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Bacteriological and Physico-chemical analysis of Lapai water source was investigated. Lapai is the headquarters of Lapai Local Government Area of Niger state, Nigeria. Bacteriological quality of water samples was determined by enumeration through Total Viable Count and Coliform count using the Most Probable Number (MPN) method. The Isolates were subjected to Series of Biochemical tests for characterization and identification. The physicochemical parameters were determined according to the standard analytical methods for the examination of water and waste water and Romanian standard. Findings from this work includes the following: Maximum Total Viable Count (TVC) and Coliform count were recorded to be 2.45 x 107cfu/mg and > 1100 MPN index/100ml, while minimum TVC and Coliform count were recorded to be 1.05 x 107cfu/mg and 0MPN index/100ml in the water samples. Total bacteria count and identified from all the water sources in Lapai metropolis indicated that Escherichia coli and Klebsiella sp occurred most with five (5) and four (4) isolates respectively. The conductivity data for the raw water samples indicated that State low-cost (LN), IBB Hostel (LE) and Emir Palace (LW) analysed were 250, 120 and 580 µs/cm. The pH, conductivity, chloride, nitrate and total hardness decreases with increasing treatment time in the column for the borehole water samples. While, the pH, temperature, turbidity, conductivity, total suspended solid (TSS), total dissolved solids (TDS), and total solids (TS), BOD, COD, nitrate, phosphate, ammonia and heavy metal analysis for the surface water (stream/river) samples also decreases with increasing treatment time in the packed column. Treatment of the water using nanocellulose revealed a decrease in all the investigated parameters with increasing treatment time. Most water samples examined did not meet up with the WHO standard for portable water, and the presence of these bacteria are potential pathogens that can significantly affect microbiology water quality, resulting to great health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wetlands form part of a diverse range of habitats and play an important role in the ecology and hydrological cycle but are amongst the most threatened ecological systems. It is therefore critical to understand the hydrology of wetlands, and their contributing water sources in particular, to ensure appropriate management of these systems. Land use activities not only alter the runoff characteristics of catchments, but also often result in modified flow regimes in watercourses. Wetlands often develop accidentally in anthropogenic landscapes and are not uncommon. However, these wetlands are poorly documented and researched. An accidental wetland formed in the Kgaswane Mountain Reserve, Rustenburg, due to leaking water infrastructure. The aim of this project was to categorise the wetland and confirm its origin, focussing on the role of the leakage. Methods included hydrogeomorphic classification, water ion composition analysis, as well as infield temperature and electrical conductivity measurements. Historical satellite imagery was used to study the evolution of the wetland over time. The electrical conductivity and ionic composition results suggest an unnatural water source, providing support that a leaking pipe caused the wetland to form. Management of accidental wetlands is discussed and the potential for future, related research is contemplated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The proposed research studied the determinants of male and female child malnutrition in Pakistan. More specifically, it observed the role of the sanitation facility and drinking water source as important determinants of malnutrition in a gender analysis. Methods: Novel data of 1010 children under three years of age from PDHS 2017–18 were used. A CIAF (Cumulative Index for Anthropometric Failure) was established to assess malnourishment in the children. Discrete-choice logistic methodology was applied in this empirical research to study the likelihood of malnourishment in children. Results: The logistic regression results depicted that factors such as a child belonging to a deprived area, the status of home wealth, and the education of the mother were common determinants of malnutrition in children. Factors such as a child having diarrhea (OR = 1.55, CI = 0.96–2.50) and the drinking water source (OR = 0.62, CI = 0.37–1.03) were separate prominent predictors of malnutrition in male children whereas the sanitation facility was the main determinant of malnutrition in female children (OR = 0.64, CI = 0.43–0.95). Conclusion: This study concludes that important links exist between the drinking water source and male child malnutrition and between sanitation facilities and female child malnutrition.

Analysis of water source and moisture transfer characteristics of desert plants is of great significance for ecological restoration in arid areas. In this study, the water source utilized by the desert plant, Haloxylon ammodendron , was analysed using the stable isotope technique, and the water transportation characteristics were obtained based on the proportional heat balance method under different weather conditions. The results showed that (1) before raining, the moisture of H. ammodendron mainly relied on groundwater (the average contribution rate was 34.14%) and on soil water located at a depth of 120–180 cm (the average contribution rate was 29.87%). After the rain, H. ammodendron mainly absorbed soil water from a depth of 60–120 cm (the average contribution rate was 33.19%) and groundwater (the average contribution rate was 30.67%); (2) the stem flow of H. ammodendron showed an obvious diurnal variation, showing a "midday rest" phenomenon. The stem flow showed a peak value, and in sunny days, it was ~2 fold higher than that in cloudy days. (3) The stem flow rate of H. ammodendron varied regularly overtime as follows: August > July > September > June > May, and the meteorological factors affecting its stem flow were solar radiation (0.826) > atmospheric temperature (0.598) > humidity (-0.573). The results provide basic support for the ecological conservation of the desert plant H. ammodendron , while also having important implications for ecological restoration in arid regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the continuous degradation (gradual thawing) of permafrost, supra-permafrost water has become an important component of runoff that occurs in cold regions. However, current research has only focused on the amount of water provided by permafrost, and little has been reported regarding the source and formation mechanisms of supra-permafrost water. Due to the difficulty of observation and sampling in cold regions and insufficient data accumulation, model simulations face various difficulties in regard to solving problems related to hydrological