bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Reciprocal Transplant Experiment Confirmed Mite-Resistance in a Honey Bee Population from Uruguay
Authors: Mendoza Yamandú , Santos Estela , Clavijo-Baquett Sabrina , Invernizzi Ciro
Published: October 2022

In the past few years there has been an increasing interest for the study of honey bee populations that are naturally resistant to the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, aiming to identify the mechanisms that allow the bees to limit the reproduction of the mite. In eastern Uruguay there are still bees resistant to mites that survive without acaricides. In order to determine if the differential resistance to V. destructor was maintained in other environments, a reciprocal transplant experiment was performed between the mite-resistant bee colonies and the mite-susceptible bee colonies from the east and the west of the country, respectively, infesting bees with local mites. In both regions, the mite-resistant colonies expressed a higher hygienic behavior and presented a higher phoretic mites/reproductive mites and mites in drone cells/mites in worker cells ratio than the mite-susceptible colonies. All the mite-susceptible colonies died during fall–winter, while a considerable number of mite-resistant colonies survived until spring, especially in the east of the country. This study shows that the bees in the east of the country maintain in good measure the resistance to V. destructor in other regions and leaves open the possibility that the mites of the two populations have biases in the reproductive behavior.
Dural Changes Induced by an Ultrasonic Bone Curette in an Excised Porcine Spinal Cord
Authors: Ota Rizou , Iwaki Eri , Sakai Kentaro , Haraguchi Tomohiro , Kaneko Yasuyuki , Sekiguchi Satoshi , Yamaguchi Ryoji , Naganobu Kiyokazu
Published: October 2022

In spinal surgery, ultrasonic bone curettes are considered unlikely to cause mechanical injury to the dura; however, there is little evidence to support this claim. We investigated the effect of direct contact with an ultrasonic bone curette on the dura and the protective effect of covering the dura with a cotton pattie using an excised porcine spinal cord. The ultrasonic bone curette was pressed against the porcine spinal cord with constant force and activated for 1 s, with or without covering the dura with a cotton pattie. The dural surface and cross-section were observed using electron and light microscopy. When the ultrasonic bone curette was applied directly against the dura, most specimens showed non-perforating dural injuries. However, none of the specimens showed dural perforation. Histological changes were also observed. The use of a cotton pattie reduced the occurrence of these changes, although it did not prevent them when ultrasonic vibration was applied with a large force. We considered ultrasonic bone curettes to have a low risk of dural perforation and, thus, to be a safe surgical device as long as they did not accidentally make strong contact with the dura.
The Equine Dental Pulp: Analysis of the Stratigraphic Arrangement of the Equine Dental Pulp in Incisors and Cheek Teeth
Authors: Roßgardt Jessica , Heilen Laura Beate , Büttner Kathrin , Dern-Wieloch Jutta , Vogelsberg Jörg , Staszyk Carsten
Published: October 2022

In the crown pulp of brachydont teeth, a cell-free and a cell-rich zone are established beneath the odontoblastic layer, indicating a mature status. For the equine dental pulp, there are no descriptions which allow for a comparative analysis with regard to functional requirements in terms of lifelong secondary dentin production to compensate for occlusal wear. For histomorphological and immunohistological investigations, ten incisors and ten check teeth were used from seven adult horses and five foals. In the periphery of the equine dental pulp, a constant predentin and odontoblastic cell layer was present, followed by densely packed fibroblastic cells, capillary networks, and a high concentration of nerve fibers, suggesting a subodontoblastic supportive zone. Whilst the size of the equine dental pulp decreased with age, the numbers of blood vessels, nerve fibers, and fibroblastic cells increased with age. Histological analysis of the equine dental pulp did not show a cell-free and cell-rich zone as described in the brachydont crown pulp. The equine dental pulp remained in a juvenile status even in aged horses, with morphological features indicating a high capacity for dentine production.
Advances in Metaverse Investigation: Streams of Research and Future Agenda
Authors: Trunfio Mariapina , Rossi Simona
Published: October 2022

The metaverse has increasingly attracted the attention of academics and practitioners, who attempt to better understand its theoretical foundations and business application areas. This paper provides an overarching picture of what has already been studied and investigated in metaverse academic investigation. It adopts a systematic literature review and a bibliometric analysis. The study designs a thematic map of the metaverse research. It proposes four streams of research (metaverse technologies, metaverse areas of application, marketing and consumer behaviour and sustainability) for future investigation, which academics and practitioners should explore. It also contributes towards a systematic advancement of knowledge in the field, provides some preliminary theoretical contributions by shedding light on future research avenues, and offers insights for business.
Determination of Water Footprint for the Cotton and Maize Production in the Küçük Menderes Basin
Authors: Esetlili M. Tolga , Serbeş Z. Ali , Çolak Esetlili Bihter , Kurucu Yusuf , Delibacak Sezai
Published: October 2022

