Showing 411 results for Water
M. Askari Jabarabadi, N. Mirghaffari, J. Abedi Koopaei,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
The water footprint is an analytical tool that offers a better and more comprehensive view of how consumers or producers engage with freshwater consumption. Given the water crisis in the country, particularly in Isfahan Province, this study aims to estimate and compare the direct and indirect water footprints of several large industries, including Mobarakeh Steel, Iron Smelting, Refinery, and Power Plant, located in the Zayandeh River Basin. After identifying the desired objectives and study areas, as well as confirming the availability of the required data, information was gathered from the selected industries. Two methods were then utilized to aggregate the entire chain and the sum of steps to calculate the water footprint in the researched industries. According to the calculations, the direct and indirect water footprint in the iron smelting industry amounts to 196.9 cubic meters per ton of steel annually, of which 4.026 cubic meters is attributed to direct consumption and 17.5 cubic meters to indirect consumption. In a refinery, 18.80 liters of water are consumed directly and indirectly to produce one barrel of product (gasoline or diesel). Additionally, the direct and indirect water footprint of the Islamabad power plant is 1,198,320 cubic meters per terajoule, equating to 4.31 liters per kilowatt hour. The results of this study indicate that the indirect water footprint in the analyzed industries is equal to or exceeds direct water consumption, with both being equally significant. Finally, it is important to note that the results of this study can support decision-makers and policymakers in the industry, including those in the iron and steel, refinery, and power plant sectors, in managing their water footprint.
M. Asadi, M. Noshadi, A.r. Noshadi,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
In this research, drinking water quality was investigated using acceptability, health, and nutrition-based indicators from 2010 to 2022 in Shiraz City (Fars province). Magnesium, fluoride, and calcium play a significant role in the contribution of drinking water in Shiraz City to the intake of dietary minerals. The acceptability water quality index (AWQI), health-based water quality index (HWQI), and drinking water quality index (DWQI) rankings in Shiraz City are excellent, but the average drinking water nutritional quality index (DWNQI) of Shiraz City is 77.52 ± 5.47, which falls within the good ranking. Therefore, while the conventional water quality indices (AWQI, HWQI, and DWQI) are excellent, the DWNQI index does not achieve an excellent rating, due to the inclusion of the nutritional value of water in the DWNQI index. In general, the trend of AWQI, HWQI, DWQI, and DWNQI over thirteen years in Shiraz City shows that the conventional drinking water quality indices (AWQI, HWQI, and DWQI) do not provide an accurate picture of the assessment of drinking water quality in many cases, as they do not consider the nutritional role of water. For this reason, water is sometimes treated more than necessary. Therefore, it is essential to revise the interpretation of drinking water quality using the DWNQI index to gain a comprehensive picture of drinking water quality.
S. Rezaei, M. Heidarpour, A. Aghakhani,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
The growing concern for environmental protection and increasing demand for green approaches to address environmental problems have prompted researchers to explore a sustainable and reliable method for treating dyeing wastewater. One of the sustainable and reliable methods is the electrocoagulation process. In this study, a batch electrocoagulation reactor was designed to evaluate the efficiency of this process in treating dyeing wastewater. The effects of two parameters, electrode distance and retention time, on pollutant removal efficiency were investigated. Electrode distances of 2, 5, and 7 cm were tested, and retention times of 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 minutes were examined. Results indicated that the optimal electrode distance was 5 cm and the optimal retention time was 20 minutes. Under these conditions, the removal efficiency of BOD, COD, TSS, color, and turbidity reached 83%, 85%, 98%, 98%, and 93%, respectively. The results of this research demonstrate the significant potential of the electrocoagulation system for treating dyeing wastewater.
