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Poland is actively exploring the application of nuclear power as a substitute for its present reliance on fossil fuels for the generation of heat and electricity. This change reflects a calculated attempt to reduce carbon emissions, diversify the nation's energy sources, and enhance the sustainability of its energy infrastructure. However, the implementation of nuclear technology faces many challenges, such as radiation exposure, the production of radioactive waste, the off-site effects of nuclear accidents, and high capital costs. Addressing such nuclear-safety-related issues is crucial for nuclear technology's successful deployment. An extended analysis of the "coal-to-nuclear" process in terms of its safety has to be performed. Therefore, this review paper covers multidisciplinary studies related to the rollout of nuclear energy in Poland. The first stage of this study was the identification of the key areas of analysis, which included (i) formal requirements and recommendations imposed by international and national organizations on the process of designing and operating nuclear power systems; (ii) potential nuclear hazards for the personnel working at a nuclear reactor unit and the local population; (iii) the applied solutions of the security systems of a reactor itself, the steam turbine cycle, and the auxiliary infrastructure; and (iv) the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. This methodology, developed based on a review of the literature and international standards, was tested for the selected country—Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid expansion of extensive brackish water aquaculture (BA) in Indonesia has created an urgent need to develop effective and reliable methods to evaluate and select sites suitable for aquaculture development. The lack of supporting spatial data at appropriate scales has limited the application of GIS-based multi-criteria evaluation methods (MCEs) in Indonesia. This study presents alternative fuzzy-based Geographic Information System (GIS) methods to evaluate and select sites suitable for extensive brackish water aquaculture. This study successfully produced fuzzy set maps from a water availability sub-model, a land conversion sub-model and a green belt buffer zone sub-model. With grades of membership, the fuzzy set maps provide smooth class boundary representation, which creates more options for decision-making than a map classified with crisp logic. Combining these sub-models produced an overall site suitability map at the scale of 1:50,000 for the study region. This final suitability map effectively excluded more than 95% of the unsuitable area for BA. This broad-scale site suitability assessment approach is a helpful planning tool to promote Indonesia's sustainable development of extensive brackish water aquaculture. It identifies possible conflicts in land uses and considers conservation issues early in the planning process. The output can be used to scope research areas for more detailed investigations in countries where BA is a vital livelihood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The seismic performance of monopiled offshore wind turbine (OWT) structures was evaluated numerically. The aim was to analyze offshore wind farm sites on complicated layered seabed with high seismicity. Following pile soil analysis (PISA) model, three-dimensional (3D) numerical evaluations were undertaken for two separate locations under two independent seismic events. The effects of pile diameter, depth, site impact owing to transverse soil layering, uni-directional and multi-directional seismic loading and seismic acceleration magnitude are presented. Dynamic impedance depth variation and site response analysis via lateral displacement, lateral soil response and Fourier response amplitude are explored in frequency and time domain. In a seismic zone with stratified soil, pile diameter has a greater influence. Variations in soil profile affect wind turbine performance and seismic sensitivity. This research will give a strong platform for later studies to recommend a safe wind farm site based on simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: An urban site index is an approach for identifying site quality for optimal matching of urban tree tolerances to site conditions and for determining the efficacy of soil management actions. The Rapid Urban Site Index (RUSI) was previously developed and found to significantly relate to urban tree performance. However, the RUSI needs further testing to verify its accuracy in other urban tree populations. Furthermore, calibration of the RUSI with parameter weighting and additional parameters might also improve its accuracy. Methods: The objectives of this study are to: (1) evaluate the RUSI in 3 Wisconsin cities; (2) evaluate RUSI parameter weighting models to improve its accuracy; and (3) examine the addition of a labile organic matter indicator to the RUSI for detection of a soil management action. Results: The RUSI was found to significantly correlate to urban tree metrics in 3 Wisconsin cities (r = 0.29 to 0.31; n = 90). Parameter weighting increased significant correlation values between urban tree metrics and the RUSI model (r = 0.24 to 0.37; n = 90). The Solvita® soil respiration test detected differences in soils from a biosolids application (P = 0.0275), and its addition to the RUSI model improved significant correlation values to urban tree metrics (r = 0.27 to 0.38; n = 90). Conclusions: This research demonstrates effective approaches for RUSI refinement. These findings show the RUSI to be a valid approach for urban site assessment and demonstrate how the RUSI can be tailored and refined for use in specific urban tree populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First-time framing of renewable energy priority zones. • Definition of optimal combinations of advanced meteorological-technical criteria. • Application of wavelet analysis and coherence in a multi-criteria site assessment. • Wind energy priority zones found in 2–12% of Germany based on restriction scenario. • Solar energy priority zones found in 5–22% of Germany based on restriction scenario. The intensification of climate change impacts requires a fast and efficient transition of energy systems and deployment of renewable energies worldwide. An adequate site assessment strategy forms the basis for expanding installed capacities and energy yield. This study applies a set of meaningful criteria to determine site suitability for Germany's onshore wind and utility-scale solar photovoltaics facilities. An aggregated priority index involving meteorological-technical, economic, and environmental criteria is developed and used in a new concept for identifying renewable energy priority zones, where installations of wind and solar energy facilities should be prioritized. As a novelty, this resource-centered approach does not only analyze the mean energy potential as a meteorological criterion but also accounts for other characteristics such as variability, complementarity, and predictability. The results indicate that reducing legal restrictions substantially facilitates wind and solar energy capacity expansion in prioritized zones. With weak restrictions, up to 22% and 12% of Germany represent priority zones for an efficient and sustainable use of solar and wind energy. However, due to the intermittent nature of wind and solar resources, mismatches between generation potential and electricity demand would persist even with substantial capacity expansion. Future energy systems must advance the expansion of renewable energy capacities just as the flexibilization of demand or an increase of storage capacities to guarantee future energy security and mitigate climate change. The newly developed renewable energy priority zones are a starting point and can be transferred to other study areas by specifically adapting criteria and their weighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural industrialization is one of development strategies to increase rural incomes, create new job opportunities in rural areas etc., and site selection of rural industries has led to the development goals. Agricultural industries are one type of rural industries and it's so important in Iran because of major potential of agriculture in Iran and also other developing countries. According to the statistics in Tehran province by the end of 2013 about 135 units of Agricultural industries were active but there is still the gap between urban regions and rural regions and many immigrants from rural regions to urban regions have been recorded. So, this research tries to prioritize the criteria of establishment and development of agricultural industries in the rural areas in Tehran Province. The result shows the items which refer to market and financial issue have greater weight, So, it is necessary to develop transportation to streamline access to market and also the industries need investors to be flourishing; Accordingly, both governmental and non-governmental organizations could take part to improve industrial sector. Moreover, the output of research shows some geographical factors like climate and geology have the least