Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering2588-39415220200621An Overview on Research and Innovation in Water Sector of Iran: the Necessity of Paradigm ShiftsAn Overview on Research and Innovation in Water Sector of Iran: the Necessity of Paradigm Shifts41311842710.22112/jwwse.2020.184826.1158FAMojtaba ShafieiHydroinformatic Department, East Water and Environmental Research Institute, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-8894-1208Maysam MajidiWater engineering department, Kashmar university, Kashmar, IranMohammad GharesifardWater Governance and Policy Department, IHE Delft Institute for water education, Delft, the NetherlandsSamaneh Tavakoli AminianResearch Department, Mashhad Water and Waste Water Company, Mashhad, IranFariba GhanbariResearch Department, Mashhad Water and Waste Water Company, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20190726As illustrated by World Economic Forum, the developed and developing countries are differentiated by the relevance of their economy to Innovation. Innovation is the engagement of many different individual and institutional actors and one of its key elements, is research. Global index confirmed that Iran is not high ranked with regards to innovation and the country showed its most success in presenting scientific papers. Although in the field of water there are some significant enhancements but the activities have not played an effective contribution in solving the existing challenges. This review note is reporting the importance of research and innovation in water management studies as well as the role of Iranian Innovation System in the same. The two main challenges which are addressed in this study are the weakness of institutional frameworks and the low efficiency of research actors/stakeholders. Results also showed that although there are many different high-level documents in this context in Iran, most of strategies and processes of research organizations or the influential stakeholders are not coinciding such documents and need revision. Furthermore, one of the key solutions for improving the research and innovation effectiveness is the relationship and engagement between the three elements of the national innovation system (i.e. universities, industries and government) such that the mobility of people among these elements would help to increase knowledge, skills, experiences and the “tacit knowledge” in form of a horizontal open engagement.As illustrated by World Economic Forum, the developed and developing countries are differentiated by the relevance of their economy to Innovation. Innovation is the engagement of many different individual and institutional actors and one of its key elements, is research. Global index confirmed that Iran is not high ranked with regards to innovation and the country showed its most success in presenting scientific papers. Although in the field of water there are some significant enhancements but the activities have not played an effective contribution in solving the existing challenges. This review note is reporting the importance of research and innovation in water management studies as well as the role of Iranian Innovation System in the same. The two main challenges which are addressed in this study are the weakness of institutional frameworks and the low efficiency of research actors/stakeholders. Results also showed that although there are many different high-level documents in this context in Iran, most of strategies and processes of research organizations or the influential stakeholders are not coinciding such documents and need revision. Furthermore, one of the key solutions for improving the research and innovation effectiveness is the relationship and engagement between the three elements of the national innovation system (i.e. universities, industries and government) such that the mobility of people among these elements would help to increase knowledge, skills, experiences and the “tacit knowledge” in form of a horizontal open engagement.Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering2588-39415220200621Investigation of the Absorption of Metallic and Non-Metallic Constituents from Water Used in Jajarm Alumina Factory Using Two Types of Nano AluminaInvestigation of the Absorption of Metallic and Non-Metallic Constituents from Water Used in Jajarm Alumina Factory Using Two Types of Nano Alumina142011842910.22112/jwwse.2020.192157.1162FAEmad Garmehmaterials engineerMisagh GhamariDepartment of materials engineering, faculty of engineering, Esfarayen university of technology, Esfarayen, IranAvazverdy Gooklaniexpert in Iran Alumina FactoryJournal Article20190702Due to the adverse effects of some metallic and non-metallic components on water properties, this paper describes the absorption of calcium, iron, silica, chlorine and water hardness from the water used in Jajarm alumina factory by using two types of alumina nanopowders. Both types of nano-alumina have similar properties except that they are made in two different ways. The time parameter was selected as the main variable in the adsorption process. To do this, first a certain amount of alumina nanoparticles were placed in a certain amount of water consumed by the alumina