Ecohydrology

- new scientific way of managing the water cycle to achieve the sustainable use of water by societies.
- it comes from eco, hydro, and logy, derived from the Greek, oikos, hudôr and logos, respectively meaning house,
water, and science. Therefore, eco-hydro-logy is the science of water and ecology.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF HYDROLOGY AND ECOLOGY

- Ecology and hydrology are related fields of study that look at how water moves through the environment and
interacts with other living things.

Hydrology

- Hydrology focuses on the distribution, movement, and quality of water in the environment.

- The word hydrology comes from the Greek word hyrdo means “water,” and the scientific suffix -logy means “study or
science.”

Basic principles of hydrology

Water Cycle

- The constant movement of water on Earth’s surface as well as above and below it is referred to as the
water cycle.
1.) Evaporation

- Evaporation is when the sun heats up water in rivers or lakes or the ocean and turns it into vapour or steam. The water
vapour or steam leaves the river, lake or ocean and goes into the air.

2.) Convection

- Convection in the water cycle is when the air near the surface is heated, then rises taking heat with it. Water vapour in
the air gets cold and changes back into liquid, forming clouds. This is called condensation.

3.) Precipitation

-Precipitation occurs when so much water has condensed that the air cannot hold it anymore. The clouds get heavy and
water falls back to the earth in the form of rain, hail, sleet or snow.

4.) Collection

- A lot of the Earth’s water does not take part in the water cycle very often. Much of it is stored. The Earth stores water
in a number of places. The ocean is the largest storage of water. Around 96% of the Earth’s water is stored in the ocean.
We can’t drink the salty ocean water, so fortunately for us, freshwater is also stored in lakes, glaciers, snow caps, rivers,
and below the ground in groundwater storage

ECOLOGY

- Ecology is the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment.

- The word Ecology ccmes from greekword “oikos” Means house or surrounding and Logos means study or knowledge.
So simply can be defined as the study of surrounding animals human beings.

BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY

Ecosystems
 Is a community of organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It includes biotic (living)
and abiotic (non-living) components.

Energy Flow

Energy flows through ecosystems in the form of sunlight, which is captured by photosynthetic organisms and passed
through the food chain. Energy is lost at each trophic level through respiration and metabolic processes.

Nutrient Cycling

Nutrient cycling involves the movement and exchange of nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus
between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems. It includes processes such as decomposition, mineralization, and
nutrient uptake by plants.

Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms in an ecosystem. It includes genetic diversity, species diversity,
and ecosystem diversity. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem stability and resilience

Succession

Succession is the process by which ecosystems undergo predictable changes over time in response to disturbances such
as fire, flood, or human activities. It involves the colonization of new species and the replacement of existing ones.

SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HYDROLOGIST AND ECOLOGIST

Ecology and hydrology are two closely related fields within the broader realm of environmental science. While
both disciplines share common goals of understanding and preserving natural systems, they have distinct focuses and
methodologies.

SIMILARITIES

• INTERDISCIPLINARY APPROACH

Both ecologists and hydrologists often work in interdisciplinary teams, collaborating with experts from fields such as
biology, geology, chemistry, and engineering.

• FIELDWORK

They are both collect data from natural environments, such as forests, rivers, wetlands, and aquatic ecosystems, to
analyze patterns and processes.

• DATA ANALYSIS

Both disciplines utilize quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze data collected from field observations,
experiments, and modeling. They employ statistical techniques, like, Geographic Information Systems ( GIS), and other
analytical tools to interpret data and draw conclusions.

• ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Both ecologists and hydrologists are committed to environmental stewardship and the conservation of natural
resources. They need to understand the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and water resources and develop
strategies for sustainable management and conservation.

DIFFERENCES

• FOCUS AREA
- Ecologists more on study of interactions between organisms and their environment, including the structure,
function, and dynamics of ecosystems.

• WATER RESOURCES

- Hydrologists specialize in the study of water resources, including the distribution, movement, and quality of
water in the environment

• SCALE

- Ecologists often work at broader spatial and temporal scales, studying patterns and processes that occur over
large areas and long time periods.

- Hydrologists may focus on more localized scales, such as watersheds or river basins, and shorter timeframes,
such as seasonal or annual variations.

