 Subjects -> CONSERVATION (Total: 128 journals)
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- The Hidden Dangers in the Rain: Human Health Risk Assessment of Fluoride
and Nitrate in Rainwater from a Medium-Sized Industrial City-
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Abstract: Abstract Rainwater is a vital water source with multiple applications, including domestic use. However, it also plays a crucial role in removing pollutants from the atmosphere, which can pose risks to ecosystems and human health. This study is aimed at assessing the levels of fluoride (F−) and nitrate (NO3−) ions in rainwater from different areas (industrial, urban, and rural/control) in the industrial city of Rio Grande, Brazil. Additionally, a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) was conducted to investigate the non-carcinogenic risk associated with exposure to these ions in the rainwater samples. A total of 95 rainwater samples were collected and analyzed to evaluate spatial variations and potential contamination sources of fluoride and nitrate. The industrial area exhibited significantly higher concentrations of fluoride compared to the urban and control areas, emphasizing the influence of local industrial emissions. Furthermore, the distribution of fluoride and nitrate concentrations across different precipitation events in the study period demonstrated their relatively consistent levels throughout the year, with a notable increase in nitrate concentrations during the winter season. Importantly, our study is the first to identify and report non-carcinogenic risks to human health from exposure to fluoride concentrations in rainwater, with the industrial area being the most affected. Approximately half of the investigated samples, mainly from the industrial and urban areas, showed non-carcinogenic risk associated with fluoride contamination. However, the observed levels of nitrate did not pose non-carcinogenic risks in all samples. These findings highlight the potential health hazards posed by fluoride in rainwater, particularly in areas influenced by industrial activities and urban zones near industrial complexes. The findings highlight the hidden dangers present in rainwater and underscore the significance of monitoring and managing atmospheric pollution to safeguard both ecosystems and human well-being.
PubDate: 2024-08-07
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00284-6
- Polyaniline and Graphene Oxide or Reduced Graphene Oxide-Based Composites
for Environmental Remediation Application-
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Abstract: Conducting polymers and carbonaceous materials such as graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-based composites have been investigated with great interest for their use as adsorbents and photocatalysts in water purification. In particular, polyaniline (PANI) and graphene oxide or reduced graphene oxide-based composite materials were found to be efficient adsorbents as well as photocatalysts for the adsorption removal and photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants from water. This is due to the synergic effect of the polymer and carbon material. This review highlights the importance of such composites and provides a discussion of many relevant literature reports with their analyses. Initially, the important information about structures and characteristic properties of PANI, GO, and rGO materials are presented followed by the discussion with an analysis of the latest reports on PANI-GO/PANI-rGO-based composite materials as adsorbents and photocatalysts. Additional important reports from previous literature are summarized in tabular format with important parameters in both applications to provide the authors with useful information. Graphical 
PubDate: 2024-07-29
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00282-8
- Regional Climate Change and Drought Dynamics in Tunceli, Turkey: Insights
from Drought Indices-
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Abstract: Abstract Global warming and climate change are causing temperatures to rise, which is having a negative impact on water resources. Climate change is a worldwide problem that affects and will continue to affect the frequency and intensity of natural disasters in many regions of the world. Tunceli region in Turkey, which until 10 years ago was known as an environmentally friendly city with abundant water resources and frequent rainfall, is experiencing a decrease in precipitation during the snowy winter season. This situation has made the investigation of climate change impacts an important issue in the region. Therefore, effective climate change adaptation strategies need to be developed. To determine these strategies, in this study, we assessed long-term drought conditions using multiple drought indices such as Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), Normal Precipitation Index (PNI), and Aridity Index (AI). The SPI and RDI analyses were performed in annual reference periods on a time scale of 3, 6, 9, and 12 months using temperature, precipitation, and evaporation data. Consequently, the SPI and RDI results were compared, and both indices show similar behavior in dry, wet, and normal seasons. Nevertheless, RDI shows less variation between different time scales, which is an advantage over SPI and is probably due to the inclusion of potential evapotranspiration in RDI. The variations in PNI between humid and dry sub-humid categorizations throughout the years, combined with the AI results, indicate that the Tunceli region predominantly experiences a climate ranging from dry sub-humid to semi-arid. This study could help decision-makers take effective measures to become more resilient to climate change in temperate climate regions and take important steps toward sustainable water resources management.
