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Environ. Earth Sci. Proc., 2026, ECWS-9 2025

The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences

Online | 11–14 November 2025

Volume Editor:
Athanasios Loukas, Department of Rural and Surveying Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

Number of Papers: 16
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Cover Story (view full-size image): Building on the legacy of eight successful predecessors, the journal Water organized the 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences (ECWS-9), exploring critical advancements across the [...] Read more.
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8 pages, 870 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Evaluation of the Biostimulant Effect of Sinorhizobium meliloti on Grapevine Under Rational and Deficit Irrigation
by Vasileios Papantzikos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040001 - 29 Dec 2025
Viewed by 521
Abstract
Agricultural irrigation management is considered more necessary than ever, as climate change directly threatens the growth of important Mediterranean crops in Greece. In this work, the metabolic characteristics of grapevine plants were assessed under rational 100% of available water (AW) and irrigation-deficient (57% [...] Read more.
Agricultural irrigation management is considered more necessary than ever, as climate change directly threatens the growth of important Mediterranean crops in Greece. In this work, the metabolic characteristics of grapevine plants were assessed under rational 100% of available water (AW) and irrigation-deficient (57% of AW) conditions in 9 L pots, with the application of a Sinorhizobium meliloti biostimulant. Leaf area, proline, and total phenolic and chlorophyll content were assessed during the experiment as indicators of abiotic stress. The data of the experiment showed that the use of S. meliloti could act as a biotic stress inhibitor due to the irrigation deficit caused in the grapevine cultivation. This case study complements the literature on grapevine cultivation management practices in the scenario of imposing irrigation regimes due to climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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9 pages, 1701 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Treatment of Raw Mixed Dairy Wastewater Using an Attached-Growth Biological Filter
by Stefania Patsialou, Iliana Pla, Dimitris V. Vayenas and Athanasia G. Tekerlekopoulou
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040002 - 28 Jan 2026
Viewed by 593
Abstract
This study investigates the implementation of an attached-growth pilot-scale biofilter for the biological treatment of mixed dairy wastewater derived from real industrial effluents, consisting of equal proportions of raw second cheese whey (SCW) and pudding dessert wastewater (PDW). The biofilter was inoculated with [...] Read more.
This study investigates the implementation of an attached-growth pilot-scale biofilter for the biological treatment of mixed dairy wastewater derived from real industrial effluents, consisting of equal proportions of raw second cheese whey (SCW) and pudding dessert wastewater (PDW). The biofilter was inoculated with indigenous microorganisms derived from the mixed wastewater stream with initial dissolved Chemical Oxygen Demand (d-COD) concentrations ranged from 1000 to 12,500 mg/L. The removal performance of organic and inorganic components was evaluated at a recirculation rate of 1.0 L/min, resulting in d-COD reductions of up to 92.3% and removal rates reaching 194.6 mg/(L·h). High removal rates were recorded for ammonium (up to 99.9%) and TKN (92.2–98.7%), while nitrate removal varied (29.4–89.3%) and solids removal exceeded 92%. d-COD concentrations of treated effluent consistently met discharge or municipal disposal legislation values, demonstrating the system’s efficiency and stability and proposing it as an ideal solution for wastewater treatment in dairy facilities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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8 pages, 5651 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Nitrate Vulnerability of the Almyros Aquifer (Thessaly, Greece) Under Climate Change Using DRASTIC and a Bias-Corrected Med-CORDEX-Driven Integrated Modeling System
by Sibianka Lepuri, Athanasios Loukas and Aikaterini Lyra
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040003 - 30 Jan 2026
Viewed by 593
Abstract
Groundwater in Mediterranean regions is facing increasing threats from climate change and intensive agriculture, necessitating robust vulnerability assessment tools. This study evaluates nitrate pollution vulnerability of the Almyros aquifer (Thessaly, Greece) using the DRASTIC index under the high-emission scenario RCP8.5. Bias-corrected Med-CORDEX climate [...] Read more.
