bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Evolution in Agroecology in Mediterranean Areas: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mosquera Losada María Rosa , Franco Grandas Tamara Isabel , Furtado Torres Filipa Conceiçao , Trindade Henrique , Álvarez López Vanessa , Ferreiro Domínguez Nuria
Published: August 2023

The loss of productivity of agri-food systems today is known, partly related to biodiversity loss. To reverse this situation, adopting sustainable agri-environmental practices has been proposed. However, there are not enough studies in the scientific literature to explain why in-depth transformations to sustainable agroecological models are not taking place at all scales and dimensions. Therefore, based on the number of publications and trend topics, this study aims to analyse the evolution of knowledge in “agroecology” and see if its development is linked to climate policies and. agreements. A survey of all the scientific articles collected on the Web of Science (WoS) between 1992 and 2022 by affiliated authors from France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, and Greece is carried out. For the analysis, a bibliometric analysis was performed (with R 3.6.2 (Biblioshiny package)). The first publications were observed in 1992. More than 95% of the publications took place in 2011. French research institutions led this trend, publishing 55% of the articles. The evolution of knowledge observed over the last few years has been linked to the transition towards sustainable agriculture through the study of agroecological practices, e.g., “agroforestry”, able to face different challenges related to loss of “biodiversity” and “climate change.
Grey Forecasting Models Optimized by Firefly Algorithm for Natural Gas Consumption Prediction in Turkey
Authors: Konyalioglu Aziz Kemal , Ozcan Tuncay , Beldek Beldek
Published: August 2023

Natural Gas is assumed to have a vital role as an energy source in all countries, serving as the primary fuel for industries, homes, and various sectors. The forecasting of natural gas consumption is very crucial for efficient energy management and the formulation of appropriate policies related to its production and usage, accurately. Forecasting has significant economic implications as it enables the implementation of cost-effective strategies based on reliable predictions of natural gas usage. This research focuses on predicting the consumption of natural gas in Turkey by employing Grey Forecasting Models (GF) Optimized by the Firefly Algorithm. The Firefly Algorithm optimizes the model parameters, while the GF models, namely GM (1,1) and NGBM (1,1), estimate the natural gas consumption in Turkey. The performance of these grey forecasting models is evaluated by comparing them with ARIMA and linear regression models. The calculations illustrate that the proposed NGBM (1,1) model, based on the Firefly Algorithm, surpasses other grey models such as OGM(1,1), GM(1,1) as well as statistical methods like ARIMA and linear regression, in terms of prediction accuracy.
Source profile of PM10 emission sources in Western Macedonia, Greece, during 2022
Authors: Gkaras S. , Triantafyllou E. , Dougali A. , Diamantopoulos Ch. , Tolis E , Triantafyllou A.
Published: August 2023

Government energy policy strategies which are intended to encourage the reduction of lignite energy production, has a negative impact on industrial activities in the region of Western Macedonia, leading to important changes of the atmospheric emission profile. Taking into consideration the current situation and the reduction of industrial contribution in PM10 emissions, we attempt to estimate the PM10 source profile and examine the similarities or the differences of specific dust sources at different sites. Each sampling site differed with respect to the location of the site and its meteorological and source characteristics. In order to accomplish that, dust samples were collected for several representative sources in the study area (e.g., unpaved roads, paved roads, vehicular emissions, soil and agricultural soil, fly ash) during 2022. The collected dust samples were resuspended to laboratory generated-dust system in order to create PM10 samples (for each emission source) which were analyzed for a series of elements by the method of Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The database of PM emission profiles developed here will be used in a second stage to assist source apportionment studies for accurate quantification of the air pollution causes and enhance the evaluation of environmental authorities and policy makers to take the proper proactive measures for air quality.
Hydrogeological research on water supply conditions in a mountainous region of NE Greece
Authors: EMPLIOUK ISMAIL , PLIAKAS FOTIOS - KONSTANTINOS , KALLIORAS ANDREAS , KALIAMPAKOS DIMITRIOS , TZEVELEKIS THEOFILOS
Published: August 2023

This paper deals with the investigation of the aquifer system of Myki Municipality in the mountainous area of Xanthi Prefecture, NE Greece, within the context of the development and management of groundwater of the study area for meeting drinking water supply needs. The work included, during spring, summer and autumn of 2021-2022, measurements of discharge from a selected network of fifty-two (52) points (springs and groundwater wells), sampling of groundwater from all springs and wells, chemical analyses, as well as relevant analysis, elaboration, presentation of the produced results and composition of related proposals regarding the improvement of water supply conditions at Myki Municipality. The research resulted in calculating the water supply values for each settlement (L/capita/day) and the surplus or deficit supply values with respect to the private special consumption value for domestic use of 250 L/capita/day. It was found that the available water resources to meet water needs of the Myki Municipality are partially insufficient. The observed water shortage can be attributed to the limited capacity of aquifers in some places, some bad groundwater recovery facilities, as well as water losses in the water supply system.
Capability of high resolution satellite images to characterize urban surfaces: spectra comparison and correlation with in field/lab measurements
Authors: Despini Francesca , Musacchio Massimo , Costanzini Sofia , Parmeggiani Davide , Ferrari Chiara , Teggi Sergio , Muscio Alberto , Silvestri Malvina , Rabuffi Federico
Published: August 2023

