Carrying Capacity and Coupling Coordination of Water and Land Resources Systems in Arid and Semi-arid Areas: A Case Study of Yulin City, China

Quantitatively assessing the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems in arid and semi-arid areas is crucial for achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.In this work,taking Yulin City in China as a case study and employing the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation(CRITIC)method,a modified model of coupling degree was developed to evaluate the car-rying capacity of water and land resources systems endowment and utilization,as well as their coupling coordination degree from 2013 to 2020.Our findings indicate that the water and land resources of Yulin are diminishing due to declines in agriculture,higher industrial water use,and wetland shrinkage.However,reallocating domestic water for ecological sustainability and reducing sloping farmland can mitigate this trend of decline.Temporally,as the coupling coordination between water and land resources system endowment in Yulin continuously improved,the coupling coordination between water and land resources system utilization first decreased and then in-creased with 2016 as the turning point.Spatially,the carrying capacity of water and land resources systems,the coupling coordination degree between water and land resources system endowment,and the coupling coordination degree between water and land resources system utilization in Yulin exhibited the same pattern of being higher in the six northern counties than in the six southern counties.Improving the water resources endowment is vital for the highly efficient use of water and land resources.

Analysis of the Variability of the Characteristics of Water Resources in the Diani Watershed: Case of the Silissou District

This study aims to analyze the spatio-temporal variability of the characteristics of water resources in the Diani watershed,located in the southeast of the Republic of Guinea.The objective is to assess the availability and quantity of water for sustainable management of this essential resource.The results obtained show a slight variability of hydro-climatic parameters.The most remarkable wet periods by their intensity of(1982-1998)and(2005-2012)are moderate and that of 1986-1990 is extremely severe during which they are felt on all the stations of the South of Guinea.In addition,the dry years,the end of 1970 and 1980 to 1987 recognized by the WMO(World Meteorological Organization)as drought years were highlighted in the Diani watershed in the South of the Republic of Guinea.

Defining Cities by Water: Addressing Capital Misallocation in a Race to Conserve Resources

As part of its efforts to promote a sustainable and high-quality development,China has pledged to reduce water consumption and create a water-efficient society.On the basis of identifying the institutional root causes of excessive capital allocation and excessive water consumption in China’s water-intensive industrial sectors,this study elaborates how the national water-efficient cities assessment contributes to optimized capital allocation.Our research shows that national water-efficient cities assessment has motivated local governments to compete for water efficiency.To conserve water,local governments regulated the entry and exit of water-intensive enterprises,discouraged excessive investments in water-intensive sectors,and phased out obsolete water-intensive capacities within their jurisdictions.This approach has resulted in mutually beneficial outcomes,including improved allocation of capital,enhanced water efficiency,and reduced emissions.This paper offers policy recommendations for establishing a water-efficient society throughout the 14^(th) Five-Year Plan(2021-2025)period by presenting empirical evidence on the policy effects of resource efficiency evaluation.

Perceptions of Bark Beetle Landscape Disturbance Effects on Natural Resources and Drinking Water: Assessing Communication and Knowledge Exchange in the Rocky Mountain Region, USA

Widespread changes to forested watersheds affected by the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins) epidemic across western North America raised concerns about the effects of this climate-induced disturbance on drinking water and natural resources. Effective communication and knowledge exchange across scientists and stakeholders (i.e., drinking water managers) is essential for constructively responding to such landscape scale disturbances, providing improved adaptive capacity through knowledge sharing. An assessment of stakeholder knowledge levels, information needs, primary concerns, and suggested communication strategies were conducted via an online elicitation survey and World Science Café workshops. Knowledge levels, assessed via a survey of local water managers and experts, were relatively low with approximately half of the respondents reporting little to no knowledge of the effects of mountain pine beetle on drinking water quality and quantity, thereby indicating limited knowledge exchange between scientists and drinking water stakeholders. Increased accessibility and dissemination of research findings pertinent to the mountain pine beetle epidemic’s effects on drinking water quality and quantity is necessary for natural resource management. Recommendations for improved communication among scientists and drinking water stakeholders in particular and forest health in general include dispersal of non-academic research summaries, information exchange through existing media and community resources, demonstration projects, and information clearinghouses. This information provides a better understanding of the challenges, concerns, and first-hand experience of stakeholders of a landscape disturbance issue to apply this knowledge to enhance land management practice and how researchers on this overall project enhanced science communication efforts.