Considering the effects of rapid population growth, urbanisation and climate change in recent years, the protection of freshwater resources, the prevention of water pollution and the proper sharing of freshwater resources among different sectors have become important issues. Water footprint (WF) is a sign of freshwater use and is not only an indicator that can be used in the climate crisis, but also to protect water against nitrate pollution. In this study, the Küçük Menderes Basin was chosen as the study area due to different crop varieties. Agricultural crop patterns were classified using Rapideye and Sentinel-2 satellite images of the study area obtained in 2017. Thus, the cultivated areas were obtained for cotton and maize (grain and silage) in the basin. In particular, agricultural crop patterns were considered in which agricultural production was intensive and blue water was used predominantly. As a result, the first-crop corn production, which has a high blue WF of 3840 m3/ton in the basin, has the highest greywater footprint due to the use of intensive chemical fertilisers. This was followed by cotton with 2331 m3/ton, and the second-crop silage corn production had the lowest greywater footprint. Agriculture’s water footprint assessment provides a solid foundation for planning climate change adaptive crop production, managing nitrate-sensitive areas and anticipating future regional changes.
The Occurrence and Role of Tetrasphaera in Enhanced Biological Phosphorus Removal Systems
Authors: Otieno Jeremiah , Kowal Przemysław , Mąkinia Jacek
Published: October 2022

The application of enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) has commonly been utilized worldwide. However, the optimum efficiency has not been realized over the past decades, prompting many studies and publications. The limitations, especially comprehension of the abundance and actual potential of polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), are not fully understood. Recently identified putative PAOs, Tetrasphaera, present a vast metabolic versatility compared to Candidatus Accumulibacter. The characterisation of Tetrasphaera unique abilities to utilize various carbon substrates, volatile fatty acids production and consistent high abundance, presents potential boosts towards the process efficiency improvement. This paper provides the existing knowledge on the physiology, morphology and genetic description of PAOs with a special attention to the current state of research on Tetrasphaera and its potential. In addition, process conditions and their influence on the microbial activities in EBPR systems are discussed.
Effects of Moss Overlay on Soil Patch Infiltration and Runoff in Karst Rocky Desertification Slope Land
Authors: Tu Na , Dai Quanhou , Yan Youjin , Peng Xudong , Meng Wenping , Cen Longpei
Published: October 2022

The growth and overlay of a large number of bryophytes in the broken soil patches between the exposed bedrocks of karst have an essential influence on the infiltration and runoff process between the exposed bedrocks and even the whole rocky desertification area. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of moss on the infiltration and runoff of soil patches between karst exposed bedrocks and the processes of rainfall, runoff and infiltration transformation on slopes through rainfall experiments. The results showed that the slopes between the karst outcrops are dominated by subsurface and underground pore runoff. More than 50% of precipitation is lost through underground pores, with surface runoff accounting for only 1–17% of the total. Bryophyte overlay significantly reduced the initial runoff from subsurface and underground pore runoff, and advanced the steady-state time of runoff from subsurface and underground pore runoff, suggesting that bryophyte coverage may reduce the risk of soil erosion caused by short-duration rainfall. Eurohypnum has a significant inhibitory effect on percolation between exposed bedrock and reduces rainfall leakage from subsurface and underground pores. Thuidium has a strong intercepting effect on rainfall, significantly reducing the formation of surface runoff and the risk of surface soil erosion. Moss overlay has an essential role in soil and water conservation between karst exposed bedrock, and Eurohypnum and Thuidium can be considered as pioneer mosses for ecological restoration in the process of rocky desertification control and ecological restoration, which can effectively solve the serious problem of soil and water loss in karst rocky desertification area and improve the benefit of soil and water conservation in karst area.
Can Microplastic Pollution Change Soil-Water Dynamics? Results from Controlled Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Jazaei Farhad , Chy Tareq Jamal , Salehi Maryam
Published: October 2022

Current knowledge about the potential impacts of microplastics (MP) on vadose zone hydrology is scarce. The primary goal of this study was to address some of the limitations of previous research by developing more reliable and conclusive statistical evidence to better understand whether MP pollution can potentially cause hydrological impacts. We examined the effects of MP shape (type), as well as the magnitude of pollution (MP/soil mass ratio, λ) on water holding capacity (WHC) and bare soil water evaporation (ER) of fine sand, under controlled laboratory conditions. Three different shapes (types) of MP—fiber (polyacrylic), strand (polymethyl methacrylate), and pellet (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), with six environmentally relevant MP concentration levels (MP/soil mass ratio), all ≤1.5%, were studied. Statistical regressions and non-parametric analyses of variance (i.e., Kruskal–Wallis analysis) indicate that MP pollution has a substantial potential to change WHC and late-stage evaporation, even at relatively low MP concentrations, but has minimal impacts on early stage evaporation of the studied fine sand. The magnitude of the impacts depends on individual MP shape (type) and concentration, connoting those MP impact mechanisms are complex. These findings suggest that the global issue of growing soil–MP pollution should be regarded as a concerning environmental and water resources stressor that could potentially cause widespread environmental change by altering soil-water dynamics at the watershed scale.
Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on the Water, Food, and Energy Sectors in Sittaung River Basin, Myanmar
Authors: Ghimire Uttam , Piman Thanapon , Shrestha Manish , Aryal Anil , Krittasudthacheewa Chayanis
Published: October 2022

