Interested in interdisciplinary research, science communication, teaching, and offering consultancy for the industry. My core research interests and expertise include renewable energy—focusing on hydropower and complementarity resources (solar, wind), energy storage, environmental impacts of hydropo
Integrated water quality indices as tools for evaluating small hydropower impacts Paweł Tomczyk, Michał Tymcio, Alban Kuriqi, José Maria Santos, Aleksandra Wdowczyk, Mirosław Wiatkowski Water Resources and Industry, 2026 Robust water-quality assessment is critical to supporting evidence-based hydropower policy and compliance with river basin management objectives. This study evaluated the effectiveness and representativeness of selected water quality indices (WQIs, based on 25 water quality parameters), the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment WQI (CCME WQI), Oregon WQI (OWQI), Overall Index of Pollution (OIP), Dinius WQI (DWQI), and Universal WQI (UWQI), in assessing the impact of six run-of-river (RoR) hydropower plants (HPs) on the water quality of the Bóbr River in Poland. The CCME WQI values ranged from 37.86 to 57.48, corresponding predominantly to Class III water quality (69.74 %). Overall, HP operations had only a minor influence on the variability of the analyzed indices, with downstream-to-upstream CCME WQI differences not exceeding 5 %. Although no detectable changes in water quality were attributed to hydropower activity, substantial discrepancies were observed among the applied classification schemes (Polish – new and old – and Portuguese systems). Changes in WQI values were found to be more strongly influenced by reservoir-type HPs than by RoR HPs. For example, the observed variations for reservoir versus RoR HPs were: OIP (−18.81 %/-1.59 %), DWQI (−8.22 %/0.84 %), and UWQI (5.40 %/0.12 %). This study shows that RoR HPs have minimal impact on river water quality, with most changes falling within natural variability. However, discrepancies between WQIs and classification systems highlight the need for standardized assessment methods. These results advance understanding of hydropower–environment interactions and support the development of sustainable, climate-resilient hydropower management strategies through multi-index integration and cross-national comparisons of classification systems.
Integrated Renewable Energy for Urban and Remote Communities: Hybrid Solutions with Hydro Pumped Storage and Green Hydrogen Opportunities Helena M. Ramos, J. E. Q. Fuentes, E. Bekçi, Oscar E. Coronado‐Hernández, Alban Kuriqi, Rui Castro, Modesto Pérez‐Sánchez Advanced Sustainable Systems, 2026 Urban and remote communities face persistent challenges associated with centralized power grids. This study investigates the potential of hybrid renewable energy systems with integrated storage solutions as a decentralized alternative to improve efficiency and resilience. The research combines a comprehensive theoretical review of configurations, focusing on hydro pumped storage and hydrogen storage, with the development and application of an optimization model for a remote community exposed to desertification risks. Generation and surplus forecasts were used to evaluate storage strategies, and a multicriteria optimization algorithm was applied to enhance demand–supply matching. The base‐case system consists of 13.5 kW of hydropower, 20 kW of solar PV, and 6 kW of wind capacity, assessed over a 35‐year project lifetime. Results indicate that solar and hydropower contribute approximately 90% of total generation, achieving a levelized cost of energy of 0.05 €/kWh, an internal rate of return of 17.5%, and a payback period of 5 years. The system can export up to 42 000 kWh annually to the grid or nearby users. Additionally, the integration of green hydrogen provides further flexibility, resulting in a levelized cost of hydrogen of 3.5 €/kg, an IRR of 10%, and a 14‐year payback period.
