Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation (97890)

Despite the closure of the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site (STS) more than 30 years ago, water continues to transport radioactive contamination beyond the boundaries of the “Degelen” test site. Therefore, assessing the formation of water resources at this test site is highly relevant, particularly in terms of forecasting the development of radioactive contamination at the STS. In this case, isotope hydrology is the most promising method for understanding these processes. The aquatic environment at the “Degelen” test site consists of radioactively contaminated tunnel water, streams, and groundwater. This paper presents the research results regarding the determination of stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen for the aquatic environment of the “Degelen” test site. ³H concentrations and the chemical composition of water at the site were also determined. Analysis of the water’s isotopic composition (δ₂H and δ¹⁸O) showed that the tunnel and stream water are formed by precipitation (snowmelt and rain). In summer, when precipitation is low, atmospheric condensation contributes significantly to recharge at the “Degelen” test site. The high radionuclide content of tunnel water leads to the contamination of stream water, and, to a lesser extent, groundwater. The ³H content of tunnel water can reach 260 kBq/L, and that of stream water can reach 58 kBq/L, both of which exceed the established standards in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Full article

To develop nutrient-rich whole-food gels for individuals with dysphagia, this study constructed a pork–whole soy milk composite gel (PSG) using a hybrid animal–plant protein approach. The effects of xanthan gum, konjac glucomannan, and guar gum at different concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) on the gel properties, protein conformation, and microstructure of different PSGs were systematically investigated. The results indicated that polysaccharides interfered with protein cross-linking and disrupted the gel network, leading to reduced gel hardness. Due to their abundant hydrophilic groups, the polysaccharides significantly enhanced the water-holding capacity (p < 0.05), achieving a synergistic outcome of structural softening and functional reinforcement. A comprehensive evaluation identified the PSG with 1.0% xanthan gum as the optimal formulation, which exhibited a 43.2% increase in water-holding capacity and a hardness only 23.5% of the control, complying with both International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative (IDDSI) Level 5 and Japanese Dysphagia Diet Level III standards. This study elucidates the mechanism by which polysaccharides modulate whole-food protein gels and provides a practical strategy for developing dysphagia-friendly foods that preserve nutritional quality and are suitable for industrial production. Full article

The main goal of this study was to develop methods for quality control of naftifine hydrochloride in solution and cream forms, focusing on “Quantitative Determination” and “Related Impurities.” New, precise, accurate, and environmentally friendly high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods were developed for the determination of naftifine hydrochloride and its impurities. “Quantitative determination” was performed using a diode array detector at 254 nm with an isocratic mobile phase (1.154 g of ammonium acetate R dissolved in 300 mL of water R, followed by the addition of 0.2 mL of glacial acetic acid R, mixed well) and methanol (30:70). The chromatographic columns Gemini C18 and Luna C18 were used. “Related impurities” were separated at 270 nm using a gradient mobile phase consisting of 10 M sodium octanesulfonate, 0.4 g/L disodium hydrogen phosphate anhydrous solution (pH 6.5), acetonitrile, and the Synergi Hydro-RP chromatographic column. The developed method, validated according to ICH guidelines, showed run times of 55 min for impurity analysis and 6 min for active ingredient determination. The methods were successfully applied to the quality control of the solution and cream. Full article

Clay-mediated microbial degradation has been demonstrated as a low-cost, efficient, and eco-friendly strategy for remediating crude oil-contaminated soils. Despite substantial laboratory studies, field tests remain scarce. In this study, montmorillonite treatment was applied to a crude oil production well pad shut down for 753 days. Post-treatment analyses included soil physicochemical parameters (water content, redox potential, pH, elemental analysis, and total organic carbon), crude oil content/composition (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry), microbial biomass (deoxyribonucleic acid concentration), and community structure (high-throughput sequencing), with parallel comparisons to untreated control areas. Results indicated that montmorillonite enhanced the crude oil biodegradation rate (37.27% vs. control 33.00%), increased microbial biomass (83.08% vs. control 35.06%), and enriched biodiversity (7 genera vs. control 0). Specifically, it exhibited the most pronounced promotion effects on saturated hydrocarbon degradation (73.42% vs. control 60.89%) and aromatic hydrocarbon degradation (45.77% vs. control 29.60%). This study not only provides field evidence for clay-mediated microbial remediation but also lays a foundation for developing composite remediation approaches (e.g., nutrient supplements, catalysts, or functional microbial consortia) in future research and practical applications. Full article

This study focuses on the Lujiang Alum Mine, analyzing sources of acid mine drainage (AMD) generated during remediation activities. A numerical model of groundwater flow was constructed to simulate and predict the causes of AMD under the influence of remediation measures. Concurrently, hydrogen and oxygen stable-isotope-tracing techniques were employed to elucidate the pathways through which AMD occurred and the mechanisms underlying water acidification. A fully mixed model was established to quantify the rates of contribution from different water sources. The results indicate that the annual amount of acidic wastewater produced under the influence of disturbance via remediation is approximately 3.29 × 10⁵ m³. The fully mixed model based on environmental isotopes further revealed that the discharge of water from the first branch of the +85 m adit serves as the primary cause of AMD during the wet, normal, and dry seasons, with a contribution exceeding 50%. This is followed by recharge from Tianchi Lake, accounting for approximately 20–30%. In contrast, the contributions from seepage water from the roof of the +85 m adit and water from the Xiaofanshan Inclined Shaft are relatively minor. Based on these findings, we propose targeted strategies for source prevention and end-of-pipe treatment of AMD in the mining area. This work provides scientific support for the ongoing ecological restoration project at the Lujiang Alum Mine and offers valuable insights for AMD management in similar mines. Full article

Quantitative assessment of ecosystem health (EH) effectively provides a scientific reference for regional landscape ecological development and socio-ecological system coordination. This study combined the VORSH framework and the XGBoost-SHAP model to assess EH and its spatiotemporal driving factors in the Pinglu Canal Economic Zone. The results show that the comprehensive ecosystem health index (EHI) generally remained at a moderate level during this period, exhibiting a pattern of initial decline followed by recovery, resulting in an overall improving trend. The period from 2005 to 2010 was identified as a critical transitional phase, during which EH began to recover and gradually improve. The Pinglu Canal Economic Zone exhibits distinct spatial heterogeneity in EH. Areas with poor and unhealthy grades are primarily distributed around urban peripheries, plain regions, and near certain water bodies. In contrast, healthy and relatively healthy areas are predominantly located in the densely vegetated mountainous regions of the southwest, north, and east. Between 2000 and 2020, the EH status demonstrated a significant overall upward trend, with most areas experiencing slight improvement and only a few regions exhibiting significant degradation. Topography and temperature were the primary factors driving the spatiotemporal variations in EH, while the influence of human activities continued to intensify with ongoing socioeconomic development. Full article

The Russo–Ukrainian conflict (RUC) escalated on 24 February 2022 with Russia’s large-scale military operation in Ukraine. Our review aims to present the impact of the RUC on Ukrainian water resources and infrastructure. Its primary objective was to analyze 61 relevant papers, selected and screened according to the PRISMA methodology, concerning changes in inland and marine water quality, employing diverse scientific and analytical methods, and technical tools. Key recurring themes included “Ukraine”, “Russian-Ukrainian War”, and “Ecocide”. Beyond assessing the environmental consequences of destroyed treatment plants, supply systems, and sewerage units, as the secondary objective, the review introduces the concept of “aquacide”—the deliberate or incidental destruction and contamination of water infrastructures and resources during military operations. The most severe cases were documented in southern and eastern Ukraine, with the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam standing out as the most widely reported “aquacide”. Finally, the review highlights the critical role of satellite imagery and remote sensing as the most effective tools in monitoring water quality and infrastructures under wartime conditions, when in situ observations and measurements are often impossible. Full article