importance as to development and establishment of industries in the rural areas, and they are not paramount obstacle to be dealt with in order to contribute rural industrialization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric reanalyses are the only source of spatial and temporal gridded wind information at wind turbine height providing data over several decades in the past. The application potential of reanalyses in the renewable energy sector depends strongly on the quality of the meteorological quantities. While global reanalyses have a resolution of typically 50 km, new regional reanalyses COSMO-REA6 and COSMO-REA2 have about 6 km and 2 km horizontal grid spacing, respectively. Here, we investigate the added value of the new regional reanalyses for the renewable energy sector, especially their application potential for site assessment. Four well established wind towers in Europe are used as reference for this purpose. We find regional reanalyses performing significantly better or at least similar to global reanalyses. Especially marginal distributions show significant improvements e.g. the most extreme temporal wind changes (ramp rates) at typical hub-heights are underrepresented by global reanalyses between −80 and −43% while COSMO-REA2 represents them with relative errors between −14 and +9%. Considering biases, mean absolute errors, and correlations most significant improvements occur close to ground and in areas with complex terrain. Moreover, vertically extrapolated wind measurements which are commonly used for site assessment show a stronger site dependency in their performance than reanalyses. • Reanalyses (REA) are a valuable tool for providing gridded wind speed at hub-height. • Low level wind profiles from regional reanalyses outperform global reanalyses. • COSMO-REA2 represents extreme ramp rate occurrences at hub-height best. • The performance of REA is more robust than those of vertical extrapolation methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We sought to develop and test an objective scorecard-based system for assessing and categorizing available research sites in Lassa fever-affected countries based on their preparedness and capability to host Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials. Methods: We mapped available clinical research sites through interrogation of online clinical trial registries and relevant disease-based consortia. A structured online questionnaire was used to assess the capability of clinical trial sites to conduct Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials. We developed a new scoring template by allocating scores to questionnaire parameters based on perceived importance to the conduct of clinical trials as described in the WHO/TDR Global Competency Framework for Clinical Research. Cutoff points of 75% and 50% were used to categorize sites into categories A, B, or C. Results: This study identified 44 clinical trial sites in 8 Lassa fever-affected countries. Out of these, 35 sites were characterized based on their capacity to hold Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials. A total of 14 sites in 4 countries were identified as ready to host Lassa fever vaccine trials immediately or with little support. Conclusion: It is feasible to hold Lassa fever vaccine trials in affected countries based on the outcome of the survey. However, the findings are to be validated through sites' visits. This experience with a standardized and objective method of the site assessment is encouraging, and the site selection method used can serve as an orientation to sponsors and researchers planning clinical trials in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) located at the surface of the water table and/or below the water table are often a significant source for groundwater contamination near current or former commercial/industrial facilities. Due to the complex and long history of many industrial sites, these NAPLs often contain a complex mixture of contaminants and as such can be difficult to fully characterize using conventional analytical methods. Remediation and risk assessment activities at sites containing NAPLs may, subsequently, be hindered as the contamination profile may not be fully understood. This paper demonstrates the application of bench‐scale 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy as a practical tool to assist with the characterization of complex NAPLs. Here, a NAPL collected from a contaminated site situated near a former chemical manufacturing facility was analyzed using a combination of one‐dimensional (1D) 1H NMR spectroscopy and two‐dimensional (2D) 1H J‐resolved spectroscopy (JRES). It is shown that 1D NMR experiments are useful in the rapid identification of the classes of compounds present, whereas 2D JRES NMR experiments are useful in identifying specific compounds. The use of benchtop NMR spectroscopy as a simple and cost effective tool to assist in the analysis of contaminated sites may help improve the practical characterization of many heavily contaminated sites and facilitate improved risk assessments and remedial strategies. Benchtop NMR spectroscopy provides a simple and practical tool for the characterization of nonaqueous phase liquids extracted from contaminated sites. 2D JRES experiments are able to produce fingerprints for specific aromatic components that allow for the confirmation of unknown constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Introduction: Disclosure of HIV status to HIV‐infected children and adolescents is a major care challenge. We describe current site characteristics related to disclosure of HIV status in resource‐limited paediatric HIV care settings within the International Epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) consortium. Methods: An online site assessment survey was conducted across the paediatric HIV care sites within six global regions of IeDEA. A standardized questionnaire was administered to the sites through the REDCap platform. Results: From June 2014 to March 2015, all 180 sites of the IeDEA consortium in 31 countries completed the online survey: 57% were urban, 43% were health centres and 86% were integrated clinics (serving both adults and children). Almost all the sites (98%) reported offering disclosure counselling services. Disclosure counselling was most often provided by counsellors (87% of sites), but also by nurses (77%), physicians (74%), social workers (68%), or other clinicians (65%). It was offered to both caregivers and children in 92% of 177 sites with disclosure counselling. Disclosure resources and procedures varied across geographical regions. Most sites in each region reported performing staff members' training on disclosure (72% to 96% of sites per region), routinely collecting HIV disclosure status (50% to 91%) and involving caregivers in the disclosure process (71% to 100%). A disclosure protocol was available in 14% to 71% of sites. Among the 143 sites (79%) routinely collecting disclosure status process, the main collection method was by asking the caregiver or child (85%) about the child's knowledge of his/her HIV status. Frequency of disclosure status assessment was every three months in 63% of the sites, and 71% stored disclosure status data electronically. Conclusion: The majority of the sites reported offering disclosure counselling services, but educational and social support resources and capacities for data collection varied across regions. Paediatric HIV care sites worldwide still need specific staff members' training on disclosure, development and implementation of guidelines for HIV disclosure, and standardized data collection on this key issue to ensure the long‐term health and wellbeing of HIV‐infected youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Estimation of national population size can be important for setting conservation priorities, but its methodology has received little critical attention. Sites for highly aggregated species are often prioritised if they contain 1% of national or biogeographic populations, but the utility of this approach for other species is unclear. To make recommendations for study design, we present methods used to estimate the UK population size of the common nightingale Luscinia megarhynchos. We assess the sensitivity of the population estimate to the analytical method used and identify sites of national importance for this territorial songbird. Survey effort was directed by prior knowledge of the species distribution and the survey design maximised detectability by focussing on the period of greatest song output. We used three different statistical methods to account for detectability, estimating that 55%–65% of the national population was detected during surveys. Birds in areas not known to contain the species accounted for 13%–23% of the population estimate. Methods to account for these individuals contributed the greatest uncertainty to the results, due to the difficulty of surveying a very large sample of random sites and consequent need to stratify the sample. The 12 derived estimates ranged between 5,094 and 5,938 territorial males, with the confidence limits ranging from 4,764 to 6,534. Site delimitation, using clustering based on nearest‐neighbour