Conjunct applicability of MCDM-based machine learning algorithms in mapping the sediment formation potential Ali Nasiri Khiavi, Mohammad Tavoosi, Faezeh Kamari Yekdangi, Mahmoodreza Sadikhani, Alban Kuriqi Environment Development and Sustainability, 2026 This study evaluates the applicability of multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) methods, including SAW, VIKOR, TOPSIS, and Condorcet algorithm based on game theory and machine learning algorithms (MLAs) including K-nearest neighbor, Naïve Bayes, Random Forest (RF), simple linear regression and support vector machine in spatial mapping of sediment formation potential in Talar watershed, Iran. In the first approach, MCDM was used, including SAW, VIKOR, TOPSIS, and Condorcet’s algorithm based on game theory. To this end, a decision matrix for MCDM was first created based on the factors affecting sediment formation potential. In the next step, various MLAs were used to construct a distribution map of sediment formation potential. Finally, a distribution map of sediment formation potential was constructed in very low to very high classes. The summary of the results of prioritizing sub-basins based on sediment formation potential using multi-criteria decision-making methods showed that sub-basin SW12 had the highest sediment formation potential based on VIKOR, TOPSIS, and Condorcet methods. The results of sediment formation potential modeling using different machine learning algorithms showed that based on the values of error statistics, the algorithm RF with the values MAE = 0.032, MSE = 0.024, RMSE = 0.155, and AUC = 0.930 was selected as the most optimal algorithm. On the other side, the correlation matrix and Taylor diagram (Figs. 10 and 11) also showed that RF algorithm modeling with the slope factor had the highest correlation with a value of 0.84. Also, the LS factor with a correlation coefficient of 0.65 after slope had the highest correlation with the RF model in sediment formation modeling. The sediment formation potential map based on the RF algorithm shows that the amount of sediment increases from the downstream to the upstream side of the Talar watershed.
Streamflow forecasting using machine learning and remote sensing data in the Himalayan region Naresh Suwal, Rajesh Khatakho, Aditya Nath Jha, Swagato Biswas Ankon, Manoj Lamichhane, Alban Kuriqi Water Practice and Technology, 2025 This study aimed to predict daily runoff using three machine learning models: artificial neural networks (ANNs), random forests (RFs), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). Thirty-five years of discharge records and remote-sensing climate data were used to develop and validate the models, demonstrating the potential of satellite data for machine-learning-based runoff prediction, especially in data-poor regions like Nepal. The study identified 1-day lagged discharge (lag_1), average temperature, and maximum temperature as the three most important input variables. The developed ANN model demonstrates high accuracy in streamflow prediction, achieving an R2 of 0.928, a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 435.43 m3/s, a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.93, and a Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) of 0.944 for the Narayani River Basin. When applied to the Trishuli River, a major tributary of the Narayani, the model demonstrated strong performance, with an R2 of 0.895, an RMSE of 425.92 m3/s, an NSE of 0.89, and a KGE of 0.908. Nonetheless, RF outperformed ANN in capturing low-flow conditions in the Narayani River. Overall, the models provide valuable tools for retrospective streamflow prediction, gap-filling in hydrological records, and supporting effective and sustainable water management.
Targeting runoff hotspots for sustainable rainwater harvesting in arid regions Amal Magdy, Atef Elsaiad, El-Sayed M. Ramadan, Alban Kuriqi, Ashraf A. Ahmed, Ismail Abd-Elaty Cleaner Water, 2025 Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is a crucial strategy for enhancing water availability in arid regions and supporting local livelihoods, including those of Bedouin communities. Rainwater. This study focuses on Wadi Sudr, located opposite Ras Sudr city in the Sinai Peninsula, to identify optimal RWH sites and recommend suitable harvesting techniques. A weighted spatial probability model (WSPM) was developed within a Geographic Information System (GIS) framework, incorporating eight morphometric parameters. Two scenarios were evaluated: 1) equal weighting of all factors and 2) analytical hierarchy process (AHP) based weighting. The resulting maps classified the watershed into five RWH potential categories. Scenario 1 (equal weighting) identified 49.6% of the area as high or very high potential. In contrast, Scenario 2 (AHP-based) refined this to 18.2%, emphasising the role of basin shape, slope, and valley floor area. High- and very high-priority zones guided recommendations for two surface storage dams in Al-Mleha, with capacities of 25,000–30,000 m³, and Al-Athamy, with capacities of 70,000–80,000 m³, sub-catchments, complemented by cisterns to support remote communities. By integrating GIS, WSPM, and AHP into a unified framework, this study delivers a replicable methodology for prioritising RWH in arid regions, balancing efficiency with accessibility to strengthen sustainable water resource management.
