bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing spatiotemporal relationship between land use changes and groundwater quantity in Hamedan north plains (Iran)
Authors: Rafiemehr Hossein , Kozegar Kaleji Lotfali
Published: November 2023

Perceiving the spatiotemporal relationship of land use changes and groundwater resources is crucial for the effective and sustainable management of the plains. This study aims to investigate the relationship between land use changes and groundwater depth fluctuations in the forbidden plains of northern Hamedan. In the present study, the land use maps for 1989, 1997, 2005, 2013 and 2018 were extracted and categorized from Landsat satellite images and then evaluated for accuracy. In addition, groundwater depth distribution maps were prepared by kriging method for five years from piezometric data. The correlation and relationship between land use changes and groundwater depth fluctuations were determined by REGRESS methods. The findings from kriging method indicated that the intensity of groundwater decline during the last three periods of study (2005, 2013 and 2018) becomes more severe in the study area. Land use change trends indicate a sharp decline in the orchards, pasture lands, barren lands and a relative decline in the irrigated agricultural land, and consequently, increasing in non-irrigation and residential farmland. In addition, the average annual depth of groundwater level during the past 29 years decreased to 1.57 m and 0.87 m in the Kabudrahang and Razan Plains, respectively. The r value of REGRESS method during five study periods was the minimum 0.015 and maximum 0.15 in the Kabudrahang Plain and minimum 0.06 and maximum 0.15 in the Razan Plain, respectively. The results of the study indicated that climate changes cannot be considered as the reason for declining the groundwater in the study area. However, along with the relative impacts of land use changes, the role of managerial factors, the prominent example of which is the non-expert location of the Shahid Mofatteh Hydroelectric Power Station, which supplies underground water to cool the generators, should be considered. The present study can be effective in the management, planning, and policy of groundwater resources, land use location, and spatial planning in the areas facing severe water shortages, especially in the northern plains of Hamedan because this study indicates the importance of underground water in arid and semi-arid regions.
Effect of long-term fertilization of the permanent dry meadow on the zinc content in soil and meadow sward
Authors: Gabryszuk Mirosław , Barszczewski Jerzy , Kuźnicka Ewa , Sakowski Tomasz
Published: November 2023

The study took place between 2012 and 2014 in Falenty near Warsaw, Poland, as part of a long-term scientific experi-ment (first began in 1987) using the randomized block method. All blocks were irrigated until 2008. In 2009 each block was divided into two areas: irrigated and non-irrigated. The study involved four levels of inorganic nitrogen fertilizer and two levels of mixed inorganic and organic fertilizer in the form of fermented cattle urine. The soil in all experimental plots was characterized by low levels of zinc, ranging from 7.6 to 16.7 mg Zn∙kg–1 dry matter. Much lower Zn content in both soil layers of all irrigated plots was associated with increased yields on these plots, regardless of the level and form of ferti-lizer. The content of Zn in soil and sward in 2014 year was significantly lower compared in 2012. Inadequate levels of zinc for ruminant nutrition were observed in the sward from all plots (15.4–28.8 mg∙kg–1 dry matter). The higher content of zinc was found in sward harvested from the plot, which was not fertilized with phosphorus. The long-term inorganic and fer-mented urine fertilization resulted in very low zinc content in the soil and meadow sward.
Analysis of the surface water quality in the Szreniawa River catchment area
Authors: Kowalczyk Agnieszka W. , Kopacz Marek
Published: November 2023

The intensive agricultural use of the land affects both quantity and quality of river water in the catchment area. Such impact is visible also in the Szreniawa River catchment in the Małopolskie Voivodeship. The combination of intensive plowing and soil susceptibility to water erosion are the main causes of soil and nutrients depletion during the heavy rainfall. The aim of the study is to determine changes in the water quality in the Szreniawa River catchment compared to the agri-culture use and precipitation level. The quality of surface water has been analysed in the river catchment area in three sampling points. The concentration of the total suspended soils in the samples collected after heavy rainfall in August 2017 reached a value of 837 mg·dm–3. The average concentrations of N-NO3 in the years of 2016–2019 ranged from 0.16 to 13.46 mg·dm–3, with the highest val-ues in the summer (up to 13.46 mg·dm–3). The concentration of N-NH4 and P-PO4 in the Szreniawa water was affected by precipitation. The highest value of average concentration of N-NH4 3.00 mg·dm–3 was recorded in the autumn of 2019 in the middle section of the river. The highest value of P-PO4 0.90 mg·dm–3 was recorded in the autumn of 2019 mostly due to water erosion of the loess areas. Erosion has been caused by the short-term heavy rainfall. As a result, suspended solids, soluble and insoluble phosphorus compounds leaked to the river.
Evaluation of ecological and economic efficiency of investment in water management and land reclamation projects
Authors: Kovalenko Pyotr , Rokochinskiy Anatoliy , Volk Pavlo , Turcheniuk Vasyl , Frolenkova Nadia , Tykhenko Ruslan
Published: November 2023

