Search Results (58)

Growing water scarcity across the European Union (EU) increases the need for improved water-use efficiency in water-intensive sectors such as recreational facilities. This study evaluates the feasibility of integrating alternative water sources—including rainwater, graywater, and filter backwash water—into swimming pool operations through a comparative analysis of EU legislation and selected national regulatory frameworks. The study is based on a structured desk review of scientific literature, legal documents, and technical standards published between 2010 and 2025, complemented by a qualitative SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis. Previous studies indicate that public swimming pool facilities may consume approximately 20–50 m³ of water per day, highlighting the potential benefits of alternative water supply strategies. However, regulatory fragmentation and the absence of harmonized EU-level quality standards for recreational water reuse remain the main barriers to wider implementation. While Regulation (EU) 2020/741 establishes minimum requirements for reclaimed water reuse in agricultural irrigation, no dedicated framework exists for swimming pool facilities. Among the analyzed options, rainwater harvesting and graywater reuse appear to be the most feasible solutions. Clearer regulatory guidance and risk-management procedures could support the safe adoption of alternative water sources and contribute to improving water-use efficiency in the recreational sector. Full article

Hurricane Maria’s devastating impact on Puerto Rico in 2017 exposed critical vulnerabilities in the island’s centralized infrastructure, particularly its energy grid and housing stock. This case study evaluates Earthship architecture as a sustainable solution for post-disaster resilience and energy independence through systematic analysis of existing projects and documented implementation challenges. Earthships are self-sufficient structures characterized by passive solar design, on-site renewable energy generation, rainwater harvesting, contained sewage treatment, and integrated food production using natural and recycled materials. Through analysis of the Earthship PR at Tainasoy Apiario in Aguada and comparative examination of global implementation challenges, this study examines both the potential benefits and significant barriers to Earthship adoption in Puerto Rico. While Earthship principles align theoretically with post-disaster resilience needs, documented problems, including moisture management failures in humid climates, regulatory barriers, and financing challenges, present substantial implementation obstacles that require careful consideration for Caribbean applications. Full article

Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) represent an alternative for achieving environmental and resilience goals in diverse global contexts with varying needs. As such, NBS can be understood as processes involving actions that promote circular economy (CE) strategies within their function. Therefore, this research aims to conduct a systematic literature review to identify and analyze the main NBS applied and explore how they are associated with CE strategies. This study performs a systematic literature review of NBS and their relationship with the CE using the PRISMA methodology, analyzing a total of 32 articles retrieved from the SCOPUS database. The main NBS include constructed wetlands, green infrastructure, and soil restoration and enrichment solutions. Constructed wetlands are linked to strategies such as recycling and reuse due to their role in treating urban and domestic wastewater for reuse, thereby increasing water availability. Green infrastructure is associated with strategies like redesign and reduction, as it involves the use of lower-impact materials and designs for rainwater harvesting and thermal comfort improvement. Soil enrichment and remediation solutions are connected to reuse and recycling strategies, as most derive from organic waste composting or microorganisms. NBS and CE strategies highlight how these solutions not only provide direct environmental benefits but also, when analyzed from a sustainability perspective, can offer social and economic benefits. Furthermore, understanding their relationship will facilitate their integration into regulations for transitioning toward circularity in industries and cities. The contribution of this article lies in synthesizing and systematizing the evidence on how NBS operationalizes CE strategies, identifying the main mechanisms and gaps, and proposing a conceptual model that can guide future research and policy design. Full article

Triclosan (TCS), a persistent antimicrobial and endocrine-disrupting compound, is commonly found in surface and groundwater due to incomplete removal by conventional wastewater treatment. This study evaluated its fate in authentic rainwater runoff collected from a state road using rubber tiles made from recycled tires that were either uncoated (RRT) or coated with TiO₂ via the sol–gel method (SGT). Pollutants were analyzed by a high-resolution liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry system (LC/MS QTOF) before and after treatment in a flat-plate cascade reactor under UV-A irradiation. After 120 min SGT achieved >50% TCS removal, while RRT achieved ~44%. Further analysis identified degradation products (chlorocatechole, quinone, and transient dioxin-like species). ECOSAR predictions indicated moderate to high toxicity for some degradation products, but their transient and low-abundance detection suggests that photocatalysis suppresses accumulation, ultimately yielding less harmful products such as benzoic acid. These findings highlight the dual role of TiO₂-coated rubber tiles: improving material durability while enabling photocatalytic degradation. Full article

