Optimization Models for Iraq’s Water Allocation System

abstract: In the recent past, Iraq was considered relatively rich considering its water resources compared to its surroundings. Currently, the magnitude of water resource shortages in Iraq represents an important factor in the stability of the country and in protecting sustained economic development. The need for a practical, applicable, and sustainable river basin management for the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Iraq is essential. Applicable water resources allocation scenarios are important to minimize the potential future water crises in connection with water quality and quantity. The allocation of the available fresh water resources in addition to reclaimed water to different users in a sustainable manner is of the urgent necessities to maintain good water quantity and quality. In this dissertation, predictive water allocation optimization models were developed which can be used to easily identify good alternatives for water management that can then be discussed, debated, adjusted, and simulated in greater detail. This study provides guidance for decision makers in Iraq for potential future conditions, where water supplies are reduced, and demonstrates how it is feasible to adopt an efficient water allocation strategy with flexibility in providing equitable water resource allocation considering alternative resource. Using reclaimed water will help in reducing the potential negative environmental impacts of treated or/and partially treated wastewater discharges while increasing the potential uses of reclaimed water for agriculture and other applications. Using reclaimed water for irrigation is logical and efficient to enhance the economy of farmers and the environment while providing a diversity of crops, especially since most of Iraq’s built or under construction wastewater treatment plants are located in or adjacent to agricultural lands. Adopting an optimization modelling approach can assist decision makers, ensuring their decisions will benefit the economy by incorporating global experiences to control water allocations in Iraq especially considering diminished water supplies.Dissertation/ThesisDoctoral Dissertation Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering 201

Water Quality Control Plan. San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

The State Water Resources Control Board and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards were created to solve California\u27s water quality problems. Operating under the provisions of the California Water Code. their unique relationship provides state level coordination and regional familiarity with local needs and conditions. Their joint actions constitute a comprehensive program for managing water quality in California. as well as effective State administration of the Federal water pollution control laws

Water Quality Control Plan. San Francisco Bay Basin (Region 2)

The State Water Resources Control Board and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards were created to solve California\u27s water quality problems. Operating under the provisions of the California Water Code. their unique relationship provides state level coordination and regional familiarity with local needs and conditions. Their joint actions constitute a comprehensive program for managing water quality in California. as well as effective State administration of the Federal water pollution control laws

An optimization model - preliminary selection of appropriate technology in wastewater treatment alternatives

This research is concerned with the use of techniques of system analysis / operations research in the selection of the optimal - or most appropriate - wastewater treatment techniques in any given situation. An extensive investigation of existing treatment system optimization models, applying techniques of linear programming, dynamic programming and non-linear mathematical programming, has been carried out. None of these existing models deals with the socio-cultural and environmental conditions but merely with the economy of treatment. In this work the more subjective or intangible factors are included in the proposed optimization model in which twenty parameters are identified. These parameters are considered to be most important in the selection of appropriate alternatives for treating municipal wastewater. They include technical, economic, environmental and socio-cultural factors. The model was developed to rank a definite number (n) of wastewater treatment alternatives (decision variables) by the evaluation of the twenty parameters [...continues]

Development of a risk based model for use in water quality monitoring

Modelling has recently emerged as an effective and efficient tool in the area of water quality monitoring with new models taking in vast quantities of data and facilitating the development of more targeted water monitoring programs. With the Water Framework Directive demanding that monitoring requirements for a list of priority substances be met, achieving ‘good’ status in all water bodies by 2015, there is a strong need for improved monitoring programmes. In order to improve future monitoring programmes by making the process more ‘targeted’ a simple risk-based model for the occurrence of priority substances in wastewater treatment plant effluent was devised. This model was developed through the collection of an extensive list of documents relating to priority substances emission factors. These included wastewater treatment licence applications, trade effluent licences, traffic data, rainfall data and census data. It was found that by relating data from each of these sources to historic occurrence data it was possible to conceptualise and develop to a model of risk of occurrence of priority substances. Validation of this model was carried out using data from a 24 month sampling plan at 9 sites in two counties in Ireland. This work has allowed for the compilation of a large dataset of emission factor and priority substance occurrence in Ireland where none previously existed. For the first time a risk-based model has been developed for Irish wastewater treatment plant effluents. Together the model and dataset can be used by policy makers and inform the development of future priority substance monitoring programmes

