Search Results (69)

Previous coreflooding results and wettability analyses in our group show that injection of naphthenic-acid-enriched water can improve oil recovery over traditional waterflooding. This observation is still a subject of research efforts without a definitive explanation. Naphthenic acids (NA) have been reported to drive wettability alteration and increase the water–oil interface elasticity. These alterations depend on the NA carbon number and aqueous-phase salinity, among other conditions, as reported in the literature. Smart-water flooding (SWF) research often links recovery to the initial wettability condition, being higher for initially oil-wet rock. SWF refers to a technique in which the aqueous-phase ion composition or/and salinity are changed to maximize oil recovery. Given NAs’ complex solution behavior, selecting acid combinations that prompt oil recovery is a difficult objective. The aim of this research is to determine the effects of select naphthenic acids on the oil–water interfacial rheology and wettability alteration and how these interfacial effects are associated with oil recovery under spontaneous imbibition. NAs were selected based on their carbon number, molecular structure, and solubility in the saline solution used in this research. We aimed at exploring which NAs should be used to regulate interfacial properties so as to either increase oil recovery or accelerate production. Time-domain nuclear magnetic resonance, interfacial dilatational rheology, and liquid-bridge experiments, i.e., proxy of snap-off, were conducted. A baseline was established using results obtained with a previously tested sulfate-rich aqueous phase, shown to be effective in recovering oil. Results show that NA14 and N18 increase the water–oil interfacial viscoelasticity and induce interfacial healing but led to different recovery factors. N10, while effective at inducing water wetness in oil-wet rock, is ineffective at increasing the recovery factor. We concluded that wettability and oil–water interfacial rheology are not exclusive, and instead they can synergistically favor EOR benefits. Moreover, oil recovery benefits under spontaneous imbibition are shown to depend strongly on the initial wettability conditions. Full article

Irrigation water salinity poses escalating threats to agricultural sustainability in degraded agroecosystems. This study has investigated the effects of magnetized versus non-magnetized saline water on the soil physicochemical properties and forage productivity of three Lotus corniculatus L. genotypes (salt-sensitive ecotype 232098, moderately salt-tolerant San Gabriel, and salt-tolerant Estanzuela Ganador) in arid northern Mexico. A split-plot randomized block design with three replicates assigned saline water treatments (magnetized [MWT] vs. non-magnetized [NMWT]) to main plots and genotypes to subplots. After one year of irrigation, MWT significantly attenuated soil salinization, evidenced by 23% lower electrical conductivity (5.8 vs. 7.2 dS·m⁻¹), a 26% reduced sodium adsorption ratio (6.2 vs. 8.4), and a 41% decreased sodium concentration (20.7 vs. 35.4 meq·L⁻¹) compared to NMWT (p < 0.05). Although agronomic traits (stem dimensions, leaf area index, and rhizome proliferation) exhibited salt sensitivity from the third season onward, fresh biomass yield remained unaffected by water treatment. Genotypic differences dominated productivity. Estanzuela Ganador achieved superior biomass in both seasons (288.9 g/rhizome in fall; 184.2 g in winter), outperforming San Gabriel by 15.8% and ecotype 232098 by 56.8% (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that magnetized saline water irrigation effectively mitigates soil salinity progression, while genotype selection critically determines forage productivity under arid conditions. Estanzuela Ganador emerges as the optimal cultivar for saline irrigation systems in water-scarce regions. Full article

The widespread use of gadolinium (Gd) in medical and industrial applications, especially as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), has led to its increasing presence in surface waters, disrupting natural geochemical cycles and posing risks to aquatic ecosystems. Addressing this challenge, recent studies have explored the potential of magnetic materials, such as spinel ferrite nanoparticles, in the removal of Gd from contaminated water sources. The present study specifically focused on the use of MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles to remove Gd from contaminated solutions, employing response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize sorption conditions. Key variables evaluated included salinity (0–30 g/L), initial Gd concentration (1–5 μmol/L), and sorbent dose (20–180 mg/L), at a fixed pH of 6. The results revealed that salinity had a minimal impact on Gd sorption, likely due to the high sorbent mass used. Optimal conditions were identified as a sorbent dose of 165 mg/L, an initial Gd concentration of 1.3 μmol/L, and a salinity level of 13.4 g/L, at pH 6. The process was efficient and rapid, achieving over 90% Gd removal within 1 h in both freshwater and saline conditions, and over 75% removal in mineral water within 3 h. The high efficiency and celerity of this method suggest that MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles are a promising solution for treating Gd-contaminated hospital effluents. Future research should focus on validating these results in real-world effluent matrices and addressing the environmental and economic aspects of large-scale implementation, thereby contributing to sustainable water remediation strategies. Full article

