bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of the Bacillus thuringiensis Cry1Ia Protein Oligomerization Promoted by Midgut Brush Border Membrane Vesicles of Lepidopteran and Coleopteran Insects, or Cultured Insect Cells
Authors: Khorramnejad Ayda , Domínguez-Arrizabalaga Mikel , Caballero Primitivo , Escriche Baltasar , Bel Yolanda
Published: February 2020

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) produces insecticidal proteins that are either secreted during the vegetative growth phase or accumulated in the crystal inclusions (Cry proteins) in the stationary phase. Cry1I proteins share the three domain (3D) structure typical of crystal proteins but are secreted to the media early in the stationary growth phase. In the generally accepted mode of action of 3D Cry proteins (sequential binding model), the formation of an oligomer (tetramer) has been described as a major step, necessary for pore formation and subsequent toxicity. To know if this could be extended to Cry1I proteins, the formation of Cry1Ia oligomers was studied by Western blot, after the incubation of trypsin activated Cry1Ia with insect brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) or insect cultured cells, using Cry1Ab as control. Our results showed that Cry1Ia oligomers were observed only after incubation with susceptible coleopteran BBMV, but not following incubation with susceptible lepidopteran BBMV or non-susceptible Sf21 insect cells, while Cry1Ab oligomers were persistently detected after incubation with all insect tissues tested, regardless of its host susceptibility. The data suggested oligomerization may not necessarily be a requirement for the toxicity of Cry1I proteins.
Composite Uremic Load and Physical Performance in Hemodialysis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Vanden Wyngaert Karsten , Van Craenenbroeck Amaryllis H. , Holvoet Els , Calders Patrick , Van Biesen Wim , Eloot Sunny
Published: February 2020

Impaired physical performance is common in patients on hemodialysis (HD) and is associated with poor prognosis. A patient relevant marker of adequacy of dialysis is lacking. Previous studies evaluated uremic toxicity by assessing the impact of different uremic toxins separately. However, such an approach is most likely not reflective of true uremic toxicity. Therefore, this cross-sectional study aimed to examine if the uremic syndrome, estimated as one composite of different uremic toxins (facilitated by ridge regression method) to reflect the kinetic behavior during dialysis, is associated with physical performance in patients on HD. Levels of p-cresyl glucuronide and sulfate, indole-acetic acid, indoxyl sulfate, uric acid, hippuric acid, and 3-carboxy-4-methyl-5-propyl-2-furanpropionic acid were assessed and associated by ridge regression to muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, and measures of balance and coordination. 75 HD patients were included (mean age 68 years, 57% male). The composite of different uremic toxins (i.e., uremic load) explained 22% of the variance in handgrip strength. Although there was an association between full body muscle strength and the composite uremic load independent of nutritional status, age and gender, the predictive power of composite uremic load for muscle weakness is limited. Single uremic toxins as well as composite uremic load were not associated with exercise capacity, coordination, and balance, indicating that the degree of uremia does not predict physical performance in patients on HD.
A Lateral Flow Strip Based on a Truncated Aptamer-Complementary Strand for Detection of Type-B Aflatoxins in Nuts and Dried Figs
Authors: Zhao Zhilei , Wang He , Zhai Wenlei , Feng Xiaoyuan , Fan Xia , Chen Ailiang , Wang Meng
Published: February 2020

Type-B aflatoxins (AFB1 and AFB2) frequently contaminate food, especially nuts and fried figs, and seriously threaten human health; hence, it is necessary for the newly rapid and sensitive detection methods to prevent the consumption of potentially contaminated food. Here, a lateral flow aptasensor for the detection of type-B aflatoxins was developed. It is based on the use of fluorescent dye Cy5 as a label for the aptamer, and on the competition between type-B aflatoxins and the complementary DNA of the aptamer. This is the first time that the complementary strand of the aptamer has been used as the test line (T-line) to detect type-B aflatoxins. In addition, the truncated aptamer was used to improve the affinity with type-B aflatoxins in our study. Therefore, the lengths of aptamer and cDNA probe were optimized as key parameters for higher sensitivity. In addition, binding buffer and organic solvent were investigated. The results showed that the best pair for achieving improved sensitivity and accuracy in detecting AFB1 was formed by a shorter aptamer (32 bases) coupled with the probe complementary to the AFB1 binding region of the aptamer. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the test strip showed an excellent linear relationship in the range from 0.2 to 20 ng/mL with a limit of detection of 0.16 ng/mL. This aptamer-based strip was successfully applied to the determination of type-B aflatoxins in spiked and commercial peanuts, almonds, and dried figs, and the recoveries of the spiked samples were from 93.3%−112.0%. The aptamer-complementary strand-based lateral flow test strip is a potential alternative tool for the rapid and sensitive detection of type-B aflatoxins in nuts and dried figs. It is of help for monitoring aflatoxins to avoid the consumption of unsafe food.
Preliminary Identification of Potential Vaccine Targets for the COVID-19 Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Based on SARS-CoV Immunological Studies
Authors: Ahmed Syed Faraz , Quadeer Ahmed A. , McKay Matthew R.
Published: February 2020

