Papers by Andreas Angelakis
Water Science and Technology, 2020
The history of water supply and wastewater engineering in Crete Island (Greece) dates back more t... more The history of water supply and wastewater engineering in Crete Island (Greece) dates back more than ca 4,500 years, since the early Bronze Ages. In the Minoan era, it was recognized that the removal of wastewater and storm-water were necessary for communal living. The early Minoan developments in wastewater and storm-water collection and removal are the cornerstones on which modern cities are built. The evolution of wastewater and storm-water management from prehistoric to modern times in Crete is examined briefly in this paper. Information on the current status and future strategies for wastewater and storm-water management is also presented.
Written by Francisco Cubillo and Patricia Gómez on behalf of the Cluster Conclusions Anaerobic pr... more Written by Francisco Cubillo and Patricia Gómez on behalf of the Cluster Conclusions Anaerobic processes have a major role in future sustainable water management, and also across all areas of human activity, including agriculture, industrial chemicals, and energy generation. There are clearly novel areas to apply the basic principles we have developed over the past 50 years of research, including MCB, and electrochemically mediated processes. In addition, new science will be needed to fully enable resource recovery and provide new downstream processing options for the biorefinery of the future. At the same time, we need to recognise that there has been an enormous amount of work done already, which is particularly applicable to other fields such as domestic wastewater treatment, including upstream sewer processes. It will be important to retain this important knowledge as we move into new and exciting applications.
Sustainable Water Resources Management
Many springs have been recorded in Greece; some of them are characterized as thermo-mineral sprin... more Many springs have been recorded in Greece; some of them are characterized as thermo-mineral springs and are associated with their position between Eurasia and Africa, the volcanic activity, and the presence of tectonic faults. The therapeutic use of water (hydrotherapy) has been recorded in ancient Greece since at least 1000 BC. Asclepius was the god of medicine in ancient Greek religion and priests operated his worship centers (Asclepieia) offering medical services in areas with proper climatic conditions. In historical times, Hippocrates from the Aegean island of Kos (460–375 BC) is considered the father of scientific medicine as well as hydrotherapy. During the Hellenistic period, the significance of water in health was widely recognized. In the Roman era, many doctors evolved hydrotherapy treatment and the use of hot baths continued in the early Byzantine period until the sixth century AD. Finally, during the Ottoman period, the kind of respiratory bath, named Hamam, was the dom...
World
Environmental determinism is often used to explain past social collapses and to predict the futur... more Environmental determinism is often used to explain past social collapses and to predict the future of modern human societies. We assess the availability of natural resources and the resulting carrying capacity (a basic concept of environmental determinism) through a toy model based on Hurst–Kolmogorov dynamics. We also highlight the role of social cohesion, and we evaluate it from an entropic viewpoint. Furthermore, we make the case that, when it comes to the demise of civilizations, while environmental influences may be in the mix, social dynamics is the main driver behind their decline and eventual collapse. We examine several prehistorical and historical cases of civilization collapse, the most characteristic being that of the Minoan civilization, whose disappearance c. 1100 BC has fostered several causative hypotheses. In general, we note that these hypotheses are based on catastrophic environmental causes, which nevertheless occurred a few hundred years before the collapse of M...
Sanitation, Latrines and Intestinal Parasites in Past Populations, 2016
Water, 2021
Weather and climate have been participating in an imperative function in both the expansion and c... more Weather and climate have been participating in an imperative function in both the expansion and crumple of mankind civilizations diagonally across the globe ever since the prehistoric eras. The Neolithic Mehrgarh (ca. 7000–2500 BC) and Balochistan and Indus Valley civilizations (ca. 2500–1500 BC), in Sindh Province in Pakistan, have been the spotlight of explorations to historians, anthropologists, and archeologists in terms of their origin, development, and collapse. However, very rare consideration has been given previously to the role of weather and climate, sanitation, and wastewater technologies in highlighting the lessons of these formerly well-developed ancient metropolitan civilizations. This study presents an existing climate of the archaeological sites, sanitation, and wastewater technologies to recognize the different elements that influenced the evolution of the civilization mystery. In addition, it is recommended that the weather and climate conditions in southwest Asia...
2 The status of urban wastewater and stormwater systems in ancient Greece is reviewed, based on t... more 2 The status of urban wastewater and stormwater systems in ancient Greece is reviewed, based on the results of archaeological studies of the 20th century. Emphasis is given to the construction, operation, and management of wastewater and stormwater systems during the Minoan period (2nd millennium B.C.). The achievements of this period in dealing with the hygienic and the functional requirements of palaces and cities, were so advanced that they can only be compared to modern urban water systems, developed in Europe and North America in the second half of the 19th century A.D. The advanced Minoan technologies were exported to all parts of Greece in later periods of the Greek civilization, i.e. in Mycenaean, Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic periods.
