bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Failure simulation of Babar dam – Algeria and its impact on the valley downstream section
Authors: Gaagai Aissam , Boudoukha Abderrahmane , Benaabidate Lahcen
Published: November 2023

A failure analysis of Babar dam on the El Arab River was performed to highlight the impact of flood wave and velocities on the four villages downstream of the dam; Hella, Khérenne, Chebla and El Oueldja. The simulation of wave propagation along the El Arab River under several scenarios was performed by the hydraulic HEC-RAS model. This model is dedicated to the description of floods at the dam following a breach in the dike. The main factors considered in this simulation include the level of flood water, the flood hydrograph, and the typical scenario for this breach. The flood risk analysis revealed that the maximum of flood wave flow registered at the breach is (Qmax = 9253.02 m3∙s–1), and is beginning to mitigate downstream of the dam along the El Arab River where it reached at the last village with a low flow (Q = 1110.64 m3∙s–1). This simulation allowed drawing the risk map which showed the areas threatened by flood wave resulting from a total failure of the work, and consequently required a plan of security measures to moderate as much as possible the consequences of floods. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to approach the parameters of impact of the breach on the dam failure scenario. It was confirmed that these parameters as formulation time, breach width and side slope have a great influence on the dam failure scenario with the four adjustments (±20 and ±50).
Development of flood prone areas in Wielkopolska region
Authors: Januchta-Szostak Anna B. , Karaśkiewicz Agata
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to analyse the state of flood-prone areas development in 10 towns on the Warta River in the Wielkopolska region in terms of the possibility of adapting existing and planned buildings to flood risks. A significant percentage of the areas exposed to floods was the basic criterion for selecting three towns for the second stage of the research. The analysis of the content of 22 local spatial development plans (LSDP) in three selected towns has revealed that the plans for special flood hazard areas (SFH) and embanked areas lack precise requirements for flood adaptation. The research proved that small riverside towns in Wielkopolska region insufficiently use planning tools to create appealing and resilient waterfronts and reduce their vulnerability. New buildings not adapted to changing water levels are still being built in the flood-prone areas, because LSPD plans do not impose such requirements. The authors proposed the graphical analysis method (based on overlay maps), which allows to indicate the areas requiring special flood-adaptation guidelines. The building and site recommendations in LSDP should refer to BFE level and may include various types of amphibious architecture and their location conditions, which has been identified in the study.
Lightweight prefabricated floating buildings for shallow inland waters. Design and construction of the floating hotel apartment in Poland
Authors: Ostrowska-Wawryniuk Karolina , Piątek Łukasz
Published: November 2023

Since the beginning of the 21st century floating buildings have been growing in popularity in Poland. According to market research and quantitative studies, the majority of operative Polish floating buildings serve for commercial purposes, such as short-term rentals, vacation houses and floating marinas. Simultaneously, despite the increasing demand, the development of floating buildings in Poland is limited by the inconsistent legislation, government policy and, most importantly, natural conditions of Polish inland waters. The most attractive sites for floating architecture are the semi-natural lakeshores and riverbanks. At the same time, low water levels and poor maintenance of many Polish basins require special architectural and engineering solutions. The article presents our experience with meeting the market’s demand for small cost-effective floating commercial buildings despite the local shortcomings of inland waters on the example of the floating apartment built in 2019 on the Roś Lake in Pisz, Poland. The presented building was intended as a water-based extension of the existing hotel on land. It was designed as a “modern barn” with all-glazed gable wall allowing for a spectacular view to the lake. With a 50 sqm footprint, the one-story house with a mezzanine has a small draft of 33 cm and meets the stability criteria defined for inland waters. The presented case study shows that integrating the naval architecture theory, Building Information Modeling simulation along with cutting-edge construction techniques such as Scottsdale Construction System (SCS) and polyurethane spray insulation, can bring significant progress into the development of the floating buildings market in Poland.
Application of fuzzy cognitive mapping in the analysis of small earth dam failure
Authors: Shongwe Mduduzi I. , Maseko Thabo , Vilane Bruce R.T.
Published: November 2023