The beginning of 2020 has seen the emergence of COVID-19 outbreak caused by a novel coronavirus, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is an imminent need to better understand this new virus and to develop ways to control its spread. In this study, we sought to gain insights for vaccine design against SARS-CoV-2 by considering the high genetic similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, which caused the outbreak in 2003, and leveraging existing immunological studies of SARS-CoV. By screening the experimentally-determined SARS-CoV-derived B cell and T cell epitopes in the immunogenic structural proteins of SARS-CoV, we identified a set of B cell and T cell epitopes derived from the spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins that map identically to SARS-CoV-2 proteins. As no mutation has been observed in these identified epitopes among the 120 available SARS-CoV-2 sequences (as of 21 February 2020), immune targeting of these epitopes may potentially offer protection against this novel virus. For the T cell epitopes, we performed a population coverage analysis of the associated MHC alleles and proposed a set of epitopes that is estimated to provide broad coverage globally, as well as in China. Our findings provide a screened set of epitopes that can help guide experimental efforts towards the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Impact of Institutional Features on the Overall Performance Assessment of Participatory Irrigation Management: Farmers’ Response from Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Pham Hung Duy , Ashfaq Muhammad , Memon Junaid Alam , Bano Rakhshanda , Dahri Zakir Hussain , Mustafa Rana Naveed , Baig Irfan Ahmad , Naseer Muhammad Asad ur Rehman
Published: February 2020

The basic objective of the irrigation reforms, i.e., participatory irrigation management in Pakistan, was a better economic and financial management of irrigation service delivery, equity in water distribution, and better environmental outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the optimism with the reforms package that has actually delivered expected outcomes. For this purpose, this study used a cross-sectional dataset of 567 farmers in five selected Area Water Boards (AWBs) of Punjab and Sindh provinces of Pakistan. Important institutional features including compliance, adaptiveness, clarity of objectives, good interaction, and appropriate scale, were modeled through structural equation modeling on the overall performance assessment of water use associations from a farmer’s perspective. Results suggested that clear objectives, adaptiveness, scale, and compliance show a strong relationship with an overall assessment of performance. While good interaction has not impacted significantly with an overall performance assessment. The impact of institutional feature on the overall performance assessment depends on the nature of performance considered, e.g., drivers of the economic performance of a farmer organization may not be the same as the drivers of its environmental performance. Besides offering insights on specific drivers that matter for a particular dimension of the institutional performance of farmer organizations, the study suggests that participatory irrigation management institutions are still in infancy even after decades of their introduction, and just creating institutions is neither mandatory nor sufficient. Furthermore, the institutional designs are considered critical for the success of participatory institutions. Therefore, there is a need to consider the conformity of the strategies with the existing norms and compliance to the on-going procedures.
Metagenomics Uncovers a Core SAR11 Population in Brackish Surface Waters of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Vidanage Poorna , Ko Seok-Oh , Oh Seungdae
Published: February 2020

The Baltic Sea represents one of the largest brackish ecosystems where various environmental factors control dynamic seasonal shifts in the structure, diversity, and function of the planktonic microbial communities. In this study, despite seasonal fluctuations, several bacterial populations (<2% of the total OTUs) that are highly dominant (25% of relative abundance) and highly frequently occurring (>85% of occurrence) over four seasons were identified. Mathematical models using occurrence frequency and relative abundance data were able to describe community assembly persisting over time. Further, this work uncovered one of the core bacterial populations phylogenetically affiliated to SAR11 subclade IIIa. The analysis of the hypervariable region of 16S rRNA gene and single copy housekeeping genes recovered from metagenomic datasets suggested that the population was unexpectedly evolutionarily closely related to those inhabiting a mesosaline lacustrine ecosystem rather than other marine/coastal members. Our metagenomic results further revealed that the newly-identified population was the major driver facilitating the seasonal shifts in the overall community structure over the brackish waters of the Baltic Sea. The core community uncovered in this study supports the presence of a brackish water microbiome distinguishable from other marine and freshwater counterparts and will be a useful sentinel for monitoring local/global environmental changes posed on brackish surface waters.
Effects of Climatic Change on Soil Hydraulic Properties during the Last Interglacial Period: Two Case Studies of the Southern Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Wu Tieniu , Lin Henry , Zhang Hailin , Ye Fei , Wang Yongwu , Liu Muxing , Yi Jun , Tian Pei
Published: February 2020

The hydraulic properties of paleosols on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) are closely related to agricultural production and are indicative of the environmental evolution during geological and pedogenic periods. In this study, two typical intact sequences of the first paleosol layer (S1) on the southern CLP were selected, and soil hydraulic parameters together with basic physical and chemical properties were investigated to reveal the response of soil hydraulic properties to the warm and wet climate conditions. The results show that: (1) the paleoclimate in the southern CLP during the last interglacial period showed a pattern of three warm and wet sub-stages and two cool and dry sub-stages; (2) when the climate was warm and wet, the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased and the content of macro-aggregates increased, and when the climate was cool and dry, the soil saturated hydraulic conductivity increased and the content of macro-aggregates decreased, indicating that the paleoclimate affected both the grain size of wind-blown sediment and pedogenic process; and (3) in the soil water characteristic curves, the soil water content showed variation in peaks and valleys, indicating that the dust source and pedogenesis of the paleosol affected the water holding capacity. The findings confirmed that on the southern CLP, the warm and wet climate improved soil aggregate stability and water holding capacity, while reducing soil water conductivity. These results reveal the response of soil hydraulic properties to the climate evolution on the southern CLP, which indicate soil water retention and soil moisture supply capacities under an ongoing global warming scenario.
Enhancing Nitrate Removal from Waters with Low Organic Carbon Concentration Using a Bioelectrochemical System—A Pilot-Scale Study
Authors: Lust Rauno , Nerut Jaak , Kasak Kuno , Mander Ülo
Published: February 2020

