https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/ Applied Research in Water Engineering en daily 1 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0330 Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0330 https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_722346.html Water management in agriculture is impossible without considering the relationships between water, soil, and plants. Simulation models are a valuable tool for improving water management in the field and increasing water productivity. It is essential to evaluate the efficiency of the model in each region and for each crop. In order to validate the AquaCrop model in Birjand region, an experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design as a factorial, in which two factors of irrigation water salinity at two levels (S1, S2, respectively equivalent to 6 and 1.6 dS/m) and irrigation water quantity at four levels (I1, I2, I3, and I4, respectively equivalent to 50, 75, 100, and 125 percent of plant water requirement) were implemented in two crop years 2017-18 and 2018-19. Initially, the model was calibrated for each salinity and drought treatment simultaneously for the first-year data and then validated simultaneously for the salinity and drought treatments for the second-year data. The simulation values were evaluated based on the measured values of grain yield and total biomass using five evaluation indices including root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), efficiency factor (EF), maximum error (ME), and residual coefficient (CRM). The results of RMSE values of 0.19 t/ha in the calibration stage and 0.3 t/ha in the validation stage showed that the AquaCrop model simulated biomass and grain yield for wheat well under salinity and water deficit conditions. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_722619.html Social-ecological systems, as coupled human-natural systems, encompass a wide range of intertwined relationships between human societies and ecosystems. The key role of water resources in development and the link between human societies and ecosystems, on the one hand, and the intensification of climate change and reduced access to water resources in arid and semi-arid regions, on the other, have led to an increase in water conflicts and fueled social conflicts. Given the increasing trend of unsustainable development in most watersheds in Iran, the effectiveness of resource management is linked to water governance practices. In this study, an attempt has been made to identify the policy guidelines for implementing water governance through the SWOT technique. The results of this study show that based on the superiority of weaknesses over strengths and the dominance of threats over opportunities in the socio-ecological system of Iran, the conservative strategy (WO) will be more effective. Therefore, to implement water governance, it is necessary for the country's macro policies to shift from a mode of confrontation to a mode of adaptation to climate change. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_722471.html Wetlands are among the areas on the surface of the earth whose life and dynamics depend on the presence of water, this dependence is so great that they react to fluctuations and changes in water levels in the shortest possible time. The aim is to investigate and reveal changes in NDVI and NDWI in Shadegan Wetland using remote sensing. In this regard, using Landsat images in the period (1972-2020) in June, we investigated and revealed changes (decrease and increase) in NDVI and NDWI and estimated the water level in the wetland catchment area in hectares. After obtaining images from the site https://glovis.usgs.gov, the images were processed and the water cover area was calculated using ENVI and GIS software. In one year, we witnessed an increase in the wetland water level, this increase was repeated only in the next two or three years, and after that, we were faced with a decrease in the wetland water level. In 1975 to 1978, more than fifty percent of the wetland surface was covered by water, but in 1980, the water surface coverage decreased to 15 percent. The decrease and increase in the wetland water level changes in the following year, and its changes from year to year are large. Based on the results obtained, it was determined that in the catchment area of the wetland, the water available in this wetland fluctuates greatly. In the 23-year period under study, the water available in this section is less than 50 percent. The water availability in the wetland has an uncertain trend that does not follow a specific order. Since water is considered the most important life-giving element in wetlands, this high irregularity or severe fluctuation in water availability can be considered a serious threat to the life of the Shadegan wetland ecosystem. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_722727.html Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are electrochemical convertors that can convert chemical energy of organic matters with catalytic microorganisms to electrical energy. One of the important factors for increasing the efficiency of the cell output is the optimal input flow rate. In this study , the effect of flow rate from the anode chamber in herbal medicine wastewater treatment and using of it as the organic matter to produce electricity was investigated in the MFC. This procedural system contained a dual-chamber MFC with Nafion membrane as a separator and equipped with an Fe@Fe2O3/graphite as catalysy in electrode. The dual chamber MFC with continuous flow was used for 2 months at ambient temperature and different flow rate of anolyte. With increasing input flow rate from 0.1 to 1.6 ml/min, power density and voltage input increased from 95.05 to 366.13 mW/m2 and 627 to 844 V, repectively, while the removal of COD decreased from 75% to 31%. Also, the maximum produced power was obtained in substrate degradation rate of 1.81 g COD/l.d and F:M 0.584 mg COD/mg MLSS.d. In addition, the changes of pH was lower in high flow rate due to low activity of