Inadequate hygiene knowledge and poor sanitation practices remain key challenges to safe learning environments in South Africa, with 462 million learners attending schools without basic handwashing facilities and many schools failing to meet sanitation standards. Although national policies and infrastructure investments have improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in some schools, access and behaviours remain uneven across socio-economic contexts. This study evaluated knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to WASH among 1200 learners from 40 high schools in Durban using a cross-sectional design and interviewer-administered questionnaires. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, ANOVA, and multiple regression. The study addressed the research question: To what extent do learners’ knowledge and attitudes predict hygiene practices across socio-economic contexts? It was hypothesised that higher knowledge and more positive attitudes would significantly predict improved hygiene practices. Results showed that while 74.6% reported handwashing after toilet use, only 39.3% consistently used soap. Knowledge of disease transmission through unsafe water was 35.4%, although overall attitudes were positive. Learners from higher-quintile schools had significantly better KAP scores than those from lower quintiles (p < 0.001). Both knowledge (β = 0.232, p < 0.001) and attitudes (β = 0.266, p < 0.001) were significant predictors of learners’ hygiene practices. Significant group differences were also observed by gender (t = 18.032, p = 0.001) and district (t = −3.895, p = 0.001). These findings highlight persistent WASH gaps and inequities across schools, underscoring the need for integrated interventions that strengthen both hygiene education and school infrastructure to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6. Full article

The Northwestern Black Sea shelf, strongly influenced by Danube discharge and coastal activities, provides an effective setting for separating lithogenic controls from localized anthropogenic inputs. We applied a multi-proxy geochemical–radiometric approach to Romanian shelf waters and surface sediments. A CTD–Rosette was used to quantify nutrients, chlorophyll-a, TOC, and TN. Dissolved metals and PAHs were measured in seawater, while surface sediments were analyzed for CaCO₃, TOC, trace metals, and γ-emitting radionuclides. Multivariate statistics (PCA/FA) were used to resolve the dominant environmental controls. Summer stratification was characterized by the bottom-layer maxima of PO₄³⁻, SiO₄⁴⁻, and NH₄⁺ and a pronounced subsurface chlorophyll-a maximum at 12–16 m. Surface-water Σ16PAH ranged from 134 to 347 ng L⁻¹ and was dominated by low-molecular-weight compounds, with episodic nearshore enrichment in high-molecular-weight species. In sediments, CaCO₃ ranged from 7.6 to 29.9% and TOC from 0.11 to 0.96%. Trace metals were generally low. Pb and Hg peaked at nearshore station S23, whereas mean Ni (38.88 ppm) slightly exceeded the 35 ppm guideline, consistent with natural Fe/Mn-oxide association. PCA/FA identified a terrigenous axis (Fe-Al-Ti-V-Ni-Cr), a carbonate axis (CaCO₃; Sr where available), and an anthropogenic factor (Pb, Hg, HMW-PAHs). γ-spectrometry provided a compatible radiometric baseline that supports the multi-proxy interpretation. Full article

This study evaluated the effect of incorporating chia seed gel powder (CSGP) as a natural, clean-label stabilizer on the physicochemical, functional, microbiological, microstructural, antioxidant, and sensory properties of probiotic low-fat yogurt (PLFY) during 21 days of refrigerated storage. Six formulations were prepared using 0–2.5% CSGP, including Control (0% CSGP), YOG1 (0.5% CSGP), YOG2 (1.0% CSGP), YOG3 (1.5% CSGP), YOG4 (2.0% CSGP), and YOG5 (2.5% CSGP). Results showed that increasing CSGP levels noticeably enhanced the total solids, protein content, viscosity, hardness, and water-holding capacity of the PLFY (p < 0.05), while consistently reducing syneresis. Antioxidant activity also rose with higher CSGP concentrations, with YOG5 exhibiting the greatest DPPH scavenging activity (35.12%). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a denser and more uniform protein network in PLFY fortified with CSGP, consistent with rheological measurements showing increased storage (G′) and loss (G″) moduli. Probiotic viability significantly increased (p < 0.05) in CSGP-added samples, indicating a potential prebiotic effect of CSGP. Sensory results demonstrated that although higher CSGP levels slightly darkened the yogurt color, body, texture, flavor, and total sensory scores improved markedly, with YOG5 gaining the highest total score (81.77). The results demonstrate that CSGP acts as a highly effective, multifunctional ingredient that enhances texture, stability, probiotic viability, and antioxidant capacity, making it a strong clean-label candidate for developing high-quality, functional probiotic low-fat yogurt. Full article

Water inrush from flooded goaf under high hydraulic head seriously threatens deep coal mining, especially where roadways must be driven close to old workings. This study investigates the seepage and load-bearing behavior of a combined coal pillar and rigid cutoff wall system under coupled mining-excavation-seepage processes. A three-dimensional hydro-mechanical model based on Biot poroelasticity and a stress-damage-permeability relationship is developed in FLAC3D, using a field case from the Yuwu Coal Mine. Different wall thicknesses and mining stages are simulated, and pillar performance is quantified by the elastic-core volume fraction and a permeability-connectivity index. Similar-material shear tests are further carried out to examine sliding behavior at the wall–pillar interface. Simulations show that the composite system reduces peak vertical stress in the pillar by 12–20% during panel retreat (from 54.2 MPa without a wall to 47.7–45.0 MPa with 0.5–2.5 m walls), while the elastic core volume fraction increases from 16.7% to 30.4–50.4% and the minimum elastic core width improves from 0.5 m to 1.5–2.0 m. The wall provides strong lateral confinement, increasing lateral stress within the pillar by up to 50% and preventing hydraulic penetration for wall thicknesses ≥1.0 m. Shear tests reveal critical distances for safe load transfer and support the use of targeted reinforcement at the interface. The findings offer a quantitative basis for designing safe water-control structures in high-pressure goaf environments. Full article

Defect engineering in semiconductor heterojunctions offers a promising route for enhancing the selectivity of photocatalytic CO₂ conversion. In this work, a ZnS/gel-derived TiO₂ photocatalyst featuring sulfur vacancies introduced via hydrazine hydrate (N₂H₄) treatment is developed. XRD, HRTEM, and XPS analyses confirm the formation of a crystalline heterointerface and a defect-rich ZnS surface, enabling effective interfacial electronic modulation. The optimized ZnS/gel-derived TiO₂-0.48 composite achieves CH₄ and CO yields of 6.76 and 14.47 μmol·g⁻¹·h⁻¹, respectively, with a CH₄ selectivity of 31.8% and an electron selectivity of 65.1%, clearly outperforming pristine TiO₂ and the corresponding single-component catalysts under identical conditions. Photoluminescence quenching, enhanced photocurrent response, and reduced charge-transfer resistance indicate significantly improved interfacial charge separation. Mott–Schottky analysis combined with optical bandgap measurements reveals pronounced interfacial charge redistribution in the composite system. Considering the intrinsic band structure of ZnS and gel-derived TiO₂, a Z-scheme-compatible interfacial charge migration model is proposed, in which photogenerated electrons with strong reductive power are preferentially retained on ZnS, while holes with strong oxidative capability remain on gel-derived TiO₂. This charge migration pathway preserves high redox potentials, facilitating multi-electron CO₂ methanation and water oxidation. Density functional theory calculations further demonstrate that sulfur vacancies stabilize *COOH and *CO intermediates and reduce the energy barrier for *COOH formation from +0.51 eV to +0.21 eV, thereby promoting CO₂ activation and CH₄ formation. These results reveal that sulfur vacancies not only activate CO₂ molecules but also regulate interfacial charge migration behavior. This work provides a synergistic strategy combining defect engineering and interfacial electronic modulation to enhance selectivity and mechanistic understanding in CO₂-to-CH₄ photoconversion. Full article

The reinforcement of high-water-content, low-permeability soft soils presents a critical challenge in marine and coastal engineering. While electroosmotic dewatering is a promising technique, its widespread application is often hindered by issues such as high energy consumption and limited strength gain. However, the specific mechanisms by which marine-derived biopolymers modify soil properties and microstructure to enhance electroosmotic efficiency and significantly improve the post-treatment bearing capacity remain insufficiently understood. To address this gap, this study investigates the use of Sodium Alginate (SA) to enhance the electroosmotic dewatering performance of coastal soft soil. Laboratory experiments were conducted using carbon felt electrodes with varying SA mass fractions (0.0%, 0.2%, 0.5%, and 1.0%). The study integrated macroscopic monitoring with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to evaluate the electroosmotic efficiency and mechanical property evolution. The results demonstrate that the cross-linked structure of SA gel effectively bridges soil particles and fills inter-granular pores, significantly increasing the liquid limit (from 32.34% to 49.15% at 1.0% SA) and mitigating soil cracking. This microstructural alteration enhanced electrical conductivity and accelerated drainage; the average water content reduction increased from 12.78% (0.0% SA) to 20.86% (1.0% SA). Notably, the 0.5% SA treatment improved the average bearing capacity to approximately 86 kPa (about 7 times that of 0.0% SA) with only a 21% increase in the energy consumption coefficient. This study confirms that utilizing SA for electroosmotic reinforcement effectively modifies soil properties to provide a marine solution for coastal soft soil foundation treatment. Full article

