The characteristics of the energy structure of rich coal,less oil and less gas,coupling with a high external dependence on oil and natural gas and the emphasis on the efficient and clean utilisation of coal,have broug...The characteristics of the energy structure of rich coal,less oil and less gas,coupling with a high external dependence on oil and natural gas and the emphasis on the efficient and clean utilisation of coal,have brought opportunities for coal chemical industry.However,with the large-scale popularisation of coal gasification technology,the production and resulting storage of coal gasification slag continue to increase,which not only result in serious environmental pollution and a waste of terrestrial resources,but also seriously affect the sustainable development of coal chemical enterprises.Hence,the treatment of coal gasification slag is extremely important.In this paper,the production,composition,morphology,particle size structure and water holding characteristics of coal gasification slag are introduced,and the methods of carbon ash separation of gasification slag,both domestically and abroad,are summarised.In addition,the paper also summarises the research progress on gasification slag in building materials,ecological restoration,residual carbon utilisation and other high-value utilisation,and ultimately puts forward the idea of the comprehensive utilisation of gasification slag.For large-scale consumption to solve the environmental problems of enterprises and achieve high-value utilisation to increase the economic benefits of enterprises,it is urgent to zealously design a reasonable and comprehensive utilisation technologies with simple operational processes,strong adaptability and economic benefits.展开更多
Monitoring soil microbial communities can lead to better understanding of the transformation processes of organic carbon in soil. The present study investigated the changes of soil microbial communities during straw d...Monitoring soil microbial communities can lead to better understanding of the transformation processes of organic carbon in soil. The present study investigated the changes of soil microbial communities during straw decomposition in three fields, i.e., cropland, peach orchard and vineyard. Straw decomposition was monitored for 360 d using a mesh-bag method. Soil microbial metabolic activity and functional diversity were measured using the Biolog-Eco system. In all three fields, dried straws with a smaller size decomposed faster than their fresh counterparts that had a larger size. Dried corn straw decomposed slower than dried soybean straw in the early and middle stages, while the reverse trend was found in the late stage. The cropland showed the highest increase in microbial metabolic activity during the straw decomposition, whereas the peach orchard showed the lowest. There was no significant change in the species dominance or evenness of soil microbial communities during the straw decomposition. However, the species richness fluctuated significantly, with the peach orchard showing the highest richness and the cropland the lowest. With different carbon sources, the peach orchard utilised carbon the most, followed by the cropland and the vineyard. In all three fields, carbon was utilized in following decreasing order： saccharides〉amino acids〉polymers〉polyamines〉carboxylic acids〉aromatic compounds. In terms of carbon-source utilization, soil microbial communities in the peach orchard were less stable than those in the cropland. The metabolic activity and species dominance of soil microbial communities were negatively correlated with the straw residual percentage. Refractory components were primarily accumulated in the late stages, thus slowing down the straw decomposition. The results showed that dried and crushed corn straw was better for application in long-term fields. The diversity of soil microbial communities was more stable in cropland than in orchards during the straw decomposition.展开更多
An innovative in-situ stabilisation treatment followed by ex-situ sediment composting was tested for its ability to treat and dispose of heavy-metal-polluted sediments in a river near the Chinese Pearl Delta. First, p...An innovative in-situ stabilisation treatment followed by ex-situ sediment composting was tested for its ability to treat and dispose of heavy-metal-polluted sediments in a river near the Chinese Pearl Delta. First, polluted sediments were treated in-situ to stabilise the heavy metals. Then the treated sediments were dredged, dewatered and sent for high temperature aerobic composting （HTAC） treatment. Finally, the compost products were used as a fertiliser for fiver bank plants. The stabilisation efficiency of heavy metals during the process was investigated and the results are as follows： （1） using in-situ stabilisation, the extraction concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb were reduced by 65.0%, 82.2% and 90.0%, respectively, which are much lower than the national standard given in the Identification Standard for Hazardous Waste （GB5085.3-1996）; （2） chemical fraction analysis showed that heavy metals were further stabilized during the HTAC treatment; （3） the concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in rainwater leachate through the river bank met the level of class V in the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water in China （GB3838-2002）. Therefore, using this new process, the toxicities of heavy metals in sediments were reduced markedly.展开更多
