Search

Introduction: Species of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi are relevant pathogens of almond causing trunk cankers, extensive gumming, necrosis of internal tissues and plant dieback and dead, threatening almond productivity. A novel triplex quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was designed for the simultaneous detection and quantification of Neofusicoccum parvum, Botryosphaeria dothidea and the Botryosphaeriaceae family. Material and methods: The method was validated in symptomatic and asymptomatic almond, avocado, blueberry and grapevine plants and in environmental samples, such as cropping soil and rainwater and in artificially inoculated trapped spores, demonstrating the same performance on several matrices. Results and discussion: The limit of detection of the triplex qPCR was 10 fg of genomic DNA for the three fungal targets, with high correlation coefficients (R2) and amplification efficiencies between 90 and 120%. Although the triplex qPCR demonstrated to be more sensitive and accurate than the traditional plate culturing and further sequencing method, a substantial agreement (kappa index = 0.8052 ± 0.0512) was found between the two detection methods. The highly sensitive qPCR assay allows for accurate diagnosis of symptomatic plants and early detection of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi in asymptomatic plants (rootstocks and grafting scions from almond nurseries). Furthermore, the triplex qPCR successfully detected Botryosphaeriaceae fungi in environmental samples, such as cropping soils and rainwater. It was also capable of detecting as few as 10 conidia in artificially inoculated tapes. Therefore, the triplex qPCR is a valuable tool for accurate diagnosis, aiding in the implementation of suitable control measures. It enables preventive detection in asymptomatic samples, helping to avoid the introduction and spread of these pathogens in production fields. Moreover, it assists in identifying inoculum sources and quantifying inoculum levels in crop environments, contributing to a precise phytosanitary application schedule, thereby reducing production costs and preserving the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isotopic evidence of groundwater and stream water is frequently used to investigate water exchanges with groundwater. Monthly sampling of rain, stream water, and groundwater was conducted at Tims Branch watershed in South Carolina for the oxygen and hydrogen stable isotope (δ2H and δ18O) measurement, as well as pH and oxidation–reduction potential (ORP). Together with a mass balance perspective, it was determined that it takes a few weeks to one month for groundwater in the hyporheic zone to fully exchange with stream water. From hydrodynamic modelling, we show that substantial (up to 70 %) groundwater exchange occurs at gaining and losing sites. Groundwater exfiltration, i.e. inflow into stream water, contributes up to 4 % to stream water, with the remainder from upstream exfiltration. A 2–4 % per day renewal rate of adjacent groundwater would indirectly indicate a groundwater residence time in the order of half a month to a full month (assuming either a well-mixed case or large dispersion rate in pulse flow case), in agreement with a greatly reduced variability of δ2H and δ18O of groundwater compared to stream water and rain. This reduced variability of stable isotope signal from groundwater confirms our hypothesis that riparian groundwater mixing at Tims Branch is more of a mixed type rather than a pulse flow type. A monthly time scale is sufficient for groundwater to become anoxic at exit points into stream water resulting in the episodic production of natural organic matter- and iron-rich flocs upon oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Defluoridation Technology Project was called upon to survey existing water resources by three different institutions lying in fluorotic Tanzania: 1) The Ngongongare Secondary School. 2) The St Constantine International School and 3) The Minjingu Church Project. In case 1), due to low affordability, an open dug well was proposed. In case 2) a defluoridation system was installed and could be used to estimate essential design parameters, as Operation Period (1 Year), Removal Efficiency (93 %) and Removal Capacity (3-4 mg/g of Bone Char). In case 3) the water was deadly toxic because of high fluoride concentrations, but, fortunately, unpalatable due to high contents of Alkalinity/Salinity. The salinity renders the defluoridation process useless. A system of combined rain water harvesting and defluoridation of brought water sources was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A long-term study was conducted to assess the effect of tillage (conventional, CT and minimum, MT) and residue retention treatments on crop yields, sustainable yield index (SYI), rain water use efficiency (RWUE) and soil properties under sorghum – black gram system in resource poor Semi-Arid Tropical (SAT) Alfisol at Hyderabad, India. The results revealed that when averaged over residue retention treatments, MT recorded 12.32 and 5.21% higher sorghum and black gram grain yield, 19.61 and 25.93% higher sustainability yield Index (SYI), and 12.27 and 5.15% rain water use efficiency (RWUE), respectively, over conventional tillage. Residue retention treatments (averaged over tillage treatments) S2 (cutting at 60 cm height for sorghum and 100% retention for black gram) and S1 (cutting at 35 cm height for sorghum and 50% retention for black gram) recorded 33.16 and 16.16, and 32.18 and 14.88% higher sorghum and black gram yield, respectively, over S0 (no residue) and also recorded 26.0 and 9.0, and 48.0 and 22.0% higher SYI over S0 in sorghum and black gram, respectively. Increase in RWUE under S2 and S1 over S0 was 33.19 and 16.23% in sorghum and was 31.4 and 14.53% in black gram. Higher residue retention maintained significantly higher soil organic carbon (SOC), significantly lower bulk density (BD) and significantly influenced potential of hydrogen (pH) and electrical conductivity (EC) at all the depths and also increased available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) by 35.43, 24.55, 12.12, 57.6, 53.99, 51.46 and 13.76%, respectively. Thus, the results of the present study are highly useful in improving the crop yields, yield sustainability and soil properties. Therefore, the conservation agriculture practices can be a resource saving and higher crop production technology in the rainfed Alfisols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A circular capacitive rainfall sensor can operate from non-touch mode to touch mode; that is, under the action of enough rainwater, its movable electrode plate can form a circular contact area with its fixed electrode plate. Therefore, the weight of rainwater is borne by only its movable electrode plate in non-touch mode operation but by both its movable and fixed electrode plates in touch mode operation, and the total capacitance of its touch mode operation is much larger than that of its non-touch mode operation. Essential to its numerical design and calibration is the ability to predict the deflection shape of its moveable electrode plate to determine its total capacitance. This requires the analytical solution to the fluid–structure interaction problem of its movable electrode plate under rainwater. In our previous work, only the analytical solution for the fluid–structure interaction problem before its movable electrode plate touches its fixed electrode plate was obtained, and how to numerically design and calibrate a circular non-touch mode capacitive rainfall sensor was illustrated. In this paper, the analytical solution for the fluid–structure interaction problem after its movable electrode plate touches its fixed electrode plate is obtained, and how to numerically design and calibrate a circular touch mode capacitive rainfall sensor is illustrated for the first time. The numerical results show that the total capacitance and rainwater volume when the circular capacitive rainfall sensor operates in touch mode is indeed much larger than that when the same circular capacitive rainfall sensor operates in non-touch mode, and that the average increase in the maximum membrane stress per unit rainwater volume when the circular capacitive rainfall sensor operates in touch mode can be about 20 times smaller than that when the same circular capacitive rainfall sensor operates in non-touch mode. This is where the circular touch mode capacitive rainfall sensor excels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A flying buttress serves an aesthetic purpose and two technical purposes. In particular, it helps to drain rainwater from the roof and also plays a structural role. The aesthetic and drainage functions can be determined visually and with the help of several bibliographical references. On the contrary, in order to assess the structural function a rigorous mechanical study must be carried out. Starting from the mechanical capacity of a flying buttress, this paper presents a method to determine its relevance and influence on the structural behaviour of the cathedral. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Time series interferometric SAR (TSInSAR) techniques face challenges related to the availability of highly coherent point targets in non-urban, vegetated, and mountainous regions. In this study, we tested an improved TSInSAR approach with the help of distributed scatterers (DS) detected through the fast statistically homogeneous pixel selection (faSHP) approach and jointly processed with persistent scatterers (PS) within the interferometric point target analysis (IPTA) framework. The method is applied to a seismically active and highly gradient terrain to investigate the earthquake-induced active unstable slopes (AUS) in the Muzaffarabad-Balakot region of northern Pakistan, particularly using sixteen PALSAR-2 images acquired between October 2014 and May 2020. However, its effectiveness was also assessed by using Sentinel-1 data from the same time period. The quantitative assessment showed the effectiveness of the method in delineating the sliding surfaces of the unstable slopes and achieving approximately four times higher point density as compared to the standard PSI approach when applied to PALSAR-2 data and approximately nine times higher point targets when Sentinel-1 data is used. Exhibiting an average deformation rate varying between −40 mm yr−1 and 20 mm yr−1 along the line of sight (LOS) direction, the obtained results from PALSAR-2 data revealed the existence of 451 AUS in the region. The study also reports the discovery of a giant destabilized slope (~2.30 sq. km) located near Patika Village along the Neelam River. The majority of these unstable slopes are found at altitudes above 780 m, with slope angles ranging from 15 to 50 degrees. The study also found a significant correlation between deformation patterns and local precipitation. The rainwater gradually penetrates into the joints and cracks, accelerating the processes of deformation and slope failure. The research and its findings could help decision-making entities by providing first-hand information for managing the risks associated with slope failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concept of sponge cities is widely recognized, but there is still no research on what a new drainage system for sponge cities should look like. This study proposes a new drainage system for sponge cities, a sponge-type comprehensive pipe corridor rainwater chamber (SCRC) system, which combines a comprehensive pipe corridor with low-impact development measures (LIDs) into one system. The SCRC system is predicted by using a long- and short-term neural network to verify whether the neural network can be applied to the prediction of flooding in sponge cities. The results show that the SCRC system can effectively control sponge city flooding, where the surface runoff coefficient under different rainfall intensities (P = 1–10 yr) is between 0.273 and 0.44, the pipe overload time is between 0.11 and 3.929 h, and the node overflow volume is between 0 and 23.89 Mltr. The neural network has a high reliability in sponge city flood prediction, and the coefficients of determination R2 of the test set of PSO–LSTM prediction models are all above 0.95. This study may provide an idea for predicting flooding in sponge cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater and surface water have been the primary sources of our public water supply around the world. However, rapid population and economic growth, as well as global climate change, are posing major threats to the quality and quantity of these water resources. Treated wastewater (reclaimed water) and stormwater are becoming more important water resources. Use/reuse of these unconventional water resources can enable a truly sustainable, closed-loop, circular water system. However, these two sources are not usually mixed with each other. In this study, we propose the use of combined excess urban stormwater and reclaimed water as a source of potable water supply. One of the most pronounced benefits of this proposed scheme is the possible elimination of costly and energy-intensive processes like reverse osmosis. Reclaimed water tends to have high concentrations of dissolved solids (>500 mg/L) and nitrate-N (>10 mg/L), which can be lowered by blending with stormwater or rainwater. Despite technical and engineering challenges, this approach can benefit various communities—small, medium, large, upstream, downstream, urban, and rural—in diverse climates. Our study suggests that this new holistic approach is feasible, enabling the combined water to be directly used as a sustainable drinking water source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological particles, as a fraction of organic particles, potentially play a crucial role in ice nucleation processes. However, the contributions and relationships of biological components and organic matter (OM) to atmospheric ice nucleation remain largely unexplored. Here, total ice nucleating particles (INPs), heat‐resistant INPs, lysozyme‐resistant INPs, nanoscale INPs (<0.22 μm), and heat‐resistant nanoscale INPs in precipitation collected at the summit of Mt. Lu, China, were determined using droplet freezing assays coupled with corresponding pretreatments. Heat‐sensitive INPs and lysozyme‐sensitive INPs were considered as biological INPs and bacterial INPs, respectively. Microorganisms and OM molecules in precipitation were identified by high‐throughput sequencing technology and ultrahigh‐resolution mass spectrometry, respectively. Results revealed a predominant biological (heat‐sensitive) composition (78.8% and 93.2%) of total and nanoscale INPs at temperatures above −15°C. Specifically, bacterial (lysozyme‐sensitive) INPs accounted for 36.1% of the biological INPs at temperatures above −15°C. A notable correlation between sulfur‐containing organic compounds, mainly proteinaceous and lignin‐like substances, and INPs was uncovered, with a co‐occurrence network linking these compounds to Gram‐positive bacteria and Agaricomycetes. This study underscored the possible significance of sulfur‐containing organic compounds in the ice nucleation capacity of biological INPs, further shedding light on the ice nucleation mechanisms and potential sources of biological INPs. Plain Language Summary: Ice nucleating particles (INPs) are particles that facilitate the freezing of water at temperatures above the homogenous freezing point, impacting cloud formation and precipitation processes in the atmosphere. This study identified different types of INPs, microbes, and organic matter in precipitation sampled from Mt. Lu in southeastern China and investigated the connections among them. The findings suggested that a significant portion of INPs were of biological origin. Sulfur‐containing organic compounds likely played an important role in ice nucleation, which may originate from certain microbial taxa. This study helps us understand the role of microbes and organic molecules in ice formation, which has broader implications in areas such as preserving biological materials at low temperatures or facilitating artificial snow production. Key Points: Biological materials predominated among the ice nucleating particles (INPs) identified in precipitationSulfur‐containing organic compounds, associated with specific microbial taxa, likely acted as efficient INPs in precipitationThis study provides a preliminary understanding of the connections among INPs, organic matter, and microorganisms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring organic pollutants in rainwater is important to understand relations between air pollutants and water safety. Non-targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) is a powerful tool but because of big differences of pollutants in polarity, ionization efficiency, and low concentrations, it is challenging to detect all pollutants in a single analysis. Chemical derivatization is a widely adapted strategy to fractionate complex samples with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity. Herein, we propose the usage of dansylation as a chemical derivatization method to improve both LC retention and MS ionization of organic pollutants containing amine, hydroxyl, and carboxyl for non-targeted LC–MS analysis. We first evaluated the labeling coverage of dansylation to organic pollutants in water matrix. Using dansyl chloride (DnsCl) and dansyl hydrazine (DnsHz) to label 100 amine- and hydroxyl-containing compounds and 100 carboxyl compounds, respectively, we found DnsCl and DnsHz had over 60% labeling coverage for 8 categories of compounds. Then dansylation was applied to label the rainwater, source water, disinfected rainwater, and drinking water samples. To facilitate the annotation of dansylated compounds, we also established a web-based tool termed DansylFinder. Using DansylFinder, 3889, 5813, 6077, and 4050 tentative annotations were found in rainwater, source water, disinfected rainwater, and drinking water samples by dansylation-based non-targeted LC-HRMS analysis. Four hundred fifty four were persistently detected in all water samples, suggesting significant organic overlaps of the four water samples. In addition, two degradation pathways reported in drinking water disinfection process were also detected in disinfected rainwater, suggesting rainwater is a potential path for air pollutants to infiltrate drinking water system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling underground temperatures provides a practical application of the one-dimensional heat equation. In this work, the one-dimensional heat equation in surface soil is extended to include heat carried by the vertical flow of rainwater through the soil. Analytical solutions, with and without water