Small earth dams are most valuable in arid and semi-arid areas where they are used for both domestic and agricultural purposes. These dams however, continue to fail. The causes of such failures are interconnected in the sense that one can trigger the other. Most research into earth dams nevertheless, uses reductionist approaches. Such approaches do not consider the complex interactions between these modes and/or causes. This research used fuzzy cognitive mapping to identify the prominent modes and causes of small earth dam failure in Swaziland and to capture their interactions. A sample of seven earth dam construction experts was purposively selected from five institutions for individual interviews. An individual map was developed from each interview. An aggregated map was thereafter developed by combining seven individual maps. The results indicated that overtopping, piping and sliding were the common modes of earth dam failure. Overtopping was mainly due to siltation whilst animal barrows and tree roots were largely responsible for piping. Sliding was mostly associated construction defects and sudden drawdown. It was concluded that most of the failures were linked to poor management of catchments and that of the dams. It is recommended that future designs and management should increase the level of community participation in order to limit some of the causes associated with land use practices.
The coefficient of discharge at the bottom intake weir with a screen of a circular perforated plate
Authors: RizalL Nanang S. , Bisri Mohammad , Juwono Pitojo T. , Dermawan Very
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study is to find the value of the discharge coefficient (Cd) on a sieve with a circular perforated plate so that it can be used for application in the field. The method used is to make a physical model test of the screen weir in the laboratory with a width of 40 cm and a length of 797 cm, then the screen is made variations in the diameter of the hole 6, 8, 10 and 12 mm, flowrate Q = 453–4 481 cm3∙s–1 and the slope of the screen θ = 20–45°. The result was quite ef-fective, the sediment did not enter above the screen and did not clog the screen even the catch was quite good about 80% of the screen rods. The discharge coefficient (Cd) is directly proportional to the square value of the number Froude (Fr), the slope of the screen (θ) and the ratio of distance, diameter of the screen (a:d) and inversely proportional to the value of the specific energy square (E). From modelling the average value of the discharge coefficient (Cd) between 0.1–2.75 with NSE = 0.71, MAE = 0 and RMSE = 0.12.
The importance of volume changes in the determination of soil water retention curves on the East Slovakian Lowland
Authors: Kandra Branislav , Gomboš Milan
Published: November 2023

Estimation and application of water retention curves in heavy soils have own specifics. The reason for these specific properties is the composition of the high clay texture. This is manifested by volume changes of soil depending on moisture. Up to 40% change in the volume compared to the saturated state was recorded in the conditions of the East Slovakian Lowland. The results described in this work are based on research work carried out in the East Slovakian Lowland and represent an analysis of selected 42 samples out of a total of 250 samples in which laboratory measurements of soil water retention curves and volume changes were performed. Selected samples represent the localities Senné and Poľany. Volumetric changes were measured in a laboratory by measuring the dimensions of soil samples. Appropriate changes in the volume of soil samples should be measured when determining moisture retention curves. Neglecting this physical effect leads to a distorted determination of the water retention curves in heavy soils. In the laboratory measurement of water retention curves points, changes in the volume of the sample were measured in the range of 0.24–43.67% depending on the soil moisture potential during drainage. In the case of neglecting the effect of shrinkage during the drainage of samples, a certain error is occurring in the calculation of the volumetric moisture. The range of this error was 1–13% of volumetric moisture.
Implementation of modern approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of innovation for water treatment in irrigation
Authors: Rokochinskiy Anatoliy , Bilokon Vyacheslav , Frolenkova Nadia , Prykhodko Nataliіa , Volk Pavlo , Tykhenko Ruslan , Openko Ivan
Published: November 2023

The geographical location and climatic conditions of Ukraine cause the active development of land reclamation, as it enables to ensure stable and high yields. The complexity of forecasting in this area, namely the dependence of the results onthe changing weather and climate conditions, does not allow to effectively use the standard instruments for justifying the investment for agricultural and land reclamation innovation. The necessity of improving methodological approaches to evaluating the effectiveness of investments in projects in the field of agricultural production and land reclamation was substantiated. The proposed approaches were tested on the ad-vanced technology of water treatment in irrigation based on using a vibrating gravitation filter enabling to perform simultaneously the processes of water treatment and filter element regeneration. The obtained results clearly show that the advancedtechnology of irrigation water treatment and the developed for this technology design of the vibrating gravity filter are cost-effective. The current payback period for irrigation projects when using the purified water under this advanced technology is 5 years. It is the same as for the irrigation projects when using clean irrigation water. Thus, our proposed approaches to the evaluation of investments in new water treatment technologies applied in irriga-tion enable to adapt the modern methodology of analysis of economic and investment efficiency of projects to the domestic needs of agricultural production, namely to take into account the impact of changing weather and climate conditions on the resulting economic parameters.
Floating facilities providing social services – a Floating Salvation Army Refuge in Paris and “School Ship” in Vienna
Authors: Rytel Grzegorz
Published: November 2023

The article presents two floating architectural structures developed in response to the needs of local communities. The first one – a river barge “Louise-Catherine” – was adapted in 1929 according to the design of Le Corbusier, one of the most influential architects of the first half of the 20th century, for the purposes of Salvation Army shelter docked on the Seine in Paris and it continued its operation as such until 1994. The second one – Bertha von Suttner state junior high school – was developed in a shipyard to serve as a school, which purpose it has been fulfilling since 1994 while moored on the Danube River in Vienna. The author’s intention was to describe both structures while highlighting common features as well as differences, and to analyse them in view of certain selected aspects. The background for the projects’ development was described account taken of different reasons and circumstances. Issues under analysis include decision making processes in terms of architectural programme, functions and spatial developments. The analysis also includes technical aspects such as structural developments, material and infrastructure – in terms of the floating Viennese school – account taken on safety of using a barge as a school establishment. A separate part of the article is dedicated to the issue of social reception, and incase of the former Salvation Army shelter – actions aimed at the protection of a historic structure.
Estimation of suspended sediment rate by double correlation method in Mouillah basin, North-West of Algeria
Authors: Belarbi Fadila , Boulchelkia Hamid , Remini Boualem
Published: November 2023