Assessments of groundwater aquifers made around the world show that in many cases, nitrate concentrations exceed the safe drinking water threshold. This study assessed how bioelectrochemical systems could be used to enhance nitrate removal from waters with low organic carbon concentrations. A two-chamber microbial electrosynthesis cell (MES) was constructed and operated for 45 days with inoculum that was taken from a municipal wastewater treatment plant. A study showed that MES can be used to enhance nitrate removal efficiency from 3.66% day−1 in a control reactor to 8.54% day−1 in the MES reactor, if a cathode is able to act as an electron donor for autotrophic denitrifying bacteria or there is reducing oxygen in a cathodic chamber to favor denitrification. In the MES, greenhouse gas emissions were also lower compared to the control. Nitrous oxide average fluxes were −639.59 and −9.15 µg N m−2 h−1 for the MES and control, respectively, and the average carbon dioxide fluxes were −5.28 and 43.80 mg C m−2 h−1, respectively. The current density correlated significantly with the dissolved oxygen concentration, indicating that it is essential to keep the dissolved oxygen concentration in the cathode chamber as low as possible, not only to suppress oxygen’s inhibiting effect on denitrification but also to achieve better power efficiency.
Dimension Reduction and Analysis of a 10-Year Physicochemical and Biological Water Database Applied to Water Resources Intended for Human Consumption in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, France
Authors: Tiouiouine Abdessamad , Yameogo Suzanne , Valles Vincent , Barbiero Laurent , Dassonville Fabrice , Moulin Marc , Bouramtane Tarik , Bahaj Tarik , Morarech Moad , Kacimi Ilias
Published: February 2020

The SISE-Eaux database of water intended for human consumption, archived by the French Regional Health Agency (ARS) since 1990, is a rich source of information. However, more or less regular monitoring over almost 30 years and the multiplication of parameters lead to a sparse matrix (observations × parameters) and a large dimension of the hyperspace of data. These characteristics make it difficult to exploit this database for a synthetic mapping of water quality, and to identify of the processes responsible for its diversity in a complex geological context and anthropized environment. A 10-year period (2006–2016) was selected from the Provence-Alpes- Côte d’Azur region database (PACA, southeastern France). We extracted 5,295 water samples, each with 15 parameters. A treatment by principal component analysis (PCA) followed with orthomax rotation allows for identifying and ranking six principal components (PCs) totaling 75% of the initial information. The association of the parameters with the principal components, and the regional distribution of the PCs make it possible to identify water-rock interactions, bacteriological contamination, redox processes and arsenic occurrence as the main sources of variability. However, the results also highlight a decrease of useful information, a constraint linked to the vast size and diversity of the study area. The development of a relevant tool for the protecting and managing of water resources will require identifying of subsets based on functional landscape units or the grouping of groundwater bodies.
A Model-Based Flood Hazard Mapping on the Southern Slope of Himalaya
Authors: Aryal Dibit , Wang Lei , Adhikari Tirtha Raj , Zhou Jing , Li Xiuping , Shrestha Maheswor , Wang Yuanwei , Chen Deliang
Published: February 2020

Originating from the southern slope of Himalaya, the Karnali River poses a high flood risk at downstream regions during the monsoon season (June to September). This paper presents comprehensive hazard mapping and risk assessments in the downstream region of the Karnali River basin for different return-period floods, with the aid of the HEC-RAS (Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis System). The assessment was conducted on a ~38 km segment of the Karnali River from Chisapani to the Nepal–India border. To perform hydrodynamic simulations, a long-term time series of instantaneous peak discharge records from the Chisapani gauging station was collected. Flooding conditions representing 2-, 5-, 10-, 50-, 100-, 200-, and 1000-year return periods (YRPs) were determined using Gumbel’s distribution. With an estimated peak discharge of up to 29,910 m3/s and the flood depths up to 23 m in the 1000-YRP, the area vulnerable to flooding in the study domain extends into regions on both the east and west banks of the Karnali River. Such flooding in agricultural land poses a high risk to food security, which directly impacts on residents’ livelihoods. Furthermore, the simulated flood in 2014 (equivalent to a 100-YRP) showed a high level of impact on physical infrastructure, affecting 51 schools, 14 health facilities, 2 bus-stops, and an airport. A total of 132 km of rural–urban roads and 22 km of highways were inundated during the flood. In summary, this study can support in future planning and decision-making for improved water resources management and development of flood control plans on the southern slope of Himalaya.
Hydrological Foundation as a Basis for a Holistic Environmental Flow Assessment of Tropical Highland Rivers in Ethiopia
Authors: Abebe Wubneh B. , Tilahun Seifu A. , Moges Michael M. , Wondie Ayalew , Derseh Minychl G. , Nigatu Teshager A. , Mhiret Demesew A. , Steenhuis Tammo S. , Camp Marc Van , Walraevens Kristine , McClain Michael E.
Published: February 2020

