Multiscale Hydrologic Remote Sensing: Perspectives and Applications integrates advances in hydrologic science and innovative remote sensing technologies. Raising the visibility of interdisciplinary research on water resources, it offers a suite of tools and platforms for investigating spatially and temporally continuous hydrological variables and processes. Illustrated in color, this book examines components in the hydrologic cycle with a range of space and time scales. Organized into five parts, it explores hydrologic remote sensing at the local, urban, watershed, and regional scales, as well as the continental and global scale. Contributors address questions such as What are the local, watershed, and regional differences in soil moisture and evapotranspiration when using different measurement methods and models? How can we fit the scenarios of global warming potential and the remote sensing products of snow water equivalent into hydrologic modeling to address the changing flood and drought conditions in a watershed? How can we fuse the images collected by different satellites to improve the accuracy of predictions at the global scale? Tackling these and many other topics, the book presents new techniques and methods for spaceborne, airborne, and ground-based measurements and mathematical modeling. It also discusses remote sensing image processing tools and features a wealth of real-world applications and case studies. This book is a useful reference for students, professionals, scientists, and policy makers involved in the study of global change, hydrologic science, meteorology, climatology, biology, ecology, and the agricultural and forest sciences. It shows how hydrologic remote sensing technologies can be used more effectively to explore global change impacts and improve the design of hydrologic observatories.

Water is our natural heritage, our miracle of life. However, our increasingly technological society has become indifferent to water. Far from being pure, modern drinking water around the world contains many undesirable chemical and bacterial contaminants. The existing techniques employed for the disinfection of water are either energy-intensive or have by-products harmful to human health. Drinking Water Disinfection Techniques reviews these processes and explores novel technologies for water disinfection synergistic with existing techniques. The book covers a wide audience and gives a comprehensive review of various physical, chemical, and hybrid techniques commonly used for the disinfection of water as well as newer emerging technologies in terms of their mode of action, scale of operation, efficacy, merits, and demerits. It broadly addresses the issues related to water disinfection in three sections: Disinfection techniques-chemical, physical, and hybrid (combination)-and their likely scale of operation efficacy Disinfection by-product as a function of water source and the type of treatment Emerging and novel techniques, including new work on cavitation, an economical, energy-efficient, and simple alternative to the conventional methods of disinfection Drinking Water Disinfection Techniques effectively combines the chemical, physical, biological, and engineering principles of water disinfection in one text. Discussing both conventional and novel techniques used for disinfection and the economics involved, the book gives a comprehensive review of various physical, chemical, and hybrid techniques used for disinfection to create potable water.

Water scarcity is an increasing problem in many parts of the world, yet conventional supply-side economics and management are insufficient to deal with it. In this book the role of water trading as an instrument of integrated water resources management is explored in depth. It is also shown to be an instrument for conflict resolution, where it may be necessary to reallocate water in the context of increasing scarcity. Recent experiences of implementation in different river basins have shown their potential as instruments for improving allocation. These experiences, however, also show that there are implementation challenges and some limitations to trading that need to be considered. This book explores the various types of water trading formulas through the experience of using them in different parts of the world. The final result is varied because, in most cases, trading is conditioned by the legal and institutional framework in which the transactions are carried out. The role of government and the definition of water rights and licenses are critical for the success of water trading. The book studies the institutional framework and how transactions have been undertaken, drawing some lessons on how trading can improve. It also analyses whether trading has really been a positive instrument to manage scarcity and improve water ecosystems and pollution emission problems in those parts of the world which are most affected. The book concludes by making policy proposals to improve the implementation of water trading.

The Mekong Region has come to represent many of the important water governance challenges faced more broadly by the mainland Southeast Asian region. This book focuses on the complex nature of water rights and social justice in the Mekong region. The chapters delve into the diverse social, political and cultural dynamics that shape the various realities and scales of water governance in the region, in an effort to bring to the forefront some of the local nuances required in the formulation of a larger vision of justice in water governance. It is hoped that this contextualized analysis will deepen our understanding of the potential of, and constraints, on water rights in the region, particularly in relation to the need to realize social justice. The authors show how vitally important it is that water governance is democratized to allow a more equitable sharing of water resources and counteract the pressures of economic growth that may pose risks to social welfare and environmental sustainability.

