Worldwide water consumption grew ten-fold between 1900 and 2000. This book addresses demographic trends indicating that the world will need 40 percent more water by 2025, and two thirds of the world's population will live in water-stressed countries by then.

Worldwide water consumption grew ten-fold between 1900 and 2000. This book addresses demographic trends indicating that the world will need 40 percent more water by 2025, and two thirds of the world's population will live in water-stressed countries by then.

This volume, with contributions from a team of multi-disciplinary team experts, addresses the economic sustainability and clean manufacturing methods to deal with the challenges that water scarcity and water quality are imposing on many countries, particularly on Mediterranean arid areas, that are threatening their economic and social development. Water plays a crucial role in industry, agriculture and daily life. Its use has increased ten-fold between 1900 and 2000. On a global scale, about 70 % of clean water from available sources is used for agricultural purposes, primarily irrigation,...