PubDate: 2024-07-23
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00281-9
- Controlling Arsenic Cross-contamination in Multi-aquifer System of
Gangetic Flood Plain Through Optimal Well Spacing Based on Aquifer
Response Modelling—A Case Study from Buxar District and Neighbouring
Areas, Bihar, India-
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Abstract: Abstract Availability of safe drinking water in the face of arsenic contamination of groundwater has become a global concern, and India is no exception to this alarming problem. Buxar district in the state of Bihar, India, has four blocks affected by arsenic contamination. Groundwater system of the area consists of multiple aquifers, with an arsenic-infested shallow aquifer system and an arsenic-safe deeper aquifer system, separated by a discontinuous clay layer of variable thickness. In response to the increasing demand of potable water, there is a recent trend of either constructing new wells that tap the deeper aquifer or deepening of the existing tube wells. However, unregulated exploitation of the deeper aquifer poses a significant risk, as it can disrupt the hydrodynamics of the entire groundwater system, leading to increased threats of cross-contamination of the deeper arsenic-safe aquifer from the overlying arsenic-contaminated aquifer. In the present study, modelling of the piezometric head of the deeper confined aquifers through distance drawdown analysis using the Theis non-equilibrium equation has been carried out. Findings indicate that the hydraulic head of the deeper aquifer rests at higher level than the water level of the shallow aquifer, thereby acting as a natural flow-pattern defence against the movement of contamination from the shallow aquifer to the deeper aquifer. To address this concern and understand the hydrodynamic balance within the aquifer system, an aquifer response modelling based on Theis non-equilibrium equation has been attempted. This model employs field-determined aquifer parameters to determine the optimal pumping discharge and spacing between wells constructed in the deeper arsenic safe aquifer. The objective is to devise a strategy for keeping the deeper arsenic-safe aquifers protected from any threats of cross-contamination from the overlying arsenic-contaminated aquifer. The results of the study suggest that water supply schemes in the arsenic-affected areas should be designed with a maximum discharge of 50 m3/h. Additionally, a minimum spacing of 2 km between two adjacent high discharge community water supply wells is recommended. The approach presented in the study can be used to determine the safe discharge and optimal spacing criteria between high discharge community water supply wells for pumping the arsenic safe confined aquifers in similar hydrogeological settings. Implementation of the suggested measures is crucial to ensure safe and clean drinking water for present and future generations in the arsenic contaminated areas.
PubDate: 2024-07-22
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00280-w
- Evaluating the Impact of Magnetized and Filtered Wastewater on Irrigation
Water Quality-
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Abstract: Abstract Global water scarcity intensifies with diminishing freshwater resources, largely due to intensive agriculture. While reusing treated wastewater for irrigation is pivotal, persistent contamination risks warrant investigation. Hence, this study explores four wastewater types: wastewater, magnetized wastewater, filtered wastewater, and filtered magnetized wastewater. The wastewater was obtained from a wastewater treatment plant after the sedimentation process. To produce magnetized wastewater, the wastewater underwent a magnetization process using a magnetizer with a magnetic flux density of 220 mT. For filtered wastewater and filtered magnetized wastewater, the wastewater and magnetized wastewater samples were filtered through biochar filters. The application of magnetic treatment to wastewater revealed discernible effects on various water quality parameters. Notably, SO4, TP, and Mn concentrations increased by 20.13%, 14.40%, and 11.15%, respectively, indicating a potential enhancement in the retention of these constituents through magnetization. Conversely, certain parameters, including Cu and TN, demonstrated substantial decreases of − 23.62% and − 19.50%, respectively. The biochar filter treatment for wastewater showcased substantial improvements, notably reducing turbidity by 96.53%, and lowering Mn, Zn, and Fe concentrations by 79.47%, 76.68%, and 48.75%, respectively. In the comparative assessment of biochar and combined magnetic biochar filter treatments, observed reductions ranged from − 20.15% for Cu to − 0.67% for Mn, highlighting the treatment’s diverse impact. Conversely, certain parameters exhibited increases, spanning from 21.52% for SO4 to 1.07% for Zn.
