Valuing improvements in the ecological integrity of local and regional waters using the biological condition gradient.

Scientific knowledge related to quantifying the monetized benefits for landscape-wide water quality improvements does not meet current regulatory and benefit-cost analysis needs in the United States. In this study we addressed this knowledge gap by incorporating the Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) as a water quality metric into a stated preference survey capable of estimating the total economic value (use and nonuse) for aquatic ecosystem improvements. The BCG is grounded in ecological principles and generalizable and transferable across space. Moreover, as the BCG translates available data on biological condition into a score on a 6-point scale, it provides a simple metric that can be readily communicated to the public. We applied our BCG-based survey instrument to households across the Upper Mississippi, Ohio, and Tennessee river basins and report values for a range of potential improvements that vary by location, spatial scale, and the scope of the water quality change. We found that people are willing to pay twice as much for an improvement policy that targets their home watershed (defined as a four-digit hydrologic unit) versus a more distant one. We also found that extending the spatial scale of a local policy beyond the home watershed does not generate additional benefits to the household. Finally, our results suggest that nonuse sources of value (e.g., bequest value, intrinsic aesthetic value) are an important component of overall benefits.

Efficient Recovery of Rare Earth Elements from Acidic Wastewater by a Green ß-CDs-Functionalized Nanosponge.

The recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from acidic wastewater is crucial to sustainable development, industrial processes, and human health. In this research, ß-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (ß-CD/PVA-SA NSs) have been proposed as potential adsorbents for europium (Eu), dysprosium (Dy), and gadolinium (Gd) recovery. The nanosponges are synthesized by cross-linking ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) functionalized polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and sodium alginate (SA). Experimental results indicate that ß-CD/PVA-SA NSs exhibit favorable selectivity for Eu, Dy, and Gd, with the maximum adsorption capacity of 222, 217, and 204 mg/g, respectively, in addition to stability and cyclicity. ß-CD/PVA-SA NSs maintain selective adsorption effects towards RE ions that are present in acidic mine drainage (AMD), thereby highlighting their potential for practical applications. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) simulations have unveiled the fundamental interactions between the functional groups anchored in ß-CD/PVA-SA NSs and the REEs, providing vital insights into their adsorption mechanism. Hence, the utilization of ß-CD/PVA-SA NSs has the potential to advance initiatives in remediating acidic water pollution and facilitating the sustainable recycling of RE resources.

Cyto- and genotoxicity evaluation of water samples collected from two rivers in the Kosovo.

River water in Kosovo is exposed to various discharges from industrial and agricultural activities as well as to urban wastewater. Rivers Sitnica and Drenica are among the most affected ones and water samples drawn from these rivers show the presence of various toxic substances. Genotoxic effects are seen in fish living in these rivers indicating a cytotoxic and mutagenic potential of the river water. Aiming at substantiating these observations, we assessed cyto- and genotoxic effects of water samples collected at different locations from Drenica and Sitnica river. Samples drawn from Lake Badovc served for comparison. To address seasonal effects, samples were collected at different seasons/time points during the period summer 2016 - spring 2018. The water samples were analyzed employing primary rat hepatocytes as reliable in vitro cell model for the assessment of cytotoxic effects (mitotic arrest and cell death) and DNA damage/genotoxicity (micronucleus assay, Comet assay). The results do not account for significant effects associated with specific locations but demonstrate seasonal differences of the genotoxic potential of the water samples collected along both rivers, which are accompanied by a limited cytotoxic potential. Our data provide substantial support to earlier observations and strongly warrant the need for continuous chemical as well as biological monitoring of the river water in Kosovo, focusing on an improved toxicant profiling of the river water and investigations addressing the observed seasonal variations.

Occurrence, Sources and Virulence Potential of Arcobacter butzleri in Urban Municipal Stormwater Systems.