distances, identified one site clearly of national importance and several others potentially nationally important, depending on the population threshold and clustering distance used. Synthesis and applications. National population estimation is difficult and requires that species‐specific variability in detectability, and individuals present outside surveyed areas are accurately accounted for through survey design and statistical analysis. Accounting for these sources of error will not always be possible and will hamper efforts to assess true population size and consequently to determine whether sites, however defined, exceed critical thresholds of importance. Resources may be better invested in other activities, for example, in generating population trends based on relative indices. The latter are generally easier to produce, potentially more robust and arguably more suitable for many conservation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To describe a site assessment of the Princess Christian Maternity Hospital (PCMH; Freetown, Sierra Leone), the national referral center for reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services and logical site for focused efforts to train and expand the RMNCAH workforce in Sierra Leone.Methods: In April 2016, a mixed-methods assessment approach was used involving facility observation and staff interviews using the WHO's Service Availability and Readiness Assessment (SARA) tool. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained.Results: PCMH had 150 inpatient beds and provided care for more than 4600 deliveries in 2015. The number of maternal deaths increased at a rate of approximately 40% per month from January 2015 to June 2016 (P=0.005). Key factors requiring attention were identified in the categories of infrastructure and supplies, RMNCAH services, and human resources.Conclusion: SARA provided a framework for identifying strengths and weaknesses in infrastructure and supplies, RMNCAH services, and human resources. The process described might serve as a model for evaluating obstetrics and gynecology training facilities in low- and middle-income countries. Human resources are currently insufficient for the volume and complexity of patients at PCMH. Numerous opportunities exist for strengthening healthcare services and capacity building in Sierra Leone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wind assessment process can make or break the economics of wind plant development. Lack of credible data is one of the major reasons for faulty predictions and inaccurate estimations of the energy production from wind farms. This paper provides a concise, yet comprehensive analysis of state-of-the-art wind site assessment techniques, including a detailed survey of their strengths and pitfalls. The analysis of each technique addresses issues that may affect the power production estimates to an undesirable degree. It also overviews parameters such as survey time, coverage area, cost, and feasibility for each technique according to the site chosen for the assessment. A case study at the end presents independent surveys carried out in the Kallarkahar region of Pakistan using the latest site assessment techniques. The collected data sets are examined in order to unearth discrepancies affecting the assessment process in the surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States has many active wind farms throughout the country, but most of these sites are on land. While the land-based wind farms are cheaper to construct than the offshore counterparts, wind is more consistent and stronger along the coast. In the literature of site selection for offshore wind farms, most studies remain limited by the use of classic set theory, which is subjected to the uncertainty of vagueness in class definition. There is also a gap in the use of fuzzy modeling and fuzzy logic for offshore wind farms site selection. The objectives of this research are to: 1) develop a fuzzy modeling framework to evaluate the suitability of offshore wind farm placement, and 2) demonstrate the framework along the southeastern New England shore and identify potential candidates suitable for offshore wind farm. In this study, six criteria, including wind speed, distance to substations, proximity to shipping lanes, water depth, distance to shoreline, and proximity to important bird areas, were examined in the proposed fuzzy framework. The resulting map identified several highly suitable areas large enough to develop offshore wind farms. Located in the southern Massachusetts and Rhode Island shore, including the Muskeget, Nomans, Naushon and Block Islands, these sites are in or near existing windfarms or lease areas for wind power projects. This study conducted a cost and benefit analysis to illustrate their economic potential and laid down the ground work for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The site condition of cultivated land greatly influences the utilization and management of cultivated land resources and is an element that is disturbed tremendously by urbanization. Since the rejuvenation of the northeast old industrial base strategy in 2003, urbanization in northeast China has progressed rapidly. The excessive urban sprawl has profoundly changed land use structure in the peri-urban area of the black soil region, and the subsequent site condition changes will impede the full utilization of cultivated land resources. This study used the suburb of Changchun Kuancheng District as an empirical case, and employed a patch-scale site assessment system to analyze dynamic changes in cultivated land site conditions at a typical rural-urban interface of the black soil region from 2004 to 2014. Cultivated land loss and land use changes were prominent in the study area and the land conversion rate was shown to be accelerating. Most of the occupied cultivated land was converted to urban areas such as industrial land or urban settlements. However, a part of the occupied cultivated land was left unutilized, which indicates how the urban sprawl is jeopardizing benefits of both urban development and cultivated land protection. Besides direct occupation of cultivated land resources, urbanization has led to a loss of cultivated land with good site conditions and a deterioration of the site conditions of unconverted cultivated land in the peri-urban area. Urbanization has fragmented peri-urban cultivated land, increased farming distance and brought more frequent anthropogenic disturbances. On the other hand, it has also improved transportation conditions and the local ecological environment. As site condition is believed to be closely related to both cultivated land loss and cultivation abandonment, the deterioration will aggravate the loss of cultivated land resources in a disguised form. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The establishment success of woody plant species at 56 revegetation sites, four to 26 years old, across the Meandu open-cut coal mine in south-east Queensland was assessed. The revegetation process involved returning stockpiled topsoil, deep ripping and mechanical sowing of a mix of native seeds. Blakes Wattle ( Acacia blakei) and less often Black Wattle ( A. leiocalyx), both primarily derived from respread topsoil seed, dominate the vegetation canopy at 59% and 20% of revegetation sites, respectively. The additional sowing of seeds of many tree and shrub species within the sites has had limited success with most failing to persist or grow well. Revegetation management, for example selective thinning of acacias ( Acacia spp.) saplings within the first 5 years is recommended to release the competition pressure on the poorly performing tree species. This will also allow opportunities for other less well represented shrub and herb species to persist. This study has shown that a range of tree and shrub species, including Eucalyptus spp., are performing poorly under the current revegetation regime, suggesting adjustments to revegetation species selection and/or methodologies are needed. The natural colonization of woody native species within the sites from nearby remnant vegetation is shown to be limited to only four species, and therefore is unlikely to significantly supplement the species diversity of the revegetation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temporal correlation between different power generation sources is important for quantifying the reduction in variability when constructing co-located hybrid power parks (HPPs) that combine multiple power sources. This study investigates the physical mechanisms behind correlation on time scales relevant for the power system using frequency separated time scales. The methodology is universally applicable to any data set consisting of at least two power sources and could be adjusted accordingly. The methodology is demonstrated and validated in a case study across Sweden for wind and PV power generation, using the meteorological reanalysis dataset CosmoREA-6. All studied time-scales (seasonal, mid-term, synoptic and diurnal) showed anti-correlated characteristics, although the magnitude of temporal correlation is highly dependent on the time-scale considered. The highest potential for useful anti-correlation