China has been committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.China’s pledge of carbon neutrality will play an essential role in galvanising global climate action,which has been largely deferred by the Covid-19 pan...China has been committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.China’s pledge of carbon neutrality will play an essential role in galvanising global climate action,which has been largely deferred by the Covid-19 pandemic.China’s carbon neutrality could reduce global warming by approximately 0.2–0.3°C and save around 1.8 million people from premature death due to air pollution.Along with domestic benefits,China’s pledge of carbon neutrality is a“game-changer”for global climate action and can inspire other large carbon emitters to contribute actively to mitigate carbon emissions,particularly countries along the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)routes.In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060,it is necessary to decarbonise all sectors in China,including energy,industry,transportation,construction,and agriculture.However,this transition will be very challenging,because major technological breakthroughs and large-scale investments are required.Strong policies and implementation plans are essential,including sustainable demand,decarbonizing electricity,electrification,fuel switching,and negative emissions.In particular,if China can peak carbon emissions earlier,it can lower the costs of the carbon neutral transition and make it easier to do so over a longer time horizon.China’s pledge of carbon neutrality by 2060 and recent pledges at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties(COP26)are significant contributions and critical steps for global climate action.However,countries worldwide need to achieve carbon neutrality to keep the global temperature from growing beyond the level that will cause catastrophic damages globally.展开更多
Due to the expected rise in the world population,an increase in the requirements for quality and safety of food and feed is expected,which leads to the growing demand for new sources of sustainable and renewable prote...Due to the expected rise in the world population,an increase in the requirements for quality and safety of food and feed is expected,which leads to the growing demand for new sources of sustainable and renewable protein.Insect protein is gaining importance as a renewable material for several reasons,reflecting its potential contribu-tions to sustainability,resource efficiency,and environmental conservation.Some insect species are known to be able to efficiently convert organic waste into high-value products such as protein,requiring less land and water compared to traditional livestock.In addition,insect farming produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions,contri-buting to mitigating climate change.Insects are considered as a major potential alternative to animal or plant protein due to their many nutritional benefits,including high protein,mineral,and vitamin contents.On average,the protein content of insects ranges between 35%and 60%dry weight,which exceeds plant protein sources,such as cereal,soybeans,and lentils.As the acceptance of insect protein grows and technologies advance,the food and feed industries continue to explore and expand their applications,offering consumers diverse and sustainable pro-tein choices.In this review,we discuss the recentfindings relating to insect protein focusing on its characteristics,extraction methods,applications,and opportunities along with some trade-offs and uncertainties.展开更多
Tree allometry plays a crucial role in tree survival,stability,and timber quantity and quality of mixed-species plantations.However,the responses of tree allometry to resource utilisation within the framework of inter...Tree allometry plays a crucial role in tree survival,stability,and timber quantity and quality of mixed-species plantations.However,the responses of tree allometry to resource utilisation within the framework of interspecific competition and complementarity remain poorly understood.Taking into consideration strong-and weakspace competition(SC and WC),as well as N_(2)-fixing and non-N_(2)-fixing tree species(FN and nFN),a mixedspecies planting trial was conducted for Betula alnoides,a pioneer tree species,which was separately mixed with Acacia melanoxylon(SC+FN),Erythrophleum fordii(WC+FN),Eucalyptus cloeziana(SC+nFN)and Pinus kesiya var.langbianensis(WC+nFN)in southern China.Six years after planting,tree growth,total nitrogen(N)and carbon(C)contents,and the natural abundances of^(15)N and^(13)C in the leaves were measured for each species,and the mycorrhizal colonisation rates of B.alnoides were investigated under each treatment.Allometric variations and their relationships with space competition and nutrient-related factors were analyzed.The results showed a consistent effect of space competition on the height-diameter relationship of B.alnoides in mixtures with FN or nFN.The tree height growth of B.alnoides was significantly promoted under high space competition,and growth in diameter at breast height(DBH),tree height and crown size were all expedited in mixtures with FN.The symbiotic relationship between ectomycorrhizal fungi and B.alnoides was significantly influenced by both space competition and N_(2) fixation by the accompanying tree species,whereas such significant effects were absent for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.Furthermore,high space competition significantly decreased the water use efficiency(WUE)of B.alnoides,and its N use efficiency(NUE)was much lower in the FN mixtures.Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that the stem allometry of B.alnoides was affected by its NUE and WUE via changes in its height growth,and crown allometry was influenced by the mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship.展开更多