The article is devoted to the actual scientific and practical problem of improving methodological and methodical ap-proaches to the evaluation of design solutions in the water management and land reclamation industry based on the ecolog-ical and economic principles in conditions of uncertainty. The current stage of the development of the water management sector in Ukraine is characterized by a combination of past negligence and the present energy, food and water crises, as well as global climate change. To solve these problems, it is necessary to reform organizational-economic relations in the industry, including new sources and forms of financing for water management and land reclamation projects, introduction of new environmentally advanced technologies, and the im-provement of the existing ecological and economic evaluation of investments. Based on scientific and methodological recommendations used for evaluating the effectiveness of investment in vari-ous spheres of economic activity, the authors developed and implemented an improved methodology for the evaluation of water management and land reclamation projects. It is based on methodological approaches that cover such elements as the variety of options, changes in the value of money over time, specific project implementation environment, including the impact of weather, climate and environmental factors on project performance, multilevel and gradual evaluation of a pro-ject against specific criteria and according to stages of the project cycle. The method was tested during the reconstruction of a rice irrigation system in the steppe zone of about 3000 ha in Ukraine. Economic results, namely the deterministic payback period and investment return index confirm that the proposed mechanism, unlike the traditional one, increases the economic and environmental feasibility of water management and land reclamation projects. Therefore, it stimulates investment in the land reclamation sector.
Soil erosion control in immature oil palm plantation
Authors: Satriawan Halus , Fuady Zahrul , Fitri Rini
Published: November 2023

The objectives of developing oil palm plantations should feasible economically and without causing massive erosion. This research proposes soil and water conservation strategies that are ideal and optimal for oil palm cultivation depending on land capability class. The conservation test for plants was performed according to land capability classes on a plot measuring 22 m × 4 m. Runoff and erosion rates were measured using Multislot Divisor Method. Nutrient leaching was analysed based on the content of C-organic (Ctot) (Walkley–Black method), total nitrogen (Ntot) (Kjeldahl method), P-available (Bray-1 method) and K2O (extraction with 1N NH4OAc at pH 7.0). From the results, land capability class III, cover crops (soybean) + manure (P3) treatment effectively reduced runoff and soil erosion (22.63 m3∙ha–1∙y–1 and 13.04 Mg∙ha–1∙y–1), as well as nutrient leaching, compared to other treatments. Furthermore, sediment trap + cover crop + manure (P3) controlled runoff, erosion and nutrient leaching on land capability class IV, producing the lowest runoff (129.40 m3∙ha–1∙y–1), soil erosion (11.39 Mg∙ha–1∙y–1), C-organic (1.3%), and P (1.95 mg kg–1). Soil conservation treatment significantly reduced erosion and runoff (p < 0.05) on land capability class VI. The bench terrace + cover plants + manure treatment-controlled runoff, erosion, and soil nutrient leaching.
Effect of magnetic fields and fertilizers on grass and onion growth on technogenic soils
Authors: Vasilyeva Maria , Kovshov Stanislav , Zambrano Johnny , Zhemchuzhnikov Maxim
Published: November 2023

The article deals with effect the use of organic (biohumus) and mineral (biochar) fertilizers based on the products of chicken vital activity on changing the fertility of technogenic sod-podzolic soils exposed to constant and unstable magnetic fields. The germination and growth dynamics of grasses and onions were investigated. The rational rate of introduction of the studied fertilizers into the technogenic soil is determined. Running (RMF) and direct (DMF) magnetic fields were applied in two ways: with fertilizers added and without fertilizers added. It has been established that the effect of preliminary magnetization of technogenic soil has a significant effect on lawn grass germination and the length of onion feathers, which are more than twice the height when exposed to the RMF, as compared with DMF. The effect of RMF on grass germination was also twice as high for DMF, when fertilizers were added. The DMF mag-netization and biohumus helps to increase the grass sprout height by 10–20%. Onion sprouts were higher in two cases: DMF and biohumus; RMF and biochar. The influence of the factor of fertilizer type has a significant effect in 30–40% of cases, whilst at a spread rate of more than 5%, significant chemical activity of biochar negatively affects the germination of both grass and onion.
Prospects for the use of microwave energy in grain crop seeding
Authors: Kipriyanov Fedor A. , Savinykh Petr A. , Isupov Alexey Yu. , Plotnikova Yulia A. , Medvedeva Natalia A. , Belozerova Svetlana V.
Published: November 2023

This study looks at determining the main trends in the application of microwaves on plants in agricultural production in the processing of grain material, it provides examples of their effectiveness and an overview of the use of microwaves on plants available on the Russian market. Additionally, the research studied the experience and developments of leading scien-tists in the field of microwave radiation. Analysis of the available sources provided information on the positive effect of microwave radiation in the processing of crops. The use of microwaves on plants during drying destroys pathogens and bacteria, in particular, microwave processing of red lentils reduces grey mould damage by up to 30%. Positive results are also noted in the microwave processing of other crops, providing an increase in germination capacity of up to 7% and yield growth of up to 6%. The microwave plant market in Russia is represented mainly by dryers, and the use of microwaves on plants combining several functions of drying, disinfection, and pre-sowing stimulation.
Spatial and temporal assessment of surface water quality using water quality index. The Saguling Reservoir, Indonesia
Authors: Marselina Mariana , Sabar Anwar , Fahimah Nurul
Published: November 2023