Application of effective microorganisms for Littoral zone restoration in eutrophic reservoirs Paweł Tomczyk, Barbara Wróbel, Czesława Rosik-Dulewska, Alban Kuriqi, Mirosław Wiatkowski, Witold Skorulski, Tomasz Kabat, Mirosław Prycik, Jarosław Drobnik, Łukasz Gruss, Andrzej Kłos Scientific Reports, 2025 Inland waters play an important ecological, social, and economic role. However, they are exposed to various types of pollution, mainly from agriculture, industry, and urbanization. Therefore, it is important to take measures to restore their biological balance by supporting the natural processes of bioremediation. One of the methods for such measures is the use of effective microorganisms (EM). The objectives of this study are therefore: (i) to verify the temporal and spatial variability of the results of microbiological parameters (total heterotrophic bacteria - HBN, microscopic fungi - MF, coliform count - CI, dehydrogenase activity - DHA) in the sandy littoral substrate (beach) collected within the eutrophic Turawa reservoir (Southern Poland, Central Europe); ii) comparison of the results of microbiological parameters at control points and during the application of EM (spraying the shore surface with a liquid bio-preparation); iii) verification of the effectiveness of EM on the microbiological parameters of the substrate collected in the coastal zone of the reservoir and comparison with the results from other studies. The statistical analyses performed (PCA, HCA, correlation matrix) showed a high relationship and correlation (R from 0.88 to 0.92) between the study points and discrepancies between the parameters tested. Statistical significance was demonstrated for CI when the group of control points was compared with EM application - there was an average decrease in CI of 48% after EM application (decrease from 6.31 · 10−3 g to 3.28 · 10−3 g). The results obtained were consistent with the literature for HBN and MF (an increase of 14.74 and 10.81 medians in the group with EM application; 0.07045 · 106 CFU/g and 0.205 · 103 CFU/g, respectively) and differed for DHA (decrease, marginal difference, i.e. 2.41%; 41.5 mg TPF/kg·h). The results described represent one of the case studies related to the bioremediation of water reservoirs and the improvement of sanitary safety in the vicinity of water reservoirs. The research fits into strategies for rational land management governed by numerous national and international legal acts, strategies, and policies.
Mathematical vs. machine learning models for particle size distribution in fragile soils of North-Western Himalayas Owais Bashir, Shabir Ahmad Bangroo, Shahid Shuja Shafai, Tajamul Islam Shah, Shuraik Kader, Lizny Jaufer, Nicola Senesi, Alban Kuriqi, Negar Omidvar, Soora Naresh Kumar, Ayyanadar Arunachalam, Ruby Michael, Mohamed Ksibi, Velibor Spalevic, Paul Sestras, Slobodan B. Marković, Paolo Billi, Sezai Ercişli, Artan Hysa Journal of Soils and Sediments, 2024
Energy Transition in Urban Water Infrastructures towards Sustainable Cities Helena M. Ramos, Modesto Pérez-Sánchez, Prajwal S. M. Guruprasad, Armando Carravetta, Alban Kuriqi, Oscar E. Coronado-Hernández, João F. P. Fernandes, Paulo J. Costa Branco, Petra Amparo López-Jiménez Water Switzerland, 2024