Assessing the Impact of Gold Mining on the Quality of Water Resources in the Commune of Meguet, Burkina Faso

Despite its often illegal nature, artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso contributes to the economic and social development of the country. However, the rudimentary techniques used in gold panning have a significant impact on the environment due to inappropriate practices and the use of various chemical substances. This study aims to assess the impact of artisanal gold mining on the quality of water resources in a rural community at Méguet, Burkina Faso. To this end, surface and groundwater samples were collected and analyzed at the BUMIGEB laboratory. Field results show that the waters are slightly alkaline (6.97 < pH < 8.1), weakly mineralized and conductive (124 < EC < 543 μS/cm), with temperatures ranging from 24.6˚C to 31.6˚C. In addition, trace metals (TMEs) analyzed from surface and subsurface waters show very high levels, generally deviating from the levels recommended by WHO guidelines for Burkina Faso. Trace metals contamination of water resources in the commune of Méguet is mainly due to Fe (3.78 - 11.12 mg/kg), Hg (0.03 - 0.29 mg/kg), As (0.01- 6.31 mg/kg) and Pb (0.01 - 3.8 mg/kg). This study can serve as a basis for guiding national environmental policies to protect the water resources of the Méguet mine.

Influence of Anthropogenic Activities on Surface Water Resources—Case of the Sub-Prefecture of Kamsar-Boké

Living fishery resources, although rich and important for human populations, are subject to strong anthropization, thus causing a change in the environmental parameters of aquatic ecosystems. These multiple combined pressures: chemical, hydro-morphological, thermal or trophic, affect and disrupt the functioning of aquatic organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the main human pressures influencing the surface water resources of the Kamsar sub-prefecture, in order to propose mitigation measures. The following methodological approach was adopted: 1) Survey of managers and analysis records;2) Survey of stakeholders;3) Assessment of the effect of human activities on surface water resources;4) Data processing;5) Corrective measures. The survey farmers working near aquatic environments, revealed a low use of chemical substances, in particular 3 to 11 kg of fertilizer and 0 to 3 boxes of herbicide on fields of 40 m2 to 2 ha. Some physico-chemical parameters have been determined: Temperature (28.5˚C, 23.7˚C, 22.8˚C, 21.3˚C, 21.6˚C), Salinity (26.9‰, 21.9‰, 21.5‰, 15‰, 15.3‰) and Turbidity (21.3 UTN, 19.3 UTN, 17.8 UTN, 16.7 UTN, 17 UTN). These values show a fluctuation in the environmental parameters of aquatic ecosystems, which constitutes an obstacle to the development and survival of the resources.

Discussion on Influencing Factors of Water Resources Environment and Strategies for Protecting Water Ecology

At present,the major problems facing the water resource environment worldwide include water pollution,water resource shortage,and water ecosystem degradation.The discharge of industrial wastewater,agricultural non-point source pollution,and the discharge of urban sewage lead to a serious decline in water quality,which directly affects the safety of human drinking water and the living environment of aquatic organisms.Additionally,the unbalanced distribution and excessive exploitation of water resources lead to the problem of water shortage in many areas,which then leads to social and economic contradictions and ecological crises.In terms of ecosystems,the phenomena of water ecological degradation and reduction of biodiversity are increasingly obvious,and the carrying capacity of aquatic ecosystems are gradually declining.This paper aims to analyze the natural,social,and economic factors affecting the water resource environment,and propose effective strategies to protect the water ecology.To provide a theoretical basis and practical guidance for the sustainable utilization of water resources and the long-term development of the water ecosystem.

Review on the Impact of Climate Change on Great Lakes Region’s Agriculture and Water Resources

This study investigates the multifaceted impacts of climate change on the Midwest region of the United States, particularly the rising temperatures and precipitation brought about by hot weather activities and technological advances since the 19th century. From 1900 to 2010, temperatures in the Midwest rose by an average of 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which would also lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Precipitation is also expected to increase due to increased storm activity and changes in regional weather patterns. This paper explores the impact of these changes on urban and agricultural areas. In urban areas such as the city of Chicago, runoff from the increasing impervious surface areas poses challenges to the drainage system, and agriculture areas are challenged by soil erosion, nutrient loss, and fewer planting days due to excessive rainfall. Sustainable solutions such as no-till agriculture and the creation of grassland zones are discussed. Using historical data, recent climate studies and projections, the paper Outlines ways to enhance the Midwest’s ecology and resilience to climate change.

Assessment on the Water Resources Carrying Capacity in Karst Area Based on the Cosine Vector Included Angle

[Objective] The research aimed to assess the water resources carrying capacity in Guizhou Province based on the cosine vector included angle method. [Method] By using the cosine vector included angle method, the index weight was determined. The projection value of water resources carrying capacity in Guizhou Province was counted by using the multi-objective gray relational projection method. Moreover, the projection value which was counted by the index weight determined by the mean-variance method was as the control. [Result] The projection values which were obtained by two kinds of methods were very close, and the ordering result was consistent. [Conclusion] In the assessment of water resources carrying capacity, it was feasible to use the cosine vector included angle method to determine the index weight.

