Na and the predominant anion was Cl, The groundwater in the study area is unsuitable for human drinking purposes, wherein the case of suitable one’s element, another element is not suitable especially the pollution of water with (As and Pb). Based on the electric conductivity of groundwater samples about 50% of the studied samples were permissible for irrigation. The studied heavy metals were within the permissible limit for irrigation purposes. All water samples of the study area are suitable for growing most types of crops.

Keywords: Groundwater, Assessment, Water quality, Egypt

How sub-surface water Interact with Recent and Historical buildings in the Middle East is still a complex phenomena?

Kamh, G. M. E. 1 and C. T. Oguchi 2 1- Professor of Geoarchaeology, Geology Dept., Faculty of Science, Monofiya Univ., Egypt ([email protected]) 2- Professor of Env. Geology, Saitama Univ., Japan ([email protected])

Abstract A laboratory salt weathering investigation had been conducted using three salts to attack two types of limestone and three types of sandstone to find out the relative significance of rock durability and salt aggressive impact to crystallization damage. To investigate the relationship between rock’s pore properties, its salt uptake and damage, the rock’s pore size distribution had also been examined. The rock’s fabric (grain size and texture particularly lamination) had been considered as it controls rock’s pore size distribution and damage pattern. It has been noted that damage pattern of these facies is not noticeably controlled by rock’s fabric or weathering regime. It has also been noted that the durability ranking of the rocks became noticeably altered not only with salt type but also with weathering regime and rock’s fabric. The salt uptake is not significantly comparable with rock’s durability for the different salt types and weathering regimes conducted in this study. Sodium chloride was invariably ineffective with the rock types under investigation where all rock types gain this salt till the end of this test at both regimes, while sodium sulfate and calcium sulfate were noticeably more effective in deterioration all of the rock types under investigation. Of the investigated rock properties, the micro-porosity (those ranging from 0.1 – 1.0 micron) showed the most significant controlling parameter on rock's deterioration associated with salt crystallization, whereas the micro-porosity of pores ranging from 1-10 microns is more important in salt uptake within the used rocks. Also, weathering regime played an effective role in salt uptake where CPI-12-12 regime almost enabled more salt uptake (SU%) within and at stone’s surface compared with SS-12-12 regime that accumulates salts (particularly sulfates) at stone’s surface.

Keywords: Salt crystallization damage, rock durability, rock type and fabric, salt efficacy, weathering regime

Salinization and

irrigation

practices

MONITORING OF IRRIGATION SURFACE WATERS QUALITY IN ALGERIA (CASE OF EL TARF AREA) ZAOUI Lilia* ; KAHIT Fatima Zahra and BENSLAMA Mohamed Laboratory Research of Soil and Sustainable Development. Department of Biology. Faculty of Sciences. Badji Mokhtar University - Annaba – Algeria. *Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: The water quality is an environmental priority. The assessment of physicochemical characteristics of runoff waters (lakes, rivers) in the world has experienced in recent years deterioration due to uncontrolled industrial discharges, the intensive use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture as well as disorderly exploitation of water resources. In order to know the current state of water quality in the North East region of Algeria, we conducted a study to examine the water quality of agro-system of the plain of Bounamoussa located in El Tarf area, which is a largely rural area where water resources are heavily used for agricultural activities. The evaluation of water analysis in the different observation points has been the subject of a data processing performed during a cycle showed that the waters of wadi Bounamoussa are of medium or high salinity related the unsustainable use of chemical fertilizers. These waters are generally suitable for plant irrigation salt tolerant on well-drained soils. However, Changes in salinity, they should be monitored. The use of the surface waters of wadi Bounamoussa for irrigation of agricultural land requires the consideration of the health risks associated with the potential presence of toxic chemicals that can degrade the quality of surface water in the area. The organic pollution appears as significant due to natural pollution but also exogenous pollution. The results of the statistical analysis confirm those obtained in the laboratory and reveal, firstly a variability between intra-period stations (inter-site) and secondly a potential variability between the two periods (inter-period).

Keywords: physicochimical, surface waters, irrigation, agriculture, Algeria

Deficit and PRD irrigation: A viable option to improve irrigation efficiency and conservation in Saudi Arabia Abdulrasoul Al-Omran College of Food and Agricultural Sciences King Saud University. Riyadh Email: [email protected]

Abstract The continued expansion of agriculture and urban development in the GCC countries, (which is located within the arid regions), accompanied with growing demand for water supply in different sectors, all of this calls for agricultural sector to look for practices that increase the irrigation efficiency and water conservation and increasing water productivity of crops. In this presentation, I will explore some of the efforts in the determination of the actual water requirements as an introduction to water conservation with deficit irrigation (DI) programs and partial root drying system (PRD) using different soil conditioners such as polymers, compost and biochar. The crop water requirement is the core to establish water conservation program. The crop evapotranspiration (ETc) for potato and cucumber was assessed through lysimeters, Pan Evaporation method (PE) Penman-Monteith equation (PM). The results revealed good agreement between PE and PM ETc. The irrigation treatments for these crops consisted of four levels of ETc (40, 60, 80, and 100% of ETc) in addition to the traditional one as practiced by local farmers. The treatments were done in the open field for potato crops and in both open and greenhouse for cucumber. At the 60 and 80% ETc treatments, the deficit irrigation was tested at different growth stages (Initial, developmental, middle, and late stages of crop growth). Each of the treatments was carried out in three replicates. The results showed that soil salinity in general increased with decreasing level of applied water. The crop cucumber could tolerate shortage of water during the middle season growth stage, when the Ky values ranged between 0.57 and 0.76. The level of water used up in 100% ETc treatment was much lower than that in the traditional drip irrigation as practiced by farmers. In other words, the CWP values increased with water consumption being decreased. The results also indicated that the highest values for CWP were found for the most stressed treatment of 40% ETc, while on the other hand the overall crop productivity had decreased. On studies of water conservation using deficit irrigation and partial root drying of various crops, including tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes. All of these studies have shown that reducing water use by 20% did not significantly affects productivity, and water productivity rose much with deficit when compared to traditional irrigation on farms as well as the provision of water, there was also significant savings in fertilizers and pesticides used.

Introduction of alternative crops as a solution for groundwater and soil salinization: case of Foum El Oued perimeter, Laayoune, South of Morocco Hirich Abdelaziz 1,2, Choukr-Allah Redouane3, Lyamani Abderrahmane4, Ezzaiar Raghia4

1 International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, P.O box: 14660, Academic city, Dubai, UAE 2 Mohamed VI Polytechnic University, Laayoune R&D center, Morocco 3 Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Rabat, Morocco 4 Phosboucraa foundation, Laayoune, Morocco

Abstract

Farmers in Foum El Oued, Laayoune in the south of Morocco are facing various challenges that hamper their farm productivity including groundwater salinity. Some of the challenges that these smallholder farmers face are the lack of knowledge about salinity problems on their farms and on the adoption of best land management practices to optimize forage production. Groundwater salinity map clearly showed that 42% of water samples have water salinity over 5 mS/cm, under such conditions significant yield loss of both maize and alfalfa forages can be expected. Such an investigation supports the introduction of salt-tolerant forages in farms where water salinity is not favorable for existing crops. Soil salinity assessment revealed that of 67 soil samples collected from the surface root zone (0-40 cm) 48 soil samples show surface rootzone salinity above 4 mS/cm, 33 samples (50%) show salinity above 8 mS/cm. The farms where surface rootzone salinity is found to be higher than 8 mS/cm, needs to be considered for salt-tolerant forage production. Several field trials carried out for three years aimed to test several alternative new crops to replace traditional crops such as forage corn and alfalfa. Results indicate clearly that alternative crops productivity was much higher than traditional crops. Obtained results indicates that both blue panicum and sesbania yield exceeded 100 T/ha of fresh biomass per year. While pearl millet yield was 36% more compared to forage maize. Quinoa seed yield was very satisfactory under salinity conditions reaching an average 2.5 t/ha. The important yield of blue panicum and sesbania reflect the huge potential to replace traditional corn and alfalfa and the success of quinoa cultivation could be a judicious solution to improve the local farmer income and to make benefits from the salt-affected soils by valorizing locally processed quinoa food.

Keywords: Salinity, yield, irrigation, Biomass, blue panicum

Long 2D Imaging Resistivity Survey to Evaluate the Effect of Salinity on Quaternary Aquifers in Southern Al-Shihaby Area, Eastern Iraq Jassim Thabit1, Kassim Al-Tamimi2

1College of Science - University of Baghdad, Iraq, [email protected]

2 The General Commission for ground water, Baghdad, Iraq [email protected]

Abstract The aim of this study is to delineate the effect of salinity on groundwater aquifers in Quaternary deposits. The electrical survey included two dimensions (2D) imaging and vertical electrical sounding (VES). Low resistivity values appeared in the inverse models of 2D imaging may be due to the increase of clay layers and groundwater salinity gradually with depth. While, the high resistivity values were caused by gravel, sand and silt layers, in addition to decreasing the water salinity. The resistivity values may be reached to over than 292 Ω.m due to presence of dry gravel or sand and the static water level may be under these layers. The comparison between the inverse models of 2D resistivity imaging showed the presence of variation in the type of deposits and the groundwater salinity, where the resistivity is decreased with the depth and from NE to SW directions. The geological section of drilled wells that located near the 2D resistivity imaging stations, and the geological section of VES points and the chemical analyses of groundwater for the wells interpreted and explained that the low resistivity values caused by increasing of the clay layers and groundwater salinity gradually with depth. It believes that the main source of salinity is the hydraulic connection between the Quaternary deposits and the other the underlying Formations of Bi-Hassan, Al-Mukdadia, and Injana.

Keywords: 2D Imaging, Salinity, Vertical electrical sounding, Quaternity aquifers.

Effect of phosphorus-salinity interaction on the germination of wheat and silage maize under Tadla conditions H. BOURAS a , B. BOUAZZAMA b , R. CHOUKKR-ALLAH a , A. HIRICH c , A. BOUAZIZ a

a Institut Agronomique et vétérinaire Hassan II Rabat, b Institut National de Recherche Agronomique Tadla, c International center for biosaline Agriculture

Abstract The shortage of water resources of good quality is becoming an important issue in the arid and semi-arid zones. For this reason, there is an increasing need to irrigate with water of certain salt content, like groundwater, drainage water and treated wastewater. The irrigated perimeter of Tadla is one of the areas affected by salinity problem of both soils and groundwater that limits agricultural production. Several studies reported in the literature have highlighted the role of phosphorus in mitigating the effects of salinity on crops. This study aims to study the effect of phosphorus on the germination of several varieties of wheat and silage maize conducted under increasing levels of salt stress. The experiment was conducted using pots containing different levels of phosphorus and irrigated with water containing increasing concentrations of NaCl. The results obtained showed that wheat and silage maize are sensitive to the effect of salinity at the germination stage and that this effect is attenuated by the application of phosphorus. Regarding wheat, among the varieties tested, the Amal genotype seems the most tolerant of salt stress. In fact, the application of 100 U of phosphorus made it possible to reach a germination rate of 50% in the most severe salt conditions (14.2 g / l). For maize, the application of 150 U of phosphorus enabled the salinity resistance of the Drakma variety by achieving a germination rate of 70% by means of an irrigation water with a salt content of 5.2 g / l. Finally, this study has shown that the application of phosphorus at reasonable doses can improve the germination rate of crops grown under salinity conditions. This study deserves to be conducted for other crops to remedy the problem of diversification that threatens areas affected by the phenomenon of salinization.

Keywords: Salinity, Phosphorus, wheat, silage maize, germination

The Role of Supplementary Irrigation for Food Production in a Semi-Arid Country Palestine Eng. Mohammed Yousef Sbeih

Irrigation Project Coordinator P.O. Box 1664 Ramallah, West Bank Palestine Email: [email protected]

Abstract: Palestine consists of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. The proclaimed state of Palestine has a land area of 6,657km³. Water is always considered as an essential factor of life and development in arid and semi-arid countries. In Palestine the total per capita water consumption is 139m³. The total available water for Irrigation is 239 MCM which is responsible for irrigating only 330,000 dunums out of 2,314.000 dunums cultivated that can be irrigated if water is available i.e. 5% of the total cultivated land. The average rainfall is 450mm and unfortunately there isn’t any water harvesting structures i.e. dams, most of this rainwater flowing towards the Dead Sea or the Mediterranean Sea as waste. So harvesting this water in individual farmer land and using this water for supplementary irrigation to irrigate olive trees, almonds, grapes and cereals will be of a great impact on the Palestinian land for feed production. It should be noted that there are few farmers who practice supplementary irrigation for production of vegetables that are planted in summer as individual initiative. The quantity and quality of production that they have is extremely tangible. Since most of the land in Palestine is planted by olive, grape, and cereals, supplementary irrigation should be introduced and practiced where the production of wheat via irrigation by treated wastewater was three times that under rain fed planting project implemented in a pilot project.

Keywords: Palestine, Irrigation, Economics, Supplementary, Irrigation, Food Production

Effect of water stress on growth, yield and water productivity of wheat under drip irrigation in Tadla, Morocco B. Bouazzama1 , M. Karrou2 , M. Boutfiras3 , M. Jbilou1 , M. Ben Bati1 1 National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) – Tadla Regional Center- Beni Mellal, Morocco 2 International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), Rabat, Morocco 3 National Institute of Agricultural Research (INRA) – Settat Regional Center- Settat, Morocco

Abstract The study of crop response to water deficit is important in areas where water resources are limited like in Morocco. For this purpose, this study was conducted to estimate the wheat growth and yield response to water stress under drip irrigation systems and the attributed water use efficiency. A field experiments was carried out at INRA Tadla experimental station during two seasons 2015-16 and 2016-17. Several irrigation doses consist of 100, 67 and 33% ETc on each 7 days interval period were applied using drip irrigation system. Apart from drip irrigation treatments, one traditional irrigation method (flood irrigation), mainly practiced in the region, were also included as control. These four treatments were designed in randomized block design with four replications. Obtained results revealed that water saving of about 30% higher in case of drip irrigation (full irrigation treatment) compared with traditional irrigation system. Data on the wheat grain yield and 1000 grain wt. (test wt.), indicated that under drip irrigation grain yield was 13.2% and test weight was 15.4% more than the flood irrigated wheat. Under drip irrigation, grain yield reductions by applying 33% of water requirements are 35% in average. The results also showed that there was a linear relationship between grain yield and actual evapotranspiration (ETa) of wheat. Data also revealed that water productivity of drip irrigated wheat was 19.7% more than the traditional irrigated wheat. On the basis of above results, it can be concluded that drip irrigation has an effective way for irrigating crops such as wheat in water scarcity areas. Keywords: Wheat, drip irrigation, water productivity, flood irrigation, Tadla, Morocco.

A multi-isotope approach to trace salinization in the lower valley of Wadi Medjerda aquifer, Tunisia Mohamed Fethi Ben Hamouda1 , Jamila Tarhouni2 Diego Fernandez3 , Kip Solomon3 , Ioannis Matiatos4 , 1 CNSTN, Isotope Hydrology & Geochemistry Unit, Technopark of Sidi Thabet, 2020, Tunisia 2 National Agronomic Institute of Tunisia, 1082 Tunis, Tunisia 3 Department of Geology & geophysics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA 4 Isotope Hydrology Section, IAEA, Vienna, Austria

Abstract The study of the Lower Valley of Wadi Medjerda a coastal aquifer located in northern Tunisia, involves a comprehensive geochemical and isotopic evaluation of water samples collected between 2016 and 2019. The geological map show that the lithostratigraphy ranges from the Triassic evaporitic, Jurassic carbonates, Cretaceous series until the sedimentary Mio-Plio-Quaternary series. The hydrogeological investigations have shown that the shallow aquifer is lodged in the colluvial series of the mountains and the alluvial plain. In this regard, a better understanding of the recharge and flow regime as well as the origin or salinity of the groundwater was required. To reach this goal, isotope and geochemical investigations were carried out. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the chemical vulnerability of groundwater regarding the increase of groundwater salinity and abstraction. Different methods using geochemistry (ions Na+ /Cl− , Br- /Cl− , Ca2+/Cl- , B- /Cl− ) and isotopes ( 18O,  2H,  11B, 87Sr/86Sr) are compared with the hydrodynamic information and salinity map for identifying the processes involved in the increase of groundwater salinity. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios are close to that of seawater for some samples and seem to follow a two end-members mixing line and then increase with depth, reflecting water– rock interaction with clay formations while punctual low values reflect interaction with carbonate. Boron isotopes highlight secondary processes such as adsorption/desorption onto clays in addition to mixings. Resulting from the groundwater overexploitation, the irrigation development that induces the soil leaching is the major reason for the increase of mineralization along the coast of the aquifer. The qualitative degradation of the groundwater is also caused by dissolution of evaporitic rocks (gypsum and halite minerals) in the aquifer. Ion exchange processes likely play an important role in the groundwater mineralization. The stable isotope composition support the hypothesis that groundwater is influenced by seawater intrusion.

Keywords: Hydrogeology, Isotopes, Geochemistry, Salinization, Coastal Aquifer, Tunisia

Assessment of irrigation suitability of groundwater supported by irrigation water quality index and GIS in a semi-arid region of south India D. Karunanidhi1 * , P. Aravinthasamy1 , T. Subramani2 and K. Srinivasamoorthy3 1. Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore-641062, India. 2. Department of Geology, CEG, Anna University, Chennai – 600025, India 3. Department of Earth Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pudhucherry-605014, India. *Corresponding Author email id: [email protected]

ABSTRACT The present investigation was conducted to evaluate the irrigation water quality index (IWQI) and its suitability for irrigation utilities in a semi-arid river basin. The area demarcated for the study is the Shanmuganadhi River basin located in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, India. Groundwater samples were collected by considering geological and climatological variations during January 2019 and analyzed for various physico-chemical parameters to investigate the suitability for irrigation utilities. Groundwater was found to be slightly alkaline in nature. The

+ 2+ 2+ + - - - - order of cations and anions were Na > Ca > Mg > K and HCO3 > Cl > NO3 > SO4 2

2- > CO3 . Irrigation water quality index was calculated by considering five water quality parameters like Electrical Conductivity (EC), Na+ , Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Cl- ,

- and HCO3 . Results of IWQI plotted as spatial variation maps with the help of Geographical Information System (GIS) signify that more than half of the study area falls under “severe and high restriction’’ categories confined to the central and northern parts of the basin. This indicates the usability of water for irrigation purposes in low permeable soil is restricted. Further, this water cannot be used for poor salt tolerance crops. However, groundwater in the southern part of the basin is suitable for all kind of crops. The outcome of the study can be effectively used for the better management of water resources in view of irrigation adaptabilities.

Keywords: Groundwater chemistry; Irrigation water quality index; Semi–arid region; Shanmuganadhi basin; India

Construction of weir in the drought prone Thamirabarani delta, south India to minimize seawater intrusion for better management of water resources T. Subramani1* and V. Satheeskumar2 1Department of Geology, CEG, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 2Department of Civil Engineering, Government College of Technology (GCT), Coimbatore, India *Corresponding author email: [email protected] & [email protected]

Abstract Seawater intrusion in the drought prone Thamirabarani delta, south India is a major environmental threat leading the unsuitability of river water and groundwater for drinking, irrigation and industrial requirements. Low river discharge, tidal rise, gentle ground slope, over exploitation of groundwater, conversion of agricultural lands into saltpans and extraction of saline groundwater for salt production are greatly responsible for the deterioration of water quality in the delta. Temporary earthen bunds are constructed across the distributaries of the river by the local people to control the seawater intrusion. These bunds are frequently washed away by the river water. As the bunds are constructed by dredging the available sand in the river bed, the channels are deepened more and more. This activity also leads more seawater intrusion. Keeping these issues in mind, detailed research was carried out in the coastal Thamirabarani basin to minimize the seawater intrusion by constructing a surplus weir. High salinity is noticed up to the village ‘Attur’, which is located 7 km inside from the coast. Intensive field survey was done in this region to measure the depth of groundwater table, to collect surface water and groundwater samples, to find out width and depth of river course, to understand the tidal fluctuation and to assess the environmental degradation. Details such as river discharge at Srivaigundam barrage, tidal variation at Tuticorin port and subsurface lithology were collected from various government and private organizations. Finally, a site near Mukkani (village) has been selected for the construction of permanent Ogee type of weir. Weir design has been established using Khosla’s theory and Manning’s formula. It is found to be that the maximum tidal rise near the proposed site is +1.5 m (with respect to mean sea level). The crest level of the weir is fixed as 1 m with respect to the bed level of the river. The total span width of the river at the proposed site is 380 m. Height of the

guide bank is 6.1 m and its length in the upstream side is 385 m and in the downstream side is 87.5 m. Based on the design parameters, eventually plan and sectional views of the proposed weir have been prepared, and the stability checks have been carried out for different discharge quantities. Keywords: Seawater intrusion; Environmental degradation; Weir construction; Weir design; Thamirabarani delta; South India

Groundwater salinity monitoring in shallow and deep aquifers of Mathura city, a semi-arid region, Uttar Pradesh, India Rashid Umar* and Shamshaad Ahmad Department of Geology Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India *Email: [email protected]

Abstract: The present study aims to identify the salinity level in the aquifers of Mathura city in state of Uttar Pradesh, where salinity in groundwater has become a major problem. The city is located on the fringe of Rajasthan which is a semi- arid region and is characterized by semi-arid to arid climate with an average annual rainfall of 485 mm. Most of the groundwater occurs under unconfined to semi-confined conditions in the shallow aquifer and semi-confined to confined condition in the deeper aquifers. The depth to water level varies between 7.4 m bgl to >30 m bgl and 7.2 m bgl to >30 m bgl in pre- and post-monsoon 2018 respectively. A hydrograph of Mathura city constituting data of 13 years reveals declining trend of water table. The average annual rate of decline is 0.513m/year within the study area. To ascertain the level of salinity, a total of 96, 34 and 22 groundwater samples were collected from shallow, intermediate and deep wells during pre and post-monsoon season 2018 respectively and were analysed for various physico-chemical parameters. Average TDS values were found to be 2182 mg/l, 2084 mg/l and 1683 mg/l for pre-monsoon 2018 mg/l and 2223 mg/l, 2191 mg/l and 1640 mg/l for post-monsoon 2018 for shallow, intermediate and deep wells respectively. These values indicate that TDS decreases with increasing depth. The order of abundance of cations is Na> Mg> Ca> K, while that of anions is Cl> HCO3> SO4> NO3 for majority of the samples in both the seasons for all the three depth. The groundwater of the study area is found to be alkaline in nature and is categorized as hard to very hard water type. Na-K-Cl-SO4 type is the dominant facies for majority of the samples for pre-monsoon 2018 for all the three depths while Na-K-Cl-SO4 type is dominant facies for shallow and Ca-Mg- SO4-Cl for intermediate and deeper depth samples respectively for post-monsoon 2018, as inferred from Piper Trilinear Diagram. Gibbs diagram is used to identify the key process controlling groundwater chemistry and it reveals that majority of the samples fall in evaporation dominance field, thereby showing that evaporation is the dominant process controlling the groundwater chemistry. SAR versus EC plot show that majority of the samples falls in C4-S2 and C4-S3 classes and thus are moderately suitable for irrigation. It was concluded that low precipitation and high evaporation caused by semi-arid to arid climatic conditions are the major factors that has resulted in high salinity. Keywords: Groundwater; Salinity; Semi-arid; Gibbs diagram; Mathura city, India

SALINITY INTRUSION DURING DRY SEASON IN WULAN ESTUARY, WULAN DELTA, INDONESIA

Lintang Nur Fadlillah1 , Muh Aris Marfai2*, Sunarto2 , M. Widyastuti3

1 Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia (Email:[email protected]; [email protected]) 2* (Corresponding Author ; Email:[email protected]; fax: +62 274 589595) 2Laboratory of Environmental Geomorphology and Disaster Mitigation, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia ([email protected]) 3Laboratory of Hydrology and Environmental Climatology, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia ([email protected])

ABSTRACT

Increasing the salinity level in the Wulan Rivers becoming a significant challenge for water resources and agricultural land in its surroundings. Freshwater input into the estuary controlled by the river flow and varies every season. A DELFT3D Flow based numerical model was constructed to observe the variability of salt intrusion in the estuary. Result shows that freshwater discharge was the main component controlling the salinity intrusion in the estuary. During the dry season, low input of freshwater resulting the high salinity in the upper of delta zone, indicates the salt intrusion length further into the upstream of the delta. The salinity ranges from 16-23 ppt 23 km landward the river which potentially threaten water resources for settlements and agricultural land in the river sides.

Keywords: Estuary, Salinity, Wulan Delta, Indonesia

Improving irrigation water use efficiency in Tunisian irrigated areas

Jamel Ben Nars , Amira Sansa, Issam Nouiri Tunisian Agronomic Institute, University of Carthage, Tunisia [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

Water resources play a key role in Tunisian economy. Hence, water scarcity is becoming an increasingly serious problem particularly in agricultural sector. As irrigation constitutes the largest consumer of water, using 80% of the total water potential in the country, Tunisian policy makers must take measures to optimize water allocation and to improve its use efficiency and sustainability. This study aims to asses and to analyze performance of water exploitation in irrigated area. Total factor productivity (TFP) and technical efficiency (TE) are used as performance indicators. Based on a sample data of 150 in Nadhour-Zaghouan region, results of stochastic analysis showed that averages of technical efficiency and total productivity are relatively weak for most farms (TE<60%). The study also revealed that the TE and TFP level are correlated with a set of variables especially farms and farmers characteristics and social environment factors. Institutional variables are significantly related to the farm performance level. This confirms that the current mode of water governance and management does not lead to the optimal allocation and the sustainability of this resource remains threatened.

Keywords: Allocation, Institution, irrigation water efficiency, Sustainability, total factors productivity.

From nature to a novel irrigation system for home gardens in arid zone countries A.Al-Mayahia , S. Al-Ismailya , A. Al-Maktoumia , H. Al-Busaidia , A. Kacimova , R. Jankeb , J. Boumac , and J. Šimůnekd

aDepartment of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman bDepartment of Crop Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman cEmeritus Professor Soil Science, Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands dDepartment of Environmental Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA

Abstract Water scarcity and heat stress in arid countries discourage people to enjoy gardening. Like many cities, in Muscat, Oman, 70% of gardeners irrigate their home gardens with a desalinated drinking water which ultimately increases their water bills (Al-Mayahi et al., 2019). In this study, we were inspired by nature to transform the smart capillary barrier (SCB) structure, a composite soil of silt loam blocks surrounded by thin sand sheaths discovered inside the reservoir bed of Al- Khoud dam, Oman (Al-Ismaily et al., 2013), into two layers blocks (top and bottom) SCB irrigated by wicks (SCB-W) for home gardens. We studied soil- water dynamics-redistribution and evaporation under SCB-W system as compared to a control, a homogenous silt loam soil irrigated by the same wicks, (HW) using pot experiments. In each system, we installed four ECH2O EC-5 sensors, two at the top and two at the bottom part, connected to a datalogger Em50 (Decagon Devices Inc., Pullman, WA, USA) to measure volumetric water content θ during wetting and drying cycles. We employed a three-way repeated-measures ANOVA on Datadesk 8.1 (Data Description Inc. Ithaca, NY, USA) to assess significant differences in θ between the two systems with a 95% confident interval. Results showed that SCB-W wets the soil substrate two times faster than the HW during the wetting cycle (F (9,99)=4.619, P<0.0001). SCB-W saved 44.3-52.4% more θ at its bottom blocks throughout the drying cycle than the same part in HW (F (27,324)=16.605, P<0.0001). The findings of this study is an initial step for future work with plants grown in SCB- W. Keywords: Capillary barriers; Irrigation efficiency; Oman; Three way repeated- measures ANOVA

Water use efficiency and water value of irrigated citrus production in Tunisia Ali CHEBIL(1) , Aymen FRIJA(2) and Rania SOULA(3) ( 1 )National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, Water & Forestry (INRGREF), Tunis, Tunisia. E-mail: [email protected] ( 2 )International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) Hedi Karray Street CP : 2049. Ariana, Tunisia ( 3 )Higher Agronomic Institute of Chott Meriem, B.P. n° 47, 4042, Sousse, Tunisia

Abstract In Tunisia, over 75% of the available water is used for agriculture sector. Irrigated surface is covering around 450000 ha, which is around 8% of the total agricultural surface but it contributes up to 35% of the national agricultural production value, 20 % of total agricultural exports and 27% of agricultural employment. However, among the most critical challenges of this sector are the increasing water scarcity, competition uses of water among various sectors and deterioration of water quality. Irrigation water use efficicency improvement becomes more urgent. In fact, several studies in Tunisia on the economic use of irrigation water show that it is possible to raise productivity by improving efficiency without developing new irrigation technologies (Dhehibi et al. 2007; Frija et al. 2009; Chemak, 2012; Chebil et al., 2012; Chebil et al., 2013; Chemak et al., 2018). Within this context, the present study examines the effects of water use efficiency and output price fluctuations on water values. It also seeks to compare these water values with its current water price. To this end, the stochastic frontier production function, simulation analysis, and data from selected sample of 40 farms located in the main producing region (Cap-Bon) were used. This northeastern region of Tunisia is located in the semi-arid bioclimatic lower floor. Water transfer from the North of the country represents the main water source for the irrigation. Empirical results show that significant inefficiencies exist in the sample of farms under investigation. Overall mean technical efficiency and water use efficiency are 78% and 56%, respectively. Results indicate that an improvement of water use efficiency could shift the marginal value curve upwards, and consequently raising water value. Simulation analysis also reveals in which extent water value is affected by the orange price fluctuations. Finally, improvement of water use efficiency and irrigation sustainability require a number of strategies at different levels such as: (i) encouragement and improvement of farmers’ association governance which can lead to better farms’ performances (ii) implementation an adequate tariff system for irrigation water saving (iii) intensification of extension services (iv) Management practices optimization of irrigation water at field level through better irrigation scheduling and doses, and (v) enhancement of farmers’ capacities for the marketing of their products. Keywords: Water use efficiency, Water value, Water pricing, Orange, Tunisia

Irrigation strategies and crops selection as a sustainable water- resource management in water limited environments: Tunisian case study Hacib El Amami, Abdelaziz zaïri, Insaf Mekki. National Institute for Research in Rural Engineering, Water and Forests e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract In the central parts of Tunisia, where surface water is both scarce and random, groundwater is the only source of irrigation. It has transformed rural economies through improved crop productivity and diversification, rising incomes of groundwater farmers as well as agricultural laborers. It can be considered, in short- term, as an example of success in achieving social welfare and economic growth policy objectives in these regions. However, such rapid growth is not without serious environmental implications since it has lead to rapid depletion of groundwater resources and increasing pumping costs. Combined with the increasing impact of climate change, current agricultural practices can no longer be sustained in these water scared regions. In this context, the use of water for agricultural production requires innovative and sustainable strategies to increase its efficiency as well as crops productivity. Undertaken at Sidi Bouzid area, located in the center of Tunisia, this paper discusses some of these aspects, mainly relative to on-farm irrigation management and appropriate crops selection. A two-stage simulation/mathematical programming model were developed to analyze farmlevel irrigation management and crops selection under conditions of limited water availability. In the first stage, biophysical crop simulation is used to analyze yield response to specified irrigation schedules. Data generated in the first stage are then integrated into a farm-level mathematical programming model to maximize returns through the efficient allocation of resources under different scenarios of water availability. Results showed that adaptation for existing water scarcity will require a paradigmatic shift from maximizing productivity per unit of cultivated land to maximizing productivity per unit of water consumed. It requires also crops substitution by shifting from the summer high consumptive crops to autumn/winter crops and the adoption of drought tolerant crops like olive trees. It was found that deficit irrigation is suitable for many

crops like wheat, forage and olive trees since it generates the higher economic return per consumed cubic meter. However, it seems not well suitable for vegetables crops. In this case, short-season high-value crops should be cultivated on less area or may be substituted for longer-season crops less sensitive to water. In the short term, such adaptation leads to a reduction in the farmer income, however in the medium term it allows to sustain it and therefore to sustain the economic viability of existing irrigated farming systems. Based on these results, this study suggests that irrigation strategies management and appropriate crops selection are among strong adjustments in responding to reduced annual water availability and they can be recommended for water scarcity area.

Keywords: Irrigation, strategies, substitution, crops, water scarcity.

Farmers' Strategies to cope with water scarcity in the coastal oasis in Gabes, South Tunisia Ayoub Fouzai1, Hassen Abdelhafidh1, Naceur Mahdhi2, Haytham Ounis1

1Higher School of Agriculture, Mograne - Carthage University, Tunisia, [email protected] 2Arid Regions Institute – Medenine, Tunisia, [email protected]

Abstract This paper aims to identify farmers' strategies to cope with water scarcity in coastal oasis irrigated areas in Gabes, South Tunisia. In the selected study area, groundwater is the only source to maintain farming systems and oasis rural space. Facing the increase of groundwater depletion, due to overuse, the oasis spaces are driven by a dynamic of agriculture abandon for the benefit of an urbanization expansion. The study was conducted with 195 farmers, being selected randomly from three communes (Gabes Bahria, Ghannouche and Kettana) and face to face surveyed. The methodological framework consists of; (i) a sample typology characterization by a hierarchical clustering via the "Ward aggregation Method" and factor analysis method, and (ii) A Multinomial Logit (MNL) regression. The cluster analysis generates three farmers groups based on their adaptation strategies to cope with water scarcity during the last ten years. The factor analysis leads us to characterize three corresponding adaptation strategies: cropping systems modification, water-saving techniques adoption, and capital intensive strategy. The MNL regression shows the socioeconomic and demographic profile of each farmers' adaptation strategy group. Understanding the determinants of the decision can help policymakers to design policies to influence the adoption of Best Management Practices based strategies that guarantee the sustainability of the groundwater as well as the production systems in coastal oasis.

Keywords : Water scarcity, irrigation, adaptation strategies, groups, determinants, MNL regression.

Groundwater vulnerability assessment for seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifer of southern Tamil Nadu, India Dr. S. Selvakumar1, N. Chandrasekar1, S. Kaliraj2 1Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tamil Nadu, India, [email protected] 2ESSO-National Centre for Earth Science Studies, [email protected]

Abstract The coastal aquifers underlying the Indian coasts are progressively occupied seawater in various parts of inland area, owing to a lowering of the freshwater head. The Southern Tamil Nadu coastal aquifers are very sensitive to coastal processes and hence it determines the position of saltwater intrusion at the base of the coastal aquifers. The rise in the sea level will push the freshwater-seawater interface more inland along the coastal aquifers and will submerge low lying areas with seawater, thereby making the shallow aquifers saline. In addition the indiscriminate and unplanned exploitation of groundwater from coastal aquifers is the primary cause for groundwater salinization. The prevention or control of coastal aquifer salinization demands appropriate management plans that designate maximum feasible pumping rates and optimum well allocation. In this context, assessing the groundwater vulnerability for salinization is important for designing efficient regional scale groundwater management and protection strategies. The GALDIT model and important hydrogeochemical indicators were applied to assess the seawater intrusion vulnerability and mapping the vulnerable zone in the study area. The model result reveals that the coastal stretch between Tuticoin to Manapad have experienced moderate to low vulnerability to seawater intrusion and coastal stretches of Uvari to Idinthakari and Vijayapathi to Kootankuli were experienced very high seawater intrusion vulnerability conditions. A hydrochemical facies evolution (HFE) diagram represents the hydrochemical facies of groundwater elements that shows an intrusion of seawater into the coastal aquifers underlying the very high vulnerable zones. Keywords: Seawater intrusion, Southern Tamil Nadu cost, GALDIT Model, Groundwater vulnerability

Determinants of irrigated farms productivity scores : Emphasis on corruption and free-rider behavior Hassen ABDELHAFIDH1 , Ayoub FOUZAI1 , Amal BACHA1 , Marwa BEN BRAHIM1 , and Houda MAZHOUD2 1. Ecole supérieure d’Agriculture de Mograne, Université de Carthage. 2. Institut National de recherche Agronomique de Tunis, Université de Carthage. Email: [email protected] Tel: +216 97749748 Fax: +216 72660563

Abstract This paper examines irrigation management conduct within the Tunisian Water Users Association (WUA), namely WUA in Nadhour irrigated area (central of Tunisia). The functioning of 9 Users' Associations in Zaghouan region was evaluated on the basis of questionnaires and related interviews. The objectives of this study are twofold. Firstly, we estimate technical efficiency scores of 90 smallholder farmers using the non parametric DEA model. Secondly a Tobit model was used to test the hypothesis of differentiated technical efficiency scores. The investigation shows an average technical efficiency of 70.8%. It highlighted the group size, the infrastructure state, the existing pressure on available water resources, corruption, unlawful connection, free-riding behavior as tightly correlated factors with farm’s productivity. This suggests that there is potential to improve production efficiency through implementing targeted programs and rules for inefficient farmers. Keywords: Water users associations, Corruption , Free rider , Technical efficiency, Tunisia.

Optimizing groundwater allocation schemes for crop irrigation: An inverse DEA approach Amar Oukil a Slim Zekrib

a College of Economics & Political Science, Sultan QaboosUniversity, Muscat, Oman b College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman

Abstract:

Groundwater remains the most critical resource for crop irrigation in arid areas due to rainfall scarcity. Developing decision tools that guarantee optimal distribution of this resource is an essential step toward setting sustainable policies in the area. The objective of our study consists in enhancing the efficiency of the allocation process of land and irrigation water among neighboring farmers through sharing resources. Our approach is based on embedding inverse data envelopment analysis (InvDEA) under a mergers and acquisition strategy framework that can involve two or more farms. The proposed approach uses first DEA to classify the farms into efficient and inefficient based on their relative performance in using resources, including water or/and related proxies, such as electricity. Next, each group of farms that are geographically close and have been identified as inefficient can be merged into a “fictitious” new farm through invDEA. The merger entails sharing resources and land consolidation for the sake of improving individual and group efficiencies. The proposed InvDEA-based approach is applied on a dataset of 45 farming units in the Batinah region. It is shown through a randomly selected merger of two farms that the model can not only assist in reallocating resources but it also enables reversing the merger's decision if the contribution of one of the merging entities is found to be poor.

Keywords: Groundwater allocation, Sharing resources, Inverse optimization, data envelopment analysis, Oman.

Evaluation of five local accessions of alfalfa under saline conditions n South Al-Batinah, Sultanate of Oman Dr. Salim Abdullah Rashid Alrasbi Soil and Water Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries [email protected]

ABSTRACT Worldwide alfalfa is known as the queen of forages. It is a predominant forage crop grown in different governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. Almost all the farmers who raise livestock in Oman grow alfalfa for feed. There are many obstacles facing farmers while growing this forage. One of theses obstacles is the rise of water salinity. In order to understand the effect of salinity on the growth and production of alfalfa under Al-Batinah conditions, five known local accessions were selected from fifty three accessions that were screened under different salinity levels from seed to one month old seedlings. The seeds of these selected five accessions were planted in an open field to test their productivity under salinity. These five local accessions were; OMA 257, OMA 263, OMA273, OMA276 and OMA 281. Four levels of irrigation water salinity.

Keywords: Alfalfa; saline; predominant forage crop

Effect Of Deficit Irrigation As A Strategy In Irrigating Citrus Tree Plantings Under Water Scarcity Conditions Mohamed EL-OTMANI, Fatima ALAHIAN, Charif AZROF, Chouaibi ANOUAR and Redouane Choukrallah. Department of Horticulture, Institut Agronomioque et Vétérinaire Hassan II, Complexe Horticole d’Agadir, Ait Melloul 80.150, Morocco. Author to whom correspondence should be addressed : [email protected]

Abstract :

Citrus is major fruit crop produced (on 120.000 ha) and exported from Morocco. It consumes 10.000 m3 /ha. Currently, irrigation water is becoming scarce and drip irrigation is the water supply system used in plantings because of its high water use efficiency and productivity. Recent research indicates that additional water saving and higher efficiency can be obtained via adoption of deficit irrigation strategies such as sustained deficit irrigation (SDI; which consists of a practice where water supply is below crop requirement, throughout the crop cycle, but with little or no negative effect on crop yield and quality), regulated deficit irrigation (RDI; defined as watering regime that stresses the tree at specific developmental stage of the crop such that there is little or no negative effect on yield or marketable product and/or profit) and partial root-zone drying (PRD; defined as a deficit irrigation strategy in which half of the root-zone is irrigated alternatively in scheduled irrigation events). The above irrigation strategies were applied on citrus clementine (Citrus reticulata) plantings for two years at different tree phonological stages. Four cultivars were included: ‘Sidi Aissa’, ‘Orogrande’, ‘Bruno’ and ‘Esbal’. Results indicate that deficit irrigation reduced fruit size and yield but enhanced fruit quality with PRD treatments having more significant effect than SDI or RDI. Effect on water saving, vegetative growth and final water use efficiency is presented and discussed. KEY WORDS: Clementine mandarin, regulated deficit irrigation, sustained deficit irrigation, partial root zone drying, yield, fruit size, fruit quality.

