Water is a valuable natural source and essential for the life in every single cell, organism, or ecosystem. Freshwaters are used as drinking water sources, for domestic and industrial purposes, in energy production, etc. However, a considerable amount of polluted water is discharged into environment, because of inappropriate and intensive use for different purposes. Therefore, an important number of water ecosystems are considered polluted from anthropogenic activities. Agricultural activities, untreated or partly treated wastewater, industrial activities add nutrients and other chemicals to water bodies, influencing the water quality and biological parameters of the ecosystem. Nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous forms) overloading results in increase of water plants that leads to eutrophication of the water body. Eutrophication is one of the most dangerous types of water pollution with direct effects in fauna due to dissolved oxygen loss that leads to fish death. Enrichment of water systems with nutrients is associated with algal “bloom” and with the degradation of natural water quality. Considering the effects of different pollutants in natural water bodies, the study of water quality in these systems receives a particular importance. The main purpose of this paper is to determine the pollution and the eutrophication level in the lake water, because of the increase of pollutant and nutrient concentration with anthropogenic origin. Belshi Lake, a karstic lake situated in Albania and considered as a case study, takes pollutants mainly from untreated wastewaters and from agricultural practices. The chemical water parameters are measured over a three-year period. Experimental data for the chosen water system are compared with international water quality standards. The chemical measured parameters are used to determine the lake trophic state according to several literature suggestions. Statistical data analysis shows the correlation between chemical parameters measured experimentally.

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) generated from coal mining activities typically exhibits low pH levels (3.75) and high metal concentrations, posing significant threats to aquatic ecosystems. Conventional treatment methods are often costly and less effective in the long term. This study investigates the application of a passive open limestone channel system, utilizing local materials (fly ash, zeolite, limestone, and silica sand) to neutralize AMD. The experimental setup employed three treatment combinations (A, B, and C) tested in an 8-compartment channel system with varying slopes (5°, 7°, and 9°). Combination A used fresh materials, B reused materials from A, and C utilized unwashed materials from B. Effectiveness was evaluated based on pH improvement and operational efficiency. Results showed that Combination A achieved an average pH of 7.51 (76% efficiency), with optimal neutralization occurring in compartment 8. Combination B reached a pH of 7.39 (62% efficiency) but neutralized AMD more rapidly in compartments 5–6. Combination C achieved a pH of 7.15 (73% efficiency). The pH decline in the final compartments was attributed to CO₂ accumulation, gypsum residue formation, and material clogging. Although Combination A had the highest chemical efficiency, Combination B was deemed the most technically optimal due to its balanced pH improvement (7.39), faster neutralization rate, and material efficiency. The study recommends integrating chemical and technical aspects in AMD treatment system design to ensure environmental and economic sustainability.

The Sumani Watershed plays a critical role in maintaining hydrological balance and water resource management. This study evaluates the effects of different land use compositions—forests, agriculture, settlements, and rice fields—on surface runoff using the Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) model. Rainfall and soil properties, such as texture, organic matter, and infiltration rates, were analyzed to determine their impact on runoff generation. Soil samples showed that forests had the highest infiltration rate (up to 81 mm/h), significantly reducing surface runoff, while settlements with compacted soils had the lowest infiltration rate (28.97 mm/h), contributing to the highest runoff. SCS-CN analysis revealed that settlements contributed 77% runoff, compared to only 35% in forested areas. These findings emphasize the importance of sustainable land management practices, such as reforestation and improved soil conservation techniques, which can potentially reduce surface runoff by 30% in critical areas. This research contributes valuable insights for the development of sustainable land-use strategies and watershed conservation planning, particularly in tropical regions.

This study explores the use of date pomace (DP), a byproduct from the date processing industry, as a sustainable nutrient source for producing bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). By adjusting the Hestrin-Schramm (HS) culture medium with DP juice, we evaluated how key operational factors—such as incubation temperature, initial medium pH, and the ratio of DP juice—affect the structural and chemical properties of BNC. The best conditions for BNC production were found to be an initial pH of 6, an incubation temperature of 30°C, and a DP juice ratio of 20%. We used various analytical techniques, including Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UVS), to characterize the produced BNC. The results showed that increasing the DP juice ratio had a positive effect on the morphology and structure of BNC, while the chemical properties remained stable across different conditions, underscoring the practical potential of using DP for BNC production.

The Central Bedadung Watershed (DAS) is an urban watershed susceptible to pollution due to human activities. Within this watershed, raw water collection is conducted by Perundam Tirta Pandalungan in Jember Regency. This study aims to assess water quality and analyze the impact of land cover on water quality in the Central Bedadung Sub-Watershed. A quantitative descriptive method was employed, utilizing one-tailed Spearman correlation analysis. The grab sampling method was used to collect samples from five locations during the low-discharge dry season. The tested parameters included temperature, pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Dissolved Oxygen (DO). Water quality was evaluated based on Government Regulation Number 22 of 2021, Class I. The results indicated that temperature and BOD levels exceeded the specified quality standards. However, TDS, pH, and DO levels at all sample points complied with the quality standards. The Spearman correlation test revealed that land cover, particularly built-up and agricultural areas, significantly influenced water quality parameters, with a significance level (Sig. > 0.05). The relationship strength ranged from moderate to very strong. Water quality in the Central Bedadung Sub-Watershed met quality standards for TDS, pH, and DO. However, the Spearman correlation test indicated that land cover had no significant effect on water quality, with a significance level (Sig. > 0.05) and a relationship strength ranging from moderate to very strong.