processes. Considering the advantages of stable isotope tracer methods in hydrology, the source of supra-permafrost water in Qilian Mountain was analyzed based on 1,840 samples, and the source of supra-permafrost water was determined by end-member mixing analysis (EMMA). Negative line-conditioned excess (lc-excess), lower slope, and particularly the negative intercept of the evaporation line (EL) indicates strong evaporation effects on supra-permafrost water. Remarkably, the evolutionary process, influencing factors, and relationship with other water bodies all indicate that supra-permafrost water is replenished by precipitation, ground ice meltwater, and snow meltwater. The results indicated that from May to October, the contributions of precipitation to the supra-permafrost water were 79%, 83%, 90%, 84%, 87%, and 83%, respectively. Snow meltwater contributed 11%, 13%, 10%, 16%, 11%, and 9%, respectively. Permafrost degradation impacts the water cycle and can increase the minimum monthly runoff and increase groundwater storage. To mitigate the effects of this change, monitoring and early warning systems are essential for detecting signs of permafrost degradation in a timely manner so that appropriate measures can be taken. This may involve the use of remote-sensing technologies, sensor networks, and other methods for real-time monitoring. Establishing mechanisms for sharing information with the relevant departments is crucial. The research results provide scientific and technological support and aid in decision-making to mitigate the negative effects of continuous permafrost degradation in a changing environment. • Precipitation is the main source of supra-permafrost water in the Qilian Mountains. • Permafrost degradation increases the minimum monthly runoff and groundwater storage. • Main point #3: Stable isotope of supra-permafrost water has no obvious seasonal variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives This paper sets out to provide a theoretical substantiation of the placement of external fire-prevention water supply sources when designing unique construction objects, for which standard requirements of fire safety cannot be applied. Problematic situations arising during the design of unique construction objects, which relate to the provision of the required level of fireextinguishing substances supply, are described.Method A model constructed on the basis of graph theory is presented for the preliminary calculation of the location of external fire-fighting water supply sources that takes the equipment of fire-rescue units into account. The utility of developing a universal mathematical model for the preliminary definition of arrangement parameters of sources of external fire-prevention water supply when designing construction objects is substantiated.Results Examples of preliminary calculation of the number of external fire-fighting water supply sources are given considering the shape of the building perimeter. Additional factors determining the distances from external fire-fighting water supply sources to the projected objects are given.Conclusion A conclusion regarding the adequacy of the proposed model is formulated and directions for future research indicated that allows the applicability of the model to be specified for the calculation of the projected objects, which differ in terms of dimensions given in the plan by above-normative characteristics.

Abstract Background In the Gaza strip, diarrhea is one of main reasons for children visiting primary healthcare centers. Hence, we investigate predictors of the diarrheal illness and health care-seeking behavior among different age groups. Methods This community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from August 2017 to June 2018 among 1857 households. A pretested structured questionnaire included information about socio-demographic, sanitation, hygiene, source of water, diarrheal illness, and seeking healthcare in households was administered to head of household. To achieve representativeness for the five Gaza’s governorates, a cluster random sampling was applied. Results Of the 1857 household’s heads, 421 (22.7%) reported an episode of diarrhea during the 48 h preceding the interview resulting an overall prevalence rate of 3.8 per 100 individuals. The prevalence of diarrhea was statistical significant greater in males (5.4/100) compared to females (1.3/100) in all age groups (p

To resist against a hostile environment, the oases of Saoura developed ingenious techniques of catchment and sharing of water to exploit the rare and precious waters of the groundwater. But the intervention of modern irrigation techniques has disrupted the entire oasis system inside the oasis such as the spring, the palm grove and the ksar. These techniques have overexploited the groundwater supplying the palm grove in terms of quantity and quality.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a waterborne zoonotic disease that can result in a high fatality rate in pregnant women and infants. In 2018, a large HEV outbreak emerged in Chattogram, Bangladesh, resulting in 2800 cases and a significant public health response to mitigate the transmission. While the source of the outbreak remained poorly understood, authorities suggested that possible risk factors for HEV infection included contamination of water supply, exacerbated by concurrent severe flooding events in the community. A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the distribution and risk factors for HEV seroprevalence between January and December 2018 in the Chattogram city area. A total of 505 blood samples were collected from symptomatic patients of 10 hospitals who met the case definition for an HEV infection. Standard ELISA tests were performed in all patients to identify anti-HEV antibodies. The size and location of HEV seroprevalence clusters within Chattogram were investigated using SaTScan. We investigated the association between risk of HEV infection and individual and environmentally lagged risk factors using Bernoulli generalised linear regression models. Our results indicate an overall HEV seroprevalence of 35% with significant variation according to sex, source of drinking water, and boiling of drinking water. A positive cross-correlation was found between HEV exposure and precipitation, modified normalised difference water index (MNDWI), and normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI). Our model indicated that risk of infection was associated with sex, age, source of drinking water, boiling of water, increased precipitation, and increased MNDWI. The results from this study indicate that source and boiling of drinking water and increased precipitation were critical drivers of the 2018 HEV outbreak. The communities at highest risk identified in our analyses should be targeted for investments in safe water infrastructure to reduce the likelihood of future HEV outbreaks in Chattogram.