is found on the seasonal cycle, followed by the diurnal cycle where existing wind turbine sites, on average, have stronger anti-correlation than the average site. The validation showed good correspondence with measurements for all time-scales. However, an underestimations of the results were found for the diurnal and seasonal cycle while this was shown to have a minor effect when analyzing the correlation on different time scales. The methodology of the case study should be generally valid for all similar climates. • A methodology to study correlation between co-located wind and solar is proposed. • All studied time scales showed anti-correlated characteristics. • The annual cycle followed by the diurnal cycle was found to be the most useful. • Wind turbines sites show stronger anti-correlation. • Validation of CosmoREA-6 revealed deficiencies in wind power modeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the wind turbine standard IEC 61400-1, structural integrity of wind turbines is determined either by direct reference to wind data or by load calculation. In both cases, deterministic values are applied and uncertainties neglected for the wind climate parameters and the structural resistance. The uncertainty related to the wind climate parameters depends highly on the presence, duration and quality of on-site wind measurements, and the perturbations introduced by flow modelling. For the wind speed distribution, the uncertainty is considered in assessment of the annual energy production. For other wind climate parameters which potentially have a large influence on the wind turbine loads, the uncertainty is often not well investigated. This paper presents a probabilistic framework for assessment of the structural reliability level of wind turbines in fatigue loading. Uncertainty of the site specific wind climate parameters at each turbine position is estimated based on the local wind measurements, speed-up factors and the distance between the wind turbine and the measuring position. The framework is demonstrated for a wind turbine project in flat terrain. The results show that the uncertainty in the site specific wind climate parameters normally accounts for 10–30% of the total uncertainty in the structural reliability analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

National efforts to reduce energy dependency on fossil fuels have prompted examination of macrotidal nearshore sites around the United Kingdom (UK) for potential tidal stream resource development. A number of prospective tidal energy sites have been identified, but the local hydrodynamics of these sites are often poorly understood. Tidal energy developers rely on detailed characterisation of tidal energy sites prior to device installation and field trials. Although first-order appraisals may make macrotidal tidal straits appear attractive for development, detailed, site-specific hydrodynamic and bathymetric surveys are important for determining site suitability for tidal stream turbine (TST) installation. Understanding the ways in which coastal features affect tidal velocities at potential TST development sites will improve identification and analysis of physical constraints on tidal energy development. This paper presents and examines tidal velocity data measured in Ramsey Sound (Pembrokeshire, Wales, UK), an energetic macrotidal strait, which will soon host Wales' first TST demonstration project. While maximum tidal velocities in the strait during peak spring flood exceed 3 m s −1 , the northern portion of Ramsey Sound exhibits a marked flood-dominated tidal asymmetry. Furthermore, local bathymetric features affect flow fields that are spatially heterogeneous in three dimensions, patterns that depth-averaged velocity data (measured and modelled) tend to mask. Depth-averaging can therefore have a significant effect on power estimations. Analysis of physical and hydrodynamic characteristics in Ramsey Sound, including tidal velocities across the swept area of the pilot TST, variations in the stream flow with depth, estimated power output, water depth and bed slope, suggests that the spatial and temporal variability in the flow field may render much of Ramsey Sound unsuitable for tidal power extraction. Although the resource potential depends on velocity and bathymetric conditions that are fundamentally local, many prospective tidal energy sites are subject to similar physical and hydrodynamic constraints. Results of this study can help inform site selection in these complicated, highly dynamic macrotidal environments. In order to fully characterise the structure of the tidal currents, these data should be supplemented with 3-D modelling, particularly in areas subject to a highly irregular bathymetry and complicated tidal regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sudan is a sunbelt country that has abundant solar resources and large wasteland areas, especially in the northern and western portions. Concentrating solar power (CSP) technologies are proven renewable energy (RE) systems to generate electricity in neighboring countries from solar radiation and have the potential to become cost-effective in the future. Most of the attention is given to solar photovoltaic (PV) systems; no thorough techno-economic study has been carried out to evaluate the potential for CSP technologies in Sudan. The main aim of this paper is to encourage Sudan's authorities to pursue CSP technologies and overcome the associated challenges. The study used techno-economic analysis for two of the most mature CSP technologies – solar power tower (SPT) and parabolic trough (PT) technology – to produce electricity in Sudan. Two commercial CSP plants, namely GEMASOLAR and ANDASOL-1, have been "hypothetically" relocated in six Sudanese zones using the system advisor model (SAM). These zones were scrutinized based on a rigorous technical CSP site assessment study. The results indicate that the nominated zones outperformed the original Spanish plants in terms of energy outputs, capacity factors (CF), and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The Northern state has two zones near Wadi-Halfa that are most suitable for installing CSP systems, with the SPT system offering better outcomes than the PT. This study proposes a 5 MWe SPT pilot plant with optimum specifications, enabling decision-makers to take further actions. It also recommends some actions to promote this sector and meet the 2030 and 2050 RE targets. • The CSP site assessment identified six zones for hosting CSP technologies in Sudan. • Relocating GEMASOLAR and ANDASOL-1 in Sudan showed better outputs than in Spain. • The solar power tower system is the most suitable for Sudan's environment. • The LCOE at zone1 for the 50 MWe solar tower plant is 0.086 USD/kWh. • A 5 MWe solar tower pilot plant at zone1 with optimum specifications is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many wind energy projects report poor performance as low as 60% of the predicted performance. The reason for this is poor resource assessment and the use of new untested technologies and systems in remote locations. Predictions about the potential of an area for wind energy projects (through simulated models) may vary from the actual potential of the area. Hence, introducing accurate site assessment techniques will lead to accurate predictions of energy production from a particular area. We solve this problem by installing a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to periodically analyze the data from anemometers installed in that area. After comparative analysis of the acquired data, the anemometers transmit their readings through a WSN to the sink node for analysis. The sink node uses an iterative algorithm which sequentially detects any faulty anemometer and passes the details of the fault to the central system or main station. We apply the proposed technique in simulation as well as in practical implementation and study its accuracy by comparing the simulation results with experimental results to analyze the variation in the results obtained from both simulation model and implemented model. Simulation results show that the algorithm indicates faulty anemometers with high accuracy and low false alarm rate when as many as 25% of the anemometers become faulty. Experimental analysis shows that anemometers incorporating this solution are better assessed and performance level of implemented projects is increased above 86% of the simulated models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study presents a method to identify and rank potential sites for soil and water conservation techniques. The method takes into account environmental site assessment criteria and a decision-making method known as the Analytic Hierarchy Process. Spatial data is processed by applying a geographic information system and potential sites are ranked by a multi-criteria evaluation based on meteorologic, hydrologic, topographic, agronomic and pedologic criteria. The method is applied to identify potential sites for terraces and bund systems in the Ronquillo watershed, located in the northern Andes of Peru. The analysis indicates that 44% of the catchment area of the Ronquillo River is highly suited for the implementation of