Call for papers/Topics

Topics of interest for submission include any topics related to:

I. Waste Management - Towards a Circular Economy

• Circular Economy Models and Implementation:
  • Strategies for transitioning from linear to circular waste management systems.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes: effectiveness and challenges.
  • Industrial symbiosis and waste valorization in different sectors.
  • Business models for circular economy in waste management.
  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of waste management options.
• Waste Reduction and Prevention:
  • Source reduction strategies and consumer behavior.
  • Eco-design for recyclability and durability.
  • Food waste prevention and management across the supply chain.
  • Reuse and repair initiatives and infrastructure.
• Advanced Waste Treatment Technologies:
  • Biological treatment: Anaerobic digestion for biogas production, composting optimization.
  • Thermal treatment: Waste-to-energy (incineration, gasification, pyrolysis), emission control.
  • Chemical treatment: Advanced oxidation processes for hazardous waste, nutrient recovery.
  • Mechanical-Biological Treatment (MBT) and its role in integrated systems.
• Resource Recovery and Recycling:
  • Innovative technologies for sorting and processing mixed waste streams.
  • Recycling of specific waste streams: plastics, e-waste, construction and demolition waste, textiles.
  • Extraction of critical raw materials from waste.
  • Upcycling and creating value-added products from waste.
  • Quality standards and market development for recycled materials.
• Smart and Digital Waste Management:
  • IoT applications for waste collection optimization (smart bins, route planning).
  • AI and robotics for waste sorting and material identification.
  • Data analytics for waste stream monitoring and management.
  • Blockchain technology for material lifecycle tracking and transparency.
  • Digital platforms for citizen engagement in waste management.
• Management of Specific Waste Streams:
  • Hazardous waste management: treatment, storage, and disposal technologies, regulatory frameworks.
  • Medical waste management: best practices for handling and disposal, infection control.
  • Agricultural waste management: valorization for energy, fertilizers, and other products.
  • Sludge management: treatment, beneficial reuse in agriculture or other sectors.
  • Disaster waste management: planning, collection, and processing in emergency situations.
  • Management of micro and nano plastics in waste streams.
• Landfilling and Landfill Management:
  • Advanced landfill design and leachate management.
  • Landfill gas capture and utilization.
  • Landfill mining and remediation of old landfill sites.
  • Long-term environmental impacts of landfills.
• Policy, Regulation, and Governance in Waste Management:
  • National and international waste management policies and targets.
  • Economic instruments for promoting waste reduction and recycling (e.g., landfill taxes).
  • Informal sector integration in waste management systems.
  • Public awareness and education campaigns.
  • The role of stakeholders (government, industry, citizens) in achieving sustainable waste management.

II. Water Resources Engineering - Challenges and Sustainable Solutions

• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM):
  • River basin management and transboundary water cooperation.
  • Water allocation and conflict resolution.
  • Stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches in water management.
  • Nexus thinking: Water-Energy-Food nexus.
• Water Scarcity and Drought Management:
  • Climate change impacts on water availability and extreme events.
  • Water demand management strategies and conservation measures.
  • Drought monitoring, prediction, and early warning systems.
  • Water reuse and recycling for augmenting water supplies.
  • Desalination technologies: advancements and environmental considerations.
• Water Quality and Treatment:
  • Emerging contaminants in water resources (pharmaceuticals, microplastics, PFAS).
  • Advanced water and wastewater treatment technologies (membrane filtration, advanced oxidation).
  • Natural Water Treatment Systems (constructed wetlands, biofiltration).
  • Water quality monitoring and assessment using traditional and innovative methods.
  • Management of industrial wastewater discharges.
  • Water safety planning and drinking water quality standards.
• Hydrological Modeling and Water Resources Assessment:
  • Surface water and groundwater modeling techniques.
  • Climate change scenarios and their impact on hydrological regimes.
  • Remote sensing and GIS applications in water resources management.
  • Water footprint assessment and virtual water trade.
  • Hydrological extremes (floods and droughts): modeling, forecasting, and risk management.
• Urban Water Management:
  • Sustainable urban drainage systems (SUDS) and green infrastructure.
  • Water-sensitive urban design (WSUD).
  • Leakage management in urban water distribution networks.
  • Urban stormwater management and pollution control.
  • Decentralized water and wastewater treatment systems.
• Groundwater Resources Management:
  • Groundwater recharge enhancement and managed aquifer recharge (MAR).
  • Groundwater contamination and remediation technologies.
  • Sustainable yield estimation and groundwater governance.
  • Saltwater intrusion in coastal aquifers.
• Water Infrastructure and Hydraulic Engineering:
  • Design and management of water supply and distribution systems.
  • Hydraulic structures (dams, weirs, canals): design, operation, and safety.
  • Pipeline hydraulics and optimization.
  • Climate-resilient water infrastructure.
• Water Policy, Governance, and Socio-economic Aspects:
  • Water pricing and economic valuation of water resources.
  • Water rights and regulations.
  • Water governance frameworks and institutional arrangements.
  • Social equity and access to water and sanitation.
  • The role of public-private partnerships in water infrastructure development.

III. Interdisciplinary and Emerging Themes

• Digital Water and Smart Water Management: Integration of digital technologies (AI, IoT, big data) for efficient water management.
• Nature-Based Solutions for Water and Waste Management: Utilizing natural processes for water treatment, flood control, and waste management.
• Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience in Water and Waste Sectors: Strategies to cope with the impacts of climate change on water resources and waste management infrastructure.
• Resource Recovery from Wastewater: Nutrient recovery, energy production, and water reuse from wastewater treatment plants.
• Microplastics in the Water Cycle and Waste Streams: Sources, fate, transport, and treatment technologies for microplastics.
• Sustainable Materials for Water and Waste Infrastructure: Developing and using environmentally friendly materials in construction and manufacturing.
• Public Health and Environmental Impacts of Waste and Water Management Practices.
• Community Engagement and Education for Sustainable Water and Waste Management.