PubDate: 2024-07-09
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00278-4
- Practicality and Economic Assessment on Using the Solar Organic Rankine
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Abstract: This study evaluates the recent investigations and economic assessments on using the solar-driven organic Rankine cycle (ORC) as a power source for membrane-based desalination systems, specifically reverse osmosis (RO) systems. Several numerical and experimental studies from the last decade on the design and performance of RO-ORC desalination systems have comprehensively been reviewed. This intensive study aims to critically review RO-ORC systems and update on the recent advancements in systems performance, design, and characteristics. It also focuses on the main challenges, limitations, improvements, and techno-economic factors affecting RO-ORC performance. Four categories were used to group the investigations: the RO desalination process, the Organic Rankine cycle (ORC), the solar ORC-powered RO desalination, and economic assessment criteria. RO-ORC performance is affected by the system design parameters, RO unit characteristics, feed water qualities, climatic conditions, and the ORC process’s working fluid. The assessment focuses on recovery ratios, water quality, system efficiency, system, and plant design and the SEC as performance evaluation measures. The literature review declared that improved membrane materials and module designs have reduced energy usage because of the continual process improvements and cost savings. These advances cut membrane costs per unit of water produced in half. In addition, many modern technology combinations have been studied and used to boost efficiency and reduce energy needs in reverse osmosis plants. Using solar-driven ORC-RO has shown promising results in places with ample solar resources or low-grade thermal energy. Many conclusions and expected remaining challenges are highlighted in the study. Highlights • Covers updates on current solar ORC-RO features and recent design and performance evaluations. • Examines the numerical and experimental studies conducted on solar RO-ORC. • Discusses the primary technical and economic issues impacting solar RO-ORC performance. • Briefly describes RO desalination systems, covering forward and reverse osmosis.
PubDate: 2024-07-09
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00273-9
- Linear and Nonlinear Isotherm, Kinetic, and Thermodynamic Behavior of
Safranine T Adsorption Using Porous Geopolymer Prepared from Coal Fly Ash
Wastes-
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Abstract: Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the removal of safranine T (ST) by geopolymer prepared from coal fly ash (GPFA) nanocomposite, which was conducted as an experimental-lab scale study. The study examined the impact of significant operational factors like solution pH, GPFA mass, ST concentration, temperature, and reaction time. Under the optimal conditions for the process (pH = 9, GPFA mass of 1 g/L, initial concentration of ST of 50 mg/L, temperature of 50 \(^\circ{\rm C} ,\) and reaction time of 75 min), the observed removal efficiency was about 100%. The different types of kinetics and isotherms were investigated, and seven types of error coefficients, in addition to regression coefficients, were also used to ensure the results. According to the obtained results, the Langmuir isotherm and PSO kinetics were the most compatible with the equilibrium data. According to the isotherm that adsorption has been fitted, qmax values were found to be 140.2, 156.2, 166.4, and 173.9 mg/g at different temperatures. Based on the results of Temkin and D-R isotherm, the ST adsorption was a chemical process. Negative ΔGo and positive ΔHo and ΔSo values indicated spontaneous and endothermic adsorption processes and increased disorder during the adsorption process, respectively. The last important point is the remarkable ST removal percentage in the adsorption–desorption cycle, where it was still 82.6% even after 5 cycles of reuse.