A. butzleri is an underappreciated emerging global pathogen, despite growing evidence that it is a major contributor of diarrheal illness. Few studies have investigated the occurrence and public health risks that this organism possesses from waterborne exposure routes including through stormwater use. In this study, we assessed the prevalence, virulence potential, and primary sources of stormwater-isolated A. butzleri in fecally contaminated urban stormwater systems. Based on qPCR, A. butzleri was the most common enteric bacterial pathogen [25%] found in stormwater among a panel of pathogens surveyed, including Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) [6%], Campylobacter spp. [4%], and Salmonella spp. [<1%]. Concentrations of the bacteria, based on qPCR amplification of the single copy gene hsp60, were as high as 6.2 log10 copies/100 mL, suggesting significant loading of this pathogen in some stormwater systems. Importantly, out of 73 unique stormwater culture isolates, 90% were positive for the putative virulence genes cadF, ciaB, tlyA, cjl349, pldA, and mviN, while 50-75% of isolates also possessed the virulence genes irgA, hecA, and hecB. Occurrence of A. butzleri was most often associated with the human fecal pollution marker HF183 in stormwater samples. These results suggest that A. butzleri may be an important bacterial pathogen in stormwater, warranting further study on the risks it represents to public health during stormwater use.

Pollution and endometriosis: A deep dive into the environmental impacts on women's health.

BACKGROUND: The interaction between pollution and endometriosis is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. The impact of pollution, particularly air and water pollution, or occupational hazards, on hormonal disruption and the initiation of endometriosis remains a major issue. OBJECTIVES: This narrative review aims to delve into the intricate connection between pollution and endometriosis, shedding light on how environmental factors contribute to the onset and severity of this disease and, thus, the possible public health policy implications. DISCUSSION: Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in pollutants dysregulate the hormonal balance, contributing to the progression of this major gynaecological disorder. Air pollution, specifically PM2.5 and PAHs, has been associated with an increased risk of endometriosis by enhancing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal imbalances. Chemical contaminants in water and work exposures, including heavy metals, dioxins, and PCBs, disrupt the hormonal regulation and potentially contribute to endometriosis. Mitigating the environmental impact of pollution is required to safeguard women's reproductive health. This requires a comprehensive approach involving stringent environmental regulations, sustainable practices, responsible waste management, research and innovation, public awareness, and collaboration among stakeholders. CONCLUSION: Public health policies have a major role in addressing the interaction between pollution and endometriosis in a long-term commitment.

Pinecone biochar for the Adsorption of chromium (VI) from wastewater: Kinetics, thermodynamics, and adsorbent regeneration.

High concentration of chromium in aquatic environments is the trigger for researchers to remediate it from wastewater environments. However, conventional water treatment methods have not been satisfactory in removing chromium from water and wastewater over the last decade. Similarly, many adsorption studies have been focused on one aspect of the treatment, but this study dealt with all aspects of adsorption packages to come up with a concrete conclusion. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare pinecone biochar (PBC) via pyrolysis and apply it for Cr(VI) removal from wastewater. The PBC was characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDX, BET surface area, pHpzc, Raman analyses, TGA, and XRD techniques. Chromium adsorption was studied under the influence of PBC dose, solution pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration, and contact time. The characteristics of PBC are illustrated by FTIR spectroscopic functional groups, XRD non-crystallite structure, SEM rough surface morphology, and high BET surface area125 m2/g, pore volume, 0.07 cm3/g, and pore size 1.4 nm. On the other hand, the maximum Cr (VI) adsorption of 69% was found at the experimental condition of pH 2, adsorbent dosage 0.25 mg/50 mL, initial Cr concentration 100 mg/L, and contact time of 120 min. Similarly, the experimental data were well-fitted with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm at R2 0.96 and the pseudo-second-order kinetics model at R2 0.99. This implies the adsorption process is mainly attributed to monolayer orientation between the adsorbent and adsorbate. In the thermodynamics study of adsorption, ΔG was found to be negative implying the adsorption process was feasible and spontaneous whereas the positive values of ΔH and ΔS indicated the adsorption process was endothermic and increasing the degree of randomness, respectively. Finally, adsorbent regeneration and reusability were successful up to three cycles. In conclusion, biochar surface modification and reusability improvements are urgently required before being applied at the pilot scale.

Study on agricultural water resource utilization efficiency under the constraint of carbon emission and water pollution.