As urban growth outstrips water supplies, how can the global challenge of providing "liquid gold" be met? Mixing history and policy analysis, Steven Erie tells the compelling story of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD)-one of the world's largest and most important public water agencies-and its role in building the world's 8th largest economy in a semi-desert. No tawdry tale of secret backroom conspiracies-as depicted in the famed film noir Chinatown-this fresh telling concerns an unheralded regional institution, its entrepreneurial public leadership, and pioneering policymaking. Using untapped primary sources, the author re-examines this great regional experiment from its obscure 1920s-era origins, through the Colorado River Aqueduct and State Water Projects, to today's daunting mission of drought management, water quality, environmental stewardship, and post-9/11 supply security. A key focus is MWD's navigation of recent epic water battles: San Diego's combative quest for water independence from MWD and L.A.; lingering conflicts over the Colorado River and northern California's fragile Bay-Delta ecosystem; and the myriad challenges posed by water markets, privatization, and water transfers. Facing unprecedented challenges, MWD is devising innovative formulas to sustain this improbable desert civilization. Beyond Chinatown concludes by considering MWD's Integrated Resources Plan as a global model for water-resources planning and management, water supply diversification and reliability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Chinatown's seductive mythologies have obscured MWD's authentic, instructive history and lessons. Praise for Steve Erie's previous book, Globalizing L.A.: "This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the politics of Western cities, the politics of urban development, and especially the future politics of cities that are likely to be contenders in the increasingly competitive arena of global trade. . . . Erie's analysis will forever direct us to look first at certain public agencies to begin to understand larger patterns of economic growth in any metropolitan area."-Journal of Urban Affairs "[A] fascinating history of the Los Angeles region's great assets and the forces that drove their development. . . . One hundred years ago, it was improbable that the Los Angeles region would become the 10th largest economy in the world. In Globalizing L.A., Erie explains how that happened and then, fingers crossed, offers lessons on how California's largest and most diverse city and region can keep playing a leading role."-Los Angeles Times "Referencing an impressive body of recent academic research, Erie argues that world-class seaport and airport facilities confer substantial economic advantages and more facilitating links between local businesses and the global economy."-The Sacramento Bee "Erie has built a potent political-economy of urban development that recognizes the crucial role of the public sector in mediating globalizing processes . . . and this is a valuable lesson for academics, dockworkers, community developers, and environmental activists alike."-Economic Geography

Several general books are available on ultraviolet light and its applications. However, this is the first comprehensive monograph that deals with its application to water and wastewater treatment. There is a rapidly growing interest in using UV light in water sanitation due to the increased knowledge of the potential health and environmental impacts of disinfection byproducts. Ultraviolet Light in Water and Wastewater Sanitation integrates the fundamental physics applicable to water and wastewater sanitation, the engineering aspects, and the practical experience in the field. The text analyzes the concerns associated with this application of UV light and brings together comprehensive information on the presently available UV technologies applicable to water and wastewater treatment including: lamp technologies, criteria of evaluation and choice of technology; fundamental principles; performance criteria for disinfection; design criteria and methods; synergistic use of UV and oxidants (advanced oxidation); and functional requirements and potential advantages and drawbacks of the technique. Ultraviolet Light in Water and Wastewater Sanitation is the only treatise currently available combining fundamental knowledge, recommendations for design, evaluations of performance, and future prospects for this application. Water and wastewater treatment professionals, water utility employees, governmental regulators, and chemists will find this book an essential and unique reference for a technology which has received growing regulatory acceptance.

Exponential growth of the worldwide population requires increasing amounts of water, food, and energy. However, as the quantity of available fresh water and energy sources directly affecting cost of food production and transportation diminishes, technological solutions are necessary to secure sustainable supplies. In direct response to this reality, this book focuses on the water-energy-food nexus and describes in depth the challenges and processes involved in efficient water and energy production and management, wastewater treatment, and impact upon food and essential commodities. The book is organized into 4 sections on water, food, energy, and the future of sustainability, highlighting the interplay among these topics. The first section emphasizes water desalination, water management, and wastewater treatment. The second section discusses cereal processing, sustainable food security, bioenergy in food production, water and energy consumption in food processing, and mathematical modeling for food undergoing phase changes. The third section discusses fossil fuels, biofuels, synthetic fuels, renewable energy, and carbon capture. Finally, the book concludes with a discussion of the future of sustainability, including coverage of the role of molecular thermodynamics in developing processes and products, green engineering in process systems, petrochemical water splitting, petrochemical approaches to solar hydrogen generation, design and operation strategy of energy-efficient processes, and the sustainability of process, supply chain, and enterprise.