Environmental remote sensing is an increasingly useful tool for the study of large areas thanks to new sensors with high spatial resolution. These sensors could be able to identify and analyse several urban surfaces, like roofs and pavements. Thus they could be used to study urban areas for several applications, as the characterization of different surfaces related to the development of the UHI (Urban Heat Island) phenomenon. The main goal of this paper is to study the spectral correlation between this kind of satellite imagery (high spatial resolution and good spectral resolution) and ground measurements using instruments with high spectral resolution. For this purpose, an image from WorldView 3 sensor was acquired and several spectra of urban surfaces were measured with the ASD FieldSpec 4 field spectroradiometer. The study area is the ceramic district of Sassuolo, in the northern part of Italy. Statistic parameters were used to assess the differences between acquired spectra and satellite image spectra. The achieved results are encouraging: remote sensing could characterize the correlation between remote sensing data and ground measurement is high for homogenous surfaces.
Radon Levels Inside the Caves of Bohol Island, Philippines
Authors: Panlaqui A , Ballesteros F
Published: August 2023

Radon concentration in various workplaces, including tourist caves, remains higher than the recommended action level by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, which may pose a significant health risk. However, there has been no endeavor to investigate radon concentration in Philippine caves. This work investigated radon concentration inside Hinagdanan Cave, Batungay Cave, and Princess Manan-aw Cave using a passive radon detector. Radiation dose assessment and health risk estimation were also performed using the determined radon levels. The radon concentration inside these caves was above the safety limit (300 Bq/m3) and action limit (1000 Bq/m3) recommended by the World Health Organization and International Atomic Energy Agency, respectively. The dose assessment and evaluation do not exceed the annual dose limit prescribed by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. Lastly, the results of the lung cancer risk estimation exceed the recommended limit of 130 - 270 lung cancer cases per million people per year by the International Commission on Radiological Protection, except for Hinagdanan Cave. Radon mitigation must still be prioritized since the safety and action limit is exceeded, and administrative controls must be put in place to control radon exposure.
Use of residues from Eucalyptus Globulus as biosorbents for cadmium removal
Authors: Hansen Henrik , Gutierrez Claudia , Alarcon Jaime , Lazo Andrea , Hansen Marcela , Lazo Pamela , Ortiz Rodrigo
Published: August 2023

The present work studied the removal of cadmium from aqueous solutions by a series of batch sorption experiments using Eucalyptus Globulus bark and seeds as biosorbents. Both biosorbents showed good results in cadmium removal. The best results were obtained when working with a particle size < 75 μm, initial pH solution between 7.5 and 8.0, a mass-to-volume ratio of 18 and 12 g L-1 for the bark and seeds respectively. The Ho and McKay model explained well the biosorption kinetic results for both biosorbents. It was found that cadmium sorption on seeds was faster than that obtained on bark, with maximum cadmium capacity of 8.54 and 5.62 mg L-1 for the seeds ant bark respectively which indicates that the seeds presented better results. The experimental equilibrium data could be fitted well with both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models.
Impact of Fatty Waste on Anaerobic Digestion of Sewage Sludge at a Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant - A Case Study
Authors: Umiejewska Katarzyna , Retman Monika , Lech Piotr
Published: August 2023

Anaerobic digestion is a common method for utilization of sewage sludge at large-scale wastewater treatment plants. This process generates biogas, which is a source of renewable energy. Intensification of biogas production can be achieved, for example, through co-digestion, with fatty waste characterized by a high methane potential (0.85 Nm3/kg VS versus 0.136 Nm3/kg VS for excess sludge). However, due to high lipid content, fatty waste can cause incomplete degradation of organic compounds and accumulation of volatile fatty acids (VFA) in the digester.
The purpose of this study is to show the changes in the efficiency of the digestion process at a municipal wastewater treatment plant after feeding digester with fatty waste. Co-fermentation shortened HRT from 27.0 d to 23.7 d. The use of co-digestion had a positive effect on biogas production. Volume of biogas increased from 2750 Nm3/d to 4004 Nm3/d (average). It was noted that the percentage share of organic dry matter in the digested sludge decreased on average from 71.32% to 69.15%.
Design requirements for the development of an LCA Engine
Authors: Koidis CHRISTOS , Vlachokostas CHRISTOS , Achillas CHARISIOS , Michalidou ALEXANDRA , Aidonis DIMITRIOS , Bantsos ATHANASIOS , Makris DIMITRIOS , Mertzanakis CHRISTOS , Savva CHRISTODOULOS
Published: August 2023

