 Subjects -> WATER RESOURCES (Total: 160 journals)
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z | | We no longer collect new content from this publisher because the publisher has forbidden systematic access to its RSS feeds. |
|
|
- Effect of Prescribed Fire on Soil Permeability in a Neotropical Savanna
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract The objective of the present study was to assess the effect of prescribed fire on some physical variables of a soil under the Brazilian Tropical Savanna, a largely unknown fire-prone ecosystem in terms of fire effects on soil characteristics. To do so, we sampled water repellency (water droplet penetration time), infiltration capacity (mini-disk infiltrometer), and soil resistance to penetration (Stolf impact penetrometer) in burned (prescribed fire) and unburned adjacent plots. There were no significant differences between burned and unburned plots for any of the aforementioned variables. Therefore, in addition to the clear effects with respect to ecosystem flammability, here we demonstrated that prescribed fire does not significantly alter soil physical properties in the Brazilian Tropical Savanna. This demonstrates the soil physical properties maintenance under low intensity fire regimes.
PubDate: 2023-11-29
- Aerobic Granulation Technology as an Emerging Strategy to Mitigate Cresol
Pollution in Wastewater: A Review-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract Developments in the industrial sector have resulted in the enormous release of various phenolic pollutants in environmental matrices. The principle aim of the literature review is to summarize the occurrence, behaviour, and toxicity of one such phenolic compound-Cresol. The guidelines for the methodology of a systematic review, published by PRISMA, which includes search, screening, classification, and categorization were followed, and a database from 165 relevant review articles, research papers, thesis, letters, and book chapters was analyzed for the review. This review provides an overview of the biological treatment of Cresol and its isomers listing microorganisms used during the treatment. Based on the literature data authors elucidate that aerobic granulation sludge technology is a sustainable bioremediation method for wastewater treatment and can replace the activated sludge for the removal of toxic pollutants. Further, the review addresses the mechanism, structure, characteristics, and potential application of aerobic granules. Finally, the possibility for the efficient application of aerobic granulation technology using bioreactors other than sequential batch reactor is also discussed.
PubDate: 2023-11-02
- Correction: Effects of Ascophyllum nodosum-based Biostimulants on
Improving Phytoextraction of Cadmium and Lead in Contaminated Soils-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
PubDate: 2023-10-23
- Concurrent Carbon Capture and Biocementation through the Carbonic
Anhydrase (CA) Activity of Microorganisms -a Review and Outlook-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract Biocementation, i.e., the production of biomimetic cement through the metabolic activity of microorganisms, offers exciting new prospects for various civil and environmental engineering applications. This paper presents a systematic literature review on a biocementation pathway, which uses the carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity of microorganisms that sequester CO2 to produce biocement. The aim is the future development of this technique for civil and (geo-)environmental engineering applications towards CO2-neutral or negative processes. After screening 248 potentially relevant peer-reviewed journal papers published between 2002 and 2023, 38 publications studying CA-biocementation were considered in the review. Some of these studies used pure CA enzyme rather than bacteria-produced CA. Of these studies, 7 used biocementation for self-healing concrete, 6 for CO2 sequestration, 10 for geotechnical applications, and 15 for (geo-)environmental applications. A total of 34 bacterial strains were studied, and optimal conditions for their growth and enzymatic activity were identified. The review concluded that the topic is little researched; more studies are required both in the laboratory and field (particularly long-term field experiments, which are totally lacking). No studies on the numerical modelling of CA-biocementation and the required kinetic parameters were found. The paper thus consulted the more widely researched field of CO2 sequestration using the CA-pathway, to identify other microorganisms recommended for further research and reaction kinetic parameters for numerical modelling. Finally, challenges to be addressed and future research needs were discussed.