Agricultural water resource utilization efficiency in China is facing significant challenges due to the dual constraints of carbon emissions and water pollution. The inefficiency in water usage in agriculture not only impacts the sustainability of water resources but also contributes to environmental degradation through increased carbon emissions and water pollution. Agricultural water resource utilization efficiency under the constraint of carbon emission and water pollution has been a critical issue in China from 2005 to 2022. This study employs the Quantile Autoregressive Distributed Lag (QARDL) method to comprehensively assess and analyze the complex relationship that exists between agricultural water usage, carbon emissions, and water pollution. By analyzing distinct quantiles of the data distribution, the research investigates how different levels of water resource utilization efficiency relate to carbon emissions and water pollution under various conditions. The findings reveal nuanced insights into the dynamic interactions among these components within the agricultural sector. This research project focuses on the efficiency of water resource utilization in agriculture while considering the constraints of carbon emission and water pollution. Given the dynamic and time-dependent character of these components, the QARDL methodology makes it possible to get a detailed knowledge of how they interact within the framework of agriculture. The study aims to give significant insights and policy suggestions to improve agricultural practices while minimizing environmental concerns linked to carbon emissions and water pollution.

Green synthesis of ZnO nanocubes from Ceropegia omissa H. Huber extract for photocatalytic degradation of bisphenol An under visible light to mitigate water pollution.

Plastic pollution has become a major environmental problem because it does not break down and poses risks to ecosystems and human health. This study focuses on the environmentally friendly synthesis of ZnO nanocubes using an extract from Ceropegia omissa H. Huber plant leaves. The primary goal is to investigate the viability of these nanocubes as visible-light photocatalysts for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). The synthesized ZnO nanocubes have a highly crystalline structure and a bandgap of 3.1 eV, making them suitable for effective visible-light photocatalysis. FTIR analysis, which demonstrates that the pertinent functional groups are present, demonstrates the chemical bonding and reducing processes that take place in the plant extract. The XPS method also studies zinc metals, oxygen valencies, and binding energies. Under visible light irradiation, ZnO nanocubes degrade BPA by 86% in 30 min. This plant-extract-based green synthesis method provides a long-term replacement for traditional procedures, and visible light photocatalysis has advantages over ultraviolet light. The study's results show that ZnO nanocubes may be good for the environment and can work well as visible light photocatalysts to break down organic pollutants. This adds to what is known about using nanoparticles to clean up the environment. As a result, this study highlights the potential of using environmentally friendly ZnO nanocubes as a long-lasting and efficient method of reducing organic pollutant contamination in aquatic environments.

Exploring the economic viability of electrochemical assessment for water contaminants with NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67 core shell modified GCE.

Zeolitic Imidazolate (metal organic) Frameworks (ZIFs) and Prussian Blue Analogues (PBAs) are promising materials in electrochemical sensing due to their unique properties. In this study, a composite material comprising NiFe-PBA and ZIF-67 was synthesized and made to form a uniform layer onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to enhance electrochemical performance for furazolidone (FZD) detection. The synthesized NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67 composite exhibited excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and stability towards FZD detection, with a low limit of detection (LOD). The electrochemical behaviour of FZD on the NiFe-PBA/ZIF-67/GCE electrode was investigated, revealing a diffusion-controlled process. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) analysis demonstrated the synergetic effect of the PBA/MOF core-shell structure in enhancing FZD electro-reduction. The sensor exhibited exceptional LOD of 0.007 µM. Selectivity studies confirmed the sensor's ability to distinguish FZD from potential interferents. Extensive evaluations demonstrated the sensor's reproducibility, repeatability, and long-term stability, affirming its practical utility. Real sample analysis further validated the sensor's excellent analytical capabilities in diverse matrices.

Synthesis of MnFe2O4/activated carbon derived from durian shell waste for removal of indole in water: Optimization, modelling, and mechanism.

While durian shell is often discharged into landfills, this waste can be a potential and zero-cost raw material to synthesize carbon-based adsorbents with purposes of saving costs and minimizing environmental contamination. Indole (IDO) is one of serious organic pollutants that influence aquatic species and human health; hence, the necessity for IDO removal is worth considering. Here, we synthesized a magnetic composite, denoted as MFOAC, based on activated carbon (AC) derived from durian shell waste incorporated with MnFe2O4 (MFO) to adsorb IDO in water. MFOAC showed a microporous structure, along with a high surface area and pore volume, at 518.9 m2/g, and 0.106 cm3/g, respectively. Optimization of factors affecting the IDO removal of MFOAC were implemented by Box-Behnken design and response surface methodology. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms suggested a suitable model for MFOAC to remove IDO. MFOAC was recyclable with 3 cycles. Main interactions involving in the IDO adsorption mechanism onto MFOAC were clarified, including pore filling, n-π interaction, π-π interaction, Yoshida H-bonding, H-bonding.