Salinity is a major abiotic stress that affects physiological and biochemical processes in plants, reducing the growth, yield, and quality of crops. This problem has been intensified with the reduction of the cultivated area. This study evaluated the response of hydroponically grown tomato plants under salt stress to foliar applications of E. arvense extracts. Macro- and micronutrients, as well as silicon and phenolic compounds, were extracted using magnetic stirring and water reflux methods, the latter being the most effective. To evaluate the efficacy of E. arvense extracts, spraying was applied at two different doses: EQ-R-1 (23.6 mg·L⁻¹ Si and 0.5 mM phenolic compounds) and EQ-R-2 (5.9 mg·L⁻¹ Si and 0.125 mM phenolic compounds). Foliar application of both extracts alleviated salinity effects by reducing sodium uptake. E. arvense extracts mitigated oxidative stress by a decrease in electrolyte leakage by 29% and malondialdehyde and H₂O₂ concentrations by 69% and 39%, respectively, for the extract with the lowest dose. In addition, EQ-R-2 was also more effective by reducing 51.5% proline accumulation. These findings showed the potential use of E. arvense extracts as biostimulants to enhance plant tolerance to salinity providing new perspectives in agricultural systems. Full article

The shortage of fresh water resources and soil salinization restrict the sustainable development of oasis agriculture in Xinjiang, China. Magnetically treated brackish water can physically improve the quality of water used for irrigation, and this technology is being gradually applied in agricultural production. However, the infiltration characteristics of magnetized brackish water and its response to the distribution of soil water and salt are still unknown. We conducted infiltration tests using a one-dimensional soil column system, employing magnetized water at concentrations of 0.2, 1, 3, and 5 g·L⁻¹, with a magnetization strength of 3000 gauss (GS), and explored the effects of salinity of magnetized water on water–salt transport and infiltration characteristics of soil under drip irrigation. The migration rate of the wetting front of magnetized water infiltration slowed, and the cumulative infiltration content increased. Specifically, compared to the unmagnetized control, the infiltration time at a depth of 40 cm for magnetized water concentrations of 0.2, 1, 3, and 5 g·L⁻¹ increased by 17.42%, 42.16%, 47.02%, and 39.19%, respectively. Correspondingly, the cumulative infiltration volume increased by 7.88%, 8.09%, 10.60%, and 5.38%. Further, the infiltration of magnetized brackish water increased the water retention capacity of soil, effectively reduced the salt content of soil layers, and had a remarkable desalting effect. Salinity of the soil profile showed an L-shaped trend of salt accumulation in the lower layer and desalting in the upper layer. For water salinity of 3 g·L⁻¹, soil desalting intensity was greatest. In addition, $K_S{h}_f$, suction rate, empirical coefficient a, initial infiltration rate, and stable infiltration rate all decreased under magnetization treatment with the same salinity. Thus, this study provides a new way to alleviate the shortage of fresh water resources in arid areas, a guideline for safely using brackish water and also increasing productivity of saline–alkali land. Full article

Using renewable biomass in agriculture, particularly microalgae as a biostimulant, offers economic and environmental sustainability benefits by reducing costs, improving nutrient cycling, and enhancing water use efficiency. Microalgae contain bioactive compounds that boost crop tolerance to environmental stresses, including salinity. Saline soils, characterized by elevated sodium chloride (NaCl) levels, negatively impact many crops, resulting in low productivity and high remediation costs. Therefore, this study evaluates the biostimulant properties of a microalgae-based commercial preparation (MR) on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plants grown hydroponically and exposed to saline stress. The extract was chemically characterized through elemental analysis, lipid composition (gas chromatography with flame ionization detector—GC-FID), the determination of functional groups (Fourier Transformed Infrared—FT-IR), structure (¹H,¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance—NMR), with their hormone-like activity also assessed. Lettuce plants were treated with or without the microalgae blend, in combination with 0, 50 mM, or 100 mM NaCl. The contents of nutrients, soluble proteins, chlorophylls, and phenols, as well as the lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and root traits of lettuce plants, were estimated. The microalgae applied to salt-stressed plants resulted in a significant increase in biomass, protein, and chlorophyll contents. Additionally, significant effects on the secondary metabolism and mitigation of salinity stress were observed in terms of increased phenol content and the activity of antioxidant enzymes, as well as decreased lipid peroxidation. The potassium (K⁺) content was increased significantly in plants treated with 100 mM NaCl after addition of microalgae, while the content of sodium (Na⁺) was concurrently reduced. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that using microalgae can be a potent approach for improving the cultivation of Lactuca sativa L. under saline stress conditions. Full article

