Abstract The article shows that while there is rich literature on the cost‐effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems, little analysis exists on their economic viability that goes beyond direct benefits and costs to include externalities, which is very crucial for developing countries like India. This article first presents the results of life cycle cost assessment of various wastewater treatment technologies used in India. The article then shows that the direct benefits from treated wastewater are unlikely to be high in most situations due to lack of orientation towards the demand. It argues that for sustainable investments in wastewater treatment, the indirect benefits including public health benefits due to protection of drinking water sources, environmental benefits due to maintenance of aquatic life and improvement of soil health, which are determined by the socio‐economic and ecological conditions that vary across regions, should also be considered and quantified.

Abstract The content and adsorption capacity of phosphorus in the surface and bottom sediments of the karst wetland were monitored for 2 months. The results indicated that the total phosphorus concentration in the sediments varied from 217.15 to 1511.84 mg kg−1 and 353.64 to 1650.26 mg kg−1 in summer and autumn, respectively. The adsorption kinetics and isotherm of phosphorus by wetland sediments were systematically studied. The adsorption isotherm conformed well to the Langmuir isotherm model. The maximal adsorption capacity (Qmax), background adsorbed phosphorus (NAP), and equilibrium concentrations (EPCe) in sediments were strongly affected by Eh, pH, the content of inorganic phosphorus (IP), and organic phosphorus (Or‐P). The results of this research will shed light on understanding the biogeochemistry behaviour of phosphorus at the sediment–water interface in karst wetland and the water purification mechanism in wetland sediments on a global scale.

Abstract This study focuses on scour depth development around 45° wing‐wall setback abutments in a compound channel. The results show that the scour development curves almost have similar shape and they can be described using exponential function. It is generally observed that the scour hole achieved 80% of the equilibrium scour depth at a scour time equals to 25% of the equilibrium scour time. Additionally, an increase in the relative abutment length and the contraction ratio causes an increase in the equilibrium time. However, this time decrease with increasing flow depth ratio. Finally, new empirical equations are proposed to predict the development of scour depth and the time to reach the equilibrium state. These equations will be useful to predict these characteristics of scour hole especially for setback abutments in compound channel and predict the temporal development scour depth for previous studies that have available data related to maximum scour depth.

Abstract Sediment deposition and intensified eutrophication of the Miyun Reservoir are directly affecting the water quality in Beijing, China, owing to water pollution issues in the Chaohe River Basin, which contains the main inflow river of the reservoir. This study analysed the runoff, sediment, total nitrogen and total phosphorus load simulation results from three observation stations using the Hydrological Simulation Program–FORTRAN model (Nash efficiency coefficient [NSE] = 0.65–0.8, R2 = 0.62–0.92) and a statistical regression model (R2 = 0.55–0.79). Results indicate that applying these models in combination to basins from which pollution source data are difficult to obtain can fully utilize the advantages of both models. The parameter uncertainty analysis of the model's runoff and pollution‐related parameters is discussed from the basis of the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation analysis method. Further, using the Mann–Kendall test and the double cumulative curve method, an attribute analysis of climate change and human activities in the basin was carried out. Results show that in the context of global climate change, fundamental ways to achieve the goal of adaptive catchment management include adjusting the land use structure, optimizing the land use mode and carrying out comprehensive management of soil and water loss with vegetation restoration as the main body.

Abstract As a technology for in situ treatment and remediation of groundwater contamination, permeable reaction barriers (PRBs) have the advantages of operational efficiency and low infrastructure footprint. In order to clarify previous research results and provide references for future research on remediation of contamination by dissolved oil contaminants in groundwater, the focus of this article is to review and compare the application of PRBs for the removal of dissolved oil contaminants and highlights the research gaps. We concentrate on the relationship between structure design, media types and service life of PRBs, along with groundwater flow velocity, temperature, pH and other hydrochemical conditions. These influencing factors are used to make a detailed explanation and analysis of remediation of oil contamination in groundwater. The current application of PRBs is mainly limited to heavy metals and inorganics, rather than persistent organics such as components in oil. The application of new PRB materials and combination of multiple remediation technologies in oil‐contaminated sites will be the focus of future research.

