| SPECIALIZED MODULES |
| MODULE 1 – Water Monitoring and Modelling |
| Course: Remote sensing of earth system and early warning detection of droughts and deseases Instructor: Prof. Guido D’Urso Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course introduces the use of Earth Observation data with a focus on monitoring land and water resources, detecting droughts and plant diseases. Students will explore data sources, analytical tools, and case studies to apply remote sensing for proactive environmental and agricultural risk management. Background knowledge on remote sensing useful but not compulsory. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to: 1. Understand the principles of remote sensing and Earth observation systems. 2. Identify key satellite platforms and sensors used for environmental monitoring. 3. Use open-source software (e.g., QGIS, SNAP) to process and visualize satellite data. 4. Interpret temporal and spatial patterns of vegetation indices (e.g., NDVI, EVI, LAI) and their relation to crop health and drought. 5. Evaluate real-world case studies on remote monitoring of agricultural systems in relation to water utilization (irrigation). |
| Course: Advanced Hydrological Monitoring Techniques Instructor: Prof. Salvatore Manfreda Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course provides an in-depth introduction to advanced hydrological monitoring technologies, focusing on satellite, aerial, and low-cost platforms, including drones (SAPR). Participants will learn practical and theoretical aspects of remote sensing, photogrammetry, vegetation monitoring, and advanced riverine flow analysis, combined with data processing and integration techniques. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to: Understand key technologies for environmental observation and hydrological monitoring. Operate and plan drone-based (SAPR) missions, including sensor selection and regulatory considerations. Apply photogrammetric techniques for 3D terrain reconstruction and soil moisture estimation. Use spectral indices to assess vegetation status and water stress in agroecosystems. Perform advanced river monitoring using image velocimetry and morphological analysis. Manage data workflows, including fusion with satellite data and software tools. Course Program: Session 1 – Introduction and Monitoring Technologies Session 2 – SAPR Technologies and Operational Protocols Session 3 – Photogrammetric Techniques and Soil Analysis Session 4 – Vegetation, Agroecosystems, and Water Stress Session 5 – Advanced River Monitoring with SAPR Session 6 – Post-Processing, Data Fusion, and Final Discussion Teaching material: Manfreda, S., Miglino, D., Saddi, K. C., Jomaa, S., Etner, A., Perks, M., Strelnikova, D., Peña-Haro, S., Maddock, I., Tauro, F., Grimaldi, S., Zeng, Y., Gonçalves, G., Bogaard, T., van Emmerik, T., Bussettini, M., Mariani, S., Marchetti, G., Lastoria, B., Su, B., & Rode, M. (2024). Advancing river monitoring using image-based techniques: Challenges and opportunities. Hydrological Sciences Journal, 69(5), 657–677. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2024.2333846 [pdf] |
| Course: Water Resources Assessment and Hydrological modelling Instructor: Prof. Serena Ceola Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course provides an in-depth overview on the assessment of water resources, from monitoring data to hydrological models. Tools and scientific methods for the assessment of water resources will be analyzed, including also real case studies. Learning Objectives: By the end of the course, participants will be able to: 1. Understand the principles of water resources assessment. 2. Master water resources distribution, including also in-situ measurements of rainfall and discharge. 3. Master the concept of flow-duration curve. 4. Use hydrological models. 5. Master model calibration and validation. Course Program: Water cycle and water resources distribution at the global scale Water resources measurements Flow-duration curve Rainfall-runoff models Model calibration and validation |
| Course: Water Quality Monitoring and Modelling Instructor: Prof. Riccardo Gori Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course provides an in-depth exploration of water quality monitoring methods and modelling approaches to assess, predict, and manage the status of aquatic systems. Students will be introduced to modern monitoring techniques, including field sampling, sensor-based measurements, and remote sensing, as well as to modelling frameworks that simulate pollutant transport, transformation, and ecosystem responses. By combining theory with case studies, the module highlights how monitoring and modelling support water resource management, environmental protection, and compliance with regulatory frameworks. Course Program: Introduction to water quality: key physical, chemical, and biological parameters Monitoring techniques: traditional sampling, continuous monitoring sensors, and remote sensing approaches Data management: quality assurance, validation, and integration