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Aims: Harsh edaphic environments harbor species with different soil affinities. Plant's responses to specific edaphic constraints may be compromised against responses to prevalent stresses shared with other semi-arid environments. We expect that species with high edaphic affinity may show traits to overcome harsh soil properties, while species with low affinity may respond to environmental constraints shared with arid environments. Methods: We quantified the edaphic affinity of 12 plant species co-occurring in gypsum outcrops and measured traits related to plant responses to specific gypsum constraints (rooting and water uptake depth, foliar accumulation of Ca, S and Mg), and traits related to common constraints of arid environments (water use efficiency, macronutrients foliar content). Results: Plants in gypsum outcrops differed in their strategies to face edaphic limitations. A phylogenetic informed PCA segregated species based on their foliar Ca and S accumulation and greater water uptake depths, associated with plant responses to specific gypsum limitations. Species' gypsum affinity explained this segregation, but traits related to water or nutrient use efficiency did not contribute substantially to this axis. Conclusions: Plant's specializations to respond to specific edaphic constraints of gypsum soils do not limit their ability to deal with other non-specific environmental constraints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The past decades have witnessed the increasingly severe desertification and high sandstorm frequency in Hunshandake desert, China, which evokes extensive concern regarding the ecological and environmental effects on natural plant fields. Herein, natural poplars in this area are studied in this work to analyze the water use efficiency (WUE), water absorption source (WAS), water consumption of poplar, and water use strategy (WUS). The results show that the intrinsically high WUE of poplar can be enhanced under water stress status. The 0–100 cm soil water or underground water constitutes the main WAS. Poplar uses deep soil water or underground water when there is insufficient precipitation in rainy season, which, however, turns to use easily‐absorbed precipitation water after rainfall and lives through the growing period by switching water absorption positions. The unique dimorphic root system, adjustable WUE, and adjustable WUS make poplar able to maximally use limited water resource, which is also the main strategy for its survival in arid and semi‐arid areas. The combined analyses help us to get insight into the survivability and adaptive ability of plants as well as to regulate the limited water resource. This work may pave a way for ecological community restoration and ecologically environmental improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology / Shuiwendizhi Gongchengdizhi is the property of Hydrogeology & Engineering Geology Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Gas resources play a key role in nowadays energy supply, and it provides 24% of the diverse energy portfolio. Water encroachment is one of the main trapping mechanisms in gas reservoirs, and it causes subsequent recovery reduction. There are various reactive techniques that have been applied to cope with excess water production as long as many industry failures for treating water production consistently. The key to effective water control is the source and mechanism of water invasion identification. Reviewing the literature, there are 10 mechanisms for unwanted water production. Although there are a few general approaches to deal with undesirable water production, a stepwise approach to diagnose the source and mechanism of unwanted water production is missing.This paper presents a comprehensive approach employing all available data to identify the mechanism of water production. The proposed approach investigates all the possible water production mechanisms regardless of the severity of the problem. By applying some filters and screen out the irrelevant mechanisms, finding the main mechanism and consequently the necessary counter-reaction is more comfortable. As a case study, this approach was applied in a carbonate gas reservoir encountered a sever water production problem. The water rises 24 meter per year. By applying this approach, the main source and mechanism of water production in this field was recognized without any further diagnostic tests. As a consequence, the appropriate reservoir-based solutions were replaced with previous well-based treatment methods in the field with more than 20% recovery improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) has been applied to underground constructions, such as tunnels and mines, to detect and forewarn groundwater sources hidden in front of the mine face, also named disaster water sources. Disaster water sources are mostly found in 2-D or 3-D structures; as such, their spatial distribution characteristics are difficult to reflect accurately by conventional 1-D MRS results. This letter proposes a method for sector-scanning magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) measurement using rotating antennas for 2-D water-bearing structures, such as water-filling conduits, faults, and goafs to obtain the 2-D distribution image of water content and relaxation time ($T_{2}^{*}$) in front of the face by inversion. Through the numerical simulation of conduits, we analyzed the 2-D sensitivity, resolution, and inversion results of the rotating antennas. The imaging result at a high noise level was improved by increasing the number of antenna rotations. We also determined the effects of 2-D MRT on the faults and goafs and discussed the minimum cross-sectional area and maximum distance for reliable imaging of conduits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mountainous river basins of the Pacific Northwest, climate models predict that winter warming will result in increased precipitation falling as rain and decreased snowpack. A detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal dynamics of water sources across river networks will help illuminate climate change impacts on river flow regimes. Because the stable isotopic composition of precipitation varies geographically, variation in surface water isotope ratios indicates the volume‐weighted integration of upstream source water. We measured the stable isotope ratios of surface water samples collected in the Snoqualmie River basin in western Washington over June and September 2017 and the 2018 water year. We used ordinary least squares regression and geostatistical Spatial Stream Network models to relate surface water isotope ratios to mean watershed elevation (MWE) across seasons. Geologic and discharge data was integrated with water isotopes to create a conceptual model of streamflow generation for the Snoqualmie River. We found that surface water stable isotope ratios were lowest in the spring and highest in the dry, Mediterranean summer, but related strongly to MWE throughout the year. Low isotope ratios in spring reflect the input of snowmelt into high elevation tributaries. High summer isotope ratios suggest that groundwater is sourced from low elevation areas and recharged by winter precipitation. Overall, our results suggest that baseflow in the Snoqualmie River may be relatively resilient to predicted warming and subsequent changes to snowpack in the Pacific Northwest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xeric shrubs often play an important role in reversing desertification and promoting ecological restoration of degraded dryland ecosystems. However, how shrubs affect their associated herbaceous species and environmental conditions remains largely unknown. In this study, we conducted a removal experiment along with stable isotope analysis to determine the water use strategy of a shrub species (Artemisia ordosica) and its associated perennial graminoids (PG) in the Mu Us Desert, northern China. We observed that in the intact plots, both shrubs and PG predominantly utilized water from the shallow soil layer (0–20 cm, 54.36%, and 63.63%, respectively). Compared to this, when shrubs were removed, soil water content decreased, the main water source of PG switched to the middle soil layer (20–60 cm, 48.25%), and their water use efficiency (WUE) increased. However, the removal of PG had no significant