Groundwater has become a vital resource for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use, especially as surface water supplies decline due to reduced rainfall, decreasing river flows, and increasing evaporation. This study reviews the critical state of groundwater resources in Iraq, focusing on challenges such as over-extraction, contamination, and the worsening effects of climate change on water availability. The review highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive monitoring and assessment framework to track groundwater levels and quality, utilizing real-time data on aquifer health, water table depth, and contamination. It also emphasizes the importance of implementing sustainable groundwater management practices tailored to the unique geological and Iraqi aquifer hydrological conditions. A key recommendation is adopting a participatory approach to groundwater management, engaging local communities, water users, and stakeholders in decision-making. This approach aims to promote ownership, accountability, and sustainable practices while promoting equitable resource management. The study also stresses addressing infrastructure and institutional challenges, including inadequate storage, poor regulation, and lack of coordination among authorities. Furthermore, the research calls for incorporating climate change considerations, such as altered precipitation patterns and rising temperatures, into long-term groundwater management strategies to adapt to changing environmental conditions. In conclusion, a collaborative approach combining scientific research, effective governance, community engagement, and climate adaptation is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of Iraq’s groundwater resources, supporting food security, economic development, and resilience against increasing water scarcity.

The governance of urban areas now extends beyond managing population growth, as urban expansion has amplified cities’ susceptibility to climate change effects. As a result, urban water supply systems are under increasing pressure, highlighting the necessity for utility managers and policymakers to adopt sustainable demand management strategies to enhance water resource resilience. The aim of this paper is to model monthly water demand using the Principal Component Regression (PCR) method. The analysis is conducted over a seven-year dataset (2015–2021) and incorporates demographic and climatic variables specific to Casablanca, Morocco. Furthermore, projected climatic variables from the CMIP6 over Mediterranean regions under SSP1 -2.6 and SSP5-8.5 Pathways was driven in order to forecast monthly water demand for the near term. This research contributes to the development of adaptive strategies for urban planners, enabling them to anticipate future water demand and implement necessary measures to enhance sustainability assessments.

Microfluidic devices are essential in applications requiring precise fluid control, particularly in biotechnology and medicine, where efficient mixing at the microscale is critical. The control of flows in this type of device becomes increasingly difficult; the flows are highly laminar, which significantly reduces the performance of the mixing. It is then necessary to imagine innovative designs to improve it. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a passive 3D Y-shaped serpentine micromixer using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The primary objective is to optimize mixing by taking advantage of transverse flows and chaotic advection of moving fluids. Water and ethanol are utilized as test fluids to analyze the influence of viscosity and flow rates on mixing efficiency. Simulations reveal that the 3D serpentine design significantly enhances mixing at moderate flow rates, optimizing the interaction between advection and diffusion processes. Ethanol, due to its higher viscosity, exhibits extended interaction times and better mixing efficiency compared to water. These findings underscore the critical role of geometric design and fluid properties in enhancing mixing performance. The study provides valuable insights for developing high-efficiency micromixers, paving the way for advanced lab-on-chip systems requiring precise and reliable fluid handling.

The annual increase in waste at the Bantargebang Integrated Waste Management Site (IWMS) is proportionally related to leachate produced. The Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) in the Ciasem River in 2018 exceeded the water quality standards, showing the incapacity to accommodate further pollution. Therefore, this research aimed to assess capacity of the Ciasem River as the receiving water body for Integrated Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP) using capacity analysis based on mass balance. The results showed that the temporal water quality has been polluted since 2019 and was projected to continue until 2023, particularly regarding BOD, COD, Total Suspended Solid (TSS), and Total Nitrogen (N-Total). Spatially, high concentrations of BOD, COD, and TSS were observed upstream of the Ciasem River and increased in outfall of IWTP. At the confluence of the Cikeuting River with the Ciasem River, the concentrations of BOD, COD, and TSS showed significant changes due. Although the high concentrations of BOD and COD suggested organic matter decomposition through biological and chemical processes, there was significant no reduction in acidic pH, resulting in low toxicity for Mercury and Cadmium. These results showed that the Ciasem River has lost its capacity, particularly regarding BOD, COD, TSS, and Total Nitrogen, persisting from 2019 until 2023.

In the scientific research work, the process of neutralization and cleaning of microorganisms harmful to human health found in surface water with an ozonator device based on a pilot electric discharge is considered. A pilot ozonator based on a special high-frequency electric discharge has been developed for disinfection and cleaning of harmful microorganisms found in surface water. In order to conduct practical tests on scientific research work, special water was taken from the Ili floodplain and an examination of the water composition was carried out. According to the results of the examination, various painful microorganisms were found in the composition of the source water that do not meet the maximum permissible concentration (MPC). Effective economic indicators of ozone content (mg/l), contact time (t, minutes) and the like were determined for disinfection and removal of microorganisms from the water composition. In addition, an algorithm for theoretical calculations for the destruction of harmful microorganisms in 1m3 surface water was compiled and a mathematical model was given.