PubDate: 2023-09-29
- Sustainability and Environmental Impact of the Tourism Sector: Analysis
Applied to Swimming Pools in the Hotel Industry on the Costa Brava-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: The aim of this research is to critically evaluate the environmental implications of public pools in Costa Brava hotels, with a focus on their impact in terms of energy, water, and carbon footprint. The methodology employed hinges on the characterization of the stock of pools installed in the hotels of the region. Following this characterization, calculations were undertaken regarding water and energy consumption, in addition to the computation of the equivalent carbon footprint for the entirety of the pools combined. The findings of the study reveal an annual energy consumption of 1,850.2 MWh/year and an annual water evaporation consumption of 50,105 m3/year. As a result, the carbon footprint corresponding to these consumptions is 481.8 tCO2 eq./year. Identified areas of improvement within the facilities encompassed the modernization of equipment towards more contemporary models with higher efficiencies, the adoption of holistic management approaches for pools, and the utilization of emerging modelling trends to enhance facility efficiency. Conclusions drawn from the research suggest that enhancing the sustainability of pools within the Costa Brava hospitality sector holds significant societal relevance, especially when considering the heightened water stress in Mediterranean climate zones during the peak tourist season. Improving the energy efficiency of these facilities not only contributes to environmental sustainability, but also cuts operational costs, allowing establishments to have more room to channel more resources towards their main hospitality tasks. Highlights Tourism is vital in global, Spanish, Catalan GDP and an environmental impact key. Costa Brava hotel pools use 1,850 MWh/year, 50,105 m3 water/year, emit 482 tCO2/year. Modern equipment, management, and modelling trends enhance pool sustainability. Efficient pools cut costs, aid environment, free resources for hospitality. Tourism's future relies on holistic sustainability; efforts and policies are vital.
PubDate: 2023-09-20
- The Impacts of Households on Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Indonesia
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract This study aims to evaluate the direct and indirect contributions of household income and regional groups as well as their related sectors to CO2 emissions. The study utilized a semi-closed input‒output model (IOM) along with the hypothetical extraction method (HEM) that can estimate emissions from interdependency between household and production sectors. The results show: (1) The direct and indirect impacts on carbon emissions caused by the consumption of households in urban areas are 1.5 times higher than those in rural areas; (2) there is a positive correlation between household income and its contribution to emissions; (3) there is a notable contribution from high-income urban households to CO2 emissions, up to 1.4 times higher than the poorest household in urban areas and 0.6 times higher than the highest income in rural areas; and (3) the transportation and food sectors drive household-related CO2 emissions the most, while the education, culture, and recreation sectors contribute the least. Our findings indicated that to decrease household energy-related emissions, the government should improve the technology efficiency of transportation and communication as well as the food sectors. There is also a need to have different emission reduction policy designs between households based on their income level, particularly for increasing stringency of emission policies for high-income households.
PubDate: 2023-09-20
- Foreign Investment, International Trade and Environmental Sustainability:
Exploring Ecological Footprints in 37 African Countries-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract This study complements existing literature by examining the short-run heterogeneous and long-run homogeneous impacts of foreign direct investment (FDI) and international trade on ecological footprints (EF) in 37 African countries for the period 1990 to 2019. Utilizing the pooled mean group estimator, our findings show considerable heterogeneity in the impact of FDI and international trade on EF in the short-run. In particular, the findings revealed that while FDI increases EF in Botswana, Egypt, and Mauritania, it reduces EF in Algeria, Comoros, Gambia, and Togo. Furthermore, the findings revealed that international trade increases EF in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, and Eswatini but reduces EF in Algeria, Mauritania, and Morocco. Nonetheless, the study finds that in the long-run, FDI significantly increases EF while international trade has no significant influence on the environment. The study further finds economic growth and population to be significant in propping up EF in the long-run. Long-run robustness test employing the method of moment quantile regression revealed that FDI influence on EF is more evident in lower quantiles compared to higher quantiles, and that there is no evidence that international trade influences EF across all quantiles. The study recommends country specific policy recommendations in the short-run, and in the long-run, to implement policies and regulations that make it mandatory for foreign investors to adopt green and renewable energy. These measures will contribute to environmental sustainability and foster an eco-friendlier economic development path.