Groundwater salinization in Erfoud oasis SE of Morocco Ahmed Fekri1, Beata Latos2, Stanisław Chmiel3, Rafał Kozłowski4, Anna Szczucińska2, Mateusz Zieliński2, Soufiane Maimouni1 1University hassan II faculty of science Ben M'Sik Casablanca,Morocco 2Adam Mickiewicz University Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Poznań, Poland 3 Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Lublin, Poland 4 The Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce - Independent Department of Environment Protection and Modelling, Kielce, Poland

Abstract: The oases located in the south of Morocco under an arid climate owe their existence and durability to specific geographic and hydrogeological conditions. Indeed these oases along the river called Ziz fed mainly by precipitation water at the heights of the high atlas located further north. Flood waters are being used to irrigate a stratified agriculture with date palms of pomegranate olive trees and vegetable gardens. With the construction of the upstream dam, surface flows have been reduced and groundwater is becoming increasingly stressed. It suffers from increasing salinity, putting this ecosystem at risk. The study conducted focused on the hydrogeochemical characterization of groundwater at the Erfoud oasis during high-water periods (April 2018). The measurements concerned major elements and physical parameters measured in situ. A principal component analysis distinguished three groups that are characterized by their degree of mineralization and chemical composition. Their projection on the map demonstrates the effect of infiltration of surface water along major canalization. Zones with more mineralized groundwater have been delineated as well as areas that do not benefit from infiltration. An analysis of the hydrochemical type shows that the salinization phenomenon is mainly due to enrichment in sulphates, Calcium and chlorides confirming the effect of the dissolution of the evaporites contained in the matrix of this shallow aquifer. Note also the effect of date palms that participate in their ability to evapo transpiration to increase the of groundwater salinization. Keywords: oasis, groundwater, salinization, Morocco

Valorization of plastic bottles for Irrigation in arid area Dalila Benlarbi , Sofiane Seggai and Fatoum Chengueti Ouargla University, 30000, Ouargla, Algeria [email protected]

Abstract. Irrigation systems in the Saharan regions consume significant quantities of water, which causes a rise in the phreatic water, secondary salinization of the soil and consequently a degradation of agricultural production. Our work is to minimize water loss by irrigating and pouring water directly into the rhizosphere. For the experiment, perforated plastic bottles filled with gravel and coated with geotextile fabric were used. The water arrives at the bottles by means of a 43mm diameter transparent single pipe connected to the tank (a 500 liter capacity plastic tank) fed from a nearby borehole ; at the end of the pipe, at the entrance to the bottle, a 0.15L / min flow diverter (a perfusor used in hospitals) is used to regulate the flow. The quantity of water received is determined using a moisture meter. Losses by evaporation and infiltration by weighing difference were also determined every 5 days. By comparing the results with drip irrigation, we obtain a yield of 80% since the bottles are buried, we avoid the loss of water by evaporation, especially during dry periods. Thanks to this irrigation method, cultivation will be possible even in arid regions.

Keywords: resources, water, arid, hydric, irrigation, bottle, evaporation

Surface Water Quality in Coastal Area of Bangladesh for Irrigation Purpose M.G. Mostafa* , M.F. Serder and M.R. Hasan 1 Institute of Environmental Science, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi, Bangladesh 2 Department of Civil Engineering, BAUET, Natore, Bangladesh * Corresponding author’s email: [email protected]

Abstract The surface water quality was investigated for the suitability of irrigation purposes in the midsouth coastal areas of Bangladesh. Some secondary meteorological and hydrological data of Khepupara (Known as Kalapara) station were collected from different Government and NonGovernment organizations. Some representative water samples were collected from selected estuaries, rivers, canals and ponds to assess the existing water quality of the areas. The major water quality parameters including water temperature, DO, pH, EC, TDS, TSS, Na+, K+ , Ca2+ , Mg2+ , Fe, Cu, Pb, Mn, - -2 - - -3 Al, Zn, Cl , SO4 , NO3 , HCO3 and PO4 , etc. were considered. The analysis results of the meteorological data showed an increasing trend in average temperature, humidity, and rainfall. These increasing trends definitely have influenced water quality through the dissolution of particles in the soil where the surface run-off has occurred. The water sample analysis results showed that the mean value of typical parameters like EC, TDS, Na+, and Clwere exceeded the permissible limit of DoE, Bangladesh, 2010 and FAO, 1985 standards for the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The mean concentration of cations and anions indicated a Na-Cl water type, especially during the pre- and post-monsoon seasons. Moreover, the water quality parameter in the areas showed higher amount than the standard permissible limits indicating the quality is deteriorating. The water quality index for domestic usages showed a very poor to unsuitable quality in most of the surface water except ponds water, especially in the pre- and post-monsoon periods. The surface water (i.e. estuaries, rivers, etc.) quality index for irrigation purpose usages was found high to severely restricted (score: 0-55) during the preand post-monsoon seasons. The study predicted that due to saline water intrusion, the water quality deterioration started from post-monsoon and reached its highest level during the premonsoon season, which gradually depreciates the water quality in coastal Bangladesh. Keywords: Coastal, surface water, salinity, water quality, deterioration

Influence of Nutrient Solution Temperature on Its Oxygen Level and Growth, Yield and Quality of Hydroponic Cucumber Muthir S. Al-Rawahy1, Salim A. Al-Rawahy, Yaseen A. Al-Mulla & Saleem K. Nadaf 1 Plant Production Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries [email protected]

ABSTRACT High nutrient solution temperature stress around root-zone (rhizosphere) is a major factor limiting hydroponic crop growth due to change in dissolved oxygen (DO) levels in nutrient solution during the high-temperature seasons. This suggests that easier and economical control of root-zone temperature (RZT) could be an effective solution to the temperature stress for the crop plants in hydroponics. In this respect, the present investigation was undertaken to comprehend the influence of nutrient solution temperature on its oxygen level (ambient dissolved oxygen in feeding tank), growth, yield and quality of cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) plants. The plants were cultivated in recirculating hydroponic system in a greenhouse with dimensions of 9 m wide × 30 m long and total area of 270 m2 during three cropping periods in Oman viz. summer (June-August), fall (September-November) and spring (February-May) in two consecutive years 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. Three cooling treatments were applied viz. T1 (22 ᵒC), T2 (25 ᵒC) and T3 (28 ᵒC) through cooling nutrient solution besides non-cooled treatment T4 (33 ᵒC) as control. The plants were grown in pots filled with perlite medium in randomized complete design (RCD) with four replications. All the treatments received the same nutrient concentrations. The results showed that cooling of nutrient solution temperature influenced positively the levels of DO in the fresh nutrient solution feeding tank and drain nutrient solution for all cropping periods in both the years. Significant (p < 0.05) differences between the treatments were observed in oxygen consumption by the roots of cucumber in the cropping periods in both the years. High levels of oxygen consumptions were recorded with cooled RZTs as compared to that of control-noncooled RZT for all cropping periods in both the years. All growth, production and quality attributes were positively influenced and greatly expressed by cooled root-zone temperature in the root-zone of cucumber with increased DO levels in nutrient solution. This study revealed that availability of optimum aeration (oxygen levels) in nutrient solution through cooling of nutrient solution temperature could be of significance for boosting cucumber yield as observed during all the growing periods especially in summer in Oman.

Climate change and water resources

Climate Change and Changes in Glaciers and Water Resources in Urumqi River Basin Jiancheng Kang Shanghai Normal university, China [email protected]

Abstract The Urumqi River Basin, located in the hinterland of Eurasia, the middle part of the northern slope of Tianshan Mountains, the southern edge of the Junggar Basin in Xinjiang, China; belongs to the typical continental arid climate zone. The Urumqi River, which originates from the number 1 glacier of Tianshan Mountain, flows to northeast, runs through Urumqi City out of the mountains, ends into the Quangal Basin; her length is 214 km, and the basin area is 5803 km2. The Urumqi River has a mixed supply with melt-water of ice and snow, rainfall and groundwater. Of the runoff, 26.7% comes from glacial melt-water supply, so climate change has a significant impact on river runoff. The glaciers are the solid reservoirs in arid areas, which maintain the ecological environment and life system in the arid basins. The number 1 glacier of Tianshan Mountain has been receding since 1959. Its area was reduced to 1.71km2 in 2001 and 1.51km2 in 2018, mainly due to rising temperatures, and heavy rain significantly increased. From the weather data, during 1961-2016, the annual average temperature at the glacier region has increased by 1.6℃, and the annual precipitation increased by 121mm. The climate warming has accelerated the melting of glaciers, resulting in the decrease of glacier reserves. At begin, which has increased the melting water, about 70% of the increase in runoff in the source area of the Urumqi River came from the accelerated melting of glaciers, which lead changing of distribution of water resources and the increase of disaster risk. But, the increase of melting water runoff with the retreat of glaciers is unsustainable, and with the reduction of glacier reserves continuously in the future and the sharp decrease of water resources, the survival in the arid basin will face serious risks.

Keywords: Climate Change, Glacier Change, Water Resource, Urumqi River Basin, Tianshan Mountains

Consequence of the natural and anthropogenic hazards on the Nile- Delta ecosystem Ahmed Awad Abdelhady Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Minia University, El–Minia 61519, Egypt ([email protected]) Abstract The Nile-delta lakes (Manzala, Borollus, Edku, and Mariut) are a vital aquacultural base for millions of people in Egypt. Since Aswan High-Dam was completed, the hydeodynamics and turbidity of the lakes has dramatically decreased. Analyses of both surface and core sediemnts indicated that the sediment of post-Aswan High-Dam of these lakes, occasionally in Manzala is polluted by many metals, especially Pb, Zn and Cd, due to the direct human input from neighboring megacities, where the petro- chemical industry is thought to be a major source. Aridity and low precipitation clogged flushing out of these heavy metals as in case of humid lakes. The negative impacts of this degradation are becoming well known in the upper portions of the trophic web (e.g., humans and fish), but are less characterized among the benthic primary consumers in the Nile Delta lakes. Analyzing the benthic communities in the Manzala lagoon (Nile–Delta) have specified the impact from both natural (e.g. sea- level rise and subsidence) as well as anthropogenic hazards (e.g., the construction of the High–Dam at Aswan and the organic/inorganic pollution). Investigating the functional and structural composition of the benthic communities revealed a clear connection to environmental changes and provides a reciprocal role in highlighting possible threats for biodiversity. Keywords: Heavy metals; Environmental changes; Aswan High-Dam, Anthropogenic impact; Biodiversity; Manzala lagoon; Nile–Delta.

Optimizing Reservoir Operation in Arid Region: A case Study- Algeria- Merouane Boudjerda, Bénina Touaibia, Mustapha Kamal Mihoubi ENSH, Algeria [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Abstract: In this study, novel optimization algorithms namely; New Directional Bat Algorithm (NBat) is applied to investigate reservoir optimization. The optimal operation rule is formulated to minimize the gap between water release and water demand. As a case study, Foum El-Gherza dam’s reservoir system in arid region of Algeria, has been selected to examine our proposed optimization model. For comparative analysis purposes, the operation rule generated from the proposed NBat model has been evaluated against other heuristic algorithms namely; Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). The results showed that the proposed NBat outperformed the GA and PSO models. The application of the NBat algorithm allowed increasing the satisfaction rate (SR) from 12.32% to 49%, while it’s estimated 42% and 44% for GA and PSO respectively. In addition, the operation rule generated from NBat showed more reliable and less vulnerable matching with water demand pattern on monthly basis. It could be concluded that the NBat algorithm would be a promising optimization algorithm in developing long-term optimization for specification dam’s reservoir operation rules.

Keywords: Water Management, Arid Region, Dam and Reservoir Operation, Optimization, MetaHeuristics Algorithm

Comprehending Roles of Stable Isotopes for Water Source Sustainability Dharmaveer Singh Assistant Professor, Symbiosis Institute of Geoinformatics, Symbiosis International (Deemed University) Pune-411016 (India), E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract In last few decades, the world has witnessed a perpetual increase in the demand for water due to the increased population, urbanisation, changing living standards, industrialisations and expansion of irrigated agriculture. Concurrently, climate change has aggravated the problem by altering the hydrologic conditions and reduces the availability of water from various surface and sub-surface sources. This has escalated conflicts for water amongst different sectors of the economy and society as well as in ecosystems. Therefore, ensuring source sustainability of water resources is prerequisite for achieving the goals of sustainable development. Stable isotope ratios of hydrogen and oxygen (expressed as δ2H and δ18O) in water are good tracers, and help in understanding and identifying vital physical processes, which are responsible for its (water) evolution and movement. The proper planning and management of water resources at the river basin scale is subjective to the scientific investigations of hydrological processes. δ2H and δ18O, in rivers, can effectively be used in tracing the source(s) of water and catchment integrated precipitation signals, quantifying mixing proportions among them, evaluating infiltration of river water to subsurface aquifers and assessment of evaporation loss during their transit. In this paper, applications of δ 2H and δ18O have been discussed to comprehend the origins and sources for atmospheric moistures, the partition of water components, and identifying seepage from the lake/reservoirs through case studies conducted in the Western Himalaya.

Keywords: Water, climate change, stable isotopes, source sustainability

Optimal management of water resources to sustain agricultural production in the United Arab Emirates Khalil Ammar ICBA, United Arab Emirates, [email protected]

Abstract Sustaining agricultural production under water scarcity conditions is very challenging in the United Arab Emirates. Limited available renewable water resources and poor soil conditions with limited suitable soil for agriculture are the main constrains to increase agricultural production to meet the increasing food demand. In addition, mismatch between suitable soil and good quality water, growing high water consuming crops, and high-water losses in the irrigation systems exacerbated the water problem, caused depletion of existing finite (non-renewable) groundwater resources and deteriorated its quality. To respond to these challenges, optimal management of water resources is suggested not only to sustain agricultural production but also to lead to much higher economic return per unit of water. Estimates of available water resources, water needs, and the economic returns of proposed management options are done using several tools. Economic linear programming model is used to optimize the economic return of crops per unit of water. Several scenarios were formulated and analyzed to determine the opportunities to overcome the main challenges facing the agricultural sustainability. The results showed the best economical crops that can be grown in different groundwater and soil suitability zones, for example, vegetables to be grown in good quality water and highly suitable soil zone. The zones of less soil suitability and more brackish water were proposed to be grown with alternative salt-tolerant crops. While for the zones with high water salinity, only halophytes were proposed as potential areas for future needs and not in the short- term horizon. Suggested management options were grouped in these zones to: regulations, economic, and extension services measures.

Keywords: water resources, Scarcity, challenges

Rainfall Change and Spatial-temporal Aspects of Agricultural Drought in Syria Safwan Mohammed 1*, Karam Alsafadi2 , Seyed Mohammad Nasir Mousavi1 , and Endre Harsanyie1 1 Institution of Land Utilization, Technology and Regional Planning, University of Debrecen, Debrecen 4032, Hungary. 2Department of Geography and GIS, Faculty of Arts, Alexandria University, Alexandria 25435, Egypt, *Corresponding/presenting author: [email protected]

Abstract

In the last decade, Syria has witnessed a dramatic change in rainfall patterns. These changes have badly affected vegetation cover and agricultural production. Thus, the aim of this research is to track agricultural drought changes over Syria and to highlight the most vulnerable zones to them. To achieve the study aim, monthly precipitation data observed at 36 metrological stations uniformly distributed over Syria were collected. After that dataset was checked for homogeneity the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was then applied to detect agricultural drought. In the final steps, the results were driven to GIS and interpolated using the ‘Kriging’ method. The results showed that rainfall had decreased across Syria from 1990 to 2010. However, the years between 2006 and 2010 were the worst of the studied periods. Similarly, the Mann–Kendall test showed a negative trend for agricultural drought in almost all of the studied stations. All in all, this research emphasizes the negative trends of rainfall in Syria and the positive trend of agricultural drought.

Keywords: SPI; Drought; Syria

Groundwater Recharge in the context of Climate Change and Land use / Land Cover Change in lower Ravi River Basin Pakistan Saqib Ashraf Yokohama National University Japan [email protected]

Abstract Groundwater is an essential resource of water for irrigation and household use especially in area where surface water quality does not fulfill the demands. However, its sustainability is threatened by climate change and Land cover change. Estimation of groundwater recharge for Lower Ravi river basin in context of climate change and Land use change is conducted in this research. Initially the trend analysis of historical climate was carried out using RClimdex software showing that climatic trends are changing. The generation of future climate parameters including rainfall and temperature was the next step. Three GCMs and two RCP scenarios were considered. The historical climate data along with basic inputs were used to develop a calibrated and validated hydrological model named SWAT for the study area. The current land cover was used to generate future land cover in the area using CA-Markov. Four scenarios namely Baseline, Climate Change, Land Cover change and combined land cover and climate change were developed for quantification of groundwater recharge in the study area. The annual temperature is expected to increase by 2.1 0C and 3.7 0C respectively for RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 by 2100. The annual mean precipitation is also expected to increase by 2.45% and 4.47% for two RCPs respectively. The groundwater recharge under climate change scenario is going to increase by 8% with a seasonal shift. Major impacts on recharge were seen through Land cover change which causes a decrease in recharge to 38%. The combined impacts of climate and land use change are reduction in recharge to about 15%. Land cover change is going to impact groundwater recharge more critically than climate change. The data sources include Geographic Survey Department of Pakistan, Pakistan Meteorological Department and USGS Database. The study period was 1.5 Years.

Keywords: Climate Change, Climate variables, Groundwater Recharge, Land Cover Change, SWAT Model.

Evaluation of groundwater from drought-prone subtropical North America for irrigation and drinking quality assessments in the context of global warming PRIYADARSI D. Roy1 , JOSÉ L. Sánchez-Zavala1 , T. Subramani2 , CHOKALINGAM Lakshumanan3 , OLIVIA Zamora-Martínez1 , D. Karunanidhi4 , GOWRAPPAN Muthusankar5

1 Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico 2Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India 3Centre for Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India 4Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Shakthi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore, India 5 French Institute of Pondicherry, 11 St. Louis Street, Pondicherry, India

Abstract

Southeastern part of the Chihuahua Desert has always been drought-prone as southerly migrated ITCZ and enhanced ENSO since the early Holocene reduced the moisture supply. This arid region was inhabited by nomadic hunters since 10,500 years BP and agricultural activities started around 1500 years BP. The climate models predict temperature increase of 1-2°C and precipitation reduction of 10-20% in this region over the next couple of decades. The impacts of water scarcity might reduce the crop yield by half by the end of this century, exacerbating the immigration from Mexico to the USA. Additionally, the over-exploitation of groundwater in last decades for irrigation has drastically reduced the water table causing burning of subsurface peat layers and subsidence. We investigated groundwater from three sedimentary basins (El Potosi, Sandia and Cieneguilla), used extensively for agricultural activities, in order to identify the recharge regions and determine their suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes, following the guidelines of WHO as well as using Na% and sodium adsorption ratio and permeability index. These groundwater (pH:7.2-8.2; TDS: 168-1660 mg/L) are of Ca-HCO3 and Ca-SO4 types, due to interaction of recharging water with limestone-gypsum bearing catchment lithologies. Distributions of stable isotopes with respect to the local meteoric water line identify the recharge regions at Mountains of different elevations located to the east (i.e. Sierra Madre Oriental). This recharge, however, does not reach aquifers in central part of these basins due to over-extraction in basin margins. Groundwater from El Potosi is the most suitable for irrigation and drinking. Samples from the Sandia and Cieneguilla are characterized by high to very-high salinity hazard and some of them are also doubtful-unsuitable for irrigation based on the Wilcox diagram. Some samples from El Potosi and Sandia, however, contain nitrate and fluoride more than permissible limits of human consumption.

Keywords: Hydrochemistry; Stable isotope; Water quality; Northeast Mexico; Chihuahua Desert

Influence of climate on chemical weathering in a semi-arid hard rock aquifers of South India: implications from groundwater chemistry and mass balance modelling Vinnarasi F, Srinivasamoorthy K*, Saravanan K, Gopinath S, Prakash K, Ponnumani G and Babu C Department of Earth Sciences, School of Physical, Chemical and Applied Sciences, Pondicherry University, Puducherry – 605 014, India *Presenting author email- [email protected]

Abstract Ground and surface water resources are influenced by climate change phenomenon. Larger documented studies of global warming on surface water bodies are available but still diminutive research in view of climate change influence on groundwater has been challenged in spite of its key role in water resource management to ensure supply for agricultural, industrial, municipal and domestic water supplies. The area marked for study is the Shanmughanadhi river basin, located in semi arid monsoon climatic condition with excess rainfall in uplands and scanty rainfall along the plains. Major litho units isolated were charnockite (CHK) and hornblende biotite gneiss (HBG) that correspond to 2200-2500 Ma late Archean to Proterozoic periods. Groundwater samples (n=60) were collected from fissured, fractured, and weathered crystalline aquifers by considering diverse litho units and analysed for major, trace and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) adopting standard procedures. Silicate weathering influences the groundwater solute flux with minor contribution from carbonate weathering. The silicate and carbonate weathering rates calculated for CHK and HBG were 3.07 and 5.12 tons/Km2 /year and 0.079 and 0.74 tons/Km2 /year respectively. The carbon-dioxide consumption rate calculated were 1.4×103mol/Km2 /year and 5.8×103 mol/Km2 /year for both CHK and HBG respectively. Present semi arid monsoon climatic conditions along with silicates from litho units are responsible for higher carbon-dioxide consumption during weathering. REEs in CHK and HBG accounts 8.49×10-4 and 1.08×10-3 mgL-1 respectively with higher REEs noted in HBG due to greater flushing rate and shorter groundwater residence time. Geochemical mass balance studies attempted to quantify individual dominant mineral weathering rates suggest plagioclase feldspar, orthopyroxene and alkali feldspars weather at a rate of 124.0, 17.5 and 20.0 mol/Hectare/Year correspondingly that acts as main source of REEs in the groundwater environment. Lithology, climate and relief were identified as the key factors in controlling the weathering rates from the aquifers of the study area.

Keywords: Climate, Chemical weathering, Geochemistry, Groundwater, REEs, Mass balance

Assessment of climate change and human activities on runoff in Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan Muhammad Saifullah1, Shiyin Liu2, Alamgir A.Khan2, Muhammad Zaman3, Yu Zhu2

1 Department agriculture engineering,MNS-university of agriculture multan,Pakistan 2 Institute of International Rivers and Eco-Security, Yunnan University, Kunming, China 3 Department of Irrigation and Drainage, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 380000, Pakistan [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

The climate change and human activities arising challenge in water resources, which is necessary to understand the impact on runoff characteristics. The Tomer Schalling and similar hydro-metrological conditions were developed for one tributary of upper Indus basin. This frame work was compared with statistical model for Kunhar River Basin, Pakistan. The framework was given to quantify the contribution of climate change and human activities in variations of runoff. Based eco-hydrological approach Pex were decreased from 0.88 to 0.84 and Eex were also decreased from 0.45 to 0.37 respectively. Simialar results were observed for Similar hydro-metrological conditions respectively. The developed statistical model for base line period, which identified the major contribution in runoff variation due to human activities. Out of which, 86.13% and 13.865% reduction was due to climate change and human activities (Irrigation, Urbanization, reservoir construction and recreation activities) respectively. This study can be utilize for future water resources management and planning.

Keywords: climate change, Human activities, Tomer schalling Framework, water Resources

Adaptation of reservoir operation to climate change in an arid area Mohammad Ebrahim Banihabib* and Khadijeh Hasani *Corresponding author, Professor of Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, University College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Email: [email protected] Tel: +98-21-360-40906

Abstract: Climate change consequences impacts on reservoirs’ inflows, and alteration of inflow trend is a new challenge for reservoirs operation. It is necessary to adapt reservoir operation for climate change especially in arid areas. The main purpose of this study is to propose a structure to assess the adaptation of reservoir rule-curve for climate change. The proposed structure is used in the arid area of Iran. The structure incorporates three models: downscaling model, rainfall-runoff model and reservoir optimization model. LARS-WG is tested in 99% confidence level before applying it as downscaling model. Moreover, several Artificial Neural Network (ANN) models were examined to find a proper simulator for rainfall-runoff relation in the studied basin. The proposed ANN model was compared with IHACRES to find its advantages in rainfall-runoff modeling. Current and adapted reservoir rule-curves were derived by developing a dynamic-programming optimization model. The results demonstrated capability of proposed structure in evaluation of the adaptation of reservoir rule-curve for climate change. Applying the proposed structure in an arid area of Iran indicated that climate change has negative influence on the proposed water supply index in normal and wet years, but, has positive influence on the index in dry years. This study showed that adaptation of reservoir rule-curves improves reservoir reliability, but it cannot recover the climate change impact completely. Finally, the results of this research revealed the capability of the proposed structure to assess adaptation potential of reservoir rule-curve for climate change. The results also demonstrated that proposed structure can assess the climate change impact. Furthermore, the outcome of this study encourages water resources managers to adapt reservoir rule-curves as a compensating solution for the negative impact of climate change. However, it should be emphasized that demand management also is required for completely compensating of the water deficits resulted from climate change.

Ground water vulnerability assessment of the South East India in the context of climate change stressors G. Muthusankar1† , C. Lakshumanan2 , PRIYADARSI D. Roy3 1French Institute of Pondicherry, 11 St. Louis Street, P.B.33, Puducherry 605001. 2Centre for Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University,Khajamalai Campus, Thiruchirappalli 620023. 3 Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico †Corresponding author. Tel. +91 413 - 2231654, Mob: 9443437136 E-mail address: [email protected]

Abstract

Climate change is affecting the agricultural sector since it is dependent on climatic conditions and water resource availability. The impacts tend to be greater in semi-arid and hard rock areas with few water resources. Vast area of the Tamil Nadu comes under Semi-arid and hard rock area. Due to prevailing semi-arid climate in these areas, both surface and ground water resources are very much limited due to several years of low and inconsistent rainfall. The agricultural activity in these areas have particularly became vulnerable to present day climate variability. In order to address these problems, the vulnerability profile is constructed by combining indices of “adaptive capacity” with “sensitivity indices”. The adaptive capacity was measured by biophysical indicators, socioeconomic parameters and technological factors. To measure sensitivity to future climate change IPCC-AR4 GCM climate model output obtained under IPCC SRES-A2 GHG emission scenario projected for the period 2040-2060 were used by downscaling for south India. Finally, the vulnerability of living population to future climate change was assessed for the entire semi - arid and hard rock area of Tamil Nadu state. The results show that six district are highly vulnerable to future climate change.

Keywords: climate change, ground water, adaptive capacity, sensitivity, vulnerability

STUDY OF THE POSSIBLE IMPACTS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON URBAN DRAINGE MODEL AND RAINFALL EXTREMES - THE CASE OF THE CITY OF ALGIERS Lameche elkhansa1, Hamouda Boutaghane2 1 Larbi Ben Mhidi University, Engineering Faculty, Hydraulics Department ,oeb, Algeria. Email: [email protected] 2 Mokhtar University, Engineering Faculty, Hydraulics Department, Annaba, Algeria. Email: [email protected]

Abstract: The Mediterranean zone, precisely the north of Africa "Algeria", has experienced devastating floods over the past decade due to short duration and high intensity storms, where project rain is an important tool in designing drainage systems and protecting cities against the risk of floods in order to predict the behavior of combined networks by the assessment of the possible impacts of climate change on extreme urban rainfall.. The general objective of this work is to contribute to the modernization and improvement of the strategy for flood protection of the urban stormwater network and to facilitate the management of the urban drainage systems to decision-makers in order to protect human beings as the first concern and the property of people too. To this end, we are interested in the study of the urban storm sewer system of the city of Algiers "capital of Algeria" which is characterized by a large urban population and a very high waterproofing coefficient and which presents frequent overflows during rainy periods due to the extension of urban areas and the under-sizing of some collectors.

Keywords: Impacts of climate change, extreme rainfall, Matlab, urban drainage systems, combined sewerage network, Mike Urban Mouse, calibration, validation.

The Impact of Climate Change on Ammonium Sorption in Kuwait Bay Eqbal Al-Enezi 1Environment and Life Sciences Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box 24885, Safat 13109, Kuwait. 2Dipartimento di Scienze Pure e Applicate (DiSPeA) Università degli Studi di Urbino corresponding- [email protected]

Abstract Nutrient dynamics is a key element of the marine ecosystem and nutrient concentrations are important for marine productivity. Therefore, any disturbance in this cycle will adversely impact marine productivity. The enrichment of surface water by nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) leads to excessive growth of algae and other aquatic plants (algal blooms), which can lead to decline in oxygen levels and release of noxious gases such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia (fish kill and red tide). Most of the nutrients, including nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), are available in dissolved phase and in solute phase with bottom sediments. Hence, there is a certain complication in this cycle that needs to be understood. However, there is limited information about N and P availability in Kuwait marine environment. The aim of this study to understand the impact the climate change on Ammonium sorption.

Keyword: Sorption, Ammonium, Climate change, Sediment

Vulnerability to climate change of farming systems in Tunisian rural areas Jamel Ben Nasr, Hatem CHAAR, Fadoua Bouchiba and Issam Nouiri Tunisian Agronomic Institute, University of Carthage, Tunisia [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract Climate change presents a profound challenge and threat to ecosystems, biodiversity and human wellbeing. In rural areas, human wellbeing and development are strongly linked to agriculture. In Tunisia, agricultural sector represents the main livelihood for the large rural population, particularly in semi arid regions. Hence, increase in temperature and significant precipitation decrease, as presented by the different scenarios of climate change projections, will affect this sector and, as a consequence, the socioeconomic development and welfare of rural families. This paper aims to evaluate and analyze the vulnerability of farming systems to climate change effects. Survey data collected from 60 farmers in the Bargou-Siliana region were used for this study. To assess the farming system resilience and vulnerability, we adopt the RIMA approach. We estimate a structural model with the partial least squares method and we use the Smart PLS software. In this model we estimate the farming system vulnerability by a combination of set predict variables, each variable is determined by a set of indicators. According to the vulnerability index we distinguish three farming system groups; highly vulnerable, moderately vulnerable and not vulnerable farming systems. Variables of exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity are the three determinant factors of farm vulnerability. Assessing resilience and vulnerability of farming systems can increase awareness and help stakeholders and decision makers to develop climate change adaptation strategies. This can contribute to the sustainable rural development goals.

Key words: Farming system, Rural family wellbeing, Smart PLS, Vulnerability index

Modeling aquifer behavior under climate change and high consumption in a coastal aquifer : case study of Jijel plain area, northeast Algeria Abdelmadjid BOUFEKANE1 , Omar SAIGHI2 1 GEE Research Laboratory, Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Hydraulique de Blida, Algeria 2 Department of Geology, (FSTGAT/USTHB), Algiers, Algeria [email protected]

Abstract This study investigates the effect of drought and pumping discharge on groundwater supplies and marine intrusion in the Jijel plain area (Algeria). A groundwater modelling system software has been used to model the groundwater flow. The calibration is based on the groundwater levels in the steady state from 2012 and in the transient state from 2012 to 2042 (30 years). The main objective is to quantify the components of the groundwater balance and to estimate the hydraulic conductivity distribution. The impact of pumping discharge and drought on groundwater level evolution has been examined. As the population continues to grow and the demand for groundwater pumping intensifies beyond 2012, it can be expected that the actual extent of seawater intrusion and anthropogenic pollution in the future will be more severe than that predicted by the model. Better strategies for groundwater development and management, such as artificial recharge and modern irrigation systems, will be necessary to preserve freshwater aquifers and protect them from pollution.

Keywords: Groundwater modelling, model calibration, scenarios, marine intrusion, Jijel plain area.

The response of dust emission sources to climate change: Current and future simulation for southwest of Iran Abdolmajid Lababpour Shohadaye Hoveizeh University of Technology, Faculty of Engineering, 64418-78986 Dasht- e Azadeghan, Iran, [email protected] Abstract The integration of dust emissions on bare, dry, erodible land, and human anthropogenic activities impact ecosystems and agricultural production, air quality, human health, biogeochemical cycles, climate etc. Prediction of present and future dust emission projections support to state the hazard and tools to combat dust emission sources. This study recognize present dust emission sources (DESs) and their future projections in southwest of Iran (2050 and 2070) by distribution models. The sites observation, raster dataset of climate layers and statistical models in MaxEnt software were used to predict the current and future dust coverage and distribution and their response to climate change using RCPs scenarios of +2.6, +4.5, +6.0, and +8.5 W m-2 projection scenarios. Statistical machine learning analysis show that 12% of study area equal to 3540 km2 are susceptible to emit dust at present and its projection increase up to 18, 21, 28 and 36% for RCPs scenarios of +2.6, +4.5, +6.0, and +8.5 W m-2 , respectively, by the year 2070. Temperature and precipitation show most effective parameters determines future changes in DESs coverage and distribution. The area under curve (AUC) for DESs was 0.919, and results of Jackknife analyses shows high sensitivity of dust sources to climate variables. The results illustrate that the present DESs is mainly driven by a combinations of precipitation, temperature and land-use management, and the effects of natural are comparable to the anthropogenic activities, as human continue to shape the DESs through energy, water and land use. The predicted increase of DESs may substantially become much worse of dust storms in future, which affects the functioning of ecosystems as well as human health. The outcomes of this study may be useful for biocrust restoration technologies are considerable option in sustainable management of arid lands and dust emission sources. Keywords: Climate change, Distribution models, Dust storm, Soil rehabilitation, Human interference, Biocrust technologies

Rainwater Resources of India’s Desert area in the West Rajasthan P. R. Rakhecha1, 2 1 Independent Researcher: D – 82, Shastri Nagar, Jodhpur -342003, India 2 Formerly at: Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, Pune, India Email: [email protected]

Abstract The Indian southwest monsoon brings good amount of rainwater ranging from 200 – 360 mm in a year to the desert of West Rajasthan. Further, the basic characteristics of desert rainfall are discussed in terms of abnormalities in the annual rainwater, the daily and annual highest point and areal rain waters, the water potential generated from severe rainstorms, inter annual variability in rainwater in terms of droughts and floods and the maximum 1 – day point rainwater amounts for various return periods for some stations based on rainfall records of 30 stations for the 56- year period (1956 – 2012). It has been found rainwater in the desert area is most variable for which the annual total has ranged from less than half the mean in one year to more than twice the mean the next another year. A lack of rainwater resulted in severe drought conditions

Keywords: desert, monsoon, rainstorm, flood, drought, season

Use of RICCAR Data to assess the impact of climate change on water resources in Morocco Abdelkader Larabi*, Mohamed Faouzi, Hanane Asri, Mohamed Hamidi Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco * [email protected]

Abstract This study investigates the climate change variability and its impact on water resources in some hydrologic watersheds and aquifers of Morocco, using climate and hydrological modelling From RICCAR data. These changes in temperature and precipitation would have a direct impact on groundwater recharge of the aquifer and surface water storage in the dam reservoirs. In order to assess this impact on water table fluctuations and groundwater recharge in the studied aquifers, a hydrogeological database under GIS has been developed with the aim to investigate and analyze piezometric and hydrological time series. Additionally, groundwater recharge has been quantified for a long series up to now, and predicted for future periods based on projection of precipitation and temperature using RCMs developed in RICCAR and Cordex projects under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. The results show that groundwater recharge was impacted mainly by alternative wet and dry seasons, but predicted groundwater recharge shows a reduction of a mean annual recharge following the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios. Moreover, predicted values of future groundwater recharge under the RCP 8.5 scenario would decrease more. The piezometric evolutions mainly show a significant drop of the water table level due to the variable groundwater recharge, which is induced by climate conditions. Furthermore, modeling of the impact of this climate change on water resources based on climate scenarios is also studied to evaluate water balance components in the basin/aquifer, in addition to drawdown lowering, water table depletion and seawater intrusion extents into the coastal aquifer. The study covers 3 sites, namely the Ghis- Nekkor plain, located in the north of Morocco, which is a vulnerable area for climate changes, due to its influence by the Mediterranean front to the north and its strong urbanization; the OumEr-Rbia hydraulic basin containing the Beni Amir aquifer which is overexploited to irrigate several thousand of hectares; and the Rmel-O. Ogbane unconfined coastal aquifer situated on the north coast of Morocco. Hence, based on the results adapted strategies for water resources development and management is necessary to protect them from overexploitation and adapt them to CC conditions.

Keywords: Morocco, RICCAR-Cordex, Climate Change, water resources, seawater intrusion

Integrated Management of Flash Floods in Wadi Basins Considering Sedimentation and Climate Change: An International Collaboration Project Mohamed Saber1*, Sameh A. Kantoush1 , Tetsuya Sumi1 , Yusuke Ogiso1 , Tahani Alharrasi1 , Takahiro Koshiba1 , Mohammed Abdel-Fattah1 , Ali Al-Maktoumi2 , Osman A. Abdalla3 , Yasuhiro Takemon1 , Daisuke Nohara1 , Sohei Kobayashi1 , Mahmood Almamari1 , Khalid Al Hooti4 , Ahmed Al Barwani4 , Hilal Almamari3 , Dina Ellithey 1 , Ekkehard Holzbecher5 , Ahmed Hadidi5 1- Disaster Prevention Research Institute (DPRI), Kyoto University, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan. E-mail: [email protected] 2- Soils, Water, and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, 3- Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Sultan Qaboos University, 4- Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Muscat, Oman. 5- Department of Applied Geology, the German University of Technology in Oman, Muscat, Oman. *The corresponding author: Mohamed Saber; E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] 2 Abstract Recently, Wadi flash floods (WFFs) have happened frequently in arid environments, resulting in great damage the society and the environment. In Oman, severe WFFs have occurred repeatedly within the last 10 years causing a huge impact on human lives and properties. This paper aim at introducing the framework of an international collaboration project between Japan and Oman for WFF management, considering sedimentation and climate change. Four research groups was established: climate change (G1), rainfall-runoff modeling (G2), sediment yield and transport (G3), and sedimentation and infiltration processes (G4). The collaborative network was established between Japan and Oman. Field investigations were conducted in 2017 and 2018 and reported with some preliminary results and findings. The results show there is an adverse impact of sedimentation clogging on the infiltration process at the reservoirs. The knowledge obtained from this project is expected to be valuable to understanding sediment dynamics at Wadi basins.

Keywords: collaboration project; Wadi flash floods; sedimentation; climate change; arid regions

Components of Domestic Purposes Water Resources Raafat Abdeldayem Mansoura University, Egypt [email protected] 00201225260108 Abstract Background; The water resources in the study area comprise surface and ground waters. Aim of the work; this paper aims to evaluate the domestic water in comparison with the national and international standards as a step to handle water pollutants affecting human health in this governorate. Materials and Methods; A total number of fifty drinking water samples (surface, wells and tap) have been collected. The water samples collected were subjected to chemical and microbiological analyses. Heavy metals were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) Buck Scientific Company, USA. Results; All investigated water samples were chemically considered suitable for drinking except two samples for iron, two samples for lead and one water sample for manganese having values higher than the permissible limit of EMH and WHO. Also microbiologically there were five water samples having high total count of bacteria and three samples having high coli form than the permissible limit of EMH. Conclusion; groundwater samples should have special attention for treatment.

Keywords: Major ions; minor elements; Microbiology; EMH; WHO

Economics and management of wastewater

Control Strategies for Hydrocarbon Removal Process in Free Flow Constructed Wetlands Deia Eldin Osman Hagahmed Researcher Khartoum, Sudan

Abstract

Free Flow Constructed Wetlands is a method of treatment of waste Oil Contents in water produced from oil fields. The method of treatment is found to be efficient and could reach greater than 90% biodegradation if it is properly controlled. The case study proved continuous good performance. Besides, a need for good automatic control appears as other challenges facing sustaining the system performance with manual operation. In this work, the controlled variables are water levels in lagoons and Reed Beds, and the Oil Content in the effluent from Reed Beds. Several control strategies were developed for both in series and in parallel flow pattern; including: feedback, feed forward, cascade, override and auctioneering.

Keywords: Constructed Wetlands, Control, Produced Water

A MULT-SCALE ANALYSIS OF WATER MANAGEMENT: INNOVATIVE DECISION SUPPORT TOOLS FOR A SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT IN AGRICULTURE Consuelo Varela-Ortega Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain

Abstract: The MENA region is currently the most arid region in the world, at the heart of drastic socio-economic and human transformations and one of the world's climate change hotspots. Social and political developments as well as future climate projections envisage dramatic implications for the water and agricultural sectors that will endanger economic progress, social stability and might lead to natural resources degradation. Since irrigated agriculture is the principal water user in the area and it contributes significantly to region’s GDP, water scarcity could be expected to represent a limiting factor to agricultural activity, and thus create an indirect risk to food security and socioeconomic development. In the context of the MADFORWATER project, we have addressed the complex interactions of agrarian water and human systems from an economic and social perspective. We have developed a cross-scale three-stages modeling methodology: Firstly, we have carried out a panel-data based econometric analysis to model current trends and future projections of food security, socioeconomic development and climate and water- related parameters. Secondly, we have focused in the three MADFORWATER case study areas of selected basins in Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. In these basins we have developed a DST farm-based agro-economic mathematical programming model to analyze the farmers’ response to different scenarios of water management and wastewater treatment technologies. Thirdly, we have complemented our study with a Multi Criteria Analysis to address the views of local stakeholders (in the Tunisian region of Nabeul) to the introduction of potential water management and WWT techniques. The MCA was supported by multiple-stakeholder engagement actions backed by successive fieldwork missions to the study area. The results of the study show that at aggregate level, food security trends in the long run may worsen with climate change and reduced water availability but these adverse effects can be compensated with the region’s socioeconomic development. At basin level, introducing wastewater technologies and water management instruments can induce the use of mixed water sources by the farmers and produce positive effects to farmers’ income gains. At local level, economic and social criteria are valued the highest by all stakeholders whereas expanding education and renewing technologies to increase TWW efficiency are strongly valued. Overall, the research underlines how the downscaling of aggregate socio-economic scenarios to local realities is key to support policy development by identifying crucial elements and processes upon which policy makers and institutions can take action

Health Risks Associated with Short and Long Terms Application of Treated Wastewater in Agriculture Ahmed Al-Busaidi, Mushtaque Ahmed Sultan Qaboos University, Oman [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract: Treated wastewater is a good source of nutrients for plants grown for human consumption. It can improve soil fertility and crop productivity and minimize the inputs of freshwater and chemical fertilizers. However it can lead to accumulation of some heavy metals in soils and cause biological contamination if it is not well managed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using treated wastewater continuously on the quality of soil, seasonal (vegetables) and perennial plants (fruits). Soil and fruit samples were taken from different short growing period fruits and vegetables (Tomato, Watermelon, Melon, Beet, Sunflower, Sweet Corn, Cucumber, Bell Pepper, Carrot) irrigated with treated wastewater using drip irrigation system in open field at Agricultural Experiment Station, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman. Chemical and physical analysis of samples showed positive effect with higher plant growth, better yield quality and chemical composition in all plants irrigated with treated wastewater compared to the same crops irrigated with groundwater. Microbial tests showed no risk on soils and plants irrigated with treated wastewater. No harmful bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Staphylococcus aureeus) were found. Furthermore, heavy metals in treated wastewater were within the international standards. All measured metals found in soils and plants irrigated with treated wastewater for more than 10 years were in low concentrations. Zn and Mn were found in all soil samples even with those irrigated with freshwater but were below international recommended limits. Fruit samples taken from Date palm, Lemon, Mango, Berry, Fig, Indian Almond and Cactus showed no presence of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb in all locations irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater. On the other hand, concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were low and within the recommended limits. Concentration of Se was high but within critical concentrations for plant growth. As the concentrations of all elements in all measured fruits irrigated with freshwater and treated wastewater were close to each other, it can be concluded that treated wastewater was not the main source of heavy metals found in soil and plant samples. They might have originated from original soils, fertilizers or other treatments applied over the years.