The Sittaung river basin (SRB) remains one of the least studied basins of Myanmar in terms of the assessment of the impact of climate change. As several reservoirs already exist in the basin, much research is needed to understand how projected climate change impacts rainfall, temperature, flows, domestic and agricultural demands, and hydropower generation. Given the limitation in observed data on the ground, a combination of satellite-derived meteorological data and digital elevation data is used to generate inputs to a Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model. Five CMIP5 GCMs are used in the WEAP to assess the impact of climate change on the water, food, and energy production of the SRB for the baseline (BL: 1985–2014), near future (NF: 2021–2050), and far future (FF: 2051–2080) periods. The results indicate that the average temperature and rainfall are likely to increase in the future for the SRB. December and January are expected to be drier and warmer, whereas rainy months are expected to be wetter and warmer in the future. The BL flows (1091 m3/s) are expected to increase by 7–10% during NF and by 16–19% during FF at the basin outlet. Meanwhile, the unmet domestic demand during BL (1.3 MCM) is expected to decrease further by approximately 50% in the future. However, the unmet agricultural demand (667 MCM) for food production is estimated to increase from the BL by 11–15% during NF and by 14–19% during FF. Similarly, the total energy generation of nine hydropower projects (4.12 million MWh) is expected to increase by 9–11% during NF and by 16–17% during FF. Thus, the riverine flows are expected to increase in the future, thus positively impacting the domestic and hydropower sectors, whereas the unmet demands in the agricultural sector likely remain unsatisfied. These results will help the water, agriculture, and energy sectors to develop strategies to maximize benefits and cope with the impacts of climate change in the near and long-term future.
Radar Quantitative Precipitation Estimation Algorithm Based on Precipitation Classification and Dynamical Z-R Relationship
Authors: Peng Wang , Bao Shuping , Yang Kan , Wei Jiahua , Zhu Xudong , Qiao Zhen , Wang Yongcan , Li Qiong
Published: October 2022

The choice of Z-R relationship is an essential source of error in radar Quantitative Precipitation Estimation (QPE). A QPE algorithm combining the Optimization process of precipitation Classification and Dynamical adjustments (OCD) is proposed to improve the accuracy of QPE in Yinchuan city, China. A detailed evaluation and study of Z = 300R1.4 (fixed Z-R), Optimization Processing (OP), Optimization processing of Dynamical Adjustments (ODA) and OCD were performed using various evaluation metrics. The results show that ODA and OCD can significantly reduce the error of QPE, with OCD being the best estimator, reaching a correlation coefficient (CC) of 0.7 and reducing mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) by 31% and 34%, respectively. OCD outperforms other algorithms in terms of MAE and RMSE for different rain rates (RR), and the various assessment metrics at hourly scales are also more concentrated in reasonable intervals. OP gives fair results at weaker rain rates (0.2 ≤ RR < 8 mm/h) but underestimates rainfall more incorrectly at stronger rain rates (8 mm/h ≤ RR). Both the OCD and ODA provide a more significant improvement in the estimation of the area and magnitude of strong rainfall, with the OCD providing a better description of the local characteristics of the rainfall distribution, further demonstrating the advantages of the ODA.
The Role of Information and Dissemination Activities in Enhancing People’s Willingness to Implement Natural Water Retention Measures
Authors: Pagliacci Francesco , Bettella Francesco , Defrancesco Edi
Published: October 2022

Under a climate-change scenario, adaptation strategies to pluvial flood risk are crucial in urban and rural areas. Natural water retention measures are particularly helpful to manage runoff water, providing also additional co-benefits to the local population. However, the very limited knowledge of their benefits among citizens hinders their implementation, especially across southern European countries. Therefore, information and dissemination activities aimed at showing the benefits of these measures are particularly important to stimulate implementation by private citizens, although only a few studies have previously investigated their role. This paper considers some demonstrations of natural water retention measures—and the related information and dissemination activities to the local population—in northeastern Italy, explicitly including them as a driver in the Protection Motivation Theory framework. Through a direct survey of 219 households, it aims to quantitatively assess the impact on citizens’ willingness to implement natural water retention measures of the different levels of access to information provision, namely, the role played by active access through participation in the activities; passive access to available information; and no access. The results show that citizens’ willingness to implement the interventions on their properties is positively affected by their active access to information, thus highlighting the importance of high-quality information provision by public and private actors.
Impact of Storm Surge on the Yellow River Delta: Simulation and Analysis
Authors: Huang Liang , Chen Shenliang , Pan Shunqi , Li Peng , Ji Hongyu
Published: October 2022