The sustainable development of water resources includes retaining some amount of the natural flow regime in water bodies to protect and maintain aquatic ecosystem health and the human livelihoods and wellbeing dependent upon them. Although assessment of environmental flows is now occurring globally, limited studies have been carried out in the Ethiopian highlands, especially studies to understand flow-ecological response relationships. This paper establishes a hydrological foundation of Gumara River from an ecological perspective. The data analysis followed three steps: first, determination of the current flow regime—flow indices and ecologically relevant flow regime; second, naturalization of the current flow regime—looking at how flow regime is changing; and, finally, an initial exploration of flow linkages with ecological processes. Flow data of Gumara River from 1973 to 2018 are used for the analysis. Monthly low flow occurred from December to June; the lowest being in March, with a median flow of 4.0 m3 s−1. Monthly high flow occurred from July to November; the highest being in August, with a median flow of 236 m3 s−1. 1-Day low flows decreased from 1.55 m3 s−1 in 1973 to 0.16 m3 s−1 in 2018, and 90-Day (seasonal) low flow decreased from 4.9 m3 s−1 in 1973 to 2.04 m3 s−1 in 2018. The Mann–Kendall trend test indicated that the decrease in low flow was significant for both durations at α = 0.05. A similar trend is indicated for both durations of high flow. The decrease in both low flows and high flows is attributed to the expansion of pump irrigation by 29 km2 and expansion of plantations, which resulted in an increase of NDVI from 0.25 in 2000 to 0.29 in 2019. In addition, an analysis of environmental flow components revealed that only four “large floods” appeared in the last 46 years; no “large flood” occurred after 1988. Lacking “large floods” which inundate floodplain wetlands has resulted in early disconnection of floodplain wetlands from the river and the lake; which has impacts on breeding and nursery habitat shrinkage for migratory fish species in Lake Tana. On the other hand, the extreme decrease in “low flow” components has impacts on predators, reducing their mobility and ability to access prey concentrated in smaller pools. These results serve as the hydrological foundation for continued studies in the Gumara catchment, with the eventual goal of quantifying environmental flow requirements.
Unveiling the Potential of Novel Macrophytes for the Treatment of Tannery Effluent in Vertical Flow Pilot Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Ashraf Sobia , Naveed Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad , Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Al-Suhaibani Nasser A. , Zahir Zahir A. , Mustafa Adnan , Refay Yahya , Alhammad Bushra Ahmed , Ashraf Sana , Alotaibi Majed , Abdella Kamel A.
Published: February 2020

The phytoremediation potential of macrophytic species has made them an inevitable component of constructed wetlands (CWs) for the treatment of industrial effluents. The macrophytes must have tolerance for the harsh conditions imposed by effluents for an effective establishment of the CW system. In this context, the basic purpose of this work was to investigate the efficacy of five indigenous emergent macrophytes (Brachiaria mutica, Canna indica, Cyperus laevigatus, Leptochloa fusca, and Typha domingensis) for the remediation of tannery effluent in vertical subsurface flow CWs. The ability of each macrophytic species to tolerate pollution load and to remove pollutants from the effluent was assessed. The effect of tannery effluent on the survival and growth of macrophytes was also studied. The treated tannery effluent samples were analyzed for electrical conductivity (EC), pH, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), chlorides (Cl−), sulphates (SO42−), oil and grease, and Cr levels. All of the studied macrophytes significantly decreased the pollution load of tannery effluent, and the higher nutrient content of effluent stimulated their growth without any signs of negative health effects. Leptochloa fusca and T. domingensis performed better in removing pollutants and showed higher growth rates and biomass than other tested macrophytes and can be considered preferred species for use in CWs treating tannery effluent. Brachiaria mutica showed morphologically better results than C. indica and C. laevigatus.
Debris Flow Generation Based on Critical Discharge: A Case Study of Xiongmao Catchment, Southwestern China
Authors: Gong Lingfeng , Tang Chuan , Xiong Jiang , Li Ning
Published: February 2020