Groundwater in Mediterranean regions is facing increasing threats from climate change and intensive agriculture, necessitating robust vulnerability assessment tools. This study evaluates nitrate pollution vulnerability of the Almyros aquifer (Thessaly, Greece) using the DRASTIC index under the high-emission scenario RCP8.5. Bias-corrected Med-CORDEX climate projections were integrated into a coupled hydrological–hydrogeological modeling framework to simulate recharge, groundwater levels, and nitrate transport. DRASTIC results for the baseline (1991–2018) showed strong agreement with observed nitrate concentrations, while future projections (2031–2060, 2071–2100) revealed shifting vulnerability patterns, particularly in low-lying agricultural areas. The findings highlight climate-driven changes in groundwater vulnerability and support targeted adaptive management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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8 pages, 2725 KB  
Proceeding Paper
The Impact of Sea Level Rise on Coastal Flooding Due to Extreme Storm Tides Under Climate Change Projections in the 21st Century: Application to the Kalamaria Littoral Zone (N. Aegean Sea, Greece)
by Christos Makris and Yannis Androulidakis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040004 - 12 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1073
Abstract
This study investigates the impact of climate-driven Sea Level Rise (SLR) and extreme storm tides on coastal flooding in the urbanised littoral zone of Kalamaria (Thermaikos Gulf, Northern Aegean Sea). High-resolution hydraulic simulations using the CoastFLOOD model are driven by coastal Sea Level [...] Read more.
This study investigates the impact of climate-driven Sea Level Rise (SLR) and extreme storm tides on coastal flooding in the urbanised littoral zone of Kalamaria (Thermaikos Gulf, Northern Aegean Sea). High-resolution hydraulic simulations using the CoastFLOOD model are driven by coastal Sea Level Elevation (SLE) extremes derived from simulated results based on the Med-CORDEX regional climate projections to assess historical (1971–2005) and future periods’ (2021–2055, 2066–2100) 50- and 100-year return levels under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. SLEs are derived from storm surges, the highest tidal ranges, and mean/max SLR scenarios for the 21st century. Results indicate substantial increases in inundation extent and exposure of critical infrastructure, coastal assets, and population clusters, highlighting the need for locally tailored adaptation strategies under climate uncertainty. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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9 pages, 738 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Unraveling the Effects of Ion Exchange Membranes on the Performance of Real Wastewater Treatment in Microbial Fuel Cells
by Khin Thandar Tun and Veera Gnaneswar Gude
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040005 - 19 Feb 2026
Viewed by 570
Abstract
This study investigated the comparative performance of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), cation exchange membranes (CEMs), and bipolar membranes (BPMs) in dual-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) operated under fed-batch real wastewater conditions. The experimental studies focused on electrical output; pH shifts; and changes in [...] Read more.
This study investigated the comparative performance of anion exchange membranes (AEMs), cation exchange membranes (CEMs), and bipolar membranes (BPMs) in dual-chamber microbial fuel cells (MFCs) operated under fed-batch real wastewater conditions. The experimental studies focused on electrical output; pH shifts; and changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and ammonia concentrations. The results revealed distinct performance profiles for each membrane type. The CEM system supported high removal of COD, TN, and ammonia (≈75–85% ± 2%). In contrast, the AEM achieved excellent phosphorus removal (≈95% ± 2%) alongside strong COD reduction, although nitrogen and ammonia removal were comparatively lower. BPM systems exhibited lower COD removal (typically <65%) but achieved moderate and stable reductions in TN, ammonia, and phosphorus while producing electrical output consistently higher than AEMs and at intermediate levels relative to CEMs. Quantitative analysis of power generation further confirmed this trend, with CEM delivering the highest output (8.93 mW/m2), BPM providing moderate performance (3.38 mW/m2), and AEM producing the lowest (1.5 mW/m2). The results emphasize that membranes influence the balance between nutrient removal and energy recovery and that aligning membrane selection with specific treatment objectives may advance MFCs from laboratory demonstrations toward practical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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10 pages, 1290 KB  
Proceeding Paper
A Data Warehouse for Water Quality Data Accessibility in the Great Lakes
by Barbara Jean Nicolai and Veera Gnaneswar Gude
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040006 - 25 Feb 2026
Viewed by 541
Abstract
The Great Lakes are the backbone of the economy of eight inland coastal states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) in the United States of America. This freshwater source provides unique opportunities for industrial development and recreational activities, which [...] Read more.