The study deals with the assessment of the solid transport in the wadi Mouillah watershed (Tafna, Algeria). Sediment transport is a complex phenomenon. The quantity of sediment transported is very important, and it fills in the reservoirs. The scale is out of proportion in semiarid areas. Algeria is one of the most affected countries by this phenomenon. A simple method, based on average discharges, easy to implement, has been developed for estimating the sediment yield using dou-ble correlation method (a first one between liquid discharge – solid concentration and a second one between solid flow – concentration). It is based on hydrometric data (liquid flow, concentrations and sediment discharges) with applications analysis on seasonal and annual scales for data’s of Sidi Belkheir station at the outlet of the wadi Mouillah watershed (North-West of Algeria). The obtained results by the application of this method are very encouraging because of the quite significant correlation coefficients found (≥59% for the first correlation and ≥88% for the second correlation). The water-shed of Mouillah produces between 43 730 and 56 410 Mg·y–1 as suspended sediment load against 48.56∙103 to 53.3∙103 m3·y–1 of liquid intake.
The effect of a change in the load on the embankment crown on water level fluctuations inside the body
Authors: Cholewa Mariusz
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to determine the influence of the load on the water accumulation embankment crown on changes in the course of the filtration curve in its body. The study was carried out with a medium-size filtration apparatus. We made a model of hydrotechnical embankment with the following dimensions. Width: base 2.0 m, crown 0.5 m. Slope inclination: waterside 1:1.5, landside 1:1. Embankment height 0.6 m, width 1.0 m, weight 900 kg. The construction mater-ial included a homogeneous mineral subsoil classified as silty medium sand (siMSa). The embankment model made in a medium-size apparatus kept the accumulation level at a height of 0.5 m. With data from the recording systems, we deter-mined the course of the filtration curve. Next, we kept on loading and relieving the embankment crown using an actuator and a VSS plate with a diameter of 300 mm. During this process, we recorded changes in the level of the water table inside the embankment. A decrease in the water table was observed as a result of increased load. Once the load on the embankment crown was reduced, the water level inside the embankment increased. The embankment model built from natural soil works well as a structure that keeps damming water in a continuous manner. The use of drainage in the form of a stone prism at the foot of the landside slope allows protecting the slope against the negative influence of filtration (piping, lique-faction).
Technological reliability of sewage treatment plant with the Pomiltek Mann type bioreactor
Authors: Kurek Karolina , Bugajski Piotr , Operacz Agnieszka , Młyński Dariusz , Wałęga Andrzej
Published: November 2023

The aim of the work was to determine the technological reliability of the selected pollution indicators removal BOD5, CODCr and total suspension from the sewage treatment plant working with the bioreactor Pomiltek Mann type. Wastewater treatment plant which is a subject of this study is located in Lesser Poland, in Siepraw commune. The analysis was per-formed using the Weibull method for basic indicators of impurities, BOD5, CODCr and total suspended solids. Physico-chemical analyses of raw and treated wastewater, were carried out in the period from 2003 to 2014 (11 years). The research period included measured values of pollutions indicators in 38 samples of raw and treated sewage. For each of pollution indicators descriptive statistic, percentage reduction (��) and treatment plant reliability factors (RF) were calculated. Aver-age reduction for BOD5 and TSS was on level equal 94%, only for COD the average reduction was lower and was on level 89%. The reliability values determined by Weibull method, were: 75% (BOD5), 90% (CODCr) and 89.5% (TSS). The relia-bility results have been lower than the presented by literature source, which means that work of wastewater treatment plant in Siepraw was not satisfied in 11 years of research.
Applying of water quality indices methods for assessment of 9-Nissan Water Treatment Plant
Authors: Abdul-Hameed Hayder M.
Published: November 2023

In this research different methods for measuring water quality indices were conducted to investigate the performance of the newly designed, constructed and operated 9-Nissan water treatment plant, Iraq. Data gathering and implementation took place throughout winter and summer. Water samples were taken periodically, according to the standard method, the re-search was carried out by collecting different random samples for eight months (Jun. 2015–Jan. 2016) and measuring (tur-bidity, total hardness, pH, total dissolved solids, suspended solids, Cl–, Mg2+, Fe2+,NO3–, NH3+) for each sample. Five dif-ferent approaches and methodologies of calculating the water index were applied. The results revealed that the Water Qual-ity Indices varied from 70.55 to 88.24, when applying Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment Water Quality Index (CCMEWQI) and British Columbia water quality index (BCWQI) geometric weighted mean respectively. All the results, from the five approaches indicated good water quality, multiple regression analyses were conducted for turbidity, total hardness and suspended solids, they found that these parameters are strongly related to each other and to other pa-rameters.
Kinetics of oxidation of manganese by potassium permanganate and chloride in the Velekinca water treatment plant, Kosovo
Authors: Beluli Valdrin M.
Published: November 2023

