Water, the Environment, and the Sustainable Development Goals

By Rama Rao Karri, Inderjeet Tyagi and Miklas Scholz

Water, the Environment and the Sustainable Development Goals details the availability of water resources on Earth in the context of sustainable resource management, how these water resources are utilized and the latest sustainable techniques in water resource management. Along with the latest techniques, each chapter discusses future challenges and opportunities in sustainability and provides detailed case studies.  Sections cover water quality, water pollution, water borne diseases, water purification, transboundary waters, water and energy, water and the green economy, water cooperation, water scarcity, and the relationship between water environments and sustainable development goals.

• Comprehensively covers water resources on Earth and their relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
• Covers a wide range of promising approaches for water resource management
• Provides case studies to further elucidate the progress made towards the SDGs and the latest developments in sustainable techniques

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Release date: Nov 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9780443153556

Book preview

PART 1

Water and its effect on SDGs

Chapter 1

Scientometrics and overview of water, environment, and sustainable development goals

Rama Rao Karri¹, Nabisab Mujawar Mubarak¹, Suraj Kumar Bhagat², Tiyasha Tiyasha², Lakshmi Prasanna Lingamdinne³, Janardhan Reddy Koduru³, Gobinath Ravindran⁴, Inderjeet Tyagi⁵ and Mohammad Hadi Dehghani⁶,⁷,    ¹Petroleum and Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam,    ²Faculty of Civil Engineering, Ton Duc Thang University, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam,    ³Department of Environmental Engineering, Kwangwoon University, Seoul, Republic of Korea,    ⁴Department of Civil Engineering, SR University, Warangal, Telangana, India,    ⁵Centre for DNA Taxonomy, Molecular Systematics Division, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India,    ⁶Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,    ⁷Centre for Solid Waste Research, Institute for Environmental Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

This article provides a scientometric overview of the research on water, environment, and sustainable development goals (SDGs). The focus is on water-related SDGs, including water quality and pollution sources, water-related diseases, access to sanitation and hygiene, and climate change. The study is based on a review of research articles published in major scientific databases. The paper examines the volume of research, the most influential authors and publications, the collaboration networks, and the keywords used in the research. The results highlight the growing interest in water-related research and the increasing interdisciplinary nature of the research. The analysis shows that water quality and pollution sources are the most researched topics in the water sector, followed by water-climate changes. Water-related diseases, access to sanitation and hygiene, and the role of water in urbanization are also significant areas of research. The study reveals the significant contribution of interdisciplinary water-related research, as evidenced by the increasing collaboration networks among authors from different disciplines. This paper also explores the role of water in the green economy, energy, food security, and agriculture. It reveals that the research in these areas is growing, and there is a need for interdisciplinary research to address the complex interrelationships between water and these sectors. The findings of this study have implications for policy development and research funding in the water sector. This article concludes by highlighting the need for more research on the water-related SDGs and the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing water-related challenges.

Keywords

Sustainable development goals; water pollution; waterborne diseases; climate changes; water-energy nexus; food security; green economy

1.1 Introduction

Water is essential for sustainable development, as it is necessary for human health, food security, and economic development. The importance of water in sustainable development is rooted in the fact that water is a finite and vulnerable resource, and the demand for water is increasing due to population growth, urbanization, and industrialization.¹ The availability and quality of water resources are also threatened by climate change, pollution, and unsustainable use.² Access to safe water and sanitation is critical to prevent waterborne diseases and malnutrition, which are major health challenges in many parts of the world.³,⁴ Lack of access to water and sanitation also contributes to poverty, as people, especially women and girls in the countryside, spend a significant amount of time and energy collecting water instead of engaging in productive activities. In addition, water scarcity can lead to food insecurity, as agriculture accounts for most of the water used worldwide. Water is also critical for economic development, as it supports many industries, such as energy production, manufacturing, and tourism.⁵,⁶