terraces, and 24% of the catchment area is highly suited for the implementation of bund systems. The preliminary identification of potential sites for soil and water conservation techniques may be a useful tool in the execution of resource conservation programs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Polluted sites should be assessed by the (bio)available fractions of contaminants. [•] The methods available for the various objectives of protection were compiled. [•] A testing and assessment scheme (tiered approach) is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As urban agriculture grows in popularity throughout North America, vacant lots, underutilized parks, and other open spaces are becoming prime targets for food production. In many post-industrial landscapes and in neighborhoods with a high density of old housing stock, the risk of lead (Pb) contamination at such sites is raising concerns. This paper evaluates the extent to which soil Pb contamination may be an obstacle to the expansion of urban agriculture in Oakland, California. Using a combination of soil sampling at 112 sites, GIS, “hot spot” analysis, and reconstructed land use histories, the research reveals that soil Pb concentrations are generally lower than federal screening levels of 400 ppm, but significantly higher in West Oakland, the city''s oldest area and home to a predominantly low-income and African American population. Lead levels are significantly lower in the affluent, predominantly white Oakland hills. Spatial analysis at city- and neighborhood-scales reveals clusters of Pb contamination related to land use history. Site-scale analyses at 12 sites reveals a high level of variability (in some cases related to land use history) that must be taken into consideration when planning for urban agriculture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Near surface disposal of low- and intermediate-level radioactive wastes (LILW) requires evaluating the field conditions of the candidate site. However, assessment of the site conditions may be challenging due to the limited prior knowledge of some remote sites, and various multi-disciplinary data requirements at any given site. These situations arise in China as in the rest of the industrialized world, particularly since a regional strategy for LILW disposal has been implemented to protect humans and the environment. This paper presents a demonstration of the site assessment process through a case study focusing mainly on the geologic, hydrogeologic and geochemical characteristics of the candidate site. A joint on-site and laboratory investigation, supplemented by numerical modeling, was implemented in this assessment. Results indicate that no fault is present in the site area, although there are some minor joints and fractures, primarily showing a north–south trend. Most of the joints are filled with quartz deposits and would thus function hydraulically as impervious barriers. Investigation of local hydrologic boundaries has shown that the candidate site represents an essentially isolated hydrogeologic unit, and that little or no groundwater flow occurs across its boundaries on the north or east, or across the hilly areas to the south. Groundwater in the site area is recharged by precipitation and discharges primarily by evapo-transpiration and surface flow through a narrow outlet to the west. Groundwater flows slowly from the hilly area to the foot of the hills and discharges mainly into the inner brooks and marshes. Some groundwater circulates in deeper granite in a slower manner. The vadose zone in the site was investigated specially for their significant capability for restraining the transport of radionuclides. Results indicate that the vadose zone is up to 38m in thickness and is made up of alluvial clay soils and very highly weathered granite. The vadose zone has low saturated hydraulic conductivities on the order of 10-5 cm/s and in this respect is well-suited for the disposal of LILW. The saturated formations are primarily made up of silt and moderately-to-slightly weathered granite, which exhibit even lower hydraulic conductivities, on the order of 10−6 cm/s, also favorable for restraining the transport of radionuclides. Chemical analyses indicate that the groundwaters at the site are of the HCO3–Na·Ca and HCO3·SO4–Na·Ca types and are weakly corrosive to concrete and steel. Geochemical analyses indicate that the rock and soil materials (particularly weathered granite) at the site contain very small fractions of colloidal particles and exhibit low Cation Exchange Capacities (CEC), and would therefore have limited capacity for sorption of radionuclides. Groundwater flow and solute transport models of the candidate site have been developed using MODFLOW and MT3DMS, incorporating the data obtained during the assessment program. Calibration was based on the available measured groundwater level fluctuations and tracer concentrations from in situ dispersion tests. The longitudinal dispersion coefficient as determined in calibration is equal to 5.0×10−3 m2/d. Numerical sensitivity analyses indicate that the hydraulic conductivity and the longitudinal dispersion coefficient are the key parameters controlling the transport of radionuclides, while the numerical model is not sensitive to changes in the effective porosity and the specific yield. Preliminary predictions have been performed with the calibrated model both for the natural setting of the site and the graded site in which the valleys of the site are backfilled with low permeable materials. Results indicate that the proposed site grading increases the safety of the site for disposal of LILW by reducing both the groundwater level and the hydraulic gradient and that radionuclide transport would not likely be a problem or cause groundwater contamination. Although there are some problems remaining to be addressed in future work, the conclusion of the assessment is that the conditions at this site are appropriate for LILW disposal. This study provides an example of the procedures necessary in an assessment of site conditions relevant to the safe disposal of LILW. Such an assessment is crucial to the site selection process and to subsequent environmental impact assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The estimation of the wind resource at the hub height of a wind turbine is one of the primary goals of site assessment. Because the measurement heights of meteorological towers (met towers) are typically significantly lower than turbine hub heights, a shear model is generally needed to extrapolate the measured wind resource at the lower measurement height to the hub height of the turbine. This paper presents methods for improving the estimate of the hub height wind resource from met tower data through the use of ground-based remote sensing devices. The methods leverage the two major advantages of these devices: their portability and their ability to measure at the wind turbine hub height. Specifically, the methods rely on augmenting the one year of met tower measurements with short-term measurements from a ground-based remote sensing device. The results indicate that the methods presented are capable of producing substantial improvements in the accuracy and uncertainty of shear extrapolation predictions. The results suggest that the typical site assessment process can be reevaluated, and alternative strategies that utilize ground-based remote sensing devices can be incorporated to significantly improve the process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Considering that planet earth's resources are limited, especially when considering its multiple demands of use, it becomes important to identify the most suitable locations for the installation of wind turbines. In this article, the wind resource is analyzed from the perspective of restrictive, economic, environmental, and social aspects that must be considered when selecting the areas for installing wind farms. The study was conducted following the premises of the Systematic Literature Review and the results answer the following questions: What are the factors that restrict the choice of a location? What factors should be considered when choosing a location? What are the methods that assist the site selection process? Therefore, a critical and in-depth evaluation of previous studies involving the necessary information to assist the researcher regarding the restrictive, relevant, and determining factors when choosing a great location for installing a wind power plant, as well as the methods addressed for solving this type of problem can be properly determined. Studies have shown that the wind speed is the most determinant factor of decision, followed by the wind density and proximity to the roads, while the protected areas, watercourses, and species migration routes were the most listed restriction factors in the literature. The methods used by the researchers are Multiple-Criteria Decision-Making techniques, Geographic Information System software, and statistical techniques. The main contribution of this paper is a broad set of information that should be considered when deciding on the best location for developing a wind project. Thus, the decision process becomes safer, assisting