PubDate: 2024-07-09
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00279-3
- Improving Irrigation Performance of Raised Bed Furrow Using WinSRFR Model
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Abstract: Abstract Agricultural productivity is intricately tied to efficient water management strategies, with raised bed furrow systems being a prevalent method for irrigation. However, the optimization of these systems remains a critical area of exploration. The border irrigation method is commonly employed in developing countries for irrigation and leads to significant water loss, reduced irrigation efficiency, and increased irrigation durations. In contrast, raised bed furrow irrigation represents an improved surface irrigation technique that optimizes water usage in irrigated systems. This study seeks to assess the irrigation performance of raised bed furrows, encompassing deep percolation loss, distribution uniformity, adequacy, and application efficiency. The evaluation will be conducted for both existing conditions and an optimized scenario achieved through the application of the WinSRFR model. Field data facilitated the numerical simulation and the model was calibrated to reflect the existing irrigation system dynamics accurately. The performance of the model was assessed by utilizing the statistical indicator of root mean square error (RMSE) and revealed good agreement between advance and recession time. Results revealed that existing raised bed furrow irrigation exhibited up to 40% deep percolation loss, 80% distribution uniformity, and 60% application efficiency. Increasing furrow length had adverse effects; decreased application efficiency and distribution uniformity; and increased deep percolation losses. In contrast, reducing the furrow length and cutoff time by up to 33% and 40%, respectively, and increasing the width and inflow rate by up to 55% and 100%, respectively, enhanced the application efficiency and distribution uniformity, and minimized deep percolation loss. Overall, improved raised bed furrow irrigation provides a more efficient option and is encouraged to adopt for irrigation.
PubDate: 2024-07-08
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00266-8
- Drought Priming Enhanced Grain Yield of Wheat Against Salinity Stress
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Abstract: Abstract Climate change–induced drought and salinity stress pose major threats to global food security. These stresses adversely affect plant growth, development, and productivity, leading to reduced crop yields. Developing sustainable and economically viable solutions to enhance crop stability and productivity is imperative through improving water management practices and promote the development of drought and/or salinity-resistant crops against abiotic stresses. Drought priming, a cost-efficient strategy, has emerged as a promising approach to increase plant tolerance to subsequent abiotic stresses. However, it is still unknown whether and how drought priming at the early growth stage reduces the drought and/or salinity stress at the later growth stage and enhances plants’ water use efficiency (WUEp). To investigate the effect of the drought priming on the morphological and yield responses of wheat plants to salinity stress, a pot experiment was carried out under the rain shelter from November, 2021 to March, 2022 at Sylhet Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Two leading wheat cultivars (BARI Gom-28 and WMRI Gom-3) were subjected to two drought priming levels at the fourth and sixth leaf stage and subsequent moderate salinity stress at 100 mmol NaCl applied at the later growth stage. The plant morphological attributes like plant height, tiller length, tillers number, spike length, spikes number, spikelets number per spike, kernel number per spike, dry biomass, and WUEp as well as the yield and yield components were investigated. The results showed that the non-primed plants reduced yield parameters including tiller number, spike number, spike length, kernel number, and biomass by 13, 1, 15, 12, and 14% in BARI Gom-28 and 8, 1, 14, 11, and 13% in WMRI Gom-3, respectively, with increasing salinity levels, whereas the drought primed plants improved grain yield by 21% in BARI Gom-28 and 19% in WMRI Gom-3 through increased kernel number and grain weight. Maximal dry matter at maturity and the highest grain yield were observed in drought-primed plants under salinity stress compared to control plants. The increased number of tillers, particularly secondary tillers, under salinity stress for primed plants contributed to overall grain production. The interaction between drought priming and salinity significantly affected kernel number and grain yield in both wheat cultivars. This research will be helpful for crop physiologists to design agronomically relevant strategies for the development of broad-spectrum stress-tolerant crops.
PubDate: 2024-07-06
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00272-w
- Environmental Contaminants Remediation from Real Domestic Wastewater
through a Canna-Based Bioretention Engineered System-
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Abstract: Abstract Wastewater treatment using constructed wetlands (CW) has received tremendous scientific interest. However, its relevance to sustainable resource management with circular economy generation has not been adequately explored. The present study has been conducted to evaluate the performance of a bioretention engineered system (BS) treating domestic wastewater (capacity: 3000 L/day) regarding pollutant removal and use of treated water for aquaculture study. The performance of the BS was intended to assess the impact of 24-h hydraulic retention time (HRT) for 1 year for parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), NH4+-N, PO43−-P, NO3−-N, NO2−-N, parasite count, and microplastic presence. The use of the treated water for aquaculture practice was also investigated. To determine fish quality, we compared toxicity tests performed on harvested and market fish. During the investigation, nearly 71.4% (COD), 78.7% (BOD), 85% (TSS), 100% (Parasite egg), 65.5% (PO43−-P), 74.7% (NH4+-N), 58.5% (NO3−-N), and 70.4% (NO2−-N) were removed. The efficiency of the BS was validated using correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). This study used TGA and XRD analyses to ensure plant growth and inorganic pollutant mineralization. The water quality of the fish ponds designed with the outflow of the BS for farming catfish and tilapia was suitable. It was found that harvested fish had more excellent health than market-bought fish. Hence, BS acts as sustainable approach for domestic wastewater treatment and use for aquaculture.