Storm surges can lead to serious natural hazards and pose great threats to coastal areas, especially developed deltas. Assessing the risk of storm surges on coastal infrastructures is crucial for regional economic development and disaster mitigation. Combining in situ observations, remote sensing retrievals, and numerical simulation, storm surge floods in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) were calculated in different scenarios. The results showed that NE wind can cause the largest flooding area of 630 km2, although the overall storm surge risk in the delta is at lower levels under various conditions. The coastal oilfields are principally at an increasing storm surge risk level. E and NE winds would result in storm surges of 0.9–1.4 m, increasing the risk of flooding in the coastal oilfields. Nearshore seabed erosion in storm events resulted in a decrease in inundation depths and inundation areas. To prevent and control storm surge disasters, we should adapt to local conditions. Different measures should be taken to prevent the disaster of storm surges on different seashores, such as planting saltmarsh vegetation to protect seawalls, while the key point is to construct and maintain seawalls on high-risk shorelines.
Activation of Peroxymonosulfate by UV-254 nm Radiation for the Degradation of Crystal Violet
Authors: Ali Noreen , Khan Ashfaq Ahmad , Wakeel Muhammad , Khan Ijaz Ahmed , Din Salah Ud , Qaisrani Saeed Ahmad , Khan Abdul Majid , Hameed Muhammad Usman
Published: October 2022

Water is a precious natural resource. Unfortunately, bodies of water become polluted by waste, such as untreated wastewater and detritus, along with oil spills, with minimum or no consideration for their limited capacity to renew themselves. Among these pollutants, dyes are harmful as they are persistent and not biodegradable in nature. The present study demonstrates the removal of crystal violet (CV), a toxic cationic dye, by using three systems: Peroxymonosulfate (PMS), UV-254 nm radiation and UV/P5MS. The effects of various parameters, such as the effects of the initial dose of crystal violet, initial concentration of PMS, pH, typical inorganic ions, etc., were also investigated. The effect of pH was investigated in the range of 1.92–12.07. Similarly, the effect of various anions such as NO2•−, HCO3•−, CO3•2−, SO4•2− and CH3COO•− was investigated for the degradation of target pollutants. The order of degradation of crystal violet was UV/PMS > PMS > UV with removal efficiencies of 97%, 76% and 42%, respectively, at reaction times of 60 min. The degradation of crystal violet was enhanced significantly at a pH range of 10.52–12.07. Electrical energy per order (EE/O) values for UV/PMS, PMS and UV were calculated to be 1.68, 3.62 and 48.96 KWh/m3/order, respectively. The addition of inorganic ions inhibited the removal of CV in the order of SO4•2− > NO2•− > HCO3•− > CO3•2− > CH3COO•−. Moreover, the kinetic studies on the degradation of CV by the UV-254 nm, PMS, and UV/PMS systems, were also carried out and found to follow pseudo-first-order kinetics. The study revealed that oxidation processes are most efficacious for the removal of organic dyes from wastewater.
Irrigation Management Based on Theoretical Requirements Reduces Water Consumption in Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) Orchards without Effects on Fruit Yield and Components
Authors: Quiroz Sergio , Holzapfel Eduardo , Bastías Richard M. , Jara Jorge
Published: October 2022

This research examines the effects of two irrigation strategies on water use efficiency and fruit yield components of ‘Royal Gala’ and ‘Brookfield Gala’ apple orchards in south-central Chile. The study was carried out during the 2008–2009 and 2009–2010 growing seasons at two sites. A randomized block experimental design was established with two water application treatments: theoretical volume required by the plant (T1) and farm protocol (T2). Soil water content, plant water potential and yield components were evaluated. The soil water content in T2 was near field capacity while T1 was between the permanent wilting point and field capacity for both seasons and varieties. With T1, the seasonal volume applied was 21 to 28% less compared to T2, with season savings of 1600 m3 ha−1. No effect on plant water potential was observed. In ‘Royal Gala’ the lower volume applied in T1 did not lead to significant differences in fruit diameter, weight, or yield in either season as compared to T2. In ‘Brookfield Gala’, yield during the 2008–2009 season increased significantly, by 22.9% in treatment T1, and in the 2009–2010 season, significant reductions (p < 0.05) in fruit diameter (5.3%) and weight (12.9%) were observed in T2. Productivity per volume of applied water in T1 was 32% to 56% greater than that obtained with T2. The results show the effectiveness of the irrigation strategy considering the theoretical volume of water required by the plant.
A Review of Hydro-Hegemonic Dynamics on the Transboundary Harirud River Basin: 2001–Present
Authors: Loodin Najibullah , Warner Jeroen
Published: October 2022

In the absence of a transboundary water agreement between riparian states of Harirud River Basin, downstream states—Iran and Turkmenistan—have adopted a resource-capturing policy through the construction of Doosti Dam in the lower Harirud River Basin when the upstream state—Afghanistan—was engaged in social unrest during 1980s to the early 2000s. While Doosti Dam has a high potential of supplying water for major cities in Turkmenistan and Iran, its flow has declined due to climate changes and drought in the basin. The paper found that Iran accuses Afghanistan of blocking the flow of water through the construction of Salma Dam, whereas some Afghan and Iranian scholars critique Iran’s water management approach for water shortages through construction of dams and employment of unsustainable irrigation approaches in the lower Harirud River Basin. Additionally, the hydro-hegemony theory was critiqued as the theory under-estimates the broader role of outside basin players in influencing and reshaping the hydro-politics of a shared watercourse. Finally, it was concluded that the rapid drawdown of the US forces from Afghanistan along with the establishment of a fragile, weak, and politically unrecognized government-Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan—under Taliban administration—helped Iran to reinforce its hydro-hegemonic potential in the basin.
HYPROP-FIT to Model Rock Water Retention Curves Estimated by Different Methods
Authors: Caputo Maria Clementina , De Carlo Lorenzo , Turturro Antonietta Celeste
Published: October 2022