the researcher and investor of the project in determining the restrictive factors, relevant criteria, as well as possible methods to be used in this process. • Detailed review of the optimal location for installing wind farms. • The factors that restrict the choice of location are presented. • Ten Determining Factors were identified in this decision making. • The methods applied in localization are classified in MCDM, GIS software and statistical techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With respect to the stability and permanence of basic farmland, the LESA system provides a scientific theory and reference method for farmland protection. In this study, the land evaluation and site assessment (LESA) system, widely tested and applied for farmland protection in the U.S., was introduced in Lingyuan County, Northeast China. The research results showed that the LESA system had apparent advantages in fully evaluating farmland soil quality and site conditions and achieved scientific zoning protection for basic farmland. Six soil factors and five site condition factors were used to construct the land evaluation (LE) and site assessment (SA) subsystems, and the calculated ratio (6:4) of the LE and SA subsystems rationally indicated that LE was the superior subsystem and the essential basis for crop production and agriculture use, which also coincided with the practical characteristics of farmland utilization and protection in Lingyuan County. Four farmland protection and utilization zones were developed: the basic farmland zone, the potential basic farmland zone, the ecological restoration zone and the construction reservation zone. Finally, 60.35% of the farmland was demarcated as basic farmland area, which can not only guarantee farmland stability and permanence but also provide scientific guidance for construction occupation and ecological restoration. The abundant experience of LESA applications in U.S. counties provides a valuable reference for farmland protection in the counties of China. • The LESA system was first introduced and applied to farmland evaluation and protection in Lingyuan County, Northeast China. • The final ratio 6:4 between LE and SA subsystems represented its variability and flexibility for farmland conditions. • The final LESA results proved its suitability and scientificity in the basic farmland protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Portability is one of the many potential advantages of utilizing ground-based measurement devices such as SODARs and LIDARs instead of meteorological towers for wind resource assessment. This paper investigates the use of a monitoring strategy that leverages the portability of ground-based devices, dubbed the “round robin site assessment method.” The premise is to measure the wind resource at multiple sites in a single year using a single portable device, but to discontinuously distribute the measurement time at each site over the whole year, so that the total measurement period comprises smaller segments of measured data. This measured data set is then utilized in the measure-correlate-predict (MCP) process to predict the long-term wind resource at the site. This method aims to increase the number of sites assessed in a single year, without the sacrifice in accuracy and precision that usually accompanies shorter measurement periods. The performance of the round robin site assessment method was compared to the standard method, in which the measured data are continuous. The results demonstrate that the round robin site assessment method is an effective monitoring strategy that improves the accuracy and reduces the uncertainty of MCP predictions for measurement periods less than 1 year. In fact, the round robin site assessment method compares favorably to the accuracy and uncertainty of a full year of resource assessment. While there are some tradeoffs to be made by using the round robin site assessment method, it is potentially a very useful strategy for wind resource assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Groundwater and contaminant fluxes were measured, using the passive flux meter (PFM) technique, in wells along a longitudinal transect passing approximately through the centerline of a trichloroethylene (TCE) plume at a former manufacturing plant located in the Midwestern US. Two distinct zones of hydraulic conductivity were identified from the measured groundwater fluxes; a 6-m-thick upper zone (∼7m to 13m below the ground surface or bgs) with a geometric mean Darcy flux (q 0) of 2cm/day, and a lower zone (∼13m to 16.5mbgs) with a q 0 ∼15cm/day; this important hydrogeologic feature significantly impacts any remediation technology used at the site. The flux-averaged TCE concentrations estimated from the PFM results compared well with existing groundwater monitoring data. It was estimated that at least 800kg of TCE was present in the source zone. The TCE mass discharge across the source control plane (85m×38m) was used to estimate the “source strength” (∼365g/day), while mass discharges across multiple down-gradient control planes were used to estimate the plume-averaged, TCE degradation rate constant (0.52year−1). This is close to the rate estimated using the conventional centerline approach (0.78year−1). The mass discharge approach provides a more robust and representative estimate than the centerline approach since the latter uses only data from wells along the plume centerline while the former uses all wells in the plume. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Accidental and incidental chemical releases of nitrogen-containing fertilizers occur at retail agrichemical facilities. Because contaminated soil may threaten groundwater quality, the facility may require some type of site remediation. The purpose of this study was to apply the concepts of the Soil Screening Levels of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to derive soil cleanup objectives (SCO) that are protective of groundwater quality in Illinois for nitrogen as nitrate and as ammonium. The Soil Screening Levels are based on the solute transport mechanisms of sorption, volatilization, and groundwater dilution, and the contaminant-specific groundwater cleanup objective used to derive the SCO. Because nitrate is relatively unreactive, only groundwater dilution could be taken into account in the derivation of a SCO. Using a default groundwater objective for potable groundwater, an SCO of 38 mg N-NO3/kg was derived. For ammonium, however, the extent of sorption was measured using an uncontaminated, surface-soil sample (0 to 15 cm) of 10 different soil types that occur in Illinois and three gravel-fill samples from three different agrichemical facilities. Using a default groundwater objective, an SCO was derived for each soil type. The median SCO was 989 mg N-NH4/kg. The SCO calculated for each of the 10 soil and 3 fill samples was positively correlated with cation exchange capacity, clay content, and surface area. It was concluded that this approach can be used to derive either default of site-specific SCOs for nitrogen as nitrate and as ammonium for chemical releases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Field-scale characterisations of contaminant plumes in groundwater, as well as source zone delineations, are associated with uncertainties that can be considerable. A major source of uncertainty in environmental datasets is due to variability of sampling results, as a direct consequence of the heterogeneity of environmental matrices. We develop a methodology for quantifying uncertainties in field-scale mass flow and average concentration estimations, using integral pumping tests (IPTs), where the contaminant concentration is measured as a function of time in a pumping well. This procedure increases the sampling volume and reduces the effect of small-scale variability that may bias point-scale measurements. In particular, using IPTs, the interpolation uncertainty of conventional point-scale measurements is transformed to a quantifiable uncertainty related to the (unknown) plume position relative to the pumping well. We show that this plume position uncertainty generally influenced the predicted mass flows and average concentrations (of acenapthene, benzene and CHCs) to a greater extent than a boundary condition uncertainty related to the local water balance, considering 19 control planes at a highly heterogeneous industrial site in southwest Germany. Furthermore, large (order of magnitude) uncertainties only occurred if the conditions were strongly heterogeneous in the nearest vicinity of the well. We also develop a consistent methodology for an assessment of the combined effect of uncertainty in hydraulic conditions and uncertainty in reactive transport parameters for delimiting of both contaminant source zones and zones absent of source, based on (downgradient) IPTs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A variable density sampling pattern based on Bayesian statistics is presented and compared to a uniform density statistical pattern and a judgmental approach in a real case study. The Bayesian statistics, supported by a software tool, supplied a soil sampling plan similar to the judgmental one, especially for the number