PubDate: 2023-09-18
- Military Expenditure, Governance, and Environmental Degradation in
Sub-Saharan Africa-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract This article examines how good governance counteracts the effects of military expenditure on carbon emissions in forty African countries. The Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) is used to analyze time series data from 2010 to 2020. Military expenditure per capita is used to measure military expenditure per penetration, while CO2 emissions per capita are used as an indicator of environmental degradation. The following findings are established. First, from the non-interactive regressions, we find suggestive evidence that arms expenditure increases CO2 emissions. All indicators of good governance contribute to the increase of CO2 emissions. Second, with interactive regressions, we find that improved governance has a negative effect on CO2 emissions per capita. Third, the results are robust to a sensitivity check, considering the synergy effects of governance. This paper provides policy recommendations on low-carbon economies, military expenditure and governance that could help to ensure environmental sustainability by reducing CO2 emissions. In addition, the study findings can provide guidance to other developing countries seeking to implement effective approaches to environmental sustainability while strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.
PubDate: 2023-09-18
- Water Quality Assessment of Large Alpine Sevan Lake
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Lake Sevan is one of the largest high-altitude freshwater lakes in Eurasia and Armenia’s largest reservoir. A 20 m drop in the Sevan level has led to intense eutrophication of the lake. Accordingly, raising the water level by the planned 6 m is considered a radical measure to preserve the lake's ecosystem. The main goal of this research was to develop a system of water quality indices as an important component of science-based management of lake Sevan water resources. The problem was solved using a quantitative modification of the expert panel method (Delphi). A set of state variables was selected and a procedure was developed for converting environmental values of state variables into qualitative (rating) values; the assessment was done of the desired reference state, and the water quality index (SWQI) was calculated. The application of the developed system for assessing the water quality of lake Sevan made it possible to quantify the trend of improving water quality in recent years and to identify the significant relationship of SWQI with the water level and epilimnetic water temperature. Highlights A system of indicators of water quality is developed. The reference state for the lake is established. Using SWQI water quality is assessed. The relationship between SWQI and potential threats is discussed.
PubDate: 2023-09-18
- Effect of Climate Change on Water Temperature and Stratification of a
Small, Temperate, Karstic Lake (Lake Kozjak, Croatia)-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: As closed systems, lakes are extremely vulnerable to climate change. Understanding the response to climate change is crucial for effective management and conservation of the lakes and their associated ecosystems. This study focuses on Lake Kozjak, Croatia, a small lake belonging to the Plitvice Lakes system. This system represents a unique hydrogeological karstic phenomenon, closely dependent on a delicate biochemical balance necessary for tufa formation. We apply a simple one-dimensional model, SIMO v.1.0, to predict future water temperature in Lake Kozjak under three scenarios (RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) from 2006 to 2100. The model was calibrated using measured water temperature profiles and meteorological data from a nearby station. In addition to analyzing the average temperatures of the epilimnion, hypolimnion and the whole lake, we also studied the surface and bottom layer temperatures and their relation to specific forcing parameters. The Schmidt stability index was used as a quantitative indicator to assess lake stability. The simulation results indicate average lake water temperature increase of 0.51, 1.41 and 4.51 °C (100 y)−1 for RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. This increase in the water temperature is not accompanied by a substantial strengthening of stratification under RCP2.6 and RCP4.5 scenarios due to the temperature raise being present both in the epilimnion and hypolimnion. However, significant lengthening of the stratification period is observed even for the most stringent scenario, 16, 28 and 47 d (100 y)−1 for RCP2.6, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5, respectively. The predicted water temperature increase and prolonged stratification period may carry serious ecological and environmental implications. Highlights • Mean lake water temperature is projected to increase by 0.51 to 4.51 °C (100 y)−1. • Baseline scenario surface temperature increase of 5.2 °C (100 y)−1 is predicted. • Stratification period is predicted to lengthen by 16 (RCP2.6) to 47 days (RCP8.5). • Substantial stratification strengthening is expected only under RCP8.5.
