Prof Miklas Scholz

Prof. Scholz’s sustainable flood retention basin (SFRB) concept assesses the multi-functionality of large water bodies with emphasis in flood and diffuse pollution control potential. A novel and unbiased classification system allows all stakeholders to clearly define the purpose of a water body that can be classed as an SFRB. Communication among stakeholders regarding the most appropriate management of SFRB is greatly enhanced. Moreover, the SFRB concept addresses the need to assess the flood control potential of all European water bodies as part of new legislation. It is noteworthy to mention that many results from Prof. Scholz’s research activities have contributed to the national and international guidelines on wetland and sustainable drainage systems. Prof. Scholz’s greatest impact in the wetland guidelines was performed in the area of ICW, in Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England, where he contributed to the design of the guidelines for wetland systems, as a research consultant. These guidelines are meant to assist managers regarding all aspects of ICW planning, design, construction, maintenance, and management. Moreover, some ICW guidelines were specifically written for aiding the farmers from Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Ireland to face farmyard runoffs. These guidelines are specifically mentioned in the National legislation. Additionally, Prof. Scholz’s work on the guidelines has favoured the international acceptance of both SFRB and ICW concepts as well as the researched hybrid SuDS. For instance, his work has particularly benefited the British Isles, as well as Central and Northern Europe and ICW are currently being constructed in Belgium, Germany, the United States of America, and China. As the world population rises and faces increasing water scarcity challenges, traditional solutions are no longer an option for addressing the water demand. This simple rationale led Prof. Scholz to consider the use of non-conventional water resources to match the clean fresh water growing demand. For instance, wastewater is often seen as an appropriate alternative for overcoming potential future shortages in water supply. However, environmental and public health problems are expected in the future, due to an insufficient provision of sanitation and wastewater disposal facilities. For that reason, wastewater treatment and recycling methods have been identified by Prof. Scholz and his group as fundamental for providing sufficient fresh water in the coming decades. Indeed water resources are limited mostly because more than 70% of water is consumed for irrigation purposes, while wastewater is freely available.