of sampling points and their location. It allowed statistical goals to be set and expert judgment to be included in the sampling strategy in a transparent and systematic procedure. For these reasons, it appears quite suitable for inclusion into Quality Assurance Quality Control plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed three-dimensional multifluid flew modeling was conducted to assess movement and removal of dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) movement at a waste site in Louisiana. The site's subsurface consists of several permeable zones separated by (semi) confining days. In the upper subsurface, the two major permeable zones are, starting with the uppermost zone, the +40- and +2-MSL (mean level) zones. At the site, a total of 23,000 m3 of DNAPL was emplaced in an open waste pit between 1962 and 1974. In this period, considerable amounts of DNAPL moved into the subsurface. By 1974 a portion of the DNAPL was removed and the waste site was filled with low-permeabtilty materials and closed. During this process, some of the DNAPL was mixed with the fill material and remained at the site. Between 1974 and 2000, no additional DNAPL recovery activities were Implemented. In an effort to reduce the DNAPL source, organic liquid has been pumped through a timedi)pumping scheme from a total of 7 wells starting in calendar year 2000. The recovery wells are screened in the lower part of the waste fill material. In site investigations, DNAPL has been encountered in the+40-MSLbutnotinthe+20-M$zone.the following questions are addressed: (1) mere has the DNAPL migrated vertically and laterally? (2) How much further is DNAPL expected to move in the next century? (3) How effective is the current DNAPL pumping in reducing the DNAPL source? The computational domains for the simulations were derived from 3-D interpolations of borehole logs using a geologic interpretation software (Earthvislon™). The simulation results show that DNAPL primarily entered the subsurface in the period 1962-1974, when the waste site was operational. After 1974. the infiltration rates dropped dramatically as a result of the infilling of the waste pit. The simulation results indicate that DNAPL moved from the pit into the underlying +40-MSL zone through two contact zones at the west side of the pit. Lateral movement of the DNAPL body has been relatively slow as a result of the high viscosity and the rapidly decreasing driving force after the waste pit was filled in. For all simulations, lateral movement of DNAPL in the period 1962-2001 is predicted to be less than 60 m from the two contact areas, while additional movement in the next century is expected to be less than 30m. No DNAPL is predicted to enter the +20-MSL zone, which agrees with site information. The simulations also clearly demonstrate the minimal effect of the current pumping scheme on source reduction and DNAPL movement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Risk-based assessment methods are commonly used at petroleum-contaminated sites. In South Carolina, the Soil Leachability Model (SLM) is used to calculate site-specific target levels (SSTLs) for soils that may leach contaminants to groundwater. The SLM is a series of analytical equations that is based upon the Green and Ampt equation to predict infiltration rates and accounts for equilibrium partitioning and first-order biodegradation of the contaminant as it travels to groundwater. To reduce costs, many soil property inputs to the model are estimated using regression equations that relate textural classification to these physical properties. It was not known what effect errors in these inputs might have on the SSTLs computed with the SLM. Thus, a sensitivity analysis was performed to determine the influence of parameter variability on benzene and naphthalene SSTLs computed for three soil types and two groundwater depths. The results of this study indicate that SSTLs computed with the SLM are very sensitive to organic carbon content and biodegradation half-lives for sand, loam, and clay, saturated hydraulic conductivity for loam and clay and most soil input parameters for clay. Overestimation of organic carbon content or underestimation of biodegradation half-lives in sand, loam or clay, or underestimation of the saturated hydraulic conductivity in loam or clay can result in SSTLs that are orders of magnitude too large, and therefore, potentially unconservative. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Past industrial use and subsequent release of mercury (Hg) into the environment have resulted in severe cases of legacy contamination that still influence contemporary Hg levels in biota. While the bioaccumulation of legacy Hg is commonly assessed via concentration measurements within fish tissue, this practice becomes difficult in regions of high productivity and methylmercury (MeHg) production, like the Mobile River Basin, Alabama in the southeastern United States. This study applied Hg stable isotope tracers to distinguish legacy Hg from regional deposition sources in sediments, waters, and fish within the Mobile River. Sediments and waters displayed differences in δ202Hg between industrial and background sites, which corresponded to drastic differences in Hg concentration. Sites that were affected by legacy Hg, as defined by δ202Hg, produced largemouth bass with lower MeHg content (59–70%) than those captured in the main rivers (>85%). Direct measurements of Hg isotopes and mathematical estimates of MeHg isotope pools in fish displayed similar distinctions between legacy and watershed sources as observed in other matrices. These results indicate that legacy Hg can accumulate directly into fish tissue as the inorganic species and may also be available for methylation within contaminated zones decades after the initial release. ga1 • Mercury (Hg) isotopes show legacy Hg was present in sediments, waters, and biota. • Biota at contaminated sites directly accumulating up to 40% inorganic Hg. • Legacy Hg localized within highly productive zones may be available for methylation. • Dry Hg deposition contributes to signatures in media within the main rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ocean covers approximately 70% of the earth's surface and contains an immense source of renewable energy, in terms of ocean waves. However, this resource is unevenly distributed throughout the world, and so, therefore, converting waves into a useful form of energy will require the identification of potential Wave Energy Farm (WEF) locations. This should be undertaken in tandem with selecting an appropriate Wave Energy Converter (WEC), as the characteristics of these devices are critical in capturing the available wave power. Therefore, this paper describes a three-stage systematic approach that was developed and implemented in order to select the most suitable WEC(s) for marine areas identified as optimal for WEFs. As this sector is evolving rapidly, the first stage identified all WECs currently in development and proposed classifying these devices in a practical and meaningful manner. The second stage developed a procedure for identifying generic WEF locations by integrating the multiple dimensions of sustainable development and the technical limitations of the sector, within a geographic information systems framework. Lastly, the third stage incorporates the results from the previous two stages. The devices considered for further analysis were reduced based on commercial viability, whilst the available power was quantified and characterised at each of the optimal WEF sites. Thereafter, appropriate techno-economic performance indicators were identified to rank and determine the optimal device for a specific location. • Development of an integrated device and site selection method for ocean wave energy. • Review and classification of wave energy converters currently in development. • Optimal wave energy farm sites identified utilising multidimensional analysis. • Quantifying and characterising the available resource at wave energy farm sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The profitability of a wind power project is evaluated during its development phase through a complete site assessment. At this stage, the LCoE (Levelized Cost of Energy) is determined considering many variables, such as wind turbine model, project layout, energy production, CAPEX (Capital Expenditure), OPEX (Operational Expenditure) and financial costs. However, in recent years, the seasonality and variability of the wind farms energy production have been gaining importance in this process in some markets, due to a migration of the new wind power projects from the regulated market to the free market. In the free market, the PPAs (Power Purchase Agreements) have short-term balance payments, different from the regulated market. In Brazil, payments in the regulated market are performed monthly based on the long-term AEP (Annual Energy Production) expected values, with annual and quadrennial balance payments. This paper focuses on an extensive case study of Brazil, where the energy spot prices vary constantly between 10 USD/MWh and 100 USD/MWh, exposing the wind farms owners to very relevant financial risk when trading energy