Rainfall in the Urban Area and Its Impact on Climatology and Population Growth Lua da Silva Monteiro, José Francisco de Oliveira-Júnior, Bushra Ghaffar, Aqil Tariq, Shujing Qin, Faisal Mumtaz, Washington Luiz Félix Correia Filho, Munawar Shah, Alexandre Maniçoba da Rosa Ferraz Jardim, Marcos Vinícius da Silva, Dimas de Barros Santiago, Heliofábio Gomes Barros, David Mendes, Marcel Carvalho Abreu, Amaury de Souza, Luiz Cláudio Gomes Pimentel, Jhon Lennon Bezerra da Silva, Muhammad Aslam, Alban Kuriqi Atmosphere, 2022
Teaching about complementarity - proposal of classes for university students - including exercises Guillermo J. Acuña, Mathias Berger, Pietro Elia Campana, Rafael Antunes Campos, Fausto Alfredo Canales, Diana Cantor, Bartłomiej Ciapała, Luca Cioccolanti, Matteo De Felice, Caroline de Oliveira Costa Souza Rosa, Bojan Đurin, Shiva Gorjian, Mohammed Guezgouz, Christina E. Hoicka, Piotr Jadwiszczak, Muhamad Shahzad Javed, Jacek Kapica, Egidijus Kasiulis, Richard Lawford, Alban Kuriqi, Tao Ma, Madeleine McPherson, Oscar Mesa, Bo Ming, Andrés Ochoa, Rafael Peña Gallardo, David Radu, Francisco J. Santos-Alamillos, Jie Yan, David Pozo-Vázquez, Alexandre Beluco, Alexander Kies, Pan Liu, Yi Guo, Jakub Jurasz Complementarity of Variable Renewable Energy Sources, 2022
Performance Enhancement of Empirical Solar Radiation Models Using Optimized Satellite Parameters for Effective Solar Energy Project Planning H Guesmi, OO Samuel, N Bailek, H Harrouch, K Bouchouicha, M Jebali, ... Advances in Space Research , 2026 2026
Modeling Coastal Groundwater Systems Under Sea-Level Rise: Strategies for Sustainable Management in Water-Stressed Areas I Abd-Elaty, A Kuriqi, KS Gemail, I Elbagory, A Ahmed, MG Snousy, J Wu, ... Recent Advances in Water Science, 163-193 , 2026 2026
Conjunct applicability of MCDM-based machine learning algorithms in mapping the sediment formation potential A Nasiri Khiavi, M Tavoosi, F Kamari Yekdangi, M Sadikhani, A Kuriqi Environment, Development and Sustainability 28 (4), 7997-8027 , 2026 2026 Citations: 6
Enhancing prediction of inclined solar irradiance through an advanced hybrid deep learning model for solar energy system optimization M Jebali, N Bailek, H Harrouch, B Zerouali, H Guesmi, A Kuriqi, R Triki, ... Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C, 104419 , 2026 2026
Flow–sediment interaction and experimental design of screen plates for scour mitigation downstream of hydraulic structures R Daneshfaraz, H Nezafat, H Abbaszadeh, P Ebadzadeh, A Kuriqi Water Practice & Technology 21 (2), 555-574 , 2026 2026
Integrated water quality indices as tools for evaluating small hydropower impacts P Tomczyk, M Tymcio, A Kuriqi, JM Santos, A Wdowczyk, M Wiatkowski Water Resources and Industry, 100342 , 2026 2026 Citations: 2
Streamflow forecasting using machine learning and remote sensing data in the Himalayan region N Suwal, R Khatakho, AN Jha, SB Ankon, M Lamichhane, A Kuriqi Water Practice & Technology 20 (12), 2472-2491 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Targeting runoff hotspots for sustainable rainwater harvesting in arid regions A Magdy, A Elsaiad, ESM Ramadan, A Kuriqi, AA Ahmed, I Abd-Elaty Cleaner Water, 100166 , 2025 2025
Exploring machine learning models for assessing energy dissipation on inclined gabion drops M Bagherzadeh, M Mohammadi, R Daneshfaraz, A Ghaderi, MR Nikoo, ... Neural Computing and Applications 37 (32), 26575-26592 , 2025 2025 Citations: 5
Contributions toward net-zero carbon in the water sector: application to a case study HM Ramos, M Pérez-Sánchez, T Correia, E Bekçi, M Besharat, A Kuriqi, ... AQUA-Water Infrastructure Ecosystems and Society 74 (9), 579-595 , 2025 2025