Keywords: Heavy metals, irrigation water, fruits and vegetables

A review of sanitation policies in Indonesia: Current state and expected developments Vita Elysia

The Australian National University, College of Asia and The Pacific, Crawford School of Public Policy, Canberra, Australia, e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Indonesia drastically lags behind other developing countries in Asia in supplying wastewater sanitation. Despite increasing interest in sanitation development, the subsector continues to perform inadequately. In this context, this paper seeks to better understand why sanitation in Indonesia is underprovided and the underlying causes of slow progress through a policy perspective. Policy and regulatory framework have been considered as an important aspect of management and performance. In this context, this paper aims at providing a critical review of current sanitation policies and regulations in Indonesia and its impact on sanitation service provision. It also presents policy recommendations which are based on the combination of content analysis of current sanitation policy documents and reports, and interview with key informants. It is found that there are many limits of sanitation policies in Indonesia. Currently, no formal and comprehensive national policy on sanitation has been promulgated in Indonesia. Policies on sanitation are fragmented across several ministries which impact sanitation practices. Also, inadequate cross-sector policy coordination potentially continues to hamper progress in improving sanitation services. Lack of national policies and standard-setting to guide local government is also another challenge in decentralised sanitation system in Indonesia. Thus, this study recommends that the government should clarify the roles of central and local government in sanitation service provision. There is also a lack of consistency of sanitation-related regulations and their enforcement. The paper suggests that the government needs to construct adequate and appropriate sanitation regulations according to the decentralised situation in Indonesia. Such a policy will only work if strong law enforcement and monitoring exist, the regulation must take into account the proper law enforcement and control as well.

Keywords: sanitation, management, policy, review, Indonesia

Chitosan/MCM-48 Nanocomposite as Potential adsorbent for Phenol Removal from wastewater

Mahmoud Fathy, Hanaa Selim [email protected]

Abstract

Chitosan based on mesoporous silica MCM-48 nanocomposites (CMCM-48) were considered as potential adsorbents of phenol as toxic liquid waste from aqueous solution during a batch process. This new adsorbent was examined by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The adsorption isotherm studies, were analyzed using Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models when the initial phenol concentrations, pH, adsorption temperature and time were 10-500 mg/L, 3-10, 30 °C and 300 min, respectively, as the optimum conditions. This revealed that Dubinin-Radushkevich model is the best fit to the results based on the correlation coefficient (R2=0.983085). Of the adsorption kinetic was modeled with pesduo-first order, pseudo-second order models. The pseudo-secondorder kinetic model is the best described the adsorption process fitted to results (R 2=0.99925). The stability of the equilibrium data was studied for phenol sorbent with a maximum adsorption capacity of 149.25 mg/g. The results verified that the prepared CMCM-48 was an efficient adsorbent for removal of phenol from aqueous solution.

Keywords: Adsorption, mesoporous silica, chitosan, phenol, isotherm, kinetic.

Effect of treated wastewater on the growth and yield of two sweet corn varieties: impact of doses and systems of irrigation Afaf BELABHIR1*, Imane MANSIR2, Lhoussaine BOUCHAOU3,4, Mohamed EL OTMANI1, BouchraYAACOUBI5, Redouane CHOUKR-ALLAH1 1 Laboratory of Salinity and Plant Nutrition, Hassan II Institute of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine, Ait Melloul BP 6202, Morocco; 2 Laboratory of Mechanic, Process Energy and Environment, National School of Applied Sciences, Agadir B P 1136, Morocco; 3 Laboratory of Geology and Geo-Environment, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco; 4 Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, International Water Research Institute, Benguérir, Morocco 5 Laboratory of Aquatic Systems: Marine and Continental Environment, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir BP 32/S, CP 80000, Morocco

Abstract: The limited availability of fresh water caused water resources overexploitation, succession of drought years and climate change has made research necessary into treated, in order to meet the demands of agriculture in the Souss-Massa region in southern of Morocco. This study focuses on the use of treated wastewater for growing sweet corn in Souss-Massa region, under different systems and doses of irrigation. An open field experiment was carried out in the Agadir region using two sweet corn varieties: Prime-plus and SF681; and two irrigation systems Sub-Surface drippers (SSD) and Surface Drippers (SD) also two irrigation doses regime 100% and 120% ETM determined using Lysimeters. The growth and yield characters of sweet corn were improved by irrigation under surface dripper and using high dose of irrigation. However, the high accumulation of salts in the root zone under Sub-surface drip irrigation affected the growth and yield of corn by lowering the growth and yield. Adding the leaching fraction of 20% ETM, improve growth and yield of both sweet corn varieties. The highest yield was achieved by SF681 variety with 20 T/ha, under (SD) irrigated with 120% ETM. Reducing water application by 20% decreases yield production up to 24.4% under (SD), and gave the same yield for both 100% and 120% ETM under (SSD). Despite that (SSD) saves water, it increased soil salinity, even in sandy soil, due to the accumulation of salts in the root zone. The sweet corn water consumption was 186 mm, by using treated wastewater, allowing a saving of conventional water. Furthermore, it generated an economic gain in term of fertilizers:

240 kg/ha of N and 60 kg/ha of CaO in addition to 10.38 kg/ha of P2O5 and 65.12

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kg/ha of K2O in the case of 100% ETM and 12.45 kg/ha of P2O5 and 78.14 kg/ha of

K2O in the case of 120% ETM.

Keywords: Treated wastewater, Sweet corn, Irrigation, Yield, Water saving, Salts accumulation

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The potential of treated wastewater reuse in the Arab region as a management option for water security under climate change condition Pr. Redouane Choukr-Allah, IAV Hassan II, Morocco [email protected]

Abstract

Water resources scarcity, accessibility, and environmental degradation are the major challenges facing most of the Arab region. This region has already run out of renewable freshwater decades ago and is unable to meet their food requirements using the available water resources. Water reuse features prominently amongst other innovative integrated water management approaches and reuse of treated domestic wastewater is becoming a common source for additional water in several Arab regions and many of these countries have included wastewater re-use in their water planning. This will narrow the gap between freshwater supply and demand in different water-use sector. The major challenge in using marginal- quality waters in agriculture is to maximize the benefits for the farmers and society while minimizing adverse environmental and health impacts. Therefore, pre-use treatment, and/or appropriate soil-water-crop management strategies are needed for using treated wastewater for irrigation in agriculture through efficient, environmentally acceptable, cost-effective and sustainable strategies, and enabling policies and institutional support. This paper will address the integrated approach for reclamation and reuse of treated wastewater? How wastewater has been managed successfully for safe reuse in some Arab countries? What are the institutional and the organizational involved in the safe reuse of wastewater? How some Arab policymakers adapted the wastewater management agenda to their country’s economic context? Findings demonstrate that water reuse can help in addressing water problems and challenges, particularly when decision-making is from a systems perspective. When ecosystem services are taken into account and are valued properly, water reuse is a sustainable practise that can also be financially profitable.

Keywords: Water management Wastewater, water security, Climate change, Arab region

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Integrated membrane bioreactor for textile wastewater treatment – A sustainable remedy for groundwater contamination U. Sathya1* and Keerthi2

1 Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) - Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Government of India, Adyar, Chennai, India 2 Department of Chemistry, College of Engineering Guindy (CEG), Anna University, Chennai, India *Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Abstract

Textile industry is one of the most important industries in last few decades. It is broadcasted that more than 60 % of the dyes world production is consumed by textile industries and produces enormous amount of wastewater. Main pollution is caused by the textile wastewater discharges from dyeing and finishing processes. These processes require the input of a wide range of chemicals and dyestuffs, which generally are organic compounds of complex structure. Major pollutants in the textile wastewaters are high suspended solids, dissolved solids, chemical oxygen demand, colour and other soluble substances. About 1857 dyeing and 685 bleaching units are situated in the cities like Erode, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Karur, Salem and Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu, India. Due to discharge of textile wastewater, groundwater is also contaminated with these highly complex chemicals. The conventional treatment methods failed to remove these bio recalcitrant toxic pollutants and also facing the problem in disposal of sludge. Considering the global water crisis, the most efficient technology is needed to combat the deteriorating water quality due to industrial discharge. Keeping the above factors in mind, research work was carried out to treat textile dyeing wastewater by integrating advanced oxidation process (AOP) with membrane bioreactor (MBR) for the effective reuse of wastewater and decreasing the consumption of fresh water. The visible photocatalyst study is of worldwide interest due to its availability in solar spectrum (about 45% approx.) and also saving energy. Tungsten oxide has band gap of 2.8 eV, and it is made into beads form for the effective utilisation of photocatalyst in reactor as well as for easy recovery. In the present experiment the working volume for membrane tank was 20 L whereas the photo reactor tank was 22 L. The wastewater from feed tank was taken into submerged membrane bioreactor through pump. The permeate from the MBR was transferred to photocatalytic reactor where beads would be in motion continuously using air pump which was set at the bottom of the reactor. The treated wastewater was collected at every stage and the characterisation for colour and organic removal efficiencies were analysed and compared.

Keywords: Textile industries; Groundwater contamination; Wastewater treatment; Membrane technology; advanced oxidation process

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Wastewater Quality Assessment of Bouzedjar WWTP (NW, Algeria) for Irrigation purpose using CCME-WQI Fatiha Hadji1*, Bachir Hallouche2 , Khadidja Benzine3

1 Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, Algeria 2 Department of Civil Engineering, University of Sidi Bel Abbes, Algeria 3 SONATRACH, Direction Centrale Recherche et Développement, Algeria * Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract

The objective of this work concerns the characterization of wastewater and cleaned water of Bouzedjar wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) which uses an activated sludge treatment process. Treated wastewater was analyzed to depict with the help Water Quality index of the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME-WQI) their suitability for irrigation use. Water samples were weekly collected and analyzed during 14 months (February 2016 to March 2017). The concerned parameters were pH, electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity (TU), suspended matter (SM), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN), total nitrogen Kjeldahl - - + (TNK), nitrate (NO3 ), nitrite (NO2 ), ammonium (NH4 ), total phosphorus (TP) 3- and phosphate (PO4 ). The objectives, used in the CCME-WQI parameters (the scope, frequency and amplitude) calculations, were selected based on the JORA (Algerian standards for wastewater reuse in irrigation). However due to the lack of the JORA standards in this field, WHO, CCME and FAO standards were also used. Obtained results showed that treated wastewaters were, generally, alkaline with values ranging between 7 and 8.45 (Average: 8.0; ET: 0.38) and fitted the standard (6.5-8.4) for irrigation purpose. Recorded turbidity values (0.4-19.3; Average: 5.6; ET: 7.2) were above the standard during summer. Calculated monthly of CCME-WQI values varied between 51.57 and 1.00 showing that cleaned water was good to excellent during September, November and December 2016 and the first trimester of 2017 indicating that water quality is protected with a virtual absence/minor of threat or impairment. During the remaining study period, cleaned water was of marginal to fair quality showing that water is frequently/ usually protected but occasionally threatened or impaired.

Keywords: Bouzedjar, WWTP, wastewater, cleaned water, CCME-WQI, Irrigation

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Landfill Leachate characterization and its treatment aspects through adsorption: Characterization and Adsorption Capacities Sajjad Ahmad Siddiqi*, Abdullah Al-Mamun, Mahad Said Baawain, Ahmad Sana Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 33, Al-Khoud 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. * Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Abstract: Landfill leachate generation, estimation, quality assessments, treatment and management has become an important issue globally. Leachate has high-risks towards environmental and potential serious impacts on public health due to complex components, therefore the assessment of leachate quality, biological and physicochemical characteristics were investigated at two municipal solid waste collection landfills through characterization of leachate. Typically, the major toxins were identified such as chemical oxygen demand, bio-chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbons, ammonia-nitrogen, total Kjeldahl nitrogen, anions-cations concentrations, total phosphates, microbial quantification, total solids and heavy metals. Treatment have become an important issue as the study characterized major contaminant for Al-Multaqa landfill i.e., Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD). Therefore, as the best suitable treatment system the natural clay minerals (NCM) used as an effective adsorbent material for COD removal. Three different masses of NCM based adsorbent were investigated. The removal efficiencies were resulted for direct leachate is 34% and with the dilution 58%. The NCM resulted with Palygorskite clay which is the best suitable COD adsorbent as it has efficient removal efficiency. The study observed that the adsorbent is an ideal and non-modified material which could convert the leachate into an alternative source owing low-cost and inexpensive with high efficient adsorption capacity. Therefore, the most suitable treatment techniques could help to control the landfill as it’s characterized with complex pollutants on site for a clean and eco-friendly environment.

Keywords: Landfill, Leachate, adsorption

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Water Quality Indices as Important Tools for Water Quality Assessment in WWTP: The Case of the Waste-water Treatment Plan of Ain El Hout Tlemcen. Sihem RAHMOUNa , Nadia BADRb , Chérifa ABDELBAKIa aPAUWES, University of Tlemcen, Tlemcen, Algeria bUniversity of Alexandia, Alexandia, Egypt [email protected]

Abstract The scarcity of conventional water resources represents for Algeria a major concern. Considering the vulnerability of available water resources to the impact of climat change, population growth as well as socio-economic factors, a situation of severe water scarcity occurs. This project seeks to study the feasibility of reusing the treated domestic wastewater for agricultural purposes as an adaptation measure to climate change. The reuse of treated wastewater represents the alternative for the preservation of the available water resources and the promotion of the agricultural sector. The present study is intented to calculate water quality index (WQI) of an urban wastwater treatment plan, in Ain El Hout in Tlemcen town , in order to ascertain the quality of water used in agriculture, to analyze the water quality parameters in discharged effluents and to assess the water quality indices for the effluents discharged from WWTP.

Keywords: Water reuse, Climate change, Adaptation, Agriculture, WQI

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Development and application of integrated technological and management solutions for wastewater treatment and efficient reuse in agriculture tailored to the needs of Mediterranean African Countries (MADFORWATER) Yasmine Souissi1,*, Ameur Cherif1, Dario Frascari2 1LR Biotechnology and Bio-Geo Resources Valorization, University of Manouba, Tunisia 2University of Bologna, Italy, [email protected] *[email protected]

Abstract Climate change and population growth are expected to exacerbate the water crisis ofMediterranean African Countries (MACs), where agriculture accounts for 80-85% of freshwater consumption. The aim of MADFORWATER is to develop a set of integrated technological and management solutionsto enhance wastewater treatment, reuse for irrigation and water efficiency in agriculture in three MACs(Tunisia, Morocco and Egypt).MADFORWATER developed and adapted to threemain hydrological basins inthe selected MACs technologies for the production of irrigation- quality water from drainage canals, municipal, agro-industrial and industrial wastewaters, and technologies for water efficiency and reuse in agriculture,initially validated at laboratory scale. Selected technologies were further adapted and validated in four field pilot plants of integrated wastewater treatment/reuse. Integrated strategies for wastewater treatment and reuse targeted to the selected basinswere developed, and guidelines for the development of integrated water management strategies in other basins of the three target MACs were produced, considering climate change, population increase and economic growth scenarios.The social and technical suitability of the developed technologiesand non-technological instruments in relation to the local context was evaluated with the participation of MAC stakeholdersand partners. Guidelines on economic instruments and policies for the effective implementation of the proposed water management solutions in the target MACs weredeveloped.The project will lead to a relevant long-term impact in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia in terms of increased wastewater treatment, wastewater reuse, food production and income in the agricultural and water treatment sectors, and decreased groundwater exploitation, water pollution and food contamination.The MADFORWATER consortium consists of 18 partners, 5 of which from the 3 MACs and 1 from China.

Keywords: Water crisis, Wastewater treatment, Water reuse, Irrigation, Integrated water management

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Wastewater Treatment by using Biofilm Technologies Low-cost Solution for rural areas Dr.-Eng. Noama Shareef International center for development and migration in Germany in cooperation with Al-Balqa Applied University, 11190 Amman, Jordan, email: [email protected].

Abstract The increase of the demands on efficiency and cost of wastewater treatment and reuse, leads to new interest in the biofilm technology. However, since long time, Biofilms technologies are used in wastewater treatment plants, to degrade organic particles and to improve the nitrification & denitrification processes in the wastewater treatment units. Increasing demand for water and limited resources are major barriers to economic and social development in many counties in the Middle East and Nord Africa. Therefore, treated wastewater can be important alternative water resources for irrigation. This increases the demand of economic wastewater treatment and reuse in the region. The presented small size and easy to handle compact wastewater treatment unit has been designed and developed primarily for countries which are seeking solutions of problems related to wastewater and sewage handling and treatment in tourist areas. The compact, containerised wastewater treatment pilot unit has a nominal capacity of 200 PE; it is designed for small villages and similar dry communities. Our intention is to have the unit installed and operated under the supervision of educated experts in a foreign country. The idea is to monitor and test the functionality of all plant components under real-life local conditions and verify the effectiveness of the wastewater treatment process. Based on the results and experience gained in the testing phase, the technology was applied for full-scale applications.

Keywords: Biofilm technologies submerged fixed film, Nitrification, Denitrification, Waste Water Treatment, moving bed, hybrid-reactor, and compact unit.

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Ecotoxicological assessment of three types of wastewater effluents: Catalase as a biomarker of oxidative stress in marine bivalves

Abdellah MEKNACHI 1,2,* , Mustapha DJELLALI 1 , Abdelmalek BADIS 1,2

1. National Center for Research and Development of Fisheries and Aquaculture, CNRDPA- BouIsmail, 11 Bd Colonel Amirouche BouIsmail, Tipasa, Algeria.

2. Laboratory of Chemistry of Natural Substances and Biomolecules LCSN-BioM, USDB1 University of Blida-1, B.P. 270, route de soumaa, Blida, Algeria.

∗Corresponding author: Abdellah MEKNACHI (E-mail: [email protected]) Abstract Catalase (CAT) is an important enzyme in the antioxidant defense system in marine bivalves. This present work consists first of all in studying the effect, of an acute exposure (bioassays) of the mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis to three types of real effluents (industrial wastewater (IW), desalination station effluent (DSE) and harbor effluents (HE)), on the enzymatic activities CAT. In situ, the transplantation of mussels into natural environments was carried out in the same context. The medium size class of the Mytilus mussel has proven to be the most resistant to contamination by the IW. Notwithstanding, this same size class showed hypersensitivity to contamination by the SDE, thus translating the high toxicity of the latter which led to very high CAT inductions whatever the concentration tested. Furthermore, and under controlled laboratory conditions, the HE demonstrated a certain toxicity by inducing the CAT enzyme. On the other hand, the Mytilus mussels transplanted to the khemesti port site are found all dead after 10 days of immersion. The deoxygenation of the medium probably had an additional and aggressive effect on our specimens of mussels. This study makes it possible to qualify catalase as a relevant, sensitive, rapid and effective defense biomarker in the evaluation of the health state of the surrounding environment. However, more studies must be made on metabolic activities and energy reserves while adopting the multi biomarker approach. Keywords: Catalase, oxidative stress, effluents, Mytilus galloprovincialis, transplantation.

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Greywater characterization, loadings, and potential onsite treatment and reuse in Al Ain, UAE Mohamed Hamouda, Jamila Al Mansoori, Maitha Al Nuaimi, Muna Alsaedi, Mouza Al Shamsi

United Arab Emirates University [email protected]

Abstract Greywater is wastewater originating from bathtubs, showers, hand basins, kitchen sinks, dishwashers and laundry machines. Separating greywater from toilet water for onsite greywater treatment and reuse is viable option for arid countries suffering from water scarcity. The objective of this study was to characterize the different greywater sources in households in the city of Al Ain, UAE; and to compare the alternative treatment systems that can improve the water quality to assure safe onsite reuse. 11 Households were surveyed and, based on the results, the average daily greywater production was equal to 88 L per person per day. Water quality analysis was conducted for light greywater sources (laundry, bathtubs, showers, and hand basins), the parameters investigated were compared to UAE’s standards for unrestricted water reuse (e.g. irrigation) as well as the guidelines for drip irrigation application. Alternative treatment systems were compared based on a set of criteria concerning cost, efficiency, ease of use and maintenance. Results indicated that the application of a simple physical treatment system consisting of a media filtration unit followed by drip irrigation can provide for a final effluent with sufficient quality characteristics for onsite reuse in non-crop irrigation.

Keywords: Greywater, Physical treatment, Onsite reuse

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Economic profitability and variables affecting farmers' acceptance of Recycled Wastewater use in agriculture in Tunisia: A spatial comparative study Hacib El Amami(1), Slim Zekri(2) (1) INRGREF, Carthage University, Tunisia (2) Sultan Qabus University, Oman. e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract In a context of water shortages, recycled water should be considered as an additional source of supply for irrigation and therefore saving more fresh water for urban uses in the future. In Tunisia, although conventional water is scarce, the recycled wastewater (RWW) reuse in agriculture is still very low (10-20%) when compared to the potential, leading thus to a paradox which would to be analyzed. RWW reuse projects are too often planned and implemented based upon only technical and financial feasibility studies. Although, farmers are key stakeholders in the reuse of RWW for irrigation, they are often not involved in the decision-making processes. The acknowledgement that farmers are faced with the choice to reuse RWW leads to understand the variables and mechanisms, at the farm level, that influence farmers’ decision. Few studies took into consideration the social acceptance of RWW and its economic profitability across the different regions of Tunisia. The paper discusses this aspect and seeks to determine the main variables influencing the farmer’s use of RWW. In order to take into account the diversity of variables influencing the use of RWW, the study was conducted in four irrigated areas located in different agro- climatic regions in Tunisia. These range from sub-humid region in the north, where average annual rain-fall is 450 mm, to dry regions in the south, where rainfall doesn’t exceed 150 mm per year with high variability. An optimization economic model was applied to determine the optimal cropping pattern and the opportunity cost of irrigation for the four study areas. This spatial comparative study produced several policy relevant results, the most important of which is that water shortage appears to be the mainly reason why farmers would use recycled wastewater in agriculture. As we move from the North to the South, social acceptance as well as the effective uses of RWW increases. Economic efficiency analysis showed also that the highest opportunity cost value of irrigation was observed at the level of irrigated area in the south. This indicator, however, decreases as we move to the north. These findings

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have major implications for policymakers seeking to valorize and increase the level use of RWW. They imply that in the Center and the South, the Government can invest in creation of new irrigated area or in extension of existing ones while being sure that the demand for this resource would be high, provided that the quality of delivered water is guaranteed. For the other regions, it suggests to re-think the allocation of RWW by studying the possibility to make transfers to areas where opportunity cost of irrigation and demand for this resource are the highest. However, technical studies should be made before to decide on the possibility of transfer.

Keywords: Recycled waste water, irrigation, social acceptance, opportunity cost, climatic regions.

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Developing a Sustainable System for Ablution Greywater Treatment in Oman Mohammed F.M. Abushammala, Wajeeha A. Qazi, Mohammed Fahad Abdul Lathif Department of Civil Engineering, Middle East College, Knowledge Oasis Muscat, PB No. 79, Al Rusayl, 124, Sultanate of Oman *Corresponding author: Email: [email protected], Phone: 00968-93948805

Abstract Oman faces the problem of water scarcity owing to the lack of rainfall which results in lower annual replenishment rates in contrast to the consumption rates, and hence requires effective water management. Ablution Greywater (AG) is a potential greywater source in Oman as it is less contaminated and discharged in huge amount from mosques. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess the quality of AG collected from Middle East College (MEC), Oman, to design a sustainable multimedia (sand and activated carbon) filter for treating AG for reuse purposes. The samples were collected during the noon prayer between June and July 2019. The coconut shell activated carbon was used in the filter as it provides an inexpensive option due to the huge availability of coconut shell waste in Dhofar region in Oman. All water quality parameters of AG were acceptable as per the Omani standard for water use in agriculture, except for TSS and turbidity. It was found that the characteristics of AG significantly change with time and, therefore should be continuously monitored for effective treatment. The designed multimedia filter adequately removed TSS, turbidity, K, BOD5, Na, and Cl by up to 96, 96, 61, 50, 24, and 23%, respectively. Whereas, the concentration of NO3, SO4 -2 and Mg significantly increased which started reducing with time. The quality of treated AG was not only in compliance with the Omani standards but also WHO guidelines to reuse wastewater for irrigation and toilet flushing. Moreover, it was estimated that treating of AG resulted from MEC using the developed filter can provide a yearly financial benefit of approximately 3900 OMR (10,140 USD).

Keywords: Ablution water; water treatment; greywater treatment; water quality

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Effect of Coagulants on Ablution Greywater Physical and Microbial Characteristics Munawwar Ali Khan* & Hamda Ali Hathboor Alhathboor Alfalasi* *Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, P.O. Box: 19282, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 4021825; Email: [email protected]

Abstract Ablution greywater is a form of mildly polluted water generated from the ablution area of prayer rooms and mosques in Islamic countries. Greywater produced from ablution sinks after collection, and treatment offers a major reclaimed water resource for various nonpotable water reuse applications. This study aimed to examine the effect of two chemical coagulants on ablution greywater physical and microbial characteristics for assessing potential reuse applications of treated greywater. The effect of various doses (10 to 30 mg/L) of two coagulants, namely aluminum sulfate (alum) and Ferric chloride (FeCl3), was studied using jar testing. The alum dose of 20 mg/L was found to achieve turbidity reduction in the range of 90-95 % with very little effect on total dissolved solids (TDS) and other physical parameters. The quanti-tray system based method for the Most Probable Number (MPN) revealed E. coli and total coliform removal efficiency in the range of 92-99 %. In Ferric chloride treatment, TDS removal ranged from 44 to 50% at a higher dose (30%) but had very less impact on turbidity removal. E. coli and total coliform removal rates using Ferric chloride were above 90% and comparable to alum treatment. This study shows out of the two coagulants, alum yielded better results in terms of reducing turbidity, while ferric chloride yielded better results in terms of TDS removal efficiency. Both coagulants were equally efficient in reducing E. coli and total coliform concentration of ablution greywater.

Keywords: Ablution greywater; reuse; coagulant; Jar testing; turbidity, E. coli

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Evaluation of treated wastewater using different technologies- Oman experience Azza Mohsin Al Hashami 1, and Reginald Victor1* 1Department of Biology, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 36, PC 123, Al-Khod, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman; *Email: [email protected]

Abstract Wastewater recycling and reuse should be a priority in the water management agenda especially in arid areas. Wastewater treatment utilizes a combination of physical, biological and chemical processes. This study evaluates the efficiency and performance of five wastewater treatment plants using different treatment technologies in Oman. The technologies compared are the conventional activated sludge (AS) using surface aerators as in Samail, extended aeration system (EAS) as in Bidbid and Izki and membrane bioreactor (MBR) as in Qatanah and Saiq. Although the ultimate aim is to meet the Oman standards for wastewater, it is imperative to consider the comparison of processes because different technologies impose different cost limitations. Here, homogenous samples of treated water taken from the studied treatment plants were compared. All analyses were performed using standard methods for water and wastewater. All treated water from the five plants had higher Mg concentrations than that recommended by Oman Standard for treated wastewater. Bidbid using EAS and Saiq and Qatanah using MBR had higher COD levels than the range recommended by Oman Standard. Qatanah also had higher nitrate as NO3, while Bidbid had higher NH3 than that recommended by Oman Standard. The conventional activated sludge process is land consuming with excessive production of sludge which is not marketable in small urban settlements. In addition, liquid-solid separation is an issue in activated sludge process. Extended aeration system does not achieve denitrification or phosphorus removal; a longer aeration period requires more energy, and the systems require larger space and tankage than other higher rate processes which have shorter aeration retention times. The most effective technology in wastewater treatment is MBR. It provides a high-quality effluent, higher volumetric loading rates, shorter hydraulic retention times (HRT), longer solid retention times (SRT), less sludge production, and potential for simultaneous nitrification/denitrification with long solid retention time (SRT). However, the use of MBR technology has higher energy costs, has membrane fouling problems, and the costs of periodic membrane replacement is potentially high. Still, MBR is considered the most cost-effective system when compared to AS and EAS.

Keywords: treated wastewater; water management; pollutants

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Wastewaters sustainable management: from a pollution source to values Salah Jellai1 , Ahmed amine Azzaz2 , Khouloud Haddad3 , Hanene Akrout3 , Mejdi Jeguirim2 , Latifa Bousselmi3 1: Public Establishment for industrial Estates (PEIE) research chair for the development of industrial estates and free zones, Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, P.O. Box 31, Al-Khoud 123, Sultanate of Oman 2: University of Haute-Alsace, University of Strasbourg, CNRS, IS2M UMR 7361, F-68100 Mulhouse, France 3: Wastewaters and Environment Laboratory, Water Research and Technologies Center, P.O. Box 273, Soliman 8020, Tunisia

Abstract The application of the concept “Turning wastewaters into values” through the promotion of the economy of closed-loop systems including resources recovery such as nutrient and energy has become a necessity in order to overcome water scarcity challenges observed in many water stressed countries such as Oman. This abstract presents innovative research results regarding the application of this concept for a textile and agri-food industry. For the textile case, the produced wastewaters were efficiently treated through adsorption onto a modified low cost material (cypress sawdust). The maximum adsorbed dye amount reached 107 mg g-1. Then these adsorbed dye was desorbed (yield of 91%) through an efficient eluent (NaCl: 0.5 M) and recovered as a solid phase for reuse in the process with a purity higher than 92%. The residual effluent was efficiently treated by anodic oxidation by using bipolar Si/BDD (boron doped Diamond electrodes) with low energy consumption thanks to the presence of the chlorides ions that produce powerful oxidants besides the hydroxyl radical. The treated wastewater has an improved quality allowing its possible reuse after a simple tertiary treatment. The second case study is related to the management of olive mill wastes. Our scientific work has demonstrated that the solid/liquid produced wastes could be turned into a source of nutrients and energy. Indeed, our innovative strategy consisted in a first step in the impregnation of the olive mill wastewaters onto the produced solid wastes allowing the recovery of organic matter and nutrients with retention yields higher than 50%. The resulting loaded solid matrix was then pyrolysed in order to recover bio-oil and biogas for energetic purposes and also biochars that are rich in nutrients (especially potassium and phosphorus). The produced biochars was tested as a biofertilizer for the growth of rye grass and the results are encouraging.

Keywords: Wastewaters; Treatment; Recycling; Reuse; Recover

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Ultrasonic Assisted Application of Organoclay As A Sorbent For Treatment of Textile Wastewater Sadia Nasreen1, Basem Mohammed2, Rubi Bibi1, Waliha Noor-Us-Subha1, Huma Naeem Abbasi1 1Department of Environmental Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila 47050, Pakistan, [email protected], [email protected] 2Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila 47050, Pakistan

Abstract Wastewaters from textile industries contain a variety of dyes that are of high concern for human and aquatic life and they need to be removed before their discharge into waterways. In this research, organoclay was used along with ultrasonic bath for the degradation and decolorization of dyes and comparison of sono-electric reactor (SER) and ultrasonic assisted application of organoclay was done. Efficiency of organoclay along with electrochemical and ultrasonic bath was also compared individually. Research results show that the most efficient method for the removal of dyes from textile wastewater is the use of organoclay along with ultrasonic bath. The percentage removal efficiency for the treatment of textile wastewater by using organoclay with ultrasonic bath was found to be almost 99% at pH 4 and the removal efficiencies of SER, ultrasonic bath, electrochemical reactor and organoclay are 87.75%, 93%, 92% and 98.38% respectively. It was also concluded that these both methods were dependent on pH of the wastewater. Ultrasonic assisted application of organoclay is not a time consuming process unlike ultrasonic bath, electrochemical and SER method.

Keywords: Organoclay, Ultrasonic bath, Dye degradation, Textile wastewater, Sono- Electric Reactor (SER), Removal efficiency, Electrochemical process

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Preparation and characterization of activated carbon derived from sewage sludge for pollutant removal from wastewater Abdulbari A. Ahmad, Marwan Alraggad Inter-Islamic Network on Water Resources Development and Management 70 Ahmed Tarawneh st. Jubeiha Amman 11941, Jordan Corresponding author: E-mail address: [email protected]

Abstract The preparation of activated carbon from sewage sludge (SSAC) is a promising way to dispose of sewage sludge as well as to produce a low-cost adsorbent for pollutant removal (Methylene Blue). In this work, the activated carbon was developed from aerobic biological treatment of the activated sludge using KOH as a chemical activation reagent. The SSAC was characterized by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. The SEM study showed that the activated carbon was not large and uniform porous. The main surface functional groups present in the derived activated carbon were quinone and aromatic rings. The removal of methylene blue dye obtained at prepared SSAC optimum conditions (Temp. 500 °C, time 180 min, KOH 30 gm) & (Temp. 600 °C, time 60 min, KOH 20 gm) were 99.92 % and 98.4 %, respectively. It is concluded that the activated carbon from sewage sludge is promising for pollutant removal from wastewater using adsorption process.

Keywords: Sewage sludge; Activated Carbon; Production; Characterization, Methylene Blue, Adsorption

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Re-use of Reclaimed Water to Cope with Water Scarcity - Case Study: AlShuraigah Village At Jabal Al-Akhdar Saif Al-Khamisi, Hamdan Al-Wahaibi, Khair Al-Busaidi Plant Production Research Center, Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries [email protected]

ABSTRACT Al-Shreijah is one of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar villages. It is famous for cultivation of deciduous fruits such as pomegranate and other seasonal field crops such as garlic, barley and maize. Like other villages at Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Al-Shreijah was affected by declining water levels in Falaj Al-Kubairi due to the low and irregular precipitation. As consequence, agriculture lands is shrank and the productivity of most existing crops (such as pomegranate) were reduced. On other hand, reclaimed water production is increasing enormously with the increase of STPs construction at different governorates of the Sultanate. In order to enhance the amount of water in Al- Kubairi Falaj, farmers connected pipeline to bring reclaimed water from Al-Faidhiah sewage treatment plant (STP). Reclaimed water, produced from AlFaidhiah STP (1.5 km away from Al-Shreijah village), was transferred through pipeline and mixed with Falaj water. Due to lack of previous studies in the Sultanate on the use of reclaimed water in irrigation of fruit and vegetable crops, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has implemented a project in at Al-Shreijah during the period of 3 years (from Feb 2014 to Feb 2016), in order to study the impact of reclaimed water mixed with Falaj water on existing agriculture system and its contribution for sustainable agriculture production of the existing crops. Indicators such as the accumulation of heavy metals and biological pollution in soil, fruits and leaves of the main crops were used to evaluate such impact. The study area was divided into four main blocks. During the three years of the project, samples of reclaimed water, Falaj water and the mixture (Falaj water and Reclaimed water) were collected and analyzed frequently. Samples of soil, fruits and leaves were also collected from each block and subjected to physical, chemical and biological analysis. Survey study in form of questionnaire was conducted to evaluate Al-Shreijah farmers’ acceptance of reclaimed water irrigation in their crops. Analysis of the questionnaire indicated that most of the farmers welling to continue using the reclaimed water in their crop cultivation with more than 60%. The results showed that the heavy metals in soil were in low level and below the maximum permissible limits, with no indications of heavy metals accumulation during the three years of the project. The concentration of all heavy metals in the fruits and leaves of the studied crops was below the maximum permissible limits. Biologically, there were no E.coli, and/or Salmonella bacteria in garlic cloves, despite the contact with the soil and with tertiary reclaimed water. It was recommended to continue providing farmers with reclaimed water in Al-Shreijah village with governmental monitoring and evaluating the long-term use of reclaimed in agriculture.

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Monitoring and control of soil contamination from olive mill wastewater ponds by Electrical Resistivity Tomography Wissal Issaoui 1,2,*,, Imen Hamdi Nasr1,2, Semah Khaskhoussi3 , Abdelwaheb Aydi 1 , Mohamed Hédi Inoubli 2 1 Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science of Bizerte, Carthage University, Jarzouna 7021 Bizerte, Tunisia 2 UR-GAMM, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, 2092 Tunis, Tunisia 3 General Geosciences Services, 03, Rue Hasdrubal, El Ghazala 2083-Ariana-Tunisie e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Olive oils production gives raise some byproducts such as Olive Mill Wastewater (OMW). The exposure of these wastes in open dumps on the ground surface can threat the environment. Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) method, the OMW subsurface infiltration can be mapped and monitored. The spatial distribution of these wastes is defined and localized through the resistivity signature (ERT method), who’s lower resistivity values correspond to the OMW zones infiltration. For this purpose, three ERT lines were implanted inside and out around the existing OMW disposal site which is located in Ben Aoun village about 35 km south of Sidi Bouzid region, Tunisia. Multiple ERT surface lines are measured in order to build the subsurface resistivity models. Published results of lithologic and IP geophysic are complementary with our ERT results which the flow of the wastes within the porous layers was manifested with conductive target surrounded by resistive levels. The results show that ERT can be provided us an efficient and a powerful method to control and monitor the movement of contaminants in OMW disposal sites.

Keywords: ERT, Olive mill wastewater, Contaminants, OMW disposal sites, Monitoring, Geophysics.

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Assessment of Urban Waste Water Reuse in Al Amerat, Oman Parameswari Kaliyaperumal, Arunachalam Subramaniam, Juhaina Al Harthi, Khoula Al-Kaabi Higher College of Technology, Oman [email protected]

Abstract Rapid population growth in the urban areas fetched massive degradation in the environment. In Oman, the domestic and industrial sectors mainly depends on the desalinated water. The desalination process is expensive and more over the treated water after usage which has been coming out as the waste water, again find its way to the sea. In the present situation comparatively less percentage of waste water is being used only for gardening. The present study aims to assess the quantity and effective utilization of waste water in a portion of Wilayat Al Amerat of Muscat Governorate, Oman with an areal extent of 25 sq.km. and the population for the concerned area is of 3472. The possibility of maximum utilization of waste water for different sectors such as agriculture, gardening, industries, and for groundwater recharge has been assessed. The study predicted the waste water utilization for the year 2040. The population has been forecasted for 2040 using geometrical increase method. 80 % of water produced became waste water and the per capita demand was considered as 270 LPCD as per Ministry of Regional Municipality & Water Resources, 2012. To locate the high potential areas for groundwater recharge, thematic maps such as slope map, geology map, stream map, geomorphology map, land use / land cover map has been prepared using Arc GIS10.2. Crop land has been estimated as 3.09 sq. km. from land use/land cover, type of crop such as palm tree and fodder grass is being cultivated in the study area which is used to assess the water requirement for the agriculture sector. 3.39 sq. km. out of total area has been under garden area. Car parts and accessories industries are located in the study area and the water requirement has been assessed based on the usage in the specified industries. The analysis shows that 63% of treated wastewater can be utilized for agricultural purpose and 20% of the treated waste water can be used for gardening purpose and 17% can be used for groundwater recharge. Keywords: Wastewater reuse, Groundwater recharge, Agriculture, GIS

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Performance Evaluation of Vertical Constructed Wetland for Wastewater Treatment

Buthaina Alwahaibi1, 2*, Abdullah Al-Mamun1*, Mahad Baawain1

1Civil and Architectural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, PO Box 33, PC 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2Al-Ansab Sewage Treatment Plant, Head of Research and Development, Haya water, PO BOX 1047, PC 133, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman

*Corresponding author: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract:

Constructed wetland considers as a reliable and affordable wastewater treatment nowadays. It appears as economically and environmentally attractive technology with robust performance and cost-effective operation due to low energy consumption and minimum maintenance. The technology of CWs is widely recognized as one of the “green” options for wastewater treatment. Constructed wetland systems are classified into two general types: Surface Flow (SF) and Sub-surface Flow (SSF) systems. The subsurface divided into two main systems are the Horizontal Flow System (HSF) and the Vertical Flow System (VSF).

The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland on partially non-domestic wastewater characteristics and climate condition in Oman and meeting standard (A) regulatory requirements for the pollutant’s removal as per Ministry of Environment and Climate Affairs.

The performance of vertical subsurface flow (VSF) constructed wetland is examined as environmentally sustainable alternative technology in wastewater treatment processes. This study was conducted on two stage vertical constructed wetland with the dimension of (50m) in length and (26m) in width were planted with common reeds called phragmites australis. Two samples were collected at inlet of Anoxic tank, and outlet of stage B and were analyzed to determine the pollutant removal percentage. The obtained results showed that raw sewage received by tankers categorized as high strength concentration as per Metcalf and Eddy. However, the treated effluent results demonstrated very high-performance effectiveness of VSFCW system in treating organic pollutants TSS, BOD, COD by removal efficiency of 99.57%, 98.7% and 97.84% respectively. Moreover, the vertical system proven its

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capability to remove the nutrients NH3-N, TN, TP by removal efficiency of 99.52%, 82.98% and 97.17% respectively. While, the vertical subsurface constructed wetland system faced a challenge of denitrification limitation. Thereby, the use of constructed wetlands to treat wastewater has impressive results achieved which prompted great expectations about the sustainable technology and what it can achieve.

Keywords: Constructed wetland, Wasterwater treatment, Pollutant

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Role of Operating Resistance on Differential Cathode for Desalination, Sewage Treatment and Current Generation in Bio- electrochemical Cell

Sadik Rahman*, Abdullah Al-Mamun, Tahereh Jafary, Mahad Said Baawain

Civil and Architectural Engineering Department, Sultan Qaboos University; Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Abstract:

Microbial desalination cell (MDC) is a promising technology for seawater desalination along with wastewater treatment and power recovery from waste streams. The technology is advantageous over conventional thermal and membrane based processes in terms of cost and environmental impacts. However, MDC suffers from low desalination rate (DR) which limits its future scale-up. External resistance (Rext) and cathode type are of the main parameters affecting the MDC performance. Hence, this study explored the effect of low (1 Ω) and high (1000 Ω) Rext on the desalination rate, COD removal and bioelectricity generation of MDC with two cathode types; air pumped MDC (APMDC) and air cathode MDC (ACMDC). APMDC achieved complete desalination at the rates of 1.73 and 1.27 g/L/d at the applied Rext of 1 and 1000 Ω, respectively. ACMDC completed desalination with the rates of 6.76 (at Rext of 1 Ω) and 2.09 g/L/d (at Rext of 1000 Ω). The generated current values were 400 and 200 mA/m2 for APMDC-1 and -1000Ω respectively, while the values of 2595 and 395 mA/m2 were recorded for ACMDC-1Ω and ACMDC-1000Ω, respectively. Enhanced desalination rate and current generation at lower Rext was due to higher electron flow and lower internal resistance. The COD removal values of 54%, 83%, 51%, 83% were obtained for APMDC-1Ω, APMDC-1000Ω, ACMDC-1Ω and ACMDC-1000Ω, respectively. This study gives an insight into the importance of the cathode type and Rext on MDC performance in terms of desalination rate along with COD removal and power recovery for real-scale implementation of MDCs.

