Innovations Related to Hydrology in Response to Climate Change - A Review

Water is one of the most valuable and necessary resources on this planet, and the demand rate is increasing greater than the supply rate. In response to rapidly growing water needs, we must become more efficient with our water usage. As agriculture is one of the primary uses of potable water across the globe, increases in efficiency in this aspect can have substantial impact. Smarter management and planting strategies, only with more drought-resistant crops, can have a large impact upon plant yields. One of the major untapped water resources in developing countries is untreated wastewater. The amount of wastewater collected in some of these countries can equal almost a third of their total water needs, yet less than half is treated. Africa, a fairly dry continent, only treats 1% of its wastewater. Wastewater treatment technology continues to advance, as pollut- ants are removed more efficiently, with less power demand from the treatment plants. The most common plants today are activated sludge plants, but newer membrane bioreactors are demonstrating superior filtration and thus effectiveness at comparable costs. Nanotechnology is an exciting new approach to wastewater treatment, as it is by far the most effective at cleansing water, and identifying pollutants. Currently, it is too expensive for widespread implementation. It could become feasible in the near future if the economies of scale begin to drive down the price. Groundwater is also a key resource in many arid developing countries, but care must be taken not to overuse it. Sufficient time must be taken to allow for aquifer recharge. In addition, the levels of nitrogen and sodium must be monitored to pre- vent a harmful buildup. The most easily available implementation, which requires no capital cost, is simply policy change. Several countries in the region can be used as a model for smart wastewater management, as some have attained treatment rates of over 85%.