Erosion Measurement, Modeling, and Management: Challenges and Solutions ARMT Islam, A Kuriqi, SA Bhat, A Elbeltagi CRC Press , 2025 2025
Optimizing photovoltaic collector performance: A comprehensive study on the thermal performance of nanofluids M Bouzidi, N Bailek, A Nasri, B Zerouali, ESM El-Kenawy, JA Younis, ... AIP Advances 15 (9) , 2025 2025
A novel SWAT-based framework to integrate climate and LULC scenarios for predicting hydrology and sediment dynamics in the watersheds of Mediterranean ecosystems M Beroho, K Aboumaria, Y El Hamdouni, A Ouallali, L Jaufer, S Kader, ... Journal of Environmental Management 388, 125446 , 2025 2025 Citations: 8
Elevated crests and their impact on flow dynamics in crump weir structures A Ghaderi, AH Rezaei, A Parvinshoar, A Mahmoudi Hoseyni, A Kuriqi ACS ES&T Water 5 (7), 4089-4101 , 2025 2025 Citations: 2
Hydrodynamic and water quality modeling for sustainable aquaculture practices N Badrzadeh, S Alikhani, D Green, A Kuriqi, A Sabzevari ACS ES&T Water 5 (7), 3772-3784 , 2025 2025 Citations: 1
Performance evaluation of a solar-powered membrane capacitive deionization system considering energy recovery HR Bahrami, S Gorjian, H Mokhtarzadeh, B Ghobadian, A Kuriqi, ... Results in Engineering 26, 105552 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Scour-induced stability risks of the Zogu Bridge: Preservation challenges and policy recommendations for a threatened European heritage E Periku, O Korini, E Luga, E Baron, JC Matos, A Kuriqi Innovative Infrastructure Solutions 10 (6), 266 , 2025 2025 Citations: 4
Small hydropower impacts on water quality: A comparative analysis of different assessment methods P Tomczyk, M Tymcio, A Kuriqi, JM Santos, M Wiatkowski Water Resources and Industry 33, 100282 , 2025 2025 Citations: 7
Optimizing hydropower generation with reservoir level management in humid regions JD Hunt, A Nascimento, B Zakeri, A Ilyas, DS Ramos, A Kuriqi, ... Energy Reports 13, 856-864 , 2025 2025 Citations: 6
Application of effective microorganisms for Littoral zone restoration in eutrophic reservoirs P Tomczyk, B Wróbel, C Rosik-Dulewska, A Kuriqi, M Wiatkowski, ... Scientific Reports 15 (1), 16723 , 2025 2025
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Ecological impacts of run-of-river hydropower plants—Current status and future prospects on the brink of energy transition A Kuriqi, AN Pinheiro, A Sordo-Ward, MD Bejarano, L Garrote Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews 142, 110833 , 2021 2021 Citations: 663
Flood susceptibility modelling using advanced ensemble machine learning models ARMT Islam, S Talukdar, S Mahato, S Kundu, KU Eibek, QB Pham, ... Geoscience Frontiers 12 (3), 101075 , 2021 2021 Citations: 588
A review on emerging water contaminants and the application of sustainable removal technologies R Kumar, M Qureshi, DK Vishwakarma, N Al-Ansari, A Kuriqi, A Elbeltagi, ... Case Studies in Chemical and Environmental Engineering 6, 100219 , 2022 2022 Citations: 533
Influence of hydrologically based environmental flow methods on flow alteration and energy production in a run-of-river hydropower plant A Kuriqi, AN Pinheiro, A Sordo-Ward, L Garrote Journal of Cleaner Production 232, 1028-1042 , 2019 2019 Citations: 373
Water-energy-ecosystem nexus: Balancing competing interests at a run-of-river hydropower plant coupling a hydrologic–ecohydraulic approach A Kuriqi, AN Pinheiro, A Sordo-Ward, L Garrote Energy Conversion and Management 223, 113267 , 2020 2020 Citations: 338