Developments in agriculture, industry, and urban life have caused the deterioration of water resources, such as rivers and reservoirs in terms of their quality and quantity. This includes the Saguling Reservoir located in the Citarum Basin, Indonesia. A review of previous studies reveals that the water quality index ( WQI) is efficient for the identification of pollution sources, as well as for the understanding of temporal and spatial variations in reservoir water quality. The NSFWQI (The National Sanitation Foundation water quality index) is one of WQI calculation methods. The NSFWQI is commonly used as an indi-cator of surface water quality. It is based on nitrate, phosphate, turbidity, temperature, faecal coliform, pH, DO, TDS, and BOD. The average NSFWQI has been 48.42 during a dry year, 43.97 during a normal year, and 45.82 during a wet year. The WQI helped to classify water quality in the Saguling Reservoir as “bad”. This study reveals that the strongest and most significant correlation between the parameter concentration and the WQI is the turbidity concentration, for which the coeffi-cient correlation is 0.821 in a dry year, and faecal coli, for which the coefficient correlation is 0.729 in a dry year. Both parameters can be used to calculate the WQI. The research also included a nitrate concentration distribution analysis around the Saguling Reservoir using the Inverse Distance Weighted method.
Development of biogas and biorafinery systems in Polish rural communities
Authors: Wałowski Grzegorz
Published: November 2023

The article reviews selected systems and technological variants of biogas production. Biogas installations and methods of biogas production were characterized in terms of control and measurement. The required technical and technological criteria for biogas production and treatment were indicated. The conditions of biorefining in the context of the generation of new products were analysed. Based on the amount of manure produced in pig production, the potential of biogas production in Poland was indicated based on the visualization of the biogas production potential by poviats in Poland. The substrate in the form of slurry, manure and other agricultural waste for the production of agricultural biogas in Poland was analysed quantitatively. The economic aspects in the agricultural biogas plant sector were revealed, indicating the operation of the economies of scale for this industry sector. An example of a pilot biogas production for anaerobic digestion using pig slurry is presented. The paper presents pre-liminary results of experimental studies on the course of changes in the biogas volume flow for the average daily production of agricultural biogas and the qualitative composition of agricultural biogas produced from pig slurry. The results of the measurements show a clear influence of the hydrodynamic mixing system of the substrate for the evaluation of the biogas flow through the adhesive bed in the context of agricultural biogas production in the range (1–14) m3 d–1.
Hydrochemical characteristics and water quality assessment of Lake Dayet Erroumi - Khemisset, Morocco
Authors: El Qryefy Mohamed , Ouardi Jamila , Najy Mohamed , Belghyti Driss , El Kharrim Khadija
Published: November 2023

The objective of this paper is to study the hydrochemical characteristics of Lake Dayet Erroumi (Khemisset, Morocco). Three sampling campaigns were carried out in April, July and November 2019. The temperature, pH and electrical conduct-ivity were measured in situ using Hanna Instruments HI 98280. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, carbonate, bicar-bonate and chloride were analysed by the volumetric method. The atomic absorption technique was used to determine sodium, potassium, nitrate and sulphate. The physico-chemical analysis of the water indicates that the pH is basic. The nitrate and sulphate concentrations show that the water is of good quality according to Moroccan surface water guidelines. Furthermore, the hydrochemical facies of water is of the sodium-chloride type according to the Piper diagram. The value of the electrical conductivity indicates that the lake water has high salinity. The high mineralization of water is explained by the leaching from evaporitic rocks in the region. The principal component analysis shows that the spatial and temporal variation in salinity constitutes the major phenomenon of the hydrochemical characteristics of this lake. Salinity varies inversely with the pH value. The salinity of the water is controlled by abiotic factors (rain and evaporation). However, other parameters (pH, nitrate, carbonate and bicarbonate) depend on biotic factors. Evaporation plays a crucial role in the seasonal variation of the water chemical composition. During wet seasons, the mineralization of water decreases due to dilution by rainwater and the water level of the lake rises (high water period). During dry seasons, lake water evaporates and consequently the mineralization of the water increases, which explains the increase in salinity during the low water period.
Community enhancement of the environmental quality of riverbank settlements: A case study of Tridi Kampong, Indonesia
Authors: Wahyuni Ida A.M. , Weni I M. , Hariyanto Tommy , Sedyowati Laksni
Published: November 2023