Effects of urban catchment characteristics on combined sewer overflows.

Pollution from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs) cause diffuse environmental problems, which are still not satisfactorily addressed by current management practices. In this study, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on several CSO environmental impact indicators, with respect to parameters that characterise climate, urban catchment and the CSO structure activation threshold. The sensitivity analysis was conducted by running 10000 simulations with the Storm Water Management Model, using a simplified modelling approach. The indicators were calculated at yearly scale to evaluate overall potential effects on water bodies. The results could be used to estimate pollution load ranges, known the values of the input parameters, and to investigate suitable strategies to reduce pollution of the receiving water bodies. The percentage of impervious surface of the catchment was found the most influent parameter on all the indicators, and its reduction can contain the discharged pollutant mass. The activation threshold, instead, resulted the second least influent parameter on all the indicators, suggesting that its regulation alone would not be a suitable strategy to reduce CSO pollution. However, along with the reduction of the imperviousness, its increase could effectively decrease the concentration of pollutant in the overflow. The results also indicate that neither adopting sustainable urban drainage practices, nor interventions on the CSO device, significantly affect the frequency of the overflows. Therefore, restricting this latter was found to be ineffective for the reduction of both the discharged pollutant mass and the concentration of pollutant in the overflow.

Water, environment, and health nexus: understanding the risk factors for waterborne diseases in communities along the Tano River Basin, Ghana.

Freshwater pollution is a major concern in Ghana, directly impacting human health. However, the underlying drivers of exposure and risks are not comprehensively understood, emphasizing the severity and impact of these diseases. This study assessed the interaction between water and human health, specifically focusing on the risk factors for waterborne diseases and the drivers of water pollution among residents near the Tano River Basin, Ghana. A sample size of 400 households was selected from five communities within the basin based on their proximity to the Tano River. In addition, the study combined both spatial and non-spatial data sources to map potential flood zones for the basin. The study found that inadequate sanitation, poor hygiene practices, and contamination from illegal mining were the primary causative factors of waterborne diseases. Additionally, floods and improper waste management significantly contributed to disease outbreaks. The flood susceptibility analysis indicated that areas highly susceptible to flooding cover 21.2% of the basin, predominantly in the southern part. The results highlight the urgent need for comprehensive interventions to address the drivers of waterborne diseases. This study will contribute to the local authorities in developing plans to prevent waterborne diseases and mitigate their economic and public health impacts.

Citizen monitoring of waterways decreases pollution in China by supporting government action and oversight.

Water pollution is a persistent problem in China, in part, because local governments fail to implement water quality standards set by national and provincial authorities. These higher authorities often lack regular information about the immediate and long-term achievement of remediation targets. Accordingly, central authorities have encouraged nongovernmental organizations to monitor local governments' remediation efforts. This study examines whether nongovernmental monitoring of urban waterways improves water quality by facilitating oversight of local governments or instigating public action for remediation. We randomly assigned urban waterways in Jiangsu province previously identified for remediation to be monitored by a partner nongovernmental organization for 15 mo. We further randomized whether the resulting information was disseminated to local and provincial governments, the public, or both. Disseminating results from monitoring to local and provincial governments improved water quality, but disseminating results to the public did not have detectable effects on water quality or residents' pursuit of remediation through official and volunteer channels. Monitoring can improve resource management when it provides information that makes local resource managers accountable to higher authorities.

Efficient chromium removal from leather industrial wastewater in batch experimental study: Green synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Ficus benghalensis extracts.