The water retention curve, which relates the matric potential, ψ, to the water content, θ, is essential to describe the flow processes in the unsaturated zone and provides useful information for environmental and engineering applications. There are few studies devoted to measuring the rock water retention curves due to the rock’s tightness, which makes it more technically difficult to use specific methods. In this study, we tested four different methods to measure water retention curves of two lithotypes of carbonate porous rocks with the aim to find the most effective to be applied to rock samples. Suction table, evaporation, Quasi-Steady Centrifuge, and WP4-T dewpoint potentiameter methods have been applied. The Quasi-Steady Centrifuge method proved to be the only one capable of determining water retention curves in the entire water content range and capturing the bimodality of the tested media with respect to the other methods. The measured water retention data were fitted with HYPROP-FIT software that allows us to accurately describe the WRCs and obtain critical parameters for the numerical simulation of flow and transport through the vadose zone, which plays a key role in various environmental issues.
An Urgent Dialogue between Urban Design and Regulatory Framework for Urban Rivers: The Case of the Andalién River in Chile
Authors: Álvez Amaya , Espinosa Paulina , Castillo Rodrigo , Iglesias Kimberly , Bañales-Seguel Camila
Published: October 2022

Climate change scenarios predict alarming levels of water scarcity and damaging flood events worldwide. Considering hydric systems in integrated spatial planning will be crucial in mitigating, adapting, and reversing climate change’s catastrophic effects. This paper focuses on fluvial restoration as part of urban and territorial regulatory frameworks in the Andalién River and the city of Concepción in Chile. We consider three work scales: (i) basin, (ii) river reaches which focus on the city–river interplay, and (iii) site-specific, deepening the discussion around the last two. The objective is to elaborate an interdisciplinary dialogue between urban design, fluvial dynamics, and the Chilean regulatory framework where property rights play a predominant role in the management of natural resources (water and land). In this regard, the ‘New Latin American Constitutionalism’ offers concrete possibilities to operationalize an emerging paradigm that recognizes legal personhood for Nature. The incorporation of an ecological function to property rights emerges as a new way in which the principles of resilient urban development can be applied in order to combine river dynamics and urban growth.
Evaluation of Soil-Water Characteristic Curve and Pore-Size Distribution of Fine-Grained Soils
Authors: Kocaman Kadir , Ozocak Askin , Edil Tuncer B. , Bol Ertan , Sert Sedat , Onturk Kurban , Ozsagir Mustafa
Published: October 2022

A soil’s physical properties, mineral types, and pore structure significantly influence the shape and properties of the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC). This study investigated the effects of the soil’s physical properties and mineral types on the SWCC and pore-size distribution (PSD). Eight different soils from an alluvial deposit in Istanbul and Adapazarı/Türkiye were used in the study. The test samples were prepared by compaction at optimum water content (OWC) and wet side of optimum water content (wet of OWC). The samples were prepared by consolidation from the slurry. The PSDs of the samples were calculated using the SWCCs and evaluated with scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. In addition, the mineral types of all soils were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The soil which contains illite-type minerals has higher matric suction than containing kaolin-type. The effect of the clay percentage is more pronounced in silty soils than in plasticity and activity. Soil suction increased with decreasing compaction water content in clayey soils. The air entry water contents rose as the void ratio, liquid limit, clay content, and plasticity increased. The compaction conditions affected the macropore structure more than the micropore structure. In addition, the ratio of macro-micro pore sizes increased with the rise of the compaction water content.
WaterProof—A Web-Based System to Provide Rapid ROI Calculation and Early Indication of a Preferred Portfolio of Nature-Based Solutions in Watersheds
Authors: Rogéliz Carlos A. , Vigerstol Kari , Galindo Pilar , Nogales Jonathan , Raepple Justus , Delgado Juliana , Piragauta Edwin , González Laura
Published: October 2022

Watersheds are being degraded around the world, with dire impacts on water security. Nature-based solutions (NbS) can preserve or restore degraded watersheds, thereby addressing critical water security issues; however, there is a lack of NbS uptake and investment. This is in part due to the complexity and time required to demonstrate an NbS portfolio’s positive return on investment (ROI) for desired water security outcomes. WaterProof is a web-based decision support tool to provide a rapid ROI calculation and early indication of a preferred portfolio of NbS for any watershed in the world using Natural Capital ecosystem service models (InVEST and RiOS). WaterProof is intended to engage stakeholders interested in exploring green infrastructure solutions for local water challenges and for prioritization of locations of possible NbS water security programs. WaterProof version 1.0 is freely available and open-sourced, with clear methodology and metadata, with a user-friendly interface suitable for a wide range of potential audiences.
Enhancement of Groundwater Recharge from Wadi Al Bih Dam, UAE
Authors: Sefelnasr Ahmed , Ebraheem Abdel Azim , Faiz Muhammad Abrar , Shi Xiaogang , Alghafli Khaled , Baig Faisal , Al-Rashed Muhammad , Alshamsi Dalal , Ahamed Munaver Basheer , Sherif Mohsen
Published: October 2022