The present study involves the synthesis of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-stabilized iron-based trimetallic nanoparticles with different metal addition sequences (Fe/Ag/Zn, Fe/Zn/Ag and Fe/(Zn/Ag)) using the sodium borohydride reduction method. In order to investigate the catalytic reactivity of the nanoparticles, a series of batch experiments were performed using methyl orange dye as a model pollutant. It was found that the Fe/Ag/Zn system showed the maximum catalytic activity compared to the other studied trimetallic systems. About 100% of the methyl orange dye was removed within 1 min and the second-order rate constant obtained was 0.0744 (mg/L)⁻¹ min⁻¹; the rate of reaction was higher than that of the other trimetallic systems. Furthermore, the effects of pH, initial dye concentration and nanoparticle dosage on the degradation of methyl orange were investigated. The results showed that the reactivity of the Fe/Ag/Zn trimetallic nanoparticles was highly dependent on the aforementioned parameters. Higher reactivity was obtained at lower pH, lower initial methyl orange dye concentration and higher nanoparticle dosage. Lastly, liquid chromatography–mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) was used to elucidate the reaction pathway and identify by-products from methyl orange degradation. The developed catalyst demonstrated exceptionally rapid and apparent degradation of methyl orange within one minute, outperforming previously reported bimetallic and trimetallic systems. This work reports a cost-effective nZVI-based trimetallic system containing minimal silver, which shows promising reactivity toward azo dye degradation and may be suitable for future application in textile wastewater treatment. Full article

Drought stress is a major constraint on crop productivity in the Mediterranean region. Brassica crops are particularly valued in this region for their adaptability, nutritional benefits, and economic importance in sustainable farming systems. However, their productivity is highly sensitive to water deficits, necessitating the identification of drought-resilient genotypes. This study investigated the responses of five wild Brassica cretica populations and a commercial Brassica oleracea cultivar to a 50% reduction in irrigation, evaluating key physiological traits, leaf nutrient composition, and antioxidant activity. The experiment was conducted in the greenhouse facilities of the Laboratory of Vegetable Production, Agricultural University of Athens. The results revealed significant variation in drought tolerance among the tested populations. Specifically, an ecotype of B. cretica subsp. cretica (C: Akrokorinthos) and B. cretica subsp. laconica (E) showed substantial reductions in biomass, leaf area, and leaf number, whereas B. cretica subsp. aegaea (A: Manikia and B: Ymittos) and another ecotype of B. cretica subsp. cretica (D: Lasithi) maintained stable growth under water-limited conditions. Water deficit also significantly impacted leaf mineral composition, increasing NO₃⁻ and Na⁺ levels while decreasing P, Zn, and Mn. Additionally, drought stress enhanced antioxidant capacity and secondary metabolite production, as indicated by elevated ferric reducing antioxidant power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. Notably, the two studied populations of B. cretica subsp. aegaea (A: Manikia, B: Ymittos) and the population of B. cretica subsp. cretica from Lasithi (Crete) (D) exhibit promising drought tolerance, suggesting their potential for cultivation or breeding in water-limited environments. This research contributes to the broader effort of identifying favorable traits in crop wild relatives and to utilize these valuable genetic resources to develop climate-resilient crops for Mediterranean agriculture, where sustainable water use is critical for food security. Full article

Brown Jalapeno peppers (BPs) are accidentally harvested and discarded at different points of the postharvest handling and processing lines because they are not visually attractive to consumers. Water-, chelator-, and alkali-soluble pectins (WSP, CSP, and NSP) were extracted from raw and heat-treated BPs and evaluated for basic physicochemical properties. Heat treatment increased the yield of WSP with the concomitant decrease in CSP and NSP. The extracted pectins were classified as low-methoxyl pectins, as only CSP from raw peppers showed a degree of methyl esterification slightly above 50%. Heat treatment decreased (13.5–86.2%) the molecular weight of the most abundant fraction in all pectins. It also decreased the degree of methyl esterification and Gal and Man contents in all pectins. The viscosity of WSP solutions decreased (28–41%) with heat treatment. Heat treatment negatively affected the color of pectin. Full article

Significant achievements have been made in the control of point source pollution. However, agricultural non-point source pollution (AGNPSP) has become a serious threat to ecological environment quality and is now the main source of pollution in the Yangtze River Basin. The topographical features of the upper Yangtze River region are primarily characterised by hilly and mountainous terrain, marked by steep slopes and pronounced undulations. This renders the land susceptible to soil erosion, thereby becoming a significant conduit for the entry of AGNPSP into water bodies. Consequently, there is an urgent need to identify critical sources, areas and periods of AGNPSP and to promote the effective prevention and control of such pollution. The present study adopted the Yongchuan District of Chongqing, a region characterised by hilly and mountainous terrain in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, as a case study. The research, conducted from 2018 to 2021, sought to identify the “critical sources—areas—periods“ of AGNPSP. In order to surmount the challenge posed by the absence of fundamental data, the study constructed and integrated three models. The export coefficient model was used to calculate the pollution load, the pollutant load intensity model was used for spatial analysis, and the equal-scale pollution load equation was used to assess the contribution degree of different pollutants. Furthermore, the study developed a monthly pollutant flux model to accurately identify the critical pollution periods within the year. In conclusion, the research results have indicated the necessity of a governance strategy that is to be implemented with utmost priority. This strategy is to be based on the following hierarchy: critical sources, areas, and periods. The results of the study indicate the following: (1) The pollutants that exhibit the greatest contribution in Yongchuan District are total nitrogen (TN)and chemical oxygen demand (COD), accounting for 34% and 33%, respectively. The primary source of pollution is attributed to livestock and poultry breeding, accounting for 49.7% of the total pollution load. (2) The critical area of AGNPSP in Yongchuan District is located in the south of the district and primarily comprises Zhutuo Town, Hegeng Town and Xianlong Town. Among the critical areas identified, livestock and poultry farming accounts for 68% of the pollution load. (3) The monthly variation of pollutant fluxes demonstrates a single peak pattern, with the peak occurring in June. The data indicates that the flux of pollutants in June and July accounted for 37% of the total, thus identifying these months as critical periods for the management of AGNPSP in Yongchuan District. The critical source–area–period analysis indicates that the comprehensive management strategy for AGNPSP should focus on critical sources, areas and periods. Furthermore, it should adopt a prioritised, zoned and phased management approach. This approach has the potential to promote cost-effective and efficient prevention and control, thereby facilitating the achievement of sustainable agricultural development. Full article

Water resources are fundamental for human development in every possible sense; from natural development, since they are the main biological factor necessary for the development of life, to economic development, since they are essential for a large number of productive systems, especially in the primary and secondary sectors. This makes them a resource which, although at first glance may seem unlimited, is critical since their scarcity and unavailability compromise the whole of human development, greatly limiting productive and economic activity and, ultimately, social welfare. The current development of IoT technology, on the other hand, provides tools to face this problem in a technical way, allowing the adoption of distributed and automated solutions that, together with the knowledge provided by disciplines such as agricultural and alimentary engineering, make viable the development of a system that allows us to monitor and control water distribution networks (WDNs). Next, the situations that involve the mentioned problem will be detailed and different aspects will be proposed in which the implementation of the presented system is intended to have a direct impact. Full article

Food systems operate as socio-ecological systems (SES) in which governance, markets, and biophysical constraints interact through feedback. However, how resilience capacities accumulate across sequential shocks, particularly in hyper-arid, import-dependent rentier states, remains under-traced. We analyze Qatar’s food-system SES across three distinct stress tests: the 2017–2021 blockade, the COVID-19 pandemic (multi-node logistics and labor shock), and the post-2022 Russia–Ukraine war (global price and agricultural input-cost shock). Using a qualitative longitudinal case-study design, we combine documentary review with process tracing and a two-layer coding scheme that maps interventions to SES components (actors, governance system, resource systems/units, interactions, outcomes/feedback) and to predominant resilience capacities (absorptive, adaptive, transformative). The results indicate path-dependent capability building: the blockade activated rapid buffering and rerouting alongside early adaptive investments; COVID-19 accelerated adaptive reconfiguration via digitized logistics, e-commerce scaling, and targeted controlled-environment agriculture; and the Russia–Ukraine shock validated an institutionalized portfolio (fiscal buffering, reserves, procurement diversification, and upstream linkages). Across episodes, supply continuity was maintained, but resilience gains also generated water–energy–food tradeoffs, shifting pressures toward energy-intensive cooling/desalination and upstream water demands linked to domestic buffers. We conclude that durable resilience in eco-constrained, import-dependent systems requires explicit governance of these tradeoffs through measurable performance criteria, rather than crisis-driven expansion alone. Full article