The Great Lakes are the backbone of the economy of eight inland coastal states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin) in the United States of America. This freshwater source provides unique opportunities for industrial development and recreational activities, which in turn depend critically on the quality of the water. Decades of industrial activities have resulted in the release of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) into these freshwater sources, prompting an immediate threat to their sustained operation due to potential human health concerns and ecotoxicological impacts. Recent monitoring and research studies report that all the Great Lakes have concerning levels of PFAS requiring immediate attention. While extensive research has been conducted on water quality, the availability of data sources is not within the reach of many researchers, planners, developers, legislators and policy makers. This research aims to develop a data warehouse that will provide scientific and non-scientific communities with essential information and data related to the presence of PFAS and their sources and spatiotemporal trends. The data warehouse will serve as a repository of data (such as information on events, PFAS compounds, precipitation, microplastics, transport, time, and location; chemical formula and safety datasheets; datasets; and scientific research articles and reports) and fact and dimension tables that will store pertinent PFAS data for water research communities. With this data stored in one application, community members will be able to investigate and recommend better solutions to the challenges related to PFAS presence and remediation in the Great Lakes Basin. This research and the data warehouse development steps will also address the knowledge and data gaps that are not typically addressed by other modeling approaches. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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8 pages, 2470 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Integrated Hydraulic Modeling of the Lamia Water Distribution Network for Enhanced Resilience
by Yiannis Tsiortos, Aikaterini Lyra, Pantelis Sidiropoulos, Lampros Vasiliades and Nikitas Mylopoulos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040007 - 4 Mar 2026
Viewed by 497
Abstract
Urban water distribution networks face increasing challenges related to operational efficiency and demand variability, which require accurate hydraulic modeling and robust calibration frameworks that address data limitations. This study develops and applies a hydraulic simulation model of the water distribution network of the [...] Read more.
Urban water distribution networks face increasing challenges related to operational efficiency and demand variability, which require accurate hydraulic modeling and robust calibration frameworks that address data limitations. This study develops and applies a hydraulic simulation model of the water distribution network of the city of Lamia, in Greece. The model represents both the external aqueducts and the internal distribution system of pipelines, storage tanks, pumping stations, and pressure-reducing valves. Hydraulic simulation was performed using a 72 h Extended-Period (EPS) with hourly demand patterns, while calibration/validation were based on SCADA-derived operational data. Several statistical indicators demonstrated strong agreement between observed and simulated values. The results confirm the model’s ability to accurately reproduce real network operation, providing a foundation for Digital Twin implementation, operational optimization, and sustainable urban water management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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10 pages, 7262 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Towards an Operational Forecast Model Suite for Compound Inundation Due to Flash Floods and Storm Tides in Coastal Areas with Non-Perennial Rivers
by Angelos Kokkinos, Christos V. Makris, Yannis Androulidakis, Zisis Mallios, Ioannis Pytharoulis, Theophanis Karambas and Yannis N. Krestenitis
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040008 - 12 Mar 2026
Viewed by 445
Abstract
This study presents a two-dimensional hydraulic modelling framework for the simulation of flash and compound flooding in coastal urban areas with non-perennial river systems. The model employs a rain-on-grid approach within HEC-RAS v6.7 beta5 (2D solver) to simulate rainfall-driven runoff and explicitly incorporates [...] Read more.
This study presents a two-dimensional hydraulic modelling framework for the simulation of flash and compound flooding in coastal urban areas with non-perennial river systems. The model employs a rain-on-grid approach within HEC-RAS v6.7 beta5 (2D solver) to simulate rainfall-driven runoff and explicitly incorporates coastal water-level forcing to represent storm tides. The framework is applied to an ungauged coastal basin in northern Greece using a 50-year return period design storm. Model results show good agreement with official Flood Risk Management Plan maps while identifying additional inundated areas linked to lower-order streams. Compound flooding simulations indicate a 21% increase in flooded areas, highlighting the importance of integrated modelling for operational flood forecasting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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12 pages, 1282 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Study of the Removal of Organic Pollutants from Aqueous Solutions Using Organic Hydrogels and Biochars
by Paraskevi Souliou, Eleni Grilla, Alexandra A. Ioannidi and Vlasoula Bekiari
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040009 - 16 Mar 2026
Viewed by 529
Abstract
Aquifers are increasingly threatened by the uncontrolled release of non-biodegradable chemicals derived from anthropogenic activities. The development of new remediation strategies has therefore focused on the use of sustainable adsorbent materials, including synthetic organic hydrogels and biochars produced from agricultural residues. In this [...] Read more.
