Natural water purification and water management by artificial groundwater recharge

Worldwide, several regions suffer from water scarcity and contamination. The infiltration and subsurface storage of rain and river water can reduce water stress. Artificial groundwater recharge, possibly combined with bank filtration, plant puri- fication and/or the use of subsurface dams and artificial aquifers, is especially advantageous in areas where layers of gravel and sand exist below the earth＇s surface. Artificial infiltration of surface water into the uppermost aquifer has qualitative and quantitative advantages. The contamination of infiltrated river water will be reduced by natural attenuation. Clay minerals, iron hydroxide and humic matter as well as microorganisms located in the subsurface have high decontamination capacities. By this, a final water treatment, if necessary, becomes much easier and cheaper. The quantitative effect concerns the seasonally changing river discharge that influences the possibility of water extraction for drinking water purposes. Such changes can be equalised by seasonally adapted infiltration/extraction of water in/out of the aquifer according to the river discharge and the water need. This method enables a continuous water supply over the whole year. Generally, artificially recharged groundwater is better protected against pollution than surface water, and the delimitation of water protection zones makes it even more save.     

Groundwater circulation relative to water quality and vegetation in an arid transitional zone linking oasis, desert and river

In groundwater-dependent ecosystems, groundwater circulation controls the overall water quality and ecosystem dynamics. Groundwater and vegetation across a 30-km groundwater transect linking oasis, desert and river in an extremely arid area were investigated with a series of soil profiles drilled into the unsaturated zone to understand groundwater circulation and its control on groundwater quality and surface vegetation in the extremely arid Lower Tarim River, NW China. Measurements have included water-table depth, water chemistry and water isotopes (2H, 18O, 3H) for 15 water samples, soil moisture and chloride content for 11 soil profiles, and vegetation investigation. Results show that the groundwater in desert zone is characterized by slow recharge rate (pre-modern water), great water-table depth (6.17-9.43 m) and high salinity (15.32-26.50 g/L), while that in oasis (uncultivated land) and riparian zone is characterized by relatively fast recharge rate (modern water), small groundwater-table depth (3.56-8.36 m) and low salinity (1.25-1.95 g/L). Stable isotopes show that secondary evaporation takes place during irrigation in oasis. The vegetation characteristics (coverage, richness, evenness and number of plants) are closely related to soil moisture and water-table depth. Groundwater recharge from irrigation in oasis and from river in riparian zone sustains a better ecosystem than that in the desert area, where lateral and vertical groundwater recharge is limited. The more evapotranspirative enrichment may occur in the vegetated and water-rich riparian zone as compared to desert. This study also demonstrates the effectiveness of environmental tracers in studying ecohydrological processes in arid regions.     

Integrated simulation of the dualistic water cycle and its associated processes in the Haihe River Basin

Water resource shortages, water environmental deterioration, and water ecological degradation are becoming increasingly prominent in the Haihe River Basin under the effects of global climate change and intense human activity. Finding ways to solve these problems reasonably is an urgent task in basin water resources management. The water cycle describes the formation and transformation of every water drop, while it interacts with associated water ecology and water environment processes. Therefore, to fundamentally solve the above problems, the three processes must be combined and the evolutionary trends of the ecology and water environment driven by the water cycle must be determined. To comprehensively diagnose and solve the problems of water resources, ecology and water environment in the basin, an integrated simulation platform of the dualistic water cycle and its associated processes in the Haihe River Basin was established by fully analyzing the "natural-social" dualistic characteristics of the evolution of the basin water cycle in this study. Accordingly, it is a supporting tool to evaluate the future trends of water resources, ecology and the water environment by setting scenarios based on the predictions of a climate mode and water control conditions. The results show that with climate change, the water consumption, groundwater overexploitation, and the amount of water flowing to the sea could develop soundly and satisfy the requirements of national economic growth in the future planning year 2030 through the implementation of water consumption control management and the South-North Water Diversion Project. Meanwhile, associated water environmental deterioration can be alleviated, and a growing trend for production capacities of the natural ecosystem and agro-ecosystem is seen. The above results provide a foundation for implementing basin water resources regulation and the most strict water resources management.     