• METHODOLOGIST

- While both disciplines employ fieldwork and data analysis, their methodologies can differ based on their
respective focus areas. Ecologists may use techniques such as biodiversity surveys, vegetation sampling, and habitat
mapping, while hydrologists may use methods such as stream gauging, hydrological modeling, and water quality
monitoring.

GENESIS OF ECOHYDROLOGY
Ecohydrology was born in the UNESCO stable as part of the 5 th IHP (International Hydrological
Programme, 1996-2001). This was in one sense a response to the formal statements arising from the Dublin
Conference on Water and promotion of Integrated Water Management (Solanes and Gonzalez-Villarreal, 1999)
but in another sense it represented the intellectual development of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere (MAB)
Programme. MAB, launched in 1971, had quickly realized the importance of human impact on aquatic systems,
as it was reflected, among others, in the Land Use Impacts on Aquatic Systems project of the MAB programme
(Jolánkai and Roberts, 1984). This importance was translated into a determination to understand the potential
role of sub-systems on buffering the worst effects of human impact, resulting in the 5-year MAB programme
Role of Land/Inland Water Ecotones in Landscape Management and Restoration (Naiman et al., 1989; Naiman
and Decamps 1990; Zalewski, et al.,2001). The final meeting of the Ecotone project in 1994 concluded that an
important development would be the integration of ecology and other sciences, a natural development of earlier
integrative initiatives within UNESCO.
THE NEED FOR ECOHYDROLOGY
Every country in the world has problems with water allocation because there is too little, of the right
quality, in the right place. The government of every country in the world recognizes this, though few are taking
action, many recognize it but are taking limited action, and too many recognize it but are doing nothing because
the timescale of the solution exceeds the timescale of government rule. UNESCO (the lead agency in science)
and UNEP (the lead agency in the environment), among the major inter-governmental organizations addressing
environmental issues, had recognized the problems of water scarcity and allocation in their support for the
ecohydrological approach. Implicit in this support is the recognition that past Water management approaches
are no longer appropriate or effective for the 21st century, and new approaches are needed.
HISTORY OF ECOHYDROLOGY
 Early Roots (1970s-1980s): Scientists who discovered how important it was to study ecosystems and water
cycles simultaneously laid the groundwork for ecohydrology. The relationships between soil, water
dynamics, and plants were first studied in the 1970s and 1980s.

Development of Ecohydrology Concept (1990s): In the 1990s, as researchers looked for a more
comprehensive method to comprehend the intricate connections between ecological and hydrological
systems, the word "ecohydrology" sprang to prominence. The impact of vegetation on hydrological
processes like evapotranspiration, runoff, and groundwater recharge has drawn the attention of
researchers.

Key Concepts and Frameworks (2000s): The rise of important theories and frameworks throughout the
2000s marked the evolution of ecohydrology. To quantify the relationships between ecosystems and
water cycles, researchers began to create models and methodology. A growing amount of focus was
placed on ideas like ecohydrological services, feedbacks, and the ecohydrological approach to managing
water resources.

Advancements in Technology (2010s): Technological developments in the 2010s enabled increasingly

accurate and complex measurements of ecohydrological processes. A greater knowledge of the spatial
and temporal dynamics of water-ecosystem interactions has been made possible by advances in
modeling approaches, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), and remote sensing.

Applications and Importance (2010s-2020s): Ecohydrology found practical use in a number of domains,
such as ecosystem restoration, climate change adaptation, and water resource management.
Ecohydrology is becoming more and more important for managing water resources sustainably and
preserving the health of ecosystems.

Current Trends (2020s): With further research into the effects of climate change on interactions between
water and ecosystems, the contribution of biodiversity to hydrological processes, and the creation of
novel strategies to tackle water-related problems, ecohydrology has been evolving in recent years