Generation of debris flows is related to poorly sorted mixtures of soil, catchment topography, and rainfall characteristics. Runoff in a valley resulting from intensive rainfall can induce sediment movement within stream beds or along adjacent banks. The water flow in channels is affected by rainfall parameters such as duration, intensity, cumulative rainfall, etc., and is the key factor in debris movement. In this paper, the rainfall characteristics and occurrence conditions of debris flow in Xiongmao Gully on 26 July 2016 were explored. Using data from field surveys and indoor simulation experiments, evaluations of critical discharge parameters for debris movement were performed. Furthermore, debris distribution and the critical discharge characteristics were analyzed via investigation of the catchment topography and cause of the debris flow, and analysis was made of the critical discharge parameters initiating channel debris movement. A K-value clustering analysis method was applied to characterize the rainfall pattern of the study area and its effects on calculation of debris flow. The results showed that for the debris flow in Xiongmao Gully, the debris initiation in the middle reaches of the gully provided the majority of solid particles for the disaster on 26 July 2016, and the upstream confluent provided catchment. Based on the relationship determined by laboratory tests, the calculated critical discharge was 43.8 m3/s, less than the peak discharge (Qc = 66.7 m3/s) calculated by morphological method. In addition, it was indicated that the dominant rainfall patterns of the studied area were first-quartile and second-quartile, i.e., the rainfall occurred primarily at the early or middle stage of this rainfall event. The critical discharge for the debris flow on 26 July was achieved at 5% rainfall frequency, and the larger runoff volume was generated from a short heavy rainfall. According to specific catchment characteristics, such as distributed hydrological analysis, critical discharge, and rainfall pattern of debris flow, forewarning of a damaging debris flow could be made more effective.
Assessment of Biological and Sanitary Condition of Alien Fish from a High-Mountain Lake (Cottian Alps)
Authors: Pastorino Paolo , Prearo Marino , Bertoli Marco , Menconi Vasco , Esposito Giuseppe , Righetti Marzia , Mugetti Davide , Pederiva Sabina , Abete Maria Cesarina , Pizzul Elisabetta
Published: February 2020

This study aimed to assess the biological and sanitary conditions of alien fish in a high-mountain lake (Balma Lake) located in the Cottian Alps. A single fish sampling session (August 2018) using gillnets collected 90 specimens of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Sex and age were determined (59 females and 31 males, age class 0+ to 4+). Regression analysis showed no difference in total weight and total length between males and females (ANCOVA: F = 0.453; p = 0.954). The mean condition factor (Kmean) decreased with increasing age for males and females. Terrestrial insects were the main prey found in the fish stomachs. The parasitological exam was negative, and the bacteriological exam was positive for Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and C. divergens in 33% of specimens. The total mercury, cadmium, and lead concentration in muscle tissue was within the maximum limit established by the European Commission for human consumption. The brook trout population was found to be well structured; these findings may help local administrations in the implementation of eradication measures.
Scarcity Amidst Plenty: Lower Himalayan Cities Struggling for Water Security
Authors: Ojha Hemant , Neupane Kaustuv Raj , Pandey Chandra Lal , Singh Vishal , Bajracharya Roshan , Dahal Ngamindra
Published: February 2020

In recent years, growing water insecurity in the Himalayan region has attracted new scientific research and fresh attention on policy. In this paper, we synthesize field research evidence from a sample of five Himalayan cities—three in Nepal and two in the western Indian Himalayas—on various forms of water insecurity and cities’ responses to such challenges. We gathered evidence from a field research conducted in these cities between 2014 and 2018. We show how different types of Himalayan towns (mainly hilltop, foot hill, river side, touristic, and regional trading hub) are struggling to secure water for their residents and tourists, as well as for the wider urban economy. We found that even though the region receives significant amounts of precipitation in the form of snow and rainfall, it is facing increasing levels of water insecurity. Four of the five towns we studied are struggling to develop well-performing local institutions to manage water supply. Worse still, none of the cities have a robust system of water planning and governance to tackle the water challenges emerging from rapid urbanization and climate change. In the absence of a coordinated water planning agency, a complex mix of government, community, and private systems of water supply has emerged in the Himalayan towns across both Nepal and India. There is clearly a need for strengthening local governance capacity as well as down-scaling climate science to inform water planning at the city level.
Short-Term Effects of Salt Stress on the Amino Acids of Phragmites australis Root Exudates in Constructed Wetlands
Authors: Xie En , Wei Xuejing , Ding Aizhong , Zheng Lei , Wu Xiaona , Anderson Bruce
Published: February 2020

In this study, the short-term effects of NaCl stress on the free amino acid content and composition of root exudates of Phragmites australis were evaluated. Nineteen amino acid types were detected in all samples. The results indicated that NaCl significantly influenced the total amino acid (TotAA) content. The TotAA content at 6‰ salinity (1098.79 μM g−1 DW) was up to 24 times higher than that in the control group (45.97 μM g−1 DW) but decreased to 106.32 μM g−1 DW at 6‰ salinity in the first hour. The stress period also significantly affected the TotAA content. After 4 h of stress, the TotAA content of the control and 1‰ salinity groups increased by approximately 30- and 14-fold, and those of the 3‰ and 6‰ groups decreased to 60% and 37%, respectively. The increase in TotAA content was primarily caused by the increase in proline content; the proportion of proline accounted for 58.05% of the TotAA content at 3‰ salinity level in 2 h. Most amino acids showed a significant positive correlation with each other, but proline and methionine showed a different trend. Therefore, the proline level is a useful indicator of salt stress in Phragmites australis, especially in saltwater wetlands.
Charge Neutralization Mechanism Efficiency in Water with High Color Turbidity Ratio Using Aluminium Sulfate and Flocculation Index
Authors: Cruz Dafne , Pimentel Marcio , Russo Ana , Cabral Wilson
Published: February 2020