Aquifers are increasingly threatened by the uncontrolled release of non-biodegradable chemicals derived from anthropogenic activities. The development of new remediation strategies has therefore focused on the use of sustainable adsorbent materials, including synthetic organic hydrogels and biochars produced from agricultural residues. In this study, the removal of two organic pollutants, the herbicide Metribuzin (MEB) and Propyl Paraben (PrP), from aqueous environments was investigated using negatively charged hydrogels and biochars derived from lime peel, respectively. Propyl Paraben (PrP) and Metribuzin (MEB) are among the pollutants frequently found in aquatic environments, and the effective and sustainable removal approaches remain under investigation. The hydrogels studied (P(DMAM co-ANax)) were based on sodium methacrylate (ANa) copolymerized with N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMAM). The adsorption performance of the materials was evaluated through UV-Visible absorption spectrophotometry and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). The results of this study showed that the hydrogel achieved a very high removal efficiency for MEB, which was over 80% for the concentration range studied (max Qe = 0.386 mg/g). Similar behavior was also recorded for the biochar from lime peel, which achieved almost complete removal of PrP (~100%) at the lowest concentrations of the contaminant (5 mg/L) and maintained high removal rates (78%) at 10 mg/L (max Qe = 0.187 mg/g). These results demonstrate the potential of both types of materials to efficiently remove the studied contaminants from water, indicating their suitability for environmental remediation applications. This work contributes to the development of cost-effective and eco-friendly adsorbents for the treatment of water pollution caused by emerging organic compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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13 pages, 5999 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Evaluation of Different Spectral Indices for Assessment of Ecological Conditions in Harike Wetland (Ramsar Site) Using Remote Sensing and Geospatial Techniques
by Alka Kumari, Mohit Arora and Harpreet Singh Sidhu
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040010 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 567
Abstract
Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. This study presents a geospatial assessment of the Harike Wetland, Punjab, using hyperspectral (PRISMA) and multispectral (Landsat series) satellite data to analyze its ecological structure and water dynamics. Six [...] Read more.
Wetlands are highly productive ecosystems that play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. This study presents a geospatial assessment of the Harike Wetland, Punjab, using hyperspectral (PRISMA) and multispectral (Landsat series) satellite data to analyze its ecological structure and water dynamics. Six spectral indices—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Normalized Dif-ference Aquatic Vegetation Index (NDAVI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified NDWI (MNDWI), Floating Algal Index (FAI), and Algal Bloom Detection Index (ABDI)—were employed to map terrestrial agricultural cropland (paddy), aquatic vegetation and surface water. Threshold-based classification of index outputs was used to estimate the spatial extent of major land cover types. NDVI and NDAVI effectively captured vegetation patterns, while NDWI and MNDWI improved surface water delineation. Additionally, Z-spectral analysis was applied to extract and compare the reflectance profiles of agricultural cropland, open water, and algae, as well as built-up areas, enhancing spectral contrast and classification accuracy, particularly in spectrally mixed zones. The integration of index-based mapping with detailed spectral profiling demonstrates the advantage of combining multispectral and hyperspectral data for wetland monitoring and provides valuable insights to support wetland conservation and sustainable water management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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17 pages, 2297 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Future Drought Variability in Greece: A Regional Assessment Based on PCA-Derived Spatial Patterns
by Theodoros Karampatakis, Effie Kostopoulou and Christos Giannakopoulos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 11; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040011 - 30 Mar 2026
Viewed by 977
Abstract
In recent years, the Mediterranean basin has been characterized as a climate change hotspot due to its rapid transition to warmer conditions and the strong agreement among most climate models predicting a significant decrease in precipitation by the end of the 21st century. [...] Read more.