Evolutionary mechanism of water cycle and efficient utilization of water resources in the Haihe River Basin

Water cycle in the river basin constitutes the objective basis of water resources evolution. Whatever their manifestations, water resources problems can all attribute to the imbalances caused by the evolution of water cycle or its associated processes in the river basin. Various types of water activities for solution to water problems are in nature a regulation of "natural-social" dualistic water cycle or its associated processes in the river basin. China is one of those countries which are faced with the most violent water cycle evolution and serious water problems with the Haihe River Basin as the     

Three-Gorges Reservoir Area on the Yangtze River Faced with Risk of Induced Destructive Earthquakes

The Three-Gorge Water Conservancy Project on the Yangtze River started to impound water by locking gates on June 1, 2003. A swarm of more than 2000 small earthquakes suddenly occurred densely along the river section in Xinling Town north of Badong, Hubei Province, on June 7. This caused grave concern in the following years, but, with the completion of the second- and third-phase engineering construction, the water level in the reservoir will rise up to 156 m and 175 m respectively, no matter whether it can induce larger and stronger earthquakes. After an analysis of the distribution of active faults in the eastern part of the reservoir area, their intersections and capability to generate earthquakes from a seismo-tectonic viewpoint, we consider that after the reservoir impounding, two potential focal zones existing in Badong and Zigui counties may generate M 5.5 earthquake, the seismic intensity of which may reach Ⅷ. It will induce landslide bodies in the reservoir area to be reactivated and slide. The evidence is the large-scale landslide occurring on the Shazhenxi Creek river in Zigui County on June 12, 2003.     

Three-Gorges Reservoir Area on the Yangtze River Faced with Risk of Induced Destructive Earthquakes

The Three-Gorge Water Conservancy Project on the Yangtze River started to impound water by locking gates on June１,２００３．A swarm of more than２０００small earthquakes suddenly occurred densely along the river section in Xinling Town north of Badong,Hubei Province,on June７．This caused grave concern in the following years,but,with the completion of the second- and third-phase engineering construction,the water level in the reservoir will rise up to１５６m and１７５m respectively,no matter whether it can induce larger and stronger earthquakes．After an analysis of the distribution of active faults in the eastern part of the reservoir area,their intersections and capability to generate earthquakes from a seismo-tectonic viewpoint,we consider that after the reservoir impounding,two potential focal zones existing in Badong and Zigui counties may generate M５.５earthquake,the seismic intensity of which may reachⅧ．It will induce landslide bodies in the reservoir area to be reactivated and slide．The evidence is the large-scale landslide occurring on the Shazhenxi Creek river in Zigui County on June１２,２００３．     

Numerical modeling of the regional ground water flow in Beishan area, Gansu Province

The characterization of the regional ground water flow system is very important to high-level radioactive waste geological disposal. The Beishan area, located in northwestern Gansu Province, China, is selected as a potential site for disposal repository. The area includes about 100000 km2 and has complicated hydrogeological conditions, which greatly increase the computational effort of regional ground water flow models. In order to reduce computing time, parallel computing scheme was applied to regional ground water flow simulation. Models with over one million cells were used to simulate how the faults and different recharge conditions impact regional ground water flow, both in steady and transient state. The results of this study provide regional ground water flow information for site characterization of the potential high-level radioactive waste disposal.     

Introduction to rainwater management in Australia and suggestions for China’s water problems

Australia is one of the world leaders in water management. The country meets the challenge of water shortage with established integrated water management in which rainwater is taken as a too precious resource to be just drained off. In Australia, rainwater is extensively harvested and polished to provide cheaper supply for potable and non-potable domestic uses, irrigation, landscaping, refilling aquifers and other uses. Implementing dual management over the quantity and quality of storm water and practicing water sensitive urban design (WSUD) in urban areas effectively control non-point-source pollution of waterways by pollutants carried with runoffs, reduce the discharge of rainwater and thus protect properties and lives from damage by floods. These achievements are attributed to constant reinforcement by govenments from federal to local levels in policy, financial, legal and educational aspects, and also to the lasting efforts of professional communities and water industry in developing requisite techniques, demonstrating the benefits and fostering public credence of rainwater reuse. The successful rainwater management practices in Australia suggest rainwater harvesting can be a complimentary means for the South-to-North Water Transfer Scheme to solve the water shortage in China’s northern regions, and thus release to a degree the pressure on the Yangtze water resources. Best management practices of rainwater can be an effective controlling strategy for flooding and non-point-source water pollution of waterways. Such in-site source control initiatives have particular significance to protecting slow waterways of weak self-purification ability, like the Three Gorges Reservior.     