PubDate: 2024-07-06
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00277-5
- The Application of Tannic Acid-Coated Magnetite Nanoparticles for Recovery
of Microplastics from the Water System-
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Abstract: Abstract The presence of microplastics (MPs) is rapidly increasing in the environment, posing a significant threat to public health and the ecosystem. To monitor the impact of MPs, it is crucial to have standardized detection methods and MPs remediation techniques. Therefore, this study aimed to use tannic acid-coated magnetite nanoparticles to recover MPs, specifically polystyrene (PS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), from water bodies. A facile method for MPs recovery was established using the synthesized tannic acid-coated magnetite (TA-Fe3O4) as an adsorbent. TA-Fe3O4 was synthesized using tannic acid, iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate, and iron (III) chloride hexahydrate through a one-pot co-precipitation method. The adsorbent material was then characterized using a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, zeta potential, and N2 adsorption–desorption (BET) techniques, confirming its successful synthesis. The maximum adsorption efficiencies for PS and PET were 83% and 98%, respectively, under the experimental conditions of pH 6–7, a contact time of 300 min, an adsorbent dose of 2.5 g/L, and an initial MPs concentration of 1.25 g/L. The study also found that the presence of ions in wastewater had a significant effect on MP recovery. However, when it came to recovering MPs from the spent adsorbent, the maximum values were observed in an acidic medium at pH 3–4 under sonification conditions. In conclusion, TA-Fe3O4 showed potential and efficiency in the recovery of MPs in aqueous media. However, further investigation is needed to improve the method and explore its application for multi-MPs recovery performance.
PubDate: 2024-07-03
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00275-7
- Development and Performance Evaluation of a Portable Ceramic Water Filter
with Exfoliated Graphite and Sawdust as an Additive-
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Abstract: Abstract The availability of safe drinking water in non-networked rural areas and disaster-affected zones is dependent on point-of-use water filters. This study describes the design and performance assessment of a personal portable ceramic water filter named “sip-up.” Four sample variants were made using clay, exfoliated graphite (EG), and sawdust as raw materials. Samples were made using a mold to ensure uniformity and sintered at 850 °C. The experimental results showed that the sample containing the maximum amount of sawdust had the highest porosity of 36.07 ± 1.8%, providing an average flow rate of 0.61 ml/min in passive mode. The average pore size radius of all variants varied in the range of 1–10 nm, classifying the material as having a mesoporous structure. Compressive test results indicate that the addition of an organic additive (sawdust) decreases the compressive strength of filters as compared to non-organic additives. It has been observed that the addition of EG to clay does not significantly improve water filtration parameters as compared to samples containing only sawdust and clay. However, due to the smaller pore size, samples containing EG performed better in E. coli removal as compared to sawdust-containing samples. The final prototype can act as a single-use personal water filtration device that can be inserted into any commercial water bottle, making it an affordable and effective solution for hikers, travelers, and natural disasters such as floods and cyclones.