plant and then the sample was placed on magnetic stirrer for 60, 120, 180, 240, 360 and 480 minutes for complete homogenization. The temperature of the solutions was constant at 25 °C and the pH of the solutions was constant at 7.6. The results showed that the average absorption percent of silica, iron, calcium, hardness and chlorine by alumina A1 and A2 were 89.73-35, 100-100, 29.73- 32.43, 11.22-16.45 and 10.37-6.67, respectively. As the contact time increases, the adsorption increases. The results of the experiments also showed that alumina nanopowder can be used as an effective method for absorbing the mentioned species and reducing the hardness of aqueous solutions.Due to the adverse effects of some metallic and non-metallic components on water properties, this paper describes the absorption of calcium, iron, silica, chlorine and water hardness from the water used in Jajarm alumina factory by using two types of alumina nanopowders. Both types of nano-alumina have similar properties except that they are made in two different ways. The time parameter was selected as the main variable in the adsorption process. To do this, first a certain amount of alumina nanoparticles were placed in a certain amount of water consumed by the alumina plant and then the sample was placed on magnetic stirrer for 60, 120, 180, 240, 360 and 480 minutes for complete homogenization. The temperature of the solutions was constant at 25 °C and the pH of the solutions was constant at 7.6. The results showed that the average absorption percent of silica, iron, calcium, hardness and chlorine by alumina A1 and A2 were 89.73-35, 100-100, 29.73- 32.43, 11.22-16.45 and 10.37-6.67, respectively. As the contact time increases, the adsorption increases. The results of the experiments also showed that alumina nanopowder can be used as an effective method for absorbing the mentioned species and reducing the hardness of aqueous solutions.Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering2588-39415220200621Evaluation of Different Evapotranspiration Methods, Optimizing the Best Model Based on Multivariate Linear Regression in Cold Moderate and Semi-Humid ClimatesEvaluation of Different Evapotranspiration Methods, Optimizing the Best Model Based on Multivariate Linear Regression in Cold Moderate and Semi-Humid Climates213811082810.22112/jwwse.2020.194967.1163FAAhmadreza Karimipourcivil Engineering, Payam Noor UniversityGolnoosh BanitalebiIsfahan university of technologyJournal Article20190720ET<sub>0</sub> plays an essential role in water resources management. In this study, nine temperature-based, ten radiation-based and six mass transfer-based methods at three-time scales (monthly, seasonal, and annual) were evaluated versus the FAO56-PM model, and the best and worst methods were selected from each group for the cold moderate and semi-humid climate of Iran. At annual and seasonal time scales (spring, summer and autumn seasons) Hargreaves-M4 and Trajkovic methods (temperature-based methods), Priestley-Taylor and IRMAK1 equations (radiation-based methods) in winter season and for monthly time scale: Meyer and Rohwer, Hargreaves-M4, Trajkovic, IRMAK1, and Priestley-Taylor methods were shown to have the best performance in comparison to FAO56 PM. These equations are the best ET<sub>0</sub> estimators in cold moderate, and semi-humid climate. In this study, two equations with the best performance, namely Hargreaves-M4 and Trajkovic were optimized as linear and power functions. The results showed that the power equation had better performance than the linear equation. Finally, two equations were presented based on the linear multivariate regression to simplify ET<sub>0</sub> estimation. The results revealed that those kinds of equations, which used T<sub>max</sub>, T<sub>min</sub> as input parameters have high accuracy in comparison with Hargreaves-M4 and Trajkovic equations.ET<sub>0</sub> plays an essential role in water resources management. In this study, nine temperature-based, ten radiation-based and six mass transfer-based methods at three-time scales (monthly, seasonal, and annual) were evaluated versus the FAO56-PM model, and the best and worst methods were selected from each group for the cold moderate and semi-humid climate of Iran. At annual and seasonal time scales (spring, summer and autumn seasons) Hargreaves-M4 and Trajkovic methods (temperature-based methods), Priestley-Taylor and IRMAK1 equations (radiation-based methods) in winter season and for monthly time scale: Meyer and Rohwer, Hargreaves-M4, Trajkovic, IRMAK1, and Priestley-Taylor methods were shown to have the best performance in comparison to FAO56 PM. These equations are the best ET<sub>0</sub> estimators in cold moderate, and semi-humid climate. In this study, two equations with the best performance, namely Hargreaves-M4 and Trajkovic were optimized as linear and power functions. The results showed that the power equation had better performance than the linear equation. Finally, two equations were presented based on the linear multivariate regression to simplify ET<sub>0</sub> estimation. The results revealed that those kinds of equations, which used T<sub>max</sub>, T<sub>min</sub> as input parameters have high accuracy in comparison with Hargreaves-M4 and Trajkovic equations.Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering2588-39415220200621Providing Hydraulic Model and Evaluating Reliability of Water Distribution Networks (Case Study: Oshnaviyeh City)Providing Hydraulic Model and Evaluating Reliability of Water Distribution Networks (Case Study: Oshnaviyeh City)394711843110.22112/jwwse.2020.201614.1169FAAkbar ShirzadAssistant Professor, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Urmia University of TechnologyMoharram HeidarzadehExpert, West Azarbaijan Water and Wastewater CompanyMirali MohammadiAssociate Professor, School of Civil Engineering, University of UrmiaJournal Article20190915Reliability is one of the important parameters in the process of design and operation of water distribution networks. Reliability index refers to the ability of the water distribution network to supply water with standard quality, sufficient quantity and within the appropriate pressure range for consumers under normal and abnormal operating conditions. Although many indicators have been provided by various researchers to evaluate the reliability of water distribution networks, so far this issue has not been taken into consideration by consulting engineers and water and wastewater companies in the design and operation of real water distribution networks. In this study, after preparing a calibrated hydraulic model for water distribution network of Oshnaviyeh city in West Azarbaijan province, the reliability of the mentioned network was evaluated. According to the results, the average reliability index of the water distribution network of Oshnaviyeh city during the day is 38.3, which means stressful operating condition. Examination of the reasons for the low reliability led to the identification of weaknesses of this network such as inappropriate diameter of some pipes, weakness in implementing pressure management program, inappropriate status of pipe loops and high amount of leakage (about 52 l/s). Improving the reliability of the studied water distribution network requires the implementation of rehabilitation and renovation programs based on the suggestions proposed in this paper. The results of this study showed that by evaluating the reliability of water distribution networks, existing weaknesses would be identified and their serviceability level would be improved and customer satisfaction would be increased.Reliability is one of the important parameters in the process of design and operation of water distribution networks. Reliability index refers to the ability of the water distribution network to supply water with standard quality, sufficient quantity and within the appropriate pressure range for consumers under normal and abnormal operating conditions. Although many indicators have been provided by various researchers to evaluate the reliability of water distribution networks, so far this issue has not been taken into consideration by consulting engineers and water and wastewater companies in the design and operation of real water distribution networks. In this study, after preparing a calibrated hydraulic model for water distribution network of Oshnaviyeh city in West Azarbaijan province, the reliability of the mentioned network was evaluated. According to the results, the average reliability index of the water distribution network of Oshnaviyeh city during the day is 38.3, which means stressful operating condition. Examination of the reasons for the low reliability led to the identification of weaknesses of this network such as inappropriate diameter of some pipes, weakness in implementing pressure management program, inappropriate status of pipe loops and high amount of leakage (about 52 l/s). Improving the reliability of the studied water distribution network requires the implementation of rehabilitation and renovation programs based on the suggestions proposed in this paper. The results of this study showed that by evaluating the reliability of water distribution networks, existing weaknesses would be identified and their serviceability level would be improved and customer satisfaction would be increased.Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering2588-39415220200621Cost Evaluation of Meta- Heuristic Design Models for Urban Water Distribution NetworkCost Evaluation of Meta- Heuristic Design Models for Urban Water Distribution Network485611843210.22112/jwwse.2020.203660.1170FAMobin EftekhariMaster of Science (MSc), Civil Engineering, Water and Hydraulic Structures, Young Researchers and Elite Club, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-1031-1270Mohammad AkbariAssist. Prof. at Dept. of Civil Engineering, University of Birjand, Birjand, Iran0000-0002-6882-874XJournal Article20191010Water distribution networks are amongst the most important infrastructures of water supply projects, which attracts notable financial credits from the governments. As optimal design can significantly reduce the costs of such large projects, designers always try to minimize the costs while applying all the constraints and technical specifications of the project. Genetic algorithm is one of the most popular approaches for optimizations in the design projects. This