Keywords: Desalination, Wastewater Treatment, Current Generation, External Resistance

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A pioneering decision support tool for a sustainable wastewater management

Emmanuel Oertlé1, Sandra Müller1, Redouane Choukr-Allah2, Atef Jaouani3 and Yasmine Souissi4

1. Institute for Ecopreneurship, University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, Muttenz, Switzerland. 2. Institut Agronomique & vétérinaire Hassan II, Rabat Morocco 3. Université de Tunis El Manar Faculté des Sciences de Tunis, ISSBAT,LMBA, Tunis 4. Univ. Manouba, ISBST, BVBGR-LR11ES31, Biotechnopole Sidi Thabet, 2020, Ariana, Tunisia

Abstract:

While the Middle East and North African region is facing challenges to sustain water security, water reclamation has received increasing consideration as a favourable mitigating solution. Despite the availability of adequate technologies; economic, political, legal, social, and environmental constraints often hamper stakeholders and especially decision makers to exploit the existing potential into implementation of solutions. In this paper, we aim to develop a comprehensive assessment for water reclamation and reuse. This assessment consists of three objectives, namely A) applying a decision-support tool (DST) for water reclamation potential for municipal wastewater, B) applying a DST for simulating and estimating lifecycle costs of project-related technologies for water reclamation, and C) assessing the national-level conditions for water reuse with a multi-criteria decision analysis. This analysis considering six thematic subjects, namely policy and institution, economy, society, water management, legislation and environment. The assessment was applied to food and non-food crop irrigation in several Egyptian, Moroccan and Tunisian case studies. For all defined case studies, adapted treatment trains that could treat wastewater to the desired quality at reasonable costs were identified and are presented in this paper. The results show that technological options are available for water reuse but the concept is not widely implemented in Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. The results depicted in this paper identified key barriers and drivers for the implementation of water reclamation for irrigation. In particular, the countries considered show different characteristics regarding efficient water management, water pricing, subsidies and wastewater tariffs,

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implementation of monitoring and reporting systems or legal aspects related to the use of reclaimed water for food crop irrigation. However, further exploration of case studies on high potential water reuse and financially affordable wastewater reclamation is required.

Keyword: Water reuse, wastewater recycling, water reclamation, decision support tool, water resources management, multi-criteria analysis, Middle East and North Africa

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Which mathematical expression is likely the proper equation for longitudinal dispersion coefficient in rivers? Javad Parsa, Saeed Samadianfard Water Engineering Department, Agriculture Faculty, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran [email protected]

Abstract Longitudinal dispersion coefficient has a crucial role in the modeling and prediction of pollutant distribution along the natural streams and rivers. Different methods, based on dimensional analysis and many machine learning approaches, have been used to accurate estimation of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient. Despite the complexity of the longitudinal dispersion coefficient, many attempts have been made to find a proper mathematical relationship to express the dispersion coefficient. In this study, without focusing on the many formulae obtained by several researchers, attempts are made to find the proper mathematical functions that correspond with the nature of the phenomenon. To achieve this, Gene Expression Programming, denoted as GEP, is used by introducing different simple mathematical operators and functions in order to develop three models. The used function in three different GEP models include simple mathematical operators and functions in order to account for the proper expression for longitudinal dispersion coefficient. The GEP model utilizing the power, exponential and logarithmic functions with the correlation coefficient, scattered index and Willmott’s index values of 0.725, 0.939 and 0.819, respectively, was found as the best formulation. This results indicate that the dispersion phenomenon in rivers does not follow trigonometric functions while the power, exponential and logarithmic functions can be considered as proper functions for the dispersion process in rivers. This result is in-line with the nature of the pollutant dispersion in the nature.

Keywords: Longitudinal dispersion coefficient, Gene expression programming, river, error measures, mathematical expression.

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Innovative solutions for the treatment and agricultural reuse of

municipal and textile wastewater

Atef Jaouani a , Fatma Arous a , Ameur Cherif b , Yasmine Souissi b , Hanen Cherif b , Christakis Papaloucas c , Stathis Kyriacou c , Nicolas Kalogerakis d , Ahmed Rached e , Wentao Li f , Yan Li f , Dario Frascari g a Institut Supérieur des Sciences Biologiques Appliquées de Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia b Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bio-Geo Resources Valorization. Higher Institute for Biotechnology of Sidi Thabet, University of Manouba, Tunisia c SK Euromarket Ltd, Limassol, Cyprus d TU-Crete, Chania, Greece e National Water Research Center, Cairo, Egypt f State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resources Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China g Dept of Civil, Chemical, Environmental and Materials Engineering, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Abstract

The activities carried out in the frame of MADFORWATER project allowed the selection and the integration of technologies that were scaled up for the treatment and agricultural reuse of real effluents. The selection was based on compliance with international standards for water reuse in agriculture, costs & benefits, LCA and social acceptance analysis. Different wastewater types were treated and reused in the MADFORWATER pilots: municipal wastewater, textile wastewater and drainage canal water. The municipal wastewater treatment pilot plant was installed at the Chotrana wastewater treatment plant, in Ariana, Tunisia, while, the textile wastewater treatment pilot plant was installed in the textile industry GWash, located in the governorate of Korba (Nabeul, Tunisia). The MADFORWATER pilot plant dedicated to the treatment of drainage canal water was implemented near Lake Manzala in Egypt. After treatment, the quality of the treated wastewater was compared with national and international permission limits for agricultural purposes. The irrigation experimental fields were conducted using treated wastewater to assess their effects on crops, soil and hydraulic properties of emitter’s irrigation systems. The design and the

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implementation of the MADFORWATER integrated pilot plants as well as the main results and outcomes achieved by the project will be presented and discussed.

Keywords: Municipal wastewater, Textile wastewater, Drainage canal water, Treatment, Reuse.

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Water

desalination and

purification

technologies

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Developing decision support system for pollution reduction from drainage system to Nile River Case study: Rosetta Branch Eman A. HASAN Associate professor [email protected] Drainage Research Institute National Water Research Center Abstract Five agricultural drains namely El-Rahawy, Sabal, El-Tahrir, Zawyet El-Baher and Talal drain are dumping their polluted water into Rosetta Branch (RB) of Nile River affecting its water quality and may lead to water pollution. The objective of this research is to assist the decision maker in solving the pollution problem of RB of Nile River through developing decision support system and selecting the best options for pollution reduction from drainage system to Nile River using multi criteria decision analysis technique. This will be done by evaluating water quality of drains discharge into RB of Nile River and proposing alternatives options for pollution reduction of the most polluted drain. These alternatives options are change the path of El Rahawy effluent to El Qatara depression, dilution of El Rahawy drain pollution and biological treatment of Abu Rawash wastewater plant. Ranking of alternatives options will be based on a set of evaluation environmental criteria (water quality parameters, cost and job opportunities). Mass balance equations are calculated for prediction of water quality parameters (BOD, COD, DO, TDS) of El Rahawy drain after applying each alternative option for pollution reduction. The best option for pollution reduction of RB of Nile River is changing the path of El Rahawy drain to Qattara depression. Sensitivity analysis was carried out to test the effect of changing each criterion score separately on ranking of alternatives options of pollution reduction. The results of the sensitivity analysis proved that there is no change in ranking of alternatives options with changing each evaluation criterion separately by positive or negative 30%.

Keywords: Evaluation criteria; Mass balance equation; Multi-criteria; Nile River; Sensitivity analysis; Water quality.

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Preparation and Characterization of Acidic, Basic and Hydrophobic Dehydrated Carbons and their Capability for Methylene Blue, ibuprofen and chlorpheniramine Adsorption

S. Naheed Furqan Ali, El-Said I. El-Shafey, Haider A. J. Al Lawati, Saleh N. Al-Busafi Sultan Qaboos University, Oman [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract Date palm leaflets used to prepare dehydrated carbon (DC) via sulfuric acid treatment. DC showed -COOH groups on its surface and further functionalized via amide coupling using ethylene diamine (EDA) and propylene diamine (PDA) to produce basic dehydrated carbons (BDCs): BDC-EDA and BDC-PDA, respectively, and using ethylamine (EA) and aniline (AN) to produce hydrophobic dehydrated carbons (HDCs): HDC-EA and HDC-AN, respectively. Surface areas were found low, between 6.7-16 m2/g with mesoporosity domination. FTIR shows that –COOH content on DC almost disappeared after surface functionalization. Faster adsorption of methylene blue with larger adsorption capacity (294.1 mg/g) was found on HDC-EA than other adsorbents because of stronger hydrophobic interaction forces. These dehydrated carbons were further tested for the removal of ibuprofen (IBU) and chlorpheniramine (CP) showing their high adsorption capacities. For the removal of IBU, DC (35.4 mg/g) and HDC-EA (30.86 mg/g) showed higher adsorption capacities as compared to BDC-EDA (24.88 mg/g), CP follows the order HDC-EA> DC>BDC- EDA with adsorption capacity 175.4, 53.2 and 51.28 mg/g, respectively at room temperature. Compared to literature these carbons are cheap, efficient with high percentage removal and easy to prepare. Such carbons can be used to remove a variety of organic pollutant from water.

Keywords: Dehydrated carbon, Acidic, Basic, Hydrophobic, Methylene blue, ibuprofen, chlorpheniramine

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A multivariate Analysis of Groundwater Chemistry Data Garba Ahmed1*, Muhammad Mukhtar1 and Aishatu Hussein Santuraki2 1 Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Binyaminu Usman, Polytechnic, Hadejia Nigeria 2 Departmnt of Chemical Sciences, Fedral Univrsity Kashere,Gombe, Nigeria *Corrisponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract Groundwater serves as the main sources of water for drinking and other domestic purposes and often it is over exploited. Nowadays, it is facing threats due to anthropogenic activities. In this study a total of 20 groundwater samples from boreholes used for drinking and other domestic purposes were collected from Atafi/waje District north eastern Jigawa State, Nigeria and analyzed for their physicochemical characteristics and trace metal levels using standard methods aimed at assessing the groundwater quality. The well founded techniques of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were jointly used. The values for were found to be -3, and NO-, Ca, Mg, Clphysicochemical variables EC, pH, Temp., TDS, THbelow or within the permissible limit set by the (NSDWQ, 2007) in majority of the boreholes.while Test of significance of the observed correlation coefficients shows very high , -3, Cu and NO -, TDS and Cl -3positive correlation between TDS and Cu, TDS and NOwith r = 0.899 , 0.818, 0.787, 0.776, 0.7000 respectively. While -3T/Hardness and NO, TDS and Mn, -Clmarked/moderate positive correlation between EC and Cr, Cu and T/Hardness and TDS, T/Hardness and Cu, with r = 0.619, 0.605, 0.587, 0.568, 0.549, respectively were observed, these suggested that the aquifer chemistry is mainly by controlled investigate the origin of each PCA was used to , and Mn.-, Cu, Cl-3TDS, T/Hardness, Mg, NOwater quality parameters and yielded five Varimax factors/components with 78.69% total variance in the groundwater quality data. First two factors reveals 47.69% of the total variance , Cu, EC, Fe and Cr indicating the major -3, NO-dominated by Total Hardness, TDS, Clvariations are related to anthropogenic activities and natural processes. Cluster analysis results grouped the 15 parameters and 20 sampling sites into two and four statistically significant clusters respectively based on their similarities. The results showed that concentrations of Mn, Cr, and Pb are slightly higher above the maximum permissible limit of Nigerian Standard for Drinking Water Quality (NSDWQ, 2007) and hence the need for the replacement of the affected wells. Keywords: Groundwater, multivariate analysis, physicochemical,

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Use of biofabricated silver nanocomposite capped with mud crab shell (Scylla serrata) chitosan for water purifications and sustainable management of mosquito vectors at stagnant water system in the semiarid zone of Tamil Nadu, India Kadarkari Murugan1, LanWang2, Jaganathan Anitha1, Pandian Amuthavalli1, Murugan vasathakumaran3, Jiang Shiou Hwang4, Devakumar Dinesh1 1Division of Entomology, Department of Zoology, School of Life Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India. 2School of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China. 3Department of Zoology, Kongunadu Arts and Science College, Coimbatore – 641029, Tamil Nadu, India 4Institute of Marine Biology, National Taiwan Ocean University, Taiwan

Abstract: Water is essential for all life without it all life would cease to exist and providing quality is paramount is important in public. Mosquitoes are the most single group of insects in terms of public health significance. Mosquitoes are the major vectors of many diseases such as the malaria, filariasis, dengue, japanese encephalitis etc., Mosquitoes propagate quite successfully in a variety of aquatic habitats such as drinking water system, manmade water bodies, and sewage contaminated aquatic system. With the unique structural features present in chitosan bio-polymer helps to binds effectively with fine suspended particles, pollutants, bacteria, heavy metals etc. The biocompatible and biodegradable nature of chitosan makes it a potential candidate for water purification purpose. Biosynthesized chitosan reduced silver nanoparticles were characterized by UV–vis spectrum, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy- dispersive X-ray analysis (E- DAX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Then the study was made to evaluate the mosquitocidal (Aedes aegypti) and water purification properties of chitosan with nanoparticles. Chitosan based nanoparticles had toxicity against laboratory and at the field level. From the results it is clearly postulates that the biomolecules present in the chitosan acts as key in synthesized bio-nanoinsecticide and may produce lethality against spectrum of mosquito larvae in the breeding habitats and which also nullifies the contaminates in the water and makes in human usage. The antimicrobial activity of biogenic nanoparticle at the water medium was found to be a good antibacterial agent by inhibiting the growth of bacteria like. E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Clostridium botulinum and Bacillus megaterium and fungal strains like Alternaria solani and Aspergillus flavus. Concerning non-target effects, in standard laboratory conditions the predation efficiency of Carassius auratus fishes was 76 and 53 % against II and III instar larvae of A. aegypti, respectively. In a Ch-AgNP-contaminated environment, fish predation was boosted to 87% and 70%, respectively. Key words: Mosquito Vector, Aedes aegypti, chitosan nanoparticle, water purification, antimicrobial, water reuse.

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Fuzzy Spatial Analysis of Groundwater Quality for Drinking purpose (case study: Sirjan plain, Iran) Negar Fathi1, Mohammad Bagher Rahnama2*, Mohammad Zounemat Kermani3

1 Ph.D. Student, Water Engineering Department, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran. 2,3 Associate professor, Water Engineering Department, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Iran. *Corresponding Author: Mohammad Bagher Rahnama, E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Today, due to the population growth and lack of shortage of water resources, especially in arid and semiarid areas of the world such as Iran, exploitation of groundwater resources with suitable quality for drinking is of high importance. In this regard, contamination of groundwater resources to heavy metals, especially arsenic, is one of the most important hazards that threaten natural ecosystems and human health. The present study aims to develop an approach for presenting the quality of groundwater of Sirjan city in Kerman province, based on modern tools of spatial zoning in the GIS environment and a fuzzy approach of drinking water in accordance with the standards of world health organization (WHO). For this purpose, qualitative data related to 22 exploitation wells, including Na+, Cl-, Mg2+, Ca2+, TH, TDS, EC, SO4-2, AS, Fe, AL, recorded during 2002 to 2017 were used. In addition, fuzzy aggregate maps were prepared in two scenarios by neglecting and considering arsenic presence in groundwater resources. The results showed a decrease in groundwater quality. More specifically, neglecting the presence of arsenic, in 2002, all drinking wells in the area were located in an excellent zone, while in 2017 a number of operation wells are located in the good and medium zone. Also, the final map, considering the presence of arsenic as a limiting factor of drinking water, indicated that the southern regions of the plain would be the best place to dig wells for drinking water. Presently, 18.9% of the region for drinking water are in the very bad zone, 17% in “unsuitable zone”, 41.5% in “medium zone”, 3.7% in “suitable zone”, and 18.9% in “very good” zone. Therefore, the use of new finding methods for drinking water can contribute significantly to the usage of groundwater aquifers and provide a good view of the aquifer water quality. Keywords: Arsenic, Contamination, Fuzzy, Groundwater, water quality

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Methods for Determining Background Values for the Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution and Ecological Risk of Sediments and Waters Ahmed Douaik1 and Soumia Ramdani2 1: National Institute of Agricultural Research, Rabat, Morocco, [email protected] 2: University of Sidi Bel Abbès, Sidi Bel Abbès, Algeria, [email protected]

Abstract

Heavy metals in waters and sediments have natural and/or anthropogenic sources. The natural sources could be weathering of sedimentary rocks, interaction of water with igneous rocks, soil erosion, etc. The anthropogenic sources are domestic and industrial wastes, mining, agrochemicals, etc. Unaffected environments have very low concentration of heavy metals. However, during the last decades, the anthropogenic activities related to urbanization, industrialization, and intensive agriculture have dramatically increased the concentration of heavy metals. It is important to identify and quantify the different sources of these metals to control the pollution and protect the ecosystems. Different single and integrated pollution and ecological risk indices are computed. Among the simple indices, there are enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index. Regarding integrated indices, the most common is Nemerow pollution index. The ecological risk can be evaluated using single index like monomial potential ecological risk or integrated index like potential ecological risk index. All these indices require determining background values. Three kinds of methods are available for doing that: geochemical, statistical, and integrated. Geochemical methods were originally used considering average metal contents of Earth crust or pristine areas or some reference elements like aluminium and iron. These methods were criticized since they present some intrinsic flaws. Then, statistical methods were developed beginning with mean and standard deviation that was later prohibited. Boxplot and median and median absolute deviation followed. These two approaches are recommended. The multivariate statistical methods like principal component analysis and cluster analysis are recommended for considering simultaneously many heavy metals. Finally, spatial statistical methods, specifically geostatistics, allow locating spatially the background values and the anthropogenically influenced areas. These approaches determine site-specific background values. Since the development of guidelines for environmental legislation is based on the background values, the latter should be carefully evaluated to reduce the cost and to protect sustainable aquatic environments. In this contribution, the main methods for background values determination will be reviewed, their main principles will be shortly discussed, their strengths and their limitations will be highlighted, and the criteria for selecting the most appropriate method will be listed.

Keywords: Background, Geochemical, Heavy metal, Pollution, Statistical.

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Water Chemistry and Modeling of Fluid-Rock Interaction for Improved Oil Recovery in Mishrif Formation, Halfaya Oilfield, Misan Hussein Badr Ghalib1,4*, Adnan B. Al Hawash 2,3, Wasan Sabeeh Al- Qurnawi1, Asaad A. Hamad AIsaadi5 1 Geology Department, College of Science, University of Basrah, Basra 61001, Iraq 2 Department of Marine Chemistry and Environmental Pollution, Marine Science Centre, University of Basrah, Basra 61001, Iraq 3 Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of MOE, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China 4Selcuk University, College of Engineering, Geology Department, Selcuk, Turkey 5 Department of geology, Field Authority, Missan Oil Company, Missan, Iraq, Iraq * Corresponding Author: E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Geochemical characterization of oil reservoir formation waters is important in the study of the impacting on the petrophysics properties. This study focused on the practical application of formation water chemistry of two important oil-producing reservoir rocks in the Mishrif Formations. A total of 12 formation water samples were collected from oil wells in Halfaya fields producing from the Mishrif Formations. Three surface water samples from Tigris River and two samples from producing water formation were collected. Geochemical parameters on site and in the laboratory were investigated. The composition of the Mishrif formation water was characterized by the high average of TDS (201,084mg/l). The contribution of cations as epm% were Na (82.17), Ca (11.41), K (3. 27), and Mg (3.18), while anions contribute as Cl (99.60), CO3 (0.25), HCO3 (0.08), and SO4 (0.005). The water type of Mishrif brines were of Na–Ca–chloride type. The SO4 ion is depleted due to a biodegradation. The biological examination showed that the water of Tigris River Polluted by sulfate reducing bacteria (1400 CFU/mL), but it was absented in producing water. The analytical results suggested that high salinities in Mishrif formation waters resulted at least partly from halite dissolution, and were subsequently modified by diagenetic reactions. Relationships among the chemical compositions of formation waters, the mineralogical compositions of their host rocks, and depth suggested that dissolved cation concentrations in the formation waters are controlled predominantly by dissolution and recrystallization of calcite, as well as by leaching or dissolution of clay minerals. Computer simulations of mineral precipitation and/or dissolution reactions and accompanying porosity changes that would take place in improved oil recovery processes were conducted for several scenarios. These simulations were used to assess potential formation damage that can be caused by disturbance of the oil reservoir's original physical-chemical state during primary production or improved oil recovery processes. Keyword: Mishrif formation, Halfaya Oilfield, Hydrogeochemistry, Geochemical modeling, Brain water

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THE EFFECT OF SPRING-NEAP TIDAL CURRENTS ON SPREADING OF DISHARGED CONTAMINANTS FROM DESALINATION PLANTS

Ahmed Al Kasbi & Anton Purnama Department of Mathematics, College of Science, PO Box 36 Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod PC123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract The main purpose of building large-scale desalination plants is to manage the high demand for freshwater and other various purposes; domestic, agriculture, industry. Unfortunately, desalination projects cause negative effects on the environment. Some of the most significant consequences are those associated with the marine structures, energy consumption, seawater intake, and brine disposal. It is common practice for coastal water desalination plants to discharge the waste into the sea via an outfall at some distance from the beach. Most coastal waters around the world dominated by tides that generate currents and vary the water levels over those areas. In particular, currents have directly affected the contaminants spreading process in beach zones and play a vital role in the transport of properties associated with water, such as dissolved salts, pollutants, suspended material and other contaminants. Many researchers have studied the oscillatory nature of the tidal currents by assuming a simple model which based on single frequency assumptions to study the oscillatory nature of the tidal currents. Tides and tidal currents are more complicated and often containing oscillations of the two slightly different frequencies (which called spring- neap tides). An analytical solution of two-dimensional advection-diffusion equation containing a developed tidal current model with a parametric examination has been applied in the present study to reflect the spring-neap phenomena.

Keywords: Desalination plants; Mathematical model; Spring-neap tidal current; Salinity at the shoreline; Temporal evolution in salinity

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New approach for decreasing hardness (Ca2+, Mg2+) of Industrial waters used in boilers by Schiff's Bases

Marwa Abu Zeid Omer Haj Elamein

University of Khartoum, Sudan [email protected]

Abstract

Treatment of Ca (II) and Mg (II) hardness were investigated via adsorption of metal ions onto synthesized Schiff's base, the structure of Schiff's base, was identified by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), then used to treatment water hardness and decreased the metal ions (Ca2+, Mg2+). All experiments were carried out at room temperature, and total hardness was measured before and after using Schiff's base. The processes of treatment were done for three and four days, and the removal percentages of hardness were found for 3 days 59.05%, 59.73% and 75.1% for 4 days. The results obtained clearly showed that the Schiff’s bases could be employed in hardness removal of industrial waters, especially that no harm will be traced to human health since the water cannot be used as drinking waters. One could expect that the removal of hardness could be contained, if more resident time was employed. The major achievement revealed from that study that is the economic value obtained from saving energy, since the water steam is obtained by consuming less electricity with efficient steam without cleaning operation of scales frequently and avoiding the explosion of boilers that resulting is damage and loss of labor lives. The research is of multidisciplinary benefits and best utilized of resources.

Keywords: Schiff's base, water hardness, decreases the metal ions (Ca2+ , Mg2+).

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Evaluation of physicochemical quality of treated desalinated seawater: the cases of Souk Tleta and Honaine stations

Naima Badid1 , Abou bakr Hachemaoui2 , Fatiha Hadji3 , Abderrazzak Atallah4

1 Department of Biology, PPABIONUT Laboratory, P.O. Box 119, University of Tlemcen-Algeria. 2Muscat City Desalination Operation and Maintenance Company - Sultanate of Oman. 3 Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, P.O. Box 119, Tlemcen, Algeria. 4 Department of Biology, P.O. Box 119, University of Tlemcen-Algeria. [email protected]

Abstract Treated water (TW) quality oversights of Honaine (H) and Souk Tleta (S) desalination plants was investigated. With a production of 200 000 m3 /day, these plants use the reverse osmosis process and different pre-treatment techniques (ultrafiltration for S and sand/anthracite filters for H). Water samples were collected over a long period, analyzed and compared to the Algerian and WHO standards. The concerned parameters were odour, flavour, turbidity, pH, total alkalinity, total dissolved solids (TDS), total hardness (TH), free chlorine and major ions. Obtained results showed that pH values (8.29-8.42) fluctuate in the same range of the aforementioned guidelines. Alkalinity, TDS and turbidity of TWH were slightly high compared to TWS. Major ions reflected fairly relevant variations. Calcium concentrations ranged between 28.76 and 31.67 mg/L (average: 30.71 mg/L) in TWS and 52.1 to 56.1 mg/L (average: 21.22 mg/L) in TWH. These latter were high in TWH compared to TWS, however, both concentrations were below the standards cited above. Magnesium values in TWH (2.16 to 2.59 mg/L; average: 2.37 mg/L) and in TWS (1.42 to 2.37mg/L; average: 1.74 mg/L) indicated very low contents compared to the standards. As for sulfate, recorded amounts were too low (2.53 to 3.89 mg/L in TWH and 0.01 to 0.03 mg/L in TWS) vis-à-vis of standards. Free chlorine concentrations varied from 0.34 to 0.46 mg/L in TWH and 0.40 to 0.70 mg/L in TWS and were below the Algerian and the WHO standards. Phosphate and ammonium were absent + in both stations except NH4 which remains stable during the monitoring in TWS. At last, both TW were colourless, odourless, with just a slight taste of chlorine for TWS.

Keywords: Seawater Desalination, Reverse osmosis, Treated water, Quality, standards.

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Nutritional concerns of essential minerals in treated water of two desalination seawater plants Naima Badid1 , Fatiha Hadji2 , Abou bakr Hachemaoui3 , Abderrazzak Atallah4

1 Department of Biology, PPABIONUT Laboratory, P.O. Box 119, University of Tlemcen-Algeria – Email: [email protected] 2 Department of Earth and Universe Sciences, University of Tlemcen, P.O. Box 119, Tlemcen, Algeria- E-mail: [email protected] 3 Muscat City Desalination Operation and Maintenance Company - Sultanate of Oman- Email: [email protected] 4 Department of Biology, P.O. Box 119, University of Tlemcen-Algeria –Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract Although food is the main source of mineral nutrients in the diet, drinking water can contribute with varying fractions to the total intake. The mineral profile such as Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, Mn, ... is essential for health and treated desalinated seawater, when consumed, should be a balanced source of these elements. Treated water (TW) components of two desalination stations (S1, S2) were investigated. Water minerals including major ions were analyzed and compared to the Algerian and WHO standards. The largest micronutrients proportions of intake from drinking water are Ca and Mg. Although, the other minerals are provided in low proportion, their role in trace form in cells is irrevocable. Low concentrations of Ca (S1: 30.71 mg L -1 ; S2: 21.22 mg L -1 ) below Algerian and WHO standards predisposes human to deterioration of bone mineral density leading to osteoporosis and fractures. Magnesium deficiency (S1: 2.37 mg L -1 ; S2:1.74 mg L -1 ) has been implicated in hypertension, insulin resistance and type II diabetes, increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, anxiety, neuromuscular excitability and it enhances potassium renal excretion. Otherwise, Cu, Zn and Mn are responsible for structural and catalytic properties of multiple enzymes necessary for normal body functions. The absence of Cu, Zn and Mn in the TW in S1, except Mn in S2 (0.014mg L -1 ), predisposes the malnourished individuals to oxidative stress through the inactivation of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase enzymes), triggering chronic diseases. Cu deficiency is implicated in antioxidant activities against freeradicals, and maturation of collagen. Ultimately, TW cannot be loaded with minerals and trace elements far from the contact of soils and rocks. The preoccupation of a good remineralisation remains its only means to have a real mineral balance and to be adequate to the health standards.

Keywords: Seawater Desalination, Micronutrition, Minerals, Standards, Health.

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Effects of Nitrate Contamination in Groundwater on Human Health: A case study of Tiruchirappalli City, Tamilnadu, India Chokalingam Lakshumanan1 *, Govindaraj Gowtham1 , Gowrappan Muthusankar2 ,T.Subramani3 , Priyadarsi D. Roy4 1 Centre for Disaster Management and Coastal Research, Department of Remote Sensing, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, India 2 French Institute of Pondicherry, Pondicherry, India 3Department of Mining Engineering, College of Engineering Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India 4 Instituto de Geología, Universidad NacionalAutónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City, Mexico *Email: [email protected]

Abstract: Increasing nitrate levels in groundwater have been a source of concern in the recent decades all over the world. The challenges due to the high level of nitrate in water have also receiving more attentions due to the impact of nitrate over health related issues. This study provides the information on the occurrence of nitrate contamination in groundwater in corporation of Tiruchirappalli, Tamilnadu. Moreover, it also gives the insights about the sources and negative effects of nitrate contamination. A total number of 24 groundwater samples have been collected from bore well at depth from 15 to 45 meter in a distributed pattern. An assessment of the level of nitrate contamination in the groundwater samples was determined using UV Spectrophotometer. The nitrate concentration ranges between 1.4 to 104 mg/l. A risk assessment over human health due to nitrate contamination was done using Hazard Quotient (HQ). The spatial analysis of groundwater trace elements was performed by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) combined with geostatistical modeling. The results indicate that, the consumers residing in eastern part of the study area are more exposed to current nitrate concentration. It is identified that improper sewage system and use of nitrate enriched fertilizers are the main source of nitrate in the study area. Hence, it is anticipated that outcomes of this study will provide insights for decision makers taking adaptive measures for groundwater Nitrate and trace element monitoring in Tiruchirappalli district.

Keywords: Hazard Quotient. Nitrate contamination. UV Spectrophotometer. Human health. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy.

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Monitoring and Counting E.Coli Bacterial Growth During Low Pressure Events in Drinking Water Distribution Networks FARAHAT, Ashraf Department of Physics, College of General Studies, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, 31261, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract Maintaining clean drinking water is a key factor in maintaining sustainable development and a healthy environment. In addition to monitoring water quality at water tanks, it is important to monitor water distribution network (WDN) and pipes where water is being transported . Intrusion in WDN can be triggered by transient low-pressure events. This intrusion may result in the contamination of drinking water supplied to consumers, which may have major health impacts. This experimental study was performed to monitor and count E.coli bacterial intrusion into WDN. Two experiments were performed to investigate 1) the effect of low and negative pressure in WDN on bacterial intrusion; 2) the propagation and growth of bulk bacterial intrusion in WDN; 3) premeditated bacterial contamination of water sources (tanks). It was found that the rate at which bacteria reaches customers is very comparable however, higher risks are found with premeditated bacterial intrusion. It was also found that there is a small chance for E.coli bacteria to be intruded into the system after sudden low/negative pressure events. The experiment shows that high pressure within water networks pumps out water of the system then the mixture (water and contaminants) are sucked back into the network. It was observed that contaminants were not able to be significantly intruded into the system if water pumps were shut down for a short period of time. The minimum time required for contaminant to be intruded into the system was found to depend on the water pressure prior water pumps were turned off.

Keywords: E.Coli, Drinking water, Distribution networks, Intrusion, Low pressure.

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Synthesis, characterization and sorption properties of MgAl-LDH (2:1) nanoparticles Ridouan Benhiti1 , Abdeljalil Ait Ichou1 , Ahmed Zaghloul , Gabriela Carja2 , Fouad Sinan1 , Mohamed Zerbet1 and Mohamed Chiban1* 1Laboratory of Applied Chemistry and Environment, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, Ibn Zohr University, Agadir, Morocco 2Laboratory of Materials Nanoarchitectonics, Faculty of Chemical engineering and Environment protection, Technical University of ‘Gheorghe Asachi’ of Iasi, Romania *Corresponding author: E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Chiban)

Abstract

In this study, the sorption properties of Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (MgAl- LDHs) for phosphate were examined. Structural and morphological study show that MgAl-LDH was synthesized by urea hydrolysis method with good crystallinity. The influences of sorbent dosage, solution pH, and competitive ions on the phosphate uptake have been investigated. It has been found that the uptake of phosphate onto MgAl-LDH was rapid and reached equilibrium within 60 min. The sorption kinetic follows pseudo-second-order model, suggesting chemisorption of phosphate on this sorbent. The equilibrium data corresponded well the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, suggesting that multiple processes may control the adsorption of phosphate on the MgAl-LDH. The sorption mechanism of phosphate onto LDHs could be via electrostatic attraction, ligand exchange and ion exchange. Phosphates ion uptake in 6+ - 2- presence of other ions decreases in the order Cr > NO3 > Cl- > SO4 . Thus, MgAl-LDH prepared by urea hydrolysis method is an effective sorbent for the removal of phosphate from aqueous solutions.

Keywords: MgAl-LDH, urea hydrolysis, sorption, phosphate, wastewater treatment.

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Major ions chemistry and non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of fluoride in groundwater of the alluvial plains of River Yamuna, Delhi, India Shakir Ali1, Shashank Shekhar1, Trupti Chandrasekhar2, Prosun Bhattacharya3 1University Of Delhi, India 2Indian Institute Of Technology, Bombay 3KTH Royal Institute of Technology KTH, Sweden [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract River Yamuna is one of the largest tributaries of River Ganga and a major recharge source of Yamuna flood plains aquifers in Delhi, India. The River Yamuna is highly contaminated with organic and inorganic pollutants. In this perspective, it is desired to evaluate the groundwater quality of aquifers of Yamuna Alluvial Plain (YAP) in water stressed city, Delhi. It was found that the aquifers are safe with respect to fluoride (F-) in many localities and varies from 0.18 to 1.57 mg/L during non- monsoon season in year 2016. Electrical conductivity of the groundwater samples were found to be below maximum permissible limit in 63% samples of NAP. The water is alkaline (pH: 7.71-8.25) and shows dominance of Na-Cl hydrochemical facies. The samplings near Bhalaswa landfills shows distinguish signatures of major ions indicating significant contribution from landfills. The bulk sediments below river bed reveal dominance of Quartz and Biotites minerals with Albite and Fluorite as an accessory. The non-carcinogenic health risk assessment suggests that the children (HQORAL > 1) at Kherakalan and Narela are likely to have adverse health effects. While adults (HQORAL; 0.09 – 0.82) in all the localities are in safe zone.

Keywords: Fluoride contamination, Yamuna Alluvial Plain, River Yamuna, Non- Carcinogenic, Hazard Quotient.

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Removal of Triallate from groundwater using immobilized algae

Sara Mollamohammada1,*, Ashraf Aly Hassan2, Mohamed Dahab1 1 University of Nebraska Lincoln, United States 2 United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates, [email protected] *[email protected]

Abstract

Application of agrochemicals such as herbicides in agriculture has increased yield of agricultural crops and minimized the economic losses but at the same time, caused environmental contamination. Triallate is a type of herbicide that is commonly utilized to control annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in field and pulse crops. Groundwater contamination may happen when triallate moves from an application on soil into a shallow aquifer. In this study, the capability of immobilized algal beads in removing triallate from groundwater was evaluated in a continuous flow reactor. The initial concentration of triallate was 196 ppb in the influent. 99% of triallate was removed after 15 days of operation. The mechanism of removal was predicted to include adsorption on the surface of the beads, followed by bioaccumulation, and biodegradation by microalgae. The present study established the potential of using the immobilized S. sp. beads for the treatment of water contaminated with triallate. Immobilized algal beads can be a low-cost alternative technique to remove herbicides from groundwater as they are water-insoluble, non-toxic, easy to harvest and offer high removal efficiency.

Keywords: Scenedesmus species; immobilized algae; triallate, herbicides

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Sulphate Removal from Aqueous Solution Using Modified Bentonite

Suaibu O. Badmus1,2 and Bassam Tawabini 1,3

1 Department of Geoscience, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia 2 [email protected] 3 [email protected]

Abstract Sulphate is a naturally occurring substance found in different mineral salts present in soil and diverse water supplies. There is no regulatory standard for Sulphate due to its known non-toxic nature. However, the consumption of potable water with high concentration of magnesium or sodium sulphate may cause intestinal discomfort, diarrhoea, and dehydration. Although, there are traditional methods for sulphate removal, there is still a need to develop a cost-effective method for the removal of sulphate from water. Therefore, this research investigates the adsorptive capacity of acid-digested bentonite (ADB) and modified bentonite (MB) for sulphate removal in the aqueous solution. The modified bentonite was prepared through microwave acid digestion of natural bentonite and was subsequently coated with cationic polyelectrolytes PolyDADMAC. The characterization of raw bentonite (RB), ADB, and MB was investigated using SEM/EDX, XRD and FTIR to determine morphological, chemical composition, and functional group changes of their surface. The effects of contact time, adsorbent dosage, agitation period and pH on ADB and MB were investigated in the Sulphate ions removal experiments. The characterization results showed that concentration of cations and anions drastically reduced in the ADB while the size of MB increased significantly. The results obtained from sulphate removal from aqueous solution reveal that modification of bentonite, adsorbent dose and agitation rate significantly influenced the adsorption efficiency or performance of MB. Keywords: Sulphate, Bentonite, Adsorption, Cationic Polyelectrolytes

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The role of inner tubes of FeO impregnated CNT in the treatment of BTEX contaminated water Tajudeen Oyehan1, Fatai Olabemiwo2, Suaibu Badmus1 1King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia 2Wesleyan University, United States [email protected]

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have unique surface, thermal and electrical properties making them suitable for applications in various spheres of research. Despite the large surface area of CNT, it surprisingly has very poor adsorption capacity for many organic contaminants in water. Studies have shown that the capacity can be enhanced by modifications such functionalization, impregnation and polymer coating. Impregnation typically involves uncontrolled incorporation of transition metals or their oxides into CNT surfaces and inner tubes. In this study, we aimed to investigate which part of the impregnated CNT is directly involved in the enhanced adsorptive property. To do this, we selectively impregnated the external surfaces of CNT and their inner tubes with iron oxide. Then we fully characterized the synthesized materials with SEM-EDX, XRD, FTIR and XRF. Furthermore, the materials were used to treat water contaminated with BTEX at different solution pH, BTEX concentrations, adsorbent dosage, temperature and time. The characterization results show successful controlled impregnations. Results from the batch tests suggest that non-selective FeO coating on CNT rather than selective external impregnation contributes more to BTEX removal. This established the role of the inner tubes of FeO-CNTs in adsorptive water treatment. Keywords: carbon nanotubes, impregnation, BTEX, adsorption, nanomaterial

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Novel ascorbic acid-activated magnetite for effective Fenton oxidation of PCP in contaminated water and soil M. Usman1,2*, O. Monfort3 , K. Hanna3 , S. Haderlein2 1PEIE Research Chair for the Development of Industrial Estates and Free zones, Center for Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, Oman 2Environmental Mineralogy, Center for Applied Geosciences, University of Tü bingen, 72074 Tü bingen, Germany 3Univ Rennes, Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes, CNRS, ISCR (Institut des Sciences Chimiques de Rennes) – UMR 6226, F-35000 Rennes, France

Abstract

Fenton oxidation (H2O2 + soluble Fe(II)) has shown viable potential to remediate contaminated matrices. However, this process is mainly limited by acidic pH required to keep soluble Fe(II) in solution. This limitation can be avoided by using iron minerals to catalyze Fenton oxidation at circumneutral pH. Among iron minerals, Mixed-valent minerals like magnetite are more reactive than Fe(III) minerals due to the presence of structural Fe(II). Improving the reactivity or stability of magnetite is a widely investigated for an effective Fenton oxidation. Recently, ascorbic acid (AA) improved the reactivity of Fe(III) minerals but its role has never been investigated for magnetite. Mixed-valent character of magnetite could offer potential advantages due to the role of AA in Fe(II)/Fe(III) cycle. To explore the role of AA, we performed batch experiments by using PCP contaminated water and historically contaminated soil. Obtained results indicate that application of magnetite/H2O2/AA resulted in better PCP removal (95-100%) than magnetite/H2O2 (60-80%). Increasing oxidant dose has a positive effect on treatment efficiency of magnetite/H2O2. Effect of oxidant dose was evident in the disappearance of reaction by-products at higher oxidant doses (500 mM) which were formed at lower oxidant contents (200 mM). Similar trend was observed at different magnetite/AA ratios. Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed higher Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratio after activation by AA that can be associated the higher catalytic ability of AA-activated magnetite. These results indicate the strong potential of AA to improve the efficiency of magnetite for an effective PCP oxidation in contaminated water and soil.

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Hydrophobic Nanoparticles for a Potentail Application in Seawater Desalination via Membrane Distillation” Rajesha Kumar , Mansour Ahmed , Garudachari Bhadrachari , Ahmed Al-Sairafi, Jibu Thomas Water Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box, 24885, 13109 Safat, Kuwait, Tel: +965 97920482 , E-mail: [email protected] Abstract Exploring the energy-efficient seawater desalination technologies with high water recovery is a much essential, current and future challenge for the middle east countries, especially. The energy-efficient desalination process is one that has easy access to integrated with renewable energy. In this regard, membrane distillation (MD) research is continuously enduring considering its high potential to integrate with the low-grade heat or solar energy. Though few companies are successful in commercializing the technology through standalone MD or hybrid MD desalination processes for seawater desalination, the unavailability of commercial MD membranes with high efficiency and reliability is the major challenge in membrane development field. Recently, the synthesis of nanocomposite membranes by incorporating the hydrophobic nanoparticles has shown tremendous improvement in flux, rejection and the life of the membrane. The current study focusses on the effect of three different hydrophobic nanoparticles on the morphological, structural, and hydrophobic characteristics of the PVDF membranes. Further, their performance was compared in direct contact membrane distillation configuration for desalting the Arabian Gulf Seawater as a feed. The Octadecyl Dihydrogen Phosphate modified calcium carbonate (OC), Octadecylamine modified Montmorillonite (OM), and Heptadeca- fluoro- 1,1,2,2-tetrahydrodecyl) triethoxysilane modified silica (HS) nanoparticles were incorporated into the polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) membrane matrix in different compositions. The PVDF membrane incorporated with HS showed the highest flux and rejection attributed to its superior characteristics than OC and OM loaded membranes. The HS loaded membrane showed the liquid entry pressure, and contact angle values. Further, the scanning electron microscopic images witnessed more porous structures for HS loaded membranes. The MD experiments were performed using a customized MD system purchased from Convergence Co. which has a crossflow filtration cell to occupy a membrane with area of 50mm (diameter). The hot feed, beach well seawater, and cold distillate flowed concurrently from the bottom to the upper part of the module with the help of two pumps. The flux of the HS, OM, and OC loaded PVDF membranes towards the seawater feed was 42.3 LMH, 41.2LMH, and 36.8LMH respectively. Also, HS incorporated membrane showed a

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stable flux and >98.7% rejection over the long run experiment of 120h without wetting.