Groundwater and harvested rainwater represent the only conventional freshwater resources in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Groundwater resources in Wadi Al Bih, UAE, are sustainable due to the low exploitation rate for domestic and agricultural purposes. Thus, the groundwater depletion in this area is far less than in other parts of the country. The Wadi Al Bih area is very important for achieving water security in UAE. Therefore, the possible measures of increasing groundwater recharge (e.g., managed aquifer recharge (MAR) methods) are investigated in this paper. The available water resource data were collected, reviewed, validated, and stored in a GIS database. Then, a GIS-based water budget model (WBM) was developed to evaluate the available groundwater resources in Wadi Al Bih and recharge sources. The analyses showed that only 49% of the accumulated rainwater behind the dam is recharging the underlying aquifer. Due to the absence of any direct recharge techniques, the remaining 51% is lost by direct evaporation (15%), and as soil moisture increases in the unsaturated zone (36%), it will subsequently evaporate or percolate depending on the precipitation pattern and air temperature. The results of the WBM indicated that the freshwater resources were decreasing at an alarming rate of approximately thirty-five million cubic meters (MCM) per year until 2019. The groundwater storage and salinity were governed by the rates and patterns of precipitation. For example, the recharge resulting from the two consecutive maximum monthly precipitation events in December 2019 and January 2020 has significantly increased the fresh groundwater reserve and slightly retreated the saline/brackish water toward the shoreline. Moreover, a Mann–Kendall trend analysis was conducted to assess the influence of precipitation, temperature, and evaporation on groundwater recharge. The outcomes suggested that climate variables had a significant effect on groundwater supplies. The mitigation measures include revising groundwater withdrawal rates based on the annual recharge and enhancing recharge using different MAR techniques and dam operation plans.
Highly Efficient Degradation of Sulfisoxazole by Natural Chalcopyrite-Activated Peroxymonosulfate: Reactive Species and Effects of Water Matrices
Authors: Zhou Wei , Li Yu , Zhang Min , Ying Guang-Guo , Feng Yong
Published: October 2022

In this study, chalcopyrite (CuFeS2), a natural mineral with a bimetallic structure, was used as the activator to generate radicals for removing organic pollutants from aqueous solutions via the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS). Sulfisoxazole (SIX), a sulfonamide antibiotic, was selected as the model pollutant. The results showed that chalcopyrite was highly reactive toward the activation of PMS; under the conditions of 50 µM PMS and 1 g/L chalcopyrite, approximately 95.7% of the SIX was degraded after reaction for only 5 min. An increase in the loading of chalcopyrite (0.25–2 g/L) promoted the degradation of SIX, while elevated levels of PMS (0.05–0.5 mM) slightly retarded the degradation kinetics. Although the best performance was observed under acidic conditions (pHs 3 and 4), near complete degradation of SIX was also achieved at pH 5.5. Identification of reactive species revealed that both a hydroxyl radical and a sulfate radical were formed in chalcopyrite–PMS oxidation, and they were responsible for the degradation of SIX. Trace amounts of copper and iron were leached out from chalcopyrite during the activation, and both the heterogeneous and homogeneous activation of PMS contributed to the generation of oxidizing radicals. Common water constituents including Cl−, HCO3−, and natural organic matter at their environmentally relevant levels showed a limited effect on the degradation of SIX, which suggests that chalcopyrite–PMS oxidation has high reactivity and stability in the degradation of organic pollutants and shows great practical application potential.
Numerical Study of Water-Oil Two-Phase Flow Evolution in a Y-Junction Horizontal Pipeline
Authors: De la Cruz-Ávila M. , Carvajal-Mariscal I. , Sigalotti Leonardo Di G. , Klapp Jaime
Published: October 2022

The work aims to numerically evaluate different injection configurations for the analysis of a two-phase flow behavior and evolution through a staggered Y-junction pipeline. To minimize agglomeration between inlets, the injection zones have a separation distance, avoiding areas with eddies or swirls owing to strong turbulence. Six input scenarios were examined accordingly with injection system experimental data. Results show significant variations because the main fluid develops a swirl over the pipe center. This is generated immediately after the phases’ supply zone due to the oil-phase because it presents a partial pipe flooding, even in the water injection zone. Moreover, the supply configuration has significant relevance to the main flow development. Accordingly, many flow patterns can be achieved depending on the phases’ confluence coming from the supply system. The interface velocities confirm the transition process and flow pattern development, which are driven by the phases’ velocities describing the early stages of three flow patterns formed during the fluids’ confluence. Finally, a substantial extent of the conjunction process points out that caution must be exercised during the injection supply system selection for this type of junction pipeline to achieve a better, and smooth blend, with either narrow, medium, or wide emulsions.
Application of Conductive Concrete as a Microbial Fuel Cell to Control H2S Emission for Mitigating Sewer Corrosion
Authors: Imai Tsuyoshi , Vo Huy Thanh , Fukushima Masato , Suzuki Tasuma , Sakuma Hiraku , Hitomi Takashi , Hung Yung-Tse
Published: October 2022