THE SCIENTIFIC EVOLUTION OF ECOHYDROLOGY

The principles of ecohydrology have evolved since the late 1990s in such publications, promoted by
UNESCO support, as: Zalewski (2000); Zalewski and Harper, (2002); Zalewski et al., (2004). They have
focused upon the links between the disciplines and the use of low-cost ecological technologies for the
management of wetland, instream and riparian plant communities. These were first given the term Ecological
Engineering (Mitsch and Jørgensen, 1989) and have now become an integral part of ecohydrology, termed
‘phytotechnologies’. The linkage gained support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), in
recognition of phytotechnologies’ widespread global value as a lowcost sustainable solution to mitigating
pollution on land and water (Zalewski, 2002; Zalewski et al., 2003; Zalewski, 2004).
THE ECOSYSTEM
An ecosystem is a geographic area where plants, animals, and other organisms, as well as weather and
landscapes, work together to form a bubble of life. Ecosystems contain biotic or living, parts, as well as abiotic
factors, or nonliving parts. Biotic factors include plants, animals, and other organisms. Abiotic factors include
rocks, temperature, and humidity.The whole surface of Earth is a series of connected ecosystems. Ecosystems
are often connected in a larger biome. Biomes are large sections of land, sea, or atmosphere. Forests, ponds,
reefs, and tundra are all types of biomes, for example. They’re organized very generally, based on the types of
plants and animals that live in them. Within each forest, each pond, each reef, or each section of tundra, you’ll
find many different ecosystems.
THE ROLE OF AQUATIC SCIENCES
Aquatic science plays a crucial role in studying and understanding the ecosystems, biodiversity, and
environmental dynamics of bodies of water such as oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. It encompasses various
disciplines including marine biology, oceanography, limnology, and hydrology, and contributes to addressing
issues such as pollution, climate change, conservation, and sustainable management of aquatic resources.

ECOHYDROLOGICAL PROCESS

The water, or hydrologic, cycle describes the pilgrimage of water as water molecules make their way from the
Earth’s surface to the atmosphere and back again, in some cases to below the surface. This system, powered by
energy from the Sun, is a continuous exchange of moisture between the oceans, the atmosphere, and the land.
Nearly 90% of the moisture in our atmosphere comes from evaporation, which is the process by which water
from lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water turns from a liquid to a gas. Plants emit the majority of the
remaining 10% of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere through transpiration. Water is absorbed by plants through
their roots and expelled by tiny pores on the underside of their leaves. Moreover, sublimation—the direct
conversion of water from a solid (ice or snow) to a gas—transforms a very tiny amount of water vapor into the
atmosphere. Sublimation causes snow banks to gradually recede when the temperature stays below
freezing.Together, transpiration, sublimation, evaporation, and volcanic emissions correspond to nearly all of
the atmospheric water vapor that isn’t added by human activity. Transpiration is important, but evaporation from
the oceans is the main factor behind the hydrologic cycle’s surface-to-atmosphere phase. After the water enters
the lower atmosphere, rising air currents carry it upward, often high into the atmosphere, where the air is cooler.
In the cool air, water vapor is more likely to condense from a gas to a liquid to form cloud droplets. Cloud
droplets can grow and produce precipitation (including rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and hail), which is the
primary mechanism for transporting water from the atmosphere back to the Earth’s surface. When rain falls
over the surface of the earth, it travels in different directions thereafter. Some of them evaporate, returning to the
atmosphere; some seep into the ground as soil moisture or groundwater; and others are washed downstream.
HUMAN INTERVENTION TO ECOHYDROLOGICAL PROCESS

Land Use Changes:

○ Urbanization: Transforming natural landscapes into impermeable surfaces, such highways and
buildings, is a common part of urban area expansion. Groundwater recharge and flood risk are
both impacted by this modification to surface runoff patterns.

○ Deforestation: Forests that are burned for farming or other uses have less vegetation cover,
which affects evapotranspiration rates and changes the ratio of water that runs off the surface to
that which enters the soil.

Water Management:
 ○ Dams and Reservoirs:The building of dams and reservoirs modifies the natural flow patterns of
rivers, impacting the cycling of nutrients, the movement of sediments, and the environments in
which aquatic species exist. Additionally, dams have an impact on hydrological and biological
processes downstream.

○ Irrigation: Changes in local hydrological cycles brought about by agricultural irrigation

techniques can impact groundwater levels, soil moisture, and the amount of water available for
ecosystems downstream.

Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:

○ Afforestation and Reforestation: Restoring vegetation cover, increasing evapotranspiration,
and enhancing ecosystem health can all be achieved by planting trees in deforested or degraded
areas. This is a frequently employed tactic for adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

Pollution:
○ Water Pollution: Pollutant discharge into bodies of water can deteriorate the quality of the
water, impacting aquatic ecosystems and the availability of clean water for human consumption.
This may have a detrimental effect on biodiversity and upset the natural balance of nutrient
cycling.