PubDate: 2023-09-18
- Characterization of Natural Zeolite and Determination of its Ion-exchange
Potential for Selected Metal Ions in Water-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: The growing demand for clean and safe water calls for alternative water treatment methods and materials. In this work, characterization of natural zeolite samples and evaluation of their potential to remove heavy metals from water were done. Zeolite samples sourced from Mount Elgon, Uganda were characterized using X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Stock solutions of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cr(VI) ions prepared from their salts were spiked into distilled water for the study. The ion exchange capacities of the selected ions were studied at various pH, ion exchanger dosage, initial metal ion concentration and contact time. Isothermal and kinetic models were used to evaluate the ion exchange process. Results revealed the zeolite samples composed of 39.74 wt.% SiO2, 16.69 wt.% Al3O2, 11.51 wt.% CaO and 8.54 wt.% Fe2O3 as major mineral constituents. The composition implies that samples have a Si/Al ratio ranging from 2.27 to 2.60 suitable for ion exchange of heavy metals. The major phase in the mineral is laumontite whose Ca2+ ions are exchanged for cations such as heavy metals during the ion exchange processes. The maximum removal efficiencies were found at pH 6 (99% and 92.1%) for Pb(II) and Zn(II), respectively, while at pH 2 (85.5%) for Cr(VI). The maximum uptake according Langmuir model were 7.59 mg/g, 7.4 mg/g and 5.50 mg/g for Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cr(VI) ions, respectively. The pseudo-second-order equation fitted well the process for all metal ions investigated. Highlights Removal efficiencies of Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cr6+ on laumontite zeolites were 99%, 92.1% and 85.5%. Respective exchange capacities for Pb2+, Zn2+, Cr6+ were 7.59, 7.40 and 5.50 mg/g. The Ion exchange processes fitted Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models.
PubDate: 2023-09-18
- Evaporation Prediction with Wavelet-Based Hyperparameter Optimized
K-Nearest Neighbors and Extreme Gradient Boosting Algorithms in a
Semi-Arid Environment-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract The study aims to reveal which mother wavelet type performs best in evaporation prediction. This study used a hybrid algorithm that combined K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) methods, and discrete wavelet transform to estimate the evaporation values in the summer months in Bursa. While establishing wavelet-machine learning models, Daubechies2, coiflet 2, symlet 2 and biortogonal 2.2 wavelets were obtained by separating various input variables into sub-signals. For the model’s setup, total precipitation, average temperature, average relative humidity, average wind speed, total sunshine duration values in the monthly time period were used as inputs. Total evaporation data were presented as output of the algorithms. The performances of the established models were evaluated with the coefficients of determination, root mean square error, mean absolute error and scatter diagrams. It has been determined that the optimum model is obtained with the hybrid algorithm established by the combination of biorthogonal 2.2 and KNN methods. The study results provide agricultural, meteorological, hydrological and environmental engineers with essential resources for planning and managing water-related issues.
PubDate: 2023-09-18
- Optimization of Physical Parameters Involved in Cell Lysis of Bacillus Sp.