Carbon dioxide capture and reduction(CCR)process emerges as an efficient catalytic strategy for CO_(2)capture and conversion to valuable chemicals.K-promoted Cu/Al_(2)O_(3)catalysts exhibited promising CO_(2)capture e...Carbon dioxide capture and reduction(CCR)process emerges as an efficient catalytic strategy for CO_(2)capture and conversion to valuable chemicals.K-promoted Cu/Al_(2)O_(3)catalysts exhibited promising CO_(2)capture efficiency and highly selective conversion to syngas(CO+H_(2)).The dynamic nature of the Cu-K system at reaction conditions complicates the identification of the catalytically active phase and surface sites.The present work aims at more precise understanding of the roles of the potassium and copper and the contribution of the metal oxide support.Whileγ-Al_(2)O_(3)guarantees high dispersion and destabilisation of the potassium phase,potassium and copper act synergistically to remove CO_(2)from diluted streams and promote fast regeneration of the active phase for CO_(2)capture releasing CO while passing H_(2).A temperature of 350℃is found necessary to activate H_(2)dissociation and generate the active sites for CO_(2)capture.The effects of synthesis parameters on the CCR activity are also described by combination of ex-situ characterisation of the materials and catalytic testing.展开更多
One simple and fast way to manufacture a useful product from CO2 is to capture the gas by, and then carry out electrolysis in molten alkali metal carbonates. Carbon electro-deposition in molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3- KaCO3 （...One simple and fast way to manufacture a useful product from CO2 is to capture the gas by, and then carry out electrolysis in molten alkali metal carbonates. Carbon electro-deposition in molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3- KaCO3 （molar ratio： 43.5：31.5：25.0） has been widely reported in literature. However, studies in each of the individual alkali metal carbonates either have received less attention or are simply lacking in literature. Electrochem- ical studies of these molten carbonates are important to understand their underlying processes and reactions during the electrolysis. In this work, cyclic voltammograms （CVs） were recorded in each of the above-mentioned molten alkali carbonate salts using a 0.25 mm diameter Pt wire working electrode. In molten Na2CO3 and K2CO3, the main cathodic reaction was likely the formation of alkali metal, while that in Li2CO3 was carbon deposition. The results also suggest that other competing reactions such as CO and alkali metal carbide formation are possible as well in dif- ferent molten salts. On the CVs, the anodic current peaks observed are mostly associated with the oxidation of cathodic products. Flake/ring/sheet-like structures and quasi-spherical particles were observed in the produced carbon. The morphology of the carbon contained both amorphous and graphitic structures, which varied with different electrolysis variables.展开更多
This study provides an overview of Building-Integrated Wind Turbines,focusing on cement silos as wind concentrators,along with determining the amount of power that could be connected without regard to wind direction.T...This study provides an overview of Building-Integrated Wind Turbines,focusing on cement silos as wind concentrators,along with determining the amount of power that could be connected without regard to wind direction.The motivation of this research is the intermittency issue of wind stream in an open environment and non-exploration of wind turbines between cement silos.Building-Augmented Wind Turbines provide 717 W of aerodynamic power at 16 m/s,whereas Standalone Wind Turbines produce 562 W.This is due to the wind speed acceleration between buildings,which causes a concentration effect.Meanwhile,using the simulation software ANSYS,the turbine geometry is developed utilising a Computational Fluid Dynamics evaluation.展开更多
Water resources of a country constitute one of its vital assets that significantly contribute to the socio-economic development and poverty eradication. However, this resource is unevenly distributed in both time and ...Water resources of a country constitute one of its vital assets that significantly contribute to the socio-economic development and poverty eradication. However, this resource is unevenly distributed in both time and space. The major source of water for these resources is direct rainfall, which is recently experiencing variability that threatens the distribution of resources and water availability in Uganda. The annual rainfall received in Uganda varies from 500 mm to 2800 mm, with an average of 1180 mm received in two main seasons. The spatial distribution of rainfall has resulted into a network of great rivers and lakes that possess big potential for development. These resources are being developed and depleted at a fast rate, a situation that requires assessment to establish present status of water resources in the country. The paper reviews the characteristics, availability, demand and importance of present day water resources in Uganda as well as describing the various issues, challenges and management of water resources of the country.展开更多