flow, illustrate the influence of rainwater circulation on the sub-surface propagation of seasonal temperature variations, an important effect that is generally neglected in textbooks. The surface temperature variations are damped by the soil, and this effect was used by the Troglodytae in Egypt or the Petra in South Jordan to insulate against extreme temperatures. For a realistic case of horizontally layered geology, a finite volume Python code was developed for the same purpose. Subsurface temperatures were also measured over a full year at depths up to 1.8 m and used to estimate the thermal skin depth and thermal wavelength. This study provides students with a practical example of how a textbook physics problem can be modified to extract information of contemporary importance in geophysics and global warming. Editor's Note: Frequently, modeling the three-dimensional world is too challenging for a class exercise, and we instead teach students using unrealistic one-dimensional problems. So it is wonderful when a one-dimensional model turns out not only to be fairly accurate, but also to have real world implications. That is the case with heat flow through the soil, which can be treated with a one-dimensional model, and which is important to energy-efficient solutions such as underground housing and ground-source heat pumps. This paper finds the underground temperature as a function of depth through measurements, analytical solutions, and computational solutions. These solutions can form the basis for a very interesting class assignment. In addition to considering heat transport through conduction, the model also includes heat transport through the flow of rain water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrochemical signatures are often traced back to their original sources using data collected at catchment outlets. However, this approach introduces uncertainties, as signals may add up, cancel each other out, or be subject to transformation processes. Specifically rural point sources, such as communal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), are often overlooked and remain poorly understood in terms of their (local) impact, on water quality and quantity dynamics. We equipped a point source‐influenced headwater catchment with a comprehensive measurement setup, to directly trace the different hydrochemical signals. Statistical approaches were used to address c‐Q relationships and hydrochemical drivers for nutrient export upstream, downstream and within the WWTP during baseflow conditions. Groundwater infiltration into the old and leaky sewer system as well as rainwater collected via the combined sewer system were found to significantly alter processes within the WWTP, resulting in highly variable effluent nutrient concentrations. Ammonium introduced by the WWTP is rapidly transformed in the stream, leading to increasing nitrate concentrations further downstream. The combination of processes introduced by the WWTP overlap the dilution and (non‐significant) chemostatic patterns of the upstream nitrate‐discharge relationship, leading to enrichment patterns shortly after, and mainly diluting patterns 290 m downstream of the WWTP. Regarding maximum nutrient concentrations, dry periods during autumn were particularly critical, as the WWTP introduced high ammonium concentrations, which coincided with high nitrate concentrations from the catchment and a minimal dilution potential of the stream. Our study demonstrates the importance of incorporating all nutrient sources into catchment analyses, to facilitate successful management decisions. Plain Language Summary: Monitoring of point sources in rural areas, such as communal wastewater treatment plants, is often not very detailed. This makes it difficult to understand how they affect the water in streams. To fill that research gap, we installed a monitoring system in a rural catchment were a point source is located. We assessed water quality and quantity upstream, downstream and in the effluent. Leaky sewers and infiltrating groundwater probably influence the cleaning processes in the treatment plant, leading to varying nitrogen concentrations throughout the year. The mix of wastewater and upstream water creates a new chemical signal downstream of the wastewater treatment plant. This signal is additionally altered by ammonium, which is quickly transformed into nitrate as soon as it reaches the stream. In the fall, when stream water levels are low and can't dilute the effluent, the highest nitrogen concentration can be measured in the stream. Key Points: The point source alters the dynamics of the nitrate‐c‐Q relationship observed upstream of the WWTP, especially during low flow conditionsGroundwater infiltration into sewer system accounts for >60% of sewer water and can lead to variable water quality of the WWTP effluentHighest catchment NO3‐N concentrations and highest effluent NH4‐N concentrations coincide when stream dilution potential is minimal [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric precipitation acts as a significant pathway for pollutants from the atmosphere to the Earth’s surface, and analyzing urban precipitation data on intensity, fallout regime, transfer patterns, and solid particle content helps identify pollution sources. For the first time in the Moscow megacity, the levels of soluble forms of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs) in atmospheric precipitation were studied during the whole summer season of May–September 2019. The concentrations of Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Ce, Co, Cu, Fe, La, Li, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sn, Sr, and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectroscopy methods. The research underscores the crucial role of atmospheric precipitation in washing PHEs out of the atmosphere. In May and September, concentrations of PHEs surpass the warm-season average. Notable contamination in May stems from elevated traffic during vacations, extensive burning of plant debris and wood, and pollen transport. Summer months are characterized by reduced forest and agricultural fires, traffic, and increased vegetation, leading to lower PHE concentrations, especially in July, with typical amount of precipitation contributing to pollutant dispersion. Elevated PHE levels in September are observed due to increased traffic load, biomass burning, and the expansion of unvegetated soil areas. Rainwater is enriched with Sb, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, B, Bi, P, and Sr, sourced from vehicle emissions, soil particles, industry, construction dust, biomass burning, and forest fires. Moderate enrichment with Ba, Mn, Ni, Co, and Sn also occurs episodically. Regression analysis highlights solid particles’ role as a major PHE source in rainwater, with the longer antecedent dry periods and the higher acidity level of rain intensifying the accumulation of PHEs. Long-range transport plays a lesser role, with Southern and Northern Europe, Western Siberia, and the central part of European Russia contributing meaningfully.

In a result of the increase in impervious surfaces in the urbanized area, there is an increase in surface runoff and at the same time an overload of the sewage network. In order to reduce the mentioned negative impacts in the inner city of Bratislava, this study was developed. The aim of this study was to design as possible the most efficient possible infiltration device for capturing rainwater and keeping it at the point of impact of precipitation of the addressed site. The Novohradska Grammar School campus was chosen as the area of interest. It is assumed that, together with elements of green infrastructure, these measures will be able to contribute in order to mitigate the adverse effects of urbanization in the capital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purposes Origin software was adopted to study the mechanism and final effects of rainwater erosion prevention of Earthen Sites with bare soil and herbs in Western Wall of Jinyang Ancient City. Methods The data analysis method of field artificial simulation rainfall experiment through the software of Origin was used to compare the effects of the underlying surface layer on the runoff and sediment producing processes on the slope surface at different times. Findings Pre-runoff interception Q0 of Fresh Herbs was negatively correlated with runoff starting time T0. And Q0 was in descending order of Dry Herbs, Fresh Herbs, and Bare Soil. Sediment producing coefficient Csy and sediment producing intensity Isy of Fresh Herbs were positively correlated with rainfall intensity Irf. Runoff coefficients Cro and Csy were in descending order of Bare Soil, Dry Herbs, and Fresh Herbs. By forming a mud surface, exposed earthen sites were less affected by rainwater infiltration, making them suitable for arid climate zones. By strengthening anti-erosion, herbal earthen sites reduced soil surface erosion, making them suitable for semi-arid and semi-humid climate areas. Conclusions Origin analysis confirms that herbal plants have a significant effect on improving the anti-erosion of earthen sites. The phenomenon of herbs covering is beneficial to the protection of local earthen sites in Shanxi. However, when extreme sustained heavy rainfall occurs between September and October, further research is needed to determine whether herbal plants are suitable or not for covering earthen sites.

