Document Type : Review Article
Authors
1
Ph.D. Candidate, Department of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
2
Professor, Department of Water Science and Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
This review synthesizes the strategic implications of physical, chemical, and biological evaporation suppression methods, integrating quantitative and qualitative impact assessments with a comprehensive Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis. To bridge the gap between technical efficacy and practical implementation, this study uniquely employs a detailed quantitative SWOT analysis for each method, offering novel insights into their strategic positioning. Physical covers, despite their inherent internal weaknesses such as high initial and maintenance costs, installation complexities, and vulnerability to environmental factors, also face significant external threats. Their placement in the WT (Weaknesses-Threats) quadrant mandates a defensive strategy focused on mitigating these challenges. chemical covers, while offering lower initial costs and ease of application, are also positioned in the ST quadrant due to threats such as environmental health concerns, the need for repeated applications, and reduced effectiveness in windy conditions; thus, competitive strategies involving biodegradable compounds and improved formulations are essential. In contrast, biological covers, characterized by environmental compatibility and natural regeneration, fall into the SO (Strengths-Opportunities) quadrant. This unique positioning necessitates an aggressive strategy that leverages growing public environmental awareness and regulatory support by investing investments in optimizing suitable plant/microbial species and developing intelligent monitoring systems, while managing inherent challenges like growth uncertainty and continuous oversight. This integrated analysis underscores the imperative for developing balanced solutions that judiciously balance efficiency, water quality, economic feasibility, and environmental sustainability.
Keywords
Main Subjects
)