impacts on the soil water content in any layer or on the water source of shrubs but for slightly decreased WUE. We highlighted that rather than hydraulic lift, shade‐induced evaporation decline is the primary mechanism by which shrubs facilitate the growth of associated herbaceous plants in desert ecosystems, indicating that the facilitated herbaceous plants have more flexible water use strategies than shrubs, which probably drives the community succession from being shrub‐dominated to herb‐dominated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal exploitation of irrigation systems after 1989 imposed a series of conditions determined by the political regime, the form of land ownership, the labor shortage and the influence of climate change in the last period of time. Irrigation plots in Romania, basic components of large irrigation systems built before 1989, are in an advanced wear phase and no longer meet the current technical requirements in terms of management. A requirement for the existence of an irrigation system is dictated by the presence of viable water sources in terms of volume and permanence during the irrigation season. The form of private ownership of agricultural land imposed a restructuring of irrigated areas according to the way of association of owners. Climate change coupled with labor shortages in the agricultural sector has necessitated the adoption of irrigation methods that reduce the rate of irrigation and use automated irrigation equipment. The paper aims to present a series of directions for refurbishment and modernization of irrigation plots based on studies and research conducted in irrigation systems in Moldova. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aggravation of global nitrogen deposition may change plant water utilization and affect plant growth. Understanding the changes of vegetation water consumption under nitrogen deposition is of great significance for simulating and predicting the evolution of each component of forest hydrological cycle. We used the hydrogen and oxygen isotope tracer method to analyze water consumption source, quantity and law of Quercus mongolica (Qm), Fraxinus manshurica (Fm) and Tilia amurensis (Ta), the dominant species in broadleaved Korean pine forest of Changbai Mountain, under different add amounts of nitrogen [low nitrogen addition group (11.8 kg ⋅ hm-2 ⋅ a-1), LN; high nitrogen addition group (23.6 kg ⋅ hm-2 ⋅ a-1), HN] and different amounts of simulated precipitation (water addition amount were 0, 400, 800 and 1600 mL, equivalent to single rainfall amount were 0, 16, 32 and 64 mm, respectively). The results showed that under the condition of relative drought, soil water utilization ratio of Qm, Fm and Ta in the LN group were 26%, 12% and 20%, higher than that in HN group. When the amount of simulated precipitation was 16 mm, soil water utilization ratio oi Qm, Fm and Ta in LN group reached the highest, being 73%, 70% and 43%, respectively. This ratio also reached a high value in HN group, but being less than the values in LN group. When the amount oi simulated precipitation was 32 mm, soil water content approximated the average value in broadleaved Korean pine forest in the growing season in Changbai Mountain. The average soil water utilization ratio of test tree species in HN group was 39%, higher than that in LN group (16%). When the amount oi simulated precipitation reached 64 mm, the soil water was saturation. Soil water utilization ratio of Qm, Fm and Ta in LN group was 14%, 5% and 1%, which was lower than that in HN group, the corresponding ratio were 64%, 13% and 10%, respectively. In conclusion, under the condition oi less precipitation and relatively dry soil, the soil water utilization ratio oi those three tree species were lower, and the increases oi nitrogen availability further reduced the ratio. When the amount oi precipitation was high and soil moisture was higher than the average value oi the growing season, soil water utilization ratio oi those tree species was higher. With the increases oi soil nitrogen availability, this ratio was further increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme droughts, of increased frequency due to climate change, are threatening the sustainability of dryland plantations worldwide by exacerbating water scarcity. Here we aim to disentangle the impacts of combinations of terracing and mulching on water use strategy and their response to extreme droughts in a rainfed jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) plantation on the semiarid Loess Plateau of China, using 3‐year in situ field observations. Pruned jujube branches and maize straw were mulched on half‐moon terraces to form two combined treatments, referred to as JBT and MST, respectively. The efficacy of these two combinations on the water use strategy of jujube trees was compared with terracing alone (SHT) and control (no terrace). We found that under extreme drought there was clearly reduced soil water storage (SWS) for different treatments. However, the combined treatments showed significantly (p <.05) higher SWS than the SHT and control. Furthermore, the combined treatments enhanced soil water use in deep layers during both normal and drought years, thus helping jujube trees to resist droughts. Moreover, under extreme drought there was greatly reduced transpiration whereas for moderate drought increased transpiration at both seasonal and annual scales. Nonetheless, the combined treatments were associated with enhanced transpiration compared to the SHT and control during drought periods. Finally, jujube trees exhibited isohydric behavior which also helped them to cope with prolonged droughts. Overall, the findings here may provide insights into land management of dryland plantations worldwide under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Access to suitable water sources is important for mammals. This study aimed to compared mammal diversity and water use among water springs, standard artificial ponds, and water pans within the Khao Phaeng Ma Non-Hunting Area in 2020 and 2021. Two camera traps were installed at each water sources for 749 nights with a total of 12 camera traps of 6 water sources. A total of 19,467 photographs were recorded comprising 13,777 photographs of gaur ( Bos gaurus , vulnerable and the most important species in the area), and 5690 photographs of other mammals. In the wet season, relative use was highest at standard artificial pond number 2, which is established in the forest plantation area (4 × 4 m spacing, 12-20 m height, and 60%-80 % crown cover) and has a high volume of water, and at water pan number 1, which mimics a natural water spring in the man-made grassland and can supply water to mammals throughout the year. In the dry seasons, relative use was highest at water pan numbers 1 and 2; at the same time, other water sources dried up. During the study period, the number of mammal species was highest at water pan number 1 (10 species, diversity index [ H' ] = 1.38), and water pan number 2 (11 species, H'  = 1.75). Grazers and browsers, including gaur, sambar deer ( Rusa unicolor ), northern red muntjac ( Muntiacus vaginalis ), omnivores (e.g. wild boar, Sus scrofa ), and Asian black bear ( Ursus thibetanus ), used the water pan in the artificial grassland and standard artificial pond in the forest plantation rather than the water spring in the dry evergreen forest. Beside forest types, the use of water springs was associated with water period (months), while the use of standard artificial pond and water pans was associated with water surface area, water depth, altitude, species diversity, and species richness, and number of mammals photographed. The results show that water pans were more suitable for utilization by mammals than are other water sources., Competing Interests: The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Rattanawat Chaiyarat reports financial support was provided by 10.13039/501100004156Mahidol University. Rattanawat Chaiyarat reports a relationship with 10.13039/501100004156Mahidol University that includes: employment and funding grants. Rattanawat Chaiyarat has patent licensed to Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation record 243–258. We declare that all authors are not interpreting as a conflict of interest by the reader. If there are other authors, they declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2024 The Authors.)