Long-term trends and seasonality detection of the observed flow in Yangtze River using Mann-Kendall and Sen’s innovative trend method R Ali, A Kuriqi, S Abubaker, O Kisi Water (Switzerland) 11 (9), 1855 , 2019 2019 Citations: 333
Flow regime aspects in determining environmental flows and maximising energy production at run-of-river hydropower plants A Kuriqi, AN Pinheiro, A Sordo-Ward, L Garrote Applied Energy 256, 113980 , 2019 2019 Citations: 314
Hourly predictions of direct normal irradiation using an innovative hybrid LSTM model for concentrating solar power projects in hyper-arid regions A Djaafari, A Ibrahim, N Bailek, K Bouchouicha, MA Hassan, A Kuriqi, ... Energy Reports 8, 15548-15562 , 2022 2022 Citations: 267
DEM resolution effects on machine learning performance for flood probability mapping M Avand, A Kuriqi, M Khazaei, O Ghorbanzadeh Journal of Hydro-Environment Research 40, 1-16 , 2022 2022 Citations: 176
Evaluation of management practices on agricultural nonpoint source pollution discharges into the rivers under climate change effects N Badrzadeh, JMV Samani, M Mazaheri, A Kuriqi Science of the Total Environment 838, 156643 , 2022 2022 Citations: 162
Optimisation of cascade reservoir operation considering environmental flows for different environmental management classes N Suwal, X Huang, A Kuriqi, Y Chen, KP Pandey, KP Bhattarai Renewable Energy 158, 453-464 , 2020 2020 Citations: 150
Hydrologic alteration at the upper and middle part of the Yangtze river, China: towards sustainable water resource management under increasing water exploitation R Ali, A Kuriqi, S Abubaker, O Kisi Sustainability 11 (19), 5176 , 2019 2019 Citations: 145
Estimating reference evapotranspiration using hybrid adaptive fuzzy inferencing coupled with heuristic algorithms RM Adnan, RR Mostafa, ARMT Islam, O Kisi, A Kuriqi, S Heddam Computers and Electronics in Agriculture 191, 106541 , 2021 2021 Citations: 138
Methods to estimate evapotranspiration in humid and subtropical climate conditions DK Vishwakarma, K Pandey, A Kaur, NL Kushwaha, R Kumar, R Ali, ... Agricultural Water Management 261, 107378 , 2022 2022 Citations: 137
Seasonality shift and streamflow variability trends in central India A Kuriqi, R Ali, QB Pham, J Montenegro Gambini, V Gupta, A Malik, ... Acta Geophysica 68 (5), 1461-1475 , 2020 2020 Citations: 132
Evaluation of energy extraction of PV systems affected by environmental factors under real outdoor conditions MA Hassan, N Bailek, K Bouchouicha, A Ibrahim, B Jamil, A Kuriqi, ... Theoretical and Applied Climatology 150 (1), 715-729 , 2022 2022 Citations: 118
Application of biochar for improving physical, chemical, and hydrological soil properties: a systematic review S Ahmad Bhat, A Kuriqi, MUD Dar, O Bhat, SS Sammen, ... Sustainability 14 (17), 11104 , 2022 2022 Citations: 117
Artificial neural network optimized with a genetic algorithm for seasonal groundwater table depth prediction in Uttar Pradesh, India K Pandey, S Kumar, A Malik, A Kuriqi Sustainability 12 (21), 8932 , 2020 2020 Citations: 117
Human–environment natural disasters interconnection in China: A review R Ali, A Kuriqi, O Kisi Climate 8 (4), 48 , 2020 2020 Citations: 115
Smart Water Grids and Digital Twin for the Management of System Efficiency in Water Distribution Networks HM Ramos, A Kuriqi, M Besharat, E Creaco, E Tasca, ... Water (Switzerland) 15 (6), 1129 , 2023 2023 Citations: 109