This study includes the importance of harvesting rainwater, which is a hydrological variable, and its ability to be used as an alternative to existing water resources, its storage function against drought, as well as the analysis of the benefits and harms of rainwater. In this context, the rainwater potential that can be collected on the roof of the AHL Park Shopping Center, which is approximately 27000 m2, located in the Central district of Çorum Province, was calculated, its cost was evaluated in today's economic conditions, and recommendations were made. Considering the high initial investment and labour costs, the long depreciation period of the system (50-100 years), and the troublesome, costly and risky construction of the system in such buildings whose construction has been completed, it has been observed that the possibility of implementing the system is low probability in our country. However, it can be said that such reasons are weaker than the risks such as drought danger and quality water shortage that threaten living creatures. On the other hand, other more efficient and economical alternative storage systems can be developed and rainwater harvesting systems can be integrated with different water harvesting systems (e.g. groundwater). A more detailed regulation on rainwater harvesting is needed in our country, and it is recommended to use the regulations from countries such as Germany and England in order to make a calculation and estimation.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting (RRWH) offers a potential solution to Jordan's pressing water scarcity problems. Yet, its feasibility and benefits necessitate a thorough assessment, particularly as existing studies on the subject are outdated and often constrained by limited scope or small data sets. To this end, our study assessed the potential of RRWH in Jordan's 12 governorates, utilizing historical rainfall data from 1987 to 2018 and official statistics on population and rooftop areas. The analyses used the Ripple Method and Water Balance Model to determine potential harvestable water volumes, potential water-saving percentages, and optimal tank sizes under different scenarios (i.e., using rainwater to meet the total consumption or only for toilet flushing). The findings reveal that Jordan has a total potential for rooftop rainwater harvesting amounting to 23.74 Mm3/year, corresponding to 4.54% of the total water demand. Should RRWH be implemented across all rooftops, the projected financial savings for Jordan could range from $170 million to $678 million. Among the governorates, Irbid and Amman have the highest potential, with estimated yields of 7.754 Mm3 and 8.453 Mm3 per year, respectively. Based on the best results for the scenario where harvested rainwater is only used to flush toilets, the optimal tank sizes for storing rainwater were estimated to be 2.7 m3 and 2 m3 per household in Ajlun and Irbid, respectively. For a regularized case (October–May), a payback period of 12.5–24 years based on desalination cost was found for an RRWH system capable of meeting thrice the flushing needs of a household. RRWH was showcased as a sustainable solution to Jordan's water scarcity, emphasizing the necessity for broader implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater Electro-Galvanic Alkalization (EGA) was performed using copper and magnesium (1:1) electrode. Efficiently removal of pollutants without external energy consumption was carried out, in addition essential ions were dosed for alkalization of rainwater. The optimal system conditions were obtained using response surface methodology (RSM) by considering the following operating variables: flow rate and concentration of the supporting electrolyte (NaCl and CaCl2). Furthermore, the maximum efficiency of nitrate, ammoniacal nitrogen, colour, and turbidity removal was evaluated. The results showed that the response variables were mainly sensitive to the type of supporting electrolyte used and the flow rate. Under experimental conditions of 0.009 M (NaCl) and 20 mL min−1, the removal rate was 74.19%, 72.49%, and 81.43% for nitrates, colour, and turbidity, respectively, and the lowest concentration of ammoniacal nitrogen ($0.99\; {\rm mg}{\rm L}^{-1}$ 0.99 mg L − 1 ) was obtained. The kinetic models for nitrate and colour were fitted to zero-order models with $k{\rm \; } = 0.33{\rm \; mg\ }{\rm L}^{-1}{\rm mi}{\rm n}^{-1}$ k = 0.33 mg L − 1 mi n − 1 and $k = 0.933{\rm \; Pt}-{\rm Co}$ k = 0.933 Pt − Co , respectively. In addition, turbidity was fitted to a first-order model $\lpar {k = 0.1661{\rm \; mi}{\rm n}^{-1}} \rpar$ (k = 0.1661 mi n − 1 ) , and ammoniacal nitrogen was fitted to a second-order model $\lpar {k = 0.0217{\rm \; L\ m}{\rm g}^{-1}{\rm mi}{\rm n}^{-1}} \rpar$ (k = 0.0217 L m g − 1 mi n − 1 ). The concentration increases of minerals such as Ca and Mg, which rises the rainwater alkalinity after treatment (pH shift from 6.1 to 8.91), was determined by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainfall redistribution through the vegetation canopy plays a key role in the hydrological cycle. Although there have been studies on the heterogeneous patterns of rainfall redistribution in some ecosystems, the understanding of this process in different stages of forest succession remains insufficient. Therefore, this study investigated the change tendency in rainfall redistribution and rainwater chemistry in a subtropical forest succession in South China, based on 22 years (2001–2022) of rainfall monitoring (740 valid events). Results showed that, at the event scale, both the throughfall ratio and the stemflow ratio in pine forest (PF) were higher than in mixed forest (MF) and broadleaf forest (BF). At the interannual scale, throughfall and stemflow of forests experienced an initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase over the entire measurement period (except stemflow of the pine forest), which reflects the trend in open rainfall. The variability in throughfall showed an increase from MF to PF to BF, and the variability in stemflow likewise showed an increase from MF to PF to BF. Changes in throughfall and stemflow in the BF are thus higher than those in the MF and PF over time. Furthermore, important differences in rainwater chemistry fluxes among the three forest types were found, changing in varying order over time. On average, total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) fluxes of throughfall increased from BF to MF to PF, while the potassium (K+) flux of throughfall showed a decrease from BF to MF to PF. Stemflow chemical fluxes varied less among forest types and over time, although tree species most importantly affected varying stemflow chemistry. These results show important changes in patterns of rainfall redistribution over time and that characteristic variations are driven by rainfall and forest factors. Therefore, this study provides insight into long-term rainfall redistribution processes by linking changes in rainfall spectra with a typical subtropical forest succession sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residents of remote areas in the Amazon often lack access to a water supply system and thus need to produce their potable water at home. This study examined the efficacy of household water treatments traditionally used by these communities to treat rainwater and river water, their predominant water sources. Samples of untreated, treated, and stored drinking water were collected from 18 households in three communities in Central Amazon, Amazonas State, Brazil. We describe the materials and practices involved and traditionally used in each treatment technique - cloth filtration (water straining), chlorination, and sedimentation, and their efficiency. In the samples we evaluate water quality analyses, as free chlorine, color, coliforms, and turbidity. The treatment steps for the separation of solids in river water were effective only for removing turbidity and apparent color. Straining river water after sedimentation had no relevant effect on water quality. Chlorination of rainwater was efficient in inactivating Escherichia coli; however, all samples showed some level of contamination by E. coli. We found a significant difference (p < 0.05) between untreated and treated river water turbidity, reduced by up to 22%. Untreated rain and river waters showed similar levels of microbiological contamination, close to 3.5 log CFU/100 mL of E. coli. Chlorine effectively removed microbiological contaminants in rainwater (median removal of 100, 44.5% of samples with <1 CFU/100 mL). Yet, this treatment was less effective for river water (94% median removal, with 11% of samples with <100 CFU/100 mL and only 5.5% with <1 CFU/100 mL found in treated water), showing a significant reduction in both cases when the Wilcoxon test was applied. Sodium hypochlorite treatment showed the best results among the techniques evaluated in this study. It can be used in remote areas where rainwater is available for consumption. Microorganism concentration increased after water underwent water straining