Localized biogenic corrosion and extrication of annoying odors caused by hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have long been a big problem in the management of urban sewer systems. H2S emission control in sewers via chemically or biologically normal oxidation processes has also been investigated extensively and is costly. The objective of this work was to develop a new technology to mitigate the concentration of H2S in sewer pipes using conductive concrete. Experimental results after 66 days show that the concentration of hydrogen sulfide significantly decreased when conductive concrete was used as a microbial fuel cell. Both ordinary Portland cement and conductive concrete were utilized for the target experiment. Elemental sulfur was observed in the coating sludge of conductive concrete, whereas this trend was not observed for ordinary Portland cement. These observations demonstrate that conductive concrete provides an electron pathway from deposited sludge in the bottom of sewer pipes to oxygen dissolved in surface water electrons generated from hydrogen sulfide oxidation in an anaerobic environment via conductive concrete. Finally, regarding the mechanism responsible for hydrogen sulfide oxidation, chemical oxidation was the dominant process, and biological processes did not play a significant role.
Sensitivity Analysis and Determination of the Optimal Level of Water Use Efficiency for Winter Wheat and Barley under Different Irrigation Scenarios Using the AquaCrop Model in Arid and Semiarid Climatic Conditions (Case Study: Dehloran Plain, Iran)
Authors: Khoshsirat Amir Mahyar , Najarchi Mohsen , Jafarinia Reza , Mokhtari Shahroo
Published: October 2022

The AquaCrop model is one of the most recent models that can simulate the growth rates and yields of various crops based on water consumption levels. To determine the optimal irrigation level, data measured in two crop years (2018–2019) in different irrigation scenarios (full irrigation or 100% water requirement and 90, 80, 70, 60, and 50% irrigation) were calibrated and validated for arid and semiarid climatic conditions using the AquaCrop model. The model was calibrated to simulate the grain yields of winter wheat and barley using R2, RMSE, d, EF, and NRMSE statistical indicators. The obtained values of these indices were, respectively, 0.97, 3, 0.98, 0.94, and 4 for winter wheat and 0.98, 4, 0.92, 0.89, and 7 for barley. The model efficiency was also validated using crop harvest data in the crop year 2019. For grain yield simulation, the calculated values of R2, RMSE, d, EF, and NRMSE statistical indicators were, respectively, 0.99, 4, 0.97, 0.93, and 4.4 for winter wheat and 0.97, 7, 0.94, 0.91, and 9 for barley. The data of field and modeled samples were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the F-test, and significant results were obtained for both crops in all applied scenarios at the 95% level.
Deriving an Optimal Operation Plan for Hydraulic Facilities with Complex Channels through Unsteady Flow Simulations
Authors: Choo Yeon-Moon , Park Won-Seok , Kim Jong-Gu
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the frequency of flooding damage has increased owing to torrential rains caused by abnormal weather and rising sea levels, which can be attributed to global warming. In particular, in the case of low-tide rivers, when a high tide and critical rainfall occur simultaneously, the flood damage will increase due to the increased external water level. The establishment of a disaster prevention plan through a simulation of existing inequality streams may be suitable for general rivers; however, it is inadequate for considering the effects of tide changes over time, such as those in a reduced tide stream. Therefore, in this study, an optimal operation plan is formulated based on unsteady flow simulations in regions where a large number of hydraulic facilities are installed, and an optimal river management plan is derived for the flood season. For the Ara Waterway (Ara Stream) and Gulpo Stream managed by the Korea Water Resources Corporation, various hydraulic facilities (weir, inverted syphon, etc.) are operated in conjunction with the West Sea to mitigate the continuous flood damage. In that context, a West Sea drainage gate has been installed. Correspondingly, it is necessary to optimize the flood exclusion capacity by deriving an optimal operation plan because it directly affects the water level in hydraulic facilities such as the Right No. 1, Left No. 1, and flood gates, which are the most important drainage structures for the Gulpo Stream operation. Herein, through a trial-and-error method, an optimal operation plan is derived to reduce the flood frequency in the Ara Waterway and Gulpo Stream.
Study on Location Decision of Multi-Functional Rainwater Storage Space in High-Density Built-Up Area
Authors: Jing Jiayue , Zhang Zhiming , Li Junqi
Published: October 2022

Multi-functional rainwater storage space is a practical solution to flood and runoff pollution in high-density built-up areas. This study presents a location decision method to improve the control effect of total runoff volume, runoff peak flow, and runoff pollution. The results show that this method can accurately and quickly screen available locations for multi-functional rainwater storage space and prioritize them as optimum, suitable, less suitable, unsuitable, and not available for construction. In the case of this study, greening the road can achieve a better effect on runoff control.
Assessment of Household Rainwater Harvesting Systems in the Southwestern Coastal Region of Bangladesh: Existing Practices and Household Perception
Authors: Ghosh Shimul , Ahmed Tanvir
Published: October 2022