microorganisms The results show that microbial fuel cell can be used as a cost-effective technology for herbal medicine wastewater treatment and production of electricity simultaneously https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_722844.html Watershed measures, like other construction and development projects, need to be evaluated in order to analyze the performance of activities and develop basic solutions. Due to the lack of equipment to measure and record the changes in the state of flooding, erosion and sedimentation of watersheds, the use of hydrological models to simulate the behavior of the watershed before and after watershed management measures is an efficient tool in achieving These are the goals. In this study, HEC-HMS hydrological model was used in order to evaluate the actions of Dareh Gardo watershed in Central Province. For this purpose, the geometric characteristics of the structures, sediment volume and empty volume were collected by conducting field visits. By harvesting the area's vegetation, the improvement of the area's vegetation and improving the area's hydrological status was calculated using the SCS method, and by applying the changes made to the model's inputs, simulating the flood behavior for rains with a return period of 50 years in the past. And after watershed management measures. The results of the study, along with the different effect of watershed management measures in reducing the peak discharge and flood volume for different return cycles, recommend its use in order to predict and evaluate the impact of watershed management measures. On a single-event scale, the peak flood discharge for 16 and 56 mm rains, respectively, from 2.81 to 0.16 cubic meters per second (rate of 94.3 percent) and from 20.40 to 1.11 cubic meters per second. (rate of 94.6 percent) decreased. Also, the base time of the hydrograph increased by 55:56 hours (from 4:30 to 60:24 hours) in 16 mm rainfall and by 270:10 hours (from 19:50 to 290:00 hours) in 56 mm rainfall. showed But the volume of the outgoing flood decreased by 1.97% and 2.50% respectively. In the long-term daily mode, the construction of flood dams has reduced the peak flow of the daily hydrograph from 7.5 cubic meters per second to 1.2 meters per second. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_722960.html The lack of available drinking water resources and their high costs, it is very important to use different methods for its preservation and survival. The absence of a mechanized, accurate and accessible system for managing incidents in water and wastewater companies imposes high losses on these companies annually that Considering the problem of water crisis and water stress, it will increase real losses. The purpose of this study is to use the information of water distribution network equipment according to location systems in a way that will improve the assets management of Lorestan Water and Wastewater Company in the future. of infrastructure. Therefore, a method was presented to collect information related to accidents and to process the accidents using the facilities for recording, integrating, and analyzing reference location data in GIS software systems and statistical analyses. To achieve the objectives, by selecting a study sample of one of the cities of Lorestan province, information related to accidents was collected over a three-year period and the GIS model of accidents was evaluated. The results of the root cause analysis show that a high percentage of accidents are caused by exhaustion of water distribution networks and poor quality of consumables. Applying this method in water distribution networks will have satisfactory results in terms of reducing accidents and costs and improving the current situation. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_723146.html In this study, the discharge coefficient (Cd) of piano key weirs was estimated using the Support Vector Machine (SVM) model, and its performance was subsequently compared with the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) model. For this purpose, the parameters of the upstream head-to-weir height ratio (h⁄P), the inlet-to-outlet width ratio (w_i⁄w_o), the key length-to-width ratio (L_cy⁄w_cy), and the number of keys (N) were considered as inputs, with Cd as the output. The results indicated that the minimum value of the R2 statistical index and the maximum value of the RMSE for the mentioned models during the validation phase were R2=0.99 and RMSE=0.01, respectively. The developed MLPNN model consisted of two hidden layers, with four neurons in the first layer and two neurons in the second layer, both utilizing the sigmoid tangent activation function. The SVM model employed a radial basis function (RBF) kernel. Sensitivity analysis of the models revealed that the most influential parameters in modeling and estimating the discharge coefficient were h_o⁄P. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_723147.html To design a suitable subsurface drip irrigation system for sugarcane, an experiment was conducted at the Khuzestan Sugarcane Research and Training Institute. This experiment utilized a split-plot design within a completely randomized block framework with three replications. The main factor was mulch management at two levels: removal of plant residues through burning and retention of sugarcane residues on the soil surface after harvesting. The subplot factor was the installation depth of the drippers at three levels: 15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm. The main and interaction effects of the treatments on both the quantitative and qualitative performance of the first ratoon sugarcane were investigated. Quantitative performance parameters included stalk weight as yield and the total weight of stalks, leaves, and tops as total biomass. Qualitative parameters included POL, Brix, syrup purity, brown sugar yield, and sugar yield. According to the results, increasing the depth of dripper installation resulted in reduced yield due to moisture accumulation in a zone below the effective root depth. Additionally, the use of mulch reduced quantitative performance for biomass and Water Use Efficiency (WUE) by 14.89%, 17.8%, and 14.