基金financially supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2019YFC1904302)Foundation of State Key Laboratory of High-efficiency Utilisation of Coal and Green Chemical Engineering(2021-K81)the Technology of Coal-to-liquids Research Institute of National Energy Group([2020]010)。
文摘The characteristics of the energy structure of rich coal,less oil and less gas,coupling with a high external dependence on oil and natural gas and the emphasis on the efficient and clean utilisation of coal,have brought opportunities for coal chemical industry.However,with the large-scale popularisation of coal gasification technology,the production and resulting storage of coal gasification slag continue to increase,which not only result in serious environmental pollution and a waste of terrestrial resources,but also seriously affect the sustainable development of coal chemical enterprises.Hence,the treatment of coal gasification slag is extremely important.In this paper,the production,composition,morphology,particle size structure and water holding characteristics of coal gasification slag are introduced,and the methods of carbon ash separation of gasification slag,both domestically and abroad,are summarised.In addition,the paper also summarises the research progress on gasification slag in building materials,ecological restoration,residual carbon utilisation and other high-value utilisation,and ultimately puts forward the idea of the comprehensive utilisation of gasification slag.For large-scale consumption to solve the environmental problems of enterprises and achieve high-value utilisation to increase the economic benefits of enterprises,it is urgent to zealously design a reasonable and comprehensive utilisation technologies with simple operational processes,strong adaptability and economic benefits.
基金supported by the Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on Loess Plateau of the State Key Laboratory of Chinese Academy of Sciences (K318009902-1310) the Shaanxi Province Innovative Engineering Project Coordinator (2011K01-48)
文摘Monitoring soil microbial communities can lead to better understanding of the transformation processes of organic carbon in soil. The present study investigated the changes of soil microbial communities during straw decomposition in three fields, i.e., cropland, peach orchard and vineyard. Straw decomposition was monitored for 360 d using a mesh-bag method. Soil microbial metabolic activity and functional diversity were measured using the Biolog-Eco system. In all three fields, dried straws with a smaller size decomposed faster than their fresh counterparts that had a larger size. Dried corn straw decomposed slower than dried soybean straw in the early and middle stages, while the reverse trend was found in the late stage. The cropland showed the highest increase in microbial metabolic activity during the straw decomposition, whereas the peach orchard showed the lowest. There was no significant change in the species dominance or evenness of soil microbial communities during the straw decomposition. However, the species richness fluctuated significantly, with the peach orchard showing the highest richness and the cropland the lowest. With different carbon sources, the peach orchard utilised carbon the most, followed by the cropland and the vineyard. In all three fields, carbon was utilized in following decreasing order： saccharides〉amino acids〉polymers〉polyamines〉carboxylic acids〉aromatic compounds. In terms of carbon-source utilization, soil microbial communities in the peach orchard were less stable than those in the cropland. The metabolic activity and species dominance of soil microbial communities were negatively correlated with the straw residual percentage. Refractory components were primarily accumulated in the late stages, thus slowing down the straw decomposition. The results showed that dried and crushed corn straw was better for application in long-term fields. The diversity of soil microbial communities was more stable in cropland than in orchards during the straw decomposition.
基金supported by the Scientific and Tech- nological Planning Project of Guangdong Province (No. 2003A3040404)the Guangdong & Hong Kong Tech- nology Cooperation Funding (No. 2006A36702001)
文摘An innovative in-situ stabilisation treatment followed by ex-situ sediment composting was tested for its ability to treat and dispose of heavy-metal-polluted sediments in a river near the Chinese Pearl Delta. First, polluted sediments were treated in-situ to stabilise the heavy metals. Then the treated sediments were dredged, dewatered and sent for high temperature aerobic composting （HTAC） treatment. Finally, the compost products were used as a fertiliser for fiver bank plants. The stabilisation efficiency of heavy metals during the process was investigated and the results are as follows： （1） using in-situ stabilisation, the extraction concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb were reduced by 65.0%, 82.2% and 90.0%, respectively, which are much lower than the national standard given in the Identification Standard for Hazardous Waste （GB5085.3-1996）; （2） chemical fraction analysis showed that heavy metals were further stabilized during the HTAC treatment; （3） the concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb in rainwater leachate through the river bank met the level of class V in the Environmental Quality Standards for Surface Water in China （GB3838-2002）. Therefore, using this new process, the toxicities of heavy metals in sediments were reduced markedly.