The urgent need to address the severe environmental risk posed by chromium-contaminated industrial wastewater necessitates the development of eco-friendly cleanup methodologies. Utilizing the Ficus benghalensis plant extracts, the present study aims to develop green zinc oxide nanoparticles for the removal of Cr metal ions from wastewater. The leaves of Ficus benghalensis, often known as the banyan tree, were used to extract a solution for synthesizing ZnO NPs. These nanoparticles were developed with the goal of efficiently eliminating chromium (Cr) from industrial effluents. Batch studies were carried out to assess the efficiency of these synthesized ZnO NPs in treating leather industrial effluent, with aiming for optimal chromium removal. This involved measuring the nanoparticles' capacity to adsorb Cr ions from wastewater samples by comparing chromium levels before and after treatment. Removal efficiency for Cr was estimated through the batches such as optimization of pH, contact time, initial Cr concentration and sorbent dose of ZnO NPs were of the batches. These synthesized ZnO NPs were found to be successful in lowering chromium levels in wastewater to meet permissible limit. The nanoparticles exhibited their highest absorption capacity, reaching 94 % (46 mg/g) at pH 4, with a contact time of 7 hours with the optimum sorbent dose of 0.6 g/L. Hence, the excellent adsorption capabilities of these nanoparticles, together with their environmentally benign manufacturing technique, provide a long-term and efficient solution for chromium-contaminated wastewater treatment. Its novel nature has the potential to significantly improve the safety and cleanliness of water ecosystems, protecting the both i.e. human health and the environment.

Toxicity of isolated and mixed metals to a native Amazonian ostracod and ecological risk assessment.

In recent decades the Amazonian ecosystem has received large amounts of domestic and industrial effluents, as well as mining-related waste contributing significant quantities of metal to water bodies. Thus, the main objective of the study was to verify the sensitivity of a native Amazonian ostracod (Strandesia rondoniensis) species to isolated and mixed metal salts (CuSO4; ZnCl2; CdCl2 and HgCl2). The sensitivity will be compared to other species using species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) for an ecological risk assessment (ERA). The experiment consisted of simultaneously exposing each metal alone and in mixture, through a factorial design for toxicity with 25 different combinations for 48 h. For the ERA, metal concentrations measured in the water of various aquatic environments in the Amazon basin were considered based on the risk quotient values. The results showed that the metal toxicity gradient was Cd>Hg>Cu>Zn, respectively. The toxicity in the mixture showed that the combination of Cu-Cd and Cu-Zn better fit the model (CA), indicating mainly synergism when copper predominated in the mixture. Meanwhile, the Cu-Hg interaction fit the model better (IA), again indicating synergism when copper was at a higher concentration. The ERA showed a high risk (RQ > 1) for the Cd, Cu, and Hg metals.

Low concentrations of complex mixtures of pesticides and metabolites are toxic to common Carp brain cells (Cyprinus carpio carpio).

Pesticide use increases annually, and Brazil is the world's largest consumer. However, unlike the European Union (EU), there is no established limit value for pesticide mixtures in drinking water, and therefore the concentration of pesticides can reach 3354 times the EU limit. Thus, determining the risk of exposure to pesticide mixtures and their main metabolites is challenging and requires the use of alternative methods. In the present study, the Common Carp Brain (CCB) cell line was used to evaluate the in vitro toxicity of relevant pesticide mixtures (glyphosate, 2,4-D, atrazine, and mancozeb) and their main metabolites after 72 h of exposure. The tested concentrations were based on the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) defined by Brazilian legislation. The results showed that cells exposed to lower concentrations of the pesticide mixtures and the pesticide + metabolite mixtures were affected by a decrease in cell confluence, resazurin metabolism, and wound healing capacity. The IBR index showed that lower concentrations had more severe effects, suggesting the absence of safe concentrations of these pesticide and metabolite mixtures for the CCB cell line within the tested concentration range. These findings raise concerns about the effects of exposure to these substances on animal and human health.

Bisphenol A in Water Systems: Risks to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Biochar-Based Adsorption Remediation: A Review.