Exploration on ecological regulation of the reservoirs

Reservoir regulation process in the Yangtze River basin is mainly divided into two types of flood regulation and initiating benefit regulation. The present reservoir management system and operation mode are mainly for dealing with or coordinating of flood control and benefit initiation as well as benefit distribution among various beneficial functions. From the view point of river ecosystem protection, the current regulation mode has two kinds of problems ： firstly, most of the reservoir regulation plans do not consider ecosystem protection at downstream of dams and needs of environment protection in reservoir areas; secondly, integrated regulation or management of water resources is ignored. It is very necessary to improve reservoir regulation mode, bearing problems faced by regulation of the Three Gorges reservoir and issues related to cascade development and regulation in Tuojiang and Minjiang River basins in mind. In accordance with the concept of scientific development, and the philosophy of ＂ensuring a healthy Yangtze River and promoting the harmony between human and water＂, taking flood control, benefit initiation and eco-system as a whole, this paper put forward the basic consideration to improve reservoir regulation as follows ： on the basis of requirements of ecosystem protection at downstream of dams and needs of environment protection in reservoir areas, we should bring the functions of reservoir such as flood control and benefit initiation into full play, control the negative influence to the ecosystem at downstream of dams and the environment in reservoir areas in an endurable scope, and restore the ecosystem and the environment step by step. This paper put forward the relevant regulation process aiming at the idiographic problems such as protection of ecosystem at downstream of dams and environment in reservoir areas, protection of aquatic wildlife species and fish species, regulation of sediment and protection of wetland.     

Response of water budget to recent climatic changes in the source region of the Yellow River

Discharge in the source region of the Yellow River significantly declined after 1990.China Meteorological Administration(CMA) data show that precipitation in this region was low in the 1990s but returned to above normal after 2002;in recent decades there has been rapid warming of surface air,moistening and wind speed decrease.To investigate the influences of recent climatic changes on the water budget,this study simulates the surface water budget at CMA stations within and surrounding the source region during 1960-2006,using an improved land surface model.Results indicate that the spatial pattern of precipitation change is an important factor(except for precipitation amount and intensity) in determining the response of runoff to precipitation changes.Low runoff in the 1990s was consistent with precipitation amount and intensity.The recovery of precipitation after 2002 is mainly from increased precipitation in the dry area of the source region.Evaporation was mainly limited by water availability in this dry area,and thus most of the precipitation increase was evaporated.By contrast,energy availability was a more important influence on evaporation in the wet area.There was more evaporation in the wet area because of rapid warming,although precipitation amount partly decreased and partly increased,contributing to the reduction of runoff after 2002.This control on evaporation and its response,together with the modified spatial pattern of precipitation,produced a water budget unfavorable for runoff generation in the source region during recent years.     

Modeling study on fluid flow and inclusion motion in 6-strand bloom caster tundishes

The behavior of fluid flow and particle motion in a 6-strand bloom caster tundish was investigated by a water model and numerical simulation. Compared with a device without flow control, the tundish with flow control has an important effect on the fluid flow pattern and inclusion removal. It is revealed that by non-isothermal process, which is real production condition, the fluid flow in tundish shows a strong buoyancy pattem, which drives particles to move upwards. The particle removal was quantitatively studied by mathematical and physical simulations.     

