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Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Sustainable Water Management".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 January 2024) | Viewed by 20272

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Han-River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 12585, Korea
Interests: water quality and quantity management; water quality and hydrologic modeling; climate change adaptation; nonpoint source pollution management; applications of constructed wetland

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Changes in the climate regime could impact the hydrologic cycle and various processes of a watershed system. The potential impacts of climate change include changes in runoff, sediment loading, nutrient enrichment, and evapotranspiration rates in all watersheds. Therefore, an integrated approach for watershed management is strongly needed to curb the effects of climate change at the basin-scale. Despite extensive research on the specific impacts of climate change, contemporary studies on the adaption of watershed systems to climate change are insufficient.

This Special Issue aims to collect recent research related to integrated watershed management for adaptation to climate change from a diverse, multi-disciplinary group of water scientists. We welcome the submission of high-quality manuscripts with novel results or ideas, as well as comprehensive reviews that offer new perspectives. The topics of this Special Issue include, but are not limited to:

  • Monitoring and assessment: real-time control, water quality improvement, hydraulic performance;
  • Water quality and hydrologic modeling: process-based models, data-driven approaches;
  • Integrated approaches for watershed management;
  • Climate change adaptation and mitigation.

We look forward to receiving contributions to this Special Issue.

Dr. Soyoung Lee
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • water quality
  • water resources
  • watershed management
  • monitoring
  • modeling
  • climate change