Our scientific research is based on oxidation reactions and monitoring of chemical reaction kinetics in the Velekinca groundwaters plant in Gjilan municipality, Kosovo. The GW of this plant contains high concentration of manganese so we need to use potassium permanganate (KMnO4) as one of the most power oxidants in the water treatment plant. In our re-search the high concentration of Mn in groundwaters is 0.22–0.28 mg∙dm–3 and this concentration is not in accordance with the WHO. Chlorine is one of the most common disinfectants used in the water treatment industry because it has a low cost and immediate effect on the destruction of microorganisms, the concentration of chlorine (Cl2) in our research is 0.1–0.32 mg∙dm–3. The speed of chemical reactions in the technology of GW is extremely important because sometimes in the elimi-nation of chemical pollutants using oxidizing agents often form intermediate species. The speed of reactions indicates how fast chemical bonds are formed in the creation of a product, and this depends on the rate of reaction (XA). The focus for the research is to study the potassium permanganate and chlorine gas reactions in water if it forms intermediate products (in-termediate species) due to the high speed of reactions. Scientific research conclusion, intermediate species in the oxidation reactions of Mn and water disinfection with Cl2(g) it is impossible to cause a high rate of chemical reactions from the reac-tion rate (XA = 1%) to the reaction rate (XA = 99%). The maximum speed at the highest XA Cl2 is from 4.405∙10–11 to 8.87∙10–10 mol∙dm–3∙s–1, while at Mn is (2.030–4.034)∙10–7 mol∙dm–3∙s–1.
Determination of soil infiltration rate equation based on soil properties using multiple linear regression
Authors: Harisuseno Donny , Cahya Evi N.
Published: November 2023

Infiltration process plays important role in water balance concept particularly in runoff analysis, groundwater re-charged, and water conservation. Hence, increasing knowledge concerning infiltration process becomes essential for water manager to gain an effective solution to water resources problems. This study employed multiple linear regression for esti-mating infiltration rate where the soil properties used as the predictor variable and measured infiltration rate as the response variable. Field measurement was conducted at sixteen points to obtain infiltration rate using double ring infiltrometer and soil properties namely soil porosity, silt, clay, sand content, degree of saturation, and water content. The result showed that measured infiltration rate had an average initial infiltration rate (f0) of 6.92 mm∙min–1 and final infiltration rate (fc) of 1.49 mm∙min–1. Soil porosity and sand content showed a positive correlation with infiltration rate by 0.842, 0.639, respectively, while silt, clay, water content, and degree of saturation exhibited a negative correlation by –0.631, –0.743, –0.66 and –0.49, respectively. Three types of regression equations were established based on type of soil properties used as predictor varia-bles. The model performance analysis was conducted for each equation and the result shows that the equation with five predictor variables fMLR_3 = – 62.014 + 1.142 soil porosity – 0.205 clay, – 0.063 sand – 0.301, silt + 0.07 soil water content with R2 (0.87) and Nash–Sutcliffe (0.998) gave the best result for estimating infiltration rate. The study found that soil po-rosity contributes mostly to the regression equation that indicates great influence in controlling soil infiltration behavior.
Environmental effects of using large rivers for irrigation in the Kazakhstan – Syr Darya case study
Authors: Mustafayev Zhumakhan , Mosiej Józef , Abdyvalieva Karlygas S. , Kozykeeva Alija
Published: November 2023

The issues discussed in the paper concern the assessment of changes in quantitative and qualitative indicators of water resources in the climatic conditions of the southern part of Kazakhstan. For this purpose, many years of systematic field observations and other continuous data obtained from the functioning measurement and observation stations operating within the Aral-Syrdarya Basin Inspection were used. On the basis of the obtained data, indicators were determined that characterize the quantity and quality of water supplied to the soil in the irrigation process, as well as the quantity and quali-ty of water flowing out of the drainage systems, together with an evaluation of the effectiveness of irrigation and drainage systems. Soil salinity was assessed in five irrigated massifs with a total area of 332.55 thous. ha. For the same irrigated massifs, the annual amounts of water taken for irrigation, the amount of outflowing water and the assessment of the miner-alization level were determined. Based on the developed results of field observations characterizing the hydrological and environmental situation of the lower section of the Syr Darya River in 1960–2015, the negative reaction coefficients were calculated for the local population, soil and vegetation for five of the irrigated massifs of the Kyzylorda region. The ecolog-ical situation of the habitat of soil and plants in the lower reaches of the Syr Darya River in all irrigation areas deteriorates on a time scale, since as a result of the reclamation of agricultural lands, intensive secondary soil salinization occurs and the formation of infiltration runoff with high mineralization, contributing to the violation of the harmonization of the relation-ship between nature and man.
Modelling rainfall runoff for identification of suitable water harvesting sites in Dawe River watershed, Wabe Shebelle River basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Harka Arus E. , Roba Negash T. , Kassa Asfaw K.
Published: November 2023