of heterogeneous datasets Water quality modelling fundamentals: advection-dispersion, biochemical transformation, and reaction kinetics Applications of water quality models: rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wastewater systems Case studies: evaluating the impact of urban, industrial, and agricultural pressures on water quality Practical session: interpretation of monitoring data and simulation of a simple water quality model Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to: Identify and measure the main indicators of water quality in different aquatic systems Apply appropriate monitoring strategies using both traditional and innovative tools Understand the principles of water quality modelling and its applications Integrate monitoring data into modelling frameworks for analysis and decision-making Critically evaluate case studies and propose management solutions to improve water quality |
| MODULE 2 – Water Governance and Distribution Systems |
| Course: Technologies and Political Strategies for Sustainable Water Use related to Climate Change Instructor: Prof. Tommaso Pacetti Duration: 3 hours Program Overview: This course examines the dual dimension of technological innovation and policy strategies in addressing water scarcity and sustainability challenges exacerbated by climate change. Students will explore how advanced water management technologies can be coupled with effective governance, policy instruments, and international cooperation to ensure equitable and resilient water use. The module adopts an interdisciplinary approach, bridging hydrology, engineering, environmental economics, and political science. Course Program: The impact of climate change on global and regional water resources Innovative technologies for water efficiency: desalination, wastewater reuse, smart irrigation, and digital monitoring systems Policy frameworks and governance mechanisms for sustainable water allocation International and regional cooperation: transboundary water management and conflict resolution Case study: integrated water resource management (IWRM) strategies in Mediterranean and arid regions Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to: Understand the links between climate change, water scarcity, and sustainable management Assess the potential of innovative technologies to improve water use efficiency Critically analyze political and governance strategies for water sustainability Apply interdisciplinary perspectives to real-world case studies of water policy and technology integration |
| Course: Optimization of water supply and distribution infrastructures Instructor: Prof. Luigi Cimorelli Duration: 3 hours Program Overview: This lecture provides a concise overview of the principles and practices involved in the optimization of water supply and distribution infrastructures. The session is divided into two main parts, focusing on external aqueduct systems and water distribution networks. Course Program: 1. Water Supply Systems (External Aqueducts) – General overview of water supply systems and their role in urban and rural infrastructure. – Key components: intake structures, transmission mains, storage reservoirs, and treatment facilities. – Design principles: reliability, capacity planning, hydraulic considerations, and sustainability. 2. Water Distribution Networks – Overview of water distribution systems for drinking water and irrigation. – Types of distribution networks: branched, looped, and combined systems. – Principles of optimized design: cost minimization, pressure management, energy efficiency, and resilience. – Introduction to optimization techniques and tools used in network design. |
| Course: Desalinization and water treatment plants Instructor: Prof. Luca Fortunato Duration: 6 hours Program Overview This course covers key technologies and design considerations for desalination and water treatment plants, with a focus on applications in water-scarce regions. Participants will gain both conceptual and practical insights into major treatment processes, especially membrane-based systems, and their role in ensuring a safe and sustainable water supply. Teaching Objectives Understand Fundamental Principles – Grasp the thermodynamic and physical foundations of desalination. Explore Membrane-Based Technologies – Analyze structure, materials, and performance of pressure-driven membranes. Examine Pretreatment Processes – Understand how pretreatment safeguards membranes and improves efficiency. Manage Fouling Phenomena – Identify scaling, biofouling, organic, and colloidal fouling, and learn mitigation strategies. Assess Brine Management – Evaluate environmental impacts, disposal methods, and concentrate valorization. Introduce Niche Solutions – Review membrane distillation and its potential in decentralized or renewable-powered systems. Course Structure Principles of Desalination and Membrane Processes Water scarcity and the role of desalination Thermal vs. membrane-based technologies Principles of reverse osmosis (RO) and membrane separation Membrane characteristics and classification Pretreatment and Fouling Coagulation, filtration, antiscalants Key water quality parameters affecting membranes Types of fouling and biofilm formation in systems Brine Management and Niche Technologies Brine composition, impacts, and disposal options Valorization (salt recovery, nutrient extraction) Membrane distillation: principles, applications, limitations Integration with renewable energy and hybrid systems |