Summer rain is changeable in the semi-arid climate and is the limiting factor to the survival and growth of sand-fixing vegetation, especially in the Tibetan Plateau. Caragana intermedia is the dominant sand-binding shrub on a sand dune in the northeast Tibetan Plateau. Stable hydrogen and oxygen isotopes of xylem water, soil water, and groundwater were examined to study the rainwater uptake process by C. intermedia in mid-summer. Soil water content was monitored continuously before and after a 13.9-mm rain. Contribution of each water source was analyzed by the MixSIAR model. The results showed that the surface soil water (0−10 cm) was replenished by rainwater through increasing soil water content and reducing its stable isotope. Caragana intermedia mainly used surface soil water (0−10 cm) replenished by rainwater one day after the rain, accounting for about 60% of its total water source. As water availability decreased in upper soil layers, it used soil water at deeper levels (10−150 cm), the same water source as that one day before the rain. The rapid and efficient uptake of rainwater by C. intermedia reflected its response to summer rain, which is an adaptive strategy to the semi-arid environment. Therefore, C. intermedia could survive on a sand dune by shallow soil water replenished from rainwater in the Tibetan Plateau.

Objectives: This research investigates the association of malnutrition with social and economic factors in general and environmental factors in specific such as sanitation facilities and drinking water sources for Pakistan. Methods: Authors used the latest data of 1010 Under-Three children from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2017–2018. Cumulative Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) was developed to measure the malnutrition status among children based on z-scores of WHZ, WAZ, and HAZ, respectively. The study has applied the discrete-choice logistic methodology to find the relationship of malnutrition with socio-economic characteristics. The interaction terms of drinking water source and sanitation facility have been measured to see the impact of environmental factors on child malnutrition. Results: The study results depict that the likelihood of malnutrition increases when the child had diarrhea recently and the child belongs to the deprived region such as KPK, Sind, and Baluchistan. However, the chances of child malnutrition drop with (1) an escalation of mothers’ education, (2) a rise in wealth status of the household, and (3) the improved water source and sanitation facility in the household. The only water-improved sanitation category of the interaction term is significant in the model which depicts that households having both improved water and improved sanitation facilities had very fewer chances of malnutrition among their children. Conclusion: Authors conclude that malnutrition in younger children is associated with improved water as well as sanitation facilities, maternal education, and household wealth in Pakistan.

The prevention and control techniques and methods for mine water disasters classified with respect to water source，distribution relationship between mineral body and aquifer，water passage，et al，are presented.First of all，some key prevention and control techniques and methods for mine water disasters with water sources including precipitation，surface water，ground water，gob area water，recharged water from other aquifers and roof bed separation water are presented.Secondly，some key prevention and control techniques and methods for mine water disasters with different spatial distribution relationships between the mineral body and the aquifer including the water from the roof aquifers，the floor aquifers and the peripheral aquifers are presented.Finally，some key prevention and control techniques and methods for mine water disasters with different water passages including the karst collapse column，faults and cracks，narrow belt shape sub outcrop，et al，are presented.

The Moldavian Plateau and Plain have few drinking water sources (the case of Iaşi and Vaslui Counties). The main type of fresh water sources are groundwater and surface water. The Moldavian Plateau rural settlements are affected the most by the lack of viable, unpolluted water sources to ensure a volume able to cover the consumers’ demand. The pollution phenomenon induced by the non-availability of rural sewerage systems and also by the settlements’ areas foundation rocks have decreased the groundwater and surface water sources quality parameters. The adduction, transport and distribution networks of water supply systems are affected by the „water loss“ phenomenon. Water management in a transmission and distribution network must correlate the number of water sources, available volume, acceptable quality parameters and inherent water losses from networks with the consumers’ demands. The optimisation of water management in a given geographic space has led to the establishment of „regional water supply systems“. This process relies on the minimisation of water losses. The case study carried out in Iaşi County shows the importance of the regional water supply system development through optimal exploitation of Moldavian Plateau and Plain water sources.