and sedimentation processes. These results suggest that the improper handling of water containers and materials used during treatment processes leads to contamination of water. Thus, more robust outreach and educational efforts are recommended to improve remote communities' water collection, treatment, and storage practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From tannery effluent (TE) severely polluted with heavy metals (HMs viz., Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb), hydrophytic phytoextraction remains a challenge as transplanted plants succumb to death on facing acclimatization shock. Current study was aimed at diluting TE with harvested rainwater (HR) for improving HM phytoextraction potential of Phragmites australis (a hydrophyte) assisted with phycoremediation of coupled algae (viz., Oedogonium sp. and Pithophora sp.). The TE:HR dilutions (TEDs) 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% (v/v) included three sets: set-1 included algae only, set-2 included P. australis only and set-3 included P. australis coupled with combined algal inoculum. Results showed that P. australis assisted with HR dilution and combined algal inoculum showed significantly greater uptake of HMs from each of the TEDs than respective control treatments. Combined algal application in the TEDs proved phycoremediation assistants based on their bioaccumulation factor (BF). The dry biomass of P. australis in TEDs applied with phycoremediation assistants remained greater than uninoculated ones. Overall, HM translocation factor (TF) of P. australis for Cr, Cu, Cd, and Pb remained ≥ 1. The study concludes that HM phytoextraction is substantially increased when concentrated TE is diluted with HR and assisted with phycoremediation of HM tolerant algae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study, carried out in Gujarat (India) between 2005 and 2021, aims to prepare dew and rain maps of Gujarat over a long period (17 years, from 2005 to 2021) in order to evaluate the evolution of the potential for dew and rain in the state. The ratio of dew to precipitation is also determined, which is an important metric that quantifies the contribution of dew to the overall water resources. Global warming leads, in general, to a reduction in precipitation and non-rainfall water contributions such as dew. The study shows, however, a rare increase in the rainfall and dew condensation, with the latter related to an increase in relative humidity and a decrease in wind amplitudes. Rain primarily occurs during the monsoon months, while dew forms during the dry season. Although dew alone cannot resolve water scarcity, it nonetheless may provide an exigent and unignorable contribution to the water balance in time to come. According to the site, the dew–rain ratios, which are also, in general, well correlated with dew yields, can represent between 4.6% (Ahmedabad) and 37.2% (Jamnagar). The positive trend, observed since 2015–2017, is expected to continue into the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to determine the irrigation water demand due to solar radiation in high-tech greenhouses using hydroponic systems in Turkey's Mediterranean and continental climates, and to determine the annual water consumption and storage capacity with harvested rainwater. Intensive greenhouse cultivation and the recent increase in modern greenhouse cultivation were important factors in selecting the provinces for the study. The chosen provinces were Antalya and Adana, with a Mediterranean climate, and Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, with a continental climate. In this research, depending on the production period, the amount of water consumed per unit of area in greenhouses in Antalya, which has a Mediterranean climate, was determined to be 1173.52 L m−2 per yr−1, and in Adana, it was 1109.18 L m−2 per yr−1. In the provinces of Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, where a continental climate prevails, water consumption was calculated to be 1479.11 L m−2 per yr−1 and 1370.77 L m−2 per yr−1, respectively. Storage volumes for the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir were found to be 438.39 L m−2, 122.71 L m−2, 42.12 L m−2 and 43.65 L m−2, respectively. For the provinces of Antalya, Adana, Afyonkarahisar and Kırşehir, the rates of rainwater harvesting and meeting plants' water consumption were calculated to be 80.79%, 54.27%, 27.47% and 25.16%, respectively. In addition, the amount of water fee savings that could be achieved by rainwater harvesting was calculated to be USD 901.3 per yr−1 for Antalya, USD 835.3 per yr−1 for Adana, USD 247.6 per yr−1 for Afyonkarahisar and USD 210.2 per yr−1 for Kırşehir. As a result, rainwater harvesting will not only provide economic gain to enterprises but will also be important in reducing the negative effects of irregular rainfall regimes caused by climate change on underground and surface water resources. It was also concluded that enterprises should focus on popularizing rainwater harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the building roof acts as hub for atmospheric sediment deposition, the attached microbes can enter rainwater storage tank with ease to cause health issue for rainwater users. This study aims to explore the trend of roof-top deposited microbes in the different areas of Ikorodu local Government Area at Lagos, Nigeria. This paper also tests the hypothesis that the roof sediment deposition being a significant source to home bacteria. The total deposition rate on the roof for 34 weeks, which include 17 rainy and 17 dry weeks, were investigated. The enumerated bacteria was obtained from the roof deposit samples, where four representative different sites have been analysed to study the solid depositions and microbes within the area thoroughly. The sites were selected judging by their levels of sanitation and vegetation rate. The experimental investigations showed that enumerated microbes and total suspended solid (TSS) depositions in the different areas were higher in the dry season compared to rainy season, and the highest deposition was experienced in the Harmattan period. In addition, the results showed that areas with poor drainage infrastructure and poor sanitation have the roof-top deposition with higher bacterial count than good sanitation areas; while the unpaved and unvegetated areas produced higher deposits than the paved and vegetated areas. In terms of contamination sources, this study has illustrated that the particulate deposition on the roof-top prior to collection has further contaminated the roof-harvested rainwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid climates, conventional water resources are severely limited and stressed in the face of rapid population growth and future climate change. So, it is necessary to find alternative non-conventional water resources for use in drought situations. Additionally, the non-conventional water resources in these areas are not sufficient to meet future water demand. Therefore, non-conventional water resources can be adopted as a strategic reserve to bridge the gap between water supply and demand in case of emergency and drought events. These resources might include rainwater harvesting, treated wastewater, and desalinated seawater. Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) can be applied to store these resources in the hydrogeological system using Geo information System—Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (GIS-MCDA) approach for determining the suitable MAR location for storage. North-west Kingdom of Saudi Arabia area was chosen for this study because it is extremely arid, has high potential for social and economic development, and it has newly constructed non-conventional water infrastructures distributed throughout the area including water desalination plants, Tertiary Sewage Effluent (TSE) waste water plants, and flash-flood storage dams. To identify the suitable MAR site location and structure, different data related to aquifer hydrogeology, surface hydrology, hydrometeorology, and water quality were applied. Then, GIS-MCDA holistic approach was applied with aid of ordered weighting average (OWA) technique. Finally, two maps were created to show the MAR location and structure type. Potential map indicates that ~ 18.85% of the area is suitable for MAR installations. About 0.17% of the total area exhibited very high potential, where infiltration ponds can be applied, 1.86% had high potential for construction of check dams with diversion channels, and 16.82% had moderate potential for installation of recharge wells. Additionally, 56 MAR structures were proposed and a map showing their locations has been created. Thus, results indicated that the study area is promising for MAR installation. These maps could aid the decision makers to propose a sustainable development plan for the future water resources of the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Social Sciences Studies is the property of Social Sciences Studies 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.)