based on long-term bilateral contracts. The assumed risks can become critical in cases of periods with extreme meteorological anomalies (wind speed variations below the respective long-term expected values), especially in situations where a simultaneous drought period occurs, eventually raising the market spot price to its ceiling value. A SPE (Specific Purpose Entity) account must be properly dimensioned and maintained, similar to a working capital, in order to the wind farm to be able to operate through these low wind speed periods without any capital call to the wind farm's controllers. This represents additional financial costs in the form of trapped cash. This study analyses the wind speed variability in NE-Brazil, where most of the wind farms in the country are concentrated, and analyses how the portfolio effect contributes to the reduction of this variability. This has been performed making use of the data provided by 4 met masts that surround the NE Brazilian territory (with distances between them ranging from 459 km to 724 km) and combining the obtained values to theoretical turbine power curves of different MW platforms (2, 3, 4 and 6 MW). The total period of available measurement sums more than 29 years of data. The results showed that the variability was higher in periods of lower average wind speed and that the analyzed location with the highest variability was the one close to the coast and with higher altitude. Additionally, the combinations that provided the best portfolio effect were those that included the location in the SW, furthest from the coast and with higher altitude. The different turbine platforms did not present a relevant difference in terms of resulting variability on the energy production nor portfolio effect, but when considering the cumulative impact of the meteorological anomalies (larger periods of wind speeds above or below the long-term expected values), the larger the wind turbine, the larger was the resulting exposure. • Results cover Brazilian NE territory, the windiest in the country. • Variability and portfolio effect results analyzed in terms of wind and energy. • Variability is higher in periods of lower average wind speed. • Variability is higher in region closest to the coast and with high altitude. • Best portfolio effect was not the one with all regions included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remediation of mercury (Hg) contaminated sites has long relied on traditional approaches, such as removal and containment/capping. Here we review contemporary practices in the assessment and remediation of industrial-scale Hg contaminated sites and discuss recent advances. Significant improvements have been made in site assessment, including the use of XRF to rapidly identify the spatial extent of contamination, Hg stable isotope fractionation to identify sources and transformation processes, and solid-phase characterization (XAFS) to evaluate Hg forms. The understanding of Hg bioavailability for methylation has been improved by methods such as sequential chemical extractions and porewater measurements, including the use of diffuse gradient in thin-film (DGT) samplers. These approaches have shown varying success in identifying bioavailable Hg fractions and further study and field applications are needed. The downstream accumulation of methylmercury (MeHg) in biota is a concern at many contaminated sites. Identifying the variables limiting/controlling MeHg production—such as bioavailable inorganic Hg, organic carbon, and/or terminal electron acceptors (e.g. sulfate, iron) is critical. Mercury can be released from contaminated sites to the air and water, both of which are influenced by meteorological and hydrological conditions. Mercury mobilized from contaminated sites is predominantly bound to particles, highly correlated with total sediment solids (TSS), and elevated during stormflow. Remediation techniques to address Hg contamination can include the removal or containment of Hg contaminated materials, the application of amendments to reduce mobility and bioavailability, landscape/waterbody manipulations to reduce MeHg production, and food web manipulations through stocking or extirpation to reduce MeHg accumulated in desired species. These approaches often rely on knowledge of the Hg forms/speciation at the site, and utilize physical, chemical, thermal and biological methods to achieve remediation goals. Overall, the complexity of Hg cycling allows many different opportunities to reduce/mitigate impacts, which creates flexibility in determining suitable and logistically feasible remedies. Unlabelled Image • Significant improvements have been in the assessment of mercury contaminated sites. • Mercury stable isotope fractionation, XRF, and XAFS can optimize assessments. • Mercury bioavailability can be assessed using chemical extractions and porewater. • Meteorological and hydrological conditions control mercury fluxes to air and water. • In situ remediation amendments can reduce mercury mobility and bioavailability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occasionally, a selected site suitable for landfill construction is severely protested against by locals. This issue can cause the proposed landfill to be relocated to an environmentally sensitive area. The proposed Khon Kaen waste disposal site has been planned as an integrated municipal solid waste management system, although the site is situated in an environmentally sensitive area. A site assessment can guarantee the suitability of waste disposal construction, with procedures that aim to assess the potential of geological and hydrogeological characteristics, geological barriers, geotechnical properties of material for landfill construction and groundwater conditions for future monitoring of such facilities. The study area is located on foothills where no geohazard or seismic impacts have been recorded. The geology is composed of sandstone, siltstone, and mudstone bedrocks mostly overlain by unconsolidated sediments. The natural geological barriers are clay and regolith. The clay layer lies locally and is rather thin, at around 2–3 m thickness. The study area is situated in an area that is highly vulnerable to groundwater pollution. The distinct weaknesses of this site along the foothill are a prominent transport path of shallow flows; high groundwater fluctuation, especially during the rainy season; that it is a recharge area with a high fracture zone; and the high permeability of colluvium. The material characteristics in the site make it suitable for use as landfill cover and liner. Following compaction, the coefficient of permeability ranges from 1.2 × 10−7 to 7.1 × 10−7 cm/s, which is acceptably impervious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of turbulence have been proven to substantially increase the blade loadings on tidal turbines, outlining the need of properly characterizing turbulence parameters in tidal energy sites. The presence of long surface gravity waves may cause a significant bias on the estimation of these parameters, which requires wave-turbulence decomposition methods that are currently missing from guidelines. Here, three techniques of decomposing wave and turbulence are tested: the stopband filter (SB), moving average filter (MA), and synchrosqueezing wavelet transform (SWT). The study site, Banks Strait, Tasmania, is a 16 km wide channel that presents high potential for tidal energy generation. Wave peak periods at the study site were found to vary mostly between 7 and 12 s, with maximum exceeding 15 s. Turbulence intensities (TI), turbulent kinetic energy (TKE), and integral scales are quantified. Our results indicate differences between the estimates obtained from each method. The MA highly underestimates turbulence, resulting in TI values which were nearly 50% lower than those obtained from other decomposition methods. While TI and TKE estimated from the SB and the SWT techniques are quite similar, integral length scales are considerably underestimated by the SB. These findings reveal that the SWT is a more reliable method because of the more accurate estimates of turbulence parameters and indicate the need of establishing guidelines which address wave-turbulence decomposition in tidal stream energy site assessments. Despite having shown to be quite a versatile technique, further investigation of its applicability in data from other prospective tidal energy sites is necessary to fully assess the generality of the SWT technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flow over densely forested terrain under neutral and non-neutral conditions is considered using commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software. Results are validated against data from a site in Northeastern France. It is shown that the effects of both neutral and stable atmospheric stratifications can be modelled numerically using state of the art methodologies whilst unstable stratifications will require further consideration. The sensitivity of the numerical model to parameters such as canopy height and canopy density is assessed and it is shown that atmospheric stability is the prevailing source of modelling uncertainty for the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]