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 6217 KiB  
Article
Hydrological Analysis of Agricultural Reservoir Watersheds Based on Water Utilization System Using the Catchment Hydrology Cycle Analysis Tool Model
by Hyungjin Shin, Hyeokjin Lim, Jaenam Lee, Seulgi Lee, Youngkyu Jin, Heesung Lim, Chul-sung Lee, Gyumin Lee, Sehoon Kim and Changi Park
Sustainability 2024, 16(10), 3887; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16103887 - 7 May 2024
Viewed by 572
Abstract
In this study, the catchment hydrology cycle analysis tool (CAT) model was used to conduct a comprehensive hydrological analysis of the water balance of agricultural reservoirs. Data from 2010 to 2017, including precipitation, water level data in the reservoir, groundwater usage, and wastewater [...] Read more.
In this study, the catchment hydrology cycle analysis tool (CAT) model was used to conduct a comprehensive hydrological analysis of the water balance of agricultural reservoirs. Data from 2010 to 2017, including precipitation, water level data in the reservoir, groundwater usage, and wastewater discharge, were collected and compiled for the upper reaches of the Hantan River Dam. The current conditions and content curves of the 11 reservoirs within the watershed were investigated and recorded. The results were analyzed by simulating three scenarios: treating the entire watershed as 1 unit, dividing the watershed into 5 sub-watersheds according to the standard watershed criteria, and further subdividing it into 27 watersheds, taking into account the presence of agricultural reservoirs. In cases where watershed information is lacking, it is deemed that subdividing the watershed can enhance efficiency. The highest model efficiency was observed in the 27 sub-basins, particularly when accounting for agricultural reservoirs. This study proposed an efficient method for hydrological analysis of watersheds including ungauged areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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29 pages, 9647 KiB  
Article
Sustainability Assessment of the Upstream Bengawan Solo Watershed in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia
by Bunga Ludmila Rendrarpoetri, Ernan Rustiadi, Akhmad Fauzi and Andrea Emma Pravitasari
Sustainability 2024, 16(5), 1982; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16051982 - 28 Feb 2024
Viewed by 767
Abstract
The sustainability of watershed management is a key issue that must be considered to ensure the continuation of watershed services such as agriculture, food, and energy. This concern has also been raised in Presidential Regulation No. 2/2015 and No. 18/2020 regarding the National [...] Read more.
The sustainability of watershed management is a key issue that must be considered to ensure the continuation of watershed services such as agriculture, food, and energy. This concern has also been raised in Presidential Regulation No. 2/2015 and No. 18/2020 regarding the National Medium-Term Development plans for the periods of 2015–2019 and 2020–2024, which mandate the restoration of priority watersheds, one of which is the Upstream Bengawan Solo Watershed. The purpose of this study is to fill this knowledge gap by measuring the sustainability of this watershed from a time dynamics perspective. However, several factors can influence the achievement of sustainable development. This paper assesses the sustainability of the watershed over several periods using MDS (Multidimensional Scaling) analysis with the assistance of modified Rapfish (Rapid Appraisal for Fisheries) software (2013 version). The information used in this case study was collected from 20 districts in relation to social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Our result shows that the average index of the social dimension increases from 2007 to 2019 and 2021, while the economic dimension tends to fluctuate. A decrease occurs from 2007 to 2019, and then increases from 2019 to 2021. This differs significantly from the environmental dimension, which decreases from 2007 to 2019 to 2021. The sustainability scores were then compared across regions. The lessons learned in this study can be incorporated into regional policies and actions to overcome challenges in the implementation phase. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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16 pages, 4047 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Agricultural Drought Vulnerability with Focus on Upland Fields and Identification of Primary Management Areas
by Hyungjin Shin, Gyumin Lee, Jaenam Lee, Sehoon Kim and Inhong Song
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032773 - 3 Feb 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1289
Abstract
Robust water management systems are crucial for sustainable water use, particularly considering rapidly changing, ever-improving water supply system technologies. However, the establishment of specific management standards in upland fields is challenging, as several types of crops are cultivated in upland fields. Hence, the [...] Read more.
Robust water management systems are crucial for sustainable water use, particularly considering rapidly changing, ever-improving water supply system technologies. However, the establishment of specific management standards in upland fields is challenging, as several types of crops are cultivated in upland fields. Hence, the timing and required amount of water vary greatly, further rendering drought response challenging. In this study, we evaluated the agricultural drought vulnerability of South Korean upland fields, considering the lack of water resources, to establish preliminary drought damage prevention measures. The Technique for Order of Preference method was used for the drought vulnerability assessment, and the assessment indicators used were annual rainfall, number of dry days, upland field area, available soil water capacity, and groundwater usage. The 20 areas of highest vulnerability comprised large cultivation areas with minimal subsurface-water usage, except for areas where the number of dry days appeared to be the major factor for drought vulnerability. Damage caused by recurring droughts accumulated over time; thus, upland-field-oriented management may be required and can even be used in cases where insufficient drought information is available. Future studies can use the proposed method while considering assessment factors that describe upland field conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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16 pages, 26832 KiB  
Article
A Strategy to Quantify Water Supply of an Agricultural Reservoir for Integrated Water Management Policy
by Jaenam Lee, Hyungjin Shin and Jaekyoung Noh
Sustainability 2022, 14(23), 16076; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142316076 - 1 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1190
Abstract
A data-driven approach is required to scientifically manage agricultural water resources in accordance with the integrated water management policy of South Korea. In this study, a quantification strategy is presented to calculate reservoir supply by comparing the results with the actual reservoir water [...] Read more.
A data-driven approach is required to scientifically manage agricultural water resources in accordance with the integrated water management policy of South Korea. In this study, a quantification strategy is presented to calculate reservoir supply by comparing the results with the actual reservoir water storage. Strategies considering current calculation methods were divided into canal flow measurement (S1), theoretical flow rate (S2), water storage decrease in field practice (S3), and water demand in design practice (S4), utilizing water levels of the reservoir and its canal and the level–flow rate curve obtained from surveying the canal flow. Each strategy was assessed through hydrological verification of reservoir water balance modeling. Based on the determination coefficient (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and relative error (RE) values, the S1 method was found to be the most suitable. S2 had lower reliability than S1, while S3 and S4 satisfied neither R2 nor NSE and had a larger RE than S1 and S2. To accurately quantify agricultural water supplies, the importance of directly measuring reservoir canal flows must be emphasized using automatic water level and flow gauges in canals. This study provides insights into more scientific management of agricultural reservoir water supplies and more effective monitoring of agricultural water usage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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22 pages, 8088 KiB  
Article
A Study on Identifying Priority Management Areas and Implementing Best Management Practice for Effective Management of Nonpoint Source Pollution in a Rural Watershed, Korea