Aims In desert ecosystems, water is a restricting factor for plant growth and vegetation dynamics. The relatively stable water source from deep soil profile or groundwater is important for plant survival during drought. Understanding water use strategy of endangered species, in desert ecosystem is essential for their conservation and restoration such as Ammopiptanthus mongolicus on the Mongolian Plateau. Methods The stable isotope method of δD and δ 18O was used to examine the main water sources of A. mongolicus and two companion shrubs, e.g. Artemisia ordosica and Artemisia xerophytica. The contribution of different water sources to each species was calculated by IsoSource model. Leaf δ 13C was used to compare long-term water use efficiency of three shrubs. Soil moisture and root distribution of three shrubs was measured to explain plant water use strategy. Important Findings The results showed that A. mongolicus relied on groundwater and 150–200 cm deep soil water, with the former contributing to almost half of its total water source. Artemisia ordosica mainly used 150–200 cm deep soil water, but also used shallow soil water within 100 cm in summer and autumn. Artemisia xerophytica mainly used 150–200 cm deep soil water and groundwater, with the latter contributing to about 30%–60% of its total water source. The three shrubs had dimorphic or deep root systems, which are in accord with their water sources. The WUE in the evergreen shrub A. mongolicus was higher than in two deciduous Artemisia shrubs, which may be an adaptive advantage in desert ecosystem. Therefore, groundwater is an important water source for the endangered shrub A. mongolicus in a drought year on Mongolian Plateau. Ammopiptanthus mongolicus and two Artemisia shrubs competed for deep soil water and groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on species' habitat use and distribution is critical to conservation managers in planning effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impact of development. Few studies have focused on the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Bhutan. This study aimed to assess the habitat requirements and threats to this endangered species in the Khamaed subdistrict of the Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. We employed a transect walk and plot‐sampling survey design across two seasons, that is, winter and spring. In total, we surveyed 84 × 50 m radius circular plots along 51 km of existing trails within a 25.4 km2 study area. At 500 m intervals, we established plots at random distances and direction from the trail. We recorded direct sightings (n = 2) and indirect signs (n = 14), such as droppings and footprints as evidence of red panda presence within an altitudinal range of 2,414–3,618 m. We also noted 21 tree and 12 understory species within plots with red panda evidence; the dominant tree species was the Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) and the Asian barberry (Berberis asiatica) as an understory species. Red panda presence showed a significant positive association with distance to water sources and fir forests. Plant disturbance and infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, were identified as prominent anthropogenic threats in the study area. Based on our findings, we recommend the development and implementation of local forest management plans, livestock intensification programs, and strict application of environmental impact assessment regulations to promote the conservation of the red panda in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The nitrogen concentration/flux of water is very sensitive to the response of Net Anthropogenic Nitrogen Inputs (NANI), but the research on the dynamic response of nitrogen concentration to NANI is still rarely reported. In this study, the source of Zhaoshandu water source in Zhejiang Province, China, was used as the research object. The dynamic response of total nitrogen (TN) concentration to NANI in the basin was quantitatively analysed from 2005 to 2014. The results show that the NANI of the water source has a growing trend. It has increased by 6.73% in ten years. The average annual average of NANI is 85.76 kg (hm²·a-1), which is 1.7 times the national average of 2009. The average contribution rate of atmospheric nitrogen, chemical fertilizer nitrogen, food and feed nitrogen and crop fixed nitrogen is 40.98%, 34.06%, 20.25% and 4.7% respectively. The spatial difference of NANI is large, showing an increasing trend from the upstream mountainous area along the downstream. The sub-basin 2 is the key source of nitrogen pollution in this water source. NANI is the only independent variable of the TN concentration regression model with a variance interpretation rate of 55.4%. In the future, it is necessary to reduce the nitrogen input intensity of nitrogen, food and feed for chemical fertilizers as the main target, and to achieve the goal of water quality improvement by reducing the NANI intensity in the basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Normal University (Natural Science Edition) / Huanan Shifan Daxue Xuebao (Ziran Kexue Ban) is the property of Journal of South China Normal University (Natural Science Edition) Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: Water is the most abundant resource on earth, however water scarcity affects more than 40% of people worldwide. Access to safe drinking water is a basic human right and is a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6. Globally, waterborne diseases such as cholera are responsible for over two million deaths annually. Cholera is a major cause of ill-health in Africa and Uganda. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical characteristics of the surface and spring water in cholera endemic communities of Uganda in order to promote access to safe drinking water.Methods: A longitudinal study was carried out between February 2015 and January 2016 in cholera prone communities of Uganda. Surface and spring water used for domestic purposes including drinking from 27 sites (lakes, rivers, irrigation canal, springs and ponds) were tested monthly to determine the vital physicochemical parameters, namely pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and turbidity.Results: Overall, 318 water samples were tested. Twenty-six percent (36/135) of the tested samples had mean test results that were outside the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended drinking water range. All sites (100%, 27/27) had mean water turbidity values greater than the WHO drinking water recommended standards and the temperature of above 17 °C. In addition, 27% (3/11) of the lake sites and 2/5 of the ponds had pH and dissolved oxygen respectively outside the WHO recommended range of 6.5-8.5 for pH and less than 5 mg/L for dissolved oxygen. These physicochemical conditions were ideal for survival of Vibrio. cholerae.Conclusions: This study showed that surface water and springs in the study area were unsafe for drinking and had favourable physicochemical parameters for propagation of waterborne diseases including cholera. Therefore, for Uganda to attain the SDG 6 targets and to eliminate cholera by 2030, more efforts are needed to promote access to safe drinking water. Also, since this study only established the vital water