Access to clean and safe water sadly remains an issue in the 21st century. Water reservoirs, whether groundwater or surface water, are routinely contaminated by various harmful Emerging Contaminants (ECs). One of most prevalent pollutants among these pollutants is Bisphenol A, which is classified as an Endocrine Disrupting Compound (EDC). This substance adversely interferes with the endocrine system, primarily by mimicking estrogen, and has been considered a potential contributor to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) with 82.70% of 1,391 women studied showing a positive correlation between BPA exposure and PCOS. PCOS is currently the most prevalent endocrine disorder affecting women of reproductive age; however, its pathogenesis remains unclear, complicating diagnosis and subsequently patient care. In this review, these topics are thoroughly examined, with particular emphasis on biochar, a new promising method for large-scale water purification. Biochar, derived from various organic waste materials, has emerged as a cost-effective substance with remarkable adsorption properties achieving up to 88% efficiency over four cycles of reuse, similar to that of activated carbon. This review interrogates the suitability of biochar for counteracting the issue of EDC pollutants.

Immediate health risk: Concentration of heavy metals in contaminated freshwater fishes from the river channel of Turag-Tongi-Balu.

The consumption of contaminated finfish from the polluted river channel of Turag-Tongi-Balu, Kamarpara site, Dhaka poses significant health hazards to humans. We used mass spectrometry on chemically digested liquid samples from five fish species from Turag-Tongi-Balu to estimate the concentrations of 10 elements (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Fe, and Pb). Except M. vittatus, the mean concentrations of Cd, Mn, Pb, and Se exceeded the Food Safety Guideline (FSG) value in all fish species. Among the species studied, L. rohita, C. punctata, C. batrachus, H. fossilis, and M. vittatus exhibited higher Mn concentrations surpassing the FSG threshold, thus elevating the non-carcinogenic risk across all species. There were statistically significant differences (p < .05) in the mean concentrations of heavy metals among fish species. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) value of Mn poses a significant non-carcinogenic risk to human health, while the hazard of other metals is negligible. Except for M. vittus, the Hazard Index value (HI ≥ 1) revealed the risk that all metals exceed the limit and pose a threat to human health. Cd, As, and Ni metals pose a significant carcinogenic risk to human health from the consumption of fish samples, which is a particularly alarming target cancer risk (TCR). In conclusion, regular dietary consumption of fish from this polluted ecosystem of the Turag-Tongi-Balu River channel's Kamarpara site poses a significant health risk and is indicated as cancer. This study emphasizes the significance of monitoring heavy metal contamination in finfish and minimizing the risk to human health with effective measures.

Design of New Schiff Bases and Their Heavy Metal Ion Complexes for Environmental Applications: A Molecular Dynamics and Density Function Theory Study.

Schiff bases (SBs) are important ligands in coordination chemistry due to their unique structural properties. Their ability to form complexes with metal ions has been exploited for the environmental detection of emerging water contaminants. In this work, we evaluated the complexation ability of three newly proposed SBs, 1-3, by complete conformational analysis, using a combination of Molecular Dynamics and Density Functional Theory studies, to understand their ability to coordinate toxic heavy metal (HMs) ions. From this study, it emerges that all the ligands present geometries that make them suitable to complex HMs through the N-imino moieties or, in the case of 3, with the support of the oxygen atoms of the ethylene diether chain. In particular, this ligand shows the most promising coordination behavior, particularly with Pb2+.

Unlocking policy effects: Water resources management plans and urban water pollution.

Water resource management, as a foundation for supporting sustainable urban development, has garnered increasing attention from scholars. Developing effective water resource management plans is a major challenge faced by countries worldwide. This study uses the 2015 Water Pollution Control and Prevention Action Plan (WPCAP) in China as a natural experiment and employs a Difference-in-Differences (DID) model to estimate the relationship between WPCAP and urban water pollution from 2010 to 2021. The findings are as follows: 1) WPCAP reduces water pollution. 2) WPCAP decreases water pollution in high-policy-pressure cities but increases water pollution in low-policy-pressure cities within a 60 km radius, particularly having a significantly negative impact on water pollution in low-policy-pressure cities with low altitude. 3) optimizing industrial and domestic water use, as well as enhancing sewage treatment capabilities, are crucial pathways through which WPCAP reduces water pollution. Additionally, WPCAP significantly improves water pollution control capabilities in cities with abundant water resources, large cities, and industrialized cities. 4) although WPCAP's ability to control water pollution increases management costs, it also raises residential income and promotes population growth. These findings have important implications for the sustainable development of water resources in emerging countries, including China.