Industrial water conservation by water footprint and sustainable development goals: a review

• Published in: Environment, development and sustainability Vol. 23; no. 9; pp. 12661 - 12709
• Main Authors: Weerasooriya, R. R., Liyanage, L. P. K., Rathnappriya, R. H. K., Bandara, W. B. M. A. C., Perera, T. A. N. T., Gunarathna, M. H. J. P., Jayasinghe, G. Y.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01-09-2021; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aquatic ecosystems; Conservation; Earth and Environmental Science; Ecology; Economic Geology; Economic Growth; Ecosystem conservation; Ecosystems; Environment; Environmental Economics; Environmental Management; Footprint analysis; Freshwater ecosystems; Greywater; Hydrologic cycle; Industrial water; Resource management; Review; Scarcity; Sustainability; Sustainable Development; Sustainable use; Water conservation; Water consumption; Water pressure; Water resources management; Water scarcity; Water supply; Water use; Industrial water management; Water pollution; Sustainability; Water scarcity
• ISSN: 1387-585X; 1573-2975
• DOI: 10.1007/s10668-020-01184-0

Application of advanced techniques to ensure the environment sustainability and freshwater ecosystem conservation is a paramount importance. Industrial sector is mostly accused for the increased water pressure with high water consumption rates and increased grey water footprints. Industries must take action toward implementing water conservation strategies to enhance natural water cycle, increase water-use efficiency and address future challenges. The significance of water footprint as a driving force to water conservation is spotlighted with severe water scarcity. “Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” proposed by the United Nations are focused on creating a sustainable way of life to reduce the impacts on ecology and achieve economic and social benefits. Water is a central part in sustainable development; thus, all SDGs are interlinked with sustainable water use. The paper reviews incorporating the concept of water footprint to achieve SDGs in relation to industrial water conservation and the future pathways that lead to sustainable water resource management.