Agricultural water scarcity has become a global issue. Optimizing irrigation water quality and effectively utilizing non-conventional water resources are essential strategies to alleviate pressure on agricultural water use and achieve sustainable development. This study employed Italian lettuce as the test crop to explore the effects of magnetization treatment (M) at a magnetic field strength of 0.2 T and various irrigation water sources (T) on its growth. The following six treatments were established: fresh water irrigation (M0T1), recycled water irrigation (M0T2), saline water irrigation (M0T3), magnetized fresh water irrigation (M1T1), magnetized recycled water irrigation (M1T2), and magnetized saline water irrigation (M1T3). The results showed that the magnetization treatment increased the electrical conductivity (EC), power of hydrogen (pH), and dissolved oxygen (DO) of the three water sources compared to the non-magnetized treatment. Furthermore, magnetized irrigation with fresh water, recycled water, and saline water increased the contents of nitrogen (N), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) in lettuce. It also led to increases in the contents of soluble proteins (by 9.27% to 22.25%), soluble sugars (by 13.45% to 20.50%), and vitamin C (VitC) (by 4.18% to 19.33%) in lettuce. Additionally, it enhanced the above-ground fresh weight of lettuce (by 9.36% to 8.81%) and water productivity (WPc) (by 5.85% to 10.40%), while reducing water consumption. Among these treatments, magnetized fresh water irrigation was the most effective in improving quality, fresh weight, and WPc, followed by magnetized recycled water. Gene expression analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were primarily enriched in metabolic pathways such as the MAPK signaling pathway—plant, phytohormone signaling, and cysteine and methionine metabolism. In summary, magnetized irrigation significantly enhanced DO levels in irrigation water, along with the fresh weight, quality, and WPc of lettuce, demonstrating its effectiveness as an efficient method for agricultural irrigation. Full article

While the advantageous effects of using magnetic and electromagnetic treatment (ET) of brackish and saline waters on soil salinity reduction in the root zone were largely reported, more studies are needed to answer questions about the soil salt leaching efficiency and the effect of the duration of the exposure to ET. For this aim, pot experiments were conducted using an Aqua-4D^R physical water treatment device. The first experiment included two trials. The first trial considered five concentrations: C0:1.0; C1:4.5; C2:9; C3:13.5; and C4:18 dS m⁻¹. The results revealed that the volume and the salt concentrations of the drained waters were significantly higher under irrigation with ET saline waters than those provided by untreated waters. The drained fraction of water varied from 20 to 26% under irrigation with untreated water and increased from 33 to 56% under irrigation with electro-magnetized water, indicating an improvement in the salt leaching. The second trial was carried out with different irrigation doses. The results showed that the higher the dose, the more obvious and significant the ET effect. The different treatment durations of water exposure revealed that the volume and salinity of drained water significantly increase as the ET duration increases. An increase in the ET duration also induces an increase in the soil water content of around 2.5%. Based on the experimental findings, we may conclude that the ET of saline water can reduce the adverse effect of salinity on the top soil, but these leached salts are carried away in depth and there is no concentration limit of water to the effect of the ET. Full article

A dominant event determining the course of heart failure (HF) includes the disruption of the delicate sodium (Na⁺) and water balance leading to (Na⁺) and water retention and edema formation. Although incomplete decongestion adversely affects outcomes, it is unknown whether interventions directly targeting (Na⁺), such as strict dietary (Na⁺) restriction, intravenous hypertonic saline, and diuretics, reverse this effect. As a result, it is imperative to implement (Na⁺)-targeting interventions in selected HF patients with established congestion on top of quadruple therapy with angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor, β-adrenergic receptor blocker, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist, and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor, which dramatically improves outcomes. The limited effectiveness of (Na⁺)-targeting treatments may be partly due to the fact that the current metrics of HF severity have a limited capacity of foreseeing and averting episodes of congestion and guiding (Na⁺)-targeting treatments, which often leads to dysnatremias, adversely affecting outcomes. Recent evidence suggests that spot urinary sodium measurements may be used as a guide to monitor (Na⁺)-targeting interventions both in chronic and acute HF. Further, the classical (2)-compartment model of (Na⁺) storage has been displaced by the (3)-compartment model emphasizing the non-osmotic accumulation of (Na⁺), chiefly in the skin. 23(Na⁺) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables the accurate and reliable quantification of tissue (Na⁺). Another promising approach enabling tissue (Na⁺) monitoring is based on wearable devices employing ion-selective electrodes for electrolyte detection, including (Na⁺) and (Cl^–). Undoubtably, further studies using 23(Na⁺)-MRI technology and wearable sensors are required to learn more about the clinical significance of tissue (Na⁺) storage and (Na⁺)-related mechanisms of morbidity and mortality in HF. Full article