| Course: Water Drainage Systems Instructor: Prof. Davide Luciano De Luca Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: The course will be organized in order to be suitable even to students who did not address these topics in their undergraduate or graduate degrees. Practical guidelines for the design of Water Drainage Systems (WDS) will be provided, and attention will mainly be focused on (stormwater and combined) sewer systems. Course Program: 1. Introduction to Water Drainage Systems (WDS) and SuDS Brief overview of WDS Introduction to Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) (with reference to a dedicated course) Duration: 0.5 hours 2. Modeling Design Rainfall Input Concepts of hazard (H) and return period (T) Rainfall scenarios from Amount-Duration-Frequency (ADF) curves Practical application using MS Excel template files provided by the instructor Duration: 1 hour 3. Estimation of Net and Lost Rainfall The Curve Number (CN) method Hands-on exercises with Excel templates Duration: 1 hour 4. Overview of Rainfall-Runoff Models Introduction to common rainfall-runoff modeling approaches Practical application with Excel templates Duration: 1 hour 5. Hydraulic Design of Water Drainage Systems Key hydraulic parameters for sewer system design Overview of additional components in urban drainage networks Practical exercises using Excel templates Brief analysis of SuDS impact on flow rate reduction in sewer systems Duration: 2.5 hours |
| Course: NBS for sustainable water use Instructor: Prof. Giulio Castelli Duration: 6 hours Learning Objectives: The course will explore Nature-based Solutions (NbS) as a sustainable innovation for water resources management (including flood and drought mitigation). It will have a focus on the Mediterranean context and It will deal with both technical and policy aspects. Elements of design procedures, as well as some planning tools, will be presented. By the end of the course, participants will be able to: – Comprehend the concept of NbS, and the main advantages and limitations/barriers connected with their use – Analyse the main NbS adequate for the Mediterranean context – Understand some key design process for most common NbS Course Program: Definition and key elements of NbS Barriers to the implementation of NbS Types of NbS and elements of design NbS and Ecosystem Services Main bibliography: The United Nations world water development report 2018: nature-based solutions for water – https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261466 Rapport mondial des Nations Unies sur la mise en valeur des ressources en eau 2018: les solutions fondées sur la nature pour la gestion de l’eau (French version) – https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000261466 |
| MODULE 3 – Agricultural Water Management |
| Course: Water – Energy – Food – Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus Instructor: Prof. Elena Ridolfi Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: The Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus) approach highlights the interdependence of water, energy and food security and ecosystems – water, soil, and land – that underpin that security. The Nexus approach identifies mutually beneficial responses that are based on understanding the synergies of water, energy, and agricultural policies. It also provides an informed and transparent framework for determining the proper trade-offs and synergies that maintain the integrity and sustainability of ecosystems (EU Commission, 2025) Learning Objectives: Students will learn about the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, focusing on how these critical resources are connected. The course combines environmental science with practical decision-making. Learning objectives: Understand the WEFE Nexus Gain basic knowledge of how water, energy, food, and ecosystems are linked within environmental and earth sciences. Explore real-world examples Study cases that show how applying the WEFE Nexus leads to more sustainable solutions than focusing on a single sector. Improve writing skills Develop clear and effective writing for technical summaries and reports that combine evidence from different fields and suggest integrated solutions. Course Program: Introduction What is the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem (WEFE) Nexus? Moving from isolated sectors to a connected view How water, energy, food, and ecosystems depend on each other The Food System Variations in food production Population growth and food demand Effects of environment and climate changes The Water System The water cycle and