Water Scarcity in the Mediterranean: Perspectives Under Global Change

Description

Water scarcity affects hydrologic resources, systems connectivity, biodiversity, water quality, and river ecosystem functioning. It has direct impacts on economic sectors that use and depend on water, such as agriculture, tourism, industry, energy and transport. The Mediterranean Basin is one of the regions in the world most vulnerable to climate changes, as well as one of the most impacted by human water demand. This volume provides an in-depth view of the water quality and quantity implications of water scarcity. It highlights its possible causes and describes the effects in regions under Mediterranean climate. The topics covered include climate effects, water resources (use, storage and new sources), water quality (chemical and microbiological), and the effects on ecosystems suffering from water scarcity. This book is addressed to scientists and students, but also to managers involved in the necessary decision making process to face future periods of drought. Content: Front Matter....Pages i-xvi Possible Climate Change Scenarios with Specific Reference to Mediterranean Regions....Pages 1-13 Effects of Hydrologic Alterations on the Ecological Quality of River Ecosystems....Pages 15-39 Metal Ecotoxicology in Fluvial Biofilms: Potential Influence of Water Scarcity....Pages 41-53 Consequences of Climate Variability and Human Water Demand on Freshwater Ecosystems: A Mediterranean Perspective from the United States....Pages 55-71 Water Quality in Reservoirs Under a Changing Climate....Pages 73-94 Technologies for Water Regeneration and Integrated Management of Water Resources....Pages 95-105 Reuse of Regenerated Waters Under Water Scarcity....Pages 107-127 Decision Support Systems for Integrated Water Resources Management Under Water Scarcity....Pages 129-146 Water-Borne Infectious Disease Outbreaks Associated with Water Scarcity and Rainfall Events....Pages 147-159 Implications of Water Quality on Irrigation Practices Under Water Scarcity....Pages 161-172 Effects of Wastewater Treatment Plants on Stream Nutrient Dynamics Under Water Scarcity Conditions....Pages 173-195 Occurrence and Fate of Pharmaceuticals and Illicit Drugs Under Water Scarcity....Pages 197-228 Back Matter....Pages 229-234