Comparative hydrochemical assessment of the current state of some water bodies in the Upper Volga

Results of field studies of water chemistry in the Upper Volga and some its tributaries in the reach between the Volga source and Tver City, as well as in lakes Sterzh, Vselug, Peno, and Volgo, which are constituent parts of the Verkhnevolzhskoe Reservoir, as well as Selizharovskii Pool of Lake Seliger. The year-to-year and season-to-season dynamics of the hydrochemical regime of the examined water bodies and their variations downstream the Volga under the effect of natural and anthropogenic factors are analyzed.     

Regulation of environmental-protection water releases in the Upper Volga basin as a method of increasing the reliability of water supply in the Moscow Region

The article offers analysis of formation of the volume and frequency of environmental-protection water releases within the water resource system of the Moscow Region.     

Integrated risk assessment of urban water supply systems from source to tap

Urban water supply systems (UWSS) are generally composed of water sources, transmission pipes, treatment plants, and distribution networks from source to tap and usually are exposed to variety of uncertain threatening hazards. These threats can be divided to three main groups of natural, human-made, and operational hazards which affect either water quantity or water quality. In order to evaluate the reliability of water supply systems, risk assessment tools must be used to identify threats, their probability, and consequences and vulnerabilities of each element of these systems against the hazards. Due to the complexity and uncertainties affecting water supply systems and threatening hazards, a comprehensive and effective risk assessment method is required. In this study, an integrated fuzzy hierarchical risk assessment model for water supply systems (IFHRA-WSS) is proposed to assess hazards in a complex UWSS using a systematic approach incorporating both water quantity and quality issues. This model uses a hierarchical framework for breaking down the UWSS infrastructures to their interrelated elements to reduce the overall complexity of the system. It also considers uncertainties using Fuzzy Logic approach. Effects of functional interdependencies between different components of the system have also been considered in the vulnerability analysis. IFHRA-WSS incorporates the contributions of urban water experts in a group risk assessment procedure in a way that they can be easily expressed in terms of the qualitative and quantitative risk measures. Efficiency of this model has been examined in a case study which includes a large part of a drinking water supply system in a major city in Iran. This system includes all the elements of the UWSS from the delivery point to the consumption point. In the case study, different components and subcomponents of this system have been ranked based on their estimated risk values. It is envisaged that the results of the proposed model can help the decision makers to plan for effective risk mitigation measures.     

能源供应系统地震次生火灾危险性与火灾荷载评估

能源供应系统的地震安全是防震减灾的重要课题。研究了能源供应系统可能遭遇的地震次生火灾危险性评估和火灾荷载的评价分析方法,包括危险性评估、火灾荷载、温度计算、火灾减灾等。这些方法为能源供应系统防御地震次生火灾提供了有效途径,具有很好的应用前景。     

The state of water resources and the conditions of water supply to population in oil-producing areas in the republic of Tatarstan

The state of water resources and the conditions of water supply to population in oil-producing areas in the republic of Tatarstan are discussed. It is noted that a large set of environmental-protection and sanitaryhygienic measures aimed at the conservation of water resources and the improvement of water supply to the population is in progress in the territories of oil-producing regions.     

Year to year variations in water balance components in the Volga Basin and their interaction

A method for the assessment of water balance components in a large water basin is discussed. The assessment is based on data on atmospheric precipitation and river runoff. The major components of annual water balance are determined for the Volga Basin for a period of 109 years (from 1892/1893 to 2000/2001). The main statistical characteristics of time series of water balance elements are estimated and their correlation is calculated.     

供水水池的震害预测

供水系统作为城市生命线工程系统的重要组成部分,在日益发展的城市正常的生产和生活中起着越来越重要的作用,这不仅体现在平时,而且在震后其重要性更是明显,然而,地震对供水系统的破坏也是十分严重的,这可以从历次大的破坏性地震中得到验证。供水系统有三大部分组成：水源-输送体系-用户。水池作为水源部分的重要构筑物设施,在整个供水系统中处于关键地位,如果水池破坏,则整个供水系统就会失去服务功能。所以有必要对它在地震中的破坏情况进行专门研究,以提高其在地震中的安全可靠性。本文主要对水池的震害预测方法进行探讨。     

Probabilistic leak detectability assessment via state estimation in water transport networks

Leak detectability or leakage awareness refers to the capability of sensing losses from a water supply system. Several methods exist in the technical literature to tackle this problem, but only few address it with a state estimation approach. The aim of this paper is to present a new methodology that enables probabilistic assessment of the extent to which water loss could be detected using state estimation by only analysing a single hydraulic state, i.e. one time period. Significant leaks are sensed by identifying unusually high normalised state estimation residuals, which can be identified based on the largest normalised residual test. More specifically, the probability of detecting leaks is computed here by working with the multivariate distribution among measurements and estimates to take into account the noisy nature of measurements with an analytical approach rather than with sampling experiments, which are time-consuming. The methodology set out herein also provides a procedure to systematically assess the minimum leak that could be detected in different parts of the network for a specific measurement setting and operating condition. The method has been applied to a water transport network case study to show its potential and to highlight the usefulness of such a tool for practitioners. The limitations of such a methodology are also discussed, including its possible use for on-line leak detection strategies.     