Scarcity of freshwater is one of the major issues which hinders nourishment in large portion of the countries like Ethio-pia. The communities in the Dawe River watershed are facing acute water shortage where water harvesting is vital means of survival. The purpose of this study was to identify optimal water harvesting areas by considering socioeconomic and biophysical factors. This was performed through the integration of soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model, remote sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) technique based on multi-criteria evaluation (MCE). The parame-ters used for the selection of optimal sites for rainwater harvesting were surface runoff, soil texture, land use land cover, slope gradient and stakeholders’ priority. Rainfall data was acquired from the neighbouring weather stations while infor-mation about the soil was attained from laboratory analysis using pipette method. Runoff depth was estimated using SWAT model. The statistical performance of the model in estimating the runoff was revealed with coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.81 and Nash–Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) of 0.76 for monthly calibration and R2 of 0.79 and NSE of 0.72 for monthly validation periods. The result implied that there's adequate runoff water to be conserved. Combination of hydrological model with GIS and RS was found to be a vital tool in estimating rainfall runoff and mapping suitable water harvest home sites.
EUSS – computer model to evaluate emission uniformity for sloping surfaces under drip irrigation system
Authors: Abo Zied Wafaa , Hanafy Mohammed , Mostafa Ehab , Abo Habssa Ahmed
Published: November 2023

A computer model EUSS (Emission Uniformity on Sloping Surfaces) has been developed to design and evaluate the system capacity under operating conditions for drip irrigation system. And achieve the desired value of emission uniformity that is not significantly different according to the recommended values by applying it in field experiment located at Al- -Slahia city, Egypt. The model has the ability to design the system by all of the common design techniques and have ability to customize any of them. EUSS model includes two main parts: crop water requirements, and hydraulic calculations of the system using metric unit system. It developed in graphical user interface of the programming language C-sharp (C#) by using Microsoft Visual Studio. The model database is containing the equations, tables and reference values to get more rapid and accurate results, and gives the opportunity for selecting some parameters such as: soil properties, characteristics of the corresponding crop, and climatic data. EUSS model allows the user to assume or set definite values, for example plot layout, land slopes and topography, the emitter characteristics and operating conditions.
Adsorption method of purification of stocks from chromium(III) ions by bentonite clays
Authors: Soloviy Christina , Malovanyy Myroslav , Palamarchuk Olga , Trach Iryna , Petruk Halyna , Sakalova Halyna , Vasylinych Tamara , Vronska Nataliya
Published: November 2023

The process of sorption of chromium(III) ions with a stationary sorbent layer of bentonite clays was investigated. The main advantages of using bentonites in water purification technologies are described: powerful geological reserves, cheap process of rock extraction, easy preparation for transportation and use, possibility of using waste sorbents in other technol-ogies that is why there is no need in costly regeneration. The influence of various factors (process duration, an adsorbent layer) on the degree of wastewater purification from chromium ions, the effect of pumping speed on the dynamic capacity of the sorbent was studied and the effective volume was determined. The adsorption efficacy increases with the increase of the adsorbent layer, what can be explained by the development of the active sorption surface. As the initial concentration of chromium ions increases, the time of appearance of the first traces of the contaminant at the exit of the column increases, as well as the total time to channeling. The results of the studies indicate a higher adsorption capacity of modified bentonite with respect to Cr3+ ions compared to its natural formula. The cleaning efficacy of the solution with a concentration of chromium ions of 0.5 g∙dm–3 is increased by 5% when using 15 g of modified bentonite and 6,5% in the case one uses 20 g compared to the natural form.
Influence of pesticides on the biological activity of light chestnut soils in South-East Kazakhstan
Authors: Tukenova Zulfiya , Mustafayev Mustafa , Alimzhanova Mereke , Akylbekova Turar , Ashimuly Kazhybek
Published: November 2023