A multi-objective fuzzy optimization model for cropping structure and water resources and its method

Cropping structure has a close relationship with the optimal allocation of agricultural water resources. Based on the analysis of the relationship between agricultural water resources and sustainable development, this paper presents a multi objective fuzzy optimization model for cropping structure and water allocation, which overcomes the shortcoming of current models that only considered the economic objective,and ignored the social and environmental objectives. During the process, a new method named fuzzy deciding weight is developed to decide the objective weight. A case study shows that the model is reliable, the method is simple and objective, and the results are reasonable. This model is useful for agricultural management and sustainable development.

Analysis on the Contribution of Artificial Precipitation Enhancement Amount to Annual Water Resources in Liaoning

Based on the water resource balance,the correlation between both the Liaoning water resource and precipitation and total amount of water resource from 1991 to 2004 was analyzed by assuming Liaoning to be an enclosed region.And the calculation methods were developed to quantitatively determine the increase of rainfall due to artificial precipitation,and consequently ascertain the contribution of artificial rainfall amount to water resources.

Characteristics and Trend Variation of Light,Temperature and Water Resources in Dongling District of Shenyang Province in Recent 49 Years

The meteorological data of light,temperature and water during 1961-2009 were selected to analyze the trend variation of climatic resources and provide the basis for developing and utilizing local climate resources.The results indicated that light resource presented the decreasing tendency in Dongling District,annual radiation reduced by 528 MJ/m2,and annual sunshine duration decreased by 333 h.The heat resource presented the increasing tendency,the average annual temperature increased by 1.04 ℃,and active accumulated temperature increased by 228 ℃.The general trend of annual precipitation declined slightly,precipitation resource during every age changed slightly and would tend to be stable.

Morphological Diversity Analysis of Red-seed Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao) Germplasm Resources

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the morphological diversity of red- seed watermelon （Citrullus lanatus ssp. vulgaris var. megalaspermus Lin et Chao） germplasm resources. [Method] Multiple cluster analysis and principal components analysis on the morphological traits of 51 red-seed watermelon germplasm resources were carried out. [Result] The coefficient of variations （CVs） of 39 morphological traits in 51 red-seed watermelon idioplasm resources ranged from 5.37% to 66.95%, with an average of 22.87%. The average of Shannon diversity information indices was 1.55. Among them, the Shannon diversity information index of seed length was the highest （2.16） and that of seed shell figure pattern was the lowest （0.32）. In ad- dition, the morphological diversity information indices of quantity characters were higher than that of quality characters. The principal components analysis revealed that the variance contribution rates of the first, second and third principal compo- nents were 19.49%, 15.32% and 9.55%, respectively. Cluster analysis divided the 51 materials into three broad branches based on the morphological traits. There was only one material in the fist branch and two in the second branch, and all the three materials were wild. The other 48 materials were divided into the third branch and all of them were cultivars. [Conclusion] This study provided a theoretical basis for the protection and utilization of red-seed watermelon resources.

Evaluation Model of Carrying Capacity of Water Resources Based on Standardized Indices of Radial Basis Function

[Objective] The aim was to study on RBF model about evaluation on carrying capacity of water resources based on standardized indices. [Method] The indices were transformed and the averages of standard values in different levels were taken as the standardized values of components of central vectors for basic functions of RBF hidden nodes. Hence, the basic functions are suitable for most indices, simplifying expression and calculation of basic functions. [Result] RBF models concluded through Monkey-king Genetic Algorithm with weights optimization are used in evaluation on water carrying capacity in three districts in Changwu County in Shaanxi Province, which were in consistent with that through fuzzy evaluation. [Conclusion] RBF, simple and practical, is universal and popular.

Study on the Environmental Quality Evaluation of Waterscape Resources Area

The environmental quality of a region is co-determined by diversified factors among which there are always dominant ones or restrictive ones that play a significant role in the evolution of environmental quality.The quality of waterscape environment surely is correlated with water,the core element in waterscape.Taking Huangguoshu Scenic Area for an example,restrictive factors of the waterscape environmental quality were analyzed in this study,and basic approaches to evaluate the environmental quality of waterscapes were put forward.

Evaluation of Environmental Carrying Capacity of Water Resources in Jiangxi Province

In order to quantitatively evaluate the sustainable development status of water resources in Jiangxi Province, the dynamic changes in ecological footprint, carrying capacity and load index of water resources in Jiangxi Province during 2009-2013 were analyzed according to the primary principle and calculation model of ecological footprint. The results showed that in Jiangxi Province during 2009- 2013, the water resources ecological footprint per capita was relatively low; the wa- ter resources utilization level was relatively low; the overall development potential of water resources was great; the water resources ecological carrying capacity per capita and ecological footprint per capita were trended to be increased overall. The changes in water resources ecological footprint are closely related to the social and economic development. Therefore, the industrial structure should be fully adjusted, and the water resources should be scheduled and utilized reasonably so as to pro- mote the protection of water resources and sustainable development of society and economic in Jiangxi Province.