to Recover Bioplastic Polyhydroxyalkanoates-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: The increased global population has concurrently increased waste disposal, whose majority is conventional plastic. In this study, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), an alternative biopolymer to conventional plastics, were extracted from bacteria Bacillus sp., using response surface methodology (RSM), a statistical approach. To design, optimize and study the relationship between the parameters (glass beads weight, incubation time, water volume, incubation temperature, and shaker speed) Box-Behnken Design of response surface methodology was applied in Design Expert 10.0 software package. The solvent method is known in PHA extraction; however, this approach is environmentally hazardous on a large scale. The current study used a physical extraction method using glass beads for bacterial cell lysis. As a characterization, FTIR, 1HNMR, and DSC confirmed the recovered polymer as Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB). 31.53% (w/v) of PHB was recovered for 1 g/L biomass. PHB is known to be widely applied in various fields, specifically in medical applications. Genetically modified isolate, low-cost substrate, and recovery without solvent assure a cost-effective and increased PHA production. Glass beads can be reused in extraction, reducing overall production cost. Therefore, this work used a reduced amount of chemicals during extraction to recover the PHB. Thus, sustainability assures a better scope for the future promotion of PHA production in academia and industries. Highlights Sustainable PHA extraction alternatives, reducing environmental impact, were studied. Glass beads are used to lyse the cell to release the PHA from the bacteria Bacillus sp. Box-Behnken design optimized extraction parameters for maximum recovery of PHA. The cellular lysis approach yields higher recovery than solvent-method recovery and is eco-friendly. Graphical abstract 
PubDate: 2023-09-13
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00661-8
- Development of a Model for Sediment Evacuation from Reservoirs
-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract Among surface water sources, reservoirs of dams, especially in arid and semi-arid regions of the world, have always faced the problem of sedimentation and storage capacity reduction. In this article, we propose a method to minimize sedimentation in reservoirs. Most studies only consider flushing or long-term operation, but in this study, we propose a long-term optimal operation curve as a combination of long-term plan and periodic flushing. To extract this curve, we have combined an accepted one-dimensional sediment flushing model (Wallingford Model), the area reduction method of calculating lost volume in the reservoir, and Harmony Search (HS) evolutionary optimization algorithm. To evaluate the proposed method, we implemented it in Dez Dam reservoir as one of the most endangered dams in Iran and compared with the recorded statistics. Results indicated that optimization of rule curve during a period of 19 years can evacuate 18% of the sediment entering the reservoir and prevent the loss of \(\text{15.5} \, \times {10}^{6} \, {\text{m}}^{3}\) of storage capacity.
PubDate: 2023-09-12
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00660-9
- Toxic Metal Levels in Forest Soils Caused by Industrialization and Impacts
on Tree Biomass Carbon Stock-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: The present investigation intends to determine the physiochemical parameters and levels of toxic metals in surface soils, their possible sources, and their impacts on the tree carbon stock potential in a natural forest. Ninety soil samples were collected from three locations: Site-1: Vicinity to industries, Site-2: 150 m distance, and Site-3: 300 m distance from thirty industries in Bhawal Sal Forest. The toxic metal concentrations were quantified using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Multiple factor analysis (geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution index (PI), Pearson correlation, clustering, and regression) was done to measure the ecological risks and relationships of metals. The results revealed that the mean concentration of metal pollutants (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr) at Site-1 was 32.28, 7.99, 38.85, and 53.08 ppm, respectively. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values for Pb at Site-1 and Site-2 were 1.02±0.37 and 0.10±0.26, respectively, which means Igeo class 2 and 1, indicating moderately contaminated and unpolluted/moderately contaminated soils, respectively. A high value of pollution index (PI) for Pb (3.10±0.92) was recorded at Site-1. Correlation analysis found a strong positive link between metals: Cu-Zn (72%), Cu-Pb (83%), Cu-Cr (51%), Zn-Pb (71%), Zn-Cr (54%), and Pb-Cr (62%). Furthermore, negative correlations for tree biomass carbon stock of Cu (-87%), Zn (-78%), Pb (-84%), and Cr (-53%) were recorded, highlighting the negative effects of metals on tree diversity and biomass carbon production that require further monitoring. Nonetheless, policymakers and conservationists are obligated to take the necessary actions to reduce the impacts of industrial effluent discharge in protected forests. Highlights • Lead was the most significant contributor to the ecological risks. • Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr exhibited strong correlations, indicating similar origins. • Toxic metals in surface soils had negative impacts on tree biomass carbon stocks.