Keywords: Seawater desalination, Hydrophobic nanoparticles, Porosity, Nanocomposite TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE DESALINATION INDUSTRY IN GCC COUNTRIES Mohamed Abdel Hamyd Dawoud (1), Saleh O Alaswad(2), Hatem Abdel Rahman Ewea(3)

(1) Environmnet Agency – Abu Dhbai, UAE, Email: [email protected] (2) Nuclear Science Research Institute, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, Box 6086, Riyadh 11442, KSA (3) King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, KSA.

ABSTRACT The scarcity of water resources and the increasing gaps between supply and demands are major challenges facing the economic and social development in GCC Countries. At present most of these countries water resources are below the water poverty level and most of the water used is brackish groundwater abstracted from non-renewable aquifers. Desalination technology is finding new outlets in supplying freshwater to meet growing demands for future development in the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and economical sectors. More than 18,450 desalination plants are in operation in 150 countries producing about 86.8 million cubic meters a day supplying 300 million people with freshwater. With about 53% of the world’s desalination capacity, the GCC countries leads the world in desalinated water production. More than 8,950 desalination plants in GCC countries have a cumulative capacity of about 38.1 million cubic meters a day. Desalination is energy -and capital intensive- industry, though technological innovations have reduced production costs. Investments in infrastructure and R&D in innovative technologies and renewable energies can lower desalination costs and make it more sustainable in the future. While desalination can help reducing pressure on conventional water resources, they have negative environmental impacts, including pollution, greenhouse gas emission and brine discharge to marine environment. The cost of desalted water depends on four factors, namely, energy input, depreciation and interest, infrastructure cost, and operation and maintenance cost. The cost of desalted water is coming down due to continued R&D and technological innovations in both thermal and membrane

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desalination. In the field of thermal desalination, efforts are directed towards utilizing the low grade heat and the waste heat as energy input for desalination, lesser chemical treatment and the advantage of scale up to higher capacity as a cost reduction strategy. In membrane desalination, work is being carried out on newer pre-treatment methods like use of ultrafiltration, energy reduction using energy recovery devices and higher membrane life from better quality membranes. Work is pursued on hybrid desalination for producing different quality of product water for process industries and for potable use at lower cost. In this paper, several new desalination innovative technologies to reduce energy consumption and produce sustainable desalination processes based on renewable energies were assessed. This assessment was based on real four pilot projects implemented, monitored, and assessed for two years in Abu Dhabi Emirates. Preliminary results have shown that Forward Osmosis (FO) use only 3.6 kw/hr/m3 . This means that FO processes can be used directly or indirectly to make the desalination process more energy efficient in the near future. Also, Membrane Distillation (MD) technology is a thermally driven low-energy process that utilizes a hydrophobic, microporous membrane to separate freshwater by liquid-vapor equilibrium.

Keywords: Desalination, Forward Osmosis, Sustainability, RO, Innovations, Water Scarcity.

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Synergism Of Species Specificity, Habitat And Effluent Discharges Influence Mercury Pollution Of The Marine Environment Ah.Bu-Olayan, Bv.Thomas Kuwait University [email protected] [email protected] Abstract Industrialization and urbanization witnessed the toxicity of mercury in both, ionic and inorganic forms entering the living tissues through the bioaccumulation process. The mercury concentration in water was analyzed to correlate the mercury levels in sea urchin Echinometra mathaei inhabiting the southern marine sites of Kuwait that evinced interests on marine pollution over the recent years. Analysis by ICP-MS invariably produced inconsistent results because of the restricted detection limits (1ppm to 1 ppb). This was overcome by using a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80, Milestone Italy) that detected samples from 0.0015ug/l onwards with consistency and agility. Results indicated higher mercury concentrations at Site I: Al-Fintas compared to Site II: Mina Abdulla although the later was suspected for more pollution concentrations because of the refineries in that area. Observations showed higher Hg concentrations in E. mathaei, caught from Site I due to their habitat preferences, abundance, free flow of water current. This was also validated by toxicity and bioaccumulation tests and labeled this species as an invaluable marine pollution bioindicator. Keywords: Bioaccumulation, Mercury, Sea urchin, Toxicity, Kuwait

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Study of the purification performances by a plant bed under arid conditions Dalila Benlarbi1 , Fatima ChaliAli1 and Remykia-Kafia Benlarbi2 1Laboratory of Exploitation and Valorization of Natural Resources in Arid Zones (EVRNZA). University Kasdi Merbah Ouargla, Algeria 2English Language Department. University Kasdi Merbah Ouargla, Algeria [email protected]

Abstract Water resources in Algeria are limited, hence the need to focus on the purification (purification) of wastewater for reuse (re-use) in some areas such as agriculture and industry. The objective of this study is to highlight the purification performance of the "Sodom apple tree" which is a very common shrub in the region of Djanet and Illizi in Algeria, which is considered as an arid zone with regard to wastewater. As material, we used small buckets filled with sand with a gravel substrate. We sowed seeds that we let grow a few weeks. The water supply is under a horizontal flow regime under ground . The urban wastewater used is preceded by preliminary treatment. The water obtained after purification is collected using a tap in a container placed under the seal. The first comparison between the inlet and the outlet waters showed that the presence of the Sodom apple tree contributes to reducing their pollutant parameters with significant rates: soit 81% pour la DCO , 84% for BOD , 95% for MES , 82% for NO- 2 , and 85% for NO-3 , And the second comparison of the results obtained with WHO standards allows us to conclude that these waters can be used for safe irrigation.

Keywords: wastewater, re-use, purification, irrigation, Arid zone .

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Desalination of Seawater: Using Date Palm Trunk Fiber as a Natural and Cheap Absorbent for the Removal of Sodium and Magnesium Ions from Seawater Haneef Ur Rehman Department of Natural and Basic Sciences, University of Turbat, Pakistan [email protected]

Abstract The clean and safe drinking water is the basic need of humanity, and adequate supply of clean and safe drinking using sustainable techniques is included in UN SDGs. The date palm fiber has potential adsorption properties for adsorbing various metal. Therefore, series of experiments were conducted using batch adsorption method to analyze the adsorption capability of date trunk fiber for the removal of Na and Mg ions from seawater. The various parameters including fiber size, mixing rate, mixing temperature, pH of the solution and adsorbents concentration were analyzed for maximum adsorption of magnesium and sodium ions from sea. The adsorption efficiency of removal of Na+ and Mg2+ ion were increased from with decreased of fiber size and maximum adsorption were observed on 100 µm fiber size. The temperature gave little effect on the adsorption capacity of date palm trunk fiber and the adsorption capacity for the removal of Na and Mg ions were almost found same in various temperature. However, the pH significantly changed the adsorption capacity of date palm trunk fiber and maximum adsorption of Na and Mg ions were achieved on pH-6. The time period for adsorption for Na and Mg ions were analyzed and maximum adsorption were observed after 15 minutes of treatment. The date trunk palm fiber also reduced the TDS value of seawater from 800 ppm to 300 ppm. Finally, the FTIR and SEM were performed to analyze chemical composition and surface porosity of date palm trunk fiber.

Keywords: Desalination, Seawater, Activated Carbon, Date Palm Trunk

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Effect of the Blending of Desalinated Seawater with Groundwater on the Formation of Trihalomethane Species in Drinking Water

J.M. Alkandari*

*Water Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, P.O. Box: 24885 Safat, Zip code: 13109, Kuwait, Email : [email protected]

Abstract:

The World Health Organization classifies THM species (i.e. chloroform, bromodichloromethane, dibromochloromethane and bromoform) as possibly carcinogenic to humans. The objective of this study was to assess the formation of trihalomethane species in two different synthetic drinking water samples prepared in the laboratory. The synthetic water samples were produced by blending desalinated water with groundwater using two typical blending ratios utilized in the drinking water production facility: 97.1% desalinated water, 2.9% groundwater; 85.0% desalinated water, and 15% groundwater. Simulated distribution system trihalomethane tests were carried out to assess the formation of trihalomethane species. The results showed that bromoform in both tests were the dominant trihalomethane species. The formation of trihalomethane species in the synthetic drinking water that comprised 15% groundwater was higher than that in the synthetic drinking water samples that comprised 2.9% groundwater. The study revealed that in the process of the blending of groundwater with desalinated water, during the production of drinking water, the higher the amount of groundwater utilized to produce the drinking water, the more bromide and organics existed in the finished water. This resulted in the formation of more brominated trihalomethanes in the finished water because of the water chlorination process.

Keywords: Blending ratio; Chlorination; Trihalomethanes

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Aflaj and traditional water systems

157

Successfully mutual cooperative collective action: Principle of institutional arrangement of the aflaj system in Sultanate of Oman Mr. Al-Marshoudi, Ahmed Salim Suzyrman Sibly, PhD Hamoon Khelghat-Doost, PhD

Abstract To investigate the present of the two most common analytical tools; heterogeneity and homogeneity over a mutual cooperative in an irrigation system, we consider both of these in an attempt to find an existing mutual cooperative over aflaj (singular falaj) in Oman. In an aflaj community defined boundary shareholders group we expect some sort of equal size distribution by which all member interested in cooperative mutual collective action with regard to system maintenance, extra water renting right and water flow reliability. We provided the necessary demonstration of the existing institutional arrangement to further prove the theory. Although fast body of literatures discussed these rules and cooperative with the different types of the common-pool resources, this study focus over the cooperative collective action, in particular investigate the present of cooperative collective action within the Omani ancient-aflaj system (singular falaj). In Oman, aflaj water allocation and its institutional arrangement showed relatively resilient against recent regional development. Today, in many aflaj communities, common administrative as well as allocative water delivery process were found over almost identical structural social hierarchy. While the documented Omani measuring unit, known as ather, (based on time) indicated the first condition of the present of cooperative collective action, another associated water auctioning which used to generate income, ( known as rub’ah (quarter))has been found.

Keywords: aflaj system, collective action, cooperative, aflaj system

158

Foggaras in Algeria, A very traditional system of exploitation groundwater. Ansari Taha Postal box 43 01000 Adrar, Algeria. Email: [email protected]. National Agency of Hydraulics Resources (NAHR). Postal box: 364. 01000 Adrar, Algeria. Email: [email protected]. Themes : Aflaj and traditional water systems

Abstract Foggaras, has for centuries provided a sustainable supply of water and played an important role in sustaining the livelihoods of local populations in a hyper-arid environment and until today it preserves greenery in desert. Foggara is an underground gallery that drains the water from aquifer to the palm grove; it is composed of several wells, ending with a comb, (Kasria). To have water the populations drilled 276831 wells; he dug 4104.102 km, of underground canals for connecting between wells. The whole of foggaras built in Adrar is 2285 foggaras. In order that foggara’s water is a source of peace between all users of this water, the inhabitants adopted the charter of management of water, first, water is scarce; water is a free product for the daily use. Second, the same water in agriculture becomes a commercial product, it’s like the land; it is inherited, sold and bought. To apply this charter the inhabitants used their knowledge to enact other laws to share water inside the palm grove, their knowhow to design the measurement tools of foggara’s flow rate and they created the flow measurement units. Each foggara has a register that record lists names of foggara’s owners and also, the quantity of water allocated to each owner. Also, the register contains all operations of sold and bought of foggara’s water during the measurement of the flow rate. This register is called in local dialect Ezmmam el foggara. No one is allowed to make any changes on this document, without the presence of all the owners of the foggaras, it is the much-respected document. The missions of the measurement foggara’s flow rate and the preservation of register of foggara were mandated to two people, well – known by their honesty, and trustworthy. One of these two people makes the ancestral method of the measurement of the flow rate but it’s very accurate method he’s also, water bailiffs, he’s called in local dialect kiyal el ma. The second writes the measured, sold or bought quantity in the register and he safeguards this register. Foggara, is an important heritage of water, that we can learn from this heritage how we can reach an integrated water management, we can fight desertification. To protect this national heritage we must have all the information about this heritage. We need to use new technology like GIS, which allows us an easy access to this information, we can make the maps of this heritage and we share our data with all partners who are interested in the management of this heritage. All activities about the inventory of foggaras, the location of wells and combs by GPS, measuring the depths of wells and sampling of foggaras’ water are achieved. This data are introduced in GIS. Foggaras until today continue to safeguard the greenery in the desert.

Keywords: Foggara, Wells, Inventory, GIS, , foggaras Flow rate , Foggaras water quality.

159

Origin and Recharge Role of Northern Oman Aflaj Geochemical and Isotopic Approach Khadija Semhi1*, Osman Abdalla1 , Rashid Al Abri2 and Talal Al Hosni1

1Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O.Box 36, Alkhode 123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman 2Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman Email: [email protected]

ABSTRACT Aflaj system developed in Oman as in many other arid environments is an important source of water. Proper preservation of this source requires adequate understanding of recharge and hydrodynamics. During this study, samples were collected from aflaj in North Oman in order to identify their sources in addition of evaluating the role of recharge of such resources and to give better understanding of the relations between different aquifers hosting waters of these aflaj. The hydrochemistry was combined to stable isotopes for such objectives. Three types of aflaj: Springs (locally Ainy), Daoodi and Ghailli were investigated in an area of 38325km2 . Variations of δ D and δ 18O reveals that the most enriched waters are those from Gailly aflaj which are the most affected by evaporation. The most depleted are waters of springs. The waters of Daoodi aflaj are segregated in two groups, 1) the depleted Daoodi aflaj are apparent to springs and 2) the most enriched ones to Gailli type while no similarity of isotopic signatures of Gailli aflaj and Springs was observed. The results also show that there are two groups of springs, 1) one group is recharged from limestone of HajarSupergroup (HSG) and Ophiolite aquifers with more contribution from Ophiolite (more than 21%) and 2) the other group is recharged from HSG with some contribution from Hawasina aquifer. The Daoodi aflaj are found to be recharged from HSG, Hawasina and Ophiolite aquifers. TheGailli aflaj which are mainly the surface water are found to be partially recharged from Ophiolite aquifer.

Keywords: isotopes, evaporation, aflaj, recharge, aquifer.

160

Ancient and Medieval Water Conservation Techniques in India: A Traditional Approach to overcome water Scarcity Abha Mishra1, SanjayTignath2, Amitabh Mishra3 1Freelance Researcher, Oman, Email: [email protected]

2P.G. Science College, Jabalpur, M.P.,India Email: [email protected]

3 CAS, Ibri, Oman, Email: [email protected]

Abstract Water is an integral part of human civilization. Continuous overexploitation and misuse of this invaluable resource have led to severe water scarcity around the globe. Water conservation is the only way to manage the water table/level and save it for future generations. Many of the techniques of water conservation which were in use in ancient times for irrigation, water supply and other purposes are still working effectively. These traditional water conservation techniques date back from the Indus Valley Civilization (3000 - 1500 B.C.) to as recent as 19th century A.D. and provide a solution for efficient water supply, in addition to holding a perfect balance between environment and human beings. With the change in climatic conditions, human settlement and advent of modern technology, the traditional practices changed /modified or have been forgotten but, they are still relevant. The current study is an attempt to review the ancient and mediaeval water conservation techniques and to provide an insight for applying these to protect and save this potentially useful water resource for present and future.

Keywords: Water conservation, Water scarcity, Indus Valley Civilization, traditional approach.

161

Oasis dynamics and local peasants’ initiatives to preserve the foggara system. The case of the oasis of Tasfaout in the Algerian Sahara Salem Idda1, Bruno Bonté2, Marcel Kuper3 1 University of Adrar Ahmed Draia, Algeria Email: [email protected] 2 Institut national de recherche en sciences et technologies pour l'environnement et l'agriculture (IRSTEA) – Montpellier, France Email: [email protected] 3 Institut agronomique et vétérinaire (IAV - Maroc) et CIRAD (Montpellier), France

Abstract Foggaras are an old irrigation system of the Touat, Gourara and tidikelt regions in the western south of Algeria. They are common traditional irrigation system that captures the ground water table to irrigate palm groves. Since 1980, new irrigation schemes and techniques were installed beside foggaras using boreholes and pumping techniques. Consequently, these new extensions and techniques are accused of weakening the oasis system. This accusation is mainly due to the water table level depletion and drying up of foggaras marked over the three past decades. In this paper, we are studying the oasis of Tasfaout in the south of Touat region. In this oasis, installations of new irrigated schemes were prohibited by the local peasants in order to protect the water table. By analyzing the dynamics around the water resource management in the foggara of Chemane (unlike of other foggaras the foggara flow increases), the aim of the study is to establish if the water resource availability is really the most important factor to explain the sustainability of the foggara system. In this research, we show first that to preserve their foggara; peasants adapt their organization and water management rules to the new socioeconomic context. Second, we argue that tensions between socio-ethnic categories (tow main groups) of the oasis have motivated the peasants to continue to adapt different parts of the system and assure its dynamics. Finally, we conclude that water resource availability is not a sufficient condition to maintain the foggara system. The sustainability of the foggara system requires other social (organization), institutional (rules) and technical (foggara extension) changes and adaptations. Keywords: foggara, oasis, adaptation, Adrar, institutions

162

The Khettara system in Morocco between heritage and innovation (SWOT method analysis) Ahmed Fekri university hassan II faculty of science Ben M'Sik Casablanca [email protected]

Abstract The Moroccan oases are located mainly on the desert border under arid climate. The khettara is the main mobilization system of groundwater in these areas. The khettaras are constructed as a series of vertical shafts connected by gently sloping tunnels. They tap into groundwater in a way that efficiently delivers large quantities of water to the surface without need for pumping. The water drains by gravity, with the destination lower than the source, which is typically an upland aquifer. It allows water to be transported over long distances in hot dry climates without loss of much of the water to evaporation. The downstream of the Khettara is connected to a network of canals. This study presents the conclusion from the SWOT method analysis. This system is threatened by external factors that affect any groundwater resources elsewhere. However, some threats are indirect and have a socio-economic nature. Indeed, the sustainability of this system is dependent on the interest of the population that has on this system through the maintenance work of a continuous way.Once this interest decrease for social or economic reasons, it will lead to immigration phenomena of, then the khettara disappears. The challenge is not only technical but also requires an effort in building capacity of farmer to improve their skills enough to raise their standard of living. This is able to reduce the rate of immigration and continue to work the land and maintain khettaras. Modernity is not necessarily an enemy of khettaras. The wells with pump can be used as a backup to support the role of khettaras without cause significant drawdown in groundwater level. Indeed, mathematical models are used to manage groundwater resources efficiently with public support, with respect, to the sustainable development principle. It is clear from these analyzes that the man and khettara relationship is mutual.

Keywords: Khettara, Morocco, heritage, innovation, SWOT

163

Hydroinformatics

164

Monthly rainfall forecast using tools developed in the framework of chaos theory Mohamed CHETTIH & Sabrine BENMEBAREK Research Laboratory of Water Resources, Soil and Environment, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Amar Telidji University, P. O. Box 37.G, 03000 Laghouat, Algeria. E-mail : [email protected] E-mail : [email protected]

Abstract: One of the central problems of the hydrological sciences is hydrological forecasting. The torrential rains, floods and long periods of drought are complex processes. These exceptional hydrological events are one of the most important natural hazards. The vast majority of natural systems are very complex in nature. The nonlinear nature of hydrological processes has been known for a long time, although linear approaches continue to be widespread in Hydrological modeling. However, the advent of computing and the technological evolution of computing power have facilitated the formulation of nonlinear approaches and thus allowed for other acceptable alternatives. Among the nonlinear approaches most used in modeling and hydrological analysis in recent years, chaos theory. The achievement of encouraging results in recent years has recognized that the theory of chaos could provide new perspectives and new pathways for exploring to modeling and forecasting hydrological processes. As such, we propose in this note a model derived from the principles of chaos theory based on the FarmerSidorowich algorithm for forecasting monthly rainfall series. Note that this type of model requires sufficiently long data sets and must cover different climatic periods to be representative. The results of the simulations obtained are quite satisfactory and encouraging, insofar as they show that the rainfall processes have an underlying deterministic dynamic and that even in the short term, they restitute the rainfalls in a very significant way.

Keywords: Rainfall; Forecast; Chaos; Farmer-Sidorowich algorithm.

165

Site selection of fog water harvesting using satellite data in semi-arid Alborz, Iran Karim Solaimani, Fatemeh Shokrian Sari University of Agric. Sciences & Natural Resources, Iran [email protected], [email protected] Abstract The fog-water harvesting has attracted increasing attention over the past few decades. Fog has the potential to provide an alternative source of freshwater in the most regions (with lack of the freshwater) if harvested through the use of simple and low-cost collection systems known as fog collectors. Remote sensing applications in water resources management are becoming an essential asset in all different levels of integrated water rational use and cloud detection using remote sensing techniques proved to be efficient recently. The present study was carried out to determine the prone-areas for fog-water harvesting in the upstream of the Vaz Watershed (located on the highlands of Alborz) using remote sensing technique. For this purpose, 16 environmental variables were used. The remote sensing variables (based on Landsat satellite imagery) included land use, surface temperature, and cloudy maps. Climate variables are included Leeward effect, Windward effect, Daylight Anisotropy Heating, Effective Air Flow Heating, Sky View Factor, Wind Effect. Hydrological variables are included Stream Power Index and Topographic Wetness Index. Physiographic variables are included DEM, Slope, Aspect, Curvature, Catchment area and Terrain Ruggedness Index. All above mentioned variables with the SDMs package in the R program that include 12 models (BRT, CART, FDA, GAM, GBM, GDM, GLM, MARS, Maxent, MDA, RF and SVM) as well as 190 ground control points using GPS-Garmin-76CSx were used as auxiliary data to prepare spatial distribution of fog-water harvesting. In order to evaluate above mentioned models, the ROC curve was used in the R program. In the other part of this research, using nonenvironmental variables including the cloudy map (extracted from Landsat 8), distance from the road, distance from the village and distance from livestock area were applied to fog- water harvesting zoning by expert’s knowledge and AHP in the Expert choice software. Then prone-area map was extracted by overlapped of non-environmental variables using the Arc GIS 10.4 software. Finally, layers in the first and second stages were overlapped and prone- area for fog-water harvesting was prepaid in the Vaz Watershed. The results indicated that BRT, GBM, Maxent, RF and SVM models were selected as final models (high accuracy) for preparing a fog-water harvesting map. Therefore, the above models were used to prepare the Ensemble model. The fogwater harvesting map based on the Ensemble model showed that the east, southeast and south of the Vaz Watershed had the most suitable. Also, the weight of non-environmental variables showed that the cloudy map and distance from the road had the highest (0.96) lowest weight (0.67), respectively. The finalized fuzzy map prone-area for fog- water harvesting (based on the overlapping of environmental and non-environmental variables) showed that the southeast and southern regions are most suitable, and the northern of Vaz Watershed have lowest suitable. The results of the present study indicated that areas with more than 2000 meters above sea level are the best fit for the fog water harvesting (FWH). Keywords: Fog, Landsat, SDMs, ROC, Alborz and Iran.

166

DECAY MODEL STUDIES ON THE SPREADING OF COASTAL EFFLUENT DISCHARGES Abdullrahman A. Al-Muqbali & Anton Purnama Department of Mathematics, College of Science, PO Box 36 Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khod PC123, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman E-mail: [email protected] ; [email protected] Abstract Many discharged coastal effluents to the sea through marine outfall systems contain some unknown emerging reactive chemicals, where their components can not be identified and the toxicity of the effluent can not be explained. These effluents are subject to significant loss due to temporal decay that varies with water depth. Such discharges are made of treated municipal wastewaters from sewage works, cooling waters from power generating stations, or brine effluents from seawater desalination plants. Occasionally, desalination brine effluents discharges may consist of corrosion product, toxic antifoulants and antiscalants. Decay mechanisms include consumption by bacteria or radioactive decay (temporal decay uniform across the flow), heat loss or evaporation through the surface (decay decreasing with depth), and break up or dissolution by turbulence (decay proportional to the flow). A far-field mathematical model using a two-dimensional decay-advection-diffusion equation with a point source in a highly simplified flat seabed and a step seabed are presented to study the variability of decay with water depth. The analytical solutions are illustrated graphically by plotting contours of concentration to simulate the spreading of discharged effluent plumes in shallow coastal waters from a long sea outfall. The concentration at the shoreline can be used as a measure of how well the discharged effluent plumes are being mixed and diluted in the coastal waters and for assessing the environment impacts of effluent discharge into the sea. The maximum value of concentration at the shoreline is formulated to account for the effects of decay.

Keywords: Environmental impact assessment, flat seabed, far-field model, step seabed, variability of decay

167

Statistical Approach for Water Quality Evaluation of Irrigation Canals in Egypt Eman A.HASAN1* , Marwa M. ALY2, A.M.I.Abd EL HAMID3

Drainage Research Institute, National Water Research Center, Egypt 2Faculty of Engineering, Matareya, Helwan University, Egypt. 3Researcher, Hydraulic Research Institute, National Water Research Center, Egypt

Abstract: Surface water quality is a vital issue worldwide due to increasing population and development plans. The objective of this study is to develop a statistical approach for assessing irrigation water canals through monitoring pollutant concentrations and a water quality index. Water samples were collected monthly for the two years 2012/2013 and 2013/2014, from fixed locations along the studied canals in Eastern Delta as a case study. The statistical approach used in this work includes Water Quality Index (WQI), Hierarchical Clustering (HCA) and principal component/factor analysis (PC/FA). The study revealed that according to the cluster analysis considering WQI, 61.11% of the monitoring locations were grouped under cluster A which has the best water quality among the cluster groups. Furthermore, the results of the principal component analysis identified five principal components which were responsible for 81.24% of water quality status in the studied locations. The results obtained from this study can assess the decision makers in applying water quality strategy to control the presence of pollutants from different sources.

Keywords: Water Quality Index; Cluster Analysis; Principal Component Analysis; Factor Analysis ; Eastern Nile Delta Canals.

168

Sedimentation Mapping in Shallow Shoreline of Arid Environments Using Active Remote Sensing Data Mohamed Elhag ; Jarbou Bahrawi King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract: The applications of remote sensing in monitoring land cover features became an essential tool of natural resources management schemes. The sedimentation mapping of shallow shorelines is insufficient using passive remote sensing images do you to several images corrections that need to be considered and the weather implications. While active remote sensing data can overcome the difficulties of the weather interference and reach to more reliable results. The current research work took place in the shoreline on Umluj city West of Saudi Arabia to represent one of the most sensitive wetland habitats within the country. Sentinel -1 images were downloaded and analyzed to delineate the sedimentation process from the European Space Agency. The archive image was acquired in August 2018 while the crisis emerged was acquired in March 2019 after unusual rainfall event took place in the vicinity of the study area. Remote sensing techniques of sedimentation mapping end change detection were implemented in the study area to estimate the sedimentation process and its influences on the coexisted wetlands. The wetland habitats were decreased by nearly 87% throughout the period of flashfloods cooccurred between November 2018 until March 2019. Meanwhile, sediment deposits along the shoreline of the study area increased by nearly 171% where the sedimentation deposits are remarkably noticed along the investigated shoreline. Therefore, monitoring of the shorelines sedimentation and the wetland habitats using temporal remote sensing data are decision making priorities to conserve the natural resources within similar arid environments.

Keywords: Change Detection, Sedimentation Deposits, Sentinel-1, Wetlands Habitats

169

Sensitivity of IDF Curves to Rainfall Disaggregation Method A.Al-Wagdany A.Al-Wagdany, Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz University, [email protected]

Abstrsct: In arid regions daily rainfall data are commonly available rainfall data. Daily rainfall disaggregation model is usually used to generate rainfall data at shorter time steps to develop Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) curves. The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of using daily rainfall disaggregation techniques on computing IDF curves. Several rainfall disaggregation techniques were utilized to disaggregate daily rainfall collected from two tipping-bucket rain gauges installed in arid catchment in western Saudi Arabia. Daily as well as a 5 minutes rainfall data are available for the two gauges for the period 2006 to 2018. The resulting disaggregated rainfall values as well as the high temporal resolution rainfall data were used to construct IDF curves. The resulting IDF curves constructed from the observed fine time scales rainfall data were compared to the IDF curves developed from the disaggregated rainfall data.

Keywords: rainfall records, IDF curves, rainfall disaggregation, arid climate, Saudi Arabia

170

Estimation of river discharge based on remote sensing of buoyant river plumes

Alexander Osadchiev1 1Shirshov Oceanology Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia [email protected]

Abstract

Satellite remote sensing is an efficient tool for identifying buoyant river plumes in the coastal ocean that are formed by the interaction between river discharge and ambient seawater. A new method for reconstructing the volume rates of river discharge based on the shape, extent and orientation of plumes is described that combines the output from a Lagrangian numerical model and analyses of satellite imagery. Practical importance of this work consists in the fact, that the suggested method is an alternative for the expensive and laborious direct measurements of the river discharge. This method was applied for estimation of discharge rate of the Chelif River located in arid area in Algeria.

Keywords: indirect discharge estimates, river plume, satellite observations, Lagrangian numerical modeling, river discharge

171

GIS-based Flood Hazard and Risk Assessment in Amman City, Jordan Muheeb Awawdeh*, Khaldoon Al-Qudah, Hassan Rwashdeh Department of Earth and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan *[email protected], Tel. +962798176793

Abstract : Flood is a common natural disaster in the world and cause serious loss of life and economic damages as in the case of Amman, the capital city of Jordan. Amman city has experienced frequent floods in the past few years due to its mountainous topography and the rapid expansion of urbanization. The aim of this study was to assess flood hazard and risk in Amman using a semi-quantitative approach given that flood hazard and risk maps are effective tools in reducing the impacts of floods. Six flood causative factors (slope, elevation, drainage network, land use land cover, flood control projects, and average daily maximum rainfall) and three elements at risk (population, roads and croplands) were processed and assessed in GIS environment. The Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) was used for weighing the factors and then combined in GIS to map the flood hazard and risk in the study area. As expected, the results revealed that most of the lowlands in Amman are within the zones of high and very high flood hazard with area coverage 17.4% and 9.7%, respectively. The elevation and land use land cover were the most important parameters in flood hazard modeling. On the other hand, the populated areas were the most vulnerable to floods (55%), followed by cropland areas (29%) and then transportation network (16%). Consequently, lowland areas with high population and dense croplands were under high and very high risk of floods, with coverage areas 16.7% and 10.7%, respectively. It was found that many essential facilities (e.g. hospitals, police and fire stations, and schools) and high potential loss facilities (e.g. hotels) were located in very high and high zones of flood hazard. Based on the aforementioned results, the concerned authorities have to take necessary measures in order to reduce the potential risks of future floods in Amman city.

172

Eutrophication Status and control of Egyptian Northern Lakes

Eman A. HASAN Associate professor National Water Research Center, Egypt dr_eman30@ hotmail.com

Abstract:

Four coastal lakes fringe the North coast of the Nile Delta, Egypt; Manzala, Maruit, Edku and Burullus. These lakes receive huge amounts of direct and indirect drainage; agriculture, industrial and domestic. Eutrophication of these lakes can have significant negative ecological, social and economic impacts on human. The objective of this paper is to quantify and classify the recent trophic state index of the Egyptian northern lakes. Also, control actions to reduce deterioration of northern lakes will be recommended. Data of water quality variables of different lakes are taken from the formal reports of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA) website. The calculation and classification of trophic state index (TSI) are made for the period from 2011 until 2015 according to Carlson method, United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) classification and other variables associated with trophic levels in lakes. These variables are total phosphorus, total nitrogen, chlorophyll-a and secchi depth. The study revealed that northern lakes suffer from different degrees of eutrophication. Regression analysis results showed that TSI trend is increasing which indicates deteriorating water quality in Lake Maruit, Burullus, and Bardawell, declining or improving in Lake Edku and Lake Manzala.

Keywords: Carlson method; Eutrophication; Northern Lakes; Regression analysis; Trophic state index.

173

USE OF VIRTUAL WATER AND WATER FOOTPRINT DATA IN POLICY MAKING: A CASESTUDY FROM OMAN

Mushtaque Ahmed1, Sokina Joseph2, Nasr Al Rahbi1

1Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, [email protected] 2Graduate Asset Management Advisor at Mott MacDonald | MSc Graduate from Imperial College London, United Kingdom, [email protected] Abstract:

Virtual Water Trade (VWT) is the exchange of products considering the water “embedded” within it. If a country exports a product, which consumes water, it also exports volumes of water used in its production. Personal water footprint is the amount of water an individual consumes in his/her daily life, including the water used to grow the food that one eats, to produce the energy and for all of the products in an individual’s daily life. Our study showed that the net virtual water content exported from date palms and alfalfa in 2014 was 27.7 Mm3 enough to meet 15% of the domestic potable water demand. Date palms export results a loss of 377,725 OMR and high indirect cost of desalinating the same amount of water in terms of energy and economic costs. A survey conducted in Muscat in 2016 found the average water footprint per individual of Muscat was 859 m3 annually. Neither gender, occupation, age group, education level, household income nor the type of residence were significant in the differences in the mean. An individual’s water footprint was influenced predominately by the person’s consumption habits (75%), which included water embedded in various food groups, coffee and tea. The biggest contributor to the virtual water footprint of an individual was meat accounting for 13% of water consumption. The global water footprint is in average 1240 m3/cap/yr (The USA average is 2480 m3/cap/yr whereas China value is 700 m3/cap/yr). Policy makers in water-deficit countries should find ways to reduce internal water consumption and reduce virtual water exports which are not economically justifiable. This study identified that export of low value dates should be stopped and water saved can be used for domestic supply. Policy decisions such as reducing individual consumption through increased tariffs and controls on home gardens should be practiced. keywords: Virtual Water Trade, Water Footprint, Oman, Date Palm, Alfalfa, Embedded Water, Muscat

174

An integrated system dynamics model to predict the effects of management scenarios on economic assessment of water and soil resources in Hableh-Rud River Basin, Iran Ebrahim Karimi Sangchini1*, Majid Ownegh2 , Amir Sadoddin3 , Mahdi Zarghami4 1. Assistant Professor, Soil Conservation and Watershed Management Research Department, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran. 2. Professor of Arid Zone Management, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 3. Associate Professor of Watershed Management Department, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources 4. Professor of Faculty of Civil Engineering and Institute of Environment, University of Tabriz

Abstract System Dynamics Modeling facilitates the integrated and sustainable management of soil and water resources by enhancing the understanding of watershed systems. The Hableh-Rud river basin, an important watershed of Iran located across Tehran and Semnan provinces, was chosen for the present research. Reference diagrams were created to represent causal relationships and feedbacks based on which the conceptual model for the integrated management of soil and water resources of the Hableh-Rud river basin was developed. The conceptual model was then converted into a model of stocks and flows and run in the Vensim software. The model is comprised of by the biophysical and the economic sub-systems. The main components of the physical subsystem include water balance, groundwater, erosion, sedimentation, and water quality. In the economic subsystem, total costs and benefits were taken into account. Model verification was carried out through extreme condition tests and behavior reproduction tests. Having the Nash-Sutcliff and R2 coefficients with greater values than 0.62 and 0.63, respectively, model tested. Different scenarios including vegetation management, climate, water resources management, and cropping patterns were simulated and the outputs of each scenario were compared to the outputs of the existing condition. The results of scenario analyses for a 30-year period reveal that payment for 50% of the ecosystem services was determined as the best scenario. Scenario of payment for 25% of the ecosystem services was chosen as the next best scenario. After evaluating the vegetation management scenarios, it was determined that farm management actions were considered as the best vegetation scenario. The research indicates that the system dynamic model, as an integrated approach for management of water resources in a basin, is pragmatic. Keywords: Integrated water resources management, System dynamics approach, Management scenarios, The Hable-Rud Basin.

175

Ground Water Table Prediction Using NF-GMDH Based Evolutionary Algorithms Saeed Reza Khodashenas* , Amir-Abbas Jahanara** *Professor of Hydraulic Engineering, Water Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran (Corresponding Author, Email: [email protected]) **Ph.D Candidate, Water Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran( Email: [email protected])

Abstract

This investigation aims to present an integration of a neuro-fuzzy (NF) system and group method of data handling (GMDH) has been employed in order to forecast the ground water table (GWT). The NF-GMDH network has been improved by means of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) as evolutionary algorithms. The proposed methods were developed using records of two wells in Illinois State, USA. For this purpose, datasets related to time series of GWT have been grouped into three sections: training, testing, and validation phases. Through training and testing phases, the efficiency of the NFGMDH methods were studied. The performances of proposed techniques were compared to the performance of radial basis function-neural network (RBF-NN). Evaluation of statistical results indicated which NF-GMDH-PSO network (R=0.973 and RMSE=0.545) is capable of providing higher level of precision rather than the NF-GMDH-GSA network (R=0.969 and RMSE=0.618) and RBF-NN (R=0.814 and RMSE=1.41). Also, conducting an external validation for the improved NF-GMDH models showed the most permissible level of precision.

Keywords: Evolutionary algorithms; Ground water table; Group method of data handling; Neuro-fuzzy, Particle swarm optimization.

176

Comparison of uniform rainfall method and alternative block method in estimating runoff collecting system in order to control flood in urban areas with ASSA software (case study: Chehel Bazeh Golestan Basin, Iran) S. R. Khodashenas1* ,F. Ghobadi2 , A. Mosaedi3 1 ,3 Professor, Water and Science Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of MashhadIran 2 MSc student of water structure engineering, Water and Science Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad – Iran  Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract

Due to an increase in impermeable areas in cities, the runoff volume increases dramatically, causing overflow of runoff and frequent problems in the city. In the present study, the 10th district of the municipality of Mashhad that is known as Chehel Bazeh Golestan was evaluated. In this regard, Arc Map and ASSA software were used for modeling. The basin was modelled according to the existing conditions by using AutoCAD and Arc Map. The geometric parameters of the basin including area of the sub-basins, length of the canals, slope and other characteristics were calculated by using Arc Map. For rainfall distribution, uniform rainfall pattern and alternative block method were used. For the return period of 2 and 5 years, the adequacy of system for runoff was investigated. Results showed that rainfall pattern plays an important role in the basin runoff. The alternative block method for the return period of 2 years, resulted in 33% increase in runoff relative to the uniform rainfall method. In the alternative block method, the outflow runoff of the basin was 29% more than the uniform rainfall method, and the outflow volume increased by 17%. In general, in urban areas due to variation in land use and different basins, uniform rainfall method, due to consideration of geometric parameters of basins, offers better results than alternative block method.

Keywords: ASSA Software, Alternative block method, Rainfall pattern, Runoff, uniform rainfall method

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Groundwater Management and Hydrogeological Modeling of the Sminja-Oued Rmel Aquifer System in the Zaghouan district (northeastern Tunisia) using Modflow software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Meriem Ameur, Fadoua Hamzaoui-Azaza Mounira, Zammouri, Moncef Gueddari Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar Email: [email protected]

Abstract Hydrogeological modelling is a tool assisting in the efficient management of groundwater related data. The Sminja‐Oued Rmel Aquifer System (SORAS) is located in Northeastern Tunisia, consisting of 312 km2 , of continental detritic deposits mainly of the Quaternary Period formed by a joint thickness of 200 m of clays and sands. The SORAS has been divided for convenience in two aquifer units with hydrogeological continuity forming a monolayer unconfined structure. The use of Modflow software and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used aiming to evaluate both, the hydrodynamics and geometry of the SORAS, as well as to test the response of the piezometric level under different extraction Simulations. The application of Modflow model in steady state, considering that the piezometry of the SORAS is invariable over time, with steady groundwater inflow and outflow, made it possible to refine the spatial distribution of the hydraulic conductivity, with values varying from 3.5 10-6 to 2.5 10-5 m/s. Despite the inadequacy of the hydrogeological information in some parts of the SORAS, a satisfactory agreement between the calculated piezometric levels and those measured reflects the reliability of the model under initial conditions. The estimated inflow and outflow is of 477 l/s. On the other hand, the calibration of the model in transient state made it possible to determine the piezometric drawdown during the period 1982‐2015 in response to an increasing extraction. The largest drawdowns (>3m) are recorded at the eastern and southwestern part of the SORAS, where the majority of the extracted water (0.04 m 3 /s) is taking place. Predictive simulations show that increasing operating rates lead to a significant drawdown increase. Indeed, a first scenario using 2015 field data shows drawdowns of the order of 5 m; consequently, a twofold extraction scenario shows a further drawdown increase of 9 m. Keywords: Hydrogeological modeling, Sminja-Oued Rmel Aquifer System, Modflow, water resource management, Tunisia.

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Saltwater Intrusion modelling in a coastal dune environment I.C. Das, Manne Gopaiah, K. Vinod Kumar, P.V.N. Rao. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Balanagar, Hyderabad: 500037, India Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract Saltwater intrusion modelling in coastal regions is a challenge due to dynamic nature of the processes involved as well as the natural and anthropogenic causes that are responsible for enormous stress on the coastal aquifer systems. In this study, ground penetrating radar (GPR) has been used to collect the subsurface information in both pre- and post-monsoon period continuously for 3 years to find the depth of salt water intrusion in different time period. By combining GPR and well observation data, spatial distribution of water table, salt water/fresh water interface zones, fresh water aquifer thickness and fresh water aquifer potential has been analysed. In this study, a three-dimensional variable density transient groundwater flow model coupled with saltwater hydraulics (SEAWAT) is carried out to understand the saltwater intrusion effect in the Nizampatnam coastal region, Andhra Pradesh, India. The results showed that the saltwater aquaculture has the significant effect on the fresh water aquifers in the coastal zones. The transient model represents the future groundwater quality scenario in the coastal region. It has been observed that the anthropogenic activity like salt water aquaculture had severe impact on the fresh water aquifer regime and resulted in thinning of fresh water aquifers by almost 30%. This study helped to understand the impact of salt water aquaculture on coastal aquifers comprehensively.