The work focuses on the development of a web-based tool to promote life cycle thinking and assessment of agricultural production. The computational tool is based on a sophisticated LCA Engine which provides personalized, real-time results, with the exploitation of real data from sensors. This comes in contrary to the standard practice of software using data sourcing solely from life cycle inventory databases available in the market (e.g. Ecoinvent, Agribalyse). The tool is designed to simulate all levels of the supply chain (production, processing, packaging, transportation, etc.) and perform an accurate calculation of the production’s carbon footprint, as well as other environmental impacts that are required for environmental certification processes. In the present study, we present the design requirements of the web-based tool, as those resulted from a large-scale survey conducted in different types of potential end-users, such as farmers, farmers’ associations, agri-food companies and agri-consultants. The work is funded within the framework of the Operational Programme “Central Macedonia” of the PA 2014-2020, Innovative Investment Plans, and co-financed by the Greek State and the European Union and, in particular, by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (project code: ΚΜΡ6-0078501).
Predicting Land Cover Map Changes in the Philippines for use in LULC-based Carbon Capture Monitoring using Deep Learning
Authors: Labao A , Camaclang Rodolfo , Ballesteros F
Published: August 2023

In the area of Carbon Capture and Storage (CSS), monitoring plays an important role not only to determine if there is any anomalies in the release of CO2 in the atmosphere, but also to prepare for disasters and to plan better future developments in the industrial sector, transportation sector, real estate development, and other sectors. One way to monitor changes in the carbon cycle is by looking at Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) changes, since the primary methods of carbon capture and storage is by biological and geological sequestration. In this study, we designed a Deep Learning model that can predict land cover changes in the Philippine Land Cover Maps generated by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA). We evaluated our results and our model yielded a 78.64% overall accuracy and a Kappa coefficient of 0.725.
Exploring the Potential and Challenges of a Developing Carbon Market in the Philippines
Authors: Corpus Robert Michael , Bayani Meldanette , MELDANETTE S. , Ado Remedios
Published: August 2023

The worldwide shift towards the use of renewable energy sources is very necessary if we are going to reduce our impact on the environment and become more sustainable over the long run. However, owing to the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources, concerns with grid management, and restrictions in the market, the incorporation of these sources into the energy systems that are already in place creates a number of challenges. The Internet of Things (IoT), big data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain are examples of technologies that were developed as part of the Industry 4.0 initiative and provide substantial promise for overcoming these difficulties. This article provides a detailed analysis of the role that Industry 4.0 technologies play in the integration of renewable energy sources. It does so by presenting successful case studies and investigating the constraints and problems involved with their implementation. In order to assist the wider adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the renewable energy industry, recommendations and potential future research paths are also offered in this article.
Applicability of Advanced Oxidation Processes for Treatment and Recovery of Washing Machine Effluent
Authors: Kılıç Levent , Dilsizoğlu-Akyol Nergis , Ölmez-Hancı Tuğba
Published: August 2023

In this study, it was successfully shown that Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) are a feasible method to treat laundry wastewater originating from washing machines. Wastewater characterization from different stages of wastewater discharge was analysed and advanced oxidation processes including O3, H2O2, O3/H2O2, O3/UV-C, H2O2/UV-C, and O3/H2O2/UV-C were applied to determine the most efficient AOP, by analysing chemical oxygen demand and methylene blue active substances content of treated laundry wastewaters. It was shown that H2O2/UV method yielded the best chemical oxygen demand and methylene blue active substances reduction rates among other methods. Optimization studies also revealed that under optimum conditions with filtration, chemical oxygen demand and methylene blue active substances content of wastewater discharge during the last rinsing stage of the washing cycle can be reduced by 95% and 98%, respectively. Results also demonstrated that treatment by advanced oxidation processes greatly reduced the rate of microorganism growth AOP-treated wastewater comparing to raw wastewater. To have a more sustainable washing process, the total water consumption of the washing machine can be reduced by recycling the treated laundry wastewater using the advanced oxidation processes.
APPLICABILITY OF SULFATE RADICAL BASED ADVANCED OXIDATION PROCESSES FOR DRINKING WATER TREATMENT
Authors: Dilsizoğlu Akyol Nergis , Ölmez Hancı Tuğba
Published: August 2023