Sustainable management of water resources is essential to ensure their availability for future generations.⁷ This involves balancing the competing demands of various sectors, such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use, while maintaining the health of ecosystems (see Fig. 1.1). Climate change exacerbates water scarcity and variability, making it more challenging to sustain water resources. Therefore, adopting sustainable practices such as water conservation, integrated water resources management, and ecosystem-based approaches is necessary to achieve several of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to poverty reduction, food security, health, and environmental sustainability.⁹ Promoting the sustainable use of water resources is essential, which includes improving access to safe water and sanitation, reducing water pollution, increasing water use efficiency, and protecting aquatic ecosystems.¹⁰,¹¹ In addition, addressing water challenges requires collaboration among different stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities, to ensure that everyone has access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services. In summary, the importance of water in sustainable development cannot be overstated, and sustainable water management practices are necessary to ensure a prosperous and healthy future for all.

Figure 1.1 Sustainable management of water resources. ⁸

Key points that have to be taken care of are

• Water is essential for human health, food security, and economic development.

• Lack of access to safe water and sanitation can lead to waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and poverty.

• Sustainable use of water resources is important to ensure their availability for future generations.

• Water is also critical for ecosystems and biodiversity, as it provides habitats for aquatic animals and supports various ecosystem services such as water purification and flood control.

• Sustainable management of water resources is necessary to achieve several of the SDGs, including those related to poverty reduction, food security, health, and environmental sustainability.

1.2 Scientometrics analysis of the influence of water on important features

1.2.1 Research articles on a diverse range of topics related to water

Water is a vital resource for human society and the natural environment, and water-related research has been the subject of increasing attention from the scientific community and policymakers in recent years.¹² A bibliometric analysis of water-related research published in the Scopus database during the period of 2018–22 was conducted to explore the research trends, patterns, and gaps in this field. The study identified a total of 1,182,569 articles related to water, with an average of 236,513 publications per year. The results of the bibliometric analysis revealed that water-related research has been growing steadily over the past 5 years, with a significant increase in the number of publications since 2018, as shown in Fig. 1.2.

Figure 1.2 Graphic depicting the top 15 countries that have published in the last 5 years on water-associated research.

The study identified a diverse range of topics related to water research, including water management, water pollution, water quality, hydrology, water resources, and water sustainability. The analysis also revealed that China, the United States, and India were the leading contributors to water-related research, with the highest number of publications. Moreover, the study identified emerging areas of research interest in water-related research, such as the impact of climate change on water resources, the nexus between water and energy, water-agriculture-food security, and water quality and pollution sources.

1.2.2 Insights into the emerging water-related research areas

The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the current state of water-related research and can inform future research and policy decisions to address the challenges and opportunities in this critical field. Bibliometric studies provide insights into the key research themes and research trends. In this bibliometric study, the data sources used for the analysis were Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus.

Water and climate change are closely linked, as climate change can affect the water cycle and water availability in various regions. Climate change impacts on water resources include changes in precipitation patterns, melting of glaciers, and increased frequency of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. There have been many significant studies on the impact of climate change on water availability, water demand, and water management strategies. Bibliometric studies depicting the number of publications in the past 5 years on the studies linked between water and climate change are shown in Fig. 1.3A. The exponential trends indicate that the research studies on the impact of climate change on water resources are increasing.

Figure 1.3 Number of research article publications on various water-linked topics in the last 5 years as per Web of Science (WOS) and Scopus databases. (A) water and climate change, (B) water and energy nexus, (C) water and agriculture and food security, and (D) water quality and pollution source.

The water-energy nexus is another important area of research that focuses on the interdependency between water and energy systems. Water is used in various stages of energy production and consumption, and energy is required for water treatment and distribution. Research in this area has focused on understanding the complex relationships between water and energy systems and developing strategies to promote sustainable management. Bibliometric studies depicting the number of publications in the past 5 years on the studies linked between water and climate change are shown in Fig. 1.3B. The trends indicate that the number of research studies is increasing every year.