The construction sector is progressively prioritizing environmental norms owing to its substantial role in carbon emissions from clinker manufacture. Industrial waste materials are increasingly used as alternative constituents in cement-based systems, garnering interest as a sustainable strategy. Ceramic waste powder (CWP), produced in substantial quantities with enduring properties, offers a viable alternative. Nonetheless, its elevated water absorption presents issues, requiring modification procedures such as hydrophobization and the use of nanosilica to enhance performance. This study assessed CWP in both raw and modified forms (ground and hydrophobized) as a partial aggregate replacement in concrete. A silane-derived chemical was employed for hydrophobization, with varying amounts of nanosilica. Recent mortar testing encompassed setting time, flow, and density. Durability was evaluated using capillary water absorption, and flexural and compressive strengths were quantified at 2, 7, and 28 days. Mineralogical and microstructural investigations were conducted utilizing XRD and FTIR to monitor hydration phases and reaction processes. Results indicated that unmodified CWP containing up to 1% (wt) nanosilica enhanced mechanical strength; however, elevated nanosilica concentrations diminished early strength. Hydrophobized CWP samples demonstrated improved early strength with nanosilica levels up to 0.5% (wt), but strength diminished at elevated concentrations. Microstructural analysis confirmed reduced portlandite levels and increased C–S–H production, thereby validating the progress of hydration. The regulated and altered application of CWP with nanosilica can improve mechanical performance and durability while promoting ecological sustainability in cement-based systems. Full article

Peroxynitrite (ONOOH/ONOO⁻) is increasingly recognized as a key intermediate in advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), yet its role in water treatment remains insufficiently defined. This study provides mechanistic insights into peroxynitrite-mediated AOPs through competition kinetics method, demonstrating that both decomposition and pollutant degradation are strongly pH-dependent, with ONOOH dominating stability and radical pathways across pH 5.0−9.0, while its decay rate decreases from 1.2 s⁻¹ to 0.0022 s⁻¹. The interplay of HO^• and diverse reactive nitrogen species (RNS, including reactive nitrogen radicals and peroxynitrite) dictates pollutant-specific degradation efficiencies, with RNS showing a unique reliance in degrading bisphenol A—contributing up to 66.7% at pH 8.0. Buffer chemistry further modulates these pathways: bicarbonate accelerates peroxynitrite decay via CO₂ and CO₃^•−-mediated acceleration (resulting in a 361.9% increase at pH 9.0), while borate promotes reactive nitrogen radical formation but suppresses HO^• contributions. Importantly, peroxynitrite was shown to facilitate N-nitrosodimethylamine formation in the presence of dimethylamine, with yields maximized under alkaline conditions and attenuated by bicarbonate. These quantitative findings underscore the critical roles of pH and buffer chemistry in optimizing peroxynitrite-based water treatment while mitigating byproduct risks. Full article

Massive phytoplankton blooms threaten lake ecosystems, causing significant ecological and socio-economic damage. While remote sensing is vital for monitoring, the vertical stratification of algae influences light propagation and distorts remote sensing reflectance signals. This effect is particularly understudied in high-latitude lakes, leaving a gap in understanding phytoplankton biomass patterns. To address this, our study investigated three high-latitude water bodies: Lake Hulun, Fengman Reservoir, and Lake Khanka. We collected water samples from three depths based on total and euphotic zone depth and developed layer-specific inversion models for chlorophyll-a (Chal) and phycocyanin (PC) using a random forest algorithm. These models demonstrated strong performance and were applied to Sentinel-3 OLCI imagery from 2016–2024. Our results show that Chla generally decreases exponentially with depth, whereas PC exhibits a Gaussian-like vertical distribution with a pronounced subsurface maximum at approximately 1 m. In addition, a significant positive correlation between Chla and PC was observed in surface waters. In Lake Khanka, the northern basin exhibited a significant interannual increase in phytoplankton biomass. At 3 m, PC correlated negatively with turbidity and responded strongly to cyanobacterial blooms, while organic suspended matter correlated positively with Chla. This work establishes a robust framework for multilayer water quality monitoring in high-latitude lakes, providing critical insights for eutrophication management and cyanobacterial bloom early warning. Full article

The chiffon cake is widely consumed and is especially age-friendly due to its soft texture and ease of swallowing. However, conventional formulations based on low-gluten flour (LGF) are low in bioactive compounds and offer limited nutritional value. This study examined whether partial replacement of LGF with mycoprotein powder (MPP), a sustainable fungal protein rich in phenolics and flavonoids, could enhance the functional properties of chiffon cakes, with substitution levels up to 80% of LGF. Building on our previous work showing that mycoprotein substitution preserves chiffon cake texture and sensory quality, we focused on phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity in this study. Free and bound phenolics were quantified directly in cake samples, and bioactives were extracted with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. Total flavonoid content and antioxidant capacity were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, ferric reducing antioxidant power, ferrous-ion chelating activity, and reducing power assays. Increasing MPP levels significantly elevated extraction yield, total phenolics, and total flavonoids, with 50% ethanol giving the highest recoveries. At 80% MPP substitution, total phenolics nearly doubled, and flavonoids increased more than six-fold, accompanied by marked improvements across all antioxidant assays. These findings support mycoprotein fortification as a viable strategy to enhance the nutritional and functional quality of chiffon cakes. Full article

Resistance to conventional antibiotics remains a global health challenge. The search for more effective antimicrobial agents has led to the consideration of nanoparticles due to their potential biocidal activities. This study synthesized, characterized, and evaluated the antimicrobial behavior of cadmium sulfide nanoparticles (CdS NPs) during incubations at 37 °C and at room temperature (rt; 23 to 27 °C). XRD results showed that the synthesized nanoparticles had a cubic zinc blende structure, while microscopic investigations confirmed the particle size to be 7.236 nm on average. UV-Vis spectroscopy showed that the nanoparticles are active in the visible light region. Raman spectroscopy results showed peaks at 302.3 cm⁻¹ and 601 cm⁻¹, which represent the first- and second-order longitudinal optical phonon. Agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) assays were conducted to investigate the antimicrobial activity of CdS NPs (50 mg/mL, 25 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. CdS NPs were effective against both test organisms. However, they were more effective against Gram-negative E. coli. The higher the concentration of CdS NPs, the more effective they were against the test organisms. Furthermore, MBC results showed greater bactericidal activity of CdS NPs at 37 °C. With increasing incidences of antimicrobial resistance against conventional antimicrobial agents, especially in wastewater treatment, nanoparticles are considered promising alternatives and the next generation of antimicrobial agents. Full article

The accurate determination of trace metals in aqueous matrices necessitates robust sample preparation techniques that enable selective preconcentration of analytes while ensuring compatibility with subsequent instrumental analysis. Dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE), a suspension-based variant of conventional solid-phase extraction (SPE), facilitates rapid sorbent–analyte interactions and enhances mass transfer efficiency through direct dispersion of the sorbent in the sample solution. This approach offers significant advantages over traditional column-based SPE, including faster extraction kinetics and greater operational simplicity. When supported by appropriately engineered sorbents, d-SPE exhibits considerable potential for the selective enrichment of trace metal analytes from complex aqueous matrices. In this work, a fibrous silica-based chelating material, DSA-KCC-1, was synthesized by grafting 3,5-Di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde (DSA) onto aminopropyl-modified KCC-1. The dendritic KCC-1 scaffold enables fast dispersion and short diffusion pathways, while the immobilized phenolate–imine ligand introduces defined binding sites for transition-metal uptake. Characterization by FTIR, TGA, BET, FESEM/TEM, XRD, and elemental analysis confirmed the successfulness of functionalization and preservation of the fibrous mesostructured. Adsorption studies demonstrated chemisorption-driven interactions for Pb(II) and Co(II) from water, with Langmuir-type monolayer uptake and pseudo-second-order kinetic behavior. The nano-adsorbent exhibited a markedly higher affinity for Pb(II) than for Co(II), with maximum adsorption capacities of 99.73 and 66.26 mg g⁻¹, respectively. Integration of the DSA-KCC-1 nanosorbent into a d-SPE–ICP-OES workflow enabled the reliable determination of trace levels of the target ions, delivering low limits of detection, wide linear calibration ranges, and stable performance over repeated extraction cycles. Analysis of NIST CRM 1643d yielded results in good agreement with the certified values, while the method demonstrated high tolerance toward common coexisting ions. The combined structural features of the KCC-1 support and the Schiff-base ligand indicate the suitability of DSA-KCC-1 for d-SPE workflows and demonstrate the potential of this SPE format for selective preconcentration of trace metal ions in aqueous matrices. Full article