Natural Organic Matter (NOM) is a complex mixture of organic compounds that are naturally present in water sources. NOM itself is not toxic, but its presence can have negative impacts on the quality of drinking water. It is important to remove NOM from drinking water sources through various treatment processes, such as coagulation, sedimentation and filtration, in order to ensure that the water is safe and aesthetically pleasing for consumption. “Advanced Oxidation Processes” is one of the promising treatment technology to remove NOM in drinking water sources. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of sulfate radical (SO4•−) based photochemical oxidation process (persulfate/UV-C) on the efficiency of organic carbon removal from drinking water sources. In the present study the effect of the initial oxidant concentration on the total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency, residual oxidant concentration, alteration of pH and UV254 were examined. Moreover, particle size distribution (PSD) analysis was applied to determine treatment efficiency of each particle size during oxidation process. All experiments were conducted in raw water that originated from a drinking water treatment plant located in İstanbul. According to the experimental studies, it was observed that organic carbon was effectively removed (55%) during the reaction time of 60 minutes by using PS/UV-C at an initial oxidant concentration of 1.0 mM. According to PSD analysis, all particles are smaller than 450 nm and approximately 60% of them were removed by using PS/UV-C process. In experimental studies, decreasing of pH (from 8.3 to 6.5) and UV254 (from 0.097 to 0.013) shows that degradation of TOC. In conclusion, sulphate radical-based photochemical advanced oxidation processes can effectively provide degradation of organic carbon in natural waters.
Green Transformation of Organized Industrial Zones (OIZ) to Eco – Industrial Park (EIP): Experiences from Turkiye
Authors: Dolgen Deniz , Alpaslan Mehmet
Published: August 2023

Turkiye has been encouraging the industries with green growth perspective and has supported this strategy towards the implementation of new eco industrial parks (EIP) as well as transform the existing organized industrial zones (OIZ) to green conditions. In order to achieve this strategy, certain national and international projects were conducted. Among the projects “Green OIZ Framework Development for Turkey” has special importance. Because “minimum requirements” and/or “green OIZ performance standards” for industrial parks were identified and released as a guideline for industries in Turkiye. Following the guideline development, several studies, workshops and similar regulatory activities were performed by governmental institutions, and certain revisions were carried out in the certification as well as performance indicators. In addition, the mechanisms that are essential for certification were identified. Recently Turkish Standards Institution were authorized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology (MoIT) of Turkiye to certify the OIZs. In the manuscript, EIP concept and the green transformation rules of OIZs in Turkiye are discussed. Indicators adopted to national conditions and a guideline prepared for supporting the green OIZ facilities are reviewed. The studies on green transformation of Tire Organized Industrial Zone are also presented as case study.
Coaggregating Delftia acidovorans facilitates the metabolic activity of partner bacteria in drinking water biofilms
Authors: Afonso Ana , Gomes Inês , Saavedra Maria José , Simões Lúcia , Simões Manuel
Published: August 2023

Although bacterial coaggregation has already been identified as a key mechanism in the multispecies biofilms development in diverse environments, little is known about this highly specific type of cell-cell interaction in aquatic systems. In this study, a strain of Delftia acidovorans isolated from drinking water (DW) and previously described with coaggregation ability, was studied for its role in biofilm development. Single and dual-species biofilms, of D. acidovorans and the DW representative bacteria Citrobacter freundii and Pseudomonas putida, were grown in 96-well microtiter plates and characterized in terms of metabolic activity. In addition, to prove that D. acidovorans can facilitate the metabolic activity of other bacteria, single biofilms were formed in the presence of D. acidovorans cell-free supernatant (CFS). The metabolic activity was higher when comparing single with dual-species biofilms. Furthermore, in the presence of CFS, it was evident an increase in the metabolic activity of C. freundii and P. putida biofilms. These results suggest the production of extracellular metabolites by D. acidovorans, that possibly act as public goods. That said, the presence of coaggregating species, namely D. acidovorans, in biofilms appears to create a functional cooperative microbial community, providing a favorable metabolic opportunity for partner bacteria.
Effects of parabens exposure on drinking water bacteria
Authors: Pereira Ana Rita , Gomes Inês , Simões Manuel
Published: August 2023

Parabens are considered emerging contaminants that are frequently detected in water sources. Besides being detected in drinking water (DW) at residual concentrations, their effects on DW microbial quality and safety have been disregarded so far. This work assesses for the first time the impact of methylparaben (MP), propylparaben (PP), and butylparaben (BP) on selected bacteria isolated from DW: Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Although the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) values obtained were found to be much higher (200 - 400 mg/L) than concentrations of parabens found in the environment, parabens induce bacterial membrane modifications at environmental concentrations (15 µg/L). Overall, parabens caused an increase in the total surface hydrophilicity of both bacteria, being this effect more pronounced for MP and BP on S. maltophilia. Dual-species biofilms grown on polypropylene (PPL) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and exposed to MP (15 µg/L) were found to be more metabolically active (198% and 98%, respectively) than non-exposed biofilms. Even though, MP (15 µg/L) was able to reduce the cell growth rate of A. calcoaceticus from dual-species biofilms. The overall results show that parabens induce modifications in bacterial community characteristics and behaviour, which may compromise the safety of DW.
End-phase Rehabilitation Assessment of Boracay Island Using Microbial Parameters as Indicator of Water Quality
Authors: Jaraula Caroline Marie , Rañada Mishel Valery
Published: August 2023