Wettability is a key parameter that determines the distribution and behavior of fluids in the porous media of oil reservoirs. Understanding and controlling wettability significantly impacts the effectiveness of various enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods and CO2 sequestration. This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of various methods for measuring and altering wettability, classifying them by mechanisms and discussing their applications and limitations. The main methods for measuring wettability include spontaneous imbibition methods such as Amott–Harvey tests and USBM, contact angle measurement methods, and methods based on the characteristics of imbibed fluids such as infrared spectroscopy (IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). These methods offer varying degrees of accuracy and applicability depending on the properties of rocks and fluids. Altering the wettability of rocks is crucial for enhancing oil recovery efficiency. The article discusses methods such as low-salinity water flooding (LSWF), the use of surfactants (SAAs), and carbonated water injection (CWI). LSWF has shown effectiveness in increasing water wettability and improving oil displacement. Surfactants alter interfacial tension and wettability, aiding in better oil displacement. CWI also contributes to altering the wettability of the rock surface to a more water-wet state. An important aspect is also the alteration of wettability through the dissolution and precipitation of minerals in rocks. The process of dissolution and precipitation affects pore structure, capillary pressure, and relative permeabilities, which in turn alters wettability and oil displacement efficiency. Full article

Magnetization constitutes an efficacious physical treatment technique applicable to saline water. The new spiral flow magnetizer, in conjunction with the cyclic magnetization process, has the effect of maximizing effective magnetization time and thereby achieving the optimal magnetization results. Based on this, saline water (0.27, 3, 6, and 10 g L⁻¹) was treated with different levels of magnetization (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6 T), and the effects of magnetized saline water (MSW) drip irrigation on loamy-sand soil moisture, soluble salt infiltration, and redistribution characteristics were studied through a vertical soil column simulation experiment. The results showed that the wetting front migration in MSW drip irrigation experiments exhibited minimal variation during soil water infiltration, and a notable change during redistribution with the experimental duration of 0.27 and 3g L⁻¹ saline water treatments being significantly different (p < 0.05). Treating saline water with different mineralization levels with magnetization demonstrated water retention (0.27 g L⁻¹ excluded) and salt drainage characteristics; calculated soil water storage increased by 1.58–14.19% and salt storage decreased by 0.22–7.66%. The optimal magnetization intensity for low-mineralization (0.27 and 3 g L⁻¹) saline water was 0.2 T and for high-mineralization (6 and 10 g L⁻¹) it was 0.6 T. The adsorption and exchange of cations (19.58–32.12%) by the optimum MSW treatments was greater than that of anions (9.46–14.15%); specifically, the relative exchange capacity of Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ in cations was more than K⁺ and Na⁺, while HCO₃⁻ and SO₄²⁻ in anions was more than Cl⁻. This study provides theoretical and technical support for the irrigation of farmland with poor-quality water, as well as for the development of magnetized water irrigation technology. Full article

Soil salinization, a significant global challenge, threatens sustainable development. This study explores the potential of magnetized ionized water irrigation and Bacillus subtilis application to mitigate this issue. The former method is hypothesized to enhance soil salt leaching, while the latter is expected to improve soil nutrient availability, thereby increasing microbial diversity. To address the unclear impact of these interventions on soil quality and cotton productivity, this study employs four different experimental methods: magnetized ionized water irrigation (M), application of 45 kg ha⁻¹ B. subtilis (B), a combination of 45 kg ha⁻¹ B. subtilis with magnetized ionized water irrigation (MB), and a control treatment with no intervention (CK). This study aims to clarify the effects of these treatments on soil bulk density (BD), field capacity (FC), salinity and alkalinity, nutrient content, microbial activity, and cotton crop yield and quality. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the efficacy of these methods in improving saline soil conditions by developing a soil quality index. The results showed that using magnetized ionized water for irrigation and applying B. subtilis, either alone or together, can effectively lower soil pH and salt levels, enhance microbial diversity and abundance, and improve the yield and quality of cotton. Notably, B. subtilis application significantly decreased BD and enhanced FC and nutrient content (p < 0.05). A correlation was found where soil nutrient content decreased as pH and salt content increased. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between the major soil bacteria and fungi with BD, FC, and salt content. Comparatively, M, B, and MB significantly boosted (p < 0.01) the soil quality index by 0.21, 0.52, and 0.69 units, respectively, and increased (p < 0.05) cotton yield by 5.7%, 14.8%, and 20.1% compared to CK. Therefore, this research offers eco-friendly and efficient methods to enhance cotton production capacity in saline soil. Full article