A certain dumping site is located near a river, and its overall height and step height are relatively high, which makes the influence of rainwater infiltration greater, posing potential hazards under rainfall conditions. Based on the stacking situation of the site and the surrounding environment, the seepage characteristics of the waste dump under rainfall conditions were studied, and the potential hazards of the waste dump slope were analyzed, then the corresponding treatment plans were proposed. The results show that with continuous rainfall, there will be a transient saturation zone on the surface of the waste dump slope and it will continue to expand to the inside of the slope. During the rainfall process, the pore water pressure of the slope increased rapidly to a positive value, then gradually stabilized, and the slope reached a saturated state. Under the influence of rainfall, the relative stability relationship of the dump slope is: slope bottom>slope top>mid-slope, and the potential hazard site is from + 85 m platform to + 170 m platform. By adding a safety platform and reducing the slope angle, the potential hazards can be effectively controlled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rainwater tank is a critical component of the rainwater harvesting system and has a significant impact on the non-potable water saving efficiency and economic acceptability of the rainwater harvesting system. The choice of a suitable tank design to suit an existing catchment and local conditions is critical. In this paper, capacity is considered as a function of local rainfall data, unit price of tap water, roof area, non-potable water demand and an estimate of the cost of constructing a rainwater harvesting system. Analytical equations are derived that allow direct calculation of the desired cistern volume in terms of roof area and non-potable water demand. The validity of the analytical equations was demonstrated by comparing their results with the results of the sequential simulation, and the analytical equations proved to be adequate for the estimation of cisterns, but it was necessary to exclude some extreme scenarios due to the high deviation rate of the calculation results in the buildings with extremely high demand rates or extremely low roof areas. The proposed approach provides 'easy-to-use' design tools for engineers, architects, local authorities and rainwater tank manufacturers to estimate or recommend suitable sizes of rainwater cisterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water soaking is a commercially important disorder of field-grown strawberries that is exacerbated by surface wetness and high humidity. The objective was to establish the effect of genotype on susceptibility to water soaking. Three greenhouse-grown model 'collections' were used comprising a total of 172 different genotypes: (1) a segregating F2 population, (2) a collection of strawberry cultivars and breeding clones, and (3) a collection of wild Fragaria species. A standardized immersion assay was used to induce water soaking. Potential relationships between water soaking and water uptake characteristics, depth of the achene depressions, fruit firmness, cuticle mass and strain relaxation and microcracking were investigated. Further, the effect of downregulating the polygalacturonase genes (FaPG1 and FaPG2) on the susceptibility to water soaking was investigated. The collection of wild species was most susceptible to water soaking. This was followed by the collection of cultivars and breeding clones, and by the F2 population. Susceptibility to water soaking was strongly correlated with water uptake rate (mass of water, per fruit, per time). For the pooled dataset of 172 genotypes, 46% of the variability in water soaking was accounted for by the permeance of the skin to osmotic water uptake. Susceptibility to water soaking was not, or was only poorly correlated with measurements of fruit surface area or of the osmotic potential of the expressed fruit juice. The only exceptions were the wild Fragaria species which were highly variable in fruit size and also in fruit osmotic potential. For genotypes from the F2 and the wild species collections, firmer fruit were less susceptible to water soaking than softer fruit. There were no relationships between fruit firmness and susceptibility to water soaking in transgenic plants in which FaPG1 and FaPG2 were down-regulated. Susceptibility to water soaking was not related to cuticle mass per unit fruit surface area, nor to strain relaxation of the cuticle upon isolation, nor to achene position. In summary, strawberry's susceptibility to water soaking has a significant genetic component and is closely and consistently related to the skin's permeance to osmotic water uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water is used for various religious purposes, including ablution for billions of Muslims around the world. Water savings in ablution can make a positive contribution towards achieving the water-related sustainable development goals (SDGs). A survey-based study was conducted at St Mary's Mosque in Sydney, Australia, to understand the water usage during ablution and how water can be saved by Muslims in mosques. It has been found that the participants of the survey use 4 to 8 L of water to perform one ablution. About 82% of the participants are careful about saving water in ablution. It has also been found that about 70% of the participants believe that wastage of water during ablution is 'haram' (unlawful). Some 95% of the participants believe that religious motivation can play a significant role in saving water during ablution, and Imams can make a notable positive difference by encouraging their followers to save water during ablution. It has also been found that 64% of the participants are willing to use harvested rainwater for ablution. The findings of this study will help Muslims in Australia and around the globe to save water and contribute to the circular economy, as saving potable water (by reducing water use during ablution and using harvested rainwater at the source of water collection) saves energy and encourages responsible consumption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Exact Sciences is the property of Master Editora 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.)

Research focused on rainwater for human consumption is being conducted in different regions of the world. The systematic review revealed that the inadequate quality of harvested rainwater and its scarcity pose significant barriers to the installation of the catchment of rainwater for noble uses. The improper design of rainwater harvesting systems, often a result of the disregard of critical data, is a crucial factor leading to the development of poorly structured systems and inadequate management of this valuable resource. The absence of scientific knowledge about the process further compounds the problem, leading to a sense of insecurity for potential consumers. Ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, followed by ultraviolet disinfection or chlorination, have shown satisfactory results for the potability of rainwater. Additionally, the implementation of photovoltaic panel energized rainwater UF is both economically and technically feasible, and serves as an alternative to traditional water supply approaches. Most studies focused on the utilization of harvested water for non‐drinking purposes, thereby providing opportunities for new studies into effective treatment methods to cater to local and global potable water demands. Therefore, this review aimed to provide insights into the current progress, future challenges, and opportunities related to rainwater harvesting systems and their treatment for the supply of drinking water.This article is categorized under: Engineering Water > Engineering Water Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water Engineering Water > Planning Water [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater is usually harvested through catchment systems such as roofs or directly from the sky for storage in different vessels for eventual use due to water scarcity which is as a result of increased in water demand, rapid industrialization, increasing pollution, global warming and climate change. This study was carried out to assess the effects of galvanized iron and PVC tanks, thatched roof and industrial activity on harvested rainwater quality by investigating physico-chemical properties, heavy metals, coliform level and metal composition of the storage vessels. Seven-two harvested rainwater samples were collected from four locations in the urban and rural areas of Delta and Enugu States, Nigeria between the months of April-July, 2018. Rainwater samples stored for 1 month to a year in storage vessels were considered. The results were compared with water quality standards (USEPA, WHO, NAFDAC and NSDWQ) and Water Quality Index ratings. Heavy metals (Pb, Fe, Cr, Zn and Al) were analyzed using Flame-AAS; other parameters were determined using standard methods. The WQI ratings were calculated using the weighted arithmetic