This study aims to assess the post-installation rainwater management issues associated with household RWH systems in the southwestern coastal regions of Bangladesh. A face-to-face questionnaire survey (including free listing) was administered to over 300 households in the Khulna and Satkhira districts to understand the water consumption behavior of users, operation and maintenance of the RWH system components, governance and capacity-building needs, and overall perception. It was found that the current capacity of most household storage tanks is insufficient to meet the year-round water demands (cited by 151 users; Smith’s Salience Index (SSI) = 0.671), and around 53% of the users relied on another water source besides the RWH system. The users frequently cleaned various components of the RWH system, although they did not pay much attention to cleaning the roof catchment. Most users did not have sufficient knowledge of water treatment methods (cited by 10 users; SSI = 0.033) or water quality testing protocol (cited by 29 users; SSI = 0.084). Proximity to the house (cited 222 times by the users, SSI = 0.589) is considered the primary benefit of the RWH system. The absence of adequate functional components (cited by 56 users; SSI = 0.170) and having to share water with other households (cited by 23 users; SSI = 0.068) were highlighted as the two main problems associated with the use of the RWH system. The users also highlighted the lack of training on operation and maintenance (O&M) and the absence of monitoring support. This study provides clues to strengthening existing RWH system intervention programs in the water-challenged regions of Bangladesh.
Development of Lake from Acidification to Eutrophication in the Arctic Region under Reduced Acid Deposition and Climate Warming
Authors: Moiseenko Tatyana I. , Bazova Mariya M. , Gashkina Natalia A.
Published: October 2022

Small lakes are potentially effective environmental sensors; they react quickly to anthropogenic stressors. We studied the long-term response of water chemistry to reduced acid deposition and climate warming in the Kola Arctic region of Russia based on monitoring data from 75 lakes. Monitoring was carried out once every 4–5 years in 1990–2018, with analysis for major anions and cations, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and heavy metals (Ni and Cu). Analysis of archive data on the weather allowed us to reliably identify trends toward a systematic temperature increase over the past 28 years. The population of the lakes under study was proven to generally show a decrease in the concentrations of anthropogenic sulfates and the strengthening of the acid-neutralizing capacity (ANC) of the waters during this period. The concentrations of both DOC and nutrients (Ptot and Ntot) in the lake waters were determined to increase. This phenomenon can be explained by the following two mechanisms: a decrease in the deposition of strong acids and climate warming. We suggest that the effects of multiple factors on the surface waters result in an irreversible evolution of the lakes; hence, the term recovery does not adequately reflect the processes occurring in this industrially well-developed part of the Arctic.
Contamination of Water Supply Sources by Heavy Metals: The Price of Development in Bolivia, a Latin American Reality
Authors: Alvizuri-Tintaya Paola Andrea , Villena-Martínez Esteban Manuel , Avendaño-Acosta Nithya , Lo-Iacono-Ferreira Vanesa Gladys , Torregrosa-López Juan Ignacio , Lora-García Jaime
Published: October 2022

Like other Latin American countries, Bolivia is in the race towards development, which has caused many economic activities to be carried out without due consideration for the care of the environment. At this point, it is essential to carry out environmental inventories to preserve the quality of ecosystems and natural resources, such as water. As water is vital, it needs to be adequately monitored and managed to prevent its degradation. This research presents the results of monitoring the main sources of water supply in two continuously growing departments of Bolivia, La Paz, and Tarija. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the water to which the population has access, with particular attention to heavy metals with concentrations that exceed the permitted limits. The metals found were arsenic, chromium, mercury, manganese, iron, zinc, and tin in the Milluni area, and lead, iron, and manganese in the Guadalquivir area. Exposing the presence of metals in water sources implies immediate attention by decision-makers to take action to reduce the risk to public health. In addition, this study exposes a Bolivian reality that could encourage other countries in similar contexts to conduct similar studies on their water sources.
Spatial Distribution and Hydrogeochemical Factors Influencing the Occurrence of Total Coliform and E. coli Bacteria in Groundwater in a Hyperarid Area, Ad-Dawadmi, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Gomaa Hassan E. , Charni Mohamed , Alotibi AbdAllah A. , AlMarri Abdulhadi H. , Gomaa Fatma A.
Published: October 2022

Coliforms (FB) posing population health risks in groundwater (GW) have been identified for decades, with recent studies assessing how hydrogeological and non-hydrogeological parameters correlate with their presence. This study focused on explaining the physicochemical and hydrological factors influencing the presence of fecal contamination in the GW system of Ad-Dawadmi, KSA, a hyperarid area facing a prolonged drought. It was designed and implemented by sampling 47 working wells and their laboratory analysis. The data analyses indicated that the salinity exhibited a purification effect such that at levels higher than 3500 and 6000 mg/L, no E. coli and total coliform (TC) were detected. Heavy metals, especially copper, showed strong, hygienic effects at 195 and 300 µg/L thresholds for E. coli and TC, respectively, while those of Fe were at 1200 and 2000 µg/L. Nitrates, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and dissolved oxygen (DO) showed a quasi-random interrelationship with FB. The occurrence of FB in boreholes up to 52 m below ground level (BGL) challenges the single water resource in the region. Integrating various analyses help constrain and provide multiple lines of evidence for the inferred remarks. This work presented some methodological aspects for understanding the effects of the physicochemical and hydrogeological factors on FB that may better protect water quality and improve human health outcomes.