This paper presents the construction of a numerical three-dimensional model of the area of the Żelazny Most Mining Waste Storage Facility (MWSF). In the study area, the difficult geological conditions associated with glaciotectonics are accompanied by a complex hydrotechnical system of sediment deposition and sedimentary water drainage. In order to effectively reflect the water flow paths, a detailed schematization was carried out, using 700,000 boreholes and more than 300 hydrogeological cross-sections. In addition, numerous drainage sections, streams, and ditches were included to reliably assess the amount of saline water entering the underlying aquifers. This research was supported by magnetic resonance sounding (MRS) studies of the reservoir’s sediments. The MWSF is currently being expanded, so the work primarily focuses on illustrating changes in the hydrodynamic field resulting from the inclusion of the new southern section. Models of similar facilities have been implemented before, but in the current one, the combination of meticulous analysis of the hydro-structural system, the water balance, a significant amount of data, the size of the facility, and the use of an unstructured discretization grid in the calculations is undoubtedly innovative and will be an important contribution to the development of analogous solutions around the world. Full article

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can facilitate accurate organ delineation and optimal dose distributions in high-dose-rate (HDR) MRI-Assisted Radiosurgery (MARS). Its use for this purpose has been limited by the lack of positive-contrast MRI markers that can clearly delineate the lumen of the HDR applicator and precisely show the path of the HDR source on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. We investigated a novel MRI positive-contrast HDR brachytherapy or interventional radiotherapy line marker, C4:S, consisting of C4 (visible on T1-weighted images) complexed with saline. Longitudinal relaxation time (T1) and transverse relaxation time (T2) for C4:S were measured on a 1.5 T MRI scanner. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) tubing filled with C4:S as an HDR brachytherapy line marker was tested for visibility on T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences in a tissue-equivalent female ultrasound training pelvis phantom. Relaxivity measurements indicated that C4:S solution had good T1-weighted contrast (relative to oil [fat] signal intensity) and good T2-weighted contrast (relative to water signal intensity) at both room temperature (relaxivity ratio > 1; r2/r1 = 1.43) and body temperature (relaxivity ratio > 1; r2/r1 = 1.38). These measurements were verified by the positive visualization of the C4:S (C4/saline 50:50) HDPE tube HDR brachytherapy line marker on both T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. Orientation did not affect the relaxivity of the C4:S contrast solution. C4:S encapsulated in HDPE tubing can be visualized as a positive line marker on both T1- and T2-weighted MRI sequences. MRI-guided HDR planning may be possible with these novel line markers for HDR MARS for several types of cancer. Full article

Fresh pork tenderloin was stored at −3 °C under different static magnetic fields (SMF) of 0, 4, and 10 mT (control, MF-4, and MF-10) to investigate their physicochemical properties changes during storage of 8 days. The initial equilibrium temperature of the samples stored with 4 mT MF was found to be −2.3 °C, which was slightly lower (0.3 °C) than that the control value. The super-chilling phenomenon on the pork was then observed, as the samples stored under the magnetic field did not freeze throughout storage period, but the control experienced a sudden change in temperature after 138 h and then froze. The preservation effect of MF-4 on meat quality was the best in all treatment groups. MF-4 achieved a higher water-retention rate, with drip and cook losses of 6.5% and 29.0% lower than the control, respectively. Meanwhile, the MF-4 effectively delayed the color change in the meat during the storage and the texture hardening after cooking, and effectively controlled the growth of the total volatile saline nitrogen content on the samples. In addition, MF-4 delayed the reduction in myofibrillar protein solubility, sulfhydryl content, and emulsification capacity, indicating that this field inhibited the denaturation of myofibrillar protein. This study can be considered as an application reference of magnetic fields during meat storage at a super-chilled temperature. Full article