The paper discusses the impact of pesticides on the biological activity of soils, as well as an environmental assessment of the state of light chestnut soils by the Kazakh Research Institute of Agriculture and Crop Production with the aim to es-tablish diagnostic indicators that reduce biological activity. The study covers physical, chemical and biological properties of soils under crops of winter wheat in the light chestnut soil in the South-East of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The content of pesticides in soil samples was determined using the gas chromatography mass-spectrometric method. The paper shows results of the chromatographic analysis of soil samples regarding the content of pesticides. The study of changes of light chestnut soil biological activity was conducted to determine their relative resistance to pesticide contamination. Data ob-tained revealed the degree of light chestnut soil resistance to pesticide contamination. The study also identified species of soil invertebrates, as well as soil enzymes that should be used as bioindicators for the monitoring of the contamination with pesticides. Results obtained expand knowledge about changes in the biological activity of light chestnut soils due to pesti-cide contamination in the ecosystems of South-East Kazakhstan. In contrast to abundance indicators, the results suggest that the species composition of soil organisms can be used as a criterion for a qualitative assessment of the soil exposure to pesticides.
Hydrodynamic features of the floating water outlet from a pumping station
Authors: Gerasimov Ievgenii , Herasymov Henrikh , Pinchuk Oleg
Published: November 2023

The article considers issues of ensuring sustainable agricultural production by increasing reliability of an irrigation sys-tem and water security. The article describes results of hydraulic tests performed at the water outlet with a vertical move-ment valve member. Resistance coefficients and hydrodynamic effects at the water outlet were determined experimentally. The study devel-oped a method for calculating hydromechanical transient processes in the water outlet at the stop and start of the pump. The paper substantiates the new construction of a water outlet facility with a vertical displacement of the breakdown valve. Such a design better corresponds to peculiarities of the operation of pumping stations and, if there are water pipes of considerable diameter, it has a positive effect on transition hydrodynamic processes by reducing the number of failures and downtime by up to 10%.
Comparative assessment of Al2O3-modified biomasses from agricultural residues for nickel and cadmium removal
Authors: Herrera-Barros Adriana , Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Gonzalez-Delgado Angel D.
Published: November 2023

The biodiversity of aqueous environments has been affected due to the disposal of wastewater highly contaminated with heavy metal ions, causing much damage to ecosystems. These pollutants are very toxic and bioaccumulate in living organisms. This work attempts to evaluate the adsorption of nickel ad cadmium ions using three biomasses from agricultur-al residues (corn cob – CC, orange peel – OP, and oil palm bagasse – PB) modified with alumina nanoparticles. The bio-masses were characterized via compositional analysis and a point of zero charges to quantify the presence of lignin, cellu-lose, hemicellulose, and the feasible pH, taking advantage of the biomass charge. After modification with Al2O3 nanoparti-cles. The resulting adsorbents were characterized via FT-IR analysis to identify the functional groups that most contributed to the adsorption performance. Furthermore, the influence of Al2O3 nanoparticles was analysed on the adsorption capacities of the evaluated biomasses using batch systems at a temperature of 25°C and pH 6. All biomasses displayed a high content of cellulose, estimating a weight percentage of about 19.9%, 14.3%, and 13.1% for PB, OP, and CC samples, respectively. The FT-IR spectrum confirmed hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, which contribute to enhancing the adsorption capacities of the modified biomasses. Functional adsorption capacity was observed for all biomasses after modification with Al2O3 nanoparticles, achieving at pH 6.0 a cadmium removal from 92% (CC-Al2O3 and PB-Al2O3) up to 95.8±0.3% (OP-Al2O3). In nickel ions, it was estimated a broader adsorption capacity at pH 6.0 of about 86±0.4% after using the CC-Al2O3 sample, 88±0.1% for the PB-Al2O3 adsorbent, and 98±0.2% for the OP-Al2O3 sample, confirming the suitability of these Al2O3-modified biomasses for the removal of heavy metal ions.
Assessment of groundwater vulnerability using the DRASTIC model: A case study of quaternary catchment A21C, Limpopo River Basin, South Africa
Authors: Moges Simeneh S. , Dinka Megersa O.
Published: November 2023

Groundwater is a vital resource for domestic, agricultural, industrial activities and ecosystem services. Despite its multi-ple purposes, the resource is under significant threat owing to increasing contamination from anthropogenic activities and climate change. Hence, in order to ensure the reliability and sustainable use of groundwater for the present and future gener-ations, effective management of groundwater (quality and quantity) is highly important. This can be achieved by identifying areas more vulnerable to contamination and implementing protective measures. The present study aims at assessing the vul-nerability of groundwater using GIS-based DRASTIC index in the Quaternary catchment (A21C) within Limpopo River Basin. The vulnerability index varied from 87 to 207. About 53.6% (408 km2) of the catchment area also exhibited high risk of groundwater contamination mostly in central, north-eastern and western part of the sub-catchment. The medium and low vulnerability classes cover only 18.1% (137.5 km2) and 21.7% (165.1 km2) of the study area, respectively. The shallow groundwater at the Doornfontein Campus belongs to very high vulnerability area. The sensitivity analysis indicates that depth to water level, recharge, aquifer media, soil and topography are the important contributors to vulnerability assessment. The correlation analysis performed to validate the final vulnerability map shows a moderate positive correlation, indicating the model’s applicability to the urbanised environment. The study indicates an area that is highly vulnerable to pollution, and hence protective measures are necessary for sustainable management of the groundwater resource in the study area. The result of this study can also be further improved and verified by using other vulnerability assessment models.
An experimental sedimentation tank for enhancing the settling of solid particles
Authors: Yaseen Dina A. , Abu-Alhail Saad , Mohammed Rusul N.
Published: November 2023