This study aimed to assess the impact of climatic alteration on food security in Saudi Arabia. Date productivity, temperature, and precipitation represent the data which were collected from various sources linked to the study subject and cover the period from 1980 to 2023. The Engle–Granger two-step procedure, the VECM, and forecast analysis were applied to test the long-term relationship, short-term integration, and forecasting, respectively. Moreover, qualitative analysis was used to reveal the influence of climatic change on food security. The results discovered long-term co-integration between date productivity and temperature. Additionally, the results revealed that there has been long-running co-integration between date productivity and the precipitation series. Temperature and precipitation negatively and significantly impacted date productivity during the study period. With reference to forecast results, the graph was validated using various forecast indicators: the Alpha, Gamma, Beta, and Mean Square Error equivalents were 1.0, 0.0, 0.0, and 5.47, respectively. Moreover, the growth rates of date productivity were equal to 0.82 and 0.08 for the periods from 1980 to 2022 and 2023 to 2034 (forecast), respectively, indicating that there is a decrease in the growth rate of date productivity (0.08) during the forecast period. From these results, the conclusion is that climatic change (temperature and precipitation) negatively impacts date productivity. In addition, the growth rate during the forecast period decreased, indicating that climatic change is affecting food security currently and will continue to do so in the future. This study recommended specific policy interventions and innovations in agricultural practices, including developing and implementing a national framework focused on climate-smart agriculture, balancing productivity, adaptation, and mitigation. This could be aligned with Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative. Additionally, this could include investing in research and development by increasing public–private partnerships to support agricultural R&D in arid regions, with a focus on heat- and drought-resistant crop varieties and water-efficient farming systems. Regarding agricultural innovations, these could include the use of renewable energy, particularly solar energy, the expansion of rainwater harvesting infrastructure, recycling treated wastewater for agriculture, and reducing reliance on groundwater sources. Full article

As water scarcity and environmental sustainability become increasingly critical global concerns, there is a growing need to identify alternative water resources. This study investigates public acceptance of Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) systems in Brunei Darussalam for non-potable uses and ablution purposes. Using an extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework, the research evaluates key factors influencing public perceptions, including Perceived Ease of Use (PEU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Attitude Towards Use (ATU), Intentions to Use (ITU), and external factors such as Perceived Cost (PC), Subjective Knowledge (SK), and Technical Requirements (TR). Survey data were analyzed through regression techniques to assess these relationships. The results validate the TAM framework for understanding acceptance of RWH systems and highlight strong positive relationships between PEU, PU, and ATU, with ATU emerging as the strongest predictor of behavioral intentions (ITU). External factors like PC and TR were identified as barriers to adoption, emphasizing the need for financial incentives and technical support. Additionally, subjective knowledge was found to positively influence PU and ITU, underscoring the importance of public awareness campaigns. While concerns about the safety and quality of recycled rainwater were present, they were not significant deterrents to acceptance. The findings also reveal broad support for initiatives such as education, technical guidance, and maintenance services to enhance adoption. Muslim respondents expressed positive attitudes toward using rainwater for ablution, aligning with religious principles of water conservation. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and relevant agencies to promote RWH systems as a sustainable water management solution, aligning with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). Full article

Urbanization leads to increased stormwater runoff, placing enormous pressure on the drainage system, including that of port cities in Hunan Province. This increases the risk of urban flooding and threatens the sustainability of the urban ecosystem. In this study, we employed the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to assess surface runoff and pollutant accumulation (TSS, COD, TN, and TP) under varying storm conditions and evaluate the efficacy of low-impact development (LID) measures in mitigating these impacts. The results included a peak ratio of 0.45, indicating complex concentration dynamics and good agreement with the observed rainfall patterns. The installation of permeable paving, rainwater infiltration ditches, and rainwater storage tanks reduced the peak flows by 33.3%, 30%, and 50%, respectively, with the rainwater storage tanks also reducing the total phosphorus (TP) load by 29.17%. In addition, it was found that rainwater collected in cisterns could be used not only for resource recycling but also to replenish groundwater resources. This demonstrates that low-impact development (LID) measures significantly reduce peak flows and pollutant loads and effectively promote the sustainable use of urban stormwater resources. The cost–benefit analyses show that the long-term benefits of LID systems are superior to those of traditional stormwater management systems. Therefore, LID measures can not only effectively reduce the pressure on urban drainage systems and improve flood prevention and mitigation capabilities but also promote sustainable development and the green transformation of cities. Full article