Most of the water supplied in Brazil comes from water streams that may have higher values for apparent color than turbidity. Treatability trials were performed for color and turbidity removal to evaluate the advantages of coagulation during the charge neutralization mechanism when compared to sweep flocculation for water with those characteristics. There were three types of trials: conventional Jar Test with raw water, with and without filtration, and in a pilot Water Treatment Plant, direct downward filtration, with synthetic water. Auxiliary equipment such as Continuous Flocculation Monitoring Equipment (CFME) and image analysis were used to evaluate the growth of flocs. In the Jar Tests experiments, similar levels of color (61.49%) and turbidity (61.30%) removal were observed, with a lower dosage of coagulant (46 mg/L) in the charge neutralization mechanism compared to the ones with sweep flocculation (58.22% for color and 54.73% for turbidity removal with 52 mg/L of aluminium sulfate). Similar results were found on pilot plant. At filtration rates of 180 and 300 m3 m−2 day−1, sweep flocculation mechanism had shorter filtration cycle (<5 m3) compared to other mechanisms. Therefore, a change in the operation of Water Treatment plants that use a coagulant dosage associated with sweep flocculation can bring advantages such as the reduction of coagulant consumption and sludge productions, as well as the increase of chlorine disinfection and filtration cycles.
Source Apportionment of Nutrient Loads to a Mediterranean River and Potential Mitigation Measures
Authors: De Girolamo Anna Maria , Lo Porto Antonio
Published: February 2020

The aims of the study were to quantify nutrient loads from point and diffuse pollution sources in the Rio Mannu stream and to simulate mitigation measures for reducing nutrient loads delivered to the Santa Gilla wetland. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool model was used for simulating hydrology, nutrient balance and water quality. At the basin scale, the input from fertilisers was 80.3 kg ha−1 year−1 total nitrogen (TN) (87.6% of the total input) and 27.6 kg ha−1 year−1 of total phosphorus (TP) (99.8% of the total input). Atmospheric deposition and biological N-fixation together accounted for about 12% of the total TN input. The TN and TP from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were about 14.2 t year−1 and 3.1 t year−1, respectively. Nutrient loads delivered to the river system differed among the sub-basins, with TP ranging from 0.2 kg ha−1 year−1 to 2.7 kg ha−1 year−1, and the sum of organic N and NO3-N ranging from 1.8 kg ha−1 year−1 to 22.9 kg ha−1 year−1. Under high flow conditions, NO3-N and TP accounted for 89% and 99% of the total load, respectively. The low flow contribution to the total load was very low, with NO3-N and TP accounting for 2.8% and 0.7%, respectively. However, the natural hydrological regime in the study area is intermittent, and low flow represents a critical condition for the water quality due to the high concentrations of TP and NO3-N from WWTP discharge. To improve the water quality, the reuse of treated wastewater from three WWTPs for irrigation purposes on olive cultivation, coupled with a 20% reduction in fertiliser application, was simulated. The results showed a reduction in nutrient loads at the outlet for all hydrological conditions. However, additional measures are needed for improving water quality.
Correction: Xu, M., et al. Modeling Glacier Mass Balance and Runoff in the Koxkar River Basin on the South Slope of the Tianshan Mountains, China, from 1959 to 2009. Water 2017, 9, 100
Authors: Xu Min , Han Haidong , Kang Shichang
Published: February 2020

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Adsorption of Methylene Blue in Water onto Activated Carbon by Surfactant Modification
Authors: Kuang Yu , Zhang Xiaoping , Zhou Shaoqi
Published: February 2020

In this paper, the enhanced adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye ion on the activated carbon (AC) modified by three surfactants in aqueous solution was researched. Anionic surfactants—sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS)—and cationic surfactant—hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB)—were used for the modification of AC. This work showed that the adsorption performance of cationic dye by activated carbon modified by anionic surfactants (SLS) was significantly improved, whereas the adsorption performance of cationic dye by activated carbon modified by cationic surfactant (CTAB) was reduced. In addition, the effects of initial MB concentration, AC dosage, pH, reaction time, temperature, real water samples, and additive salts on the adsorption were studied. When Na+, K+, Ca2+, NH4+, and Mg2+ were present in the MB dye solution, the effect of these cations was negligible on the adsorption (<5%). The presence of NO2- improved the adsorption performance significantly, whereas the removal rate of MB was reduced in the presence of competitive cation (Fe2+). It was found that the isotherm data had a good correlation with the Langmuir isotherm through analyzing the experimental data by various models. The dynamics of adsorption were better described by the pseudo-second-order model and the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous. The results showed that AC modified by anionic surfactant was effective for the adsorption of MB dye in both modeling water and real water.
Effect of Heavy Metal Ions on Steroid Estrogen Removal and Transport in SAT Using DLLME as a Detection Method of Steroid Estrogen
Authors: Zhang Ge , Yang Yuesuo , Lu Ying , Chen Yu , Li Wenbo , Wang Siyuan
Published: February 2020