by Jinsun Kim, Jiyeon Choi, Minji Park, Joong-Hyuk Min, Jong Mun Lee, Jimin Lee, Eun Hye Na and Heeseon Jang
Sustainability 2022, 14(21), 13999; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142113999 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1094
Abstract
It is difficult to accurately identify and manage the paths of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in rural watersheds because their discharge patterns vary depending on season, region, and agricultural characteristics. In this study, flow and water quality during rainfall events were monitored in [...] Read more.
It is difficult to accurately identify and manage the paths of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution in rural watersheds because their discharge patterns vary depending on season, region, and agricultural characteristics. In this study, flow and water quality during rainfall events were monitored in Songya watershed, an impaired, rural area in South Korea. A method of identifying priority management areas was proposed through scientific objectification and quantification of key factors controlling NPS, such as land use, agricultural type, and load. For the load calculation, a watershed model was developed using Hydrological Simulation Program Fortran (HSPF). Three priority management areas—Mulhan Stream, Osan Stream, and the upstream area of Songya Stream—were selected. Using the developed model, constructed wetlands with the capacity of 1000 m3 were applied at the lower reach of each priority management subbasin and the impacts on NPS pollution reduction were tested. The simulated results showed that BOD and TP concentrations at the outlet of Songya watershed were lowered by 9.2% and 6.0%, respectively. It is expected that the method proposed in this study for identifying priority management areas and implementing best management practice in agricultural watersheds can be applied to similar areas which struggled with NPS pollution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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18 pages, 5258 KiB  
Article
Trend Analysis Using Long-Term Monitoring Data of Water Quality at Churyeongcheon and Yocheon Basins
by Don-Woo Ha, Kang-Young Jung, Jonghun Baek, Gi-Soon Lee, Youngjea Lee, Dong Seok Shin and Eun Hye Na
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9770; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159770 - 8 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1601
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the interrelationships between organic matter and water quality indices in the total maximum daily load basins, namely, Churyeongcheon and Yocheon of the Seomjin River system, and identified trends. Churyeong A and Yocheon B, the basins being analyzed, have [...] Read more.
In this study, we investigated the interrelationships between organic matter and water quality indices in the total maximum daily load basins, namely, Churyeongcheon and Yocheon of the Seomjin River system, and identified trends. Churyeong A and Yocheon B, the basins being analyzed, have high proportions of nonpoint pollution sources and pollutant loads from terrestrial sources. During the study period, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) decreased in both basins, whereas chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) increased in Churyeong A and decreased in Yocheon B. The increase in organic matter in Churyeong A correlated with the flow rate, whereas organic matter in Yocheon B showed little correlation with flow rate. Variations in organic matter (BOD, COD, and TOC) in Churyeong A exhibited seasonality under the influence of increased flow rate. Organic matter in Yocheon B was affected by increased flow rate, wherein with time, BOD decreased and COD and TOC increased. This study provides basic data that can be used as a reference to facilitate continuous water management and appropriate strategy implementation by analyzing the influencing factors and trends of organic matter using long-term measurement data. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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16 pages, 3348 KiB  
Article
Potential Sources of Heavy Metals in Sediments of an Urban‒Agricultural Watershed and Relationship with Land Use Using a Statistical Approach
by Hae Jong Yang, Tae-Woo Kang, Byungwoong Choi, Soon Hong Hwang, Dongseok Shin and Won-Pyo Park
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9444; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159444 - 1 Aug 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1672
Abstract
This study verified pollution levels through evaluation of the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) by analyzing the concentrations of heavy metals in sediments of an urban‒agricultural watershed in the Yeongsan River basin, South Korea. [...] Read more.
This study verified pollution levels through evaluation of the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs), pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (PERI) by analyzing the concentrations of heavy metals in sediments of an urban‒agricultural watershed in the Yeongsan River basin, South Korea. Statistical analyses were performed to determine the relationships between pollution levels and land use, and potential sources of pollution were identified. For spatial distributions, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Hg concentrations were highest at mid-upstream, but As, Cr, and Ni concentrations were similar at most sites. The polluted sites, which showed the potential toxicity toward benthic organisms in comparison to SQGs, were most frequently observed at mid-upstream. Moreover, PLI and PERI evaluations also confirmed levels of high anthropogenic pollution and the potential ecological risk at mid-upstream. The mid-upstream sites with high heavy metal pollutions showed high correlations with urban land use, which showed the highest distribution, implying a close relationship with anthropogenic impacts such as high population density and industrial complexes. Statistical analyses also confirmed that high heavy metal concentrations in the mid-upstream were closely related to urban land use. These findings suggest that urban areas are highly likely to cause anthropogenic heavy metal pollution in sediments as point or non-point sources such as domestic sewage and industrial wastewater flow into rivers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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19 pages, 4656 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Modelling Study on the Effects of Weir Operation Scenarios on Aquatic Habitat Changes in the Yeongsan River
by Byungwoong Choi, Byungik Kim, Jonghwan Park, Tae-Woo Kang, Dong-Seok Shin, Eun Hye Na and Jiyeon Choi
Sustainability 2022, 14(10), 6090; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14106090 - 17 May 2022
Viewed by 1685
Abstract
The Seungchon and Juksan Weirs were constructed in 2012 through four major river projects to control floods and secure water in the Yeongsan River. However, anthropogenic changes in the environment can lead to loss of biodiversity and longitudinal connectivity and the deterioration of [...] Read more.
The Seungchon and Juksan Weirs were constructed in 2012 through four major river projects to control floods and secure water in the Yeongsan River. However, anthropogenic changes in the environment can lead to loss of biodiversity and longitudinal connectivity and the deterioration of ecosystem health. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of physical and chemical changes in the Yeongsan River on aquatic habitats through an integrated (water quality–aquatic habitat) model (i.e., Delft3D and HABITAT). The target species used to simulate habitat suitability included Squalidus chankaensis tsuchigae (an endemic fish), Cyprinus carpio, and Micropterus salmoides (an invasive species of fish). Based on the results, maintaining the lowest water level in one of the two weirs was predicted to improve the habitat of the target species. In particular, the habitat area was greatly improved, especially when the Juksan Weir was completely opened. Furthermore, resistance to environmental changes due to habitat area changes indicates that invasive species adapt more to environmental changes than endemic species. This study suggests that physical and chemical changes in the environment can predict the impact on the health of the aquatic ecosystems, which will be useful in establishing an integrated water management plan. These results can be used as basic data for supporting water management policy, to apply an aquatic ecology prediction model suitable for the Yeongsan River system, and to present a management plan for improving the health of an aquatic ecosystem. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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Review