Editorial: advanced catalytic materials for environmental application

Environmental protection is directly related to the sus- tainable development of the economy and society. Controlling the release of major air and water pollutants remains a daunting challenge in China. The removal of major air pollutants [PM, SO2, NOx, volatile organic compounds （VOCs）, and Hg] from stationary and mobile sources is becoming increasingly urgent to improve air quality. Additionally, the removal of numerous industrial and natural chemical compounds from contaminated water systems is essential to maintaining the availability of clean water. Therefore, cost-effective and appropriate air pollution control and water treatment technologies must be explored and implemented. Regarding air pollution control, the selective catalytic reduction of NOx （SCR） by ammonia and hydrocarbons over metal oxide and zeolite catalysts is discussed; non-toxic transition metal oxides supported on titania and zeolite matrices are emerging new catalysts.     

Co-adaptation between modern oasis urbanization and water resources exploitation： A case of Urumqi

Water resources exploitation is always very important during the whole oasis urbanization in arid zone, adapting with urban development in between contradiction and coordination. Taking Urumqi City as a case, co-adaptation of water exploitation and urban growth is imitated by interactions between water supply and oasis city＇s expands on population, economy and environment. In different urbanization stages, the co-adaptation can be represented differently, which can be summarized by five phases： elementary coordination, expanding coordination, expanding contradiction, adapting contradiction, and adapting coordination. Cost of water consumption, proportion of water use and efficiency are the main influence factors to help the co-adaptation.     

Co-adaptation between modern oasis urbanization and water resources exploitation:A case of Urumqi

Water resources exploitation is always very important during the whole oasis urbanization in arid zone, adapting with urban development in between contradiction and coordination. Taking Urumqi City as a case, co-adaptation of water exploitation and urban growth is imitated by interactions between water supply and oasis city's expands on population, economy and environment. In different urbanization stages, the co-adaptation can be represented differently, which can be summarized by five phases: elementary coordination, expanding coordination, expanding contradiction, adapting contradiction, and adapting coordination. Cost of water consumption, proportion of water use and efficiency are the main influence factors to help the co-adaptation.     

The Use of Chemical Modification of Polymer Waste for Obtaining Polymer Flocculants

1 Results Chemical modification of polymer plastic wastes to useful products can be one of the way of effective waste plastics management (chemical recycling). Chemical modification of polymers and polymer plastic wastes can yield products with suitable physical and chemical properties. In consequence they can be used as polyelectrolytes[1]. The variety of pollutants, universality of various water and sewage treatment technologies, introduction of new water quality improved technologies have caused a growth in demand for polyelectrolytes and ion-exchange polymers with specific parameters. The most important use of polyelectrolytes is their application in industrial water treatment and in aiding sediment-centrifuging processes. Their application significantly lowers the coagulant consumption, shortens the flocculation time and improves the sedimentation properties of suspensions[2, 3].     

Experimental studies on electrical breakdown field strength of electrode with water mist containing MC additives

Water mist is one of the effective candidates for halon replacement used in electrical environment fire protection. Water mist additives may greatly enhance fire suppression effectiveness. In electrical environment, electrical breakdown field strength （E） is one of the important factors that control the performance of electrical equipment. In this study the variation principles of electrical breakdown field strength and the electricai characteristics of MC additives were investigated by electrode discharging experiments. Experimental results showed that electrical breakdown field strength was impacted obviously by the conductive metal ions and insulated fluorocarbon surfactants in MC additives. The attenuation percentages of E in different experimental cases were described, thus providing scientific guidance for the use of water mist and MC additives in electrical fire suppression.     

Growth,physiological characteristics and ion distribution of NaCl stressed Alhagi sparsifolia seedlings