Envirnonmental Standards for Northern Regions: A Symposium

Symposium was held June 13-14, 1974 in Anchorage, Alaska.The environmental standards for water, air, and land are of prime importance to all members of the northern community. Many of the ecological systems are easily disrupted. Some of the systems are extremely stable. Although the volume of scientific and engineering research on various aspects of the total environment is expanding rapidly it appears that those studying the conditions that exist and those setting the standards for these areas seldom, if ever, communicate. Due to the increased attention being paid to the meaning and impact of regulations, the sponsors of this symposium proposed an opportunity for open discussion of the issues. The program was designed to address the full range of environmental situations. The principal objectives of this symposium were: 1. to review environmental standards and regulations 2. to identify environmental problem areas 3. to examine the adequacy, pertinence, enforcement, and effectiveness of environmental control in the North. While these objectives could not be completely satisfied by this meeting, doors were opened; participants discussed issues brought forth; and progress was made toward a better understanding of needed environmental standards for northern regions.Financial support for this symposium was provided by the University of Alaska - Division of Statewide Services, Program of Environmental Quality Engineering, and the Institute of Water Resources. These organizations are acknowledged for their participation

The prediction and management of aquatic nitrogen pollution across Europe: an introduction to the Integrated Nitrogen in European Catchments project (INCA)

Excess nitrogen in soils, fresh water, estuarine and marine systems contributes to nutrient enrichment in key ecosystems throughout Europe, often leading to detrimental environmental impacts, such as soil acidification or the eutrophication of water bodies. The Integrated Nitrogenmodel for European Catchments (INCA) project aims to develop a generic version of the Integrated Nitrogen in Catchments (INCA) model to simulate the retention and transport of nitrogen within river systems, thereby providing a tool to aid the understanding of nitrogen dynamics and for river-basin management/policy-making. To facilitate the development of the model, 10 partners have tested the INCA model with data collected in study sites located in eight European countries as part of the INCA project. This paper summarises the key nitrogen issues within Europe, describes the main aims and methodology of the INCA project, and sets the project in the context of the current major research initiatives at a European level.</p> <p style='line-height: 20px;'><b>Keywords: </b>Europe, European Union, nitrogen, nitrate, ammonium, river basin management, modelling, water chemistry, acidification, eutrophication, Water Framework Directive, INCA

Nutrient Concentrations at Baseflow Conditions in the Upper White River Basin, Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas

The Upper White River Basin (UWRB) is becoming increasingly vulnerable to water quality degradation from urban/population growth and increased agricultural production. This study examines the relationships among nutrient levels, water chemistry and watershed characteristics of 19 watersheds in the UWRB. Water samples were collected during baseflow conditions each month for one year at USGS continuous-flow gage stations. Watershed characteristics evaluated were land use, geology, drainage area, flow discharge, and wastewater treatment plant discharge (WTP). Measured chemical water quality indicators include total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), specific conductivity, turbidity, pH and dissolved oxygen. Rapidly expanding urban areas are associated with relatively high nutrient concentrations at baseflow such as found in the James River Basin, where mean levels range from 0.9 to 11.7 mg/L for TN and 18 to 175 μg/L for TP. Nutrient concentrations have a strong positive correlation to specific WTP discharge (gal/day/km²). Non-point source-affected watersheds with no or only slight WTP inputs show a negative relationship between percent forest cover and nutrient concentrations. Higher nutrient concentrations are found in watersheds with less than 50% forest in non-point source watersheds, although these nutrient levels remain below the James River recommended Total Maximum Daily Load ( \u3c 75 μg/L TP and \u3c 1.5 mg/L TN). Agricultural watersheds ( \u3e 50% ag land) in karst limestone plain areas also show elevated nutrient concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 5.2 mg/L for TN and 9 to 103 μg/L for TP

Rochester Embayment Remedial Action Plan Stage 1

The Rochester Embayment designation refers to a portion of Lake Ontario and a portion of the Genesee River near Rochester, New York. The Remedial Action Plan (RAP) will identify water quality problems and specific actions that need to be taken by various parties to address the problems. The Remedial Action Plan effort has been undertaken due to an international agreement to improve the water quality of the Great Lakes water system. The International Agreement, known as the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, is described in more detail in other sections of this chapter. The preparation of the RAP is being coordinated by the Monroe County Department of Planning and Development through a contract with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)