基金This work was partially supported by NUISTReading Research Institute Pump-Priming Project(UK)(NRRIPPP-01)Royal Society International Exchange Grant(UK)(IEC\NSFC\211430)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42211530082 and 71921003).
文摘China has been committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.China’s pledge of carbon neutrality will play an essential role in galvanising global climate action,which has been largely deferred by the Covid-19 pandemic.China’s carbon neutrality could reduce global warming by approximately 0.2–0.3°C and save around 1.8 million people from premature death due to air pollution.Along with domestic benefits,China’s pledge of carbon neutrality is a“game-changer”for global climate action and can inspire other large carbon emitters to contribute actively to mitigate carbon emissions,particularly countries along the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI)routes.In order to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060,it is necessary to decarbonise all sectors in China,including energy,industry,transportation,construction,and agriculture.However,this transition will be very challenging,because major technological breakthroughs and large-scale investments are required.Strong policies and implementation plans are essential,including sustainable demand,decarbonizing electricity,electrification,fuel switching,and negative emissions.In particular,if China can peak carbon emissions earlier,it can lower the costs of the carbon neutral transition and make it easier to do so over a longer time horizon.China’s pledge of carbon neutrality by 2060 and recent pledges at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties(COP26)are significant contributions and critical steps for global climate action.However,countries worldwide need to achieve carbon neutrality to keep the global temperature from growing beyond the level that will cause catastrophic damages globally.
文摘Due to the expected rise in the world population,an increase in the requirements for quality and safety of food and feed is expected,which leads to the growing demand for new sources of sustainable and renewable protein.Insect protein is gaining importance as a renewable material for several reasons,reflecting its potential contribu-tions to sustainability,resource efficiency,and environmental conservation.Some insect species are known to be able to efficiently convert organic waste into high-value products such as protein,requiring less land and water compared to traditional livestock.In addition,insect farming produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions,contri-buting to mitigating climate change.Insects are considered as a major potential alternative to animal or plant protein due to their many nutritional benefits,including high protein,mineral,and vitamin contents.On average,the protein content of insects ranges between 35%and 60%dry weight,which exceeds plant protein sources,such as cereal,soybeans,and lentils.As the acceptance of insect protein grows and technologies advance,the food and feed industries continue to explore and expand their applications,offering consumers diverse and sustainable pro-tein choices.In this review,we discuss the recentfindings relating to insect protein focusing on its characteristics,extraction methods,applications,and opportunities along with some trade-offs and uncertainties.
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (31972949)National Nonprofit Institute Research Grant of Chinese Academy of Forestry,China (CAFYBB2023MB006)。
文摘Tree allometry plays a crucial role in tree survival,stability,and timber quantity and quality of mixed-species plantations.However,the responses of tree allometry to resource utilisation within the framework of interspecific competition and complementarity remain poorly understood.Taking into consideration strong-and weakspace competition(SC and WC),as well as N_(2)-fixing and non-N_(2)-fixing tree species(FN and nFN),a mixedspecies planting trial was conducted for Betula alnoides,a pioneer tree species,which was separately mixed with Acacia melanoxylon(SC+FN),Erythrophleum fordii(WC+FN),Eucalyptus cloeziana(SC+nFN)and Pinus kesiya var.langbianensis(WC+nFN)in southern China.Six years after planting,tree growth,total nitrogen(N)and carbon(C)contents,and the natural abundances of^(15)N and^(13)C in the leaves were measured for each species,and the mycorrhizal colonisation rates of B.alnoides were investigated under each treatment.Allometric variations and their relationships with space competition and nutrient-related factors were analyzed.The results showed a consistent effect of space competition on the height-diameter relationship of B.alnoides in mixtures with FN or nFN.The tree height growth of B.alnoides was significantly promoted under high space competition,and growth in diameter at breast height(DBH),tree height and crown size were all expedited in mixtures with FN.The symbiotic relationship between ectomycorrhizal fungi and B.alnoides was significantly influenced by both space competition and N_(2) fixation by the accompanying tree species,whereas such significant effects were absent for arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.Furthermore,high space competition significantly decreased the water use efficiency(WUE)of B.alnoides,and its N use efficiency(NUE)was much lower in the FN mixtures.Structural equation modeling further demonstrated that the stem allometry of B.alnoides was affected by its NUE and WUE via changes in its height growth,and crown allometry was influenced by the mycorrhizal symbiotic relationship.