research aims at evaluating the meta-heuristic methods used in designing the urban water distribution networks and to assess the genetic algorithm as an optimization mean for such methods. Given the heavy costs associated with water distribution network projects, it is very important how a model perform the cost evaluation. For the current study, the modeling was first performed by WaterGEMS software and the total cost was calculated based on the price list. Then, according to the objective function and cost criterion and with respect to constraints of speed and pressure in the network, optimization was performed and the final cost was obtained. The results of the proposed method showed that by optimization, the investment cost would decrease by about 14% compared to the original plan. Comparison was also made to other meta-heuristic algorithms which confirmed better performance of the proposed algorithm with regards to costs.Water distribution networks are amongst the most important infrastructures of water supply projects, which attracts notable financial credits from the governments. As optimal design can significantly reduce the costs of such large projects, designers always try to minimize the costs while applying all the constraints and technical specifications of the project. Genetic algorithm is one of the most popular approaches for optimizations in the design projects. This research aims at evaluating the meta-heuristic methods used in designing the urban water distribution networks and to assess the genetic algorithm as an optimization mean for such methods. Given the heavy costs associated with water distribution network projects, it is very important how a model perform the cost evaluation. For the current study, the modeling was first performed by WaterGEMS software and the total cost was calculated based on the price list. Then, according to the objective function and cost criterion and with respect to constraints of speed and pressure in the network, optimization was performed and the final cost was obtained. The results of the proposed method showed that by optimization, the investment cost would decrease by about 14% compared to the original plan. Comparison was also made to other meta-heuristic algorithms which confirmed better performance of the proposed algorithm with regards to costs.Journal of Water and Wastewater Science and Engineering2588-39415220200621Using Rice Bran Adsorbent for Furfural Removal from Contaminated Water Compared with Activated CarbonUsing Rice Bran Adsorbent for Furfural Removal from Contaminated Water Compared with Activated Carbon576311843310.22112/jwwse.2020.207564.1173FAMehrdad FarhadianChemical Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranSamira SoltaniDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranNila DavariDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20191105Furfural is a toxic and non-biodegradable substance that is found in wastewater of oil and petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. In this study, the function of rice bran adsorbent was evaluated for the removal of furfural from contaminated water. The effects of operational factors, including furfural concentration (100-900 mg/L), retention time (30-150 min), adsorbent concentration (5-30 g/L), and pH (2-10) were investigated via one-factor-at-a-time method. According to the results, pH had a significant effect on furfural adsorption while using rice bran adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity of furfural was obtained as about 10 mg/g at pH=8, while the furfural adsorption capacity dropped to 4.5 mg/g at pH=6. With an increase in retention time up to 80 min at pH=7, the adsorption equilibrium capacity of furfural was achieved at 7.5 mg/g, and this trend remained constant up to and after 24 hours. Furfural adsorption was 50% with rice bran adsorbent under optimal conditions as follows: adsorbent concentration=25 g/L, retention time=120 min, and pH=8. Langmuir isotherm model was obtained for the furfural removal using rice bran adsorbent.Furfural is a toxic and non-biodegradable substance that is found in wastewater of oil and petroleum refining and petrochemical industries. In this study, the function of rice bran adsorbent was evaluated for the removal of furfural from contaminated water. The effects of operational factors, including furfural concentration (100-900 mg/L), retention time (30-150 min), adsorbent concentration (5-30 g/L), and pH (2-10) were investigated via one-factor-at-a-time method. According to the results, pH had a significant effect on furfural adsorption while using rice bran adsorbent. The maximum adsorption capacity of furfural was obtained as about 10 mg/g at pH=8, while the furfural adsorption capacity dropped to 4.5 mg/g at pH=6. With an increase in retention time up to 80 min at pH=7, the adsorption equilibrium capacity of furfural was achieved at 7.5 mg/g, and this trend remained constant up to and after 24 hours. Furfural adsorption was 50% with rice bran adsorbent under optimal conditions as follows: adsorbent concentration=25 g/L, retention time=120 min, and pH=8. Langmuir isotherm model was obtained for the furfural removal using rice bran adsorbent.