Sustainability, 2021
Since prehistoric times, water conflicts have occurred as a result of a wide range of tensions an... more Since prehistoric times, water conflicts have occurred as a result of a wide range of tensions and/or violence, which have rarely taken the form of traditional warfare waged over water resources alone. Instead, water has historically been a (re)source of tension and a factor in conflicts that start for other reasons. In some cases, water was used directly as a weapon through its ability to cause damage through deprivation or erosion or water resources of enemy populations and their armies. However, water conflicts, both past and present, arise for several reasons; including territorial disputes, fight for resources, and strategic advantage. The main reasons of water conflicts are usually delimitation of boundaries, waterlogging (e.g., dams and lakes), diversion of rivers flow, running water, food, and political distresses. In recent decades, the number of human casualties caused by water conflicts is more than that of natural disasters, indicating the importance of emerging trends o...
Journal of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for Development, 2017
Sanitation and hygiene technologies have existed in ancient Hellas since the Bronze Age (ca. 3200... more Sanitation and hygiene technologies have existed in ancient Hellas since the Bronze Age (ca. 3200–1100 bc), when extensive sewerage and drainage and other elaborate sanitary structures were known in Minoan palaces and towns. Classical and Hellenistic periods should be considered as the most progressive eras in the design of sanitary engineering. At that time anatomically shaped toilet seats are found in several sites since many private houses and public buildings have them. As cities grew in size the pressure of larger populations resulted in the construction of communal toilets with seats that were more densely packed together. Drainage and sewerage systems and sanitary installations reflect high cultural and technological levels and they are associated with contemporary observations and ideas about hygiene and medicine. Before the Hellenic advances, medicine was entirely confined to religious beliefs and metaphysical rituals. In the early Roman period, the knowledge of the ancient...
Sustainability, 2016
Throughout history, various civilizations developed methodologies for the collection and disposal... more Throughout history, various civilizations developed methodologies for the collection and disposal of human waste. The methodologies throughout the centuries have been characterized by technological peaks on the one hand, and by the disappearance of the technologies and their reappearance on the other. The purpose of this article is to trace the development of sewage collection and transport with an emphasis on toilets in ancient civilizations. Evolution of the major achievements in the scientific fields of sanitation with emphasis on the lavatory (or toilets) technologies through the centuries up to the present are presented. Valuable insights into ancient wastewater technologies and management with their apparent characteristics of durability, adaptability to the environment, and sustainability are provided. Gradual steps improved the engineering results until the establishment of the contemporary toilet system, which provides a combined solution for flushing, odor control, and the sanitation of sewerage. Even though the lack of proper toilet facilities for a great percentage of the present day global population is an embarrassing fact, the worldwide efforts through millennia for the acquisition of a well-engineered toilet were connected to the cultural level of each period.
Water, 2015
The evolution of the major achievements in water lifting devices with emphasis on the major techn... more The evolution of the major achievements in water lifting devices with emphasis on the major technologies over the centuries is presented and discussed. Valuable insights into ancient water lifting technologies with their apparent characteristics of durability, adaptability, and sustainability are provided. A comparison of the relevant technological developments in several early civilizations is carried out. These technologies are the underpinning of modern achievements in water engineering. They represent the best paradigm of probing the past and facing the future. A timeline of the historical development
Water reuse has been practiced for over 5000 years; however, during the last 100 years efforts ha... more Water reuse has been practiced for over 5000 years; however, during the last 100 years efforts have been made in many regions of the world, for the production of high quality reused water, following strict quality guidelines. Technological advances are now permitting the production of reclaimed water suitable for direct potable pipe to pipe applications. In developed areas with intense water scarcity, water reuse is currently practiced in an efficient way. Such places include Southern USA (primarily, California, Florida, Texas and Arizona), Australia, Singapore, Israel and countries in the Persian Gulf. In Europe, there is a significant variation between the North and the South, with respect to water scarcity, and respectfully with water reuse applications. The states of Southern Europe (with the exception of Malta) have enforced regulations for safe water reuse, to encourage this practice. In some cases, however, (like in Italy and in Hellas), unjustifiable strict regulations may achieve the opposite, due to the difficulty and high cost in monitoring reused water quality. The EU Commission has recently organized a working group to assess the issue at the European level, aiming to establish European quality criteria for water reuse. It is expected that by the end of 2015, a uniform EU strategy on water reuse will be proposed. It is expected that water reuse may contribute in saving of over 30% of total water used, especially in some water deficient regions, with projection for further increase, as more and more wastewater is conveyed to wastewater treatment plants. The present article aims to present an overview on water reuse status worldwide, with emphasis on Europe. It is expected that controlled water reuse will prevail, as more countries will establish quality criteria.
Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 2010
The aim of this paper is to propose a journey through the history of water and wastewater managem... more The aim of this paper is to propose a journey through the history of water and wastewater management technologies in the ancient civilizations, a sort of Appian Way ("Via Appia", the "regina longarum viarum") through the Centuries. Moreover, this paper is a sort of short summary of papers presented in the first two IWA Specialty Conferences on Water and Wastewater Technologies in Ancient Civilizations with particular emphasis on the later one. The main topics considered are: aqueducts and tunnels, cisterns and reservoirs, water distributions systems, fountains, toilets and other purgatory structures, drainage and sewerage systems, irrigation systems and, finally, qanats and other similar systems. Upon completing the journey, we have arrived at the conclusion that the meaning of sustainability in modern times should be revaluated in light of ancient hydraulic water and wastewater works and management practices.
International Journal of Water Resources Development, 2014
The shortage of water in ancient Greek civilizations necessitated various collection methods and ... more The shortage of water in ancient Greek civilizations necessitated various collection methods and storage cisterns. In fact, rainwater harvesting dates back to Minoan times, ca. 3200-1100 BC. Since then, several types of cisterns have evolved, while a significant development appears to have occurred throughout Hellas during the Hellenistic period. In addition to the Hellenistic period, the succeeding Roman, Byzantine, Venetian and Ottoman periods are discussed. Within this context, a few examples relating to characteristics of Hellenistic cisterns, conveying illustrations of the development of technology during those historical periods, are included.
… REUNET Mediterranean …, 2003
... 2. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WASTEWATER RECYCLING AND REUSE IN MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES In most of the... more ... 2. BRIEF OVERVIEW OF WASTEWATER RECYCLING AND REUSE IN MEDITERRANEAN COUNTRIES In most of the countries of the Mediterranean region, wastewater is widelyreused at different extents within planned or unplanned systems. ...
Jornades Tècniques: La integració de l’aigua regenerada en la gestió dels recursos Jornadas Técni... more Jornades Tècniques: La integració de l’aigua regenerada en la gestió dels recursos Jornadas Técnicas: La integración del agua regenerada en la gestión de los recursos Technical Workshop: The integration of reclaimed water in water resource management
Water
Water quality is a fundamental issue for the survival of a city, especially on dry land. In ancie... more Water quality is a fundamental issue for the survival of a city, especially on dry land. In ancient times, water availability determined the location and size of villages and cities. Water supply and treatment methods were developed and perfected along with the evolution of urbanization. In Europe, after the fall of the Roman Empire, water supply and sewage systems went through fundamental changes. However, in medieval times, the lack of proper sanitation and low water quality increased the spreading and effects of epidemics. The importance of potable water quality was established during modern times. In Greece, the significance of water filtration and disinfection was not understood until the beginning of the 20th century. Moreover, the beneficial effects of water quality and sanitation on human health and especially on life expectancy are considered. In Greece and other countries, a dramatic increase in life expectancy mainly after the 2nd World War is probably due to the improvem...
Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 2003
Recycled water is a reliable source of water that must be taken into account in formulating a sus... more Recycled water is a reliable source of water that must be taken into account in formulating a sustainable water policy. Water reuse is a growing field and many projects have been occurring throughout Europe in the last fifteen years. Most of northern EU countries have abundant water resources. In this case, the need for extra supply through the reuse of treated wastewater is not a priority, but the protection of the receiving environment is considered as an important issue. The situation is different in the southern EU countries, where the additional resource brought by water reuse promoted the implementation of a number of new projects. One of the major constraints for water reuse and its public acceptance is the lack of relevant legislation at EU level. As a result of this situation, both strict and flexible standards can be found in Europe, even in the same country (Spain, for example), illustrating an important equity issue, which needs to be addressed.
Water Science and Technology: Water Supply, 2016
The uneven temporal and partial distribution of water resources in Hellas, and especially southea... more The uneven temporal and partial distribution of water resources in Hellas, and especially southeastern regions, has resulted in the construction of various water systems for collection and storage of rainwater, since their very early habitation. Ever since, technologies for the construction and use of several types of cisterns and other relevant hydraulic strictures have been developed. The main diachronic achievements in rainwater harvesting and use in Hellas from the earliest times of humankind to the present is studied. Emphasis is given to the periods of great achievements such as the Hellenistic and the Roman. The major necessity of water justifies not only the innovations found throughout the historical time-line of these constructions but also the most advanced engineering of each era applied to these constructions. Also, the importance of this hydrotechnology and the concept of the value of water-saving to present and future times is considered. Aspects referring to hygienic...
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Papers by Andreas Angelakis