M.r. Shoaibi Nobariyan, M.h. Mohammadi,
Volume 29, Issue 2 (7-2025)
Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of solutes and water quality on evaporation amount and rate in two sandy and clayey soils. Soil samples containing aggregates and sand particles with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 1 millimeter were collected. Six columns were prepared during the experiment; three columns were filled with sandy soil and three with aggregated soil, each measuring 60 cm in height and 15.5 cm in inner diameter. One reference column was filled with distilled water. A saturated calcium sulfate solution was added to two columns, a 0.01 molar calcium chloride solution was added to two other columns, and distilled water was added to the remaining two. The amount of water lost through evaporation was recorded every 8 to 12 hours by weighing the columns. After approximately 130 days, the columns were sectioned, allowing for the establishment of moisture and solute concentration profiles for each soil column. The results indicated that the first and second stages of evaporation were distinguishable in sandy soil, whereas in clayey soil (aggregated soil), only the first stage of evaporation occurred due to the gradual transfer of water and the continuous hydraulic connection from the surface to the water table. The presence and type of solutes affected the evaporation rate and moisture profile, reducing evaporation and increasing water retention in deeper soil layers. Hydraulic connectivity (calcium sulfate > calcium chloride > distilled water) and the resulting capillary rise of and supply of evaporated water from higher layers caused a greater evaporation rate in the calcium sulfate compared to the calcium chloride and distilled water treatments in both soil types. Additionally, the formation of a salt crust on the soil surface due to solutes disrupted the hydraulic connection with the surface, resulting in decreased evaporation rates and cumulative evaporation.
A. Raisi Nafchi, J. Abedi Koupai, M. Gheysari, H.r. Eshghiazeh,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Rice is one of the most important crops and the primary food source for more than half of the world's population. The present study was conducted to compare the direct-seeded rice (DSR) of three rice varieties (Jozdan, Firuzan, and Sazandegi) using surface (DI) and subsurface (SDI) drip irrigation systems. The experiment was performed as a split–split plot arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications in two years (2019 and 2020) in the research farm of Isfahan University of Technology in Najaf-Abad. According to the results of the variance analysis, the most suitable cultivar for DSR in the region (among the tested cultivars) is Sazandegi with a grain yield of 3400 kg/h-1. The results of this experiment showed that the amount of water consumed in DI was 20% less than in SDI. Also, DSR reduced water consumption by 40% compared to transplanted rice (TPR) in the region. However, the grain yield also decreased by about 45%.
A. Akbarian Khalilabad, H. Karami, S. F. Mousavi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
The reduction of soil permeability due to the sedimentation of suspended particles is a significant challenge to the efficient operation of artificial recharge systems. In this study, the effects of sediment concentration (0.5, 2, and 4 g/L), soil particle size, and vertical distribution on clogging processes were investigated using laboratory soil column experiments. The results showed a two-phase decrease in permeability: a rapid initial drop caused by the blockage of coarse pores during the first 10 minutes, followed by a second phase where the system reached a relative equilibrium. Higher sediment concentrations led to a faster decline and lower equilibrium values of permeability. Fine-grained soils, despite having lower initial permeability, demonstrated greater resistance to clogging, while coarse-grained soils experienced more severe reductions. Vertical analysis indicated that the most significant permeability loss occurred at a depth of 40-50 cm, while deeper layers showed increased permeability due to the limited penetration of suspended particles. These findings can inform the selection of appropriate materials, the design of subsurface layers in recharge basins, the prediction of system lifespan, and the regulation of sediment load in inflows to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of artificial recharge systems.
M. Golestani, S. F. Mousavi, H. Karami,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Groundwater is a vital resource for meeting drinking, agricultural, and industrial needs in arid and semi-arid regions of Iran. In this study, quantitative and qualitative changes in groundwater in the Garmsar Plain were modeled using GIS, MODFLOW, and MT3DMS software during the period 2011-2013. Spatial and climatic data were comprehensively processed and prepared in the GIS environment, and groundwater flow was simulated using the MODFLOW model, and water quality changes were analyzed using the MT3DMS model. After validation with field data from 2012 to 2013, the model showed acceptable accuracy with statistical indicators of mean absolute error (MAE) in the range of 0.4 to 0.5 meters and root mean square error (RMSE) between 0.5 and 0.6 meters. The modeling results showed that a 15% increase in water withdrawal led to a decrease in the water table of up to 8 meters, a constant withdrawal led to a decrease of 7 meters, and a 15% decrease in withdrawal led to a decrease of 5 meters in the water table. From a quality perspective, the decrease in withdrawal improved the quality of irrigation water but increased the concentration of some pollutants, which requires the development of effective management strategies to protect groundwater resources. The findings of this study illustrate the importance of sustainable exploitation and smart management of groundwater resources in the Garmsar Plain.