Resettlement programmes in riverbank areas remain an alternative solution to overcoming the problems of urban flood-ing, the addressing of which can also lead to reducing slums. Such programmes have many weaknesses, but even so, several countries continue to implement them. This paper will elaborate: 1) an understanding that reductions in flood risk and en-hancements to environmental quality along riverbanks can be realised, without the need for resettlement, as a result of co- operation between local communities, governments and businesses; 2) the socio-economic benefits of improving the riverbank environment in Tridi Kampong, Malang City, Indonesia. This study employed qualitative and quantitative methods. The results of quantitative analysis and of interviews and direct observation indicate that collective action by the community has the greatest influence on the construction of that community’s commitment to improving the environment. Environmental improvements have resulted in significant socio-economic benefits by making the kampong a domestic and international tourism destination and drawing increased numbers of visitors to the region.
Hydraulic gradient prediction for solid-water mixture flow through horizontal pipelines of different diameters and roughness and solids concentrations
Authors: Osra Faisal A.
Published: November 2023

In wastewater treatment plants, large pumps are often used to accommodate unknown hydraulic properties of solid-water mixture flow. The use of large pumps translates into higher purchasing and operating costs. Wastewater mixture is pumped with solids of different types and concentrations through pipelines. The design of these ducts is mainly based on the hydraulic laws of solid-water mixture which is represented by a corrected friction coefficient corresponding to the concentration of solids in water. This paper experimentally studies hydraulic properties of solid-water mixtures in pipelines by the varying Froude number (Fr), which represents the velocity mixture, solid concentration, pipeline diameter and pipeline material type-roughness coefficient. The experiments have been conducted in the wastewater treatment plant where six solid concentrations can be found ranging from 2 to 12% by weight. The pipe diameter ranges between 100 to 300 mm. It has been found that both the friction coefficient and the hydraulic gradient ameliorate with the increase of the pipeline roughness and the solids concentration in the water mixture, whereas the Fr drop with the diameter of the pipeline. The results are translated into curves and equations to predict the corrected pipeline friction coefficient and the hydraulic gradient of the solid-water mixture flow through horizontal pipelines at various solids concentrations, roughness and diameters.
Effect of temperature in removing of anions in solution on biochar using Zea mays stalks as a precursor
Authors: Villabona-Ortiz Ángel , Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Ortega-Toro Rodrigo
Published: November 2023

Biochar was prepared from corn ( Zea mays) stalks and impregnated with sulfuric acid. The biomass was impregnated for 24 h with a 50% solution of H2SO4 with impregnation ratios 1:2 (B 1:2) and 1:3 p/v (B 1:3); then, it was carbonized in a muffle furnace at 520°C for 30 min with a 10°C per min ramp. The adsorption capacity to remove anions (nitrate, sulfate, and phosphate) in an aqueous solution was evaluated by varying the temperature. The adsorption mechanism was studied by determining the thermodynamic parameters: Gibbs free energy (ΔGº), enthalpy (ΔHº) and entropy (ΔSº) standard. The biochars were characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) analysis and were found to exhibit a heterogeneous surface and porous nature, with C, O, S, and Si. The experiments in the batch system showed the best performance of B 1: 2 in the removal of the three anions occurred at 303 K, while B 1: 3 had the best performance at 298 K. From the thermodynamic parameters, it was found that the removal processes are endothermic, their mechanism is by chemisorption. It is concluded that synthesized biochar is an excellent alternative to removing nutrient anions present in the solution.
Cultivation of Chlorella sp. for biodiesel production using two farming wastewaters in eastern Colombia
Authors: Urbina-Suarez Nestor Andres , Barajas-Solano Andres Fernando , Garcia-Martinez Janet Bibiana , Lopez-Barrera German Luciano , Gonzalez-Delgado Angel Dario
Published: November 2023

The production of biofuels using wastewater as a microalgae culture medium is a little explored technology, but with potential for success. In order to contribute to the knowledge of these technologies and their technical feasibility for microalgae growth, in this work the Chlorella sp. strain was cultivated in two types of effluents generated in an experimental farm located in eastern Colombia, before and after a biological treatment process. The consumption of the main nutrients that regulate growth and lipid production was evaluated, in order to extract, quantify, characterize and convert them into biodiesel. The results showed that Chlorella sp. growth and lipid production is more favourable in R2 medium of treated water than in R1 medium of raw water, mainly due to phosphorus limitation and higher N-NO3 concentration in R2 compared to R1. In the R2 medium culture, a percentage of 42.54% of long-chain fatty acids was found, which is necessary to obtain a high quality biodiesel. Finally, the best transesterification experiment allowed reaching a fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) percentage of 90.1 ± 2.7%. In general, the results demonstrated the potential viability of using the wastewater generated in the San Pablo farm to produce biomass with lipid content to obtain biodiesel, finding that where the concentration of nutrients, mainly nitrogen, has a great influence on the microalgal metabolism for lipid accumulation.
Estimation of standard duration maximum rainfall by using regression models
Authors: Yerdelen Cahit , Asikoglu Ömer Levend , Abdelkader Mohamed , Eris Ebru
Published: November 2023

Gauging stations of meteorological networks generally record rainfall on a daily basis. However, sub-daily rainfall observations are required for modelling flood control structures, or urban drainage systems. In this respect, determination of temporal distribution of daily rainfall, and estimation of standard duration of rainfall are significant in hydrological studies. Although sub-daily rainfall gauges are present at meteorological networks, especially in the developing countries, their number is very low compared to the gauges that record daily rainfall. This study aims at developing a method for estimating temporal distribution of maximum daily rainfall, and hence for generating maximum rainfall envelope curves. For this purpose, the standard duration of rainfall was examined. Among various regression methods, it was determined that the temporal distribution of 24-hour rainfall successfully fits the logarithmic model. The logarithmic model’s regression coefficients (named a and b) were then linked to the geographic and meteorological characteristics of the gauging stations. The developed model was applied to 47 stations located at two distinct geographical regions: the Marmara Sea Region and Eastern Black Sea Region, Turkey. Various statistical criteria were used to test the method's accuracy, and the proposed model provided successful results. For instance, the RMSE values of the regression coefficients a and b in Marmara Regions are 0.004 and 0.027. On the other hand, RMSE values are 0.007 and 0.02 for Eastern Black Sea Region.
Sustainable operation of surface-groundwater conjunctive use systems in the agricultural sector
Authors: Chen Tzu-Chia , Hsieh Tsung-Shun , Shichiyakh Rustem A.
Published: November 2023

Several conjunctive use approaches can be distinguished. Drought cycling of groundwater (GW) usage and storage relies on more surface water (SW) during wetter years and delivers more water from GW during drought years. This method has the benefit of temporal changes in water availability. Additionally, it is usually desirable in areas with internal variability of SW where surface storage of wet-year surpluses is uneconomical, suffer excessive evaporative losses, or cause unacceptable environmental disruption. In previous studies, the purpose of operating the drought cycling was to reduce operating costs. In these studies, the objective function of the proposed model was to minimise the present value cost derived from the system design and operation to satisfy a predefined demand during a finite planning and operation horizon. However, it is important to consider other objectives in operating water resources systems, including minimising water shortages accurately. Hence, in this study, two scenarios were focused on: 1) mi-nimising water shortagages, 2) minimising operational costs. Pareto solutions are then presented with the objectives of minimising costs and water deficit. In this study, the weighting method has been used to extract Pareto options. The results show that reducing costs from 234 to 100 mln USD will increase water shortage from 9.3 to 11.3 mln m3.
Forest cover change detection in relation to climate variability and LULC changes using GIS and RS techniques. A case of the Kafa zone, southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Lemma Dejene Beyene , Gebretsadik Kinde Teshome , Debela Seifu Kebede
Published: November 2023

Ethiopia has lost sizable forest resources due to rapid population growth and subsequent increase in the demand for agricultural land and fuel woods. In this study, GIS and remote sensing techniques were used to detect forest cover changes in relation to climate variability in the Kafa zone, southwest Ethiopia. Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) images of 1986 and 1990, Enhanced Thematic Mapper plus (ETM+) image of 2010 and Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI-8) image of 2018 were acquired at a resolution of 30 m to investigate spatial-temporal forest cover and land use changes. A supervised image classification was made using a maximum likelihood method in ERDAS imagine V9.2 to identify the various land use and land cover classes. Both spectral (normalised difference vegetation index – NDVI) and post classification change detection methods were used to determine the forest cover changes. To examine the extent and rate of forest cover changes, post classification comparisons were made using ArcGIS V 10.4.1. A net forest cover change of 1168.65 ha (12%) was detected during the study period from 1986 to 2018. The drop in the NDVI from 0.06–0.64 in 1986 to (–0.08)–0.12 in 2018 indicated a marked forest cover change in the study area. The correlation of NDVI values with climate data indicated the forest was not in a stable condition. The declining of the forest cover was most likely caused by climate variability in the study area.
Improving irrigation system management; A case study: Bahr Sanhoor Canal, Fayoum, Egypt
Authors: Ibrahim Amir Sabry
Published: November 2023

Realising the need for improving irrigation system management, the Bahr Sanhoor Canal (BSC) was selected as a case study, and the effect of covering a reach with a concrete box culvert where the irrigation canal passes through a crowded rural area on the efficiency of the canal system was examined. The field inspection of the canal system revealed multiple problems. Two alternatives for improving irrigation management were introduced. A local alternative was offered by applying a suitable numerical model to enhance the efficiency of the current status of the canal system, the water level upstream of the covered part reached 13.54 m, this solution will lower the water levels by approximately 2 m, which is below the bank levels at an affordable cost. Additionally, it will help to avoid the risk of inundating the adjacent residential area. A sustainable and environmental alternative was considered to offer a new path in which the covered reach passed outside the residential area. This alternative is permanent and sustainable. Although the proposed second path to the right of the residential area is the long-term recommendation and is sustainable, any path of flow to either the left or right of the BSC will be associated with initial high costs. The two proposed alternatives may help decision makers improve the performance of irrigation systems.
Delineating suitable site for settlement in potential earthquake vulnerable areas using spatial multi-criteria decision analysis in the Sukabumi regency, Indonesia
Authors: Ambarwulan Wiwin , Nahib Irmadi , Widiatmaka Widiatmaka , Dewi Ratna Sari , Munajati Sri Lestari , Suwarno Yatin , Sutrisno Dewayany , Suprajaka Suprajaka
Published: November 2023

Land suitability assessment is an important stage in land use planning that guides the direction of optimal land use. The objective of this study was to select a suitable location for settlements in earthquake-prone areas using the integration of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographical Information System (GIS). In total, six maps were considered to determine a suitable location for settlements, namely topography, soil, geology, land cover/land use, a regional spatial planning pattern map, and an earthquake vulnerability map. The results showed that in medium earthquake-prone areas, the suitable land area which are available for settlement was 90.25 km2 (46.36% of the total land area available – 194.68 km2). Whereas in highly earthquake-prone areas, the suitable and available land area was 528.11 km2 (70.25% of the total land area in the high vulnerability zone – 751.81 km2). The research proved that AHP and GIS integration is very effective and robust for mapping land suitability in earthquake-prone areas. The results of the analysis can be used by planners to prioritize settlement development in the Sukabumi regency. The methodology developed is recommended to be applied in selecting locations for settlements in other parts of Indonesia.
Preliminary assessment of the impact of soil microorganisms on greenhouse gas emissions expressed in CO 2 equivalent and grass biomass
Authors: Gamrat Renata , Gałczyńska Małgorzata , Brysiewicz Adam
Published: November 2023

The pot experiment was conducted to access the soil microorganisms biomass (physiological method – Substrate Induced Respiration) and emissions of N2O, CO2 and CH4 (photoacoustic infrared detection method), and grasses biomass (weight method). The obtained results of analysed gases were converted to CO2 equivalent. There was no effect of the microorganisms biomass on the N2O emissions. The increase in CO2 emissions was accompanied by an increase in the microorganisms biomass (r = 0.48) under the conditions of the I swath and acid soil reaction, as well as the II swath and neutral reaction ( r = 0.94). On the other hand, in the case of CH4 emission, such a relationship was noted both swaths under the conditions of neutral reaction ( r = 0.51), but a negative correlation ( r = –0.71) was noted for the acid reaction only at the II swath. The increase in the grasses biomass with the increase in the microorganisms biomass was recorded only at the II swath in neutral reaction ( r = 0.91). In a short period of time, with the neutral soil reaction with the increase in the soil microorganisms biomass, an increase in CO2 sequestration and biomass of cultivated grasses was noted. Information on the determination of the microorganisms groups responsible mainly for the transformation of carbon compounds and CO2 and CH4 emissions from the soils of grasslands would be valuable scientifically.
Predictive modelling of a rapid stratified bed filter for turbidity removal from surface water
Authors: Tejada-Tovar Candelaria N. , Villabona-Ortíz Ángel , López-Barbosa David
Published: November 2023

The objective of the present work was to evaluate the hydrodynamic behaviour of a stratified bed filtration column consisting of 4 cm of sand and 2 cm of limestone to remove turbidity and measuring the head loss through the filter in several runs. In this study, two types of sand were used as filtering bed material, one fine and one medium. Crushed limestone was also available. These materials were characterized to determine the average particle diameter, porosity, and permeability coefficient. These were respectively 1.7∙10 –4 m, 336.96 and 0.68 m∙day –1 for fine sand, 3.3∙10 –4 m, 654.24 and 2.59 m∙day –1 for the medium sand and 1.26∙10–3 m, 388.8 and 8.64 m∙day–1 for crushed limestone. Using these materials, hydrodynamic analyses were carried out using clean water under rapid filtration conditions. In these analyses, different filtration rates were determined to be used in each experiment. Once the filtration rates were determined, the filtration analysis was performed with synthetic turbid water prepared at 8 NTU using tap water and bentonite. From the results obtained, a predictive model was developed based on total head losses for the evaluated filter, maintaining the rapid filtration condition. As a result, a turbidity removal efficiency of 97.7% was obtained with a total head loss of 17.8 cm at a filtration rate of 153 m·day –1. The developed model predicted head loss as a function of operating time, filtration rate, and filter depth to maximise turbidity removal. The model showed excellent prediction accuracy with R2 of 0.9999, which indicates that the model predictions are not biased. It was concluded that, due to the porosity of these materials, a stratified bed of sedimentary rocks has a great potential to be used in surface water filtration processes, which implies that it could be used at the rural community level as a form of water treatment, since the
Spatio-temporal assessment of drought in the semi-arid region of Algerian steppe through index and remote sensing
Authors: Bouarfa Said , Farhi Yassine , Youb Okkacha , Boultf Meriem , Djoudi Warda , Faci Mohammed
Published: November 2023

The scarcity of annual rainfall, which sometimes spreads over successive years, causes persistent droughts. In order to study the drought severity on the Algerian steppe, we analysed precipitation data (1985–2015) from the weather stations of Ain Sefra, El Bayadh, Tiaret and Djelfa, using drought meteorological indices: the mean deviation, the standardised precipitation index, the rainfall index and the frequency analysis of the rainfall series. Thus, we adopted the diachronic study by satellite remote sensing for the years 2002 (the driest year) and 2009 (the wettest year), which allowed us to better understand the evolution of the steppe rangelands surface and to better interpret their spatial-temporal changes. Drought, as determined by the mean deviation index, occurred during two periods (in sequence and corresponds to 55% the sequences of deficit years), one over 12 years (from 1994/1993 to 2006/2005) and the other over 5 years (1985–1990) and with isolated years. The results of the diachronic study of the vegetation change demonstrate the obvious divergence of the vegetation cover between 2002 and 2009. Drought has impacts on vegetation composition, growth, productivity, structure and functioning of ecosystems, which limits regeneration of vegetation cover.
Development of a neural statistical model for the prediction of relative humidity levels in the region of Rabat-Kenitra, North West Morocco
Authors: El Azhari Kaoutar , Abdallaoui Badreddine , Dehbi Ali , Abdalloui Abdelaziz , Zineddine Hamid
Published: November 2023

This article accounts for the development of a powerful artificial neural network (ANN) model, designed for the prediction of relative humidity levels, using other meteorological parameters such as the maximum temperature, minimum temperature, precipitation, wind speed, and intensity of solar radiation in the Rabat-Kenitra region (a coastal area where relative humidity is a real concern). The model was applied to a database containing a daily history of five meteorological parameters collected by nine stations covering this region from 1979 to mid-2014. It has been demonstrated that the best performing three-layer (input, hidden, and output) ANN mathematical model for the prediction of relative humidity in this region is the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) model. This neural model using the Levenberg–Marquard algorithm, with an architecture of [5-11-1] and the transfer functions Tansig in the hidden layer and Purelin in the output layer, was able to estimate relative humidity values that were very close to those observed. This was affirmed by a low mean squared error ( MSE) and a high correlation coefficient ( R), compared to the statistical indicators relating to the other models developed as part of this study.
Microorganisms’ communities from ballast water transferred into the Odra River estuary
Authors: Zatoń-Sieczka Kinga , Błaszak Magdalena , Buśko Marta , Czerniejewski Przemysław
Published: November 2023

Ballast water is a significant vector for the transport and introduction of aquatic organisms, microorganisms and chemical pollutants which impacts on ecosystems worldwide. In the study, ballast water from short- and long- range vessels with treatment systems was microbiologically evaluated in spring (April 20th) and summer (July 19th) and compared with waters of the main Police Seaport in the Odra River Estuary, southern Baltic Sea. All collected samples were evaluated for their physicochemical properties by standard methods. The number of individual groups of microorganisms was determined using the indirect culture method, according to the technique of inoculation of serial dilutions of samples of the examined waters. The results showed differences in the microorganisms in analysed samples. The phylogenetic analysis of bacteria recorded from the ballast water of short-range ships in spring showed the presence of six species of the genus Bordetella, while in summer four species of the genus Clostridium. In the ballast water of long-range ships, proteolytic bacteria pre-dominated in spring and halophilic bacteria in summer. In the summer period, eight species of bacteria were recorded, of which six belonged to the genus Clostridium. The ballast water treatment processes used on ships influence the composition of bacterial communities through selective recolonisation of water, which may transform bacterial functions as an important element of the marine food web. On the other hand, the presence of pathogenic bacterial species in the tested samples indicates improvement necessity of ballast water treatment systems used on vessels.
The content and stock of organic carbon in the soils of grasslands in Poland and the possibility of increasing its sequestration
Authors: Pietrzak Stefan , Hołaj-Krzak Jakub T.
Published: November 2023

The aim of the study was to recognise the accumulation of organic carbon (SOC) in the soils of Polish grasslands (GL) and to consider the possibility of increasing its sequestration in these soils. The Tiurin method (mineral soils) and the mass loss method (soil of organic origin) were used. It was found that: (i) the average SOC content of mineral soils is 2.44% and of organic soils – 10.42%; (ii) according to the Polish criteria, approximately 84% of GL mineral soils are classified as classes with high and very high SOC content, and over 15% and 1% – in classes with medium and low SOC content, respectively; more than 99% of organic soils belong to two classes with the highest SOC content and less than 1% to the class with an average content; (iii) according to the European Soil Bureau, the share of GL mineral soils with a high SOC content is slightly over 4%, medium – slightly over 47%, and low and very low – around 50%; for organic soils they are 67, 29, and 4%, respectively; (iv) the reserves of organic carbon in the 0–30 cm layer on the entire surface of GL soils amount to 412.7 Tg of SOC. There is considerable scope for increasing the SOC stock in meadow-pasture soils.
Agronomic evaluation of irrigation water on the Southern Buh and Kamianska irrigation systems
Authors: Chornyy Sergiy , Isaiva Vera
Published: November 2023