Infrastructure Development:
○ Roads and Urban Infrastructure: Natural drainage patterns can be changed by building roads
and other urban infrastructure, which can increase runoff and affect the conveyance of silt.
Pollutants can enter aquatic bodies through stormwater runoff from impermeable surfaces.

Agricultural Practices:
○ Land Drainage: However the goal of drainage systems in agriculture is to eliminate excess
water from fields, they can also modify the course of natural hydrological processes, affecting
downstream flows, wetland habitats, and local water tables.

Restoration Projects:
○ Wetland Restoration: Restoration of wetlands by humans can have a beneficial effect on
ecohydrological processes because it can improve water quality, retain more water, and provide
home for a variety of plant and animal species.

Ecohydrological Engineering:
○ Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR): In order to increase groundwater storage and improve
water availability, human-designed techniques like MAR entail purposefully replenishing
aquifers with surface water.
ECOHYDROLOGICAL MODELING

Ecohydrological models can be used to study various aspects of the natural environment, such as water
availability, water quality, and the effects of human activities on ecosystems.

ECOHYDROLOGY RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION

In building projects, ecohydrology is especially important for land development, infrastructure, and water
resource management. It supports efficient water resource management through the use of drainage systems,
stormwater runoff, erosion control, and flood mitigation. In addition, ecohydrology provides strategies for
assessing and mitigating environmental impacts, taking into account elements such as changes in the aquatic
environment, changes in the hydrological regime, and pollution of water sources.

Ecohydrology minimizes adverse effects on ecosystems and water resources, hence promoting sustainable
construction techniques. This involves imitating natural hydrological processes with green infrastructure, such
as wetlands and permeable pavements. Efforts to restore and conserve habitat, such as riparian buffers, wetlands
restoration, reuniting split water bodies, and restoring natural hydrological regimes, are guided by
ecohydrological concepts.

Water-efficient design strategies, such as low-impact development methods, irrigation system optimization,
and water recycling, are encouraged by ecohydrology. It is essential for resilience planning, climate change
adaption, and building projects. Ecohydrology ensures resilient infrastructure design by including natural
buffers to reduce the danger of erosion and floods.

HYDROLOGIC ECOSYSTEMS

Hydrological ecosystems, also known as aquatic ecosystems, are environments where water is the primary
component, supporting various forms of life. These ecosystems encompass freshwater habitats such as rivers,
lakes, ponds, and wetlands, as well as marine habitats including oceans, seas, and estuaries. They are
characterized by the interaction between aquatic organisms and their physical surroundings, including water
chemistry, currents, temperature, and light availability. Hydrological ecosystems are vital for biodiversity,
nutrient cycling, and the overall health of the planet. They provide essential services such as water purification,
flood regulation, climate regulation, and food production, making them crucial for human well-being and
ecosystem sustainability.
PLANS BY THE WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION

World Environment Organization (WEO) is an international environmental organization founded by Jules

Van Dyck whose primary goal is to improve the environment in the advantage of human related to climate
change. In addition, they try to bring these large-scale environmental problems to the attention of the public.

Mission and goals

1) Stop climate change
2) Create a climate-neutral, ecological and environmentally-conscious world
3) Conclude agreements with governments concerning climate change and environmental policy
4) Defend our oceans
5) Protect ancient forest
6) Eliminate toxic chemicals
7) End the age of fossil fuels and nuclear power plants

VIEW OF DENR BETWEEN THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONSTRUCTION AND ECOLOGY

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is responsible for the conservation,
management, and development of the country's environment and natural resources. In the context of construction and
ecology, DENR plays a crucial role in ensuring that development activities, including construction, are carried out in an
environmentally sustainable and responsible manner.

The relationship between construction and ecology can be complex. Construction activities can lead to
significant ecological impacts, such as habitat destruction, water pollution, and increased greenhouse gas emissions.
These impacts can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, affect the health of wildlife, and contribute to climate change.

On the other hand, construction can also lead to positive ecological outcomes when implemented with proper
planning, design, and management. For example, green buildings that incorporate sustainable materials, energy-efficient
systems, and natural elements can provide numerous ecological benefits, such as reduced energy consumption,
improved air and water quality, and enhanced habitat for local flora and fauna.