The tourism-dependent Boracay island continued to accommodate tourists reaching a peak of >2 million in 2017 after nearly breaching through the island’s ecological threshold in 2012. Anthropogenic pressures resulting in poor water quality and disturbance of wetlands forced the authorities to close the island and undergo rehabilitation from April 2018 to December 2019. Inland and offshore water quality were assessed during the final phase of rehabilitation, although the sewerage system at this time was not yet completed. Microbial parameters from water samples collected offshore, nearshore, and inland were analyzed for total coliform (TC), Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. using the IDEXX™ Colilert-18™ and Enterolert™ systems. The end-of-pipe drainage at the Dead Forest Drainage (DFD) yielded the highest concentration in microbial parameters recorded at >100,000 MPN/100 mL. Microbial loads were higher in the lagoons, wetlands, and the well used for drinking. In most inland sites, the permissible microbial concentrations were exceeded based on the Philippines’ Department of Environment and Natural Resources Administrative Order 2021-19. Despite the distance from the shore, TC, E. coli and Enterococcus spp. were detected even 3 km offshore with values ranging from 20 to 56,775 MPN/100mL, 20 to 11,199 MPN/100mL and 10 to 892 MPN/100mL respectively.
Investigating the Performance of Anaerobic Co-Digestion of Primary Sludge and Acid Whey Using a Twin Pilot Scale System
Authors: Gkoumas Filippos , Tzivelou Efstathia , Gravanis Zois , Mamais Daniel , Malamis Simos , Noutsopoulos Constantinos
Published: August 2023

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) has proven to be an effective method for transforming organic waste into biogas, a renewable energy source that can play a crucial role in reducing our dependence on finite fossil fuels. Despite its widespread use, mono-digestion, where a single substrate is utilized, is prone to several drawbacks, including process instability, limited feedstock options, and low biogas/methane efficiency. To overcome these limitations, anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) has emerged as a promising alternative. In AcoD, multiple substrates are digested simultaneously, leading to a more stable process, a greater variety of feedstock options, and an increased biogas/methane yield. The co-digestion of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) sludge and food processing wastes has proven to be a popular area of research in AcoD, offering a balanced mix of carbon, nutrients, and minerals for optimal digestion. This study investigates the performance of AcoD between primary sludge (PS) and acid whey (AW) compared to PS mono-digestion, using a twin 15 L pilot scale continuous flow complete stirring tank reactor (CSTR) system. The experiment was carried out at a mesophilic temperature (35 °C) with an increasing organic loading rate (OLR). The results suggest that AcoD of PS and AW is a promising approach as optimal process conditions were maintained while the biogas yield increased.system. The experiment was carried out at a mesophilic temperature (35 oC) with an increasing organic loading rate (OLR) (>2 g VS/L-d). The results suggest that AcoD of PS and AW is a promising approach as optimal process conditions were maintained while the biogas yield increased (>10%), making it a cost-effective solution.
Acknowledgements
The research leading to these results has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation programme under grant agreement no 958266.
UrbEm: a method and tool to refine regional emission inventories for urban atmospheric studies
Authors: Kakouri Anastasia , Ramacher Martin , Kuenen Jeroen , Speyer Orestis , Gerasopoulos Evangelos , Athanasopoulou Eleni
Published: August 2023

As cities are growing in size and complexity, the estimation of air pollution exposure requires detailed spatial representation of air pollution levels. Intra-urban atmospheric studies require up-to-date and credible emission inventories. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) provides consistent and quality-controlled information on anthropogenic emissions from Europe in the spatial resolution of 0.1 x 0.05 degree (lon/lat). The UrbEm method and tool applies a prompt and effective approach to spatially refine these emissions for any European city (or area). In particular, a top-down approach is built upon the CAMS-REG-AP database of anthropogenic air pollution emissions, creating added-value products of road transport emissions (line sources), mass emitted from industrial units (point sources) and surface emissions attributed at a grid of 1 km resolution. The disaggregation is based on publicly available, well-established, contemporary gridded datasets, which provide high resolution, suitable sector-specific proxies per source category, such as population density from Global Human Settlement (GHS), land use categories from Copernicus Land Monitoring Service (CLC 2018) and road networks from OpenStreetMap. In this work, the downscaling approach is applied in 9 diverse European Urban Centers and the improvements of the spatial disaggregation of CAMS emissions are comparatively examined.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Erwinia amylovora Isolates from Fire Blight Diseased Pomaceous Fruit Trees in Georgia
Authors: Sadunishvili Tinatin , Amashukeli Nanuli , Gaganidze Dali , Kharadze Shorena , Sturua Neli , Rezzonico Fabio
Published: August 2023