method. The results were analysed using descriptive and two-way ANOVA statistical analysis. Results obtained in both areas of the States showed mean values ranging from 5.60 ± 0.28 to 7.60 ± 0.20 for pH, E.coli (0.00 ± 0.00–1.00 ± 0.00 cfu/mL), EC (7.00 ± 1.41–108.70 ± 8.62 µs/cm), colour (0.44 ± 0.01–12.86 ± 0.17 TCU) and heavy metals (mg/L) gave 0.00 ± 0.00–1.52 ± 0.13 for Fe, Pb (0.00 ± 0.00–0.29 ± 0.02), Cr (0.00 ± 0.00–0.30 ± 0.05), Zn (0.00 ± 0.00–0.05 ± 0.02) and Al (0.00 ± 0.00–4.65 ± 2.24). The results of the harvested rainwater samples analyzed showed that, the mean values of all the parameters analyzed were below and within the water quality set standard with the exception of a few in both areas in each of the States and were significantly different at (p < 0.05). The results of WQI ratings showed that, harvested rainwater qualities in both States were rated from excellent to unfit for drinking water quality. Generally, harvested rainwater stored in PVC tanks rated better than rainwater stored in galvanized iron tanks though not free of contamination. The storage duration for harvested rainwater is very important for its water quality, hence, harvested rainwater whether it is stored or not should be subjected to treatment before being use for potable usages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of global warming and the increasing scarcity of fresh water resources, it becomes significant to evaluate the contribution and evolution of non-rainfall waters such as dew. This study therefore aims to evaluate the relative dew and rain contributions in three sites of south-western of Madagascar (Ifaty, Toliara, and Andremba), a semi-arid region which suffers from a strong water deficit. The studied period is 1/1991–7/2023, with extrapolation to 7/2033. Dew is calculated from meteo data by using a well-established energy model. The extrapolation of dew and rain follows an artificial neural network approach. It is found that dew forms regularly (2–3 days on average between events), in contrast to rain (10–15 days). The evolutions of dew and rain are similar, with an increase from 1991 to 2000, a decrease up to 2020 and a further increase until 2033. These oscillations follow the Indian Ocean dipole variations and should be influenced by climate change. Dew contributions to the water balance remain modest on a yearly basis (3–4%) but is important during the dry season (Apr.–Oct.), up to 30%. Dew therefore appears to be a reliable and sustainable resource for plants, small animals, and the population, especially during droughts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The separate sewer system has led to severe river pollution because of domestic sewage infiltrations and initial rainfall pollution. Therefore, interception wells (IWs) are installed to divert sewage to the wastewater treatment plant but similarly contribute to overflow-induced river pollution on rainy days. The aim of the present study is to propose a control strategy for the regulation of IWs' overflow based on the online monitoring data, control measures, and software simulation. The results indicate that during light rain, overflow from the IWs is minimal, requiring no control measures. However during heavy rainfall, the overflow of sewage leads to an increase in the river's concentration of NH3-N from 0.25 to 3.04 mg/L. Finally, Simulations demonstrate a reduction in river NH3-N levels from 2.27 to 1.33 mg/L after implementation. The results indicated the substantial effectiveness of measures in mitigating the pollution originating from IWs' overflows during rainfall events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater harvesting systems (RWHs) are identified as an alternative technology that is important for sustainable stormwater management through reuse, conservation, and reduce runoff. In recent years there has been a growth of studies on the effectiveness of RWHs. However, analyses of the system performance based on the site specific conditions are still limited. The aim of the study was to assess of the potential for rainwater reuse (householder's interest) and reduction of roof runoff by RWHs (an environment's perspective) assumed in a singlefamily building. Two performance indicators have been calculated i.e. water saving potential (WSE) and overall efficiency (OE). Four realistic scenarios (S1-S4) and three main non-potable water requirements were defined. The results of the study showed that WSE and OE varied depending on the type and size of the tank, the economic purpose, and the amount and irregularity of precipitation. The potential for the use of water stored in above-ground tanks for plant watering ranged from 62 to 82%. Underground reservoirs, with a larger capacity, were able to cover water requirements for this purpose up to 100%. However, the OE of tanks receiving runoff from the entire roof area were at low levels. Values of OE ranged from 3.7 to 6.8%, from 5.5 to 9.2%, and from 42.9 to 71.0%, for above-ground (S1 and S2) and underground (S3) and (S4) tanks, respectively. The results of the study may be useful for planning domestic rainwater harvesting systems and for comparison with practices in other countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Drainage & Irrigation Machinery Engineering / Paiguan Jixie Gongcheng Xuebao is the property of Editorial Department of Drainage & Irrigation Machinery Engineering 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.)

In a context of increasing urbanization, with strong soil sealing, and with an increase in extreme weather events, the management of rainwater in urban areas is becoming a major issue. In order to improve water resource management and to prevent urban floods, more and more cities are considering or already implementing water infiltration systems. Infiltration of water is not possible anywhere due to natural and/or anthropic reasons. In this frame, the intrinsic infiltration capacity of the subsurface is one key natural parameter. Global maps are needed to build territorial strategies. In France, a lot of studies are available but a national methodological framework for mapping this index does not exist. In this paper, we analyse various studies carried out in France for such mapping and compare the methods with examples in other countries. Most of the French studies combine a Multi-Criteria Analysis (MCA) and a Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis. The criteria include geological, hydrogeological and geomorphological parameters. The PHOEBUS method developed on Rennes Metropolis seems the most relevant and replicable one to provide a common framework at French scale. It takes into account 7 criteria, including rock/soil permeability, topographic slope and thickness of the unsaturated zone. The obtained maps may be used as such, modified by integrating sealed surfaces or crossed with other criteria linked to the urban environment (e.g. sealed surfaces, soil pollution, heat islands). They provide a decision support tool for urban planning. In particular, they are useful to improve rainwater management, but also in the elaboration of desealing or renaturation strategies. It seems essential to act in concertation with local stakeholders to identify their needs and the specificities of the territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the AGRUM model consortium—consisting of the agro-economic model RAUMIS, the water balance model mGROWA, the hydrological nutrient transport models DENUZ, WeKu and MEPhos, and the urban emission model MONERIS—was jointly set up throughout Germany (357,000 km2). This provided a nationwide consistent nutrient model to capture the current status of N and P inputs to surface waters from diffuse sources and urban areas. Diffuse nutrient emissions were quantified in high spatial resolution for the input pathways' groundwater, drainage runoff, and natural interflow (100 m × 100 m), as well as for water erosion and wash-off (25 m × 25 m). The sum of diffuse nutrient inputs to surface waters is about 385,000 metric tons N/yr and ca. 11,530 metric tons P/yr. Urban emissions were quantified either as point source inputs (wastewater treatment plants, industrial direct dischargers) or at municipality scale for different collection and treatment systems, e.g., rainwater sewers or decentralized treatment plants, and sum up to ca. 95,000 t N/yr and 7500 t P/yr. As modelled, total N and P inputs into surface waters correspond well with observed N and P loads in rivers. The model results represent valuable information for water managers, being responsible for the preparation of management plans for the third management cycle of the EC Water Framework Directive spanning from 2021 to 2027. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Natural Hazards & Environment (JNHE) / Doğal Afetler ve Çevre Dergisi (DACD) is the property of Artvin Coruh University 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 Alustath is the property of Republic of Iraq Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research (MOHESR) 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.)