Satellite precipitation products serve as valuable global data sources for hydrological modeling, yet their applicability across different hydrological models remains insufficiently explored. The distributed physics-informed deep learning model (DPDL), as a representative of emerging differentiable, physics-based hydrological models, requires a systematic evaluation of the suitability of multi-source precipitation products within its modeling framework. This study focuses on the Xiangjiang River Basin in southern China, where both a DPDL model and a Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model were constructed. In addition, two model training strategies were designed: S1 (fixed parameters) and S2 (product-specific recalibration). Multiple precipitation products were used to drive both hydrological models, and their streamflow simulation performance was evaluated under different training schemes to analyze the compatibility between precipitation products and hydrological modeling frameworks. The results show that: (1) In the Xiangjiang River Basin of southern China, GSMaP demonstrated the best overall performance with a Critical Success Index of 0.70 and a correlation coefficient (Corr) of 0.79; IMERG-F showed acceptable accuracy with a Corr of 0.75 but had a relatively high false alarm rate (FAR) of 0.32; while CMORPH exhibited the most significant systematic underestimation with a relative bias (RBIAS) of −8.48%. (2) The DPDL model more effectively captured watershed hydrological dynamics, achieving a validation period correlation coefficient of 0.82 and a Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) of 0.79, outperforming the SWAT model. However, the DPDL model showed a higher RBIAS of +16.69% during the validation period, along with greater overestimation fluctuations during dry periods, revealing inherent limitations of differentiable hydrological models when training samples are limited. (3) The S2 strategy (product-specific recalibration) improved the streamflow simulation accuracy for most precipitation products, with the maximum increase in the NSE coefficient reaching 15.8%. (4) The hydrological utility of satellite products is jointly determined by model architecture and training strategy. For the DPDL model, IMERG-F demonstrated the best overall robustness, while GSMaP achieved the highest accuracy under the S2 strategy. This study aims to provide theoretical support for optimizing differentiable hydrological modeling and to offer new perspectives for evaluating the hydrological utility of satellite precipitation products. Full article

Global warming is modifying precipitation patterns, and hence increasing the hazards of severe and extended rainstorms. Addressing the gap in integrating economic and environmental assessments into urban stormwater management—a key challenge in urban water resource analysis—this study utilizes the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and SUSTAIN model to identify and evaluate low-impact development (LID) stormwater management strategies, assessing their impacts on runoff volume, peak flow reduction, chemical oxygen demand (COD), and suspended solids (SS) across four planning scenarios under five rainfall recurrence intervals, culminating in a cost–benefit analysis to ascertain the optimal scenario. The reduction rates for COD and SS varied from 41.85% to 87.11% across different scenarios, with Scenario Three (RM03) demonstrating the highest efficacy in pollutant management. (The four labels RM01–RM04 are used throughout the text to represent the four scenarios) Implementing the best plan may result in a reduction of yearly carbon emissions of 189.70 metric tons, with emissions from the operational load of the drainage network and COD pollution treatment potentially decreasing by 2.44% and 2.06%, respectively, indicating an overall annual reduction of 85.46%. This approach not only mitigates urban rainwater and flooding issues but also prevents resource wastage, optimizes resource utilization and benefits, offers a scientific foundation for urban construction and planning, and serves as a reference for sponge city development in other regions. Full article

Freshwater resources are on the verge of depletion due to the rapid increase in population, lifestyle changes, and especially during climate change in Iraq. Therefore, treating domestic wastewater correctly will significantly contribute to keeping the balance of water purity and its usage. To fulfil this, the Sustainable Project Appraisal Routine (SPeAR^TM) program, which leverages Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis with operational sustainability indicators, is used to compare the relative sustainability performance of the novel Modified Sequencing Batch Reactor by visualising the results of the degree of its sustainability compared to the Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor and the conventional Sequencing Batch Reactor system. Although selecting the most sustainable treatment depends on specific treatment goals, available resources, site conditions, and stakeholder preferences, this study considers the equal weighting of sustainability assessment across environmental, social, and economic indices to inform sustainable decision making. The results show that integrating both conventional treatment plants into the novel modified treatment plant demonstrates a comparatively more balanced and stable sustainability performance under the assessed operational conditions. As at a design capacity of 100 m³·day⁻¹, the MSBR achieved a higher organic and nutrient removal efficiencies relative to the conventional SBR and MBBR systems while operating at an intermediate energy demand (187.7 kWh·day⁻¹) compared with the SBR (121.7 kWh·day⁻¹) and the MBBR (211.8 kWh·day⁻¹). Thus, it can compensate for the weaknesses and combines the strengths of the sustainability indices of the two systems, which supports the Modified Sequencing Batch Reactor as a comparatively favourable option for wastewater treatment within the assessed sustainability framework. Full article

Using reclaimed water for irrigation is an effective strategy in semi-arid regions facing water scarcity. However, this water may contain pharmaceutical residues, posing potential environmental and health risks. To ensure sustainable reuse, it is essential to study how these substances accumulate in soil and transfer to crops. The aim of this research was to develop and optimise a rapid Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction method combined with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–tandem Mass Spectrometry for quantifying 23 pharmaceuticals in non-cultivated soil. Following optimisation, 18 compounds were successfully extracted using a MeOH:H₂O ratio of 75:25. The detection and quantification limits were found to range from 0.52 to 0.5 ng·g⁻¹ and 1.75 to 35 ng·g⁻¹, respectively. The matrix effects and recoveries varied by compounds’ type and concentration, but most results were acceptable. The evidence suggested that some drugs underwent microbial degradation. Soil irrigated with reclaimed water via subsurface drip since 2012 occasionally contained four pharmaceuticals (caffeine, carbamazepine, tamoxifen, and venlafaxine) at low concentrations, while others were absent. This indicates the capacity of soil to act as a barrier, and highlights the importance of proper water management. The study concludes that reclaimed water reuse is safe if supported by efficient treatment and management, offering a promising approach for long-term sustainability in water-scarce regions. Full article

Machine learning (ML) is becoming a key enabler in building energy management systems (BEMS), yet most existing reviews focus on simulations and fail to reflect the realities of real-world deployment. In response to this limitation, the present work aims to present a systematic review dedicated entirely to experimental, field-tested applications of ML in BEMS, covering systems such as Heating, Ventilation & Air-conditioning (HVAC), Renewable Energy Systems (RES), Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Ground Heat Pumps (GHP), Domestic Hot Water (DHW), Electric Vehicle Charging (EVCS), and Lighting Systems (LS). A total of 73 real-world deployments are analyzed, featuring techniques like Model Predictive Control (MPC), Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Reinforcement Learning (RL), Fuzzy Logic Control (FLC), metaheuristics, and hybrid approaches. In order to cover both methodological and practical aspects, and properly identify trends and potential challenges in the field, current review uses a unified framework: On the methodological side, it examines key-attributes such as algorithm design, agent architectures, data requirements, baselines, and performance metrics. From a practical standpoint, the study focuses on building typologies, deployment architectures, zones scalability, climate, location, and experimental duration. In this context, the current effort offers a holistic overview of the scientific landscape, outlining key trends and challenges in real-world machine learning applications for BEMS research. By focusing exclusively on real-world implementations, this study offers an evidence-based understanding of the strengths, limitations, and future potential of ML in building energy control—providing actionable insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers working toward smarter, grid-responsive buildings. Findings reveal a maturing field with clear trends: MPC remains the most deployment-ready, ANNs provide efficient forecasting capabilities, RL is gaining traction through safer offline–online learning strategies, FLC offers simplicity and interpretability, and hybrid methods show strong performance in multi-energy setups. Full article