Reservoir-type water source vulnerability assessment: a case study of the Yuqiao Reservoir,China

ABSTRACT

In this study, we developed a method to assess reservoir-type water source vulnerability (WSV) and adapted the method to the Yuqiao Reservoir (in Tianjin in North China). First, we identified the factors that influence reservoir vulnerability and selected suitable indexes for vulnerability assessment. Second, the CRITIC, AHP and integrated weighting methods were applied to quantify the index weight. Third, the information diffusion method was applied to process the index data. Finally, the vulnerability of the Yuqiao Reservoir was assessed, and the results showed that the vulnerability of the Yuqiao Reservoir is high, with social factors (i.e. the road traffic system, automatic management control system, potential menace in evaluation scope, destructive man-made accidents, emergency management plan, and per capita water consumption) being the main reasons.     

Water isotopic composition traces source and dynamics of water supply in a semi-arid agricultural landscape

Changes in seasonality and form of precipitation alter the structure and function of grassland and steppe ecosystems and pose challenges for land management and crop production in regions like the Northern Great Plains, North America. This research uses isotopic composition of water (δ¹⁸O and δ²H) to explore the sources and fate of soil water in lower-elevation agricultural areas of the Judith River watershed, in the headwaters of the Missouri River, USA. Extensive non-irrigated cereal crop production in this area occurs on well-drained soils and depends on careful water management. Our observations indicate that colder precipitation contributes isotopically distinct water to cultivated terrace soils relative to downgradient groundwaters and streams. Riparian waters also exhibit a higher fraction of contributions from colder precipitation relative to terrace groundwaters and streams. Apparent contributions from colder precipitation in terrace and riparian soil waters suggest that snowmelt is a key component of the water supply to these systems. Riparian waters also show evidence of evaporation suggesting that water spends sufficient time in some ponds and open channels in the riparian corridor to reflect fractionation by evaporation. The evolution of water isotopic composition from soils to shallow aquifers to stream corridors indicates source water partitioning as precipitation moves through this semi-arid agricultural landscape. The apparent mixing processes evident in this evolution reveal source water dynamics that are necessary to understand plant transpiration, solute processing, and contaminant leaching processes.     

Studying seasonal dynamics of surface water pollution in Lower Volga Basin

The results of environmental monitoring of surface-water quality in the Lower Volga Basin are given. The results of regular observations are differentiated. Water pollution is assessed based on the criterion of seasonal occurrence of chemicals in water at gage sections classified by zonal principle. An integrated estimate demonstrates considerable variations within a year and an increase in the normal annual concentrations of some pollutants of both natural and anthropogenic origin.     

Plant pigments as indicators of water transformation in the upper Volga Chain of reservoirs

Results of studying spatial and temporal variability in plant pigments in the Volga River water from the upper sections of the Ivankovo Reservoir downstream to the Rybinsk Reservoir Main Reach, as well as the applicability of different groups of indices of the absolute and relative concentration of pigments (chlorophylls, phaeo-pigments, and carotenoids) are presented. To differentiate water masses, these pigments have been assessed using the standard spectrophotometric method. It has been found that waters of individual river sections, singled out according to their hydrological features, and waters of different reservoirs on the whole can be reliably distinguished according to the concentration of pigments in the plant suspension.     

供水管道震害预测模型及其在GIS环境下的实现

供水管道的震害主要原因是强烈的地面运动或场地失效以及管材、管径尺度等因素的影响。因此,将管道细分为单元,并分别考虑主要因素是强烈的地面运动或场地失效对单元的震害影响,建立相应的震害预测模型;单元综合震害以及由单元组成的管道体系的震害,则采用综合概率法进行预测。用GIS空间分析技术,依据用户指定的单元划分原则进行多因素单元自动划分,将有助于提高震害预测的自动化水平和预测效率。另外主要介绍了供水管道的单元震害预测模型和综合概率预测模型;叙述了在GIS环境下管道数据管理与查询、地图显示、预测单元自动划分、预测结果的显示输出等功能设计。     

Ecotoxicological approach to water quality assessment

Comparative analysis of approaches and methods of biological assessment of water quality is presented. A method of ecotoxicological diagnostic of aquatic ecosystem health and water quality evaluation based on the physiological state of fish are substantiated. Characteristics of the main symptoms of diseases in fish inhabiting freshwater bodies and pathologic disturbances in their organs and tissues, caused by water bodies contamination with toxic substances, are presented. The method of ecotoxicological assessment of water quality is shown to be both highly informative and easy-to-use in practical monitoring.Translated from Vodnye Resursy, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2005, pp. 184–195.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Moiseenko.     