In a simple, straightforward manner, this book presents most of the major process units for wastewater treatment, addressing what the unit is and how it basically works. Along with that it provides some of the math problems associated with each unit. Each math problem, presented in English units, is usually followed by a nearly identical problem in metric units. It also presents new concepts, such as information on process microbiology, in a comfortable language so the reader can concentrate on the subject matter instead of the language used to present it. Simplified Wastewater Treatment Plant Operations provides comprehensive and technically accurate wastewater information in a clear and concise manner. The related workbook provides readers with a place to write in answers and work out problem solutions.

Fingerponds are earthen ponds dug at the edge of natural wetlands and stocked naturally with wild fish during flooding. They preserve the wetland environment in which they are situated while maintaining a productive culture system. In this study, the importance of organic manure applications in enhancing nutrient levels, phytoplankton and periphyton productivities and ultimately fish production was examined in experimental Fingerponds set up with the participation of local communities in Uganda. Results show that organic manures enhance algal development and fish production in Fingerponds, but close monitoring and control are needed. Fish yields in Fingerponds can be enhanced to 1500 - 2800 kg/ha over a functional period of 200 to 300 days using animal manure (e.g. chicken), fermented green manure and artificial substrates for periphyton development. Good management practices are required to regulate pond inputs and conditions. High clay turbidity, nitrogen limitation and high recruitment of fish can limit fish production. Overall, Fingerponds were shown to be an effective addition to protein production for poor riparian communities in East Africa and are recommended for adoption.

Field Practices for Wastewater Use in Agriculture discusses the growing importance of wastewater application in the field of agriculture. Addressing the tremendous need for the irrigation sector to reduce the demand for freshwater in agriculture, this volume looks at wastewater as a source for agricultural irrigation. The volume is divided into four sections: current and emerging issues in wastewater use in agriculture, wastewater management with biological systems, effective field practices for wastewater use, and case studies that provide information on scientific analytical studies on the environment under the influence of wastewater quality from different pollution sources. This book sheds light on the vast potential of wastewater use in agricultural irrigation while also considering safety of the agricultural products for human consumption. Much emphasis has also been given to technological aspects for the treatment of wastewater to protect our environment for better public health protection.

1. Captures advanced technologies and applications for assimilation and implementation and addresses a wide spectrum of water issues. 2. Provides real world applications and case studies of advanced spectral and spatial sensors combined with geospatially driven water process modelling. 3. Details applications of the latest remote sensor systems including GRACE, SMAP, AVIRIS, Sentential, MODIS, Landsat 8, RapidEye, AirSWOT, and pays special attention to multidisciplinary cases studies. 4. It is global in coverage with applications demonstrated by more than 170 experts from around the world. 5. Edited by extremely qualified authors with lifelong expertise in water sciences and with an extensive record in books and journal publications.

Northeast India, apart from being the rainiest in India, is drained by two large river systems of the world - the Brahmaputra and the Barak (Meghna) - both transnational rivers cutting across bordering countries. The region, known for its rich water resources, has been witnessing an increasing number of conflicts related to water in recent years. This volume documents the multifaceted conflicts and contestations around water in Northeast India, analyses their causes and consequences, and includes expert recommendations. It fills a major gap in the subject by examining wide-ranging issues such as cultural and anthropological dimensions of damming rivers in the Northeast and Eastern Himalayas; seismic surveys, oil extractions, and water conflicts; discontent over water quality and drinking water; floods, river bank erosion, embankments; water policy; transboundary water conflicts; and hydropower development. It also discusses the alleged Chinese efforts to divert the Brahmaputra River. With its analytical and comprehensive coverage, 18 case studies, and suggested approaches for conflict resolution, this book will be indispensable for scholars and researchers of development studies, governance and public policy, politics and international relations, water resources, environment, geography, climate change, area studies, economics, and sociology. It will also be an important resource for policymakers, bureaucrats, development practitioners, civil society groups, the judiciary, and media.

Even a cursory perusal of any analytical journal will demonstrate the increasing important of trace and ultra-trace analysis. And as instrumentation continues to develop, the definition of the term "trace element" will undoubtedly continue to change. Covering the composition and underlying properties of freshwater and marine systems, Analytical Measurements in Aquatic Environments provides the basis for understanding both. It discusses all aspects of analytical protocols from the handling of representative samples to the metrological evaluation of specific steps and whole procedures. The book covers: handling of representative samples sample preservation techniques extraction techniques speciation analytics solvent-free sample preparation for analysis application of biotests bioanalytical methods for monitoring green analytical chemistry-application of the concept of sustainability in analytical laboratories application of the Life Cycle Assessment approach quality control and quality assurance of analytical results enhanced techniques of sample preparation hyphenated analytical techniques Ecotoxicological considerations and the effort to achieve an increasingly accurate description of the state of the environment challenge analytical chemists who need to determine increasingly lower concentrations of various analytes in samples that have complex and even non-homogenous matrices. The newly coined expression "analytics" emphasizes the interdisciplinary nature of available methods for obtaining information about material systems, with many methods that exceed the strict definition of analytical chemistry. Drawing on the disciplines of chemistry, physics, computer science, electronics, material science, and chemometrics, this book provides in depth information on the most important problems in analytics of samples from aquatic ecosystems.