Fire blight, caused by the bacterial pathogen, Erwinia amylovora is a devastating disease of fruit trees belonging to the Rosaceae family. The most susceptible species are apple, pear and quince. The economic loss caused by bacterial blight of fruit trees is manifested both in crop loss and rapid destruction of entire orchards. The bacterium enters the plant from stomata or wounds caused by insects and environmental influences - rain, wind, etc. It is difficult to control fire blight as the E. amylovora has significant survival capacity. For the development of effective control measures of fire blight, together with destruction of the diseased trees it is important to find effective antimicrobial preparations. The goal is to study the antibiotic susceptibility of the E. amylovora Georgian isolates. Dozens of the pathogen isolates were obtained and identified from the fire blight diseased apple, pear and quince trees in eastern Georgia. Their cultural and morphological properties, as well as the genetic diversity were studied. Susceptibility of these isolates towards eight antibiotics: streptomycin, penicillin, tobramycin, erythromycin, kanamycin, ofloxacin, trimethoprim and tetracycline by disc-diffusion method have been studied.
The majority of E. amylovora isolates from different regions of eastern Georgia are sensitive to tobramycin, kanamycin, ofloxacin, tetracycline and streptomycin, with the exception of isolates ## 6052, 6053, 6162 and 8892, which express some resistance to streptomycin. The absolute majority of the Erwinia amylovora isolates are resistant to penicillin and trimethoprim, while the susceptibility to erythromycin is variable.
Acknowledgements:
This work is funded by the Shota Rustaveli National Science Foundation of Georgia (SRNSFG), grant number FR-19-22524. The participation of Dr. Fabio Rezzonico to this work was funded under project number IZ08Z0_177515 by the r4d Programme of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Key words: Fire blight, Erwinia amylovora, antibiotic susceptibility
Evaluation of physico-chemical factors affecting Wastewater-Based Epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 in a southern Philippine sewershed
Authors: Jaraula Caroline Marie , Limen Mary Antoinette , Otero Maria Catherine , Miguel Refeim , Kobayashi Vlademer , Baja Emmanuel , del Mundo Dann Marie , Murao Lyre Anni
Published: August 2023

Wastewater-Based Epidemiology as a complementary Public Health Surveillance tool in Davao City proved useful as the basis of further improvements in disease surveillance. Weekly sampling from November to December in 2020 identified 91% sewer water samples with SARS-CoV-2 RNA despite the lack of reported positive clinical cases in areas identified as moderate to high risk for COVID-19 transmission. Detections of SARS-CoV-2 N, RdRP, and E genes concentrated from PEG-NaCl precipitation method and analyzed using RT-PCR were evaluated in conjunction with physico-chemical and fecal parameters, particularly coliform count, flow rate, surface water temperature, salinity, and total dissolved solids. The physico-chemical parameters provide insight on the preservation of organic matter and residence time of the waters that can impact the recovery of SARS-CoV-2. From whole genome sequencing, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were detected and spatially clustered in areas with high population density and mobility. The mutations include previously reported and not yet detected to which the SNPs P383L and V21L in wastewater were detected a month before they were reported from clinical surveillance. Refining the sewershed map is highly recommended and is currently surveyed in more detail. For future improved WBE, the sites were narrowed down to fast flowing channels in densely populated areas with more established sewer lines.
Acknowledgements
This project was funded by USAID Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research (subaward number 2000009924) “Baselining Persistent and Emerging Organic Pollutant Levels in Environmental and Engineered Systems for Healthy Philippines” and the University of the Philippines Mindanao in-house funding. We also thank Mr Chris Carl Toyado for assisting us with this paper.
A first insight of Hg occurrence in the hellenic volcanic arc
Authors: Anagnostou Eirini , Stathopoulou Eleni , Heimbürger-Boavida Lars-Eric , Nomikou Paraskevi
Published: August 2023

Mercury is a highly toxic element with both natural and anthropogenic sources to the marine environment, with implications to ecosystems and human health. It is recognized as a priority pollutant by the European Environmental Legislation and the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). The complex geodynamic and geological setting of the Hellenic Volcanic Arc (HVA) in Greece, reflects in a great variety of geochemical compositions for many thermal fluid manifestations and leads to the necessity of studying them separately.
The present paper is a preliminary presentation of Hg levels in aquatic samples from Methana peninsula, Kos and Nisyros islands and Yali islet. These study areas are affected by active fault zones which characterized as pathways of elevated heat flow. Samples were collected along the coastline, both from thermal springs and swallow-waters hydrothermal vents and analyzed for Total mercury (THg), trace metals (TM) nutrients, total alkalinity (At), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and physicochemical parameters where measured in situ.
The concentrations of THg were quite variable, ranging from 3.48 to 278.53 pM (mean 32.56 pM), while in Kos spotted the highest (278.53 pM) with no values exceeding the limit set by the WFD (70 ng /l or 349.02 pM). It appears to have a strong positive correlation with nutrients, DO, while strong negative one with pH and At. In the area of Nisyros – Yali the measured THg falls in between the other sites , while in Methana is the lowest levels with strong positive correlation with salinity, conductivity and pH and negative with DO and temperature. Strong positive correlation of THg was with Li, Al, Mn, Fe, As, Sr, Cd in every sample area.
We hypothesize that underwater hydrothermal activity may constitute a considerable Hg source to the oceans, as fluids from thermal waters are often brackish to saline due to marine intrusion into the coastal aquifer. As a result, more research is required in these areas in order to determine the amount of Hg contribution to the oceans by the type of volcanism and tectonic activity, as well as the positive correlations between Hg and TM such as As, Cd, Mn and Fe.
Assessing the performance of an integrated column system containing zero valent iron nanoparticles and sodium persulfate solution for the removal of emerging contaminants from different wastewater matrices – Identification of transformation products
Authors: Barka Evridiki , Nika Maria Christina , Galani Andriani , Mamais Daniel , Thomaidis Nikolaos , Malamis Simos , Noutsopoulos Constantinos
Published: August 2023