physicochemical parameters, further studies are recommended to determine the other water physicochemical parameters such as the nitrates and copper. Studies are also needed to establish the causal-effect relationship between V. cholerae and the physicochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to identify and quantify herbicide residues in water samples of rain, cisterns, streams, ponds, springs, semi-artesian wells, dams and a river in the Rio Samambaia sub-basin in the Federal District and eastern Goiás. A total of 287 samples were collected from 20 farms in the sub-basin in the rainy (February, summer) and dry (August, winter) seasons in 2016. Aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA, a glyphosate metabolite), clethodim, chlorimuron-ethyl, diuron, fluazifop acid (a fluazifop-p-butyl metabolite and the active ingredient), haloxyfop acid (a haloxyfop-methyl metabolite and the active ingredient), imazamox, mesotrione, metsulfuron, nicosulfuron and pendimethalin were not identified in any water sample. In the rainy season, approximately 99% of the samples contained residues at least one of the evaluated herbicides; in the dry season (, 100% of the samples contained residues of at least one of the evaluated herbicides. When considering only detection frequency, metribuzin, atrazine, clomazone and haloxyfop-methyl were the main herbicides found in the water of the Samambaia River sub-basin. In turn, based on levels higher than the limit of quantification, the main compounds detected were atrazine, clomazone, haloxyfop-methyl and glyphosate. In both seasons, the highest relative concentrations of herbicides for the rainy and dry seasons were found in spring water, 25% and 56%, respectively, and dam water, 23% and 16%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out duration of adipocere formation in hot and humid area. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mohi-Ud-Din Islamic Medical College Mirpur Azad Kashmir and HITEC-IMS Taxila, from Jan 2017 to Jan 2019. Methodology: Total 25 cases with adipocere formation were included in this study. The cause of death, time since death, death circumstances, surrounding environment from where the body was recovered and demographic profile of the deceased were considered, while cases of septicemic deaths were excluded from the study. The adipocere was confirmed by forensic medicine consultants by its soft, moist and greasy consistency, grayish white appearance and ammoniacal smell. Results: Most of the cases recovered during months of March to June from open and closed areas, while 3 cases were recovered from water source or river banks. The time duration of recovery from time of death was from 5 days to 15 days 3h. The adipocere formation showed a high odds ratio 2.0-(95%-CI-0.115-3.482) and OR-1.5-(95%-CI-.098-2.306) for bodies recovered from water and open areas respectively. The adipocere formation in hot and rainy season showed OR-3.3-(95%-CI .190-4.199) and OR-2.4-(95%-CI .122-3.642) respectively. The adipocere formation occurred more during days 1-5 with an OR-1.9-(95%-CI .221-1.625). Conclusion: The adipocere formation can be seen as early as 2 days in a hot humid environment in closed areas, while the extent of adipocere is larger in bodies recover from water source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology / Yingyong Shengtai Xuebao is the property of Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The composition of brackish groundwater from Brazilian backlands contains important elements necessary for metabolism in microalgae. This study evaluated the use of 100% brackish groundwater with different amounts of Zarrouk nutrients for Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation. The growth parameters and biomass composition, including the concentrations of proteins, carbohydrates, ash, lipids, and fatty acids, were evaluated. The best growth parameter results were obtained in the assay using 100% brackish groundwater and only 25% of Zarrouk nutrients, which were equal to those obtained for the control culture. The concentrations of carbohydrates and polyunsaturated fatty acids were increased by as much as 4- and 3.3-fold, respectively, when brackish groundwater was used in the cultures. The lipid profile demonstrated that the biomass had the potential for use in biodiesel production. The use of brackish groundwater is a sustainable, economical way to obtain high-quality biomass for different applications during Spirulina sp. LEB 18 cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the UV–Vis absorbance (Abs) and intensity of fluorescence emission (Fluor), as well as of concentrations of total or dissolved organic carbon (OC) in aqueous samples are commonly used to estimate the potential for disinfection byproducts (DBPs) formation during water chlorination. In this work, based on 574 linear associations collected from 70 experimental research papers published over the period of 1997–2019, the strengths of the correlations of Abs, Fluor, and OC with DBPs concentrations are compared. The correlations were expressed as approximately normally distributed Z-scores using Fisher variance-stabilizing transformation. The effects of specific prediction method, chlorination agent, water source, and DBPs type, with consideration of possible effects due to the presence of bromide, are examined against Z-scores by ANOVA, testing main effects and some variables interactions. The performed analysis is a first attempt to expose differences and patterns in correlation strengths associated with DBPs formation, based on systematically covered broad existing literature. Abs and OC concentration of water samples tend to demonstrate the strongest correlations with DBPs formation as compared with specific UV absorbance (SUVA) or intensity of fluorescence emission. Correlations of DBPs formation during chloramination demonstrated weaker strengths as compared with other chlorination agents, suggesting more caution in predicting DBPs concentrations, based on simple descriptors such as Abs, OC, and Fluor. In a series of different water types, the correlations with DBPs formation are expected to be enhanced, when wastewater is chlorinated. Non-fluorescent matter may be an important contributor to DBPs formation during water chlorination. When fluorescence intensity is considered as a predicting tool, choosing humic-like rather than proteinaceous fluorescence may enhance the strengths of the correlations with DBPs formation. Different performances of Abs, OC, and Fluor in correlating with DBPs formation may be beneficial for their concurrent use helping to optimize removal of different DBPs precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Southern Europe numerous areas suffer water scarcity. For public policies to be effective, a thorough study of water users must be conducted. This paper aims to analyse the key factors that influence the decision of industrial users in urban areas when choosing between withdrawing water from underground sources or using water supplied through the public network. Using a database of industrial firms in Zaragoza (Spain) the proportion of water drawn from wells is considered as the dependent variable of a fractional response model. This methodology provides an original contribution to the field of