In recent years, the area dealing with the physical chemistry of materials has become an emerging discipline in materials science that emphasizes the study of materials for chemical, sustainable energy, and pollution abatement applications. Written by an active researcher in this field, Physical Chemistry of Materials: Energy and Environmental Applications presents methods for synthesizing and characterizing adsorbents, ion exchangers, ionic conductors, heterogeneous catalysts, and permeable porous and dense materials. It also discusses their properties and applications. The book explores various examples of these important materials, including perovskites, zeolites, mesoporous molecular sieves, silica, alumina, active carbons, carbon nanotubes, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, clays, pillared clays, hydrotalcites, alkali metal titanates, titanium silicates, polymers, and coordination polymers. It shows how the materials are used in adsorption, ion conduction, ion exchange, gas separation, membrane reactors, catalysts, catalysts supports, sensors, pollution abatement, detergency, animal nourishment, agriculture, and sustainable energy applications. Rising pollution levels and the need for sustainable energy have necessitated new ways of using certain materials to combat these problems. Focusing on this emerging discipline, Physical Chemistry of Materials describes the methods of syntheses and characterization of adsorbents, ion exchangers, ionic conductors, catalysts, and permeable materials. It tackles key issues in materials science and physical chemistry.

Green Energy: Sustainable Electricity Supply with Low Environmental Impact defines the future of the world's electricity supply system, exploring the key issues associated with global warming, and which energy systems are best suited to reducing it. Electricity generation is a concentrated industry with a few sources of emissions, which can be controlled or legislated against. This book explains that a green sustainable electricity system is one whose construction, installation, and operation minimally affect the environment and produce power reliability at an affordable price. It addresses the question of how to build such an electricity supply system to meet the demands of a growing population without accelerating global warming or damaging the environment. The green argument for conservation and renewable energies is a contradiction in terms. Although they produce no emissions, because renewable systems are composed of a large number of small units, a considerable amount of energy is required to produce, erect, and maintain them. This book is a response to that conundrum, answering key questions, such as: How can renewables be exploited to contribute the greatest energy input? Should coal be used for clean fuel and chemical production rather than for power generation? How quickly can we start to build the Green Energy system? The author has more than forty years of experience as an international journalist reporting on power-generating technologies and on energy policies around the world. Detailing the developmental history, and current state, of the global nuclear industry, he discusses the dire, immediate need for large quantities of clean, emission-free electric power, for both domestic and industrial uses. This book details how current technologies-particularly nuclear, combined cycle, and hydro-can be applied to satisfy safely the growing energy demands in the future.

In recent years, the focus in hydrogeologic investigations has expanded to include aquifer sustainability as part of resource evaluations. While there are other books on the subject, Field Hydrogeology: A Guide for Site Investigations and Report Preparation provides the first integrated presentation of the American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) standards, US Geological Survey (USGS), and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) field techniques. It also includes access to a website containing software for designing aquifer tests and aquifer-recharge experiments. Written by an author with more than 50 years of experience in hydrology and geology, this reference treats the subject from a field standpoint. Useful as a field guide or textbook, it contains standard methods for planning and undertaking hydrogeologic investigations. It incorporates case studies, contains a glossary of field-hydrogeology technical terms, and provides a detailed list of ASTM standards and key hydrologic Web sites. The guide is based on ASTM standards as well as EPA and US Department of Interior field technical manuals. The text covers hydrogeologic fundamentals, conceptual models, planning an investigation, surface investigations, subsurface investigations, field inventory, stream flow measurements, water quality measurements, and report preparation. This revised and updated Second Edition also includes new material on the history of hydrogeology, field safety, aquifers, groundwater quality, hydrogeologic maps, and federal regulations. It gives students and seasoned professionals a vast array of clearly written descriptive materials and an extensive source of references available at their fingertips. What's New in This Second Edition: New chapter on the history of hydrogeology New chapter on groundwater development and management, including US federal regulations and transboundary aquifers New material on field safety, groundwater quality and testing, and construction of hydrogeologic cross section and maps New international case studies New THEIS computer model to design aquifer tests Updated information on latest principles and techniques