Water, agriculture, and food security are important interconnected concepts that have received significant attention in academic literature. Food security and agriculture are dependent on water availability and quality, and this relationship has been studied extensively in different parts of the world. Researchers have examined various aspects of this relationship, such as the impact of climate change on water resources and crop yields, the role of irrigation in improving water use efficiency, and the implications of groundwater depletion on food production. Bibliometric studies depicting the number of publications in the past 5 years on the studies linked between water and climate change are shown in Fig. 1.3C. The trends indicate that the number of research studies is increasing every year.

Water quality and pollution sources have been a significant concern for environmentalists, policymakers, and public health professionals for decades. A bibliometric analysis of research articles on water quality and pollution sources published between 2018 and 2022 in the WOS and Scopus databases revealed that these topics have been the subject of increasing (see Fig. 1.3D) research attention over the past 5 years.

1.2.3 Insights into the water-related research areas networks

Bibliographic network graphs are a powerful tool for visualizing the relationships between different research areas in the field of water resources management. By analyzing the cocitation patterns of scholarly articles, bibliographic network graphs can reveal the most influential papers, authors, and research areas in a given field.

One important area in the water-related research area is climate change. Bibliographic network graphs of climate change research in the water sector can identify key papers and authors that have contributed to our understanding of the impacts of climate change on water resources. These graphs (see Fig. 1.4) can also show how different research areas within climate change, such as hydrology, water resources management, and environmental science, are interconnected.

Figure 1.4 Networks plots of prominent water-related areas.

Another important research area is the water-energy nexus. Bibliographic network graphs on this topic can help understand the complex interrelationships between water and energy, besides identifying key publications and authors. These plots can also showcase the interdependency and interconnectivity of various research areas, such as water policy, energy policy, and environmental science, and their influence on each other.

Likewise, water pollution is a critical area of research in water-related research areas. Bibliographic network graphs of water pollution research can identify key papers and authors that have contributed to our understanding of the sources and impacts of water pollution. These graphs can also show how different research areas, such as wastewater treatment, water quality monitoring, and environmental toxicology, are interconnected and influence each other. Thus, these bibliographic network graphs are valuable tools for identifying the most important research areas, papers, and authors in water-related research areas and for visualizing the connections between different areas of research.

1.2.4 Insights into funding agencies on the research on water-related areas

Further, to understand and identify the prominent funding agencies, a bibliometric analysis was conducted on the research funding of published articles between 2018 and 2022 in the WOS and Scopus databases in four research areas: water and climate change, water and energy nexus, water and agriculture and food security, and water treatment and pollution sources.

In the water and climate change research area, a bibliometric analysis (see Fig. 1.5) revealed that the top funding agencies were the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), followed by the National Science Foundation (NSF), European Commission, and the United Kingdom Research Innovation (UKRI). The most productive countries in terms of publications were the United States, China, Germany, and England. The top research topics included the impacts of climate change on water resources, water scarcity, and adaptation strategies.

Figure 1.5 Bibliometric analysis on the research funding of articles published between 2018 and 2022 in the WOS and Scopus databases in four research areas: water and climate change, water and energy nexus, water and agriculture and food security, and water treatment and pollution sources.

Similarly, in the water and energy nexus research area, the top funding agencies were the NSF, followed by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), followed by NSF National Key Research and Development Program of China, European Commission and the United Kingdom Research Innovation (UKRI). The United States, China, and England were the most productive countries in terms of publications. The top research topics included the water-energy-food nexus, renewable energy and water desalination, and energy efficiency in water treatment.

Likewise, the top funding agencies in the research areas "water and agriculture and food security and water treatment and pollution sources" research areas are given in Fig. 1.5. The top research topics included water use efficiency in agriculture, water scarcity and irrigation, and water quality and food safety. Whereas the top research topics, water treatment and pollution sources, research areas are water treatment technologies, wastewater treatment and reuse, and the impacts of emerging pollutants on water quality. This bibliometric analysis reveals important patterns in funding agencies, productive countries, and research topics. This information can be useful for researchers, funding agencies, and policymakers in identifying research gaps and priorities in these areas.