Multi-tracer assessment of seasonal water source changes in coastal water systems along the southeastern coast of Ivory Coast (West Africa)

ABSTRACT

Proper management of coastal freshwater resources depends on an understanding of processes controlling their chemistry and seasonal flowpaths. A quantitative approach involving the coupling of major solutes and isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ²H) of 180 samples in end-member mixing analysis (EMMA) was adopted to elucidate seasonal patterns of hydraulic exchanges amongst coastal waters along the Ebrié Lagoon catchment, Ivory Coast. The results show that the Ebrié Lagoon is a hydrologically dynamic system. In the dry season, evaporation and seawater inflow are the dominating processes, while in the wet season, river discharge is the main water source in the lagoon. Regional geology plays a significant role in aquifer recharge patterns. The Quaternary aquifer responds faster to precipitation, while the Mio-Pliocene aquifer is recharged indirectly via floodplain seepages. Salinization of over 90% of wells arises from hydrological exchanges with the Ebrié Lagoon. A diluted seawater effect was recorded in wells during the wet season owing to the relative increase in freshwater inflow.     

Scientists' warning on extreme wildfire risks to water supply

2020 is the year of wildfire records. California experienced its three largest fires early in its fire season. The Pantanal, the largest wetland on the planet, burned over 20% of its surface. More than 18 million hectares of forest and bushland burned during the 2019–2020 fire season in Australia, killing 33 people, destroying nearly 2500 homes, and endangering many endemic species. The direct cost of damages is being counted in dozens of billion dollars, but the indirect costs on water-related ecosystem services and benefits could be equally expensive, with impacts lasting for decades. In Australia, the extreme precipitation (“200 mm day −1 in several location”) that interrupted the catastrophic wildfire season triggered a series of watershed effects from headwaters to areas downstream. The increased runoff and erosion from burned areas disrupted water supplies in several locations. These post-fire watershed hazards via source water contamination, flash floods, and mudslides can represent substantial, systemic long-term risks to drinking water production, aquatic life, and socio-economic activity. Scenarios similar to the recent event in Australia are now predicted to unfold in the Western USA. This is a new reality that societies will have to live with as uncharted fire activity, water crises, and widespread human footprint collide all-around of the world. Therefore, we advocate for a more proactive approach to wildfire-watershed risk governance in an effort to advance and protect water security. We also argue that there is no easy solution to reducing this risk and that investments in both green (i.e., natural) and grey (i.e., built) infrastructure will be necessary. Further, we propose strategies to combine modern data analytics with existing tools for use by water and land managers worldwide to leverage several decades worth of data and knowledge on post-fire hydrology.     

On the use of leaf water to determine plant water source: A proof of concept

Source water apportionment studies using the dual isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen have revolutionized our understanding of ecohydrology. But despite these developments—mostly over the past decade—many technical problems still exist in terms of linking xylem water to its soil water and groundwater sources. This is mainly due to sampling issues and possible fractionation of xylem water. Here we explore whether or not leaf water alone can be used to quantify the blend of rainfall event inputs from which the leaf water originates. Leaf water has historically been avoided in plant water uptake studies due to the extreme fractionation processes at the leaf surface. In our proof of concept work we embrace those processes and use the well-known Craig and Gordon model to map leaf water back to its individual precipitation event water sources. We also employ a Bayesian uncertainty estimation approach to quantify source apportionment uncertainties. We show this using a controlled, vegetated lysimeter experiment where we were able to use leaf water to correctly identify the mean seasonal rainfall that was taken up by the plant, with an uncertainty typically within ± 1‰ for δ¹⁸O. While not appropriate for all source water studies, this work shows that leaf water isotope composition may provide a new, relatively un-intrusive method for addressing questions about the plant water source.     

Tasks and functions of a decision support system for water resources management in the Lower Volga

The Lower Volga is a Russian region, which has a unique natural resources and a territory which is the area of collision of the interests of different economic branches that use water resources. The economic development of the region requires effective water resources management in harmony with natural conditions and the operation of the Volga-Kama reservoir system. A reliable management tool is a computer decision support system for the Lower Volga. The problems to be solved with this system answer the current water problems of the region. Data on the programs under implementation and to be developed are given; water apportioning model is given; and the way of coordinated choice of management regime of the Volga-Kama reservoir system and water resources use in the Lower Volga is demonstrated.     

Assessing the efficiency of combined use of surface water and groundwater for process water supply to Kalininskaya NPP

The potential improvement of the reliability of process water supply system is discussed for the case of an important power facility with the use of combined water intake systems. Hydrological simulation is used to determine the deficiency periods of surface water resources and, accordingly, the period of involvement of subsurface compensation water intake. A hydrodynamic model is used to predict the damage to surface runoff caused by the operation of the groundwater intake. The results are used to prepare an operations schedule for the management of combined water intake system.