In recent years, the Mediterranean basin has been characterized as a climate change hotspot due to its rapid transition to warmer conditions and the strong agreement among most climate models predicting a significant decrease in precipitation by the end of the 21st century. These robust signals of climate change highlight the region’s high susceptibility to hydrometeorological extremes, such as droughts, which are expected to become more frequent, prolonged, and intense. In this context, the study focuses on Greece, where rising water scarcity threatens critical sectors such as food security, energy production, public health, and, more broadly, the resilience of ecosystems. Future drought conditions were assessed using the 12-month Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-12) for 58 meteorological stations during 2071–2100, based on high-resolution regional climate simulations under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. Spatial drought variability was examined using Principal Component Analysis, while drought severity and duration were quantified through Run Theory. The results indicate increasingly prolonged and severe droughts by the late 21st century, particularly in eastern Crete and southeastern Peloponnese, highlighting the urgent need for targeted adaptation measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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99 pages, 762 KB  
Conference Report
Abstracts of the 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Science
by Athanasios Loukas
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040013 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 1284
Abstract
Building on the success of its predecessors, the 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences (ECWS-9) has been hosted entirely online. The conference aims to explore pivotal advancements in water sciences amidst environmental change. Researchers and practitioners are invited to contribute across a [...] Read more.
Building on the success of its predecessors, the 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences (ECWS-9) has been hosted entirely online. The conference aims to explore pivotal advancements in water sciences amidst environmental change. Researchers and practitioners are invited to contribute across a spectrum of critical topics, from hydrological processes, water resources management, and ecohydrology to urban water systems, agricultural water use, wastewater reuse, and the application of remote sensing and artificial intelligence. Special attention will be given to extreme hydro-meteorological events, water policy, and the impacts of climate change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
8 pages, 467 KB  
Proceeding Paper
A Low-Cost IoT Sensor for Streamflow Monitoring: A Proof-of-Concept Using Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) Hardware
by Konstantinos Ioannou, Stefanos Stefanidis and Ilias Karmiris
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040014 - 23 Apr 2026
Viewed by 485
Abstract
Accurate measurement of streamflow is fundamental for water resources management, ecological conservation, flash flood early warning, and climate change impact studies. This study presents a proof of concept on the usage of Internet of Things (IoT) for automatic streamflow measurements using commercial off-the-shelf [...] Read more.
Accurate measurement of streamflow is fundamental for water resources management, ecological conservation, flash flood early warning, and climate change impact studies. This study presents a proof of concept on the usage of Internet of Things (IoT) for automatic streamflow measurements using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. The system is designed, implemented, and experimentally evaluated as a low-cost, solar-powered IoT device tailored to small-order streams and headwater tributaries. At its core is the Hall-effect YF-S201 flow sensor. Although primarily designed for closed-conduit applications, the sensor was tested in a controlled setup where stream water was diverted into a short pipe section, enabling continuous monitoring and calibration. This paper provides details on the design and validation of a low-cost (approximately 24 Euros), solar-powered streamflow measurement system based on a water flow sensor, using wireless communications, and cloud storage based on an ESP32 board, PostgreSQL, and a web interface. The device was tested in a simulated environment. Results indicate the proposed device reliably tracks flow variability, while offering portability, energy autonomy, and cost efficiency, and may serve as a feasible alternative for low-infrastructure, temporary deployments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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9 pages, 2183 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Impacts of Membrane on Power Generation and Nutrient Removal in Microalgae–Biocathode Microbial Fuel Cells
by Aeneas Robert Hoffman, Khin Thandar Tun and Veera Gnaneswar Gude
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040015 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 173
Abstract
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a promising pathway for treating wastewater while simultaneously generating electricity; however, they remain largely pilot-scale technology due to persistent limitations, such as low power density. Microalgae can act as in situ oxygen suppliers in the cathode chamber of [...] Read more.
Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer a promising pathway for treating wastewater while simultaneously generating electricity; however, they remain largely pilot-scale technology due to persistent limitations, such as low power density. Microalgae can act as in situ oxygen suppliers in the cathode chamber of dual chamber MFCs, enhancing electricity generation while facilitating nutrient removal. This study compares the performance of cathodic microalgae in MFCs utilizing either a cation exchange membrane (CEM) or an anion exchange membrane (AEM). Raw municipal wastewater collected from the preliminary tank was used as the anodic substrate, while pre-cultivated Chlorella vulgaris (optical density ≈ 0.42) was introduced into the cathode chambers. The performance of both configurations was constantly monitored through various analytical methods. The AEM-based MFC produced significantly higher and more stable voltages (avg. 0.05 volts; peak ≈ 0.11 volts) and achieved a 0.95 mW/m2 peak power density, compared to the CEM-based MFC, which produced lower voltages (avg. 0.01 volts; peak ≈ 0.06 volts) and achieved a 0.25 mW/m2 peak power density. No significant differences in nutrient removal rates were found among the membranes. Findings demonstrate the superiority of AEM configurations for microalgae-assisted MFCs, establishing a more viable framework for potential large-scale wastewater treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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10 pages, 2896 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Spatio-Temporal Analysis of Drought Using Ground and Remote Sensing Data: Application in the Pinios River Basin, Greece
by Nikolaos Alpanakis, Athanasios Loukas and Pantelis Sidiropoulos
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040016 - 18 May 2026
Viewed by 93
Abstract
The Pinios River Basin, located in the water district of Thessaly in central Greece, is one of the most water-stressed agricultural regions in the country. This study investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics of drought in the basin using combined ground observations and remote sensing [...] Read more.
The Pinios River Basin, located in the water district of Thessaly in central Greece, is one of the most water-stressed agricultural regions in the country. This study investigates the spatio-temporal characteristics of drought in the basin using combined ground observations and remote sensing data over the common period October 1981–September 2002. Meteorological drought is assessed through the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), while hydrological drought is analyzed using the Standardized Runoff Index (SRI) in the Ali Efenti sub-basin of the Pinios River Basin. Ground-based station precipitation and temperature data were interpolated to a 5 km × 5 km grid using a multiple linear regression (MLR) approach and compared with CHIRPS satellite precipitation and ERA5 reanalysis temperature on the same grid. SPI and SPEI were calculated at multiple accumulation periods (1–12 months) from both ground-based and satellite-based datasets. Three major multi-year drought episodes (1988–1989, 1989–1990 and 2000–2001) were identified, with long duration, large spatial extent and of severe to extreme intensity. Satellite-based indices reproduced the timing and main spatial patterns of these events but tended to yield stronger drought magnitudes than ground-based indices. In the Ali Efenti sub-basin, SRI derived from simulated runoff using the calibrated University of Thessaly monthly water Balance model (UTHBAL) showed a clear propagation of meteorological deficits into streamflow drought with a short time lag. In the Ali Efenti sub-basin, the strongest linkage between meteorological and hydrological drought occurs at seasonal time scales (SPI-3/SPEI-3), with SRI-1 correlating best with SPI-3 (r = 0.67) and SPEI-3 (r = 0.63), indicating rapid drought propagation and supporting the use of 3-month indices for early warning of streamflow drought. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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15 pages, 14406 KB  
Proceeding Paper
Reconstruction of Flooding Patterns in Endorheic Wetlands in Semi-Arid Zones: A Case Study from the LIFE IP Duero Project
by Africa De La Hera-Portillo, Carlos Novillo Camacho, Miguel Llorente, Carlos Marcos Primo and Mónica Gómez Gamero
Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2026, 40(1), 1012; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2026040012 - 31 Mar 2026
Viewed by 361
Abstract
This study analyses two wetlands within the Medina del Campo groundwater body (Duero River Basin, Spain) to reconstruct flood patterns and quantify the hydrological volumes involved in episodic inundation. We integrate Sentinel satellite imagery (2015–2024), targeted field campaigns (2024–2025), and preliminary water-balance assessments [...] Read more.
This study analyses two wetlands within the Medina del Campo groundwater body (Duero River Basin, Spain) to reconstruct flood patterns and quantify the hydrological volumes involved in episodic inundation. We integrate Sentinel satellite imagery (2015–2024), targeted field campaigns (2024–2025), and preliminary water-balance assessments (2015–2022). Calculations were constrained to the inundated cells of each wetland bed to reduce spatial heterogeneity issues. For Laguna de los Lavajares, an initial standing water depth was assumed to estimate infiltration losses more accurately. We discuss the primary sources of uncertainty—particularly the representation of atmospheric losses as evaporation versus evapotranspiration—and recommend computing water balances for wet, average, and dry years to capture interannual variability. Key findings include the identification of distinct hydroperiods for each wetland, the dominant role of infiltration in the water balance of Laguna de los Lavajares, and the critical influence of vegetation-driven evapotranspiration in Laguna Redonda. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 9th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)
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