Pakistan is exposed to variety of hazards. Drought is one of the hydro-meteorological hazards causing loss of life and soil moisture, reduction in agricultural production and decline in groundwater level. Balochistan is the largest province of Pakistan which has been severely affected by drought. This study is an effort to analyze and forecast the spatial pattern of drought in Balochistan using Markov Model. Both primary and secondary data were utilized in Geographical Information System (GIS) environment to model the current and predict the future pattern of drought in the region. The main input spatial layers included land cover, natural difference vegetation index (NDVI), natural difference water index (NDWI), groundwater level, precipitation and current drought. The spatial pattern of drought is delineated into extreme, moderate and low/no drought zones. The analysis reveals that the currently, the extreme, moderate and low/no drought zones are spatially extended over 9.9% (37,053 km2), 83.11% (288,553 km2) and 6.21% (21,584 km2), respectively. While the predicted drought presents shocking results, where the prevalence of extreme, moderate and low/no drought zones may spatially extend over to 51.14% (191,364 km2),28.78% (99,945 km2) and 16.09 (55,881 km2). The extreme drought may encroach current moderate drought into predicted extreme drought. Additionally, the occurrence of drought in Chaghi district may be more in future, where chances of extreme drought occurrence is 20.15%. Second most prone region is Kharan, where chances of drought are 11.35% and finally, third region is Khuzdar, where the probability of extreme drought is 8.90%. However, Awaran, Panjgur, Kech, Zhob and Sherani districts are also prone to moderate drought in future. There is dire need to build mini and micro dams to conserve rain water and farmers should plant less water dependent crops. The results and findings of this study have potential to assist disaster management authorities and decision makers to formulate zone specific drought risk reduction strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rainwater is susceptible to pollutants such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, heavy metals, and particles, posing challenges to water quality protection and soil degradation, impacting ecosystems and agriculture. The study focuses on the effectiveness of combined ozonation and photocatalysis in improving physicochemical parameters and reducing toxic substances. Integrated analyses, including ecotoxicological assessments, evaluate the impact of treatment on actual rainwater samples. The results indicate significant reductions in color, heavy metals, and organic pollutants after treatment. Microbiological analyses reveal the inactivation of E. coli, which is crucial for safe water reuse. Ecotoxicity studies show no toxicity to crustaceans, but slight toxicity to algae and bioluminescence bacteria in post-treatment samples. Genotoxicity assessments indicate that there is no detectable DNA damage. Overall, the study highlights the complex nature of rainwater pollution and the efficacy of photocatalytic ozonation in reducing contaminants, underscoring the need for more research to ensure sustainable water resource management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precipitation is an important factor that influences the quality of surface water in many regions of the world. The pollution of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots is an understudied area in water quality research. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical properties of rainwater flowing from parking lots was carried out, considering heavy metals and organic micropollutants. High concentrations of zinc were observed in rainwater, in addition to alkanes, e.g., tetradecane, hexadecane, octadecane, 2,6,10-trimethyldodecane, 2-methyldodecane; phenolic derivatives, such as 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and 2,4-di-tertbutylphenol; and compounds such as benzothiazole. To remove the contaminants present in rainwater, adsorption using silica carriers of the MCF (Mesostructured Cellular Foams) type was performed. Three groups of modified carriers were prepared, i.e., (1) SH (thiol), (2) NH2 (amino), and (3) NH2/SH (amine and thiol functional groups). The research problem, which is addressed in the presented article, is concerned with the silica carrier influence of the functional group on the adsorption efficiency of micropollutants. The study included an evaluation of the effects of adsorption dose and time on the efficiency of the contaminant removal process, as well as an analysis of adsorption isotherms and reaction kinetics. The colour adsorption from rainwater was 94–95% for MCF-NH2 and MCF-NH2/SH. Zinc adsorbance was at a level of 90% for MCF-NH2, and for MCF-NH2/SH, 52%. Studies have shown the high efficacy (100%) of MCF-NH2 in removing organic micropollutants, especially phenolic compounds and benzothiazole. On the other hand, octadecane was the least susceptible to adsorption in each case. It was found that the highest efficiency of removal of organic micropollutants and zinc ions was obtained through the use of functionalized silica NH2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An important transport process for particles and gases from the atmosphere to aquatic and terrestrial environments is through dry and wet deposition. An open-source, modular, off-grid, and affordable instrument that can automatically collect wet-deposition samples allows for more extensive deployment of deposition samplers in fieldwork and would enable more comprehensive monitoring of remote locations. Precipitation events selectively sampled using a conductivity sensor powered by a battery-based supply are central to off-grid capabilities. The prevalence of conductive precipitation – that which initially contains high solute levels and progresses through trace-level concentrations to ultrapure water in full atmospheric washout – depends on the sampling location but is ubiquitous. This property is exploited here to trigger an electric motor (via limit switches) to open and close a lid resting over a funnel opening. The motors are operated via a custom-built and modular digital logic control board, which has a low energy demand. All components, their design and rationale, and their assembly are provided for community use. The modularity of the control board allows the operation of up to six independent wet-deposition units, such that replicate measurements (e.g., canopy throughfall) or different collection materials for various targeted pollutants can be implemented as necessary. We demonstrate that these platforms are capable of continuous operation off-grid for integrated monthly and bimonthly collections performed across the Newfoundland and Labrador Boreal Ecosystem Latitudinal Transect (47 to 53° N) during the growing seasons of 2015 and 2016. System performance was assessed through the measured power consumption from 115 V of alternating current (VAC; grid power) or 12 V of direct current from battery supplies during operation under both standby (40 or 230 mA, respectively) and in-use (78 or 300 mA, respectively) conditions. In the field, one set of triplicate samplers was deployed in the open to collect incident precipitation (open fall), while another set was deployed under the experimental forest canopy (throughfall). The proof-of-concept systems were validated with basic measurements of rainwater chemistry, which found (i) pH values ranging from 4.14 to 5.71 in incident open fall rainwater, (ii) conductivities ranging from 21 to 166 µ S cm -1 , and (iii) dissolved organic carbon concentrations in open fall and canopy throughfall of 16±10 and 22±12 mg L -1 , respectively, with incident fluxes spanning 600 to 4200 mg C m -2 a -1 across the transect. Ultimately, this demonstrates that the customized precipitation sampling design of this new platform enables more universal accessibility of deposition samples for the atmospheric observation community – for example, those who have made community calls for targeting biogeochemical budgets and/or contaminants of emerging concern in sensitive and remote regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water quality monitoring serves diverse purposes, such as assessing water safety for drinking or agriculture. However, traditional methods are often time-consuming and costly. Additionally, assessing water quality on demand is not always feasible, and parameter variations are not consistently documented. With the advent of affordable equipment capable of efficient performance with minimal resources, remote monitoring sans physical access to the environment has become viable. This has led to reduced inspection and control costs. Understanding the applications, characteristics, and limitations of these devices is crucial for maximizing their benefits. Rainwater quality remains understudied in many areas, leaving its physical, chemical, and microbiological conditions unknown. These conditions are influenced by various atmospheric factors, including both human and natural activities. This research paper develops monitoring stations employing low-cost technology to assess rainwater quality in Morelia City. A prototype was developed based on low-cost technology implementation. Additionally, basic parameters measured include pH, total dissolved solids, turbidity, and temperature, utilizing an Arduino microcontroller for data processing. Data collected from these stations are transmitted via a Wi-Fi communication module to a web platform, enabling real-time visualization of measurements both spatially and temporally. Utilizing such a device offers several advantages compared to standard methods of assessing rainwater quality. It enables continuous measurements and provides a record of how rainwater quality is affected over time by human and natural activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]