Alhagi sparsifolia is a leguminous perennial desert species that is plays an important role in dune stabilization and revegetation of degraded desert ecosystems. We investigated the effects of three different levels of salinity (50, 150, 250 mmol/L NaCl) on the growth, shoot photosynthetic parameters and salt distribution amongst different plant organs in one-year-old A. sparsifolia seedlings in a pot experiment over a 50 d period. The minimum (predawn) and maximum (midday) water potentials of A. sparsifolia seedlings decreased with the increase of external NaCl concentrations as a consequence of the osmotic or water deficit effect of saline solutions outside the roots. Salinity also reduced gas exchange parameters in A. sparsifolia, with seedlings subjected to salinity having lower photosynthesis rates and reduced stomatal conductances compared to the control. The reductions in photosynthetic rates in high salinity treatments of the A. sparsifolia seedlings were mainly caused by stomatal limitation. Consequently plants growing at greater external NaCl concentrations had significantly lower biomass accumulation compared to the control grown at 50 mmol/L. However, plants exposed to higher salinity were able to maintain growth throughout the experiment but allocated a greater proportion of biomass belowground. Plants exposed to higher external salinity levels had increased concentrations of Na+ and Cl- ions in shoots and roots, suggesting that A. sparsifolia seedlings were utilizing Na+ and Cl- as osmolytes to increase the cellular osmolality and decrease their water potential. We observed the greatest NaCl concentrations in the plants treated with 150 mmol/L NaCl indicating that there may be a threshold level of NaCl that can be tolerated by the plants. In conclusion our results indicate that A. sparsifolia seedlings are moderately salt tolerant. Photosynthetic gas exchange parameters were reduced by greater external salinity but the seedlings maintained substantial photosynthetic rates even under high salinity s     

Treatment of Organic Compounds in Reclaimed Wastewater for Groundwater Recharge

To study water quality problems associated with groundwater recharge, a tertiary treatment process, consisting of coagulation, sand filtration, and granular activated carbon (GAC) adsorption, was used in combination with a simulated soil aquifer treatment. The process significantly improved secondary effluent quality. GAC adsorption reduced organic substances expressed by UV-254, dissolved organic carbon as well as partially adsorbable organic halogens. The results of the Ames test show that the secondary effluent contains a high concentration of mutagens. GAC filtration removed adsorbable organic bromine slightly whereas GAC adsorption removed mutagens effectively. The simulated soil aquifer treatment was able to further reduce UV-254, dissolved organic carbon, and adsorbable organic halogens through biodegradation. Adsorbable organic bromine levels were also reduced by the soil aquifer treatment process. The given reclamation technology used for groundwater recharge is of benefit to the removal of dissolved organic carbon, UV-254, adsorbable organic halogens, and rnutagenicity.     

Protein phosphorylation is involved in the water stress-induced ABA accumulation in the roots ofMalus hupehensis Rehd

Water stress-induced ABA accumulation plays a key role in the root to shoot communication and/or the cell to cell signaling under the soil stresses. The signaling of the water stress itself that leads to the accumulation, however, is less known. In this study, we subjected the roots of Malus hupehensis seedlings to water stress treatment and investigated the ABA accumulation in relation to protein phosphorylation. Our results showed that ABA accumulation could be substantially triggered in 40 min and reached 4 folds in 100 min after treatment with 30% PEG 6000 (polyethylene glycol). The water stress treatment also led to a substantial enhancement of total kinase activity, assessed with histone-Ⅲ as substrate, in 15 min and a maximum enhancement in 30 min before it declined to initial level. The Ca²⁺-dependent kinase activity showed a similar, if not more sensitive, trend. When the roots were fed with labeled ³²P- ATP, water stress enhanced the labeling of proteins, which showed a maximum labeling at 40 min. Two inhibitors of protein kinases, Quercetin and H7, effectively diminished or completely blocked the ABA accumulation under the stress treatment. It is therefore suggest that protein phosphorylation is involved in the signaling of the water stress-induced ABA accumulation.     

Origin of summer monsoon rainfall identified by δ18O in precipitation

A negative correlation between δ^18O in monsoon precipitation and f, the ratio of precipitable water in monsoon region to that in water source area, is hypothesized. Using the Rayleigh model, a new method for identifying origin of summer monsoon rainfall is developed based on the hypothesis. In order to validate the method, the isotopic data at New Delhi, a typical station in the southwest monsoon region, and Hong Kong, a typical station in the southeast monsoon region, were collected and analyzed for case studies. The case studies indicate that the water source areas of the monsoon rairdall at the two stations identified by the method are accordant with the general atmosphere circulation patterns. The method developed in this paper is significantly important for tracing the origin of summer monsoon precipitation.