Graphically representing physical limits for the macro scale of the circular economy of water

The macro, meso and micro scale approach is central to circular economy research. When applied to water systems management, defining the physical boundaries of the macro scale remains a blind spot even though it is essential to clearly identify the origin of water we use and share. We present a method to physically delimit the macro system that supplies water at a lower scale. The method is conceptual, but the results can be used for quantitative analysis. We emphasize the need for a macro scale to necessarily be grounded in the physical reality.

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Publication Details

Journal
International Journal of Water Resources Development
Published
2026-06-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/07900627.2026.2672398
Primary Topic
Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Graphically representing physical limits for the macro scale of the circular economy of water

Guillaume Papuga, Valérie Borrell-Estupina, Clara Mainprize-Saurel, Jérémy Clément et al.
International Journal of Water Resources Development
Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis
article

Graphically representing physical limits for the macro scale of the circular economy of water

Guillaume Papuga, Valérie Borrell-Estupina, Clara Mainprize-Saurel, Jérémy Clément, Arnaud Martin, Roger Moussa, Vincent Bailly-Comte, Jérémie Solère
article en

Abstract

The macro, meso and micro scale approach is central to circular economy research. When applied to water systems management, defining the physical boundaries of the macro scale remains a blind spot even though it is essential to clearly identify the origin of water we use and share. We present a method to physically delimit the macro system that supplies water at a lower scale. The method is conceptual, but the results can be used for quantitative analysis. We emphasize the need for a macro scale to necessarily be grounded in the physical reality.

International Journal of Water Resources Development
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (FR), Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement (FR), Université de Montpellier (FR), AgroParisTech (FR), Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement (FR), Institut Agro Montpelier (FR), Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (FR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 9%
Sustainability and Ecological Systems Analysis
DOISourceOpenAlex
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Graphically representing physical limits for the macro scale of the circular economy of water — Guillaume Papuga, Valérie Borrell-Estupina, et al. · International Journal of Water Resources Development (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS