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GeoScience Engineering
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This is an Open Access Journal

Open Access journal
ISSN (Online) 1802-5420
Published by VSB-Technical University of Ostrava

[2 journals]

Impact of Releases from the Kef Eddir Dam on the Recharge of the Oued
Damous Aquifer
- Authors: Ouassila HALLOUCHE, Samra KADIR, Rabah BERKANE, Mohamed BOUKLACHI
  Pages: 1–10 - 1–10
  Abstract: Artificial recharge is a good way to mobilize water in aquifers and recharge groundwater. Dam release is one of the techniques used for groundwater recharge. The periodic releases programmed by the Kef Eddir dam make it possible to recharge the Damous wadi aquifer located in the coastal wilaya of Tipaza in Algeria, whose overexploitation lowers the level of its water and causes a marine intrusion that pollutes it. In this work, to estimate the impact of these releases on aquifer recharge, we followed the releases of March 2020 and May 2021. The piezometric levels of groundwater were measured before the releases, during flow caused by them, and after them. These measures concern 13 wells located along the Damous wadi watercourse for the first year and 18 wells for the second year. These two years have seven wells in common. It allowed us to compare piezometric levels and recharges between 2020 and 2021. In the absence of releases on our return in May and June 2022, we measured the depth of water presence and took samples from 6 wells to measure the water conductivity. These measurements allow us to evaluate the piezometry of the water table over these three years, and the conductivity will indicate the degree of salinity of its water. Keywords: Artificial recharge; Kef Eddir dam; Oued Damous aquifer; Piezometric level; Releases.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0084
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Non-Invasive Geophysical Investigation of Failure Along a Section of
Ago-Iwoye Market Road, Ago-Iwoye, Southwestern Nigeria
- Authors: Ganiyu Omotola MOSURO, Oluwaseyi John DADA, Olateju Olatunji BAYEWU, Moroof Olasunbo OLORUNTOLA, Oluwadamilare Oluwatobiloba ODUGBESAN
  Pages: 11–2 - 11–2
  Abstract: A detailed geophysical investigation was carried out to determine if the subsurface geology is responsible for the failures along this road section. This study aims to image and identify competent, moderately competent, and incompetent zones of the subsurface soil and thus to find out if geology is responsible for the failure along this section of the road. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) using the Wenner array 2D Imaging, and Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) using the Schlumberger array were adopted for this survey. The geoelectric section from the VES revealed the presence of 3 lithological layers; topsoil, weathered layer (clay, sandy clay, clayey sand), and basement, which is also true for the electrical resistivity images revealed by the 2D electrical resistivity imaging. The results showed that the shallow subsurface beneath the road section is mostly underlain with clay that is geotechnically incompetent and not suitable for construction. The causes of road failure are believed to be the result of the incompetent clayey topsoil and the weathered layer seen in the profiles, which expand when absorbing water and shrink when drying, thus causing instability beneath the pavement due to the low shear strength and high compressibility, and also due to fractured basement rocks at shallow depths. Keywords: Basement; Clay; Resistivity; Road failure, Subsurface; Topsoil.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0085
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Control Methods of Invasive Plant Species and the Influence of Cultural
Vegetation on the Microclimate within the Central Wastewater Treatment
Plant in Ostrava – Pilot Results
- Authors: Andrea KUBACZKOVÁ, Marie PASTRŇÁKOVÁ, Michal KAČMAŘÍK, Barbara STALMACHOVÁ, Lucie SYROVÁ, Barbora TURČOVÁ
  Pages: 21–3 - 21–3
  Abstract: This study is a pilot document focusing on two subjects. The first one concerns control methods of invasive plant species in the floodplain of the river Odra, specifically on wooded wetlands with pools. The second presents the influence of cultural vegetation on the microclimate within the Central Wastewater Treatment Plant in Ostrava (CWWTP). The problem is the spread of invasive plant species, especially the Canadian goldenrod (Solidago canadensis) and the Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), which are expanding in the area to such an extent that they create monodominant invasive vegetation. Various methods of controlling invasive species were gradually tested in defined areas in the forested wetland. Both mechanical and chemical methods were used, as well as their combinations, to find out the most effective one. The process includes partial works, such as the selection of areas, the determination of diversity by using phytosociology, the subsequent application of selected interventions, and the monitoring of given invasive plants with growing accompanying species. This research is time-consuming; therefore, longer application, in terms of years, is assumed, which should lead to much more relevant results. The CWWTP area acts as a heated island, where surfaces are regularly overheated, negatively affecting the biota and the working environment. One of the working results will be the design of