PubDate: 2023-09-07
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00656-5
- Use of Lower Quality Water in Irrigated Agriculture and Effects on Forages
with Productive Potential in Semiarid Regions: a Review-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract In the agricultural sector, using lower quality water sources has increased in irrigation practice. Thus, this review summarizes the consequences of using brackish and/or saline water in irrigated agriculture, highlighting some effects on soil and plants in general. Water quality for irrigation and the salinity tolerance threshold of forage species with productive potential for semiarid regions are also discussed. Between January and June 2022, a systematic search was carried out for studies that evaluated the quality of water for irrigation, the effects of using water with excess salts on the soil and on plants in general, and on forage species with productive potential in semiarid regions. The databases consulted were: ScienceDirect, Scopus, Wiley Online Library, Web of Science, Taylor and Francis, and Scholar Google. A total of 1567 studies were found. Of these, 200 studies were reviewed and 154 were used because they met the review objective. The forage plants reported here have salinity tolerance ranging from low to moderate. The management adopted, as well as the species used, are factors that influence the performance of the crop under stress. Although they are widely cultivated in arid and semiarid regions of the world, few studies still show the salinity threshold of these crops, mainly for forage cactus, sunflower, and pigeon pea species. Therefore, it is essential to carry out more research on this topic in order to provide information that improves the management of production systems in saline environments around the world.
PubDate: 2023-09-06
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00655-6
- Winery Wastewater Treatment: a Systematic Review of Traditional and
Emerging Technologies and Their Efficiencies-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract This article aims to present the challenges, trends, and advancements in winery wastewater treatment systems through a systematic literature review. The methodology was based on the guidelines proposed by PRISMA. Initially, 293 articles published in the last decade were analyzed, and out of these, 122 were selected as relevant for the review. The average removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) for each group of technology analyzed is as follows: 66% for physicochemical processes, 83% for biological processes, 90% for constructed wetlands (CWs), 96% for membranes, 42% for microbial fuel cells (MFCs), and 71% for advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). AOPs exhibit the highest efficiency in color removal (over 95%). Almost complete removals of total phenols are observed in AOPs and membrane systems. On the other hand, less robust systems such as biological sand filters and CWs also achieve removals of phenols exceeding 85%. Regarding nutrient removal, physicochemical processes show an average removal of 82% for phosphorus, while biological processes and CWs achieve removals exceeding 85% for total nitrogen. Adaptations of traditional technologies and emerging technologies show a trend towards eco-efficiency, with the reuse of residues in treatment systems (e.g., grape pomace as adsorbent), the recovery of compounds (e.g., polyphenols) and energy in the form of chemical (biogas in anaerobic systems) and electrical energy (MFCs). This literature review provides a compilation of quantitative and qualitative data to support decision-making related to winery wastewater treatment and presents possibilities to make this agro-industrial sector more sustainable.
PubDate: 2023-09-05
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00657-4
- Improved River Flood Routing with Spatially Variable Exponent Muskingum
Model and Sine Cosine Optimization Algorithm-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Due to advancements in optimization technology, numerous variable-parameter Muskingum models have been proposed in recent decades, aiming at enhancing the effectiveness of the Muskingum model. However, a knowledge gap exists in understanding the implications of incorporating spatial variations and lateral inflow considerations into the Muskingum model, as well as the performance and applicability of different sub-reach configurations, calling for further research in river flood routing. This study proposed a novel approach to river flood routing using a spatial variable exponent parameter nonlinear Muskingum model with lateral inflow considerations. Unlike previous studies that focused on modifying exponent parameters based on variable inflow levels (i.e., temporal variations), the proposed model considered spatial variations. The proposed Muskingum parameters were estimated using an improved Sine Cosine algorithm (SCA), applied to fit six previously reported case datasets. The proposed method minimized the sum of square errors (SSE) between observed and routed outflows. Results show that the proposed model outperforms others in the Wilson flood case study with an SSE of 6.072 for Number of Sub-reaches (NR)=2, representing an 82.89% reduction compared to NR=1 and constant exponent parameter. Additionally, both the Viessman and Lewis case study and the Dinavar case study demonstrate that NR=3 achieves the best performance and fit to observed data. NR=3 yields the best fit achieving SSE of 9.81 and 2466.62 in the Viessman and Lewis case and the Dinavar case, respectively. The Lawler flood case suggests that a traditional nonlinear model with an SSE of 0.36 for NR=1, 2, or 3 may suffice. Highlights The nonlinear Muskingum model is an extension of the standard Muskingum method. Nonlinear Muskingum Model with Variable Exponent Parameter improves flood routing. The proposed method minimized the sum of square errors (SSE) between observed and routed outflows. The Wilson flood case study demonstrates SSE of 6.072 for NR=2.