The aim of the research was to study the temporal and spatial dynamics of a set of agronomic criteria for irrigation water in the process of transporting it from the Southern Buh River intake site to the lands of the Southern Buh and Kamianska irrigation systems situated in southern Ukraine. Six stationary research sites for monitoring the quality of irrigation water were established along the route of irrigation water transportation. Determination of agronomic criteria for irrigation water quality was carried out in two terms: at the beginning of the irrigation season, in May, and at the end, in September. The content of cations of sodium, magnesium, calcium, and anions of chlorine, sulphates, carbonates, and bicarbonates was determined. In the field, the pH and electrical conductivity of water, the total salt content, and the total amount of dissolved solids were determined. It is determined that waters have an average level of danger from the point of view of salinisation of soils. This fact leads to a decrease in yield of sensitive to salinity crops (corn, alfalfa and most vegetables). The high content of sodium cations along with the low content of calcium and magnesium cations indicates the danger of degradation of the physical properties of the southern chernozems and the need to use the meliorants containing calcium. There is a high probability of toxic effects on crops caused by sodium cations. At the same time, it is stated that there is no negative effect of chlorine anions on plants.
The efficiency of waste hot water utilisation to improve the temperature conditions for growing plants
Authors: Turcheniuk Vasil , Rokochinskiy Anatoliy , Kuzmych Lyudmyla , Volk Pavlo , Koptyuk Roman , Romanyuk Ivan , Voropay Galyna
Published: November 2023

One of the rational ways of energy saving is to use the heat of wastewater from energy companies for open ground heating and cultivation crops. The most significant sources of heat are thermal and nuclear power plants that produce low-thermal waters of 28–35°C. Heating of the ground with the use of circulating warm water allows to increase temperature at all points of the soil profile. The maximum thermal effect from heating ground is observed at the depth of pipe heaters (7.3– 11.1°C). Ground heating allows to extend the growing season for crops by 3–4 weeks, which can expedite harvesting and thus maximise the harvest. In natural moisture conditions, ground heating does not lead to significant reduction of moisture reserves in the active layer throughout the growing period. There is a redistribution of moisture in a soil profile. It decreases in the zone of pipe heaters and redistributes toward the top. The formation of the nutrient regime changes, the content of mobile phosphorus and potassium, and nitrate nitrogen increases, whereas the content of ammonia nitrogen is reduced. Ground heating is a new special heat reclamation technique. It allows not only to control temperature of the agricultural crop environment, but also to dissipate heat in the ground, and promote the utilisation of waste heat and the stabilisation of the environment.
Review of impacts of climate changes on the urban water security of Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Shah Attaullah , Karim Rehmat , Ali Karamat
Published: November 2023

The global warming and subsequent climate change has seriously threatened the glaciers of the Hindukush Karakoram Himalaya (HKH) region. These glaciers provide water to more than 60% people of the 11 countries, including Pakistan. The capital city of Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented urbanisation, population increase, development of new townships and associated economic activities. These challenges, together with climate change, have created severe pressure on the water resources of the city. In this mixed mode research, including questionnaire survey of 20 questions was distributed among the residents of the city online through Google Form. The questions were related to the expected impact of climate change on the availability of water, measures for conservation of water etc. About 205 residents from various parts of the city with different demographic backgrounds responded. This was followed by Focus Group Discussions (FDGs) of the experts and the major challenges to the urban water security of Islamabad with special reference to climate change have been assessed. The research has revealed that the water resources of the city are highly unsustainable. The residents have high concerns about the availability and quality of water. The results have shown that there is a number of governance issues in water distribution systems of the city. There are no organized water conservation strategies employed by City Government. The lack of institutional and policy framework has further complicated the situation. Residents seem willing for metering of water for its conservation. Recommendations have been made to municipal authorities for rational water resource management of the city.
Exogenous regulation of the potatoes’ adaptive potential when using bio stimulants
Authors: Shitikova Aleksandra V. , Abiala Adewale A. , Tevchenkov Alexander A. , Bazhenova Svetlana S. , Lazarev Nikolay N. , Kurenkova Evgeniya M.
Published: November 2023

Potato from the Solanaceae family is one of the most important crops in the world and its cultivation is common in many places. The average yield of this crop is 20 Mg·ha –1 and it is compatible with climatic conditions in many parts of the world. The experiment studied the possibility of exogenous regulation of the adaptive potential available for four potato cultivars through the use of growth stimulants with different action mechanisms: 24-epibrassinolide (EBL) and chitosan biopolymer (CHT). The results allowed us to establish significant differences in growth parameters, plant height, leaf index, vegetation index, chlorophyll content, and yield structure. Monitoring growth and predicting yields well before harvest are essential to effectively managing potato productivity. Studies have confirmed the empirical relationship between the normalised difference vegetation index ( NDVI) and N-tester vegetation index data at various stages of potato growth with yield data. Statistical linear regression models were used to develop an empirical relationship between the NDVI and N-tester data and yield at different stages of crop growth. The equations have a maximum determination coefficient (R 2) of 0.63 for the N-tester and 0.74 for the NDVI during the flowering phase (BBCH 1 65). NDVI and N-tester vegetation index positively correlated with yield data at all growth stages.