A novel framework for integrated assessment of reclaimed water demand potential in China

IF 10 1区环境科学与生态学 Q1 ENGINEERING, ENVIRONMENTAL

Journal of Cleaner Production Pub Date : 2025-10-06 DOI:10.1016/j.jclepro.2025.146784

Zhou Ying, Wu Fengping, Feng Chen, Li Gen

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

As global water scarcity intensifies, reclaimed water has emerged as a critical sustainable alternative to conventional resources. This study develops an innovative measurement system to assess regional reclaimed water demand potential index (RDPI) in China, revealing a significant east-west disparity along the Hu Line. Using internal-external factor analysis, we identify key drivers and constraints. The results of the study show that: (1) Jiangsu and Xinjiang exhibit the highest demand potential, the RDPI in the eastern region is higher than that in the western region. (2) Kernel density analysis shows rising potential in eastern and central regions, while the west follows a multipolar pattern. From 2015 to 2023, the Gini coefficient showed a fluctuating trend of “decreasing-increasing-decreasing” with an overall downward trend. (3) The RDPI on both sides of the Hu Line is significantly constrained by the S₈ (density of reclaimed water pipes in built-up areas) and E₂ (water resources per capita) obstacle factors. External driving factors show that RDPI in western regions is mainly driven by the synergistic effects of economic detectors and industrial detectors, while in eastern regions, the impact of key polluting industries and environmental awareness is more pronounced. This study provides actionable insights for policymakers to optimize reclaimed water utilization, addressing regional imbalances and sustainability challenges.

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中国再生水需求潜力综合评价的新框架

随着全球水资源短缺的加剧，再生水已成为传统资源的重要可持续替代品。本文开发了一种创新的测量系统来评估中国区域再生水需求潜力指数（RDPI），揭示了胡线沿线显著的东西差异。通过内外部因素分析，我们确定了关键的驱动因素和制约因素。研究结果表明：(1)江苏和新疆的需求潜力最大，东部地区的RDPI高于西部地区；(2)核密度分析显示，东部和中部呈上升趋势，西部呈多极格局；2015 - 2023年，基尼系数呈现“减小-增大-减小”的波动趋势，总体呈下降趋势。(3)胡线两侧的RDPI受到S8（建成区再生水管密度）和E2（人均水资源）障碍因素的显著约束。外部驱动因素表明，西部地区RDPI主要受经济探测器和工业探测器的协同效应驱动，而东部地区重点污染行业和环保意识的影响更为明显。本研究为决策者提供了可操作的见解，以优化再生水利用，解决区域失衡和可持续性挑战。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Journal of Cleaner Production 环境科学-工程：环境

CiteScore

20.40

自引率

9.00%

发文量

4720

审稿时长

111 days

期刊介绍： The Journal of Cleaner Production is an international, transdisciplinary journal that addresses and discusses theoretical and practical Cleaner Production, Environmental, and Sustainability issues. It aims to help societies become more sustainable by focusing on the concept of 'Cleaner Production', which aims at preventing waste production and increasing efficiencies in energy, water, resources, and human capital use. The journal serves as a platform for corporations, governments, education institutions, regions, and societies to engage in discussions and research related to Cleaner Production, environmental, and sustainability practices.