behavioural analysis of the industrial sector, enabling us to model industrial decisions on water sources. The results obtained show that the most significant decision-drivers are how the industries use the water, the firms' location and the accessibility of the different sources. Moreover, the findings indicate that firms use lower proportions of well water during the summer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bromide concentration in water source (WS) of Yancheng City in China increased unexpectedly due to industrial discharge and saltwater intrusion, which leads to the formation of trihalomethane (THMs) in finished water of water treatment plants (WTP), especially brominated THMs. In Yancheng City, drinking water is supplied by WTP1 and WTP2, primarily sourced by WS1 and WS2, respectively. In this paper, the seasonal variations of bromide in WS1 and WS2 and THMs species in WTP1 and WTP2 were analyzed and compared. The effects of bromide in WS on THMs formation in finished water of WTP in terms of bromine substitution factor (BSF) were simulated by statistical linear model. Although the THMs concentrations in WTP1 were approximate to that in WTP2, the brominated THMs concentrations in WTP1 were higher than that in WTP2 due to higher bromide concentration in WS1 than WS2. The cancer risk analysis indicated that THMs' species of DBCM is the dominant THMs for WTP1 as well as WTP2, which can provide more information for WTPs with higher bromide concentration in water source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial-temporal characteristics of wildfires were summarized based on fire reports covering 55,863 wildfires with a total burned area of 289.91 km2 from 1995 to 2020 in Japan. The long-term decreasing trend was largely influenced by changes in social aspects, while the annual fluctuation was determined by large-scale events. The wildfire season started around early January in the southern part and gradually shifted northward over approximately three months. A total of 98.77% of cases were human-induced, and 1.23% were caused by lightning. Regarding response time after receiving the call, firefighting was started within 30 min in 89% of cases and controlled within 1 h in 85% of cases, where spatial characteristics were insignificant. Full-time fire departments utilized artificial water sources primarily in 72% of cases and natural water sources in 28%, while the rate using natural water sources increased as the burned area increased. Natural water sources from ponds and rivers exhibited regionalities. Cluster analysis revealed five wildfire regions reflecting natural and anthropogenic factors. Furthermore, the Mann–Kendall trend test concluded that the initiation process decreased almost uniformly across the country, while regional differences existed regarding the expansion process. Additionally, only human-induced wildfires had a significant decreasing trend. • The fire reports of 55,863 wildfire cases from 1995 to 2020 were summarized. • The decreasing trend of the number of fires was significant and human-influenced. • A total of 98.77% of wildfires were human-induced, and 1.23% were by lightning. • Firefighting was started in 30 min in 89% of cases after receiving the call. • 72% of cases used artificial water sources, and large cases needed natural sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocky regolith layer can restrain plant root growth, which may affect soil water unitization of deep-rooted fruit trees in rocky mountain areas. However, how and to what magnitude the rocky regolith layer shapes root features and thus changes trees' water consumption, remains unclear. Here, we investigated the root features and water uptake strategies of apple trees in three apple orchards with the underlying weakly (WWP), strongly (SWP), and completely (CK) weathered regolith layer within soil profiles, in the hilly areas of Jiaodong Peninsula, China. The results showed that the fine root biomass density (FRBD) of apple trees decreased while the specific root length (SRL) increased with increasing soil depths in the three orchards. The FRBD within the rocky regolith layer only accounted for 3–5% of the total FRBD in the WWP and SWP orchards, which were significantly lower than that in the CK orchard (3.31–5.11% vs. 29.96%) (P < 0.05). The maximum SRL was 76.61 m·g-1 and 72.38 m·g-1 in the WWP and SWP orchards, respectively, being significantly higher than that in the CK orchard (55.26 m·g-1). Both the FRBD and SRL within the rocky regolith layer showed no significant difference between the WWP and SWP, which indicated that it was the presence but not the weathering intensity of the rocky regolith layer shaped apple trees' root features. The MixSIAR model estimated that the water uptake of roots in the rocky regolith layer accounted for an average of 33.14% of the total water uptake in the WWP and SWP orchards. During the fruit expansion period (July-August) with high water consumption, apple trees' water uptake in the rocky regolith layer contributed 41.40% of water consumption in the WWP orchardand 34.77% in the SWP, which can be comparable to that in the corresponding soil depth in the CK orchard (46.70%). This suggested that apple trees may prime root activity to absorb more soil water with decreased root biomass in the rocky regolith layer. Overall, apple trees could utilize 3–5% of root biomass to absorb 33–34% of water consumption in the rocky regolith layer. Our study highlights the specific water use strategies in rocky mountain areas and will benefit the sustainable water management in the orchards in these areas. • The presence of rock regolith reduces apple trees' FRBD but increases their SRL. • The regolith weathering degree does not impact apple trees' root distribution. • Apple trees utilize 5% of root biomass to absorb 34% of water from rock regolith. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aedes aegypti is the vector of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) disease. Containers are breeding places for DHF vector and the most commonly found larvae in the bath water containers. The presence of Aedes aegypti larvae in a container could be affected by the type of water source besides the container’s color, material, location, lid existence and the container’s drain frequency. This study was conducted to determine the associate of water source type with larvae presence and the additional factors. This study used observational analytic with case control design. The case group consisted of households using well water and the control group consisted of households using tap water with a sample size of 130 households for each group. The sample was collected by proportional random sampling in five villages. The data was analyzed using a regression logistic test. The significant variables associated with the presence of larvae were the water source type (OR=1.923), container’s color (OR=2.345), container’s location (OR=2.241), container’s lid existence (OR=2.122) and the container’s drain frequency (OR=2.260). This study did not consider the significant association of the container’s material. The dominant variable associated with the presence of larvae was the container’s drain frequency which was controlled by the water source type, container’s color and container’s location.