Keywords: Coastal salinity, GPR, Aquaculture and SEAWAT

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An Agent-Based Model for Considering Complexity in Groundwater Resources Systems: A Case Study of Urmia Lake Basin Mohammad Javad Anbari, Mahdi Zarghami University of Tabriz, Iran [email protected] [email protected]

ABSTRACT Due to groundwater overexploitation in most aquifers of Iran and then its social, economic and environmental consequences, providing effective solutions is extremely important. Therefore, reforming the groundwater governance which is assumed to be main reason of the aquifers restoration projects failure, should be considered. The issues related to groundwater resources include complex social-ecological systems. So, equitable and effective solutions for the management of groundwater resources requires a comprehensive approach based on knowledge and expertise in various fields in the form of contributory agents relationships. An agent-based model is a computer-aided simulation of stakeholders/agents interact with each other and with the environment based on the framework of certain behavioral principles. The first step is to identify the agents characteristics, behaviors and objectives. Agents include various individuals, groups and institutions. Stakeholder analysis is the most important step in this behavioral simulation. To achieve this goal, we need to directly communicate with stakeholders in the form of several interviews and questionnaires with farmers, communities, related organizations, etc. In addition, the environment in which agents operate and interact with each other should be defined. The interactions between these agents are evaluated and then it gets clear that how they interact and respond to change in each of the other agents behavioral conditions as well as the environment. Finally, the behavioral model is implemented in the computer simulation tool, and then the overall performance of developed agent-based model and agents behaviors are validated. Using developed model, various management scenarios are examined and optimum structures will be offered. Keywords: Groundwater resources; Agent-based modeling; Water resources management; Complexity analysis; Stakeholders.

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Assessing multi-satellite products in characterizing drought in the Blue Nile Basin Muhammad Khalifa1,2 1 Institute for Technology and Resources Management in the Tropics and Subtropics (ITT), Technische Hochschule Köln (University of Applied Sciences), Cologne 50679, Germany 2 Institute of Geography, University of Cologne, Albertus-Magnus-Platz, D-50923 Cologne, Germany E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

ABSTRACT Drought is a widespread natural phenomenon that is seriously threatening lives and affecting development in many areas around the world. Drought events might result in massive losses, especially in vulnerable areas such as sub-Saharan Africa. For instance, 15 drought events in Ethiopia during the period 1965-2012 affected 67 million people and brought a death toll of more than 400,000. The estimated economic loss of these events exceeded 92 million US$. Drought develops slowly over time with a prolonged shortage of water supply, mainly from rainfall. Thus, continuously monitoring rainfall quantity and patterns is highly crucial to reduce the negative impacts of drought. However, where aggressive drought events are usually taking place, there is a serious lack of adequate in-situ monitoring of rainfall. Lack of continues rainfall measurement with good spatial resolution is a great challenge that hinders setting up good adaptation measures. The recent advancement in remote sensing sensors and calculation algorithms made it possible to provide rainfall estimations with good spatial and temporal resolution. Currently, dozens of public-domain databases provide different rainfall products and several vegetation indicies with different characteristics. Using these public- domain products could be considered as a good alternative for ground data-scarce regions. However, the performance of these products varies widely and might result in different drought characterization. The current research utilizes data from multiple remote sensing satellites to assess their variation in characterizing drought in the Blue Nile Basin (BNB), which is a transboundary basin shared between Sudan and Ethiopia. With itsimmense water resources, vast arable lands, and large hydropower potentiality, the BNB is an important pillar for water, food and energy security for both riparian countries. Water availability is an essential resource that is needed to sustain life and development (e.g. food and energy production) in the BNB. However, water availability in the basin is highly controlled by rainfall, which is erratic and characterized by unpredictable patterns. Consequenlty, drought in this basin has multiple complex implications on water, food and energy security. Against the above background, this analysis aims at assessing the performance of four public-domain rainfall products derived from satellites and four satellite-based vegetation indices in characterizing drought in the BNB in terms of intensity, affected area, and drought trend. The

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rainfall products considered herein are the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) version 2.0, Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B34) version 7, Rainfall Estimate (RFE) version 2.0, and Africa Rainfall Climatology (ARC) version 2.0. Precipitation estimations of these products along with potential evapotranspiration estimation from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) model were used to calculate the UNESCO Aridity Index. On the other hands, the vegetation indices are the Vegetation condition Index (VCI), Temperature Condition Index (TCI) and Vegetation Health Index (VHI). These indices were calculated using the Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) and Land Surface Temperature (LST) data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite. The time period considered in the current research is from 2000 through 2012 with two temporal domains; i.e. annual and seasonal (June - October), and three spatial domains; BNB, Upper BNB (UBNB) and Lower BNB (LBNB). Results of this investigation revealed large differences in the drought characterization in the two temporal and three spatial domains as detected by these different satellite-based datasets. This is evidenced by the weak correlation between their results. Though a strong correlation was found between two rainfall products; i.e. ARC 2.0 and RFE 2.0. Indices were found to be more correlated when compared for areas of mainly arid to semi-arid conditions (LBNB), in comparison with their low correlation in mixed conditions (BNB) and sub-humid and humid conditions (UBNB). The findings of this study shed lights on the importance of the public-domain rainfall and vegetation indices for drought studies, and they emphasize on their different drought characterization that might hinder proper decision making for water, food and energy security.

Keywords: Drought, Sudan, Ethiopia, Aridity index, vegetation index, Blue Nile Basin

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Satellite Data Integration Assessment to Estimate Actual Evapotranspiration Mohammed Ahmed El-Shirbeny 1,2, * and Samir Mahmoud Saleh3 1 National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS), Egypt. 2 Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD). 3 Laboratory for Agricultural Climate, Agricultural Research Center, Dokki, Giza, Egypt *corresponding-author: [email protected] - [email protected]

Abstract

Water is a significant factor in agricultural production for both yield quantity and quality. Although all weather conditions are driving factor in the Agricultural sector, the precipitation in rainfed agriculture will be the most important weather parameter. Water deficit may occur continuously over the total growing period or during any one of the individual growth periods of the crop. Optical remote sensing is very useful but in cloudy dates it becomes useless. Radar penetrates the cloud and collects information through the backscattering data. It needs dense studies to get accurate results. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) was extracted from Landsat8 satellite data and used to calculate Crop Coefficient (Kc) based on landsat8 data. FAO-Penman-Monteith equation was used to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ETo). NDVI and Land Surface Temperature (LST) were calculated from satellite data and integrated with air temperature measurements to estimate the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI). Then, both CWSI and potential crop evapotranspiration (ETc) were used to calculate actual evapotranspiration (ETa). Sentinel-1 radar data were calibrated using SNAP software. The relation between backscattering (dB) and CWSI was Inverse relationship and R2 was high as 0.72.

Keywords: Sentinel-1, Landsat8, Backscattering, Water Stress, Egypt

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Morphometric and land use / land cover change detection analyses for a drought prone semi-arid river basin of south India using hydroinformatics for groundwater development S.Arya1* & T.Subramani2 1Public Works Department (PWD), Government of Tamil Nadu, Tirunelveli Division, India 2Department of Geology, CEG, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India *Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Abstract The present study deals with the quantitative analysis of basin morphometry associated with land use / land cover pattern changes in a drought prone semi-arid Vattamalaikarai River basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) were used for watershed evaluation. Linear, areal and relief aspects of morphometric parameters of the river basin were computed over GIS platform. The Vattamalaikarai River falls under fifth order stream with dentritic drainage pattern. Two hundred and ninety eight stream segments were recognized in the basin. Drainage density is high all along the southern boundary and southwestern part of the basin, which indicate more runoff and less infiltration. However, the density is low all along the northern boundary and eastern part of the basin. This shows more infiltration of rainwater and less surface runoff. Satellite imageries of 2007 and 2017 were used for the detection of land use / land cover changes over a period of ten years. The results indicate that agricultural land has decreased from 42.16 km2 to 15.3 km2 , whereas plantation area decreased from 127.79 km2 to 58.84 km2 . Uncultivated land has also decreased from 205.5 km2 to 183.5 km2 . The study further indicates that settlement and mixed vegetation categories occupy more areas in 2017. Settlement area has increased from 1.76 km2 to 75.26 km2 , whereas mixed vegetation category has increased from 7.63 km2 to 50.38 km2 . Barren land category is also increased from 15.95 km2 to 31.78 km2 . It is distinctly noticed that unwanted bushes has grown in many areas due to decrease in the agricultural practices in this region. As the unwanted bushes are represented in the mixed vegetation category, there is a remarkable increase in this category over the period of 10 years. This research study was finally used to identify the suitable areas for the construction of artificial recharge structures to augment groundwater resources. Keywords: Morphometric analysis; Land use / land cover; Remote sensing and GIS; Vattamalaikarai River basin; South India

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A decision-making model for flood warning system based on ensemble forecasts Mohammad Ebrahim Banihabib*, Leila Goodarzi, Abbas Roozbahani, and Jörg Dietrich *Corresponding author, Professor of Department of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering, University College of Aburaihan, University of Tehran, Email: [email protected] Tel: +98-21-360-40906

Abstract: This study inter-cooperates the uncertainties of rainfall forecasts and potential damages in a flood warning system. Even though rainfall forecasts have progressively been engaged for flood forecasting, establishing a flood warning system based on uncertain rainfall forecasts were not satisfactorily addressed yet. In this research, Weather Research and Forecasting model was used to forecast ensemble storms. These forecasted rainfalls were employed five cumulus schemes. Moreover, a Bayesian networks model was applied to forecast the flood peak using the forecasted rainfalls. Finally, a Fuzzy-MCDM (Multi Criteria Decision Making) model was prepared for making decisions for uncertainty associated with all effective factors in flood warning. The proposed framework for flood warning system was assessed for various storms. This assessment displayed that when a significantly high probability was considered to a certain warning level, that certain level had the maximum priority rank in warning and thus should be chosen as a warning level. While, if the probability was distributed equally between several warning levels, the flood warning system acts cautiously since the decision-making model allocated the highest rank to the stronger storms. The results of this study showed that employing the Fuzzy- MCDM model to develop a flood warning system based on uncertain rainfall forecasts and uncertain potential damages can be recommended for flood warning systems in similar watersheds for addressing the uncertainties

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Floods typology in the arid and semi-arid context. Case of Wadi Abiod, BISKRA (ALGERIA). HACHEMI A1 , BENKHALED A2 . 1.Scientific and Technical Research Center on Arid Region, Omar El Bernaoui. BP 1682RP Biskra 07000, Algeria. 2. Research Laboratory in Subterranean and Surface Hydraulics -LARHYSS, University of Biskra, PoBox No 145, BISKRA, 07000 RP Algeria. [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract The study of flood typology in the arid area is an indispensable task for flood risk management. However; one of the major challenges encountered in these regions is the lack of data for both flow and rainfall. Wadi Abiod in the area of Biskra is a very interesting example for the study of flash floods in these regions.Water level collected over the period 1950-2011 from Foum El Gherza dam reservoir, built in the late 1940s downstream the Wadi,were preliminary studied. Floods peak discharges vary from a minimum value of 1.11 m3 /s corresponding to driest year to a maximum value of 2152 m3 /s. while the mean discharge balance from 0.83 m3 /s to 420.60 m3 /s. However, since our objective is to study floods, only significant events will be considered. The principal characteristics of flood hydrograph including the rising time, falling time, mean flood discharge, peak discharge and the water velocity during the flood, were then analysed. Generally, floods of this watershed are stormy, irregular, fast and of short duration. At the end, representative flood hydrograph and the characteristic duration of the watershed were determined.

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Downscaling of AMSR2 satellite soil moisture data using the MODIS products in Rafsanjan plain Maedeh Farokhi, Hossein Ansary, Ali Faridhoseini Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

Soil moisture is a determinant factor in most of complex environmental processes and has an important role in agricultural activities, hydrologic studies, and environmental monitoring. In this study the soil moisture data from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2)were used and these data were compared with ground-based measurements over Rafsanjan plain. The comparison criteria’s are consisted of the evaluation of the mean error, root mean squared error, and the correlation coefficient at 10 stations.The results of validation showed that the measurements of the soil moisture at the stations 4, 5, and 10 behaved similarly to AMSR2 soil moisture, and the correlations were above of 70% ,and at the other stations, the correlations were low. In order to achieve better results, a downscaling technique was used. The technique suggests that remotely sensed soil moisture retrieved from the AMSR2 system at a 25km resolution can be downscaled to 1km resolution by using a simple linear equation based on parameters calculated with a regression model, which is based on three physical properties of 1km resolution retrieved from MODIS. The results revealed that the downscaling technique reduced the errors and increased the correlation coefficient, the correlation coefficients at stations 1, 2, 3 and 7 increased from 0.295 , 0.552 ,0.237 to 0.864 , 0.7, 0.75, respectively.

Keywords: Downscaling, Remote Sensing, Rafsanjan

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Seasonal Variation for Trace Metal Contamination of Groundwater using GIS technology in Pissurlem, Sonshi, Cudnem, Velguem, Surla Watersheds, North Goa District, India E. Kuppusamy (PhD) and Dr. S.M. Hussain, HOD, Geology Department Department of Geology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai – 600 025 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract The groundwater quality and availability is one of the most important environmental and sustainability issues of the 21st century. Over the last few years, trace elements have increased in the groundwater and it has become contaminated by human activities, such as agriculture, mining, fossil fuel burning and industrial effluent, etc. The present study focused on the pollution of groundwater by heavy metals. Seasonal variations of groundwater quality studies have been done in Pissurlem, Sonshi, Cudnem, Velguem and Surla Watersheds, which are the primary watersheds of Mandovi and Cudnem rivers in the Goa State. A maximum of 98 samples have been obtained at a rate of 49 samples per season (Summer and Winter). Trace metals were measured using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) instrument. The results of the presence of trace metals, measured in the groundwater were brought to GIS to create spatial maps. Aluminum, barium, boron, copper, manganese, selenium, zinc, cadmium, lead, nickel, arsenic, and chromium spatial maps showed that all the groundwater quality in the study area were within the permissible limit. Iron spatial maps showed that all the groundwater quality in the study area were within the permissible limit except in and around Kumbharwada, Vagheri and Morlem Colony sites (4.62 Sq.km/Summer and 5.96 Sq.km/Winter) as per WHO 2011 norms. The region was situated in the lower part of the Cudnem River with a portion of the Mandovi River. The region for research of the trace metals in the groundwater were within the limits except iron as per the WHO 2011 standards. The entire study area was widely distributed for iron mineralization and mining in North Goa. Trace metals in groundwater were characterized as chemical components dissolved in very small quantities in water. The levels of Aluminum, Barium, Boron, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Zinc, Cadmium, Lead, Nickel, Arsenic, Chromium were well within the permissible limits. All the water samples were favorable for drinking in both the seasons. Iron levels in groundwater were distinguished by a favorable quality for drinking in all samples, except for three test sites, which were Kumbhaarwada (S.No.17), Vaagheri (S.No.22) and Morlem Colony (S.No.40) in both the seasons. The entire study area was widely distributed for the occurrence of iron ore and fell in the mining belt. Keywords: Trace metals, Mandovi river, Spatial map,Groundwater, Contour values.

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Predictive uncertainty analysis of seawater intrusion management model for the Wadi Ham aquifer

Samia Saad1,3, Akbar Javadi1,4, Raziyeh Farmani1,5, Mohsen Sherif2

1 University of Exeter, United Kingdom 2 University of United Arab Emirates, United Arab Emirates, [email protected] 3 [email protected] 4 [email protected] 5 [email protected]

Abstract

In Arid coastal regions, seawater intrusion (SWI) is a main threat to groundwater quality. Wadi Ham coastal aquifer in the United Arab Emirates is vulnerable to groundwater deterioration due to saltwater intrusion, leading to termination of many pumping wells and abandonment of several farms. This is resulting from overexploitation of groundwater resources to fulfil the increasing water demand for domestic and agricultural uses. A sustainable environmental management is needed to control this phenomenon. The management model would involve a numerical model to make predications of water salinity in the future. Although the assessment of uncertainty is crucial in supporting decision making in management of aquifers, however, it is not a common practice in modelling of SWI. This study aims to quantify the predictive uncertainty for the regional model of the Wadi Ham aquifer. A 3D density dependent finite element model of miscible flow coupled with solute transport was developed using FEFLOW to investigate saltwater intrusion. The highly parameterized model was calibrated using field monitoring data of hydraulic head for five years, using constrained calibration with the singular value decomposition (SVD) assist and the pilot points method. The uncertainty in prediction of water salinity was quantified using the PEST utility considering linear-type uncertainty analysis. The results shows that the calibrated numerical model with the associated predictive uncertainty is capable of capturing the behaviour of SWI with acceptable certainty. The developed model can be used as a tool to assess different SWI management scenarios.

Keywords: Predictive uncertainty, Regularization, Seawater intrusion, FEFLOW, PEST

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The Impact of Different Design Approaches on Fine Sediment Transport in Gazira Scheme, Sudan Awad M. Ali1,2 · Ishraga S. Osman1,2 · Hozaifa Ahmed1,3 · Maab Altayeb1,2 · Amal Mohammed1,2 1. Civil Engineering Department, University of Khartoum, Sudan 2. Water Research Center, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan 3. Regional Center for Water Harvesting, Khartoum,Sudan Awad M. Ali: [email protected] Ishraga S. Osman: [email protected] Hozaifa Khalid: [email protected] Maab Albager: [email protected] Amal Ibrahim: [email protected]

Abstract This study aims to develop a mathematical model to design unlined irrigation canals using three design approaches: Regime theory, Tractive Force, and the Maximum Permissible Velocity which was modified by the authors to overcome some of its limitations. A software, named ICDesign, was developed using C Sharp language to design the irrigation canals and generate cross-sections and a longitudinal profile. The developed software was applied to design Zananda Major Canal in the Gezira Scheme, in Sudan, which was taken as a case study. HEC-RAS model was used to simulate the sediment transport based on different design approaches. It was found that the design obtained from the Modified Maximum Permissible Velocity gives the least amount of sediment accumulation along the canal. Thus, it was concluded that the developed software can be used in the design of a variety of irrigation canals. The extent of the applicability and use of the software shall be determined in future studies.

Keywords: Irrigation canals · Gezira Scheme · Sediment deposition · HEC-RAS · Maximum Permissible Velocity · Tractive Force

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Monitoring of Crop Water Consumption Changing Based on Remotely Sensed Data and Techniques El-Shirbeny M. A.1-2, Orlandini S.2-3 1 National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS), Egypt. 2 Department of Agrifood Production and Enviro. Sciences (DISPAA) – University of Florence, Italy. 3 Climate and Sustainability Foundation (FCS), Italy. [email protected]

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to approximate and verify crop water use based on satellite results. Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were used as the key parameters derived from NOAA / AVHRR and landsat8 satellite data. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was determined using FAO-Penman-Monteith (FPM) agrometeorological data as a standard process. Based on data from remote sensing, the ETo was calculated based on the Hargreaves (Har) process. ETo-FPM has been used to calibrate ETo-Har under the same conditions for five years (2002-2006). Landsat8 data was obtained on 25 June 2013 and 28 June 2014 and used to estimate the crop coefficient (Kc) based on satellite data (Kc-Sat). The LST was used to predict the maximum, minimum and mean Tair ( o C) levels in June 2013 and 2014. ETo was calculated using the expected maximum, minimum and mean Tair according to the Har method and was used with Kc-Sat to estimate ETc-Har. ETo-FPM used to measure ETc-FPM with Kc-Sat. LST and NDVI have been used to measure the Water Deficiency Index (WDI). WDI incorporated ETc to measure the real evapotranspiration of the crop (ETa). ETa-FPM was used for the evaluation of ETa-Har. The relationship between ETaFPM and ETa- Har was very good where R2 was 0.99 in 2013 and 2014. ETa determined by Hargreaves based on remotely sensed data was overestimated at about 0.8 (mm / day) compared to the FPM process Keywords: Hargreaves (Har), FAO-Penman-Monteith (FPM), Land Surface, Temperature (LST), Actual evapotranspiration (ETa), Crop Coefficient (Kc), Landsat8

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Abstract Many discharged coastal effluents to the sea through marine outfall systems contain some unknown emerging reactive chemicals, where their components can not be identified and the toxicity of the effluent can not be explained. These effluents are subject to significant loss due to temporal decay that varies with water depth. Such discharges are made of treated municipal wastewaters from sewage works, cooling waters from power generating stations, or brine effluents from seawater desalination plants. Occasionally, desalination brine effluents discharges may consist of corrosion product, toxic antifoulants and antiscalants. Decay mechanisms include consumption by bacteria or radioactive decay (temporal decay uniform across the flow), heat loss or evaporation through the surface (decay decreasing with depth), and break up or dissolution by turbulence (decay proportional to the flow). A far-field mathematical model using a two-dimensional decay-advection-diffusion equation with a point source in a highly simplified flat seabed and a step seabed are presented to study the variability of decay with water depth. The analytical solutions are illustrated graphically by plotting contours of concentration to simulate the spreading of discharged effluent plumes in shallow coastal waters from a long sea outfall. The concentration at the shoreline can be used as a measure of how well the discharged effluent plumes are being mixed and diluted in the coastal waters and for assessing the environment impacts of effluent discharge into the sea. The maximum value of concentration at the shoreline is formulated to account for the effects of decay.

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Analysis of hydro-sedimentary balance using ANSWER model of Mellegue-2 Dam (Tunisia) Olfa Hajji1,4, Sahar Abidi2, Ben Rhouma Nader1,5, Laajili Ghezal Lamia3 1 Higher School of Engineers of Medjez El Beb, Tunisia 2 Sylvo-Pastoral Institue of Tabarka- Tunisia, [email protected] 3 Agriculture Higher School of Mograne, Tunisia, [email protected] 4 [email protected] 5 [email protected]

Abstract The problem of premature silting in operation dams leads to a considerable loss of their water storage capacity. As sedimentation is dependent on sediment yield who depends on soil erosion, it is required to estimate these parameters to assess the life of a reservoir. Evaluation of soil erosion is useful in planning and conservation works in a watershed. Estimating soil erosion and sediment yield by modeling can provide a quantitative and consistent approach under a wide range of conditions. The study of environmental problems in north-western Tunisia, which is characterized by high water erosion, is leading to growing globalization of observation techniques and methods of analysis. In the present paper, the hydro-sediment balance of Mellegue-2 Dam was analyzed using ANSWERS (Areal Non-point Source Watershed Environment Response Simulation) distributed model. The methodology adopted is based primarily on hydrological data and, physical state data. The integration of GIS data into the ANSWERS distributed parameter model requires some precision for some layers of information such as slope and flow directions. Three rainfall events are selected: January 2017 (81.3 mm and maximum rainfall intensity of 55 mm/day), February 2017(161 mm and maximum rainfall intensity of 90 mm/d) and April 2017 (33.5 mm and maximum intensity of 16.5 mm/d).The simulated specific erosion rate was respectively for the three events; 6.5, 0.6 and 0.008 t/ha. Use of model’s results and GIS tools provided a soil erosion map with the classification of an erosion risk degree. A great spatial variability of erosion is observed for the three events, this variability is mainly related to the variation of the rainfall intensity as well as the state of the soil cover and the variation of the slope. The hydrological model ANSWERS is able to simulate the response of a watershed following a rain event while taking into

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account its spatial variability. Able to estimate runoff and average soil loss, and to provide the runoff hydrograph and assessment of sediment concentration in runoff. In addition, the morphological, climatic, geological and soil characteristics, as well as the vegetation, occupation and tillage parameters of a watershed, have an important role in defining the runoff and soil loss processes. To these factors must be added the data provided by GIS and by remote sensing, namely elevation maps, slopes, slope exposures, and lithological units which offer new possibilities of organization and prediction of natural phenomena of soil degradation.

Keywords: Soil erosion, ANSWERS, GIS, Rainfall, Runoff, Specific erosion.

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REMOTE SENSING APPROACH FOR ESTIMATING EVAPOTRANSPIRATION USING SATELLITE-BASED ENERGY BALANCE MODELS IN AL-HAMRA, OMAN Ahsan ALI* 1 , Yaseen AL-MULLA1, 2 , Yassin CHARABI3 , Ghazi AL-RAWAS4 and Malik AL-WARDY1 1 Department of Soil and Water Management, College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, PO Box 34, Sultanate of Oman 2 Remote Sensing and GIS Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, PO Box 33, Sultanate of Oman 3 Center of Environmental Studies and Research, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, PO Box 33, Sultanate of Oman 4 Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Al-Khoud 123, PO Box 33, Sultanate of Oman Email: [email protected]*

ABSTRACT The conventional physical and climatological based models estimating actual evapotranspiration (ETa) do not provide accurate ETa especially for regional scale which is a challenge that needs to be tackled for the accurate assessment of irrigation practices. In this study, two Energy Balance models 1) Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land (SEBAL) and 2) Mapping Evapotranspiration at High Resolution with Internalized Calibration (METRIC) were applied in the Al–Hamra region of Oman to estimate ETa using Landsat-8 satellite imagery. The aim of the study was to estimate ETa using SEBAL and METRIC model for the period of two years and validate the outcome against Modified Penman Montieth (PM) model. In addition, this study highlighted procedural differences between METRIC and SEBAL models. The results shown that METRIC model estimated ETa successfully with a R2 value of 0.85 as compared to SEBAL model (R2 = 0.49). Study validated against PM model shown that METRIC model outperformed SEBAL with MAE and RMSE value of 0.44mm and 0.78mm as compared to 1.01mm and 1.24mm, respectively. Study concluded that SEBAL model used cumulative daily net radiation while METRIC used cumulative reference evapotranspiration to extrapolate ETa on daily basis. Although METRIC performed well than SEBAL, the manual selection of hot and cold pixel in METRIC was difficult process and it creates vulnerability of inaccurate estimates of ETa. However, from this study we can conclude that METRIC model can be useful in providing high spatial and temporal ETa estimates. Furthermore, the

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approach used in this paper can be generalized and pave the way for further developments of the studied models. Keywords: Remote Sensing, SEBAL, METRIC, LANDSAT-8, Energy Balancehe

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Management of a sewerage network in an urban area by coupling GIS and hydraulic modeling: case study Kwame Nkrumah university of science and technology (Ghana) Aminata KONE, Chérifa ABDELBAKI, Amos T. Kabo-bah PAUWES, Tlemcen University, Tlemcen, Algeria [email protected]/ [email protected]

Abstract Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) is the largest University of Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana with 16 km² area. Sewage infrastructures are very important in the socio-economic development of a country and the protection of the environment. Their deterioration is more or less rapidly over time and faces serious challenges in term of management in many developing countries. The study coupled GIS and a Hydraulic modeling (MOUSE) to elaborate the geodatabase for the KNUST Sewerage network and analyze it management problem. The network was simulated in dry and rain period. In dry period the result has shown that about 99.62% of the network have the normal circulation of the sewage. A self-cleansing condition was not met by 0.38% of the network. During raining period, 16% of the network had overflow as well as some of the manholes. In general the management problem that KNUST sewerage faces is the undersized of some of the pipe and manholes, the invert slope and the non coverage of some of the manholes.

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A comparative study on regional drought characterization using estimated drought indices in conjunction with precipitation trend analysis in Peninsular India M.P. Akhtar1,* ∙ L.B. Roy2 ∙ Abhishek Sinha2 1 Department of Civil Engineering, School of Civil &Chemical Engineering (SCCE), Manipal University Jaipur, India -303007 2 Department of Civil Engineering, National Institute of Technology Patna, India- 800015 *[email protected]

Abstract The objective of the present study is the characterization of drought conditions in two important peninsular states of India namely Tamil Nadu and Karnataka through assessment of meteorological drought indices namely Drought Index (DI), Palmer Index (PI) and Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI). For this, monthly and yearly data of precipitation and temperature have been considered for 110 years (1901 to 2010) and analyzed. Additionally precipitation deficit conditions have been estimated and compared for both regions using annual rainfall classification thresholds. The annual variability of rainfall and associated trend has also been estimated using Mann- Kendall Test and comparative analysis has been done to assess the regional variation of climatic parameters during the last 110 years. Drought severity assessment is worked out on the basis of precipitation thresholds. These meteorological indicators are found to be useful for regional prioritization and planning of drought relief activities and optimal water supply for domestic, irrigation as well as industrial activities depending upon relative drought severity and recurrence in both states. Furthermore comparative study on results imply that drought characterization using SPI may amply facilitate the standardization of threshold classification for severity and frequency that is good agreement with observed events. Moreover the application of trend detection frame work resulted in the identification of significant trends in those districts which are reported to be drought prone regions with more severity and frequency. Study amply suggests that drought vulnerability in Tamil Nadu is relatively more than that of Karnataka region depending upon the number of dry and wet years and areal extend within 110 years of study period however in terms of severity and frequency, Karnataka is more vulnerable. Analysis based on droughts indices suggests that SPI is simple to evaluate and may relatively more meaningful and conclusive in terms of decision making for the study region if compared with other indices used in the study.

Keywords: Trend analysis; drought; drought characterization; Drought indices; Standard Precipitation Index.

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Multi-objective optimization based on water demand forecasting: An intelligent water resources management tool Issam Nouiri Tunisian Agronomic Institute, Tunisia [email protected]

Abstract Improving the effectiveness of Water Resources Management despite its increasing complexity is a serious challenge facing managers who have to identify and apply optimal solutions that satisfy demand and minimize costs. Environmental and socio- economic aspects are inherent management objectives. The problem must satisfy a large set of constraints. A Decision Support System (DSS) is proposed in this research to generate compromise solutions for large types of problems and on different spatial- temporal scales. A forecast of daily demand pattern using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) for Tunis capital city is proposed. Training, validation and testing of the ANN are ensured through the MATLAB software using a five years database of daily supply. The solving of the multi-objective problem is performed by Multi-objective Genetic Algorithm (MOGA), coded using VB6 programming language. The dynamic link between ANN and the MOGA is ensured through Excel worksheet. The case study is made up of three water sources (S1, S2 and S3) and a single demand site (D1). S1 is an concrete channel with permanent flow, supplied by pumping from the main Tunisian Medjerda river. S2 and S3 are reservoirs. Demand (D1) represents a Water purification Plant (WTP), which supplies drinking water to Tunis City for 3.5 Million inhabitants. Results demonstrated that ANN forecast accurate daily drinking water demand and that MOGA are efficient and robust in computing optimal solutions. The dynamic link between two tested “Artificially Intelligent” tools constitute an advanced DSS to satisfy demand while reducing costs and protecting the environment. Advantages of the proposed approach is the weak number of inputs, for ANN and MOGA, and the high number of optimal solutions that the manager can use according to his priorities.

Keywords: Water Demand, forecasting, Management, Multi-objective, Optimization, Genetic Algorithms

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Modeling and optimization of the process parameters for adsorption of dyes from water onto Corallina officinalis algae by using Response Surface Methodology Rachid AZIAM1, Said BAROUD2, Latifa BOUKARMA1, Elhassane EDDAOUDI1, Mohamed ZERBET1 , Issam SADKI2, Saida TAHROUCH2 and Mohamed CHIBAN1* 1LACAPE, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Agadir, Morocco 2Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Agadir, Morocco *Corresponding author: E-mail address: [email protected] (M. Chiban)

Abstract: The aims of this work is to remove acid blue 113 dye (AB113) from its aqueous solutions by adsorption using Corallina officinalis algae (COA) and to optimize this adsorption process. Response surface methodology is a widely used technique for modelling and optimization of the adsorption treatment processes of water and wastewater. This methodology not only estimates linear, interaction and quadratic effects of the factors on the response, but also provides a prediction model for the response at the range of the variables studied and the optimum conditions to achieve the highest performance. For this aim, Minitab 17 software design based on RSM was used to investigate the effects of adsorption parameters including the initial dye concentration, solution pH, adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for evaluating the obtained experimental results. The parameters were coded as x1, x2, x3, x4 and x5, consecutively, and were investigated at two levels (–1 and +1). The optimum conditions that were obtained for the adsorption of AB113 dye were: minimum quantity of COA: 0,1g, initial pH of the solution: 6, minimum of temperature: 25°C, maximum of contact time: 180 min and maximum of initial concentration dye: 100mg/L. The results show that the model fitted well with the experimental data, indicating the suitability of the model and the success of response surface methodology (RSM) in optimizing the conditions of adsorption.

Keywords: Optimization, Experimental design, Modeling, Response surface methodology, Adsorption AB113 dye, Corallina officinalis algae.

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An Investigation Standardized Precipitation Index Trend in Arid and Semi-arid Region of Pakistan Applying the Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA) Technique Kashif HUSSAIN1 , Muhammad SHAHAB2 1National Development consultants 114, Sector-A, Commercial Broadway, Phase-VIII, Lahore 54000, Pakistan; 2Department of Civil Engineering, University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar, Peshawar 25000, Pakistan;

Abstract: In arid and Semi-arid region of Pakistan uncertainties in rainfall projections are high due to the large fluctuation of climate and lack of observed quality of rainfall data. An extreme dry and wet event of rainfall directly impacts water resources, soil, agricultural yields and human activities especially in arid region. In this study a short and long-term wet and dry period in selected region of Pakistan was expressed using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) based on the 35 years of monthly rainfall data collected from 6 meteorological stations. In first step the short term (SPI-3 & SPI-6) and the long term (SPI-12 & SPI-24) were computed. Results of the study investigated that extreme drought occurred 0-3%, severe drought occurred 2-7%, and moderate drought occurred 6-15% for the period 3- to 24-month SPI within the study area. Then SPI values trends were detected using a new graphical approach Innovative Trend Analysis (ITA). ITA test shows that in five stations subject to wet conditions trend decrease and severe drought at three stations increase for the period 3-month SPI. Overall results show that drought trend especially in Lahore, Multan and Mianwali stations were detected negative (heavier drought) under 3- to 24-month SPI. This study assessment showing that policy maker required to launch monitoring program to find out the local or national drought impacts on wheat, rice and cotton agriculture land as well as on many other sectors, especially in this study region of the country. The general reduction in SPI values at some stations that is, a propensity toward heavier dry seasons. These investigated results would also be significant and beneficial for rural agriculture zone where no observed data information exist. Keywords: Arid, Drought, ITA, Pakistan, SPI

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The comparison of historical time series of gridded monthly precipitation data from different sources CRU, GPCC, and HSM_SIEREM over Africa for the period (1940-1999) ZIANI Yasminea Supervisors: Gil MAHE b , BENHATTAB karima c aPanafricain University Institute of water and Energy Science Incl.Climate Change b Institute of research for developpement (IRD), Montpellier, France / cUniversité des Sciences et de la Technologie d’Oran (USTO), Oran,Algeria Contact details: [email protected]

Abstract Nowadays, many precipitation gridded datasets are used for climatic research in Africa, a way for scientists to complement their observed data for several studies as river-runoff relationship, impact of climate change or hydrological modelling. These gridded datasets supposedly based on the same gauging stations delivered by any National Meteorological Institution seem to differ greatly according to different causes: the number of stations used, the quality check of data, the length of the time series, the interpolation method and lack of data for several periods and countries. In our study, we compared using the statistical software R and mapping software arcGIS a number of available precipitation gridded dataset which are GPCC (Global Precipitation Climatology Center) Total version Full V2018, CRU (Climate Research Unit) version TS V4.01 and HSM-SIEREM (HydroScience Montpellier- Système d’informations Environnementales sur les Ressources en Eau et leur Modélisation) at a resolution of 0.5 x 0.5 degrees, during period between 1940 and 1999, and over whole Africa, then, we checked their correlation with ground based data to conclude the best gridded data product which appears to be closest to the station gauge. Depending on regions of the continent the results showed differences in precipitation values between one dataset and another, these differences could be very small over a large arid regions in Africa (deserts) or very high difference but represent only individual grids ( west Africa),In South Africa, the differences are somehow neutral, indeed, South Africa seems to be the country with a very high density of gauge stations for several years.

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Groundwater Sustainability Analysis: Qazvin Plain Aquifer, Iran as a Case Study Peyman Daneshkar Arasteh1* , Golbaran Daneshkar Arasteh2 1Associate Professor of Imam Khomeini International University, Qazvin, Iran, [email protected] *Corresponding Author 2Water Resources Engineering Student of China Three Gorges University, Hubei, China, [email protected]

Abstract In this paper, groundwater overexploitation and climate change impacts on vulnerability and sustainability in Qazvin Palin aquifer were studied. Qazvin province in south-western part of central Alborz Mountain Chain, 150 km west of Tehran, the capitol of Iran, is one of the most fertile area of the country with a large contribution in food supply and agricultural self-sufficiency of the country. Since, agriculture in Qazvin plain is heavily dependent on groundwater resources, there has been a sharp quantitative-qualitative decline in this source, recently. Regarding the effects of climate change on precipitation, water resources, evapotranspiration, and finally crop production, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of climate change and overexploitation of pumping wells on groundwater resources vulnerability and stability in the plain. For this purpose, different RCP scenarios were evaluated using the CANESM2 general circulation model for temperature and precipitation variables using the SDSM model in the study area. The results showed that for the horizons of 2040 and 2070 temperature and precipitation will be increased and decreased, respectively and surface water resources will be decreased up to 20 percent. Effect of climate change on groundwater withdrawal was modeled using a calibrated water balance model and showed a dramatic decline in water table. Groundwater quality vulnerability was analyzed by DRASTIC method and groundwater resource sustainability was assessed using DPSIR method for current and both future situations, indicating the instability of this resource in the present situation and the intensification of instability in both future horizons studied that causes unsustainability in three environmental, economic and social dimensions in the area. Given the increasing population of Iran in the studied horizons, Qazvin province's contribution to the country's food security and the results of this research on the reduction of surface and groundwater resources, along with the reduction of groundwater quality in the region, is expected a vast drop in aquifer water table unless balancing strategic plan is achieved. Keywords: Vulnerability, Sustainability, CANESM2, SDSM, DRASTIC, DPSIR

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Evaluation of Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG) and SM2RAIN-ASCAT Rainfall Estimates on Precipitation Extreme in the Sultanate of Oman Alaba Boluwade Department of Soil, Water & Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture & Marine Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman ; [email protected]

Abstract Precipitation drives the hydrologic cycle and is directly connected to the sustainability of the ecosystem and the well-being of any country or community. Sustainable agriculture is directly linked to the amount and frequency of precipitation. Therefore, adequate measurement and full spatial representation of precipitation in an area are challenges and also crucial. The main barrier to overcoming these challenges is the lack of sufficient and spatial representation of gauging stations to measure precipitation. Satellite rainfall sensors have varying spatial and temporal resolutions that can provide rainfall estimates for different regions of the world and have a variety of practical applications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the performance of two satellite based rainfall products: the Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG, late run) and rainfall product obtained from the ASCAT satellite soil moisture using the SM2RAIN algorithm (SM2RAIN-ASCAT) in the Sultanate of Oman for 2018. From the preliminary results, GPM outperformed SM2RAIN- ASCAT at detecting low precipitation (2 mm/month) but was poorer at detecting high precipitation (> 30 mm/ month) across the entire country as well as in the Northern, Interior and Dhofar Regions. This study suggests that for Oman, both satellite products can be used as proxies for gauged precipitation. The results will be useful in the country’s flash flood resilience and mitigation efforts, especially in areas where there is sparse weather station coverage.

Keywords: Flash floods; satellite rainfall estimates; Sultanate of Oman; flood mitigation; resilience

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The impacts of land-use change on the runoff characteristics using HEC-HMS model Case study in Wadi Al-Mulaikhy Sub-watershed in Sana’a basin, Yemen Ibrahim AL-SAMAWI1 , Abdullah NOMAN1 , Khaled KHANBARI2 , Musaed Aklan1,3 1 Water and Environment Center, Sana'a University, Yemen 2 Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sana'a University 3UN-IHE Institute for Water Education Delft, The Netherlands

ABSTRACT

Runoff is affected by several geomorphological parameters such as climatology, soil type, and Land-use/cover, which includes vegetation cover and level of urbanization. The current study assesses the impact of land use/ land cover, between 1994 and 2018, on the runoff characteristics of Wadi Al-Mulaikhy Sub-watershed in the Sana'a basin, Yemen. We used integrated GIS, HEC-GeoHMS extension, and HEC-HMS model, which is being one of the versatile watershed simulation models. We also used Remote Sensing data including satellite imagery as a powerful used technique especially in the data poor study areas. In this study land use and land cover satellite imageries, soil type, and rainfall are the main input data used. The study results show that the agricultural area is reduced by 5.67%. Conversely the surface runoff and the maximum (peak) value of runoff for the overall study area have been increased by 1.65% and 1.27% respectively. It was noticed that number of cereal crop areas have been replaced by urban infrastructures and cash crops such as Qat and grapes, which has the same runoff characteristics. Cash crops consume more water when compare to other cereal crops.