文摘Carbon dioxide capture and reduction(CCR)process emerges as an efficient catalytic strategy for CO_(2)capture and conversion to valuable chemicals.K-promoted Cu/Al_(2)O_(3)catalysts exhibited promising CO_(2)capture efficiency and highly selective conversion to syngas(CO+H_(2)).The dynamic nature of the Cu-K system at reaction conditions complicates the identification of the catalytically active phase and surface sites.The present work aims at more precise understanding of the roles of the potassium and copper and the contribution of the metal oxide support.Whileγ-Al_(2)O_(3)guarantees high dispersion and destabilisation of the potassium phase,potassium and copper act synergistically to remove CO_(2)from diluted streams and promote fast regeneration of the active phase for CO_(2)capture releasing CO while passing H_(2).A temperature of 350℃is found necessary to activate H_(2)dissociation and generate the active sites for CO_(2)capture.The effects of synthesis parameters on the CCR activity are also described by combination of ex-situ characterisation of the materials and catalytic testing.
文摘One simple and fast way to manufacture a useful product from CO2 is to capture the gas by, and then carry out electrolysis in molten alkali metal carbonates. Carbon electro-deposition in molten Li2CO3-Na2CO3- KaCO3 （molar ratio： 43.5：31.5：25.0） has been widely reported in literature. However, studies in each of the individual alkali metal carbonates either have received less attention or are simply lacking in literature. Electrochem- ical studies of these molten carbonates are important to understand their underlying processes and reactions during the electrolysis. In this work, cyclic voltammograms （CVs） were recorded in each of the above-mentioned molten alkali carbonate salts using a 0.25 mm diameter Pt wire working electrode. In molten Na2CO3 and K2CO3, the main cathodic reaction was likely the formation of alkali metal, while that in Li2CO3 was carbon deposition. The results also suggest that other competing reactions such as CO and alkali metal carbide formation are possible as well in dif- ferent molten salts. On the CVs, the anodic current peaks observed are mostly associated with the oxidation of cathodic products. Flake/ring/sheet-like structures and quasi-spherical particles were observed in the produced carbon. The morphology of the carbon contained both amorphous and graphitic structures, which varied with different electrolysis variables.
文摘This study provides an overview of Building-Integrated Wind Turbines,focusing on cement silos as wind concentrators,along with determining the amount of power that could be connected without regard to wind direction.The motivation of this research is the intermittency issue of wind stream in an open environment and non-exploration of wind turbines between cement silos.Building-Augmented Wind Turbines provide 717 W of aerodynamic power at 16 m/s,whereas Standalone Wind Turbines produce 562 W.This is due to the wind speed acceleration between buildings,which causes a concentration effect.Meanwhile,using the simulation software ANSYS,the turbine geometry is developed utilising a Computational Fluid Dynamics evaluation.
文摘Water resources of a country constitute one of its vital assets that significantly contribute to the socio-economic development and poverty eradication. However, this resource is unevenly distributed in both time and space. The major source of water for these resources is direct rainfall, which is recently experiencing variability that threatens the distribution of resources and water availability in Uganda. The annual rainfall received in Uganda varies from 500 mm to 2800 mm, with an average of 1180 mm received in two main seasons. The spatial distribution of rainfall has resulted into a network of great rivers and lakes that possess big potential for development. These resources are being developed and depleted at a fast rate, a situation that requires assessment to establish present status of water resources in the country. The paper reviews the characteristics, availability, demand and importance of present day water resources in Uganda as well as describing the various issues, challenges and management of water resources of the country.