To maintain a healthy balance between construction and ecology, DENR implements various policies, guidelines, and
programs. These may include:

1. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): Before commencing any significant construction project, developers must
conduct an EIA to evaluate the potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures.

2. Building Codes and Standards: DENR, along with other relevant agencies, establishes building codes and standards
that promote sustainable construction practices and minimize ecological impacts.

3. Rehabilitation and Restoration: DENR may require developers to restore damaged ecosystems or compensate for
ecological losses caused by construction activities.
4. Education and Awareness: DENR promotes education and awareness on sustainable construction practices among
architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to encourage responsible development.

5. Monitoring and Enforcement: DENR monitors the implementation of environmental policies and enforces legal
actions against those who violate environmental laws and guidelines related to construction activities.

By fostering a strong relationship between construction and ecology, the DENR aims to ensure that development
activities contribute to a sustainable future for both humans and the environment.

WHAT IS HYDROLOGY?

- science that encompasses the occurrence, distribution, movement and properties of the waters of the earth and
their relationship with the environment within each phase of the hydrologic cycle
- Water covers about 71% of the Earth' s surface, with seas and oceans making up most of the water volume
(about 96.5%). Small portions of water occur as groundwater (1.7%), in the glaciers and the icecaps of Antarctica
and Greenland (1.7%), and in the air as vapor, clouds (consisting of ice and liquid water suspended in air), and
precipitation (0.001%).

HYDROLOGIC CYCLE

EVAPORATION,

CONDENSATION,

PRECIPITATION,

TRANSPIRATION, and

more...

EVAPORATION

- process of a liquid' s surface changing to a gas. In the water cycle, liquid water (in the ocean, lakes, or rivers)
evaporates and becomes water vapor. The water cycle ' s evaporation process is driven by the sun. As the sun
interacts with liquid water on the surface of the ocean, the water becomes an invisible gas (water vapor).
Evaporation is also influenced by wind, temperature, and the density of the body of water

CONDENSATION

- process of a gas changing to a liquid. In the water cycle, water vapor in the atmosphere condenses and becomes
liquid. Clouds form as water vapor condenses, or becomes more concentrated (dense). Water vapor condenses
around tiny particles called cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). CCN can be specks of dust, salt, or pollutants.
Clouds at ground level are called fog or mist. Like evaporation, condensation is also influenced by the sun. As
water vapor cools, it reaches its saturation limit, or dew point. Air pressure is also an important influence on the
dew point of an area.

PRECIPITATION

- describes any liquid or solid water that falls to Earth as a result of condensation in the atmosphere.
Precipitation includes rain, snow, and hail.

OTHER PROCESSES...

Runoff - describes a variety of ways liquid water moves across land.

Percolation - process by which water moves downward through the soil under gravitational forces.
Transpiration - process of water vapor being released from plants and soil. Plants release water vapor through
microscopic pores called stomata.

Evapotranspiration - loss of water from the soil both by evaporation from the soil surface and by transpiration from the
leaves of the plants growing on it

The Water Cycle & Climate

- Climate is all the weather conditions of an area, evaluated over a period of time. Two weather conditions that
contribute to climate include humidity and temperature. These weather conditions are influenced by the water
cycle

The Water Cycle and the Landscape

- The water cycle also influences the physical geography of Earth. Glacial melt and erosion caused by water are
two of the ways the water cycle helps create Earth' s physical features. As glaciers slowly expand across a
landscape, they can carve away entire valleys, create mountain peaks, and leave behind rubble as big as
boulders. Glacial melt can also create landforms. The process of erosion and the movement of runoff also create
varied landscapes across Earth' s surface. Erosion is the process by which earth is worn away by liquid water,
wind, or ice.

BRANCHES OF

HYDROLOGY

• Ecohydrology

• Hydrogeology
• Hydroinformatics

• Hydrometeorology

• Isotope hydrology

• Surface hydrology

• Drainage basin

• Water quality

Applications of Hydrology in different fields of Civil Engineering:

1. Flood Risk Assessment and Management

2.Water Supply Planning

3. Irrigation Design and Management

4.Stormwater Management

5.Dam and Reservoir Operations

6. Environmental Impact Assessment

7.Climate Change Impact Studies