Abstract The implementation of the virtual water strategy (VWS) transporting invisible water resources through product scheduling faces resistance due to limited reporting and understanding and the lack of motivation analysis for stakeholders. This study builds a semi‐quantitative Hotelling game model under different scenarios to analyse the influence of preference and material benefits on potential acceptance of VWS with policymakers and stakeholders. Equilibrium analyses of the game show that human preference can be as important as real benefits. With preference differences, it is hard to make all stakeholders accept or reject a VWS approach in achieving optimal results for environment and social welfare. To implement a sustainable VWS mode, modifying preferences through propaganda and education can be effective. The natural play of the game with modified preferences will ultimately favour a holistic VWS approach to responsible management. This model supports the effectiveness of game theory in the implementation of a VWS.

Abstract This study proposes the evaluation of GIS‐based groundwater quality index (GQI) and spatial variability with a hybrid system that combines Fuzzy Logic with GIS‐based GQI. A case study in the semi‐arid area of Punjab, namely Rupnagar, illustrates the proposed hybrid outline. Two GIS‐based GQI models GQI‐10 (using ten water quality parameters (WQPs)) and GQI‐6 (using six “apprehensive/crucial” WQPs), as well as hybrid Fuzzy Logic GIS‐based GQI (FGQI) (using six crucial WQPs) models, were developed using trapezoidal membership functions and rule sets based on expert's knowledge. Performance comparison of GQI models showed that the FGQI model predicts improved groundwater quality than the GQI‐10 and GQI‐6. FGQI model variance, RMSE, and R2 values are 84.25, 6.49, 0.89, respectively. Results have shown that the developed FGQI model is successful and GQI modelling suggests the use of northern and central groundwater without treatment to be unsafe for drinking purposes.

Abstract Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are receiving global scientific attention due to their occurrence, persistence and risk to aquatic and terrestrial organisms. In this study, we investigated the occurrence of 19 PPCPs in 6 lakes and River Nag in the city of Nagpur, India. Grab samples were collected and screened by LC–MS/MS. A total of 13 compounds were detected. In the multiple‐site monitoring study, metformin (19–94 µg/L) and triclosan [upto 74.3 µg/L] were identified as the major PPCPs. In the single‐site study (performed for 2 days at 2‐hour interval), a spike was observed in the evening of Day 1, for example, atenolol (0.39–35.9 µg/L), metoprolol (ND‐26.4 µg/L), acetaminophen (1.64–14.2), naproxen (0.5–15.9 µg/L), etc. The maximum number of compounds were detected in Lake Futala (13), followed by Gandhisagar (7), Khindsi (6), Ambazari (4), Koradi (4) and Gorewada (1). Triclosan and methylparaben were the major compounds in lake samples.

Abstract Simulation of a passively aerated biological filter packed with non‐woven polyester fabric (NWPF) was carried out using GPS‐X V.7 software. System was operated at HLR and OLR rates of 11.1 m3/m2. d and 2.5 kg BOD m3. d, respectively. Calibration of experimental results indicated excellent correlation between experimental and modelled effluent. Simulation was done by incremental increase of HLR, OLR until break through point. System was very efficient at OLR up to 4.1 kg BOD/m3. d where removal rates of 81–91% COD and 86–97% TSS were achieved. Increasing OLR to 2.25 folds of its original value (5.7 kg BOD/m3. d) decreased the efficiency of the system by 55% COD and 37% TSS. Increasing surface area of the packing material increased the overall efficiency of the treatment system. This study proved that simulation of any project prior implementation is a better optimization tool for design and construction as well as reducing costs of laboratory analyses.