1.3 Linkage of water and various sustainable development goals

The SDGs include a specific goal on water and sanitation (SDG 6), which highlights the importance of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of water resources for all. This goal recognizes that access to safe water and sanitation is critical to achieving many other SDGs, such as those related to health, food security, gender equality, and economic development. SDG 6 calls for universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water and sanitation, as well as for improving water quality, increasing water use efficiency, and protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems.

In addition to SDG 6, several other SDGs are relevant to water, including those related to poverty reduction, health, food security, energy, climate change, oceans, and ecosystems.⁵,¹³ For example, SDG 2 on ending hunger and promoting sustainable agriculture requires sustainable water management practices to ensure adequate and reliable water supplies for crops and livestock.¹⁴ SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all includes the need for safe water and sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases. SDG 13, on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, recognizes the importance of adapting to changes in water availability and quality caused by climate change. Therefore, achieving the SDGs related to water requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses the interlinkages among different SDGs and sectors and considers the needs and priorities of different stakeholders, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized populations.⁷

Various sustainable development goals are directly or indirectly linked with water, as shown in Fig. 1.6 are:

• SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

• SDG 2: End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture, which requires sustainable water management practices.

• SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, which includes access to safe water and sanitation to prevent waterborne diseases.

• SDG 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, which includes the promotion of renewable energy sources that reduce water use.

• SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, which includes the need to adapt to changes in water availability and quality caused by climate change.

• SDG 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, which includes the need to manage freshwater inputs into coastal ecosystems.

• SDG 15: Protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and biodiversity loss, which includes the need to manage water resources to support healthy ecosystems.

Figure 1.6 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) interconnected with water.

1.4 Water quality and its importance to human health and the environment

Water quality refers to the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of water that determine its suitability for specific uses, such as drinking, irrigation, and aquatic life. The quality of water can be affected by natural and human-induced factors, such as climate, land use, pollution, and industrial activities. Poor water quality can have significant impacts on human health and the environment.³ Contaminated water can cause waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrhea, which are major health challenges in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. These diseases can lead to illness, death, and economic losses due to medical expenses, lost productivity, and increased healthcare costs.

Water quality is a complex issue that requires ongoing monitoring and management to ensure its safety and suitability for various uses. The World Health Organization sets guidelines for drinking water quality and recommends regular testing and treatment to ensure its safety. Treatment processes such as disinfection, filtration, and chemical treatment can remove contaminants and improve the quality of drinking water. Similarly, wastewater treatment is essential to prevent pollution of water bodies and ensure the safe discharge of treated effluent. Sustainable management of water resources, including measures such as watershed management, integrated water resources management, and pollution prevention, can also help improve water quality by reducing pollution sources and protecting ecosystems.¹⁰

The importance of water quality is further underscored by the impacts of climate change on water resources. Changes in precipitation patterns and increased temperatures can affect water availability and quality, leading to more frequent droughts, floods, and water scarcity. This can exacerbate water quality problems, as reduced water flows can concentrate pollutants, and increased runoff can carry contaminants into water bodies. Therefore, addressing water quality challenges requires integrated approaches that consider the complex interactions between water resources, ecosystems, and human activities and that are resilient to the impacts of climate change. This requires collaboration among different stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and communities, to ensure that water resources are managed sustainably and that everyone has access to safe and sustainable water and sanitation services.

Water quality is also critical for the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. Contaminants in water can harm aquatic life, alter ecosystem functions, and reduce the availability of ecosystem services, such as water purification and nutrient cycling. This can have cascading effects on other species and ecosystems and ultimately affect human well-being, as many ecosystem services are essential for food production, water supply, and climate regulation. Therefore, protecting and improving water quality is essential for achieving several of the SDGs, including those related to health, ecosystems, and sustainable water management. This requires adopting sustainable practices that prevent or reduce pollution, promote ecosystem health, and ensure the safe and sustainable use of water resources for current and future generations. Fig. 1.7 shows the interlinkages between the water bodies (lakes and reservoirs) and actions in the framework of the SDGs that are necessary to implement for achieving a better and more sustainable