In the review, the collection of population genetics papers from 1973 to 2025 comprises 400 publications, 81 of which were significant and consulted with representatives from water and sewage companies. Reviewed Proteobacteria (mean H_S = 0.42), Firmicutes (mean H_S = 0.43), Actinobacteria (mean H_S = 0.33), and Spirochaetes (mean H_S = 0.54) represent the 60 species under investigation through the lens of “h” coefficients related to gene diversity and expected heterozygosity. The research also included ESKAPE, emerging pathogens, bacterial indicators of wastewater treatment efficiency, environmental sanitary surveillance and public health. The restoration of the expected heterozygosity for haploids “h” was proposed in wastewater-based epidemiology as an innovative tool for public health. The unique “h” coefficient allows for the comparison of genetic variability in various organisms, regardless of their ploidy, using multiple markers and traits. The parameter represents a noble character for both the variability of phenotypes (proteins) and genotypes (nucleic acids). Leveraging the genetic diversity highlighted by the “h” coefficient can support wastewater-based epidemiology, offering the ability to predict the stages and trajectories of disease outbreaks. Full article

Study presents a comparative analytical investigation into the green synthesis of monometallic and bimetallic nanoparticles using Punica granatum (pomegranate) extract, aimed at developing high-performance electrochemical sensors for the detection of ciprofloxacin (CIP) as a representative pharmaceutical pollutant. Three nanoparticle systems were successfully synthesized: monometallic Au@NPs and TiO₂@NPs, as well as the bimetallic AuTiO₂@NPs. Their structural and physicochemical characteristics were comprehensively analyzed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and XRD techniques. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited predominantly spherical morphologies with average particle sizes of approximately 40 ± 5 nm for Au@NPs, 50 ± 7 nm for TiO₂@NPs, and 60 ± 6 nm for AuTiO₂@NPs. These nanomaterials were subsequently employed to modify electrode surfaces for electrochemical sensing applications. Their analytical performance was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square-wave voltammetry (SWV). The sensors displayed excellent sensitivity, with limits of detection of 0.8 ppb for TiO₂@NPs, 0.8 ppb for Au@NPs, and 0.2 ppb for the AuTiO₂@NP-based sensor. The bimetallic platform demonstrated superior electrochemical behavior, enhanced signal intensity, and strong selectivity, achieving recovery rates of 98% in tap water and 103% in wastewater. Overall, the results confirm the effectiveness of green-synthesized bimetallic nanoparticles as efficient, low-cost materials for environmental monitoring of emerging pharmaceutical contaminants. Full article

In recent decades, rapid socioeconomic development and population growth have led to the degradation of river and lake health worldwide, posing severe challenges to watershed ecological management. The growing intensity of land-use has significantly contributed to the accelerated deterioration of aquatic ecosystems. River and lake health assessment has evolved from single-parameter metrics (e.g., water quality) to multidimensional frameworks integrating hydrological, biological, and anthropogenic factors. This research conducted a bibliometric analysis of 1302 publications from 1996 to 2023 in the Web of Science database to identify research trends and hotspots. Results showed that publications exhibited a three-phase growth incubation (1996–2000), expansion (2001–2012), and acceleration (2013–2023), with the U.S., China, and Australia as leading contributors characterized by regionally clustered international collaborations. Research themes have shifted from single water quality parameters to integrated assessments. “Land-use”, “water quality”, and “biotic integrity” have emerged as core hotspots, forming a synergistic assessment framework that combines physicochemical, biological, and socioeconomic factors. The research scale underwent a spatial refinement process from the whole watershed to the buffer zone of rivers and lakes, and land-use effects on aquatic ecosystems vary significantly across spatial scales (entire watershed and riparian zones). Fine-scale studies better capture localized pollution pathways, supporting targeted conservation strategies. This review systematically outlines research status, hotspots, and development directions for river and lake health studies, highlighting the need for integrated watershed management, emphasizing conservation through fine-scale land-use monitoring, and providing scientific support for integrated refined governance of watershed ecology. Full article

Accurately estimating reference crop evapotranspiration (ET₀) is essential for agricultural water-resource management, yet the traditional Penman–Monteith (PM) method requires multiple meteorological variables and is difficult to apply in data-sparse regions. To explore more data-efficient alternatives, this study systematically evaluates several machine-learning (ML) models capable of capturing nonlinear relationships, using daily observations from 698 meteorological stations across China. In addition, we incorporate SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP), a game-theory-based interpretability approach, to quantify the contribution of input variables at both national and regional scales. The results show that the Random Forest (RF) model performs best (coefficient of determination, R² = 0.957; mean absolute percentage error, MAPE = 9.214%), significantly outperforming multiple linear regression and approaching the accuracy of the PM method. SHAP analysis indicates that maximum temperature, sunshine duration, and month are the most influential factors nationwide. Geographic variables contribute less overall but become important in specific regions, such as Southwest China. The study also reveals pronounced spatial heterogeneity in the drivers of ET₀, highlighting the necessity of regionalized interpretations. Furthermore, sensor-reduction experiments demonstrate that reasonable estimation accuracy can be maintained even without radiation or wind-speed observations, offering guidance for low-cost monitoring scenarios. Overall, this study provides transparent model comparisons for ML-based ET₀ estimation, uncovers regional differences in controlling factors, and offers practical insights for designing meteorological monitoring strategies in data-limited environments. Full article

Studying sedimentary distribution in water reservoirs is essential to understand the depositional processes and develop sustainable environmental management strategies. Characterization of deposited sediments provides information about the sources of particulate matter, transport patterns and predominant deposition mechanisms in different compartments of the reservoir. This study aimed to evaluate active deposition processes and to improve the understanding of sedimentation in water reservoirs. In this case, the Espora hydroelectric power plant, located on the Corrente River, southwestern Goiás, Brazil, was employed as a model environment. Sediment cores were collected at 29 points along the reservoir, covering different aquatic compartments. Particle-size analysis of the sediments was performed based on established methodologies using textural classification to identify sedimentary facies. The results indicated the predominance of stream deposits (sandy material) in areas where water flow velocity was higher, and bed deposits, composed predominantly of clays and silts, in regions of lower water flow velocity and greater depth. Full article

Microplastics represent a pressing global environmental concern due to their persistence, widespread occurrence, and adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and human health. Effective removal of these contaminants from water is essential to safeguard biodiversity and ensure water quality. This work focuses on the pivotal role of membrane-based filtration technologies, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, membrane bioreactors, and dynamic membranes, in capturing and eliminating microplastics. The performance of these systems depends on key membrane characteristics such as pore size, material composition, hydrophilicity, mechanical strength, and module design, which govern retention efficiency, fouling resistance, and operational stability. Membrane filtration offers a highly effective, scalable, and sustainable approach to microplastic removal, outperforming conventional treatment methods by selectively targeting a wide range of particle sizes and morphologies. By highlighting the critical contribution of membranes and filtration processes, this study underscores their potential in mitigating microplastic pollution and advancing sustainable water treatment practices. Full article

The safe disposal of high-level radioactive waste (HLW) is a significant challenge in the nuclear industry. As the buffer backfill material for deep geological disposal engineering barriers, the shrinkage characteristics of bentonite–sand mixtures are critical to the long-term stability of repositories. This study systematically conducted drying shrinkage tests using an improved thin-film technique under varying sand contents R_s (0–50%), salt solution concentrations (0–1.5 mol/L), and ion types (Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻). The mechanisms of the effects of sand content and salt solutions on the shrinkage behavior of bentonite were revealed based on the results. In addition, the rationality of the MCG-B model in simulating the shrinkage characteristics of mixtures was also discussed. The results show that a sand content of 30% is the minimum sand content for inhibiting the shrinkage behavior of bentonite–sand mixtures observed in this work: below this ratio, bentonite dominates the shrinkage process, and samples are prone to cracking due to uneven matrix suction; above this ratio, quartz sand forms a rigid skeleton that significantly inhibits volume shrinkage and accelerates water evaporation. Salt solutions suppress shrinkage by compressing the thickness of the diffuse double layer and inducing ion crystallization. Higher cation concentrations and valences (Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > Ca²⁺) enhance the inhibitory effect. Crystalline salts such as Na₂SO₄ cause measurement deviations in water content due to hydration and delay the shrinkage process. However, NaCl solutions effectively inhibit shrinkage with minimal impact on shrinkage time. Fitting results with the MCG-B model (Coefficient of determination > 0.97) demonstrate that the MCG-B model can empirically describe the results of thin-film technique experiment, though the model’s prediction accuracy decreases for the residual shrinkage stage at high sand contents (>40%). This study provides a theoretical basis for optimizing buffer material proportions and curing processes, with significant implications for the long-term safety of HLW repositories. Full article