Sedimentation tanks have a vital role in the overall efficiency of solid particles removal in treatment units. Therefore, an in-depth study these tanks is necessary to ensure high quality of water and increasing the system efficiency. In this work, an experimental rectangular sedimentation tank has been operated with and without a baffle to investigate the system behaviour and effectiveness for the reduction of solid particles. Turbid water was prepared using clay, which was collected from the water treatment plant of Al Maqal Port (Iraq), mixed with clear water in a plastic supply tank. Raw and outflow samples were tested against turbidity after plotting a calibration curve between inflow suspended solids versus their corresponding turbidity values. The key objective was to assess the impact of different flow rates, particle concentrations, heights and positions of the baffle on the system efficiency. Findings showed that the tank performance was enhanced significantly (p < 0.05) with the use of a baffle placed at a distance of 0.15 of tank length with height equal to 0.2 of tank depth. Higher removal efficiency (91%) was recorded at a lower flow rate (0.015 dm3∙s–1) and higher concentration (1250 mg∙dm–3), as the treatment efficiency enhanced by 34% compared with the operation without a baffle. Placing the baffle in the middle of the sedimentation tank produced the worst results. System efficiency for solids removal reduced with increasing baffle height. Further research is required to evaluate the efficiency of an inclined baffle.
A novel method and device for plastic mulch retriever
Authors: Khazimov Kanat M. , Niyazbayev Adilkhan K. , Shekerbekova Zhanbota S. , Urymbayeva Aigul A. , Mukanova Gulzhanat A. , Bazarbayeva Tursunkul A. , Nekrashevich Vladimir F. , Khazimov Marat Zh.
Published: November 2023

Plastic mulch provides a range of benefits including helping modulate soil temperature, reduce soil erosion, evaporation, fertilizer leaching and weed problems and increasing the quality and yields of the product. But when the crops are harvested, plastic mulch needs to be removed from the ground for disposal. Otherwise, these wastes are mixed with the soil and have a negative impact on yields by reducing the access of nutrients and moisture in the soil. The purpose of the current study is, therefore, to propose a roller for plastic mulch retriever which is applicable when the crops are harvested, and the plastic mulch needs to be removed from the ground for disposal. The winding mechanism of the plastic mulch retriever performs the main function and must have the high-quality performance of the winding operation in the removal technology. Research based on requirements of tensile strength test method and changes of strength characteristics of plastic mulch from various factors under natural conditions. The coefficient of compaction of the used plastic mulch (Krel), was the ratio of the diameter of the standard plastic mulch which was wound in the factory to the diameter of the used plastic mulch during the winding.
Impact of raw and purified wastewater reuse from the Dar El-Gueddari treatment plant on the soil
Authors: Njimat Smail , Elfettahi Fouad , Griou Hajar , El Brouzi Mohammed Y. , Aboulouafa Mohammed , Ibn Ahmed Said
Published: November 2023

The study has been carried out at two experimental sites. It aims to assess the impact of the reuse of raw wastewater, purified and diluted with conventional water on the physicochemical quality of soils compared to irrigated soils with con-ventional drilled water and non-irrigated soil. The obtained results show that the electrical conductivity EC and sodium gradually increase in all the plots irrigated with wastewater. Additionally, a slight increase in the pH levels at the first site and a slight decrease in the second site was seen, but at both sites the soils remained alkaline. The infiltration rate of water slide decreases in relation to the amount of irrigation, especially in plots irrigated by raw and treated wastewater. For the same plots, the values of organic matter increased, and the values obtained for the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) became high in the third year and reached 17.0% and 16.7% respectively.
Grape production assessment using surface and subsurface drip irrigation methods
Authors: Kadbhane Sharad J. , Manekar Vivek L.
Published: November 2023