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the 25 cm installation depth showed better results compared to other dripper installation depths, with a yield of 132.6 ton ha-1, biomass of 231.1 ton ha-1, and a WUE of 6.4 kg m-3 under non-mulch conditions, and a yield of 111.4 ton ha-1, biomass of 193.5 ton ha-1, and a WUE of 5.36 kg m-3 under plant residue management conditions. Meanwhile, the presence of mulch led to a non-significant increase in some qualitative parameters, as brown sugar yield and Brix increased in all treatments despite the use of mulch.It is noteworthy that the presence of mulch caused a statistically insignificant but observable increase in certain qualitative parameters. Specifically, the presence of mulch resulted in increased brown sugar yield and Brix levels across all treatments. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_733155.html The scarcity of freshwater resources represents one of the most critical challenges to achieving sustainable agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions. Enhancing water use efficiency and minimizing resource losses play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable development. This study explores a comprehensive and integrated framework for agricultural water resource management that encompasses the utilization of non-conventional water sources alongside the adoption of advanced irrigation technologies. The findings reveal that the integration of these strategies not only reduces water consumption and losses but also maintains or enhances crop yield and quality, thereby strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems under water-scarce conditions. Furthermore, the combination of smart irrigation technologies, soil moisture sensors, and rainwater harvesting systems enables precise irrigation scheduling and optimization of water application in both time and quantity. This approach alleviates pressure on conventional water resources while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. Overall, the results suggest that implementing such a holistic and integrated management approach can serve as an effective strategy to ensure food security, conserve water resources, and foster sustainable agricultural development at both regional and national scales. Moreover, it provides policymakers and decision-makers with a robust foundation for improving water resource planning and management, taking into account the constraints and climatic conditions characteristic of arid and semi-arid regions. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_729433.html Optimal pressure management is a standard strategy for minimizing water losses in water distribution systems. Minimizing background leakage and pipe bursts is critical to improving the reliability, competency, and overall performance of the network. One of the pressure and leakage management methods in water distribution networks is the use of pressure relief valves and the creation of pressure zones, for the effective operation of these valves, it is very important to determine the appropriate position and their regulatory pressure. In the present study, the effect of pressure zoning method on pressure management and network leakage reduction has been studied using a hydraulic model. For this purpose, with the help of Water GEMS software, the hydraulic model of the water distribution network of Noorabad city was built and the model was calibrated using the information of flow measurement and pressure measurement, then the hydraulic analysis of the model was performed. Based on the results of the pressure zoning, the city's distribution network was divided into 11 pressure zones. Three of the zones were supplied by gravity and eight zones were supplied by installing pressure relief valves using appropriate valve placement. In addition to the existing pressure relief valves, five new pressure relief valves were also proposed to regulate the network pressure. The results showed that by using of zoning, the network pressure reduction level was %17. According to the results of the presented method, it has a proper efficiency on managing the pressure and network events and leakage of the water distribution network. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_729091.html Shuts are among the most common water transfer structures in dams, irrigation and drainage networks, alluvial waterways, and wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal systems, and are used to transfer water from one level to a lower level over a relatively long distance. Downstream, the rapids become energy-draining structures. Among the methods for reducing the size or eliminating downstream energy-dissipating structures is the use of methods to reduce the flow energy on rapids. In this study the effect of chute slope on energy dissipation has been investigated. Experimental tests were conducted in a physical model using different bed slopes (16.4, 20.6, 22.6, 25, 28.7, 35 degree) and 2 different uniform roughness heights (3.38, 38.1 mm). Total of 120 tests were conducted with flow discharges ranged between 4 and 45 (LS-1). Results show that in comparison with the smooth bed, nearly 7 to 51 percent of the flow energy was dissipated on the roughened bed chute. Maximum energy dissipation occurred for slope 16.4 degree and the minimum energy was dissipated on 35 degree. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_733343.html Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions is one of the fundamental and persistent challenges to the sustainability of horticultural production. In recent years, climate change, rising temperatures, and declining rainfall have intensified the pressure on both surface and groundwater resources. These conditions have made the need for intelligent and efficient water management in horticulture more critical than ever. The present study aims to propose practical strategies for sustainable water management in orchards located in Iran’s dry regions, focusing on three innovative irrigation techniques: Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI), Partial Root-zone Drying (PRD), and Subsurface Drip Irrigation (SDI). These methods, through precise control of irrigation timing and volume, can reduce water consumption by 30–50% without significant yield loss and, in some cases, even enhance product quality. In the RDI method, specific growth stages of the plant are deliberately subjected to limited water stress to increase water use efficiency. The PRD method involves irrigating only part of the root zone while keeping the other part dry, stimulating physiological responses that reduce water consumption. The SDI system delivers water directly to the root zone below the soil surface, minimizing surface evaporation. Successful implementation of these approaches requires continuous soil moisture monitoring using tools such as tensiometers and moisture sensors, the use of accurate climatic data for irrigation scheduling, and hands-on training for orchardists. Findings indicate that integrating these irrigation techniques with supportive policies such as financial incentives, field-based education, and digital extension services can significantly improve water productivity, reduce pressure on groundwater resources, and enhance the resilience of horticultural production against drought. Ultimately, it is recommended that agricultural managers and policymakers focus on developing smart irrigation systems, modernizing outdated irrigation networks, and promoting farmer participation in local decision-making to facilitate the transition toward sustainable horticulture in the country’s dry regions. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_733342.html The rapid population growth and climate change have placed increasing pressure on water and energy resources, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in agriculture. This review study aims to analyze energy consumption in pressurized irrigation systems and introduce modern technologies that reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. Studies show that water pumping using diesel and electric pumps accounts for a significant share of energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. The use of photovoltaic solar systems, including hybrid solar-diesel systems and battery-equipped pumps, is proposed as a suitable alternate for conventional pumps, offering notable economic, environmental, and operational benefits. Additionally, variable speed drive (VSD) pump technology is introduced as an effective strategy for optimizing energy consumption, reducing unnecessary pressure, and lowering operational costs. The findings indicate that the combined use of these technologies can play an important role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels, improving irrigation system efficiency, and addressing environmental crises. However, overcoming challenges such as high initial investment costs and the need for governmental support remains essential. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_734791.html Today, the flood phenomenon is one of the most complex hazardous events that, more than any other natural disaster, causes human and financial losses and agricultural land destruction every year in different parts of the world; therefore, preparing a flood sensitivity map is the first step in a flood management program. The aim of this study was to identify flood-sensitive areas using two machine learning models: Random Forest (RF) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) in the Navrud watershed in Gilan province. A map of the distribution of past floods was prepared in order to predict future floods. Out of 683 flood events, 70% (466 flood events) were used for modeling and 30% (200 flood events) were used for validation. By reviewing previous studies and surveying the study area, 10 effective factors were selected and prepared for flood zoning, including distance from the watercourse, drainage density, flow direction, slope, slope direction, precipitation, elevation, land use, and geology. The results of the sensitivity analysis showed that the three factors of drainage density, geology and land use have the greatest impact on the flooding of the study area, respectively. Also, the results of the model output evaluation showed that the AUC value in the SVM and RF models was 0.97 and 0.93, respectively, which indicates the superiority of the RF model and its greater accuracy in preparing a flood sensitivity map in the study area. The largest flood sensitivity area in the RF model is related to the low class and in the SVM model to the middle class. https://arwe.lu.ac.ir/article_735800.html Nowadays, the optimal management of urban water distribution networks has become a fundamental challenge for water and wastewater companies. Excessive pressure within a network not only accelerates the deterioration of infrastructure and increases the probability of pipe bursts but also leads to a significant rise in leakage. This study investigates the effect of using Pressure Reducing Valves (PRVs) on pressure control and leakage reduction in water distribution systems. Initially, to simulate the distribution network in WaterGEMS software, network specifications—including node locations, reservoirs, pipe material, and pipe diameters—were defined. Subsequently, the characteristics of the pipes and nodes were extracted using AutoCAD and ArcGIS software and incorporated into the model. The results demonstrated that by implementing pressure zoning and installing PRVs in the water distribution network, network losses can be reduced by 33%. Furthermore, this approach ensures the satisfactory hydraulic performance of the network in terms of pressure and flow rate at different times of the day, with the average network pressure decreasing by 19.17%. Based on the findings, the proposed strategy can be effective for the appropriate design and placement of PRVs in water distribution networks and for reducing system leakage.