Environmental endocrine-disrupting chemicals have become a global environmental problem, and the distribution, transport, and fate of estrogens in soil and water environments closely relate to human and ecological health as well as to the remediation scheme design. A new micro-extraction technique termed dispersive liquid–liquid micro-extraction (DLLME) combined with high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD) was developed for the determination of the concentration of steroid estrogens in water samples. The detection limits of HPLC-FLD and DLLME-HPLC/FLD were 0.68–1.73 μg L−1 and 7.16–69.22 ng L−1, respectively. Based on this method, the isothermal adsorption of 17β-E2 on sand and a breakthrough experiment of 17β-E2 and Cu2+ in a soil aquifer treatment (SAT) system were studied. The 17β-E2 adsorption capacity of sand in 17β-E2 solution was detected to be larger than that in a mixed solution of 17β-E2 and Cu(NO3)2 solution, and the breakthrough curves of 17β-E2 and Cu2+ in the mixed solution shifted forward in sand column experiments. Both suggested that the competitive adsorption of 17β-E2 and Cu2+ in the mixed solution might occur on the surface of the sand. In the process of the removal of 17β-E2 in wastewater by SAT, the existence of Cu2+ slightly inhibited the adsorption of 17β-E2 and accelerated the breakthrough of 17β-E2. These results ought to be a warning for SAT application for 17β-E2 removal in water where heavy metals coexist.
Preliminary Characterization of Underground Hydrological Processes under Multiple Rainfall Conditions and Rocky Desertification Degrees in Karst Regions of Southwest China
Authors: Li Guijing , Rubinato Matteo , Wan Long , Wu Bin , Luo Jiufu , Fang Jianmei , Zhou Jinxing
Published: February 2020

Karst regions are widely distributed in Southwest China and due to the complexity of their geologic structure, it is very challenging to collect data useful to provide a better understanding of surface, underground and fissure flows, needed to calibrate and validate numerical models. Without characterizing these features, it is very problematic to fully establish rainfall–runoff processes associated with soil loss in karst landscapes. Water infiltrated rapidly to the underground in rocky desertification areas. To fill this gap, this experimental work was completed to preliminarily determine the output characteristics of subsurface and underground fissure flows and their relationships with rainfall intensities (30 mm h−1, 60 mm h−1 and 90 mm h−1) and bedrock degrees (30%, 40% and 50%), as well as the role of underground fissure flow in the near-surface rainfall–runoff process. Results indicated that under light rainfall conditions (30 mm h−1), the hydrological processes observed were typical of Dunne overland flows; however, under moderate (60 mm h−1) and high rainfall conditions (90 mm h−1), hydrological processes were typical of Horton overland flows. Furthermore, results confirmed that the generation of underground runoff for moderate rocky desertification (MRD) and severe rocky desertification (SRD) happened 18.18% and 45.45% later than the timing recorded for the light rocky desertification (LRD) scenario. Additionally, results established that the maximum rate of underground runoff increased with the increase of bedrock degrees and the amount of cumulative underground runoff measured under different rocky desertification was SRD > MRD > LRD. In terms of flow characterization, for the LRD configuration under light rainfall intensity the underground runoff was mainly associated with soil water, which was accounting for about 85%–95%. However, under moderate and high rainfall intensities, the underground flow was mainly generated from fissure flow.
Electrocoagulation: A Promising Method to Treat and Reuse Mineral Processing Wastewater with High COD
Authors: Jing Gaogui , Ren Shuai , Gao Yuesheng , Sun Wei , Gao Zhiyong
Published: February 2020

Mineral processing wastewater contains large amounts of reagents which can lead to severe environmental problems, such as high chemical oxygen demand (COD). Inspired by the wastewater treatment in such industries as those of textiles, food, and petrochemistry, in the present work, electrocoagulation (EC) is applied for the first time to explore its feasibility in the treatment of wastewater with an initial COD of 424.29 mg/L from a Pb/Zn sulfide mineral flotation plant and its effect on water reuse. Typical parameters, such as anode materials, current density, initial pH, and additives, were characterized to evaluate the performance of the EC method. The results showed that, under optimal conditions, i.e., iron anode, pH 7.1, electrolysis time 70 min, 19.23 mA/cm2 current density, and 4.1 g/L activated carbon, the initial COD can be reduced to 72.9 mg/L, corresponding to a removal rate of 82.8%. In addition, compared with the untreated wastewater, EC-treated wastewater was found to benefit the recovery of galena and sphalerite, with galena recovery increasing from 25.01% to 36.06% and sphalerite recovery increasing from 59.99% to 65.33%. This study confirmed that EC is a promising method for the treatment and reuse of high-COD-containing wastewater in the mining industry, and it possesses great potential for wide industrial applications.
Towards an Assessment of the Ephemeral Gully Erosion Potential in Greece Using Google Earth
Authors: Karydas Christos , Panagos Panos
Published: February 2020