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, responsible for up to 90% of viral gastroenteritis outbreaks and an estimated 10.6 billion USD in annual economic losses in the U.S. Despite its well-documented seasonality, wastewater surveillance in the Eastern Upper Peninsula of Michigan reveals persistent GI norovirus detection year-round, diverging from national clinical trends that consistently show far greater GII prevalence. To characterize norovirus dynamics in this region, 250 mL wastewater influent grab samples were collected once per week across 14 sites, concentrated using a PEG-based method, and analyzed via digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) for GI and GII concentrations. Across the study period, the rate of positive sites per month ranged from 57 to 100% for GI and 74 to 97% for GII, with mean positivity rates of 85.4% (GI) and 88.7% (GII), indicating that both genogroups were detected frequently at comparable levels. GI was more prevalent in winter and spring (December–May), whereas GII was more prevalent during spring and summer (March–August). Mean GI gene copies per 100 mL ranged from 12,898 (October) to 532,792 (February), while mean GII concentrations ranged from 29,806 (December) to 1,100,215 (May). These patterns contrast with national clinical data, where GI contributes to a small minority of reported norovirus cases. This study explores potential environmental and behavioral factors contributing to this regional pattern. GI norovirus demonstrates greater resistance to wastewater treatment and environmental stability, which may facilitate its persistence in the region. Additionally, congregate living settings, such as college campuses and correctional facilities, may contribute to sustained GI prevalence through foodborne transmission and asymptomatic viral shedding. Overall, these findings suggest that environmental and social factors influence norovirus seasonality and genogroup distribution in this region, underscoring the need for improved monitoring and expanded multi-site wastewater and epidemiological research to better understand norovirus persistence in similar communities. Full article

This study examines the use of electronic waste (e-waste) as an alternative material in concrete for sustainability and natural resource conservation. Various e-wastes, such as Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Glass-Reinforced Plastic (GRP), Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), polyethylene (PE), electronic cable waste (ECW), Waste Electrical Cable Rubber (WECR), copper fiber (Cu Fib.), aluminum Fibers (Al fib.), steel fibers, basalt fibers, glass fibers, aramid−carbon fibers, Kevlar fibers, jute fibers, and optical fibers, were tested for influence on compressive, flexural, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and water absorption. Outcomes show that fine particle waste at low levels (0.2–1.5%) can improve mechanical performance, while higher levels of replacement or coarse particles generally reduce performance. Mechanical and physical properties are highly sensitive to material type, particle size, and dose. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and predictive modeling are recommended as validation for sustainability benefits. Full article

This article presents the design, simulation, and real-time implementation of an intelligent water level control system using Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) with the Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) algorithm. The control policy was initially trained in a MATLAB-based simulation environment, where actor–critic neural networks were trained and optimized to ensure accurate and robust performance under dynamic and nonlinear conditions. The trained policy was subsequently deployed on a low-cost embedded platform (Arduino Uno), demonstrating its feasibility for real-time embedded applications. Experimental results confirm the controller’s ability to adapt to external disturbances. Quantitatively, the proposed controller achieved a steady-state error of less than 0.05 cm and an overshoot of 16% in the physical implementation, outperforming conventional proportional–integral–derivative (PID) control by 22% in tracking accuracy. The combination of the DDPG algorithm and low-cost hardware implementation demonstrates the feasibility of real-time deep learning-based control for intelligent water management. Furthermore, the proposed architecture is directly applicable to low-cost Internet of Things (IoT)-based water management systems, enabling autonomous and adaptive control in real-world hydraulic infrastructures. This proposal demonstrates its potential for smart agriculture, distributed sensor networks, and scalable and resource-efficient water systems. Finally, the main novelty of this work is the deployment of a DRL-based controller on a resource-constrained microcontroller, validated under real-world perturbations and sensor noise. Full article

In this study, we compare two contrasting years within the 2020–2025 period—one characterized by extreme heat and drought, and another by unusually high precipitation. We used five years of climatic data provided by the Hungarian Meteorological Service (OMSZ), along with vegetation activity indices (NDVI—Normalized Difference Vegetation Index; NDWI—Normalized Difference Water Index) derived from Sentinel-2A satellite imagery. In parallel, during three years of the study period (2020, 2022, and 2025), we collected five phytosociological relevés in each of the five vegetation types subjected to different management regimes. For data analysis, we applied Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Detrended Correspondence Analysis (DCA), and the Additive Main Effects and Multiplicative Interaction (AMMI) model. Vegetation index patterns were compared with the relative water requirements of the constituent plant species. In the ungrazed dry sandy site, climatic fluctuations did not significantly affect vegetation composition and the habitat remained a stable open sandy grassland. Among the four grazed sites, grazing intensity remained unchanged during the study in three cases (N1, N2, and SZ). Thus, vegetation changes observed in these areas can be attributed to climatic factors. Vegetation composition shifted in N1 and N2, whereas no significant change was detected in the drier SZ site. This indicates higher resistance to grazing in SZ, which can therefore be sustainably used as pasture, while the N1–N2 sites responded sensitively to precipitation variability under identical grazing pressure and are better suited for use as meadows. The most pronounced changes occurred at the P site, which had previously functioned as an animal resting area and began regenerating after abandonment in 2022. Vegetation composition shifted markedly within two years, demonstrating that land-use practices exert a stronger influence on sandy grassland vegetation than climatic fluctuations. Overall, the drier habitats were more resilient to both grazing pressure and climatic variability and are suitable for grazing, whereas the moister vegetation types were more sensitive and should preferably be managed as hay meadows. Full article

Background: Aeromonas hydrophila is a common bacterial pathogen that causes hemorrhagic septicaemia in several farmed aquaculture species. Phage therapy is considered a promising and feasible alternative to antibiotic treatment. Methods: In this study, an A. hydrophila-infecting jumbo phage Z90 was isolated from an aquaculture pond. The biological characteristics, genomic features, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were investigated to evaluate its application potential. Results: Phage Z90 was a myovirus with distinctive curled tail fibers. Additionally, phylogenetic and genomic analyses found that the phage Z90 was a novel virus belonging to the genus Ferozepurvirus of the family Chimalliviridae. One-step growth curve analysis revealed that the phage Z90 was a lytic phage, exhibiting a short latency period of 20 min and a relatively large burst size of 270 ± 42 PFU/cell. The phage Z90 particles were stable at psychrotrophic and mesophilic temperatures (10–50 °C) and a wide range of pH (pH 3–12). Genomic analysis revealed that the phage Z90 did not contain any genes encoding toxins, virulence factors, or antibiotic resistance factors. In vivo analysis demonstrated that the phage Z90 protected American eels from A. hydrophila infection, greatly increasing eel survival rates and alleviating symptoms caused by bacterial infections. The comparison of different phage administration methods suggested that phage Z90 was better administered through intraperitoneal injection than immersion in aquaculture water. Moreover, the combination of phage Z90 and ampicillin improved the bactericidal effect and reduced the treatment dosage compared to antibiotics or phage alone. Conclusions: Altogether, the findings of this study indicate that the phage Z90 can serve as a promising biocontrol agent for the treatment of A. hydrophila infection in aquaculture. Full article

The processing of ginger-processed Pinellia ternata (Zhejiang) has long relied on empirical judgment, lacking objective and real-time monitoring methods. This study introduces an intelligent framework that combines a multi-frequency electronic tongue with chemometric modeling—including principal component analysis–discrimination index (PCA–DI) and wrapper-based support vector machine (SVM) classification—for dynamic process monitoring. Taste-response signals were systematically collected from key processing, water-leaching, and pickling stages. PCA–DI analysis demonstrated clear separability among seven key processing nodes (DI = 93.77%). Notably, samples from days 2 and 3 of water-leaching showed high similarity, suggesting an optimal soaking duration, while a marked transition on pickling day 6 indicated a critical transformation point. The wrapper–SVM models achieved high classification accuracies of 95.51% for key nodes, 100% for water-leaching, and 89.32% for pickling. These findings demonstrate that integrating electronic tongue sensing with machine learning effectively captures dynamic quality variations, offering a robust and objective strategy for the standardization and optimization of traditional medicine processing. Full article