suitable vegetation composition, effectively reducing extreme surface temperatures, especially in summer. The determination of diversity is linked to this since any vegetation of different diversity can contribute to a favourable microclimate. An area inventory of tree and shrub vegetation and a phytosociological analysis of selected areas are used to evaluate diversity. These surveys were carried out in the wetland ecosystem and the CWWTP area. Another important step is the measurement of surface temperatures of cultural vegetation and built-up areas in the area of the CWWTP, which was carried out by remote sensing. Later, it will be possible to assess which of the existing biotopes contributes more and which less to the cooling function of the urban heat island and, at the same time, how to care for this vegetation so that it fulfills its role. In the article, we present the results of the pilot survey. For the control of the invasive species Impatiens glandulifera and Solidago canadensis, three control methods were chosen: mechanical (mowing), chemical (herbicide with the active ingredients of triclopyr and fluroxypyr (A.), and herbicide with pelargonic acid (B.)), and combined (A. + mowing, mowing + B.). The initial reactions of these plants to the interventions were visible after about 20–30 days. It was most pronounced in the area with the dead-end river branch with the combination of A. + mowing, where Impatiens glandulifera occurred, and then in the forest area with the occurrence of Solidago canadensis with the application of herbicide A. When measuring the surface temperatures of the cultural vegetation and built-up areas in the CWWTP area as a heat island, approximate temperatures were recorded: on average, the cultural vegetation ranged from 26.43 to 34.45 °C, the average temperature of the built-up areas was from 47.26 to 58.32 °C, and the water surfaces (CWWTP reservoirs) then around 20.65 °C. As part of the tree and shrub layer inventory, we recorded 17 tree species and 5 shrub species in the wetland ecosystem. The phytosociological analysis showed that due to the massive occurrence of invasive plants, the areas in the wetland ecosystem are poorer in species than the areas of the CWWTP with cultural vegetation. Keywords: Community; Control methods; CWWTP Ostrava; Floodplain of the Odra River; Invasive plant species; Inventory; Microclimate; Ostrava; Urban heat island.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0086
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Classification of Methods to Reduce the Carbon Footprint
- Authors: Filip KEMPA
  Pages: 37–4 - 37–4
  Abstract: The ever-increasing amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere has an adverse impact on the environment, causing global warming and related adverse effects. One of the most important greenhouse gases is carbon dioxide, the production of which is perceived as a carbon footprint. The carbon footprint is intended to be a tool for appropriate emission reductions and verification, so there is a great need for its standardization at the global level. In carrying out basic research and after working out the advantages and disadvantages, many methods of decarbonization have been identified. The author believes that by simplifying the classification of carbon footprint reduction approaches into appropriate classes, a clear tool guiding companies in decarbonizing their operations will be created so that the negative impacts of global warming on the Earth are averted as quickly as possible. The aim is, therefore, to identify similarities and differences in methods, which will lead to the identification of new main groups of approaches. Within the framework of the evaluation and after making a comparison according to selected aspects of intensity, seven basic approaches have emerged, thus achieving greater clarity, usability, and better orientation for companies on the issue of reducing their carbon footprint. The results are illustrated at the end of the paper. The least challenging method for low-carbon technology adoption is the promotion of education and dissemination of climate impact awareness. Conversely, the most challenging method appears to be the construction of new green buildings. Keywords: Advantages; Carbon footprint; Classification of ways; Comparison; Disadvantages.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0087
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Factors Influencing the Economic Results of Quarries
- Authors: Jakub PITŘÍK
  Pages: 46–5 - 46–5
  Abstract: Human prosperity is closely linked to the availability of raw material resources, among other things. Despite enormous technological progress, we cannot dispense with mineral extraction. Since the mining industry still represents a key sector for society, striving for keeping abreast of the best practices, technologies, and knowledge available in the field is crucial. Benchmarking can serve this purpose, as it is already widely used in other industries. However, the question arises of what specific benchmarks are key for this field. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to highlight critical benchmarks relevant to monitoring and evaluating mining capacities. These have been identified by analysing the financial performance of specific mining operations. Keywords: Benchmarking; Discriminant analysis, Financial result; Quarrying.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0088