sustainable management How land use affects water cycles Water use in farming, industry, and energy Water stress and scarcity Climate impact on water availability Effects on ecosystems Water governance and management Role of water infrastructure in economic growth The Energy System Energy use in water and agriculture Renewable energy and bioenergy Water needed for energy production Food-Water Nexus Crop production and yields Water quality and its links to food and energy Water solutions for future food needs Social justice: food security and water access Water-Energy Nexus Food-Energy Nexus Food-Energy-Water-Ecosystem Nexus Nexus Resilience Backup systems and reserves Effects of globalization and trade Reducing and reusing waste Real-world Case Studies |
| Course: Feeding Society: Perspectives on Land and Water Instructor: Prof. Cristina Rulli Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course is aimed to analyze the constraints and challenges of ensuring an adequate supply of water and food in the face of changes in the environmental forcings, human population dimension and habits and energy policies. Course Program: 1) Water Functions in the life support system-Water availability –Water resource estimates Human Water Requirements-Household and industrial water needs-Water use vs consumptive water use-Water requirements for food production Water security and food security definition 2) The paradigm of water scarcity-Physical vs economic water scarcity Water Perspectives on Feeding Humanity– Additional water requirements to feed humanity by 2050-yield gap closure Rainfed agriculture vs Irrigated agriculture-evaluation of cropwater requirement- Analysis of water stress on crop growth. 3) Water for ecosystems – Finding the Balance between Water for Humans and for Nature Land Perspectives on Feeding Humanity-Land sparing vs Land sharing The Food-Energy-Water nexus-water for food production-present diet-balanced diet-changing diet scenario |
| Course: Food trade and the virtual water Instructor: Prof. Davide Chiarelli Duration: 3 hours Program Overview: This module explores the crucial relationship between agri-food trade and virtual water flows—the hidden volume of water embedded in agricultural products and transferred across regions through global trade. Adopting an interdisciplinary approach that integrates hydrology, agricultural economics, and environmental sustainability, students will delve into key topics including: Course Program: The concepts of green and blue water footprints in agriculture Methods for measuring virtual water flows in international markets Trade paradoxes, such as water-scarce regions exporting water-intensive crops The environmental, economic, and political impacts of virtual water trade, with special attention to net-importing countries A focused case study on the Mediterranean, where water scarcity, agricultural demands, and trade dynamics intersect critically The module aims to develop a deep and critical understanding of how food production, water resources, and global trade are interconnected, equipping students with analytical tools to tackle sustainability challenges in modern agri-food systems. |
| Course: Use of innovative techniques for precision agriculture and crop modelling Instructor: Prof. Mario Palladino Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course explores the integration of cutting-edge monitoring technologies and advanced crop modeling to optimize agricultural water management. Participants will learn how to merge heterogeneous data streams from next-generation in-field sensors, drone, and remote sensing platforms with biophysical and hydrological models. The module focuses on enhancing decision-making for precision irrigation, with special attention to soil-plant-water dynamics, soil water balance modeling, and the estimation of site-specific crop water requirements. The ultimate goal is to enable the development of rational, data-driven irrigation schedules that maximize water productivity and support sustainable farming in water-scarce environments. Course Program: 1) Introduction to Precision Agriculture for Water Management (0.5 hours) – From traditional to data-driven irrigation: Concepts, objectives, and benefits of precision water management. – Overview of the integrated sensor-model approach for rational irrigation scheduling. 2) Innovative Monitoring Techniques for the Soil-Plant-Atmosphere System (1 hour) – In-field monitoring: Next-generation sensors for soil matric potential, volumetric water content, and plant physiological status (e.g., sap flow, dendrometers). – Proximal and aerial sensing: Using UAVs (drones) for high-resolution crop health and water stress assessment. – Remote sensing: Utilizing satellite-derived indices (e.g., NDVI, NDWI) for regional-scale water management. 3) Modelling for Irrigation Decision-Support (1 hour) – Fundamentals of soil water balance modeling and estimation of crop evapotranspiration (ETc). – Integrating real-time sensor data into models for dynamic, site-specific irrigation triggering. – Introduction to crop growth models for yield prediction and scenario analysis under different water management strategies. 