The occurrence of micropollutants in the aquatic environment has raised the scientific concern because of their continuous discharge, their bioaccumulation and their potential adverse toxicological impacts on both aquatic organisms and human health. The present study has been focused in the assessment of the performance of an integrated column system in terms of the removal efficiency of selected micropollutants as a post-treatment step for different effluent matrices: an anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR), an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (UASB) followed by microfiltration, a sand filter after treatment of a septic tank followed by a saturated vertical wetland and a conventional tertiary treatment system. The system consists of a nanocomposite material, which is called R-nFe and includes zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) hosted into a strongly acidic cation exchange resin, and a sodium persulfate solution (PS) at a concentration of 1 mM, while the influent pH is acidic and the contact time 2.2 min. In addition, the transformation products of diclofenac and bisphenol A are being investigated. To the authors’ best knowledge, this is the first time that the synergistic action of nZVI with PS is evaluated for the removal of micropollutants under continuous real wastewater flow with different matrix characteristics.
Biogas Desulfurization by Pelletized Biomass Ash in a Fixed Bed Arrangement
Authors: Lapp Florian , Brück Felix , Liebich Tim , Lang Mathias , Theilen Ulf , Weigand Harald
Published: August 2023

The removal of H2S is a prerequisite to the energetic valorization of biogas in combined heat and power (CHP) plants. Conventionally, the final step in desul-furization involves filtration over granular activated carbon (GAC). Rising market prices for GAC have fostered research on alternative filtration media. Here we investigated the feasibility of globally available biomass ash (BA) as a cost-efficient alternative. A filter column (V = 2.4 L) was loaded with 800 g BA (10 % moisture) and upstream-fed with a total of 2.76 m³ raw biogas sampled from a food waste fermentation plant. At the outlet H2S, O2, CO2 and CH4 were moni-tored. The H2S was completely sequestered by the filter material and no breakthrough was observed, resulting in a load of 0.26 wt. % H2S. XRF analyses suggested even further potential. First tests with a new, static batch reactor using a feed of >99 vol.-% H2S and pelletized BA achieved H2S uptakes of up to 4 wt.-%, outweighing the reported uptake capacity of conven-tional GAC. Further investigations are underway to assess the pelletized BA under flow-through condi-tions. Results will pave the way to scale up the system and test it under real world conditions at a food waste fermentation plant.
Assessing the progress of insular areas in relation to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The case of six isolated Greek islands
Authors: Chalastani Vasiliki , Veniou Marilena , Tsoukala Vasiliki
Published: August 2023

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) localisation describes the complex process of translating the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development within the local context and challenges, defining, implementing and monitoring local actions and strategies that contribute to the global achievement of the SDGs. This article seeks to address this issue by assessing the progress of six isolated Greek islands towards achieving SDGs, namely the islands of Karpathos, Chalki, Tilos, Symi, Kasos and Megisti (Kastellorizo), through the quantification of relevant indicators. In an attempt to perceive the effect of insularity in achieving SDGs, the islands’ progress regarding selected goals is compared to the one of areas found in the Greek mainland and have similar characteristics to the islands in terms of population and distance from the country’s capital, Athens.
Improved storage and handling of fine recycled concrete aggregates by accelerated carbonation: towards a quantification method
Authors: Weigand Harald , Vogt Svenja , Koeniger Lisa , Brück Felix
Published: August 2023

The fines fraction generated by crushing of concrete waste for production of recycled concrete aggregates amounts to 40 - 60 mass-%. Technically, fine recycled concrete aggregates (0 - 2 mm, fRCA) may be employed as a sand substitute in new concrete products. This is, however, hampered by the materials tendency for bridging/caking during storage in open stockpiles or silos. Here we investigated whether the reactivity of fRCA can be decreased and, hence, its storage and handling be improved by accelerated carbonation. Carbonation experiments were conducted in a pilot-scale rotating drum reactor (void volume V0 ~ 75 L) at around unity CO2 partial pressure (re-dosing setpoints - 50 hPa and + 50 hPa in-vessel differential pressure) over reaction times of one hour. Re-dosing cycles and thermogravimetric analysis served to quantify the CO2 uptake by fRCA. Penetration resistance and sieve passage against control samples served to quantify the effect of carbonation on the bridging tendency of fRCA. Compared to control samples, carbonated fine RCA formed more brittle crusts upon exposure to ambient conditions. Thus bridging/caking of fRCA may be prevented by accelerated carbonation prior to storage. Consequences of the use of carbonated fRCA as a sand substitute in concrete are subject of ongoing investigation while test methods to assess the effects on handling and storage properties are under consideration.
Development of flood risk maps using Remote Sensing Techniques in Cyprus
Authors: Kountouri Josefina , Mettas Christodoulos , Evagorou Evagoras , Hadjimitsis Diofantos
Published: August 2023