Gully erosion may cause considerable soil losses and produce large volumes of sediment. The aim of this study was to perform a preliminary assessment on the presence of ephemeral gullies in Greece by sampling representative cultivated fields in 100 sites randomly distributed throughout the country. The almost 30-ha sampling surfaces were examined with visual interpretation of multi-temporal imagery from the online Google Earth for the period 2002–2019. In parallel, rill and sheet erosion signs, land uses, and presence of terraces and other anti-erosion features, were recorded within every sample. One hundred fifty-three ephemeral gullies were identified in total, inside 22 examined agricultural surfaces. The mean length of the gullies was 55.6 m, with an average slope degree of 9.7%. Vineyards showed the largest proportion of gullies followed by olive groves and arable land, while pastures exhibited limited presence of gullies. Spatial clusters of high gully severity were observed in the north and east of the country. In 77% of the surfaces with gullies, there were no terraces, although most of these surfaces were situated in slopes higher than 8%. It was the first time to use visual interpretation with Google Earth image time-series on a country scale producing a gully erosion inventory. Soil conservation practices such as contour farming and terraces could mitigate the risk of gully erosion in agricultural areas.
Streamflow into Beijing and Its Response to Climate Change and Human Activities over the Period 1956–2016
Authors: Mu Xing , Wang Hao , Zhao Yong , Liu Huan , He Guohua , Li Jinming
Published: February 2020

Streamflow is likely affected by climate change and human activities. In this study, hydro-meteorological data from six rivers upstream of Beijing, namely, the Yongdinghe, Baihe, Heihe, Chaohe, Juhe, and Jumahe Rivers, were analyzed to quantify the spatial and temporal variability of streamflow and their responses to climate change and human activities over the period of 1956–2016. The Mann–Kendall test and moving t-test were used to detect trends and changing points of the annual streamflow. Results showed that the streamflow into Beijing experienced a statistically significant downward trend (p < 0.05), abruptly changing after the early 1980s, owing to climate and human effects. The climate elasticities of the streamflow showed that a 10% decrease in precipitation would result in a 24.5% decrease in total streamflow, whereas a 10% decrease in potential evapotranspiration would induce a 37.7% increase in total streamflow. Human activities accounted for 87% of the reduction in total streamflow, whereas 13% was attributed to climate change. Lastly, recommendations are provided for adaptive management of water resources at different spatial scales.
Water Security Assessment of Groundwater Quality in an Anthropized Rural Area from the Atlantic Forest Biome in Brazil
Authors: Vieira Igor Fellipe Batista , Rolim Neto Fernando Cartaxo , Carvalho Marilda Nascimento , Caldas Anildo Monteiro , Costa Renata Cristina Araújo , Silva Karolyne Santos da , Parahyba Roberto da Boa Viagem , Pacheco Fernando Antonio Leal , Fernandes Luís Filipe Sanches , Pissarra Teresa Cristina Tarlé
Published: February 2020

The exploitation of natural resources has grown mainly due to the high rate of population growth that changed over time around the planet. Water is one of the most needed resources essential for survival. Despite all the efforts made to improve water security, an environmental impact related to anthropogenic influence remains of great concern, which is the alteration of surface and groundwater quality. In many regions around the world, there is limited or no access to rural and urban water supply while there is a need to improve sanitation facilities. This work evaluated the spatial distribution of groundwater and surface water quality as well as their changes in wet and dry seasons of the tropical climate in the Atlantic Forest Biome. The study area is under anthropogenic influence, which is in the municipality of Igarassú, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The analysis of the raw water was based on Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater, as referenced in the Brazilian Ministry of Health Consolidation Ordinance that sets standards for drinking water. The temporal analyses indicated a variation on water quality from the wet to the dry seasons, whereas the spatial results revealed deviations from the Brazilian’s Water Supply Standards for some physicochemical parameters. There was an increase in the values of some parameters during the wet season in some hydrological compartments. The anthropized rural area from the Atlantic Forest Biome is affecting the water quality. It is, therefore, necessary to develop environmental policies and put them into practice by implementing engineering projects that guarantee proper treatment for raw water in order to bring the water quality back to a good status in this region.
Correction: Kemerink-Seyoum, J.S.; et al. Title Attention to Sociotechnical Tinkering with Irrigation Infrastructure as a Way to Rethink Water Governance. Water 2019, 11, 1670
Authors: Kemerink-Seyoum Jeltsje Sanne , Chitata Tavengwa , Domínguez Guzmán Carolina , Sanchez Luis Miguel Silva-Novoa , Zwarteveen Margreet Z.
Published: February 2020

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [...]
ANALISIS PENGARUH E-COMMERCE TERHADAP PENINGKATAN KINERJA UMKM (STUDI KASUS PADA UMKM DI KABUPATEN SUMBAWA)
Authors: Triandra Nanda , Hambali Denny , Nurasia  , Rosalina Nadhira
Published: February 2020

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk menganalisis pengaruh E-commerce terhadap peningkatan kinerja UMKM. Lokasi yang menjadi objek penelitian adalah UMKM yang memproduksi produk lokal di Kabupaten Sumbawa. Metode analisis yang digunakan yaitu kuantitatif deskriptif. Untuk mengetahui kinerja tersebut dilakukan observasi lapangan dengan menyebar kuisioner agar dapat mengetahui apakah E-commerce dapat meningkatkan kinerja UMKM di kabupaten sumbawa. Pengujian yang dilakukan, dibantu dengan program komputer SPSS 17.0. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa E-commerce berpengaruh positif dan tidak signifikan terhadap kinerja UMKM., akan tetapi keberadaan E-commerce menjadi salah satu alternatif pemasaran yang digunakan untuk bisa menjangkau lebih banyak pelanggan.