Obtaining a good casting surface without defects requires proper preparation of the mould for the given metal alloy. It is important to select the appropriate moulding sand, which consists of a grain matrix and a binder. Due to the temperature and dynamics of the poured alloy, it is also important to apply a suitably selected protective coating to the surface of the mould. Depending on its chemical composition, the carrier used (water or alcohol), and the method of application, it is possible to create the most favourable conditions for obtaining a flawless casting. This article presents the impact of various protective coatings applied to moulding sand on a chromite matrix, comparing their technological parameters and selecting the best one for the given application conditions. During commonly used tests on moulding sand with a protective coating, its permeability, abrasion, and adhesion were determined. To verify the results obtained, microscopic photographs of the prepared surface layers of the moulding sand with a protective coating were also taken. It was found that, despite the same viscosity, the same carrier, and the same application method, the quality of the protective coating is determined by its appropriate composition developed by the manufacturers. The permeability of P^u moulding blocks after coating was found to be significantly reduced, from 255 to 37 [×10⁻⁸ m²/Pa × s]. The use of protective coatings significantly increased the moulding sand’s abrasion resistance, reducing the loss value from 0.826% to 0.330% for the weakest coating. In the group of protective coatings tested, the coating marked PC1M in the tests had the highest adhesion N_p and its value, depending on the application method, ranged from 0.30 MPa to 0.37 MPa. Full article

In the 21st century, Urbanization, population growth, and climate change have created significant problems in water resource management. Recent advancements in technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT), Edge Computing (EC), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Big Data Analytics (BDA) are changing the operations of the water resource management systems. In this study, we present a systematic review, highlighting the contributions of these technologies in water management systems. More specifically, we highlight the IoT and EC water monitoring systems that enable real-time sensing of water quality and consumption. In addition, AI methods for anomaly detection and predictive maintenance are reviewed, focusing on water demand forecasting. BDA methods are also discussed, highlighting their ability to integrate data from different data sources, such as sensors and historical data. Additionally, a discussion is provided of how Water management systems could enhance sustainability, resilience, and efficiency by combining big data, IoT, EC, and AI. Lastly, future directions are outlined regarding how state-of-the-art technologies may further support efficient water resources management. Full article

Hose-drawn traveler (HDT) is a significant type of sprinkler irrigation equipment in China. In arid and remote areas, where grid power is unreliable or unavailable, the water pumping system of the HDT typically depends on a complementary power supply (CPS) system integrating batteries, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and gasoline generators. However, the configuration of the CPS system is often determined empirically, which can lead to increased costs and compromised operational reliability. This paper aims to optimize the configuration of the CPS system based on the power demand of the water pumping system in HDT. We propose an optimization model for component sizing that considers both the annual costs and reliability of the power supply system. An improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, incorporating a penalty function, is employed to determine the optimal configuration of the CPS system. The proposed optimization approach is then applied to an HDT operating in three typical regions in China: Golmud, Beijing, and Harbin. Finally, a comparative analysis of the configurations and annual cost of two CPS systems, PV-battery (PVB) and PV-battery-gasoline (PVBG), is conducted. Results show that for a given region, season, and power of water pump, the PVBG system needs a smaller PV panel area and lower battery capacity than the PVB system. For a fixed region and season, increasing power of water pump leads to a more significant rise in the annual cost of the PVB system than in that of the PVBG system. At high pump power levels, the PVBG system is more cost-effective, resulting in a lower annual cost than the PVB system. In Golmud, under identical seasonal and pump power conditions, both systems have lower annual cost than in Beijing and Harbin, suggesting that Golmud is a more suitable region for deploying CPS systems. The proposed method provides a reference for designing power supply systems of HDT irrigation. Full article

High-resolution snow depth monitoring is a crucial foundation for precise disaster early warning and optimal water resource management. Traditional snow depth estimation methods mainly rely on passive microwave remote sensing data, but due to their low spatial resolution, they have difficulties capturing the subtle changes in snow depth in complex terrain. Existing deep learning methods mostly adopt single-modal or simple band fusion, failing to fully utilize the complementarity among multi-source data and not considering that terrain factors can lead to misjudgment of the true snow signal. Therefore, this paper proposes a dual-branch intermediate fusion network (TACMF-Net) for high-latitude regions in Asia. By introducing terrain factors (DEM, slope, aspect) and conducting cross-modal feature interaction, it achieves efficient collaboration of multi-source remote sensing data. Research shows that our method has extremely high accuracy and robustness on the self-made multi-source snow depth terrain dataset. Full article

In this study, the photocatalytic performance of natural clinoptilolite was enhanced through copper modification, achieved via ion exchange followed by KOH-induced precipitation, leading to materials with different copper speciation. Physicochemical characterization using WDXRF, PXRD, FTIR and N₂ physisorption revealed a transition from exchanged Cu²⁺ species at low loading to the formation of copper-bearing phases such as brochantite, Cu(OH)₂ and CuO at higher alkalinity. The Cu-modified samples were evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of Congo red under UV irradiation. Among them, sample NZ-Cu3 exhibited the highest activity, achieving approximately 91% dye degradation within 30–40 min. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that the degradation process is better described by the pseudo-second-order model, indicating that chemisorption plays a dominant role. Radical scavenger experiments revealed that photogenerated holes (h⁺) are the primary reactive species responsible for dye degradation, while hydroxyl radicals contribute to a lesser extent. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of photocatalytic degradation, improved charge separation and the presence of surface copper species, highlighting Cu-modified clinoptilolite as a promising low-cost photocatalyst for wastewater treatment. Full article

Chemical oxygen demand (COD) serves as a critical indicator for assessing the extent of water pollution caused by organic matter. This study proposes an integrated COD detection methodology that combines laser absorption spectroscopy with laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy, enabling accurate measurement of COD parameters across a wide concentration range. For high-concentration COD, conventional ultraviolet absorption spectrophotometry based on the Lambert–Beer law is employed. However, since laser absorption spectrophotometry exhibits substantial errors in detecting low-concentration COD, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy is adopted for the precise quantification of trace-level COD. By integrating these two laser-based approaches, a spectroscopic COD detection system has been developed that simultaneously records absorbance after the laser passes through the sample and quantifies fluorescence intensity perpendicular to the beam with an image sensor, thereby achieving comprehensive COD analysis. Laboratory validation using COD standard solutions demonstrated relative errors below 11% across the concentration range of 2–220 mg/L. Further application to natural water samples confirmed that the integrated laser absorption–fluorescence spectroscopy approach achieves wide-range COD measurement with high sensitivity, a compact configuration, and rapid response, demonstrating strong potential for real-time online water quality monitoring. Full article

Coastal sandbars play a crucial role in shoreline protection, yet monitoring their dynamics remains challenging due to the cost and limited temporal coverage of traditional surveys. This study assesses the feasibility of using Sentinel-2 multispectral imagery combined with the logarithmic band ratio method to automatically detect submerged sandbar crests along three morphologically distinct beaches on the northwestern Mediterranean coast. Pseudo-bathymetry was derived from log-transformed band ratios of blue-green and blue-red reflectance used to extract the sandbar crest and validated against high-resolution in situ bathymetry. The blue-green band ratio achieved higher accuracy than the blue-red band ratio, which performed slightly better in very shallow waters. Its application across single, single/double, and double shore-parallel bar systems demonstrated the robustness and transferability of the approach. However, the method requires relatively clear or calm water conditions, and breaking-wave foam, sunglint, or cloud cover conditions limit the number of usable satellite images. A temporal analysis at a dissipative beach further revealed coherent bar migration patterns associated with storm events, consistent with observed hydrodynamic forcing. The proposed method is cost-free, computationally efficient, and broadly applicable for large-scale and long-term sandbar monitoring where optical water clarity permits. Its simplicity enables integration into coastal management frameworks, supporting sediment-budget assessment and resilience evaluation in data-limited regions. Full article