Floods are the most devastating natural disasters and are likely to become more frequent, dominant, and severe due to climate change, population growth, urbanization, and other factors related to watersheds and human activities. A flood can be defined as a body of water that causes runoff to land that is not normally covered by water. Ecosystems and floods are closely related. Urbanization across watersheds can lead to many causes of flooding. However, earth observation technologies such as satellite remote sensing can contribute to more efficient flood risk mapping by the European Directive 2007/60/EC on Flood Risk Assessment and Management. An interdisciplinary, integrated approach is used to present current and historical regimes of the selected watershed in Paphos region of Cyprus, combining Earth Observation (EO), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), hydraulics, surveying techniques (such as laser scanning), and crowdsourcing. This article presents a comprehensive examination of the utilization of satellite-based remote sensing techniques for flood detection, monitoring, and integration with flood models, highlighting recent advancements in the field.
Improve the post-harvest quality of fruits based on edible natural resources
Authors: BUTU Marian , BUTU Alina , RODINO Steliana
Published: August 2023

Edible coatings and films from natural resources from which benefit both the consumer and the environment. In general, edible coatings and films are a combination of polysaccharides, proteins, lipids and plasticizers, used to improve the functional properties and general quality parameters of fruits and vegetables, such as texture, color, acidity, total soluble solids, thereby preventing their browning and oxidation. General techniques for applying edible coatings are dipping, spraying, coating, panning, using a fluidized bed, and film wrapping. Active edible coatings or films are developed with plant extracts to enhance functional properties, e.q. antioxidant and antimicrobial. This research is focused on re-used edible natural resources along with some edible natural plasticizers used to improve the post-harvest quality of fruits without affecting their nutritional, organoleptic and sensory attributes. Edible films and coatings offer a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extend the shelf life of fresh fruit throughout the supply chain. Thease are made from commonly consumed food products, including natural extracts, which interact when combined to create an effective gas barrier, making it more difficult for oxygen to enter the fruit and water vapor to escape. Growing interest and research activity in edible packaging have been motivated by: (i) Increasing consumer demand for safe, convenient and stable food and (ii) Awareness of the negative environmental impact of non-biodegradable packaging waste.
The benefits of introducing digitization in agricultural sectors
Authors: RODINO Steliana , BUTU Marian , BUTU Alina
Published: August 2023

The rapid development of digital technologies has propelled the introduction of digitization in all fields. Among them is agriculture. Thus, farmers can benefit from innovations that make their work easier and increase their efficiency. Digitization aims to increase competitiveness in terms of agricultural production in a shorter period and has the role of helping to prevent the large losses that are specific to agriculture carried out using traditional methods. Through digitization (i) losses caused by poor production planning can be prevented, based on inaccurate data, (ii) the erroneous design of agricultural activities is reduced, such as the delayed application of protection treatments against pests, (iii) reduces/eliminates the lack of transparency regarding the information you must provide in relation to each product.
Metagenomic Profile of Bacterial Community and Phage in Domestic Wastewater Treatment Plant
Authors: Rollon Analiza , Nandar Htwe Nang , Miyanaga Kazuhiko , Tanji Yasunori
Published: August 2023

For a better understanding of the microbial community and associated phage abundance in domestic wastewater treatment system, this study did a metagenomics profiling of bacterial community and phage in activated sludge process and chlorination system. The Phylum Proteobacteria is the most abundant group in all streams but the most abundant subgroups of this is different between the raw wastewater and those in activated sludge. The former comprises gamma and epsilon Proteobacteria whereas activated sludge consist of delta and alpha Proteobacteria. The other less abundant Phylum in raw domestic wastewater are Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria. The group Delta Proteobacteria are most susceptible to chlorination. Rhodocyclaceae (of beta Proteobacteria) and the family Oxalobacteraceae and Comamonadaceae are also among the most affected by chlorination. Rhodocylaceae and Procabacteriaceae are resistant to chlorine treatment. Rhodocyclaceae are well known polyphosphate accumulating bacteria, which are also responsible for EBPR and their viability is high in activated sludge. On virome profiling, in the influent, the crAss phage, which is commonly found in fecal bacteria, predicted to the host Bacteroidetes, was dominant. The other phage such as Pseudomonas, Escherichia coli, Aeromonas and Lactococcus may also derived from the human gut. EBPR (enhanced biological phosphate removal )- associated phage were observed in all samples except influent. As their hosts, phosphate accumulating bacteria were present in activated sludge.