Qingdao City Resources Water Price Estimate

The water resource price is currently one of the difficult problems of water price research.After references collection,investigation and analysis,the water resource price of Qingdao City was calculated by applying fuzzy mathematics.According to the present situation and region characteristic of Qingdao,water quality,per capita water supply,economical level,population density and alternative water resources were selected as water resource influence factors and weigh coefficients of all these factors were ascertained.The results show that the water resource price of Qingdao is 3.05yuam/m3 and total water price is 4.65Yuan/m3.

Advances in Microbial Remediation on the Application of Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Water Resources

Heavy metal pollution in agricultural water resources is very serious in re- cent years, resulting in large losses of the agricultural economy and endangering human life and health. Due to the advantages of low cost, high efficiency and less secondary pollution, microbial ramediation technology is widely used in the treatment of heavy metal pollution in agricultural water resources. At present, with the progress of modern biotechnology, microbial remediation of heavy metals in agricul- tural water resources has grown rapidly. The sources and status quo of heavy met- al pollution in agricultural water resources at home and aboard, and the principles of microbial remediation of heavy metals pollution in agricultural water resources were reviewed in this paper, as well as the several common microbial remediation technology of heavy metals in agricultural water resources. Additionally, the further research work of heavy metal contaminated agricultural water resources by microbial ramediation were prospected.

Revision of Water Function Division and Countermeasures for Water Resources Protection in Jiangjin District of Chongqing City in China

According to the current situation and development planning of water resources in Jiangjin District of Three Gorge Reservoir Area at the upper reaches of Yangtze River,by combining with social needs,through the survey on pollution source and analysis of water quality,based on the Report of Water Function Division of Jiangjin District(2005) ,the adjustment and revision have been conducted on water function divisions,and corresponding protection targets and countermeasures for water resources have been proposed,so that the water function division can comply with the development situation of Jiangjin District,providing a reliable reference for the protection and reasonable utilization of water resources,enhancing the unified and effective supervision of water resources,promoting the sustainable use of water resources in Jiangjin District,and ensuring the sustainable development of regional society and environment.

Discussion on Green Development of Fenlong for Yield Increase, Quality Enhancing, Water Retaining and Multiple Use of Natural Resources

Fenlong green ecological agriculture technology （Fenlong technology）, a new smash ridging farming method developed by Guangxi Academy of Agdcultural Sciences, has been elected as the recommended cultivation technique by the Ministry of Agriculture of China. It replaces the traditional plowshare with spiral drill, and its tilth depth is twice deeper than that by tractor tilthing. It also extends soil nutrient, moisture, oxygen and microorganism, the so-called ＂Four pools＂. Soil nutrient, oxygen, microorganism, light and rainfall use ratio is increased by 10%-100%, creating a platform for natural increase of more than 10% of crop yield. Its application to over 20 kinds of crops in 21 provinces has proved that the yield increases 10-30% with quality enhancing 5% and double water retaining capacity but no more input. When the application area of Fenlong could reach 67 million hm2, the amount of fertilizer can be reduced by 40-50 billion kg, saving 120-150 billion Yuan. In this paper, we put forward the strategy of ＂4＋1＂ （arable, saline-alkali soil, grasslands, Sponge City ＋ rivers） green development in China, and deepened the Fenlong cultivated tilled layer from 16.5 cm to 35 cm for 67 million hm2 arable land, ridged 13.3 million hm2 of saline-alkali soil for 35 cm, and also 35 cm for 67 million hm2 degraded steppe, which could have the following 3 effects： first, the 147 million hm2 of land with Fenlong cultivation could increase loosing soil to 315.491 billion m3, in＊ creasing by 159.26% for 120 million hm2 of arable land with the average tilled layer of 16.5 cm, which has loosing soil of only 198.1 billion m3, that is, the space of the land increases 1.6 times. Second, every hectare of plowland could store up to 450 m3/hm2 of natural rainfall, and the unused 60 m3 of saline-alkali soil and grasslands could store water of 102 billion m3, showing an increase of over 88.89% for the current plowland storage of 54 billion m3 at now, that is, double the natural rainfall storage capacity. Third, the two multiple increase of natural resources application can bring trillions of resource activation, environmental cleaning, food security, citizens, health, economic, ecological and social benefits, and makes the Chinese nation move forward in green development. Its application in ＂big scientific research＂ and ＂One Belt And One Road＂ will contribute Chinese strength to the world.