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Urban Public Transport Services in Selected Czech Towns
- Authors: Jiří HORÁK, Pavel KUKULIAČ, Ondřej KOLODZIEJ
  Pages: 56–6 - 56–6
  Abstract: Urban public transportation systems in 26 selected Czech municipalities are studied using their timetables, location of stops, and price survey. The methodology of their processing is proposed. A set of indicators describing spatial accessibility, performance, and prices are analysed mainly for their relationships to the population with an indication of the municipalities which most deviate from common trends. A proposed four-dimensional evaluation system covers the spatial accessibility operationalised by the number of stops, the service frequency using the number of trips per route, the velocity for selected transport mode and the cost assessed by the price of a one-year ticket or equivalent. The results show the fare fees do not correspond to the performance of urban public transport. Keywords: Cluster analyses; Czechia; Public transport; Regression analyses; Time schedule; Urban transport.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0089
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
A Study of the Influence of Economic Factors on World Silver Production
- Authors: Jiří KUBESA, Igor ČERNÝ
  Pages: 69–8 - 69–8
  Abstract: Silver is a very important raw material used in industry, especially in the electrical and energy industries. With the increase in electromobility, its potential will grow in the future, and any shortage of silver on the world market could be a threat to modern industry. This article deals with the influence of economic factors (price, population, gross domestic product (GDP) and cumulative inflation) on silver production and the creation of appropriate econometric models that best express the relationship between production and economic factors for the period 2000–2020. The influence of economic factors on world silver production is examined using the coefficient of determination and information criteria. The authors use regression analysis in the article, especially these four types: linear, exponential, logarithmic and power. It is evident from the research that the best functional form of regression is exponential according to the coefficient of determination. Based on the investigated economic factors, it has been found that the price is unsuitable for the creation of econometrics; on the other hand, the other factors are eligible. Keywords: Coefficient of determination; Econometric model; Economic factors; Information criteria; World silver production.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0090
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Analysis of Hydro-Sedimentary Processes in the El-Malah East River Basin
Upstream of the Beni Slimane Gauging Station (N Algeria)
- Authors: Amira FREDJ, Redhouane GHERNAOUT, Saad DAHMANI, Boualem REMINI
  Pages: 82–1 - 82–1
  Abstract: Predicting suspended sediment load is essential to identify its intensity and define necessary actions for its reduction. Mathematical models simulating suspended sediment load are an interesting tool for this purpose. The methodological approach adopted in this article consists in looking for a regressive model that can better explain the suspended sediment discharge through flow discharge by studying this relationship at different temporal scales. The work comprises analyzing and quantifying the suspended sediment intakes conveyed by the El-Malah East river at the Beni Slimane gauging station towards the Koudiat Acerdoune reservoir. The available data covers the period from 1973/74 to 1988/1989 for instantaneous measurements of liquid flow discharge Ql – Suspended sediment concentration C and the period from 1985/86 to 1996/97 for daily mean flow discharges and daily mean precipitations. Only power relations obtained on a seasonal scale giving the best coefficient of determination have been selected for the quantification of suspended sediment load conveyed by El-Malah river at Beni Slimane hydrometric station in the period of availability of daily mean flow discharges (1985/86 to 1996/97). The optimization of suspended sediment rating curves has been validated by comparison of the estimated values with the observed data and by fitting Normal distribution to residues datasets. The use of these models has highlighted an intra-annual distribution of the suspended sediment contributions conveyed by the El-Malah East river at Beni Slimane hydrometric station estimated at 0.088 Mt per year, representing a specific degradation of about 325 t.km-2y-1 (423 t.km-2y-1 of suspended and bed loads). The results have also shown that the highest liquid intake occurs in spring (45.72 %), winter (32.36 %) and autumn (11.93 %) seasons. This distribution, as well as the distribution of the monthly rainfalls, allowed the conclusion that the runoff period does not always correspond to the rainy period. The highest precipitation occurs in winter (38.74 %), spring (32.25 %) and autumn (21.53 %) seasons. The intra-annual distribution of suspended sediment contributions showed that winter and autumn participate in each one with 28.31 and 27.03% of the total suspended sediment load annually, while summer and spring participate with 23.28 and 21.38 %, respectively. The obtained results can be verified and improved by increasing the size of the available series. They provide appreciable elements of comparison for others basins of the same order, located in semi-arid and arid regions and subjected to similar phenomena. They also allow river basin managers and policymakers to consider necessary actions to fight against land erosion, preserve human activities, increase the life of the Koudiet Acerdoune dam 60 km downstream from the watershed outlet, facilitate decision-making and planning, and ensure effective management. Keywords: Rating curve; Regression; Residues; Surface degradation; Surface runoff; Suspended sediment load.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0091