4) Case Studies and Synthesis (0.5 hours) – Practical applications and real-world case studies in Mediterranean cropping systems. – Discussion on overcoming barriers to adoption and synthesizing technology for sustainable agricultural water use. Learning Outcomes: By the end of the course, students will be able to: Recognize the fundamental principles of precision irrigation, distinguishing between traditional calendar-based methods and modern, data-driven approaches for rational water management. Identify key innovative technologies for monitoring the soil-plant system (in-situ, proximal, remote) and describe the type of data each provides. Explain the core components of a water balance model and articulate how real-time sensor data is integrated to drive irrigation scheduling decisions. Assess the practical benefits of a sensor-model integration strategy for improving water use efficiency (WUE), enhancing crop resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. |
| Course: Use and reuse of water in agriculture Instructor: Prof. Stefano Papirio Duration: 6 hours Program Overview: This course aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to water management in agriculture, with a specific focus on efficient use and reuse practices. The objective is to equip students with the conceptual and practical tools to promote the circularity and resilience of agricultural systems, particularly relevant in contexts such as Tunisia and the Mediterranean area. Learning Objectives: Evaluate the Technological Potential and Feasibility of Water Reuse: Understand the different types of treated wastewater and their potential applications in the agricultural sector. Integrate Water Management with other Agricultural and Bioresource Recovery Practices: Propose and evaluate integrated approaches for water management and bioresources utilization for improving soil quality and water retention. Identify the main Challenges of Water Reuse: Recognize the technical, regulatory, and social obstacles to water reuse in agriculture and the strategies to overcome them. Course Program: Hours 1-3: The Concept of Wastewater Reuse in Agriculture Definition and types of wastewater (domestic, urban, industrial, agricultural). Treatment processes and water quality for agricultural reuse. Brief overview of the main International and European regulations and guidelines on water reuse. Benefits of reuse: water saving, nutrient supply, pollution reduction. Hour 4-5: Integration of Water Management with Bioresource Utilization: Practical Applications and Case Studies of Reuse Increase of organic carbon content in soil. Supplementation and role of nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus) in agricultural soils. Application of digestate and biochar deriving from the treatment of agri-food waste. Successful examples of treated wastewater reuse in agricultural contexts (including international examples, if relevant). Considerations on selecting suitable crops for reuse. Hour 6: Challenges and Obstacles for Water Reuse in Agriculture Problems and challenges of reuse: health risks, salt accumulation, social acceptance. Strategies to mitigate risks and promote acceptance. |
PROJECT WORK
| Project Title | Supervisors |
| Drought risk assessement using Satellite-Derived Indice in northern Tunisia | Prof. Zoubeida Bargaoui and Dr. Nesrine Abid |
| Water needs evaluation and water productivity by various EO-based Models | Prof. Hedia Chakroun |
| Calibration of Dielectric sensors for precise agriculture | Dr. Nessrine Zemni and Dr Fethi Bouksila |
| Assessment of the impact of climate change on crop water needs using Cropwat | Dr Fairouz Slama, Dr Nessrine Zemni and Dr Hamouda Dakhlaoui |
| Drought Forecasting in Medjerdah basin using artificial intelligence | Dr Rim Ouachani and Dr Hamouda Dakhlaoui |
| Development of IDF Curves Using Reanalysis Precipitation Products | Dr Hamouda Dakhlaoui |
| Merging Observed and Reanalysis Precipitation Data for Sub-Daily Hydrological Modeling in the Medjerda Catchment, Tunisia | Dr Hamouda Dakhlaoui |
| Drinking Water Network Simulation with QEPANET: Practical Training Using the Mohammedia Case | Dr Emna Gargouri |
| Urban Stormwater Management with SWMM: Application to the City of Mohammedia | Dr Emna Gargouri |
| Modelling flow and transport in unsaturated porous media. Application to archeological monuments weathering due to salinisation. | Pr Rachida Bouhlila and Dr Lamia Guellouz |
| Calibration of Rainfall-Runoff and quality model (GR4J and HEC-RAS) | Dr Rim Cherif , Dr Maroua Bouteffeha and Dr Nesrine Nasri : |
| Modeling of pressurized flows and transient flows (dam visits, fieldwork, software applications, etc.) | Dr Hatem Kanfoudi and Dr Ghazi Belkhal : |
| Modeling of gravitational flows (sewage and stormwater) | Dr Hatem Kanfoudi and Dr Ghazi Belkhal |
| Study and optimisation of a Hydraulic Turbine | Prof. Ridha Zgolli Dr. Hatem Kanfoudi |