The protection of water resources from deterioration in quality from pollution discharges has become one of the biggest challenge in sustainable water resources management in recent decades. In practice, most countries have adopted pollution control strategies and measures which are based on ‘end-of-pipe’ solutions, i.e. wastewater treatment plants and adjustments to the regulations, including taxes for wastewater discharges (Conventional Strategy). This approach involves very high costs, and it has in many cases has been a complete failure. The research described in this book contributes to the development of sustainable solutions for the previously outlined problem. It is based on the validation of the Three-Step Strategic Approach concept (3-SSA), which includes: 1) prevention or minimisation of waste production; 2) treatment aimed at recovery and reuse of waste components, and 3) polishing of remaining waste by stimulation of natural self-purification of receiving water body. The study on wastewater management in the Upper Cauca river basin (389 km), the second most important river in Colombia, shows overall positive effects of the 3-SSA, in comparison of Conventional Strategy. The Cost Benefit Analysis clearly favoured the 3-SSA, generating a major positive impact on the river water quality at lower cost compared to the Conventional Strategy.

The protection of water resources from deterioration in quality by pollution discharges is probably the biggest challenge in sustainable water resources management in the recent decades. In practice, most countries have adopted pollution control strategies and measures which are based on ‘end-of-pipe’ solutions: wastewater treatment plants and adjustments to the regulations, including taxes for wastewater discharges (Conventional Strategy). Although this approach involves very high costs, on many occasions, this strategy has been a complete failure. The research described in this book contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for the previously outlined problem. It was based on the validation of the Three-Step Strategic Approach concept (3-SSA), which includes: 1) prevention or minimisation of waste production; 2) treatment aimed at recovery and reuse of waste components, and 3) disposal of remaining waste with stimulation of natural self-purification of the receiving water body. The study showed overall positive effects of the 3-SSA, in comparison of Conventional Strategy, on wastewater management in the Upper Basin (389 km) of the Cauca river, the second most important river in Colombia. The Cost Benefit Analysis clearly favoured the 3-SSA, generating a major impact on the river water quality at lower cost compared to the Conventional Strategy.

The protection of water resources from deterioration in quality by pollution discharges is probably the biggest challenge in sustainable water resources management in the recent decades. In practice, most countries have adopted pollution control strategies and measures which are based on ‘end-of-pipe’ solutions: wastewater treatment plants and adjustments to the regulations, including taxes for wastewater discharges (Conventional Strategy). Although this approach involves very high costs, on many occasions, this strategy has been a complete failure. The research described in this book contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for the previously outlined problem. It was based on the validation of the Three-Step Strategic Approach concept (3-SSA), which includes: 1) prevention or minimisation of waste production; 2) treatment aimed at recovery and reuse of waste components, and 3) disposal of remaining waste with stimulation of natural self-purification of the receiving water body. The study showed overall positive effects of the 3-SSA, in comparison of Conventional Strategy, on wastewater management in the Upper Basin (389 km) of the Cauca river, the second most important river in Colombia. The Cost Benefit Analysis clearly favoured the 3-SSA, generating a major impact on the river water quality at lower cost compared to the Conventional Strategy.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are goals set by the United Nations to address the global challenges and foster sustainable development and harmony. To effectively achieve these goals, leveraging advanced technologies and engineering techniques is paramount. This edited volume explores the pivotal role of technology and engineering in advancing the SDGs across various sectors such as green energy, water management, healthcare, agriculture, and smart manufacturing. From innovative solutions in clean energy production to precision agriculture and smart cities, technological advancements offer scalable and efficient approaches to tackle complex sustainability issues.

China’s modernization is viewed as a transformative revolution in the human history of modernization. As such, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) decided to give higher priority to the research on the science and technology (S&T) roadmap for priority areas in China’s modernization process. What is the purpose? And why is it? Is it a must? I think those are substantial and signifcant questions to start things forward. Significance of the Research on China’s S&T Roadmap to 2050 We are aware that the National Mid- and Long-term S&T Plan to 2020 has already been formed afer two years’ hard work by a panel of over 2000 experts and scholars brought together from all over China, chaired by Premier Wen Jiabao. Tis clearly shows that China has already had its S&T blueprint to 2020. Ten, why did CAS conduct this research on China’s S&T roadmap to 2050? In the summer of 2007 when CAS was working out its future strategic priorities for S&T development, it realized that some issues, such as energy, must be addressed with a long-term view. As a matter of fact, some strategic researches have been conducted, over the last 15 years, on energy, but mainly on how to best use of coal, how to best exploit both domestic and international oil and gas resources, and how to develop nuclear energy in a discreet way. Renewable energy was, of course, included but only as a supplementary energy.

Papers presented at the International Symposium of Integrated Approaches to Water Pollution Problems [SISIPPA 89], Laboratorio Nacional de Engenharia Civil, Lisbon, Portugal, June 1989.

As one of the eighteen field-specific reports comprising the comprehensive scope of the strategic general report of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this sub-report addresses long-range planning for developing science and technology in the field of water science. They each craft a roadmap for their sphere of development to 2050. In their entirety, the general and sub-group reports analyze the evolution and laws governing the development of science and technology, describe the decisive impact of science and technology on the modernization process, predict that the world is on the eve of an impending S&T revolution, and call for China to be fully prepared for this new round of S&T advancement. Based on the detailed study of the demands on S&T innovation in China's modernization, the reports draw a framework for eight basic and strategic systems of socio-economic development with the support of science and technology, work out China's S&T roadmaps for the relevant eight basic and strategic systems in line with China's reality, further detail S&T initiatives of strategic importance to China's modernization, and provide S&T decision-makers with comprehensive consultations for the development of S&T innovation consistent with China's reality. Supported by illustrations and tables of data, the reports provide researchers, government officials and entrepreneurs with guidance concerning research directions, the planning process, and investment. Founded in 1949, the Chinese Academy of Sciences is the nation's highest academic institution in natural sciences. Its major responsibilities are to conduct research in basic and technological sciences, to undertake nationwide integrated surveys on natural resources and ecological environment, to provide the country with scientific data and consultations for government's decision-making, to undertake government-assigned projects with regard to key S&T problems in the process of socio-economic development, to initiate personnel training, and to promote China's high-tech enterprises through its active engagement in these areas.

Water has become one of the most important issues of our time intertwined with global warming and population expansion. The management of water supplies and the conservation of water resources remains one of the most challenging yet exciting issues of our time. Water and wastewater treatment technologies are constantly evolving creating an increasingly sustainable industry that is one of the world's largest and most interdisciplinary sectors, employing chemists, microbiologists, botanists, zoologists as well as engineers, computer specialists and a range of different management professionals. This accessible student textbook introduces the reader to the key concepts of water science and technology by explaining the fundamentals of hydrobiology, aquatic ecosystems, water treatment and supply, wastewater treatment and integrated catchment management. This fourth edition is extensively changed throughout, with new coverage of the effects of climate change, environmental assessment, sustainability and the threat to biodiversity. The text serves as a primer for both undergraduate and graduate students in either science or engineering who have an interested in freshwater biology/hydrobiology or environmental engineering. It is also useful as a unified transitional course for those who want to span the traditional areas of engineering, biology, chemistry, microbiology or business. Professionals and consultants will also find the book a useful reference.