The study involved experimental work implemented from April 2014 until March 2017. Its purpose was to observe grape production quality parameters, such as yield, water productivity, berry size and bio-mass. Different irrigation methods, such as drip irrigation (DI), drip irrigation with plastic mulching (DIPM), drip irrigation with organic mulching (DIOM), subsur-face irrigation with stone column (SISC), subsurface irrigation with mud pot (SIMP), and subsurface irrigation with plastic bottles (SIPB) have been used during the experimental work. The crop has been irrigated following the CROPWAT-8.0 model developed by the FAO. Climate parameters are obtained from the automatic weather station located near the experi-mental field. Based on experimental results and analyses, it has been observed that the drip irrigation with the plastic mulching method is the best for irrigation in terms of the grape yield comparing with all other methods due to its highest productivity of 35–40%. Subsurface irrigation with the plastic bottle method is found to be suitable as it gives 20% higher yield than the traditional drip irrigation method. The SIPB method shows the cost-benefit ratio of 112.3, whereas the DIPM method had the ratio of 36.6. Based on the cost-benefit analysis, it is concluded that the SIPB method is economically more viable as compared with all other methods. Hence, based on the findings, it is recommended to use drip irrigation with a plastic mulch-ing and drip irrigation with a plastic bottle as the best options to achieve grape productivity while using minimum water.
The assessment of artificial neural network rainfall-runoff models under different input meteorological parameters Case study: Seybouse basin, Northeast Algeria
Authors: Aoulmi Yamina , Marouf Nadir , Amireche Mohamed
Published: November 2023

Over the past two decades, artificial neural networks (ANN) have exhibited a significant progress in predicting and modeling non-linear hydrological applications, such as the rainfall-runoff process which can provide useful contribution to water resources planning and management. This research aims to test the practicability of using ANNs with various input configurations to model the rainfall-runoff relationship in the Seybouse basin located in a semi-arid region in Algeria. Initially, the ANNs were developed for six sub-basins, and then for the complete watershed, considering four different input configurations. The 1st (ANN IP) considers only precipitation as an input variable for the daily flow simulation. The 2nd (ANN II) considers the 2nd variable in the model input with precipitation; it is one of the meteorological parameters (evapotranspiration, temperature, humidity, or wind speed). The third (ANN IIIP,T,HUM) considers a combination of temperature, humidity, and precipitation. The last (ANN VP,ET,T,HUM,Vw) consists in collating different meteorological parameters with precipitation as an input variable. ANN models are made for the whole basin with the same configurations as specified above. Better flow simulations were provided by (ANN IIP,T) and (ANN IIP,Vw) for the two stations of Medjez-Amar II and Bordj-Sabath, respectively. However, the (ANN VP,ET,T,HUM,Vw)’s application for the other stations and also for the entire basin reflects a strategy for the flow simulation and shows enhancement in the prediction accuracy over the other models studied. This has shown and confirmed that the more input variables, as more efficient the ANN model is.
The influence of scheme and tillage tool parameters on the material consumption and performance of chain tooth harrow
Authors: Astafyev Vladimir L. , Kurach Alexandr A. , Amantayev Maxat A.
Published: November 2023

The accumulation of moisture from autumn and winter precipitation in poorly draining soil for plants in arid conditions during the initial stage of the vegetation period in the northern region of Kazakhstan was a severe production problem. Research methods included theoretical and experimental studies. In theoretical studies, the area of the treated surface by a chain harrow is determined. Then, the design of an improved harrow is proposed, including how the tooth chain tillage tools are positioned. Either as a “single action disc harrow” type with mounting four teeth on each chain link, or as a serial harrow with the tooth chain tillage tools located in a “diamond-shaped” double-action scheme with two teeth on each chain link. Experimental studies show that an improved harrow steadily performs the early spring harrowing process with a quality that meets normative requirements. In doing, so the working capacity is 4–5% higher than a serial harrow with a 4–5% lower fuel consumption. Furthermore, it is revealed that the early spring soil harrowing performed by tooth chain harrows allows the loss of productive moisture in the spring pre-sowing period by 1.8–1.9 times to be reduced compared to the untreated background.
Mathematical modelling of filtration processes in drainage systems with different depths of drainage
Authors: Havryliuk Volodymyr , Bomba Andrii , Pinchuk Oleg , Gerasimov Ievgenii , Klimov Serhii , Tkachuk Mykola , Turcheniuk Vasyl
Published: November 2023

The article discusses the option for the application of the methodology for the solution of boundary value problems on the conformal mapping for the calculation of filtration process in the horizontal systematic drainage, provided that the drain is installed at a different depth. In particular, the case of methods combining fictitious areas and quasiconformal mappings for solving nonlinear boundary conditions problems for calculating filtration regimes in soils with free sections of boundaries (depression curves) and intervals of the “drainage” type. As an example, the authors designed a hydrodynamic flow grid, determined the values of the flows to the drain, established a section line and elicited other process characteristics. The algorithm for the numerical solution of model nonlinear boundary conditions problems of quasiconformal reflection in areas bounded by two equipotential lines and two flow lines, when for one of the sections, the boundary is an unknown (free) curve with fixed and free ends. The conducted numerical calculations prove that the problems and algorithms of their numerical solution, with a relatively small iterations number (k = 141) suggested in the paper, can be applied in the simulation of nonlinear filtration processes that arise in horizontal drainage systems. Total filtration flow obtained Q = 0.9 dm3·s–1; flow for drains Q1 = 0.55 dm3·s–1 and Q2 = 0.35 dm3·s–1 are quite consistent with practically determined values.