M. Shayannejad, E. Fazel Najafabadi, F. Hatamian Jazi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Regarding the increasing need for water resources and the decline of surface water resources, awareness of these resources is a crucial need in planning, developing, and protecting them. This research was conducted to model the water quality index (the most widely used feature of determining water quality) using machine learning models (Random Forest and Support Vector Machine) in the Zayandehrood River. Regarding the large number of water quality indices, the NSFWQI index was used in this study. First, this index was calculated, and then, input data, including water quality characteristics of 8 stations over 31 years, and the river water quality index were used. In this research, 80% of the data was used in the training stage, and the remaining 20% was used in the evaluation stage. The optimal model was selected based on the evaluation criteria, including R2, CRM, and NRMSE. The results showed that the Support Vector Machine algorithm (0.931 < R² < 0.982, 1.321
A. Bagheri, A. Yadegari, K. Khaledi,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Wheat is a strategic crop, and boosting its production is vital. This study identifies key factors affecting wheat yield by estimating and selecting superior production functions. The research used panel data from crop years 1400-1385 in Isfahan province counties over 15 years, analyzed with EViews 10 software. Results showed water use had the greatest positive effect; a one percent water increase raised wheat yield by 0.41 percent on average. Cultivated area, fertilizer, seeds, and labor also had positive, significant effects. In contrast, air temperature had a negative effect, and agricultural machinery had no significant effect. Isfahan's arid climate and water's role in yield underscore the need for modern irrigation methods and better water use efficiency to improve production.
A.r. Jafarnejadi, A. Gilani, F. Meskini-Vishkaee, M. Hoseini Chaleshtori,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Rice, as one of the world's most strategic crops, plays a vital role in global food security. This study investigated the effects of different nutrition management approaches on yield and water productivity in dry direct-seeded rice cultivation (local Anbouri Red Dwarf cultivar) at Shavoor Research Station in Khuzestan Province. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with four treatments, including 1) Farmer's conventional practice, 2) Soil test-based fertilization, 3) Soil test-based fertilization + supplementary nutrition, and 4) 25% reduced chemical fertilizers + biofertilizers, with three replications. Results demonstrated that the supplementary nutrition (4270 kgha-1) and biofertilizer with 25% chemical fertilizer reduction (4356 kgha-1) treatments increased yield by 17% and 19.3 %, respectively, compared to conventional practice (3651 kgha-1). This improvement was primarily attributed to increased panicles per m² (10-14%) and enhanced nutrient uptake efficiency. The biofertilizer treatment also showed the highest water productivity (0.25 kg m-³) and the best benefit-cost ratio (23.25). Economic analysis confirmed that combining biofertilizers with 25% chemical fertilizer reduction significantly reduced costs while maintaining yield. These findings suggest that integrating soil testing with either biofertilizers or stage-specific nutrition represents an effective strategy for enhancing yield, improving water use efficiency, and reducing dependence on chemical inputs in dry-seeded rice cultivation. These methods can be recommended as sustainable models for farmers in arid regions like Khuzestan, which face salinity challenges and water resource limitations.
M. Tahvilian, S. Eslamian, A.r. Gohari, M. Jamali,
Volume 29, Issue 3 (10-2025)
Abstract
Time of concentration (Tc) is one of the key parameters in hydrological studies, playing a critical role in flood control structure design, runoff simulation, and water resource management. This study evaluates the performance of seven empirical equations—Bransby-Williams, California, Giandotti, Kirpich, Pilgrim, Rational Hydrograph (SCS), and Carter—in estimating Tc across 35 sub-watersheds in Khuzestan Province, Iran. To assess the accuracy, six sub-watersheds with reliable rainfall-runoff data were selected, and observational Tc values were calculated. The estimated results from the empirical formulas were then compared with observed data using statistical indices such as RMSE, ME, and the Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE). The findings revealed that the Kirpich equation provided the most accurate and reliable estimates, with RMSE = 2 hours, ME = 0.44 hours, and NSE = 0.91. Subsequently, all seven models were applied to estimate Tc for the remaining sub-watersheds. Finally, a concentration time zoning map was generated, which can serve as a practical tool for hydraulic design, flood risk analysis, and optimal water resource planning in Khuzestan Province.