1. Captures advanced technologies and applications for assimilation and implementation and addresses a wide spectrum of water issues. 2. Provides real world applications and case studies of advanced spectral and spatial sensors combined with geospatially driven water process modelling. 3. Details applications of the latest remote sensor systems including GRACE, SMAP, AVIRIS, Sentential, MODIS, Landsat 8, RapidEye, AirSWOT, and pays special attention to multidisciplinary cases studies. 4. It is global in coverage with applications demonstrated by more than 170 experts from around the world. 5. Edited by extremely qualified authors with lifelong expertise in water sciences and with an extensive record in books and journal publications.

Although there has been much empirical study within what has been referred to as "functional approaches to child language," there has yet to be a major attempt to compare and contrast such proposals. In addition, much of the work carried out within child language from a functionalist perspective has not been specific with regard to the nature of the approach adopted. In attempting to fill the gap, the author of this book begins with a comparison of various functionalist approaches. By concentrating on one domain -- agentivity and control -- Budwig develops a set of research questions based on an examination of findings stemming from linguistics, psycholinguistics, and developmental psychology, and also provides an in-depth discussion of related methodological issues. In the second part of the book, she traces the development of linguistic means to refer to oneself within a developmental-functionalist perspective. Individual case studies as well as group analyses of six children in the early phases of acquiring English grammar are provided. In the last part, Budwig examines the relationship between forms and functions in development with special attention to potential generalizations about the organization and reorganization of the children's linguistic systems.

Transparency in the regulation of water utilities is essential in order to ensure quality and fairness. This book explores and compares different regulatory arrangements in the water utilities sectors in three jurisdictions to determine which regulatory and ownership model is most transparent and why. The three jurisdictions considered are England (UK), Victoria (Australia) and Jakarta (Indonesia). Following an introduction to the importance of transparency in water utilities regulation, the book provides an overview of the three chosen jurisdictions and their legal and institutional frameworks. Through a comparison of these the author explores the contested and difficult terrain of "privatization", as (often) opposed to public ownership, in which it is shown that the relationships between transparency and ownership models are not as clear-cut as might be assumed. Chapters consider various aspects and outcomes of the regulatory process and the role of transparency, including topics such as regulators' internal governance mechanisms, utilities corporate governance, licensing and information flow, freedom of information and transparency in tariffs and pricing, as well as customer service. The book concludes with a summary of lessons learned to inform the refinement of transparency in utilities regulation.

This study assessed the downstream river system adaptation in response to upstream damming on the Ribb River, Ethiopia, to irrigate 15,000 ha. It combined primary and secondary data, and the application of remote sensing and mathematical modeling. The pre-dam morphodynamic trends of the Ribb River were analyzed for 59 years based on aerial photographs, satellite images, and newly collected field data. Three dam operation scenarios were developed to analyze the long-term hydro-morphological effects of the dam on the downstream river reaches. It also assessed the applicability of physics-based analytical equations (Equilibrium Theory) compared to a 1D numerical model (SOBEK-RE) to determine the least-morphologically impactful dam operation scenario on the river reaches downstream of the dam. Moreover, a HEC-RAS 2D hydrodynamic model was developed to assess the effect of the dam on the flooding extent of the Fogera Plain. This was used to study the potential implications of hydrological alteration on the ecology of the floodplain wetlands, as they are the habitats of important fish and bird species. The results contribute to knowledge on the hydro-morphological and environmental impacts of dams on downstream river systems. The developed methodologies and findings may be used to study future hydro-morphological and ecological changes that may arise due to other dam operations or climate change.