PubDate: 2024-07-03
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00276-6
- Innovative Approaches in Extremophile-Mediated Remediation of Toxic
Pollutants: A Comprehensive Review-
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Abstract: This comprehensive review explores the intriguing potential of extremophiles in revolutionizing the remediation of toxic pollutants. Extremophiles, remarkable microorganisms thriving in extreme environments, exhibit unique biochemical and physiological adaptations that equip them with the ability to withstand and even thrive in environments polluted with toxic compounds. This review delves into their diverse mechanisms for heavy metal, dye, and plastic degradation, which include enzymatic pathways, metabolic processes, and symbiotic relationships. Through an extensive survey of recent literature, this review highlights the remarkable successes achieved in utilizing extremophiles for bioremediation purposes. This review explores the latest progressions within microbial bioremediation methods, highlighting advanced approaches that leverage the potential of microorganisms to degrade toxic pollutants effectively. Additionally, challenges and prospects in harnessing extremophilic activity for innovative pollutant clean-up are discussed. By comprehensively examining the potential of extremophiles, this review focuses on their distinct metabolic pathways, modifications, and modern technologies, like nanotechnologies and genetic modification, that enable them to survive in harsh environments and can be used to remediate the environment. Graphical 
PubDate: 2024-07-02
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00274-8
- Methyl Orange Adsorption onto Modified Extracted Cellulose from Olive
Stones: Kinetics, Isotherms, Thermodynamic, Mechanism Studies, and
Desorption-
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Abstract: Abstract OS (olive stones) are a type of lingo-cellulosic biomass that is generated as a by-product in the olive oil industry. In this investigation, the EC (extracted cellulose) from the olive stones was modified with CTAB (cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide) as cationic surfactant. The obtained MEC (modified extracted cellulose) was used as adsorbent to remove MO (methyl orange) from aqueous media. Various factors affecting the effectiveness of the adsorption process were examined and analyzed, such as the water’s pH values, the adsorbent dosage, the contact time, the initial MO dye concentration, and the ionic strength. The kinetic and the equilibrium studies showed that this adsorption process fit to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. The optimum adsorbed amount was about 76.92 mg/g. The thermodynamic study revealed that the adsorption was spontaneous and exothermic with an increase in the randomness. The result of the desorption indicated that the MEC was efficiently recycled with 86.78% uptake for MO after three cycles of desorption-adsorption. Finally, this investigation showed that the MEC is a potential bio-adsorbent for removing anionic dyes from aqueous media. Consequently, this bio-adsorbent can be used for future industrial exploitation to decontaminate wastewater.
PubDate: 2024-07-01
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00269-5
- Assessment of Water Dynamics and Water Quality Parameters over Gobind
Sagar Reservoir, India, Based on High-Resolution Remote Sensing Approach-
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Abstract: Abstract Monitoring surface water dynamics and ensuring water quality parameters are important for the health of the environment and sustainable economic development with irrigation planning for various crops and drinking purposes in drought situations. Satellite data in conjunction with open-source APIs like Google Earth Engine (GEE) offers multiple observations to effectively monitor both surface water dynamics and water quality. The Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) was applied to differentiate water pixels from non-water pixels. Landsat series data were analyzed to assess the surface water dynamics, viz. water occurrence, absolute change water occurrence, water recurrence, water seasonality, and water transition of Gobind Sagar Reservoir during period from 1984 to 2019. The majority of the reservoir contains permanent water, and there is minimal overall change. This study also used Sentinel-2 multispectral data to monitor changes in optically active water quality parameters for pre- and post-monsoon seasons during period from 2016 to 2021. A semi-analytical inversion method was applied to compute optically active water quality parameters including chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a) concentrations ranging from 0 to 39.3 mg/m and total suspended matter (TSM) ranging from 0 to 149.78 g/m3. Variations in water quality parameters are linked with climatic factors such as rainfall and high runoff. Intense rainfall strongly occurred during the monsoon season that delivers higher loads of suspended materials and dissolved solids into the river, and consequently, these materials reduce the penetration of light. Monitoring water dynamics and water quality parameter serves as a crucial indicator for assessing the productivity and eutrophication of the river water system.