Keywords: Runoff, Land-use/cover, GIS, HEC-HMS, Agriculture, Remote sensing

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Statistical distributions of maximum annual rainfall in the highlands: The case of Djelfa wilaya Omar Elahcene1, Zohir Bouleknafet2, Sihem Jebari3, Ahcène Hakem4 1Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, university Ziane Achour of Djelfa , Algeria, [email protected] 2University of Djelfa, Algeria, [email protected] 3National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, waters, and Forestry, Tunisia 4Laboratory of Exploration and Valorization of Steppic Ecosystems, university Ziane Achour of Djelfa

Abstract The estimation of precipitation statistics is a vast area that poses many challenges to meteorologists and hydrologists. Sometimes, it is necessary, to see essential to approach in value the extreme events for sites where there is little, or no data, as well as their periods of return. The search for a frequency model of daily rainfall heights is of great importance in operational hydrology: it is the basis for calculating the project flood associated with a given probability of occurrence, once the quantiles are determined. The best-known and most common approach is the statistical approach. It consists of looking for a probability law that best fits the observed values of the "maximum daily rainfall" random variable after comparing different probability laws and estimation methods using suitability tests. As a result, a frequency analysis of daily maximum daily rainfall series was performed on data from 05 rainfall stations in Djelfa wilaya, which is part of the highlands. This choice was focused on four laws usually applied to the study and frequency analysis of maximum daily rainfall. The chosen period is from 1985/2016, 1973/2009, 1973/2010, 1973/2010 and 1973/2016. t was used for forecasting quantiles. The laws used are: the generalized law of the GEV extremes, the Gumbel law, the normal log law and the Pearson type III law. The software used is Hyfran. The results obtained show that the majority of the laws give a good adequacy to the series of maximum daily rainfall of these pluviometric stations. Keywords: Floods, Precipitation, Frequency analysis, Hyfran, Djelfa, Algeria

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Experimental and Numerical study of the infiltration and recharge processes inside wadi channel Ahmed Hadidi and Ekkehard Holzbecher German University of Technology in Oman [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract: The infiltration through wadi streams is relatively low comparable with surrounding sandy-gravely soils because of high silt percentage within these streams. The exact percentage of the infiltration as well the net recharge usually is roughly estimated according to the soil grain size distribution. In order to obtain a better estimate of infiltration and recharge rate within the wadi stream in the Sultanate of Oman, a discharge experiment is performed on 400 meters length of the wadi which passes the GUtech main campus in Halban. Flow experiments are performed using clear water and water mixed with silt collected from a nearby dam. Soil moisture, temperature and electrical conductivity at selected locations and depth are recorded by 10 sensors. The run-off is measured by V-notch weirs and a water meter. The results of this experiment can be used to calibrate a numerical model developed by using COMSOL Multiphysics software. This experiment is very useful to provide suggestions to estimate the net recharge more precisely. The developing of a numerical model can help to discuss the infiltration and recharge formulas.

Keywords: Flow experiment Infiltration Recharge Wadi Oman

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Estimating contribution of anthropogenic influences on evapotranspiration in arid region of Saudi Arabia through satellite observation and land surface model

Ghozian Islam Karami , Mohammad H Makkawi Geosciences Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia [email protected]

Abstract As an important parameter in hydrological cycle, quantifying evapotranspiration (ET) is essential for performing sustainable water resources management. ET variabilities are not only controlled by natural factors, but also by human activities like agricultural irrigation. In this study, the contribution of human influences on ET fluctuations was investigated over the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia from 2003 to 2016. Eastern Province is a typical arid area and classified as one of the biggest agricultural regions in the kingdom. Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) observation and Global Land Data and Assimilation Model (GLDAS) were integrated to examine the human-induced ET. Results indicate that anthropogenic activities contributed to the increasing of ET with a rate of 4.52 mm/yr, while ET influenced by natural variables was estimated at a rate of 0.072 mm/yr. It can be concluded that human factors have a significant effect on ET in the agricultural and arid areas instead of climate variabilities.

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Computational Fluid Dynamics (CDF) modeling for prediction of membrane processes in water production units Amir Fouladitajar a,1 ,Yalda Mikhak a , Mahtab Mosadegh a , Farzin Zokaee Ashtiani b a College of Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Science and research branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran b Department of Chemical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, No. 424, Hafez Ave., Tehran, Iran

ABSTRACT Nowadays, one of the biggest problems in most industries is water contaminated with oily substances. In recent years, there has been a considerable growth in application of membrane technology in effective treatment of oily wastewaters. In the present study, the development status of membrane-based treatment methods has been studied from different aspects, with an emphasis on the process modeling. Membrane fouling and concentration polarization (CP), as the main drawbacks of membrane processes, have been discussed and recent advances to solve this problem have been extensively addressed. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of membrane processes to treat water and wastewater can be employed to quantitatively investigate the fluid hydrodynamics on the membrane surface, modeling the mass transfer rate and predicting the concentration polarization layer. In these processes, the feed flow hydrodynamics is of great importance and has a remarkable impact on the oildroplets movement/deposition. Besides, cross flow velocity (CFV) induces shear stress on the membrane surface which makes it totally different from dead-end processes. In the paper, 3 different approaches has been used for modeling fluid flow hydrodynamics on the membrane surface. To do this, the mass and velocity conservation equations are simultaneously solved in order to predict the CP thickness layer and the permeate flux. In a flat sheet membrane module, two dimensional CFD modeling was conducted to simulate the process and predict the membrane performance. Two different techniques, namely Mixture and Eulerian multiphase model, for continuous s׳and dispersed phase were solved using Navier–Stokes equations coupled with Darcy law for the porous media. In another approach, a combination of molecular and shear- induced diffusion coefficient was employed to describe back-diffusion of oil droplets from the membrane wall toward the bulk. Finally, experimental data were used to validate the accuracy of the predicted data. The mixture approach and two-phase approach the outcomes are in good agreement with the experimental data except for high values of TMPs. The third approach predicts the growth rate of CP layer, obtaining a growth trend which is in agreement with the theoretical values of CP. Keywords: Water, Membrane Processes, CFD, Fouling

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Water quality analysis using an integrate approach of multivariate statistics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) of Qaa Jaharn Basin, Dhamar, Yemen Nabil M. AL-Areeq 1, 2* , Ahmed M. AL-Areeq 3 and Hadi A. Quraiah 4

1. Consultant of Water Quality Monitoring Project, National Water Resource Authority (NWRA), Dhamar, Yemen 2. Department of Geology and Environment, Faculty of Applied Sciences Thamar University, Yemen 3. Civil and Environmental Engineering Department King, Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, , Dhahran 31261, Saudi Arabia 4. National Water Resources Authority (NWRA), Sanaa, Yemen *Corresponding Author: Nabil AL-Areeq, Email address:[email protected]

Abstract In this study, the water quality of the water resources in Qaa Jaharan Basin, Dhamar, Yemen was investigated. Water samples were collected from fifteen tube wells with a depth range of 05 to 500m below ground level. Based on the measured Water quality parameters, the spatial variation and indication of potential pollution sources were investigated. To control water quality, it is essential to have adequate understanding on the interaction effect, trends, and the correlation structure of these parameters. An integrate approach of multivariate statistics and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) was used to understand the water resource quality and generate a water quality index map for Qaa Jahran Basin. Based on multivariate statistical analysis, analysis different correlations between water quality parameters were obtained. On the other side, principle component analysis shows high percent of the overall variances can be explained by less major principal components which means that high percent of the data are required to explain high percent of total variances as shown by the factor analysis. The classification of water samples for drinking purpose was determined by Water Quality Index (WQI).

Keywords: Water Quality parameters; GIS; Water Quality Index; Qaa Jaharn Basin; Yemen.

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Inverse hydrologic modelling of flash flood events in arid regions Jens Grundmann1, Sebastian Hoerning2, András Bárdossy3 1 TU Dresden, Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology,Germany [email protected] 2 The University of Queensland, Australia, [email protected] 3 University of Stuttgart, Germany, [email protected]

Abstract

Flash flood modelling in mountainous regions is challenging especially in data scarce regions with poorly gauged catchments or for highly dynamic, small scaled rainstorms which are not well recorded by existing monitoring networks. Distributed hydrologic models are commonly used for simulating the non-linear response of a watershed to rainfall events for addressing different hydrologic properties of the landscape. Such models are driven by spatial rainfall patterns for consecutive time steps, which are normally generated from point measurements using spatial interpolation methods. However, such methods fail in reproducing the true spatio-temporal rainfall patterns especially under above mentioned conditions or if catchments covered by rainfall only partly. Consequently, uncertainties are associated with poorly identified spatio- temporal rainfall patterns in distributed rainfall-runoff-modelling since the amount of rainfall received by a catchment as well as the dynamics of the runoff generation of flood waves are underestimated. For addressing these challenges a novel methodology for inverse hydrologic modelling is proposed using a Monte-Carlo framework (Grundmann etal. 2019). Thereby, potential candidates of spatio-temporal rainfall patterns are generated and selected according their ability to reproduce the observed rainfall point measurements as well as surface runoff at the catchment outlet for a given transfer function. Besides the already published methodology, a real case study for flash flood events in the arid mountainous region in Oman are presented. They underline that the spatio-temporal distribution of rainfall is crucial for flash flood modelling even in small catchments and arid and semiarid environments. Furthermore, implications for water resources assessment will be discussed as well as potential improvements due to modern monitoring techniques for rainfall and runoff.

Keywords: inverse modelling, flash floods, rainfall-runoff modelling, spatio-temporal rainfall pattern

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Deep Learning Approach for Regional Analysis of Stream Flow in Arid Regions Arash MALEKIAN Elaheh GHASEMI KARAKANI University of Tehran, Iran, E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Accurate estimation of river flow is one of the important issues in arid regions where water is a crucial variable for life. This is essential for successful planning for water allocation at a river basin scale. Modeling of the response of a basin to the rainfall event which generates runoff is a complex issue which needs several datasets. Recently, deep learning has been shown to be capable of extracting useful features from various datasets via a cascade of hierarchically arranged layers of nonlinear processing units, offering an attractive alternative in data-driven hydrological modeling. Since the response of a watershed to rainfall is not essentially linear. Therefore, a nonlinear modeling through machine learning and alternative approach to the traditional techniques was also used for the purpose of predicting flow in an arid region in Iran. The models were applied to the daily discharge flow of gauging stations and the results of two models were then compared based on coefficient of correlation, coefficient of efficiency, root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error. The results showed the potential of a machine learning system as the technique for the river flow time series prediction in arid regions. The comparison of the prediction accuracies of the deep learning and linear regression methods indicated that the first approach was more accurate in predicting river flow dynamics because it improved the multiple linear regression forecast of about 35.42% and 28.21% reduction in root mean square error and mean absolute percentage error values, respectively. Therefore, the results suggest that the machine learning model is more reliable than conventional regression methods for modeling of river flow in arid regions. Keywords: River flow, Machine learning, Hydrological modeling, Arid regions, Iran

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Drought Trend Analysis in Sulaimaniyah, the Iraqi Kurdistan Region using Remote Sensing and GIS for a Period of 1998-2017 Heman Abdulkhaleq Ahmed 1 , Ayad M. Fadhil Al-Quraishi 2* , Mattia Crespi 3

1 Department of Forestry, College of Agriculture, Salahaddin University, Erbil 44003, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 2 Department of Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, Knowledge University, Erbil 44001, Kurdistan Region, Iraq. 3 Geodesy and Geomatics Division, Department of Civil, Constructional and Environmental Engineering, University of Rome La Sapienza - Rome, Italy. * Corresponding Author.Email: : [email protected] Abstract Drought has become a severe recurring phenomenon in Iraq over the past two decades as a result of climate change, while it has been one of the water-rich countries in the Middle East. The Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), which is located in the northern part of Iraq, has also suffered harsh droughts events. Sulaimaniyah is one of three Provinces of the IKR, has selected in this study to investigate the drought severity status throughout twenty years from 1998 to 2017. Thus, Landsat time-series forty images were downloaded and employed for the purposes of this study. The Normalized Differences Vegetation Index (NDVI), and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) were utilized as spectral-based drought indices. Additionally, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed as a meteorological-based drought index. The aforementioned drought indices were used to stat the drought severity and to analyse the vegetative cover plus the water bodies changes in Sulaimaniyah Province during the study period. The results showed that the study area experienced severe droughts events in the years of 2000, 2008, and 2012. The findings also revealed a drop in the vegetative cover by 33.3% in the year 2000. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of the water body, the most significant shrinkage observed in Lake Darbandikhan (LDK) the loss of 41.3% of its total surface area in 2009. Results of the statistical analyses revealed significant positive correlations between rainfall and each of the SPI and LDK area by 0.992** and 0.719**, respectively. It also can conclude that the relationship of SPI with rainfall was a significant one, while it was insignificant with the NDVI-based vegetation cover. Keywords: Drought, Landsat, NDVI, NDWI, LST, Sulaimaniya, Iraq.

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Hydrologic characterization of the Sahara desert alluvial soils: case of Guerrara oasis (M’zab region, Algeria) Lamia AZZOUG1 , Baelhadj HAMDI AISSA1,2 , Mathieu JAVAUX3,4, Frédéric LAURENT3 , Mohammed Amine AZZOUG5 , Mahfoud HADJ MAHAMMED1

1 Univ Ouargla, Fac. des sciences de la nature et de la vie, Lab. Biogéochimie des milieux désertiques, Ouargla 30 000, Algeria; 2 UMR ECOSYS, INRA/AgroParisTech, Thiverval-Grignon, France; 3 Earth and Life Institute – Environmental Sciences, UCLouvain, Croix du Sud 2 L7.05.02, BE-1348 Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium 4 Institute of Bio- and Geosciences, IBG-3 Agrosphere, Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, D-52425 Jülich, Germa5 Drilling 5 Drilling Division SONATRACH, 30000 Hassi Messaoud, Algeria.

Abstract: The protection and conservation of water resources is very important, particularly in arid and semiarid regions where water resources are limited. Hydraulic conductivity is one of the most important soil hydrodynamic Characteristics that is required to evaluate of groundwater flow and drainage studies and calculate of subsurface drainage spacing. A lot of methods for in-situ measurement of saturated hydraulic conductivity have so far been proposed, however, most of them rarely focused on the measurement in arid land or discussed on the suitable measurement method considering soil texture. The main purpose of the present study is to measure saturated hydraulic conductivity by using the Porchet method (inversed auger hole) from alluvial soil samples taking of the oasis of Guerrara - Mzab (Sahara of Algeria) and to investigate the spatial variability of permeability of this soil. Described field tests were conducted in 27 sampling points. Results show that permeability of soils can be classified as low to medium. It mainly depends on the granulation of the soil (clay, clay loam, loamy sand, sandy clay, sandy loam and sandy clay loam). This variability in texture is due to the origin of the alluvium accumulated and deposited by the Oued Zegrir floods and wind action. The study confirmed that Porchet method is quite easy to implement in the field, it is quick and relatively inexpensive and gives pretty accurate results. It allows to characterize in easy way the spatial distribution of infiltration indices of large areas.

Keywords: M’zab oasis; soil; Hydraulic conductivity; saturated hydraulic conductivity; Porchet method; spatial distribution.

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An experimental investigation with numerical simulation of flow field in meandering compound channels Mamata Rani Mohapatra1 , K.C.Patra2 , A.Mohanta3

1Mamata Rani Mohapatra, M.Tech Student, Department of Civil Engineering, NIT, Rourkela, India [email protected] 2Kanhu Charan Patra, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, NIT, Rourkela, India [email protected] 3AbinashMohanta, Ph.D.Student, Department of Civil Engineering, NIT, Rourkela, India [email protected]

Abstract Fluvial flows are strongly dependent on geometry complexity and on each of the measureable property such as the velocity distribution, relative depths, width ratio, aspect ratio and others. A smooth sine generated rectangular main channel flanked by wide flood plains on its both sides is selected for the present work. In this study, the variable parameters are the relative depths and discharge. This paper presents a practical method to predict the velocity distribution in a rectangular compound meandering channel. The analysis is performed at the bend apex, that is, at the point of maximum curvature. Due to 3- dimensional nature of flow, the fluid behavior in a compound meandering channel is more complex than that in a straight compound channel. Continuous variation of channel geometry along the flow path associated with secondary circulation makes the velocity computation more difficult. Here variations of longitudinal velocity distribution at the bend apex are compared for two different flow conditions. The numerical method is also applied to analyze the flow conditions. As numerical hydraulic models can significantly reduces the costs associated with the experimental models, an effort has been made through the present work to determine different flow characteristics such as velocity distribution across the depth, determination of velocity contours etc. A commercial code, ANSYS- FLUENT is used to simulate a 60o meander channel using Large Eddy simulation (LES) model.

Keywords: Bend apex, Width ratio, Aspect ratio, Longitudinal velocity, Depth averaged velocity, Relative depth, Numerical modeling, Turbulence, ANSYS- FLUENT.

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Development and Calibration of Transient Groundwater Flow Model for Al Kufrah Region, Southeast Libya Abdalraheem M. Huwaysh1,2 and Zuhair B. Hafi 2

1Joint Authority for the Study and Development of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System and Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, P.O. Box 13258 -Tripoli, Libya. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, University of Tripoli, P.O. Box 13258 - Tripoli, Libya. E-mail: [email protected]. Corresponding author: Huwaysh Abdalraheem, [email protected], Joint Authority for the Study and Development of the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System, Tripoli-Libya.

Abstract: Al Kufrah Basin, which is a part of the huge trans-boundary Nubian sandstone Aquifer system (NSAS) shared by Libya, Egypt, Sudan and Chad, is a major water resource in North Africa. The NSAS consists of a number of aquifers laterally and /or vertically interconnected, extending over more than 2X106 km2 . In recent years, the demand in some areas has resulted in withdrawals that substantially exceed replenishment of the aquifers. A 3-D groundwater flow model was constructed and calibrated to simulate the sub-regional groundwater flow during the pre- and post- development periods in response to stresses within Al Kufrah Region.The developed model utilized PMWIN® Software, a fully integrated modeling platform that uses the USGS Modular MODFLOW2000®. The entire simulated thickness of 300 m was modeled as three hydraulically connected horizontal layers; each layer consists of 181 rows and 181 columns with grid spacing of 500 m by 500 m to cover a total area of 8190 km2 . General Head Boundaries (GHB) were assigned to the southern and eastern nodes to simulate the groundwater inflow and outflow. Evapotranspiration was assigned to the upper model layer, with a maximum rate of 2750 mm/yr and an extinction depth of 2 m below the ground surface. Groundwater flow parameters (principally hydraulic conductivities, boundary conditions and recharge) were set during the steady state calibration process. Calibration proceeded by varying these input parameters until the model results most closely matched field measurements. In addition, the simulated hydraulic heads were consistent within the model domain with the actual field measurements. Five stress periods - transient state flow model, was constructed and calibrated using all available data from 1968 to 2010. Specific storage

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values range from 10-5 to 10-2 for the middle and the lower layers and specific yield range between 2x10-3 and 2x10-1 for the upper layer were initially assigned based on the previous hydrogeological studies of Al Kufrah Basin, these values were repeatedly adjusted for the three layers during the calibration of the first period until satisfactorily calibrated hydraulic heads were reached. A value of about 10% of the total applied water was assigned to layer 1 as a surface recharge. Analysis of the residual statistics and spatial distribution of residuals as well as the visual comparison between simulated and observed hydrographs and potentiometric surfaces were used to analyze the ability of the calibrated model to simulate aquifer conditions within acceptable error. The root of mean square errors range from 0.8 m to 2.34 m for the 33 observation wells. Calibrated model output includes a 43-years estimate of the water budget by the end of each stress period at the shallow and deep layers. The historical calibration of this transient state model indicated a very close matching between the calculated and the observed drawdown values that have exceeded 40 m during some periods. Keywords: Nubian Aquifer System, Al Kufrah region, Transient state flow model, Stress Periods.

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Groundwater vulnerability Assessment to Nitrate from Agricultural Activities using DRASTIC and Cluster Analysis Models Hossein Malekinezhad1 , Saman Rostami2 1- Associate Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yazd University, Iran, Email: [email protected] 2- MSc, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yazd University, Iran

Abstract Today, with increasing technology, world population growth and the rapid reduction of clean water, environmental concerns have increased. The purpose of this study was to evaluate groundwater vulnerability to nitrate from agricultural activities in Kazeroon plain. This study was conducted using two models of DRASTIC and cluster analysis. DRASTIC model creates five classes of vulnerabilities. The DRASTIC model considers seven parameters, which taken together, provide the acronym. These are Depth to groundwater, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of the vadose zone and hydraulic Conductivity. The vulnerability map is provided in the ARC GIS. The vulnerability classes derived from the model showed that most of the area was ranked in the middle class of vulnerability. The results of the DRASTIC model show that 9.45, 25.18, 31.02, 21.21 and 13.12% of the region are very much, much, moderate, low and very low vulnerable, respectively. Cluster Analysis (CA) was used to identify similar and homogeneous vulnerable parts of the area. Also, the CA results showed that the observation wells of the plain can be classified in different vulnerability classes and this procedure can be an appropriate alternative to the DRASTIC model.

Keywords: DRASTIC, Cluster analysis, Groundwater Vulnerability, Kazeroon Plain

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Development of a Web GIS for Drought Crisis Management (A Case Study of Urmia Lake, IRAN) Samira Fakhri1 , Farhad Hosseinali2* , Hossein Aghamohammadi1 , Masoud Shirazian2

1Department of GIS and Remote Sensing, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Sattari Highway, 14778-93855, Tehran, Iran 2 Department of Surveying Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Lavizan, 16785-163, Tehran, Iran * E-Mail: [email protected]

Abstract:

Drought is one of the most destroing natural disasters that the human has been familiar with its effects on economy, agriculture, environment and social aspects throughout history. Iran has been experienced different severe droughts in many regions due to special geographic position, topographic attributes and locating on dry and semi-dry belt of the earth. Although several studies in recent decades have been conducted on the drought in Iran, the current study is valuable from the point of crisis management by using, designing and performing a web GIS specially for surveying drought aspects as practically and objectively catchment of Urmia lake, known as the scanning system for drought of Urmia lake. Thus, this study opened the new horizon in this area (Urmia lake) and showed capabilities of the web-based spatial systems. For solving this matter the capabilities of the programming languages namely Java Script, CSS, HTML as well as services, libraries and compatible various functions in the environment of Visual Studio has been utilized. The important features of the scanning system for drought of Urmia lake include: applying SPI index for computing and demonstrating the severity of drought in weather stations at different times and locations, graphically and comparing the area of Urmia lake based on historical satellite images in a user friend environment. Generally, the suggested system has demonstrated possibilities of the web GIS in the environmental management of natural crises and disasters, like drought due to having the possibility of fast reaction and updating function.

Keywords: Drought, Web GIS, Urmia lake, Crisis management

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Modeling the impact of geothermal reservoir utilization on hot spring behavior: Case study of Sabalan Reservoir Mohammad Mahdi Rajabi Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Tarbiat Modares University, Iran [email protected]

Abstract Countries in the Middle East are perusing new sources of energy which can replace oil, and geothermal energy is one option that is currently under-utilized. That could change in the near future, as geothermal reservoirs (especially of the low-enthalpy type) are plentiful in some countries such as Iran and Oman. As in any type of development, geothermal energy development has impacts on the surrounding environment. One key concern is that large-scale geothermal reservoir utilization can result in decreased flow or dry-up of hot springs, and many such cases have been reported in the literature. This is problematic, as hot spring are valuable resources used for spa tourism, heating greenhouses, facilitating fish farming, etc. Numerical models can be used to predict and mitigate the impact on hot spring. However, developing these models is expensive, time-consuming and data intensive. This study proposes a new, simplified model for predicting spring response to reservoir utilization. The model combines a non-isothermal tank model for predicting the pressure and temperature behaviors of a liquid dominated geothermal reservoirs, with the mass and thermal balance equations of a hot spring. The model included the basic elements needed to replicate the cause–effect relationships between factors influencing the response of a spring to changes in mass and heat input from the reservoir. The model is applied to the case of Sabalan geothermal reservoir in north western Iran. Keywords: Geothermal reservoir, hot spring, non-isothermal tank model

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Comparison of Morphometric Parameters for Jonk Watershed Derived from Integrated Tool Developed in ArcGIS and QGIS Platform Vinit Lambey, Indrajeet Sahu, A D Prasad

Civil Enginnering Department, National Institute of Technology Raipur, Raipur 492001, India [email protected] , [email protected] , [email protected]

Abstract: Geoinformatics is an important factor in the design and development of hydraulic structures in the present time in the field of morphometry. In the present study, an automatic integrated tool has been developed using a proprietary software (ArcGIS) and an open source software (QGIS) to derive the morphometric parameters with minimum human errors and strain on the workstations used for analysis. The basic necessities to run this tool are Digital elevation Model (DEM), watershed outlet shapefile and minimum number of streams for defining a stream which are user defined. After processing the input data, all the important data needed for morphometric analysis will be obtained from the developed tool as output. In this study, in-total seven morphometric parameters has been calculated, out of which, three parameters which are Drainage Density, Compound Topographic Index and Stream Order has been measured and mapped using automated tool. Remaining four parameters i.e. Form Factor, Elongation Ratio, Circulatory Ratio and Lemniscate’s has been calculated in the GIS software. Using the processed DEM, slope, has been computed and compared obtained from developed tool in both the GIS platform. Obtained results from both the tools shows a variation in values of different parameters like the is difference of 2 o has been observed in the slope values obtained from ArcGIS and QGIS tool. The change in total stream length is found to be 2.56%. The percentage variation in the value of Drainage Density obtained from both the tools is 26 to 73% while for compound topofraphic index, it is found to be 35 to 48%. Although there are discrepancy in the obtained values but this method generates a reliable database of morphometric parameters and is very useful in the field of hydrology, and watershed analysis.

Keywords: Morphometric parameters, ArcGIS, QGIS, Reliable database

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Assessment of Algerian dams’ water quality using Water Quality Index (WQI) and Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering Ahmed Amin SOLTANI1,a,b , Abdelmalek BERMAD2 , Hamouda BOUTAGHANE3 , Osman ABDALLA4,a , Mahmoud HASBAIA1,b

1 Mohamed BOUDIAF University, College of Technology, Hydraulic Department, Algeria;

2 National Polytechnic School, Hydraulic Department 10 Ave. Hassen Badi. El Harrach, Algiers

3 BADJI Mokhtar University, Faculty of Engineering Sciences, Hydraulic Department , Algeria.

4 Department of Earth Sciences, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman;

a Water Research Center, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman;

b VESDD Laboratory, University of M’sila, 166 Ichebilia 28000 M’sila, Algeria; Abstract: Given that northern Algeria is characterized by a significant rainfall level compared to the southern compartment (arid/desert climate), thus almost all Algerian dams are located in the north. From this starting point, data set of 10 Physicochemical parameters were used in the current study to assess the water quality of fifteen dams using Canadian Council ministers of Environment (CCME) Index for drinking purpose from January to November 2019. In addition, Unsupervised machine learning technique such as Fuzzy C-Means (FCM) clustering algorithm was performed to classify the dams' set into different groups (clusters). According to the obtained results, three main kinds of dams' water quality (WQ) were recorded i.e., Marginal, Fair and Good WQ with index values of 52- 64, 65-79 and 80-94 respectively. FCM algorithm has identified four distinct clusters, where "Ain Zada" dam represents the 3rd one, is characterized by hyper concentrations of (NH4 + , PO4 3- and NO3 - ) and (COD, BOD and OM) which reflecting non-point pollution from chemical agricultural fertilization and organic pollution of municipal wastewater discharges and industrial effluents respectively. In this survey, the application of WQI and FCM algorithm proved to be effective in interpreting the Big data of Spatio-Temporal water quality variation.

Keywords: water quality; CCME WQI; FCM; dam; Algeria.

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Estimating Evaporation from the Ground Surface in Rainy Days and after using SEBAL Model Hossein Malekinezhad1 , Masoumeh Heidari2 1Associate Professor, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yazd University, Iran 2Ph.D., Student, Faculty of Natural Resources, Yazd University, Iran

Abstract Evaporation is an important climatic phenomenon because of its effects on drought and climate change at regional scale. The main climatic parameters affecting evaporation are temperature, humidity, wind speed, sunshine. Much of moisture evaporates from the ground surface in the rainy days and after. This value is particularly significant in arid and semi-arid regions and its estimation can help water managers and planners. In this study, using MODIS satellite images and SEBAL model, the amount of evaporation is estimated from the ground surface in the rainy days and after in the Yazd-Ardakan plain. Several past suitable rainfall events were selected during the time period of 2009 to 2014 among the rainfall data of three synoptic stations of the region. The results showed evaporation rate from the ground surface, in the rainy day and after, were 81.06 percent of the total precipitation in the spring and, 46.9 percent in the late autumn and winter. Also, the rate of reference crop evapotraspiration from empirical method of Hargreaves- samani was estimated and the ratio between the reference evapotranspiration and the actual evapotranspiration obtained by the SEBAL method, the crop coefficients (Kc), was calculated. This coefficient can also be used to estimate the actual evapotranspiration value using empirical methods.

Keywords: SEBAL, evaporation, precipitation, rainy days, Yazd-Ardakan Plain

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Assessment of crop cultivation priorities by using virtual water concept – (Case study: Omrani Plain in Iran) Mehdi Kolahi, Farhad Hosseinali*, Mojtaba Karimaei Tabarestani

1. MSc Student of GIS, Shahid Rajaei Teacher Training University, [email protected] 2. Assistant Professor, Department of Surveying Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaei Teacher Training University, [email protected] 3. Assistant Professor, Department of Geotechnical and Water Engineering, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaei Teacher Training University, [email protected]

Abstract

The industrialization has caused many problems for human beings among them endangering food security is crucially important. Agriculture, gardening and Animal husbandry are the essential suppliers of human food. Nevertheless, agriculture plays the most important role. In Iran, however, agriculture encounters many difficulties such as drought, low and untimely precipitation and high evaporation. Water seems to be the most important limitation of agriculture in Iran. To manage the water resources many efforts have been carried out such as paying more attention to the concept of virtual water alongside cost-benefit analysis. In this research, six major agricultural products of Omrani plain in Khorasan Razavi province of Iran are studied using GIS and statistical analyses. These products are wheat, barley, millet, cotton, alfalfa, and pistachio. By using the virtual water concept and calculating the price of each product in the regional market, the optimum priority of agricultural products in the study area is determined. Results showed that the most profitable products for cultivation in the study area are pistachio, millet, and alfalfa, respectively. Besides, it is necessary to improve the irrigation techniques for strategic products such as wheat, barley, and cotton in the region to save more water and decrease the virtual water contents of these products.

Keywords: Virtual water, Pattern of crop cultivation, GIS, Omrani plain

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Current Jute Production and its Prospect in Khulna Division, Bangladesh by using ARIMA Modeling Sayed Mohibul Hossen *, Md. Takrib Hossain, Anzoli Gosh and DR. Mohd Tahir Ismail Department of Statistics, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Santosh, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract Jute was once known as the golden fiber of Bangladesh. Bangladesh is the second largest producer of Golden Fiber Jute. The main purpose of this research is to identify the AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model that could be used to forecast the production of Jute at Khulna Division in Bangladesh. The Secondary data were collected for the year 1972 to 2015 from the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) for the purpose of model identification and forecast up-to the year 2035 of the identified model. Data sets are checked for whether it is stationary or not through graphical method, correlogram and unit root test. Thus Box- Jenkins methodology is applied for determination of ARIMA model. The best selected Box-Jenkin’s ARIMA model for forecasting the production of Jute is ARIMA (1,1,1). For residual diagnostics correlogram Q-statistic and histogram and normality test were used. The comparison between the original series and forecasted series shows the same manner which indicates the fitted model behaved statistically well and suitable to forecast the production of Jute at Khulna Division in Bangladesh. We have found that the annual Jute production of Khulna Division in Bangladesh is slightly increasing.

Keywords: Jute, Prospect, ARIMA Model, Forecasting, Bangladesh

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GIS, remote sensing and analysis of spatial aggregation analytical models for the study of land degradation in Algeria. application to the area of Naâma. BENSAID Abdelkrim 1 , BARKI Malika 2 , NEDJAI Rachid 1 , MOSTEPHAOUI Tewfik 3

1 School of Geography,Orleans University, 10 rue de tours, 45065 Orleans France 2 School of geography, Tours University, 60 rue du Plat D'Etain 37020 Tours France 3 CRSTRA Center, BP 1682, Biskra 07000, Algeria.

Abstract: We present a study of pilot area located in the Naâma region, which is known for its ancestral pastoral activity. This area is now confronted with land degradation problems that may impinge the future of this important economic activity. In view of the complexity of the region and of the problem to address, we designed a methodology and concept based on powerful tools such as GIS, remote sensing and spatial modeling. The objective of this work is to study the phenomenon of soil degradation by using of GIS, remote sensing and spatial aggregation model in order to observe for structural and dynamic purposes of the environment. For that purpose, the methodology followed in this study consisted in the first to integrate all spatial and multisource data into a Postgres database; and secondly, two methods of analytical models of multiplicative spatial aggregation: weighted analytical method and unweighted analytical method. The study area is located in the south-west of Algeria (Naâma). This department counts 12 municipalities, and an area of 29825 km². We produced a landscape map which includes a characterization of the various grazing paths of the region, based on an analysis of Landsat imagery. We integrated the results and other multisource data relevant to the study area into Postgres database as starting point for our GIS-DEGRADATION application for resources management. The tool is conceived based on the principle of spatial aggregation model. Within the application we have designed a functionality that allows producing map of sensitivity to soil degradation at the scale of the municipality. This summary map thus obtained is a cartographic document intended to enlighten decision-makers and developers on the problems of wind erosion by delimiting the spaces into four sensitive zones. Faced with this document, decision-makers, local elected officials, developers, pastoralists and ecologists can define priority intervention actions in the short term, and long-term planning and management on a sectoral scale. With a view to combating the degradation of the land in the arid steppe areas of Algeria. According to the study, it turned out that between 1957 and 2018, 43.6% of the total area is currently degraded in the department of Naâma. The synthesis map provides to the managers some tools to conceive this complexity and to distinguish the diversity from the points of view. It allows to imagine alternative strategies in the use of space and to explore various assumptions concerning the landscape evolutions and degradation. Keywords: GIS, Remote sensing, Degradation, Spatial model.

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Water saving in Tunisian oasis agro ecosystem: Experimental assessment and modeling of improved gravity irrigation performances Latifa Dhaouadi1, Sonia Kodni1, Houda Besser2, Nissaf Kharbout3 and Abdelrassoul Alomran4 1. Régional research center for oasis agriculture , TUNISIA http://www.crraodegache.agrinet.tn/index.php/fr/ 2. 5Researh Unit 3G-Gabes, Tunisia [email protected] 3. INstitute of arid zones, Tunisia [email protected] 4. KING Abdelaziz University, KSA [email protected]

Abstract: The stability of Southern Tunisian oasis agro-system is alerted by the effect of poor management of water irrigation under climate change impacts. Therefore, the reasonable development of these systems in a sustainable way requires a re- examination of the evolution of different factors to optimize crops and yields namely irrigation systems and farming systems. The aim of present study is investigate the impacts of the most irrigation technique and the enhancement of irrigation performances of the Improved Gravity Irrigation System (IGIS), under date palm trees at the level of agriculture oasis plots via an assessment of Irrigation Systems Indicators (ISI). The results indicate that application efficiency (Ea) is 81% ± 2.3, and uniformity coefficient (UC) of irrigation water distribution in the root zone around 86.5% ± 0.3 and a water productivity at the level of the study parcel is about 0.32 kg/m3. These indices confirm that the IGIS contributed to soil desalination at the end of the irrigations of about 5%. Using HYDRUS 1D, the stimulated water content illustrates a significant correlation with the measured values suggesting a good experimental management of the basin. The obtained results indicate that IGIS seems to be a good technique of irrigation in these hot-dry areas that may be applied with flexible management measures.

Keywords: Date palm, improved gravity irrigation system, HYDRUS1D modeling.

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Urban water

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Pipe Failure Analysis in association with Pipe Material and Pressure Fluctuation in Urban Water Distribution Network Pezhman TAHEREI GHAZVINEI1 , Hossein HASSANPOUR DARVISHI2 , Saeid GAFOORI3 1Department of Civil Engineering, Technical and Engineering College, Ale Taha Institute of Higher Education, Tehran, Iran 2 ,3 Department of Civil Engineering, Engineering and Management of Water Resources, Shahr-e-Qods Brach, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran Abstract: Considerable part of non-revenue water forms the physical losses of water. Reduce physical water losses, especially in arid zone within limited water resources is essential. Using more sustainable pipe material in urban water distribution networks is fundamental to reduce physical water losses. Review showed a limited number of practical studies in the assessment of pipe materials against pressure fluctuation. In current research, different materials of pipes included galvanize, Pex-al, Pex, PE, white, and PVC were assessed to recommend the more sustainable pipe to use in urban water distribution. Wide range of pressures was established to simulate the actual condition of the network in corresponding with the consumption patterns. Result was significant in clarification the effect of the pressure fluctuation on the pipe’s resistance. The results showed that the PE and PVC pipes had more resistance against pressure the other pipes’ materials.

Keywords: Non-revenue water, Distribution system, Pressure fluctuation.

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Water quality investigation of recent wells, which were randomly dug at the left side of Mosul City

Dr. Mohammed F. O. Khattab* Dr. Eman Sami Al-Sarraj** Dr. Hazim J . Mahmood*** Dr. Oliver Wiche **** *Center of Remote Sensing, Mosul University /** Department of Biology, collage of Science, Mosul University /***Dams and Water Resources Research center, Mosul University/**** Department of Biology, TU Freiberg University Email:[email protected]

Abstract Groundwater is the second biggest source of freshwater of our planet, and it is the only recourse can be access to face a problem of stopping water supply network during the period of wars and disasters. However there are a several of challenges facing the quality especially in arid and semi- arid region where the climate conditions, type of reservoir rock, geological setting and anthropogenic activities significant impact on ground water quality. In this work, 13 groundwater samples have been taken to assessment the water quality and investigate its suitability for use at the left side of Mosul City. These samples were collected from the wells which were dug during the time of liberation the city from ISIS fighters. Attention was given +2 +2 + + -2 - 3 - on the examination of EC, TDS, pH, Ca , Mg , Na , K , SO4 , Cl , NO and others chemical water quality parameters as well as heterotrophic Bacteria and coliform Bacteria. The results of factor analysis proved that the geochemical composition of groundwater is mainly controlling by chemical weathering of carbonate - sulfate minerals and the contamination by municipal activities in the city. The results of assessment the propriety of groundwater for drinking and irrigation purposes will gave for both decision makers and people good insights for management the groundwater during crises at this part of Mosul City.

Keywords: Water Quality, Recent Wells, Mosul, Groundwater

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A Review on Challenges and Prospectives for Sustainable Water Management in Mashhad Basin, a Semi-Arid Region of Iran

Mojtaba Shafiei1, Maysam Majidi2,1, Mohammad Gharesifard3, Shiva Gholizade Sarabi1, Ata Joodavi2,1, Poolad Karimi3 1 East Water and Environmental Research Institute, Iran

2 Kashmar Higher Education Institute 3 IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, Netherlands

[email protected]

Abstract

Water is the core of sustainable development especially in arid regions and is critical for socio-economic development and healthy ecosystems. Mashhad is one of the biggest cities in Iran, which is an important economic hub and also hosts the biggest number of tourists annually. The Mashhad basin is such among of complicated basins which is struggling with physical water scarcity as well as high rate of anthropogenic activities during the past 30 years. This paper reviews the current situation of water resources in Mashhad basin. Moreover, summarizing the issues that have affected the sustainability of the region which can be outlined as: 1) Relying on transboundry water supply more than 50% of potable water of the city, 2) High rate of groundwater table drop down per year as well as deterioration of its quality, 3) The increasing population especially at the city suburb due to migration from other towns or villages, 4) Increasing the waste water volume and its plants without any strategic plan for its recycling and 5) Socio-economic problems especially related to farmers in the basin because of decreasing or banning their allowable water consumption. Finally, this paper has depicted a simple conceptual framework to provide a “common perception” for the basin stakeholders to achieve the sustainability. The framework consists of three main action levels and two important building blocks. The action levels are water information system, water resources assessment (i.e. water accounting system) and water resources planning system. The building blocks are governance (in case of institutions, organizations and financing) and capacity building programs to ensure about adapting to uncertain future developments. Keywords: Groundwater, Sustainability, Governance

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IWRM: AN APPROACH FOR ENHANCING WATER GOVERNACE in the Republic of Sudan Safaa Abdelwahab Mohammed Idriss Ministry of Water Resources, Irrigation, Sudan. [email protected],

Abstract This article presents an outline of the methodology adopted by a new project on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) for Sudan initiated in August 2016 and some of the initial findings. it aims to share tools for realizing the IWRM concept with academics, practitioners and public participants to exchange knowledges, ideas, comments and questions, so that the best possible practice will prevail throughout Sudan. It is approach is unique and new in Sudan, it’s characterized by the integration of technical, non-technical approaches. Technical approach, a water balance analysis is conducted looked at water resources potential, possible supply amount and future demand for water for various purposes from 2014 - 2035. Non-technical approach, the solutions proposed by technical approach will be refined and developed to enhance their applicability and effectiveness, this approach comprises institutional and organizational analysis, social and cultural analysis, strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and participatory consensus building. The basic principle is to ensure environmental sustainability of water resources management in the republic of Sudan while ensuring the envisioned economic growth and enhancing the efficiency of the existing water source facilities. Keywords: IWRM Project, Technical Approach, Non-Technical Approach, MWRI

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Towards Integrated and Sustainable Water Resources Management in Saudi Arabia Abed Al Atawy (1), Hatem Abdel Rahman(2), Mohamed Dawoud(3) (1) PSIPW Chair, Prince Sultan Institute for Environmental, Water and Desert Research, King Saud University, KSA. (2) Professor of Water Resources Engineering Department, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80208 Jeddah 21589 Saudi Arabia, E-mail: [email protected] (3) Advisor, Water Resources, Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi, UAE, Email: [email protected]

Abstract Rapid growth of population, limited water reserves, insufficient recharge and extensive agricultural and landscaping activities have increased pressure on the water resources in Saudi Arabia. Understanding of water resources and trends of water consumptions is important to offer sustainable water resources management strategy. In this research, water resources and trends of water consumptions in Saudi Arabia were investigated. The non- renewable ground water reserves were estimated to be 259.1–760.6 billion cubic meters (BCM) with an effective annual recharge of 886 million cubic meters (MCM). The total internal renewable water was estimated to be 2.4 BCM/year. Approximately 1.4 BCM/year of runoff is stored by 302 dams across Saudi Arabia, from which 992.7 MCM is recharged to the shallow aquifers, 303.5 MCM is used for drinking and 51.5 MCM is for agriculture. The country produces approximately 1.06 BCM desalinated water annually, which is blended with groundwater for domestic water supplies. The wastewater treatment plants treat approximately 0.58 BCM/year domestic wastewater from which 0.33 BCM is recycled. The total water demand in 2009 was 18.51 BCM in which 83.5% were used for agriculture. From 2004 to 2009, agricultural water demand was decreased by 2.5%/year (17530 MCM to 15464 MCM), while the domestic and industrial water demands were increased by 2.1%/year and 2.2%/year, respectively. Between 1999 and 2008, domestic water subscribers were increased by 22.7%, while the annual domestic water consumption was increased from 1391 (609– 2164) to 3818 (1687– 7404) m3/subscriber (274%). The industrial water demands were increased from 56 MCM/year in 1980 to 713 MCM/year in 2009. Following characterization, nonlinear equations were developed to predict the domestic, industrial and agricultural water demands. The predicted water demands were within 1-10% of the historically reported values. The findings of this study might be useful in understanding the water sources, water demands and identifying new sources for sustainable water resources management.