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Correlation Between Human Development Index and Economic Growth of Major
Oil and Gas Producers
- Authors: Kateřina PEKARČÍKOVÁ, Lenka PRACHAŘOVÁ
  Pages: 105– - 105–
  Abstract: This paper examines the correlation between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the economic growth of the top oil and gas-producing countries. The 14 largest producers selected for analysis are the USA, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Canada, Iraq, China, United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Kuwait, Iran, Qatar, Australia, Norway, and Algeria. These countries include both developed and developing countries. It is also important to examine the issues mentioned from this perspective. The Pearson correlation coefficient is used for the analysis, and the relationship between economic growth and HDI between 1980 and 2020 is examined. The selected data analysed is almost complete except for a few missing values, for example, in the case of Russia, Saudi Arabia, Canada and Iraq. However, even this fact may slightly distort the analysis. The results show a correlation for all the top producers examined. The highest correlation, very strongly positive, was observed in the case of the USA. Very strong positive correlations were also found for China, Canada, Australia, Russia, Norway, and Algeria. The lowest correlation values were recorded for Iraq, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates. The analysis can be used as a basis for further analysis. Keywords: Economic growth; Gas; Gross Domestic Product (GDP); Human Development Index (HDI); Oil; Pearson correlation coefficient.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0092
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Current Methods of Handling Aggregate from Railway Superstructure and Its
Definition as Waste or Secondary Raw Material
- Authors: Martin HALÍK
  Pages: 121– - 121–
  Abstract: This article describes the latest methods of handling aggregate from railway beds. The updated waste management methods are based on the new Act No. 541/2020 Coll. and its implementation in operation. Attention is paid to the hierarchy of the methods of handling ballast from railway superstructure, new normative documents and regulations in the implementation of maintenance and reconstruction of railway lines. The article also deals with the possibilities of using old materials for new purposes. Keywords: Ballast; Possibilities of material use; Railway track renewal; Railways; Recycling; Waste management
  hierarchy.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0093
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Carbon Detection Using an HPGe Detector
- Authors: Petr ALEXA
  Pages: 132– - 132–
  Abstract: Fast neutron activation analysis has been applied to bulk carbon detection. DT-neutron generator emitting 14.1 MeV neutrons was used as a neutron source. Prompt 4.44 MeV gammas from the inelastic neutron scattering on carbon were detected using a 30% HPGe semiconductor gamma spectrometer shielded from the primary neutron beam. The sensitivity of the experimental setup is discussed. Keywords: Activation analysis; Fast neutrons; Gamma spectrometry.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0094
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)
Analysis of the Suitability of the Use of Hydrocarbon Deposits for CO2 and
Hydrogen Storage in the Northern Moravia Region
- Authors: Patricie ŽILOVÁ, Petr BUJOK, Adam LACMAN, Antonín KUNZ, Martin KLEMPA, Matěj KŘÍSTEK, Milan VAŠEK
  Pages: 136– - 136–
  Abstract: Geological storage of CO2 is the final link in the technological chain CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage), one of the possible technologies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions arising from the burning of fossil fuels. CCS is one of the key energy technologies of the Strategic Energy Technology Plan of the European Union (SET-plan). In the Czech Republic, activities in the field of CCS have focused on research and development projects, including the mapping of geological structures suitable for potential CO2 storage and the transposition of relevant European legislation – see Act No. 85/2012 Coll., on the Storage of Carbon Dioxide into Natural Rock Structures. One of the options for geological storage of CO2 is the use of mined or mined hydrocarbon deposits. However, these structures could also be operated as underground CO2 reservoirs, enabling its reuse. Yet some of them could also be used for hydrogen storage if these locations are appropriately incorporated into the construction of a new hydrogen infrastructure. The report presents part of the research results related to hydrocarbon deposits in the North Moravia region. Keywords: Carbon Capture Storage (CCS); CO2 geosequestration; Hydrogen storage; Oil and gas deposits.
  PubDate: 2023-06-14
  DOI: 10.35180/gse-2023-0095
  Issue No: Vol. 69, No. 1 (2023)