This study compares the technological routes of concrete production in Panama from an environmental perspective, focusing on water, energy, and CO₂ flows per process to identify opportunities for improvement. It addresses a critical gap found in the literature where flow diagrams and production processes are presented as being standardized across concrete plants, offering an in-depth qualitative analysis of resource flows. Data from 20 concrete plants revealed significant variability in resource use and potential environmental impacts due to differences in technology, location, and resource availability. Flow diagrams and similarity dendrograms highlight the similarities and differences in the technological routes. The key findings include variability in water sources and energy consumption patterns, with some utilizing rainwater harvesting and water recycling and most plants relying on grid electricity and diesel. The best practices include the implementation of environmental indicators and water recycling systems. CO₂ injection, already adopted by two plants, shows promise; however, its potential additional energy demands should be assessed. Covering aggregate storage areas for temperature control reduces water spraying needs and could support rainwater harvesting, with opportunities to integrate solar panels. Regular maintenance of concrete trucks also enhances efficiency and reduces environmental impact due to diesel consumption. The study underscores the importance of tailored strategies to improve water and energy efficiency, aligning with national and international initiatives such as “Reduce tu Huella” (Reduce your Footprint) and the 2030 Agenda. These findings provide actionable insights to support the development of a more sustainable concrete industry in Panama and beyond. Full article

Domestic sewage pollution poses significant risks to human health and the ecological environment but sewage water is gradually recognized as a renewable water resource worldwide. To enhance water resource utilization and facilitate reclamation from domestic sewage, substantial global efforts have focused on developing systematic management strategies and advanced technologies for treatment and resource recovery. This study examines and presents the case of domestic sewage reclamation and water reuse in the rural Hangjiahu region, situated on the southern bank of Taihu Lake in Northern Zhejiang Province, Eastern China. It provides a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art technologies implemented in the region. In rural areas, sewage treatment is decentralized and involves two primary streams: one where urine is separately disinfected and sterilized, with feces processed into agricultural fertilizer; and another where greywater undergoes bio-composting and wetland treatment to produce recycled water. Additionally, natural rainwater is collected and stored in ponds, enhancing the region’s water resources. The results demonstrate that the integration of domestic sewage reclamation and rainwater storage has effectively mitigated the risks of flooding during rainy seasons and water shortages during droughts. Remarkably, no severe floods or droughts have occurred in the region since 1991, contrasting with historical records from 1909 to 1954, when such events were frequent. This study underscores the potential for replicating these approaches in other regions facing similar challenges. Full article

As urban centers worldwide face the escalating impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, and increasing water scarcity, the need for sustainable water management practices to enhance urban resilience in the Anthropocene has become critical. This study explores how ancient water management practices—including Roman aqueducts, Maya rainwater harvesting systems, and ancient Chinese flood control techniques—can be adapted to address contemporary water challenges in modern cities. We evaluate these historical practices through a lens of contemporary environmental pressures, including climate change, urbanization, and resource scarcity. By integrating ancient methods with modern technologies, we propose adaptive solutions to enhance urban water resilience. Case studies from five cities (Singapore, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia) illustrate how modern green infrastructure, inspired by ancient techniques, is being successfully implemented to manage stormwater, mitigate urban flooding, and improve water conservation. By integrating historical practices with modern technologies—such as advanced filtration systems and water recycling—these cities are enhancing their water resilience and sustainability. The findings suggest that urban planners can draw valuable lessons from historical systems to design adaptive, climate-resilient cities that balance human needs with ecological sustainability. This paper concludes with actionable recommendations for future urban planning, emphasizing the importance of decentralized water systems, nature-based solutions, and community engagement to ensure sustainable urban water management in the Anthropocene. Full article

As eco-friendly complexes develop, interest in eco-friendly facilities is also growing. Particularly, rainwater harvesting facilities have demonstrated positive effects by reducing runoff to mitigate urban flooding and recycling water for landscaping and cleaning purposes. In this study, we analyzed the quality of stored rainwater, which has improved by excluding initial runoff, and examined the temperature reduction effects of road sprinkling and mist spraying. Road sprinkling decreased the temperature of asphalt and permeable pavements by approximately 15 °C, with permeable pavements maintaining the reduced temperature for a longer time. The indoor experiments with mist spraying showed a temperature reduction effect of 3.4 °C. The quality analysis of the rainwater harvesting facilities revealed that the water quality was suitable for irrigation and landscaping by excluding the initial runoff. This study confirms the effectiveness of rainwater utilization in mitigating urban heat islands and improving water circulation within cities. Full article