Keywords: KSA, Water Management

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Forecasting drinking daily water demand for Sfax city – Tunisia: Use of Artificial Neural Network Malak Derbala, Issam Nouiri, Jamel Nasr Tunisian Agronomic Institute,Tunisia [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract The aim of this study is to develop and validate a forecasting model of daily drinking water demand of Sfax city using artificial neural networks (ANN). A daily database (January 2008 to December 2016) of supply volumes as well as minimum and maximum air temperatures was built up and processed for data quality. Statistical treatments were used to identify and assess corrections and therefore to choose explanatory variables of the water demand. The previous daily supply and the maximal air temperature for the forecasted day, the most correlated variables to water supply, were used as input variables for the ANN. In addition, it was demonstrated that the "Radial Basic Function" is the most suitable ANN transfer function for daily water demand forecasting. The proposed methodology was applied for the supply network of Sfax City, classified as the second urban district of Tunisia, with more than 500,000 inhabitants and large industrial activities. The supply network is about 1,000 Km fed by 5 tanks. Two water sources contribute to satisfy Sfax demand: Treated surface water conveyed from Northern dams, for more than 400 Km, and groundwater pumped from Western regions, for more than 250 Km. Water residence time between sources and Sfax City was evaluated to 2 - 4 days. In peak demand period, water shortage lead to the interruption of the on demand service of the network, mainly in highest regions. Forecasting results showed that 90% of the validation tests have relative errors less than 10%. The error did not exceed 16% for the studied tanks. Although results of this case study confirm those obtained in Tunis district, the consolidation of these results by estimating the potential benefits of forecasting the daily demand, compared to the situation without forecasting, is a main research perspective of the present contribution.

Keywords: Water demand, Forecasting, Artificial Neural Network, Sfax, Tunisia

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Evaluation of Network Governance of Water Resources in Central Part of Iran: A Practical Study in Arid Region Iman Islami1 Assistant Professor, Tarbiat Modares University, Noor, Iran. Email: [email protected] Tell: +981144999110 Abstract Human management and social communication networks play an important role in water resources management, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. Active actors and a coherent network of individuals is very useful in establishing an appropriate collaborative governance to face the current constraints of water management, conservation, control and optimal management. In this study, special attention pay to the human role of local actors in the context of a water management social network in central Iran with severe water restrictions and under the effects of repeated droughts. Due to the challenges in water distribution and distribution as well as local conflicts, it evaluated based on social network analysis method. The relationships of actors tested based on indices of density, reciprocity, and focus on local active networks throughout Yazd province during the years 2018 to 2019. The results show that key stakeholders with high social capital are not currently active in the network of local users, which hinders to receive and transfer of information across the community. Therefore, it has reduced the resilience to social and ecological problems such as drought. The lack of inter-group collaboration relationships has created structural holes (empty space) throughout the network this has reduced the direct contact between the actors. The results show that the stability and dynamics of the network can restore. Two networks of participation and trust in the reciprocity and density indices were moderately similar. This study has provided to achieve an ideal governance plan by introducing key actors and presenting weaknesses at the macro level of the human relations network. Keywords: "Network Governance", "Water Resources", "Social Network Analysis (SNA)", "Arid Region", "Iran".

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Participatory Approaches – Stakeholders Inclusion into Support Tools for Decision Making in Integrated Water Resources Management

Al-Khatri, A.1 ; Grundmann, J.2 ; v.d.Weth, R.3 ; Schütze, N.2 1Ministry of Regional Municipalities and Water Resources, P.O. Box 2575, Postal Code 112, Ruwi, Sultanate of Oman, [email protected] 2Technische Universität Dresden, Institute of Hydrology and Meteorology, 01062 Dresden, Germany 3Dresden University of Applied Sciences, Work Science & Human Resources Management and Industrial Science, 01069 Dresden, Germany

Abstract

In the field of water resources management, decision is surrounded by multiple actors, with contradicting interests and visions about the potential management options. In addition to that, the number of alternatives might be very high and the selection of a suitable one with the satisfaction of most of the stakeholders needs compromises. Therefore, a sustainable water resources management (WRM) is essential, to ensures the integration of social, economic, and environmental issues into all stages of water resources management. In general, water resources managers face a challenge to find quantitative tools for evaluating the consequences of their management interventions. Challenges are getting more serious by both; inefficient governance and increased competition for the finite resource. For a decision process (in areas with high demand) to succeed, an integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach is recommended. This should allow the assessing of different management policies and interventions. Moreover, it should include the application of a participatory approach, which allows the participation of the relevant stakeholders in a natural system. For this particular work, the stakeholders are identified to be the irrigation water users (group of farmers) from a selected study area in South Al Batinah, water experts from the water and agricultural organizations, and water professionals from different research organizations (group of decision makers and water experts). The agricultural area in South Al Batinah is facing the problem of over abstraction from groundwater. Therefore, it is affected by seawater intrusion. Through a social survey respondents, both groups were asked to indicate if water users should play a role in making decisions regarding environmental problems and selecting management options. Water users were also asked to identify if they would like to take a part in decision

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making processes. The results showed that majority of the respondents (91.5%) believe that involvement of water users in the decision making process is important. Only 4.6% of all respondents indicated that they are not agreeing with the idea. Most of the decision makers groups indicated that they agree with the idea, by at least 80% of the total respondents. Further results of the survey and steps towards stakeholder inclusion into support tools will be presented in the paper. This study underlines the importance of a participatory approach with contributions from the relevant stakeholders in order to achieve a real IWRM implementation process. The situation is too complex in Al Batinah, and needs more knowledge and concerted efforts from the different stakeholders together with a combination of different management interventions, to be improved.

Keywords: Water resources management, participatory approach, Stakeholders, groundwater, Oman

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Techno-economic analysis of membrane distillation to provide potable water to the island of Hormuz Ramin Haghighi Khoshkhoo1* , Ameneh Moumivand1 and Mohammad Namazizadeh1

1 Faculty of Mechanical and Energy Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, 1983969411, Iran

Email: [email protected]

Abstract. The purpose of this paper is to study the technical and economical supply of minimum potable water in the southern regions of Iran (isolated areas with Lack of access to national water and electricity networks), especially on the island of Hormuz. In this regard, the technical-economic analysis of solar membrane distillation and membrane distillation has been carried out as a package (mobile desalination). The cost of thermal energy in each of these systems is zero. At present, the minimum required potable water on the Hormuz Island is 30 m3 /d. The cost of water generated from the solar membrane distillation is 6 $/m3 , and the cost of water produced in a mobile desalination is 1 $/m3 . Furthermore, the problems of the potable water transfer in a mobile desalination are also met.

Keywords: Techno-economic, solar membrane and mobile distillation, potable water, isolated areas of utilities

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Characterizing the Spatial Variability of Annual Precipitation of the Sultanate of Oman (2006-2015) Sara Khamis Salim Alkharusi1 ; Fatema Darwish Shinain Al Hamdani1 ; Alaba Boluwade1 Department of Soil Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture and Marine Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman [email protected]

Abstract: Understanding the spatial variability of both monthly and annual rainfall pattern for an arid country like the Sultanate of Oman can help in planning, sustainable agriculture, and integrated water management. This study evaluated annual rainfall using the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM, 3B42V7) monthly satellite rainfall estimates which have been found to compare very well with gauged rainfall in the previous study. The analysis was done from 2006 to 2015. The 13 Governorates of Oman were divided into three divisions: northern, interior, and Dhofar regions. The average annual rainfall between 2006-2015 was 53 mm, 60 mm and 107 mm for Dhofar, interior and northern regions respectively. In the same period, the average monthly rainfall was 4.4 mm, 5.02 mm and 8.9 mm for Dhofar, interior and northern regions respectively. The accumulated annual rainfall amounts for each region were used for trend analysis. The results show that there were positive trends in annual precipitation for both northern and interior regions whereas, a negative trend was found in the Dhofar region. From the analysis, it is likely the Gonu cyclone of 2007 (an outlier) may have influenced or inflated the positive trend in the northern region. However, the negative trend found in the Dhofar region needs further investigation because of the region’s importance in the tourism industry. Overall, heterogeneity in the precipitation pattern of the various regions of Oman can provide important information for water balance study, hydrologic predictions and climate change mitigation and resilience which are crucial for sustainable water management and agriculture. Keywords: Rainfall pattern, sustainable water management, Sultanate of Oman, rainfall estimate

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Land-use Change Analysis of the Sultanate of Oman (1992-2015) Fatma Darwish Shinain Al Hamdani1 ; Sara Khamis Salim Al Kharusi1 ; Alaba Boluwade1

Department of Soil Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture and Marine Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman; [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract: The Sultanate of Oman has undergone several infrastructural development since the 1970s due to urbanization, increase in population and commercial activities. The total land area exceeds 300,000 km2 . This study evaluated land use data obtained from the European Space Agency (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI) generated for 1992 and 2015. These datasets were reclassified into cropland, trees, shrubland, urban land, bare land and water bodies distinct land-use classes. We divided the 13 Governorates of Oman into three divisions: northern, interior, and Dhofar regions. Findings included: (1) for the entire country, there were land-use changes of - 8.10 %, -2.00 %, -1.5 % and +96.0 % for shrubland, cropland, trees and urban land respectively; (2) in Dhofar region, there were land-use changes of - 27.0 %, -1.50 %, -14.2 % and +211.0 % for shrubland, cropland, trees and urban land respectively; (3) for the northern region, there were landuse changes of - 11.00 %, -9.00 %, -0.3 % and +87.0 % for shrubland, cropland, trees and urban land respectively; (4) in the interior region, there were land-use changes of 26.10 %, 0.0 %, +1.72 % and +120.0 % for shrubland, cropland, trees and urban land respectively. From the foregoing, the consistent increase and reduction for shrubland and urban area respectively in the entire country and all the three divisions may be due to stressors on land use such as grazing intensification, urban development, etc. The significant increase of more than 200% in urban land area in the Dhofar region may be due to the changes in the Oman policies, infrastructure modernization and investments in the Dhofar area starting from the 1980s. This study’s findings are very crucial in helping decision-makers and other stakeholders to formulate effective policy strategies in land use management in Oman.

Keywords: land use, Sultanate of Oman, forest, urbanization, agriculture

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Hydraulic Modeling of Water Supply Network for Optimization of Operation in the Smart Water Management Cities Muhammad Armaghan, Sajid Rashid1, Shahid Ali2 1College of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Pakistan 2FAST NUCES University, Pakistan [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract

Water scarcity has been one of the main challenges in arid regions, where water consumption is high while the mean annual rainfall is low. In order to overcome water scarcity, substantial investments have been undertaken to improve the water distribution system. The optimal design of water distribution networks is used in this research for the pressure/flow regulation in water distribution networks (WDN). The pipe flow rates and nodal pressure within the system are estimated using the WaterGEMS model. The effects of the inadequate operation of the water distribution network for existing conditions of problematic areas in Al Ahsa-Saudi Arabia are studied and the capacity of the water network is evaluated. The pressure fluctuation and pressure zones are optimized with various scenarios of system operation. Optimum network layout, pipes size, and fire hydrants are proposed based on the model results. Keywords: Water distribution, Hydraulic modelling, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

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Six components for monitoring the enabling environment and achieving SDG6 in Tunisia Olfa Mahjoub1 , Abderrahman Ouasli2 , Guillaume Baggio Ferla3 , Manzoor Qadir3 1National Research Institute for Rural Engineering, Water, and Forestry (INRGREF), Tunisia 2Bureau of Planning and Hydraulic Balance (BPEH), Tunisia, [email protected] 3United Nation University, Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), Canada

Abstract: The Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG6) related to water supply and sanitation is one of the SDGs that Tunisia has committed to achieve by 2030. Tunisia has several challenges to overcome in the water sector, therefore setting realistic goals and prioritizing the SDG6 targets based on national context and country-specific indicators are recommended. This work is meant to highlight the usefulness of an evidence-based Policy Support System (SDG-PSS) developed by the United Nation University-Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, the UN Office for Sustainable Development and the Korean Environment Corporation in supporting five pilot countries (Costa Rica, Ghana, Korea, Pakistan, and Tunisia) to monitor their progress toward achieving SDG6 and to showcase advancement attained in contextualizing this tool in Tunisia. The SDG-PSS encompasses 6 critical components (i.e. Capacity, Finance, Policy and Institutional, Gender, Integrity, and Disaster Risk Reduction/Resilience) in addition to Status component and is already available online to all UN Member States. It is critical to assess and monitor these components so that policy-makers can be sure they are planning for sustainable progress and accelerated SDG implementation. In Tunisia, a multisectoral group of experts representing major R&D institutions and civil society of the water sector are looking thoroughly through the generic version of the SDG-PSS to contextualized it according to the orientation of the national water policy and its future trends. Preliminary results revealed that Finance and Integrity components were on top priorities; both are the most challenging to achieve. Considering the available data, inadequate progress was registered for Disaster Risk Reduction/Resilience, Finance, and Capacity components. In addition, the country is facing obstacles in dealing with Gender and Integrity. Several gaps related to the general lack of data, the lack of official mechanisms for the participation of the civil society in the financial planning, the lack of strategy with clear action plan for disasters prevention and management were underlined.

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Meanwhile, significant progress was registered for Policy and Institutional component. In the current phaseof the contextualization of the tool, the SDG-PSS was institutionalized, and the introduction of real data in the system started. This paper will address some of the challenges faced by the Tunisia’s multisectoral group of experts and lessons learnt during more than two years of endeavor. The methodology adopted for introducing the data, assessing data availability and data reliability, building cooperation between institutions, and interpreting the outputs and reports are among the aspects that will be highlighted and discussed to allow countries willing to join the project hub for the Middle East and North Africa as well as the Sub-Saharan Africa to take provision during their preparatory phase for the implementation of the SDG-PSS.

Keywords: SDG6; Tool; SDG-PSS; Components

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Water Security and Sustainable Migration A drought adaptation strategy towards minimizing the socio- economic and environmental consequences of drought-caused Migration Sudeh Dehnavi ITT, TH Köln, Germany, [email protected]

Abstract Where drought is eroding the financial and physical assets of the affected population, if not still trapped in chronic poverty, internal and international migration for livelihood diversification is an alternative possibility. Migration and human displacement may reduce pressure on water resources of the region of origin and offers new opportunities to the migrants. However, distressed migration would lead to an increase in water demand at the regions of destination and can create social, economic and environmental challenges at different scales. Though different measures and strategies have been implemented to encounter migration and flight causes, still migration rates are increasing worldwide. Therefore rearranging the distressed internal migration to planned migration would not only minimize the environmental and societal challenges of migration at the regions of destination but also improve the living conditions of the migrants. Planning migration according to capacities of the potential destination regions (natural resources, income diversification potentials, …) as well as the migrants is a key factor towards “sustainable migration”. This information supports Governments, the affected population and involved actors and organizations in evidence-based informed decision making. This paper studies the capacities of potential destinations of the migrants from three provinces of Kerman, Yazd, and Fars of Iran. It suggests alternative scenarios for planned migration as an adaptation strategy to drought.

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Raindrop water harvesting and management system in the Nabatean city of Petra Bilal R. Khrisat (Ph.D Geoarchaeology) Department of Conservation Science Queen Rania Faculty of Tourism and Heritage, Hashemit University Zarq – Jordan, Email: [email protected]

Abstract Rainwater harvesting and utilization systems have been used since ancient times. In Petra southern Jordan, Nabatean dug and built channels to collect water and built check dams and tanks for storing runoff from hillsides and wadis for both domestic and agricultural purposes. Water harvesting have allowed habitation and cultivation in areas with as little as 100mm of rain per year. This paper will focus on the different examples of water harvesting and management techniques used by the Nabatean from technical, administrative and conservation points of view. The remains of the Nabatean water harvesting in Petra, together with a large number of widely distributed smaller and lesser known harvesting and management features in the area, make up one of the most remarkable complexes human rock-cut monuments and manipulated landscape the area. This indigenous knowledge in water harvesting and soil management practices that can be incorporated in the modern comprehensive Land Use Master Plan of Petra to reduce the high risk of the flashfloods, which hit the archaeological site nearly every year, and causes nowadays damage to human lives and properties. Proper water harvesting and management of the site will lead to the protection of the Petra catchments areas and foster benefits other than availing water to bio-growth. Such benefits could go as far as restoring the ecology of some degraded lands of Petra Archaeological Park.

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Fog Collection with Textile Fibres Musaddaq Azeem, Jakub Wiener Technical University of Liberec, Faculty of Textile Engineering, Department of Material Engineering, Studentská 1402/2, 461 17, Liberec 1, Czech Republic Corresponding authors; [email protected]

Abstract: Water is an essential resource of life that we all need to survive. Water scarcity has forced the researchers to find the new technologies based on collecting water from alternate sources such as fog, dew, or atmospheric water vapor. Fog harvesting has become an important alternative that can solve the problem. However, this approach is still lacking in efficiency so we designed an efficient fog collectors to address this problem. It was built a harp structure that collects in comparison with traditional Raschel mesh. Polyethylene monofilament was used to construct the harp. The fog water collection rate with two layers harp was 200% more than Raschel mesh with 5mm optimum distance between the layers. The diameter of monofilament and the velocity of air in the fog tunnel were also optimized with experimental and theoretical work. Based on these findings, we predict the most promising ways for fog collector use in the field. The basic idea is to increase the efficiency for commercial purpose, meanwhile to replace the traditional Raschel mesh with cylindrical textile monofilaments. Keywords; Fog collector, Raschel mesh, 2 layers harp

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Assessment of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in Poor Rural Communities: A Case Study from Yatta Area, Palestine Nibal Al-Batsh 1 , Issam A. Al-Khatib 2*, Subha Ghannam 2 , Fathi Anayah 3 , Shehdeh Jodeh 4 *, Ghadir Hanbali 4 , Bayan Khalaf 4 and Michael van der Valk 5 1Faculty of Graduate Studies, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14 Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine. 2 Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, Birzeit University, P.O. Box 14 Birzeit, West Bank, Palestine. 3College of Engineering and Technology, Palestine Technical University, P.O. Box 6037 Kadoorie, Tulkarm, Palestine. 4Department of Chemistry, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7 Nablus, Palestine. 5Hydrology.nl – International Hydrology and Water Resources, P.O. Box 61003, NL-1005 HA Amsterdam, The Netherlands. *Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract Yatta is a town located nine kilometers south of Hebron city in the West Bank of Palestine. The town houses over 100,000 people of which 49% are females and has a population that doubles every 15 years. Yatta has been connected to a water network since 1974 serving nearly 85% of its households. The water network is old and inadequate to meet the needs of the population. Water supply made available to the area is limited, estimated at 20 L/capita/day. Residents are thus forced to rely on water vendors who supply water that is 400% more expensive with a lower quality compared to municipal water. Therefore, rainwater harvesting is a common practice in the area, with the majority of households owning at least one cistern. Rainwater harvesting is of great socio-economic importance in areas where water sources are scarce and/or polluted. In this research, the quality of harvested rainwater used for drinking and domestic purposes in Yatta was assessed throughout one year. A total of 100 samples were collected from cisterns with an average capacity of 69 m3 , which are adjacent to cement-roof catchment areas of 145 m2 average surface area. Samples were analyzed for a number of parameters including temperature, pH, alkalinity, hardness, turbidity, total dissolved solids, NO3, NH4, chloride and salinity. Results showed that most of the rainwater samples were within World Health Organization (WHO) and Environment Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines for chemical parameters. Microbiological contents such as total Coliforms and faecal Coliforms bacteria were tested. The research also addressed the impact of rainwater harvesting systems on different socio-economic attributes of the local community through a questionnaire that had been filled out before any sample was collected.

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An integrated management for a massive quantity of the precipitation on Sultanate's land Mai Mubarak Al-Saadi

Al-Musaana College of Technology, Oman, Email: [email protected]

Abstract Fresh water is an essential source to survive on the earth and in the addition, the water is making various civilizations over different countries. It is existed in various forms such as rivers, springs and wells etc. As other countries, Oman had confronted the Scarcity in its fresh water sources which led to establish new mean to obtain water (desalination). Although there are some obvious negative footprints which are associated with the implementation of desalination plant in term of energy consumption and pollutants emission. However, it is a crucial to manage the water rain which is falling down to Sultanate’s lands. The paper could show up copious of the solutions and perhaps it is possible to implement to preserve water. Thus it can maintain water for long terms and rise up groundwater table level. The paper would have presented the experience of some countries in their management for rainfall water. Furthermore, there are a lot of methods for reserving rainwater over affected places in the sultanate during rainy season. There is massive amount of water which is wasting to sea water after each rainy season as it is showed in the case of the water in the wadis or valleys and also the water that descended from mountains to streets or entering to the villages, causing disasters and loses in both public and private assets. Therefore, the paper would illustrate the situations of different areas over Oman's land during rainy weather and the damage’s cases then it would postulate the solutions to overcome that issue.

Keywords: the precipitation, damages or disasters, countries experiences, integrated solution

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Comparison of uniform rainfall method and alternative block method in estimating runoff collecting system in order to control flood in urban areas with ASSA software (case study: Chehel Bazeh Golestan Basin- Iran) S. R. Khodashenas*1, F. Ghobadi2 1. Professor, Water Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran *Corresponding author: [email protected] 2. M.Sc. in Water Structures, Water Engineering Department, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, , Mashhad, Iran

Abstract Due to an increase in impermeable areas in cities, the runoff volume increases dramatically, causing overflow of runoff and frequent problems in the city. In the present study, the 10th district of the municipality of Mashhad that is known as Chehel Bazeh Golestan was evaluated. This city locate in a semi arid region. In this regard, Arc Map and ASSA software were used for modeling. The basin was modelled according to the existing conditions by using AutoCAD and Arc Map. The geometric parameters of the basin including area of the sub-basins, length of the canals, slope and other characteristics were calculated by using Arc Map. For rainfall distribution, uniform rainfall pattern and alternative block method were used. For the return period of 2 and 5 years, the adequacy of system for runoff was investigated. Results showed that rainfall pattern plays an important role in the basin runoff. The alternative block method for the return period of 2 years resulted in 33% increase in runoff relative to the uniform rainfall method. In the alternative block method, the outflow runoff of the basin was 29% more than the uniform rainfall method, and the outflow volume increased by 17%. In general, in urban areas due to variation in land use and different basins, uniform rainfall method, due to consideration of geometric parameters of basins, offers better results than alternative block method.

Keywords: ASSA Software, Periodic Block Method, Rainfall Pattern, Uniform Rainfall Method, Flood, Mashhad

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Water evaporation control from reservoirs using lightweight aggregate, wrapped with superhydrophobic coatings F. Naseria , N. Haffezi Moghddasa , H. Haffezi Moghddasa a Department of Geology, Faculty of Sciences, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran

Abstract Evaporation from open reservoirs have been provoking conflicts among agriculture, industry and cities in semi-arid and arid regions. Therefore, different physical and chemical methods have been applied to minimize evaporation from these reservoirs. In this research, we propose the state of art and new idea of using a combination of physical and chemical approaches for conserving and managing water bodies. Lightweight aggregates have been used as a base material to cover water surfaces. As they absorb water enormously we have to seal their body by a superhydrophobic coating, so different types of nanostructured materials have been prepared including two industrial SiO2 nano coatings (water base and solvent base) and a synthetized superhydrophobic ZnO nano coating. An evaporation control system has been developed and these aggregates with and without superhydrophobic coating have been examined under different conditions (wind, radiation, wind and radiation) for a month. Results demonstrated that lightweight aggregates alone can control evaporation under wind condition (31.6%) and to somehow under wind and irradiation (8.2%), but water transportation through capillarity process under irradiation alone limit their application as an evaporation control material. These aggregates with solvent base coating show higher hydrophobicity (contact angle=120˚) than water base coating (contact angle=104˚), also the solvent based one can control more evaporation rate (45%) than the other type (30.6%). The synthetized superhydrophobic ZnO nano coating has a contact angle of 153.9˚ and evaporation control of 65%, 50%, 70% under different conditions (wind, radiation, wind and radiation), respectively. Finally, we found that coating wettability decrease over time for all coatings, while evaporation rate increase.

Keywords: Evaporation, open reservoirs, superhydrophobic coating

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Evaluating Water Saving and Power Output of Different Alternatives for an Existing Wet Cooling System Aliasghar POURSARVANDI1* , Ramin HAGHIGHI KHOSHKHO1 , Mehdi FATEH1 1Monenco Iran Consulting Engineers, No. 12, Attar Street, Vali-e-Asr Avenue, Vanak Square, Tehran - Iran; * Corresponding author: [email protected]

Abstract: Water consumption rate of a thermal power plant depends on the type of the cooling system utilized. Wet cooling systems have a maximum water consumption rate of (1.5-3 m3/MWh) whereas air cooled condenser systems have an almost negligible water consumption rate. Considering the water crisis in recent years, many researches have been involved in water conservation efforts in power generation systems. Generally, there are three ways to decrease water consumption of a wet cooling system: Retrofit of existing system, Using dry/hybrid system and Supply water from unconventional source with lower quality. In this study, seven scenarios have been studied as alternatives for existing wet cooling system of a 320 MW steam power plant: (1) Purchasing water from an external source, (2) Replacing wet system by air cooled condenser (ACC), (3) Replacing wet tower by dry tower, (4) Replacing wet system by Heller system, (5) Converting wet system to series hybrid configuration (wet tower+natural draft dry tower), (6) Converting wet system to parallel hybrid configuration (wet tower+natural draft dry tower) and (7) Supply water by wastewater reuse. For each scenario, main equipment have been sized and the plant has been technically modeled for different ambient conditions. Annual water consumption, annual power generation and annual internal power consumption have been calculated for each scenario. A financial model has been developed and modified net present value (NPV) has been calculated for each scenario. Final ranking has been done considering technical, financial, environmental and executional parameters. Considering 0.33 USD/m3 for industrial water price, results show that scenarios number 7, number 1 and number 3 are the most appropriate scenarios respectively. Sensitivity analysis shows that by increasing industry water price to 0.66, 1.00 and 1.33 USD/m3, scenario number 1 loses its competitiveness in comparison to dry and hybrid scenarios, but the wastewater reuse scenario would be the best choice regardless of industry water price.

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Keywords: Cooling System, Water Saving, Hybrid Cooling, Wastewater Reuse

Water, Environment, Food & Energy Nexus (WEFEN) with volumetric perspective Mehrzad Rahbardar-Mojaver1* , Mehdi Soofi1 , Sara Mahmoodian-Yonesi1 , Mohammad Mir– Derikvand2 , Abdollah Rashidi-Mehrabadi3, Roghayeh Gavagsaz-Goachani1 , Majid Zandi1 1 Renewable Energy Department, Shahid Beheshti University 1983969411, Tehran, Iran 2 Department of Life Sciences Engineering, Faculty of New Sciences and Technologies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran 3 Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering Faculty, Shahid Beheshti University 1983969411, Tehran, Iran

Abstract: The fundamental goals of sustainable development, namely sustainable security of water, food and energy with environmental protection are the essential challenges in human sociality. Two challenges to the development of the nexus concept are discussed. The challenges are diversity within the nexus framework and identifying its principal and secondary components. A framework for finding of solution in these challenges, called the Water, Environment, Food & Energy Nexus (WEFEN) with a volumetric perspective is proposed. The WEFEN with the volumetric perspective approach helps to develop solutions with the most coverage of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Two solutions for two important challenges, which are food security and water supply system, are presented. The first proposed solution is the Energetic Dark Greenhouse (EDG), which is a solution to sustainable food security. EDG can produce food in a closed area and without conventional soil, water, and energy in agriculture. This application reduces more than 90% of the water consumed for the crop product by filtering of solar wavelength, thereby helping to protect the environment. The second proposed solution is the Waste, Air-pollution and Wastewater Co-Treatment (WAWCT), which is a solution to minimize the energy consumption and the environmental impact on the urban water supply system. WAWCT can reuse some of the energy and water consumed in urban life while eliminating pollution from air, water, and soil.

Keywords: water security; food security; energy security; environmental protection; nexus; volumetric perspective; urban water supply.

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The Water Sources and Sustainability Nexus; A Regression Based Approach in Oman Seyed Mehrshad Parvin Hosseini Faculty of Business, Sohar University, Oman, [email protected]

Abstract: Resource curse and resource scarcity are the two theories that can shape the economic policies in Middle East and influence sustainable development. Water source scarcity is a driving force behind water conservation and reuse of water sources. Since urban areas seek strategies to adapt to population growth and environmental challenges water resource management becoming more important in Omani economy. Water desalination from the ocean also is very costly as it consumes energy to produce clean water for agricultural purposes or drinking water. On the other hand, reliance on fossil fuel resources can have adverse consequences for economic growth. In fact, inefficiency of other economic sectors will be compensated by the high revenues from the fossil fuel resources for instance revenues from petroleum or raw oil. As the population grow in arid and semi-arid regions water resource management as well as reuse of wastewater becomes more challenging. Risks that involve with water scarcity and water resources contributes to less resilience and damaging sustainable economic goals and its related activities. This research develops a conceptual framework based upon World Bank database for a time frame of 2001-2015. The Water-Economy Index (WEI) which characterizes social, economic, and environmental dynamics of water reuse and conservation. The application specifically utilizes a regression based analysis of Oman to evaluate how sustainability (measured by sustainability index) can impacts other independent variables (including water consumption, demand for recycled water, economic productivity of water, unemployment rate, and fuel combustion for heat production as an index for water desalination cost) are correlated and can 2 impact sustainability goals. Regression based analysis will be performed to see the direction of the variable either in the short or long run.

Keyword: Water Economy, Sustainability, Oman, Desalination,

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Water-use and production in greenhouses

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Designing and testing a spray-type direct-contact dehumidifier for the Seawater Greenhouse (SWGH). Abubaker Sayed Omera, Nasser A. Al-Azria, Abdulrahim M. Al-Ismailib,*, L. H. Janitha Jeewanthac a, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, b Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, c Centre for Future Materials & School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland Abstract Seawater greenhouse mechanism is a flourishing technique that is used for plant cultivation in hot and arid regions. It utilizes solar energy and seawater in providing the adequate microclimate for cultivation along with the irrigation demand of the plants grown inside the facility. Currently, five SWGH facilities are built in five different countries worldwide, namely; Spain, UAE, Oman, Australia and Somaliland. The SWGH in Oman is falling short in meeting its irrigation demand due to technical difficulties associated with the dehumidifying component of its desalination unit. This work aims at introducing an alternative dehumidification system that is based on direct contact between cold freshwater and warm humid air, so called direct-contact dehumidifier (DCD). Unlike indirect-contact dehumidifiers, DCDs are corrosion-free, fouling-free and features more effective heat transfer and no water leakage issues. In this work, a spray-type DCD is designed and tested to analyze its feasibility and applicability in Muscat, Oman. The DCD is mathematically modeled using a system of non-linear algebraic equations. The model was solved numerically using a software package and then validated through comparison with experimental results. For a 60 cm * 60 cm * 60 cm physical model, a 10 minute run time and an air flowrate of 0.0707 kg/s production reached 655 ml. A statistical analysis of the experimental results described the relationship between the control parameters and water production rate. In addition, a regression model with an R-squared of 79.37% was developed. The mathematical model was proven valid in terms of predicting water production, as the predicted values correlated to the experimental at R-squared of 88.34 %. The maximum difference between the experimental and simulation water- production-results occurred when an experimental result surpassed the simulation result by 142 ml and a percentile absolute error of 21.3 %. The overall results of the

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experimental and simulation data prove the feasibility of the DCD concept in terms of performance. Keywords Direct-Contact Dehumidification; Heat Transfer; Mass Transfer; Freshwater Production; Seawater Desalination.

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Enhancement of Freshwater Production of the Seawater Greenhouse Condenser Tahani Bait Suwailama , Abdulrahim Al-Ismailia,* , Nasser A. Al-Azrib , L.H. Janitha Jeewanthac , Hemesiri Kotagamad a Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, b Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, c Centre for Future Materials & School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland, d Department of Natural Resource Economics, Sultan Qaboos University Corresponding author.Email: [email protected]; [email protected],P.O.Box: 34, P.Code: 123, Muscat, Oman

Abstract Seawater greenhouse (SWGH) is a technology established to overcome issues related to open field cultivation in arid areas such as the high ambient temperatures and freshwater shortage. The SWGH adopts the humidification-dehumidification (HDH) concept where evaporated moisture from a saline water source is condensed to produce freshwater within the greenhouse body. Various condenser designs were adopted to increase freshwater production that meets the irrigation demand of the SWGH such as the plate channel condenser, the passive condenser and the vibrating plastic surface condenser. Direct contact dehumidification (DCD) is another improvement suggested to enhance the condensation rate where the moisture from the air is condensed and collected through a direct contact with the coolant in the dehumidifier. The DCD method is a very promising technology as it is fouling- and corrosion-free and involves low capital, operation, and maintenance costs, and at the same time provides high freshwater production. The aim of this study was to investigate the practicality of using the packedtype direct contact dehumidifier in producing freshwater. For this purpose, a prototype DCD system was designed and fabricated. 64 full factorial experiments were conducted to study the effect of six operational variables viz, inlet air temperature (Ta,in), air mass flowrate (ma,h), inlet water temperature (Twh) and mass flowrate of the humidifier (mwh), and inlet water temperature (Twd) and mass flowrate of the dehumidifier (mwd) on freshwater production. Each variable was operated at two levels (high and low) and each experiment lasted for 10 min followed by a 30 min waiting period. Results showed that freshwater production varied from 0.257 and 2.590 liters. When Minitab

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statistical software was used to investigate the significant variables that contributed to maximum water production, it was found that the inlet air temperature (Ta,in) had the highest influence followed by inlet water temperature to the humidifier (Twh). Then, Response optimizer tool showed that the best variables combination that contributed to maximum water production was when all the variables were in high mode while the temperature of inlet air was in low mode (Ta,in).The comparison between the old plastic condenser and the new proposed DCD showed that the latter has higher efficiency in producing freshwater (75.9 times more production) at the same condenser volume.

Keywords: Seawater Greenhouse, Direct contact dehumidification (DCD), Humidification dehumidification (HDH), Condenser

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Water-, land- and energy-use efficiencies and financial evaluation of AC-cooled greenhouses based on field experiments

Ibtihal Al-Manthria , Abdulrahim M. Al-Ismailia,* , Hemesiri Kotagamab , L. H. Janitha Jeewanthac a Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, b Department of Natural Resource Economics, Sultan Qaboos University, c Centre for Future Materials & School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland *Email: [email protected]; P.O.Box: 34, P.Code: 123, Muscat, Oman

Abstract

High temperature and humidity can be controlled in greenhouses by using mechanical refrigeration cooling (AC) in warm and humid regions. This study aims to evaluate the technofinancial aspects of AC-cooled greenhouse as compared to an evaporatively-cooled greenhouse in winter and summer seasons. Two Quonset single- span prototypes greenhouses were built in the Agriculture Experiments Station of Sultan Qaboos University with dimensions (6 m long x 3 m wide). The AC-cooled greenhouse (AC) was covered by a Rockwool insulated PE sheet and LED lights were used as a source of light while the evaporatively-cooled greenhouse (EV) was covered by a transparent PE sheet. Three cultivars of high value lettuce were grown for experimentation. To evaluate the technical efficiency of greenhouse performance, measures on land-use (LUE), water-use (WUE), gross water-use (GWUE) and energy-use (EUE) efficiency were done. Financial analysis was performed to compare the profitability of both greenhouses. The results showed that LUE were 10.1 kg m-2 and 14.5 kg m-2 of AC and EV-cooled greenhouses respectively. However this amount reduced to 6.8 kg m-2 in both greenhouses in summer. The WUE and GWUE of the AC-cooled greenhouse were higher than those of the EVcooled greenhouse in the two seasons. EUE in EV-cooled greenhouse was bigger in both seasons. Financial analysis showed that in winter season gross return, net return, benefit-to-cost ratio were better in the EV greenhouse, while in summer AC greenhouse was higher. The IRR of EV and AC greenhouses were 129.3% and 63.4%, respectively. Finally, The sensitivity analysis indicated that in both greenhouses-lettuce investment were highly sensitive to changes in price, yield and energy cost.

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Keywords: Technical efficiency, land use, water use, cash flow model Efficiency and financial analysis of cucumber-cultivated greenhouses in arid climate Said M. Tabooka, Abdulrahim M. Al-Ismailib,*, Hemesiri Kotagamac, Yaseen Al-Mullab

a Royal Gardens and Farms Affairs, Royal Court Affairs, Oman, b Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, c Department of Natural Resource Economics, Sultan Qaboos University * Email: [email protected]; [email protected], P.O.Box: 34, P.Code: 123, Muscat, Oman

Abstract: Greenhouse cropping is growing at a fast rate in arid areas. However, performance evaluation of valuable resources, such as land, water and energy, was not given a proper attention. This study aimed to evaluate the sustainability of greenhouse cropping systems from technical and financial standpoints. Three cucumber single-span greenhouse farms in Barka, Oman were selected and evaluated using five performance indicators for two seasons; winter and summer. Financial analysis was also conducted to compare profitability of the three greenhouse farms. The average land-use and energy-use efficiencies of all greenhouse farms were 7.28 kg.m-2 and 0.16-0.22 in winter and 10.10 kg.m-2 and 0.17-0.19 in summer, correspondingly. Among water-use performance indicators, the gross-water use efficiency was the most appropriate method to describe the total water consumption in greenhouse systems. The evaporative coolers of all greenhouses consumed around 20-50% of the total greenhouse water demand in winter and up to 75% in summer. The highest energy input was electricity (83-86%) followed by fertilizers (9-11%) in all greenhouses during both seasons. The cooling systems alone consumed almost 99.5% of the total electricity used in greenhouses. The average benefitto- cost ratio (1.10) during summer was almost 2 folds that during winter (0.56). Evaporative coolers in greenhouses consume most of the water and energy demands in greenhouses. Electricity was the highest energy input which was mainly consumed in the evaporative coolers. Therefore, the use of alternative cooling systems, such as Mechanical Refrigerators, should be explored.

Keywords: Greenhouse performance, cucumber, land-use, water-use, energy-use efficiency, financial analysis

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Risks Associated with Treated Wastewater in Greenhouse Cooling System Ahmed Al-Busaidi and Mushtaque Ahmed

Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agricultural & Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, P.O. Box 34, Al-Khoud123, Muscat, Oman

Email: [email protected]

Abstract Hot weather in Oman is forcing many farmers to use controlled environment agriculture using evaporative coolers inside greenhouses. Those coolers are consuming around 60% of water used for greenhouse. Replacing groundwater with treated wastewater will have a good impact in saving freshwater for different applications. The problem that treated wastewater is rich of nutrients that could support algae growth, block the cooling pads and affect the efficiency of the cooling system. Moreover, it’s unclear if the water could be a sources of any airborne diseases that could affect human health and crop quality. Unfortunately, few or no data is available related to the applications of treated wastewater in greenhouse cooling system. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of using treated wastewater in greenhouse cooling system and asses any potential risk to the environment that could affect human health and crop quality. The greenhouse cooling system was connected to treated wastewater and the system was left to run for a few months. Algae growth was observed in cooling pads. Therefore, samples from cooling pads, air and water were taken for microbial analysis. Same samples were taken from other greenhouse running with freshwater. The primary data showed that treated wastewater greenhouse was behaving almost similar to normal greenhouse using groundwater. Almost similar microbial growth was observed in both greenhouses which need deep investigation. However, more algae growth was recorded in treated wastewater greenhouse compared to groundwater greenhouse. The problem was solved by adding some disinfecting reagent to recycled water which helped in reducing algae growth. The next step is to reduce sunlight and/or modify the position of the cooling pads. Finally, cooling pads can be replaced to new one made of plastic or any other materials suppressing algae growth. In term of water saving, application of treated wastewater in cooling greenhouse saved almost similar amount of water that was used to cool the groundwater greenhouse. Keyword: Ground water, cooling pads, environmental risks, air quality

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Potential reduction in water consumption of greenhouse evaporative coolers in arid areas via Earth-Tube Heat Exchangers Abdulrahim M. Al-Ismaili a,  , Moustafa Amin Fadel b , Hemantha Jayasuriya a , L. H. Janitha Jeewantha c , Adel Al-Mahdouri a , Talal Al-Shukeili a a Department of Soils, Water and Agricultural Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman b Department of Aridland Agriculture, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates c Centre for Future Materials & School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, University of Southern Queensland *Email: [email protected] ; [email protected]

Abstract:

This study aimed to explore the potential of developing a novel cooling system combining a greenhouse and an earth-tube heat exchanger (ETHE). In this system, greenhouse air is circulated through the underneath soil mass to use the deep-soil cooling effect. This was achieved through the following steps. First, soil temperature profile inside and outside a cultivated greenhouse was monitored for several months in order to study the possibility of using deep soil coldness for cooling the greenhouse air. Second, a prototype ETHE was built to practically investigate the potential reduction in air temperature as the air flows inside the deep earth-tube. Third, a prototype greenhouse was erected to study the ETHE concept. Results from the first experiments revealed that soil temperature at a depth of 2.5 m inside the greenhouse offers good conditions to bury the ETHE. The temperature at this depth was below the maximum temperature which most greenhouse crops can withstand. Results from the prototype ETHE showed a slight reduction in air temperature as it passes through the pipes. From the prototype of the integrated greenhouse-cum-ETHE system, reduction in air temperature was observed as the air passes through the ETHE tubes. At night, the air was heated up across the ETHE tubes indicating that the ETHE was working as a heater. We conclude from this study that greenhouses in arid climates can be cooled using the ETHE concept which would save a large amount of water that would otherwise be consumed in the evaporative coolers. Further investigations are highly encouraged.

Keywords: Earth-tube heat exchanger, greenhouse, water saving, arid areas.

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