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41 pages, 2103 KiB  
Review
Improvement of Integrated Watershed Management in Indonesia for Mitigation and Adaptation to Climate Change: A Review
by Tyas Mutiara Basuki, Hunggul Yudono Setio Hadi Nugroho, Yonky Indrajaya, Irfan Budi Pramono, Nunung Puji Nugroho, Agung Budi Supangat, Dewi Retna Indrawati, Endang Savitri, Nining Wahyuningrum, Purwanto, Sigit Andy Cahyono, Pamungkas Buana Putra, Rahardyan Nugroho Adi, Agung Wahyu Nugroho, Diah Auliyani, Agus Wuryanta, Heru Dwi Riyanto, Beny Harjadi, Casimerus Yudilastyantoro, Luthfi Hanindityasari, Firda Maftukhakh Hilmya Nada and Daniel Pandapotan Simarmataadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 9997; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14169997 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 8156
Abstract
Climate change is a major challenge for Indonesia due to its impact on food, water, energy sustainability, and environmental health. Almost all Indonesian regions are exposed to floods, landslides, soil erosion, drought, and heavy rains. In response to these challenges, the Government of [...] Read more.
Climate change is a major challenge for Indonesia due to its impact on food, water, energy sustainability, and environmental health. Almost all Indonesian regions are exposed to floods, landslides, soil erosion, drought, and heavy rains. In response to these challenges, the Government of Indonesia has determined integrated watershed management (IWM) to be one of the key programs to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as stated in the updated Indonesian nationally determined contribution (NDC). This paper intends to review Indonesia′s efforts in mitigating and adapting to climate change through an IWM approach, and its attempts to realize a decent life and environment for all communities. Improvement of the IWM can be conducted by strengthening the synergy between the responsible institutions for watershed management and the responsible institutions for handling mitigation and adaptation of climate change impacts. In addition, it is important to prioritize coordination, participation, and collaboration not only at the national government level but also at the international level, since numerous problems may exist in the transboundary between countries, and finding solutions should involve planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Implementing the micro watershed model (MWM), supported by culture, local wisdom, and traditional knowledge in communities, can be used to improve the current IWM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Watershed Management for Adaptation to Climate Change)
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