PubDate: 2024-06-28
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00268-6
- Jute Retting Using Free-flowing Water with Microbial Consortium Minimizes
Water Requirement and Water Pollution-
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Abstract: Abstract Jute retting is a process of bio-degradation of non-cellulosic materials primarily pectin and xylan by the enzymatic action of microbes present in retting water to get the jute fibre. The present study focused on the assessment of three improved retting methods comparing with the conventional retting method of jute for identification of the appropriate retting method which can be acceptable to the majority of the jute growers facing water scarcity and irregular rainfall pattern during the retting period. The jute retting with free-flowing water and conventional retting method of jute required 7135 and 25,840 L of water, respectively, for per quintal dry jute fibre production indicating the superiority of the former. The fibre recovery of the jute retting method with free-flowing water was significantly higher by 6.0, 7.5 and 22.4%, respectively, over in situ retting, retting in concrete retting tank using stagnant water and conventional retting methods. The post-retting water quality characteristics like EC (0.54 dS/m), Ca2+ + Mg2+ (35.8 mg/L), BOD (biological oxygen demand) (45.1 mg/L), COD (chemical oxygen demand) (157.6 mg/L), chloride (4.2 mg/L) and hardness (65 mg/L) content recorded in the jute retting method with free-flowing water were significantly lower compared to other retting methods. The use of microbial retting consortium “CRIJAF SONA” accelerated the biodegradation process of jute by reducing the retting time of 6 to 10 days under improved retting methods besides fibre quality improvement. The higher fibre strength of 26.5 g/tex, the minimum root content (2.3%) and defect content (0.55%) of jute fibre obtained under jute retting method using free-flowing water reflect its supremacy over other retting methods under study. Hence, the jute retting method with free-flowing water may be implemented for the production of superior quality jute fibre considering the non-availability of water or irregular rainfall pattern of the jute-producing belts of South East Asia.
PubDate: 2024-06-26
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00270-y
- Analysing the Effectiveness of MCDM and Integrated Weighting Approaches in
Groundwater Quality Index Development-
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Abstract: Abstract Groundwater, a vital resource crucial for human civilization, faces unprecedented threats due to negligence in maintenance, jeopardizing our survival. Overpopulation in developing countries like India has exacerbated issues like over-extraction and pollution, underscoring the need for urgent quality assessment and management. The Groundwater Quality Indexing (GwQI) method although simplifies ranking water reserves often fails to portray complete quality and consider certain critical factors. This study addresses these challenges by integrating Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approaches into groundwater quality assessment. Three decision-making methods—Weighted Sum Model (WSM), Grey Relational Analysis (GRA), and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS)—are applied to refine GwQI findings for shallow open wells in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. Two integrated weighting approaches, namely, Distance-Relation Method (DRM) and Bayes Method (BM), incorporating objective (Entropy-based) and subjective (AHP or Analytical Hierarchy Process-based) weights, are further explored for their effectiveness in decision-making. The results indicate an overall consistency in the ranks of the best and worst wells (except for the ranks of intermediate wells) with each method. Further, it was found that DRM (r2 = 0.6741) and AHP (r2 = 0.6693) weighting methods complied greatest with GwQI findings. For GRA, AHP performed better while for WSM and TOPSIS, EWM was observed to have better R2 value. Among the methods used, the gain in r-square value is highest from AHP-TOPSIS to BM-TOPSIS (+ 7.7%) followed by EWM-GRA to BM-GRA (+ 5.8%). This research hence highlights the potential of MCDM techniques with the usage of an integrated weighting approach in refining groundwater quality assessment methodologies, ultimately contributing to more effective resource management and preservation.
PubDate: 2024-06-22
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00267-7
- Evaluating the Performance of Low-Impact Development Practices in
Mitigating Runoff Floods in the Kinyerezi River Catchments in Dar es
Salaam, Tanzania-
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Abstract: Abstract The impermeable areas in catchments are proportional to peak flows that result in floods in river reaches whose flow-carrying capacity is inadequate. Urbanization is the major factor contributing to floods and intensifying flood risks in urban areas. Dar es Salaam city experiences frequent floods along the Msimbazi River likely due to urbanization. The Low Impact Development (LID) practices that include bioretention (BR) ponds, rain barrels (RB), and rain gardens (RG) have the potential to reduce peak flows and flood levels. This study aims to evaluate the performance of BR, RG, and RB in mitigating peak runoff floods in the Kinyerezi River catchment using the SWMM model. A total of 3698 RB each with 3000 L capacity, 3698 RG each with 28 m2 and 0.9 depth, and 101 BR ponds of sizes ranging from 800 to 10,000 m2 each with 1.2 m depth were deployed into the sub-catchments. The results indicated that the combination of BR, RG, and RB reduced the peak runoff flows and volumes by 36.8% and 24%, respectively. The combination of the three LID practices offered the best performance in mitigating peak runoff floods. It was recommended that authorities should encourage city residents to practice households’ RB and residential RG at the household level. In addition, city planning authorities should ensure that open spaces are left in residential areas for the construction of BR ponds in the future.