PubDate: 2023-08-31
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00658-3
- Nature-based Solutions in Serbia: Implementation of Rain Gardens in the
Suburban Community Kać-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract In recent years, the concept of Nature-based Solutions (NbS) is emerging in Serbia, in particular in the direction of overcoming the challenges in mitigation of existing problems with urban floods and pollution. The aim of this paper was to assess the performance and functionality of two rain gardens (RGs), taken as case studies, constructed in two different locations in private residential properties in Serbia. The research technique is based on visual inspection as a monitoring method during the first, second, and third year following RG construction. The basic functions of RGs observed were flow reduction during storm events, presence of standing water or overflows, time of infiltration, vegetation health and adaptation. The results of the assessment suggested that: (a) both RGs infiltrate runoff during rain and snow events with no presence of standing water after 24 h and (b) rain gardens can reduce peak flows and total flow volume in a short period of time for rainfall depths that are connected with different return periods and flood frequency. The RGs also showed excellent plant growth rate and rapid plant adaptation. This study revealed that the concept of RGs as NbS can be applied under local soil conditions and typical continental climate, and contributed to limited research gaps about performances of RGs as NbS in Serbian practice. For obtaining more detailed information about RG performance, we recommend further assessment of RGs from the aspect of improving runoff quality like testing pollutant removal.
PubDate: 2023-08-29
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00659-2
- Assessment of the Correction of the Reference Evapotranspiration at
Nonirrigated Weather Stations Affected by Aridity and Delimitation of the
Meteorological Conditions that Limit its Implementation-
Free pre-print version: Loading...
Rate this result:
What is this?
Please help us test our new pre-print finding feature by giving the pre-print link a rating.
A 5 star rating indicates the linked pre-print has the exact same content as the published article.
Abstract: Abstract As most reference crop evapotranspiration (ETref) estimates are computed from weather stations located outside irrigated plots, the site aridity can produce ETref overestimation. To obtain more reliable ETref estimates, the potential of using the methodology that corrects the observed air and dew point temperatures was first analyzed in this study, and the meteorological conditions that limit this methodology implementation were subsequently assessed. A statistical analysis was conducted of pairwise comparisons between a station under reference conditions (Montañana) and four nearby stations affected by aridity in Spain for 2020. The daily reference evapotranspiration was calculated with the FAO56 Penman–Monteith equation (ETo PM), and afterward, the corrected daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo PMcor) was obtained using the previously mentioned correction methodology. The statistical analysis showed a greater connection between ETref and ETo PMcor in all pairwise comparisons, with the strongest connection reached between ETref Montañana station and ETo PMcor Pastríz station (coefficient of determination r2 = 0.98 and root mean square error RMSE = 0.34 mm/day.). This ETo PM correction methodology was established considering a difference between the minimum temperature (Tmin) and the dew point temperature (Tdew) greater than 2 °C, as this value is considered the benchmark of aridity, but this research found that high aridity (P/ETo < 0.5) inland locations and high aridity coastal locations with high relative humidity (RH), markedly as of 61.5% and 68%, respectively, could exhibit days where Tmin-Tdew < 2 °C does not reflect well-watered soil and healthy grass but rather high RH levels (r2 = 0.77 and 0.57, respectively). As this correction methodology was not established considering Tmin-Tdew values smaller than 2 °C, the application scope of this methodology is limited under the above scenarios.
PubDate: 2023-08-02
DOI: 10.1007/s40710-023-00653-8
|
Hybrid journal (It can contain Open Access articles)