This study uses an extrusion process to formulate blends based on recycled high-density and high-molecular-weight polyethylene (recHDPE, recHMWPE) for the manufacture of rainwater drainage pipes. The main objective of this project is to investigate the effects of incorporating graphene on the mechanical, thermal, and stress-cracking resistance properties of the recycled HDPE and HMWPE blends. Also, it aims to demonstrate that the addition of graphene may enable the use of different recycled polymers without compromising their properties. The effects of adding two amounts of graphene (0.5 and 1%) to recycled blends on the tensile and flexion properties, stress crack resistance (SCR) (using a notched crack ligament stress (NCLS) test), thermal behavior (using a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and a rheological plastometer) were investigated. The experimental results showed a significative enhancement when adding graphene in the SCR, some tensile properties (elongation at break and tensile strength), and flexural modulus. However, physical characterization showed that the samples containing 0.5% graphene exhibited lower crystallinity compared to the reference and, for the blend with 1% graphene, the fluidity also decreased for the blend filled with the graphene compared to the reference blend without any filler. Full article

Through the construction of an ecological lawn regulation and storage system, the adaptability of airports to extreme weather can be enhanced. The problems of runoff, ponding and pollution faced by traditional airport flight areas during heavy rainfall can be solved, and the utilization efficiency of rainwater resources can be improved. In this paper, the SWMM is used to simulate and analyze an 4E-level airport of a certain city in Region III as the research object. The simulation results show that the ecological lawn regulation and storage system can significantly reduce runoff flow, ponding durations and runoff pollution with different return periods. In addition, the water storage module of the system can store 24,000 m³ of water and recycle it. This research proves that the ecological lawn regulation and storage system can effectively improve the rainwater control capability of the airport flight area, which has an important reference value for the sponge transformation of traditional airports and is helpful to promote green civil aviation construction and sustainable development. Full article

The development of sponge cities advocates for sustainable urban rainwater management, effectively alleviating urban flood disasters, reducing non-point-source pollution, and promoting the recycling of rainwater resources. Low-Impact Development (LID) serves as a key strategy in this context, providing essential support for urban rainwater control and pollution reduction. To investigate the runoff control effects of LID measures and to reveal the relationship between facility runoff control performance and installation scale, this study focuses on a sponge community in Beijing. A SWMM model was constructed to analyze the rainwater flood control and pollutant load reduction effects of different LID facilities, including bio-retention cells, green roofs, and permeable pavements. Using evaluation indicators such as surface runoff, node overflow, and pollutant control rates, this study examined how facility performance varies with installation scale under different rainfall conditions. The combination scheme of LID equipment optimal configuration is designed by using multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA) and cost–benefit theory. The results indicate significant differences in performance among the various LID facilities across different rainfall scenarios. Specifically, the optimal installation proportion for runoff and overflow control of permeable pavements were found to be between 30% and 70%. Green roofs demonstrate superior performance in handling extreme rainfall events, while bio-retention cells exhibit significant effectiveness in controlling Total Suspended Solids (TSSs). Through comprehensive performance evaluation, this study identified the optimal combination scale under a 3-year rainfall recurrence interval as 30% permeable pavements, 20% green roof, and 60% bio-retention cells. This combination effectively leverages the strengths of each facility, ensuring system stability and efficiency while also demonstrating optimal management efficiency in cost–benefit analyses. The findings of this research provide valuable insights for future urban water management and infrastructure development. Full article

The development of surfaces in cities, as a result of progressive urbanization, not only reduces the natural retention capacity of the environment but also causes changes in the water balance. In urbanized areas, the amount and intensity of rainwater discharged to receivers increase, and the time of water outflow from the catchment area shortens. Low retention does not provide effective responses to the local water deficit and does not limit the effects of excess water during flood periods. Furthermore, aging drainage systems do not always have the required hydraulic efficiency in absorbing runoff after intense and heavy rainfall or snowmelt. The aim of the work was to determine the possibility of obtaining flat aggregates with a grain size of 2–16 mm from clay-silt fractions from sedimentation tanks using selected mechanical processing methods (crushing and screening in a crusher-screener system with recycling). An important issue was the examination of the physical and mechanical properties of the produced aggregates after firing, where the work required a detailed material analysis using various research techniques, such as XRD, XRF, SEM and digital microscopy. The obtained results will allow for further research on developing the concept of technology for the production of lightweight aggregates used, for example, on building roofs. Particular attention was paid to the flat shape of the aggregate, which affects a number of its properties. To obtain a flat-shaped aggregate, the authors used a patented sieving method. The obtained materials had high cavernosity of 69% on average, water absorption of 40.7% and low bulk density of 0.82 g/cm³. Full article