PubDate: 2024-06-18
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00271-x
- Construction and Utilization of Innovative Zeolite/Perovskite/Graphene
Oxide, Zeolite/Chitosan/Graphene Oxide, and Zeolite/Biochar/Graphene Oxide
Nanohybrid Composites for Adsorptive Remediation of Cationic Dye from
Wastewater-
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Abstract: The daily discharge of textile dye wastewater has led to widespread water contamination on a global scale. The objective of this study was to associate the abilities of graphene oxide, perovskite, biochar, and chitosan with nano-zeolites to create a hybrid that can be employed to treat wastewater contaminants. Zeolite-based nanohybrid composites are innovative adsorbents that are both cost-effective and highly effective towards contaminants removal. The co-precipitation approach was employed to synthesize nanozeolite which was then incorporated with GO into the nanocomposites including zeolite/perovskite/graphene oxide, zeolite/biochar/graphene oxide and zeolite/chitosan/graphene oxide (Z/FZTO/GO, Z/BCH/GO and Z/CS/GO), followed by the adsorptive removal of Basic Violet 16 dye. The adsorption capacity was calculated with varying conditions of pH (2–11), adsorbent dose (0.05–0.5 g/50 mL), BV 16 dye concentration (10–150 mg/L), time of contact between adsorbent and BV 16 dye (5–90 min) and temperature (35–65 °C). It was concluded that adsorption capacity increased with an increase in pH, time, and initial BV 16 dye concentration. However, the adsorption capacity decreases with increase in zeolite composite dose and temperature. The BV 16 dye adsorption efficiencies were found in the following order Z/FZTO/GO˃Z/CS/GO˃Z/BCH/GO. Thermodynamic studies indicated spontaneous adsorption, and exothermic reactions. The outcomes demonstrated that adsorption was accompanied by pseudo second−order kinetics, and Freundlich adsorption isotherms as evidenced by the high correlation coefficients and adsorption capacities near the experimental values. The adsorption potential for BV 16 dye removal was significantly affected by various concentrations of electrolytes, heavy metal ions, and surfactants due to competition for limited binding sites. 0.5 N HCl concentration was identified as the most effective agent for the desorption. These approaches are economical, ecofriendly, and easy to manufacture. Graphical 
PubDate: 2024-06-12
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00264-w
- Evaluation of Permeable Pavement Systems (PPS) as Best Management
Practices for Stormwater Runoff Control: A Review-
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Abstract: Abstract A comprehensive study was conducted to provide research clarifications and evaluations of measures aimed at controlling stormwater runoff from roads and highways. The study specifically focuses on sustainable strategies, particularly permeable pavement systems (PPS), as a solution for stormwater management within the framework of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). This research paper offers insight into PPS effectiveness in addressing aspects such as hydrological features, environmental impact, and overall functionality. Comparing with traditional methods of stormwater management with modern PPS, this review highlights the benefits of PPS and how it has demonstrated positive impacts, influencing the stormwater pollutant removal efficacies, reduction in runoff volumetric flowrates, and benefits of increased groundwater recharge. The literature examined highlights the characteristics of PPS, and its permeability and stormwater retention capacities. The findings from this research study emphasize how PPS as a SuDS contributes to effective stormwater management from roads. Furthermore, the study explores how PPS mitigates urban heat island (UHI) impacts by minimizing heat absorption and promoting cooling effects, while simultaneously filtering pollutants, in reducing heat-related urban pollution with specific focus on interlocking permeable pavements. The research indicates that PPS continues to play a crucial role in managing stormwater runoff, providing solutions to flooding challenges reducing runoff and improving stormwater quality through pollutant retention and removal. The benefits of PPS contribute significantly towards creating more eco-friendly environments and green urban ecosystems, yielding practical, environmental, and financial benefits.
PubDate: 2024-06-11
DOI: 10.1007/s41101-024-00259-7
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