[A] fascinating volume, which establishes marine environmental history as a major new discipline for academics as well as an exciting way to bring history and the natural world alive for the public. ANDREW A. ROSENBERG, UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE The HMAP project is to be congratulated on this book, which presents vivid, evidence-based reconstructions of historical fisheries and the prolific ecosystems in which they were embedded. TONY J. PITCHER, UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA The ingenuity and scholarship of the authors allow us to see ... how human societies have depended on and influenced marine living resources from periwinkles to whales. MIKE SINCLAIR, BEDFORD INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY This book exalts the surprisingly fruitful marriage of historians and marine scientists - a union that has proven to be one of the most exciting developments in ocean research in recent years. KATHERINE RICHARDSON, UNIVERSITY OF COPENHAGEN For centuries the seas appeared to offer limitless supplies of food and other resources, their waters a cornucopia never to be exhausted. In more recent times, episodes such as the extreme exploitation and subsequent collapse of cod populations of the Grand Banks off Newfoundland have highlighted the fallaciousness of this view. Yet all too often the lessons from our historical interactions with marine animals are little known, let alone learned. Based on research for the History of Marine Animal Populations project, Oceans Past examines the complex relationship our forebears had with the sea and the animals that inhabit it. It presents eleven studies ranging from fisheries and invasive species to offshore technology and the study of marine environmental history, bringing together the perspectives of historians and marine scientists to enhance understanding of ocean management of the past, present and future. In doing so, it also highlights the influence that changes in marine ecosystems have upon the politics, welfare and culture of human societies.

R. Quentin Grafton brings together more than 90 previously published articles in this two volume collection on the economics of water resources. The articles featured cover a vast range of subjects, locations and methodologies and are divided into nine broad theme areas including environmental valuation, water pollution, irrigation, residential and non-residential water use and water pricing and management. During a period of increased international environmental awareness and change, this collection identifies the most important and influential pieces and will be an invaluable resource for students and water professionals alike.

For the Nonengineering Professional Perfect for anyone without a background in science or engineering who wants to take a closer look at how water is processed and treated, Reverse Osmosis: A Guide for the Nonengineering Professional relates reverse osmosis in its most basic form and addresses growing concerns about the quality of tap water. What is reverse osmosis? Not to be confused with filtration-which involves straining or size exclusion-reverse osmosis involves a diffusive mechanism and separation process that is dependent on solute concentration, pressure, and the water flux rate. This book describes all of the basic processes involved in reverse osmosis operations. Presented in a conversational style-using jargon-free language-it discusses in detail the drinking water purification, wastewater reuse, desalination processes, and other freshwater applications used to ensure the safe consumption of water. The book also places special emphasis on pharmaceuticals and personal care product (PPCP) contaminants, which are not typically removed from wastewater by conventional treatment processes, however, they can be removed by processes using sophisticated membrane filtration. The author provides a basic understanding of membrane technology, and explains the membrane treatment process. He details how the processes fit together within a drinking water or wastewater treatment system and presents concepts that make up water and wastewater treatment processes as a whole. He also highlights advances in reverse osmosis technology and discusses relevant applications. Presents a comprehensive coverage of reverse osmosis Discusses fundamental processes and equipment used in reverse osmosis Provides technical terminology in simplified form Reverse Osmosis: A Guide for the Nonengineering Professional explains how reverse osmosis

The absence of water supply infrastructure is a critical issue that affects the sustainability of cities in the developing world and the quality of life of millions of people living in these cities. Urban India has probably the largest concentration of people in the world lacking safe access to these infrastructures. This book is a unique study of the politics of water supply infrastructures in three metropolitan cities in contemporary India - Bangalore, Chennai and Kochi. It examines the process of change in water supply infrastructure initiated by notable Public Private Partnership's efforts in these three cities to reveal the complexity of state-society relations in India at multiple levels - at the state, city and neighbourhood levels. Using a comparative methodology, the book develops as understanding of the changes in the production of reform water policy in contemporary India and its reception at the sub-national (state) level. It goes on to examine the governance of regimes of water supply in Bangalore, Chennai and Kochi, and evaluates the role of the partnerships in reforming water supply. The book is a useful contribution to studies on Urban Development and South Asian Politics.

Sludge transportation costs can represent a large fraction of the expenses associated with municipal and faecal sludge management. These costs can be mitigated through the use of thermal drying approaches to reduce the sludge volume. This thesis described the application of a novel microwave-based pilot-scale unit as an alternative technology for the sanitisation and drying of sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants and on-site sanitation facilities. The potential economic benefits of volumetric heating, moisture levelling, and increased liquid and vapour migration from the interior to the surface of the product underpins the increasing interest in the use of microwave technology during sludge treatment processes. According to the findings of this study, these factors lead to faster processing times, improved drying rates, and a reduced physical footprint. Furthermore, microwave technology operates as a standalone treatment unit. When coupled with mechanical dewatering techniques and membrane separation technology, it can increase the reliability of the technology employed in the treatment of sludge while recovering valuable resources through an agricultural or thermochemical application such as (co-) combustion. The results of this work demonstrate the strong feasibility of applying microwave-based technology within initiatives designed to protect the environment and safeguard public health.