Search Results (31,926)

Nothofagus obliqua forests in south-central Chile are increasingly threatened by outbreaks of a native leaf-miner complex, dominated by the moth Heterobathmia pseuderiocrania. Despite the high ecological and economic value of these forests, landscape-scale monitoring of forest–insect interactions remains limited, particularly regarding the attribution of phenological anomalies to biotic disturbances. This study aimed to detect and quantify the late-2022 outbreak and evaluate its effects on Land Surface Phenology (LSP), addressing signal attribution challenges associated with remote-sensing-based monitoring of insect defoliation. Using MODIS Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI) time series (2003–2024), Seasonal-Trend decomposition (STL) was applied to isolate long-term trend anomalies. An EVI condition index was developed to compare 2022–2023 observations against a historical baseline, and synchrony between vegetation condition loss and larval developmental phases was assessed. Additionally, Highest Density Regions (HDR) were used to quantify the statistical probability of spectral anomalies. Results revealed a sharp decline in EVI trend during late 2022, reaching the lowest recorded value in the 20-year time series. Phenological decoupling began in November, coinciding with larval development and peak defoliation, with impacts extending across two growing seasons. Ecosystem condition declined to a minimum of 42%, falling with the 4% historical probability region. Notably, exceptional pre-outbreak vigor (160% condition) preceded the disturbance. By integrating spectral anomaly detection with insect life-cycle dynamics, this multi-layered approach strengthens biotic disturbance attribution and provides a scalable framework for remote forest health monitoring. The findings also address key knowledge gaps in Southern Hemisphere Forest entomology and improve early detection strategies for native insect outbreaks. Full article

Understanding dry-out-induced weakening of reservoir and caprock rocks driven by gas displacement is critical for ensuring the operational safety and efficiency of underground gas storage (UGS). Using core samples from the Xiangguosi UGS collected from different regions and stratigraphic intervals, we quantify the evolution of dynamic elastic parameters during simulated downhole dry-out with a joint ultrasonic and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) monitoring system. The results show that as water saturation (S_w) decreases, the dynamic bulk modulus (K_d) and P-wave velocity (V_p) decline by varying degrees across specimens, with reductions ranging from 3.0% to 50.48% and from 1.34% to 17.56%, respectively, whereas the dynamic shear modulus (G_d) and S-wave velocity (V_s) show only minor variations throughout the process. These findings demonstrate that the sensitivity of dynamic parameters to dry-out is strongly specimen-dependent. Further analysis indicates that the dry-out response is highly variable and depends on a combination of petrophysical properties. Among these, the heterogeneity of the initial pore structure acts as an important factor, with its influence shaped by mineralogy and bulk frame rigidity. Cores with multimodal pore size distributions and well-developed macropores (long T₂ components) respond more strongly to dry-out, whereas higher clay mineral contents tend to mitigate modulus degradation by retaining water under stronger capillary confinement. Based on these observations, we propose a conceptual model of pore support and skeleton constraint. The model suggests that dry-out weakening arises from a progressive loss of pore fluid volumetric support to the rock skeleton as free water is preferentially displaced from meso- and macropores. These findings provide key experimental evidence and mechanistic insights for using geophysical methods to monitor dry-out zone expansion and to assess long-term formation stability in UGS. Full article

The Qingshankou Formation shales in the southeastern uplift of the Songliao Basin provide an ideal archive for constraining the controls of paleoenvironment on organic matter enrichment. Taking the shale succession at the Niaohexiang section of Binxian as the study object, we combined field sampling with TOC measurements, whole-rock X-ray diffraction, and major, trace, and rare earth element analyses. The strata are dominated by black shale and dark gray mudstone, with mineral assemblages composed mainly of clay, felsic, and carbonate minerals; argillaceous shale exceeds 60%. Normal alkanes display a post-peak distribution with C₂₇ as the dominant peak, low Pr/Ph ratios, and gammacerane index values of 0.18–0.26. Regular steranes are generally V-shaped, whereas some samples show high C₂₉ sterane contents and a reversed L-shaped pattern. Major elements are dominated by SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, trace elements such as Sr and Ba are relatively enriched, and rare earth elements show light REE enrichment with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly. These signatures indicate an upper-crustal felsic provenance and a continental island arc tectonic setting. Organic matter contents are low and derived mainly from terrestrial higher plants with minor aquatic input. Paleoenvironmental reconstruction suggests deposition in a freshwater to slightly brackish, semi-arid, anoxic-reducing shallow lacustrine setting with relatively low productivity, whereas dolostone formed under more saline, arid, and more productive conditions. Climatic fluctuations, salinity variations, and alternating redox states jointly controlled organic matter enrichment, and late-stage lacustrine salinization and anoxia associated with dolostone horizons enhanced organic matter preservation. Full article

This study aims to evaluate the blanching process of wasted Undaria pinnatifida as a ruminant feed source by assessing chemical compositions, in vitro nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation characteristics, greenhouse gas emissions, and rumen microbes. The blanching process was conducted at different temperatures (15 vs. 80 vs. 90 °C) and times (2 vs. 4 min) to assess the chemical and mineral contents. Supplementation levels of U. pinnatifida (0 vs. 0.5 vs. 1 vs. 2%) were observed with the blanching process (non-blanching (NBL) vs. blanching (LOS)). Increasing blanching temperature and time decreased (p < 0.05) dry matter, crude ash, and the mineral contents, including sodium, phosphorus, and arsenic. Moreover, LOS treatment increased (p < 0.01) in vitro dry matter and neutral detergent fiber digestibility, ruminal pH, and the acetate-to-propionate ratio, but reduced (p < 0.01) CH₄ (mL/g NDFD). Additionally, 2% of LOS treatment reduced the abundance of protozoa, fungi, fibrolytic microbes, methanogenic archaea, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium, Methanosarcina barkeri, and Methanosphaera stadtmanae (p < 0.01). Therefore, blanching at 80 °C for 2 min improved the nutritional profile by reducing antinutritional minerals. Subsequent in vitro fermentation suggested that supplementing the diet with 0.5–1% of LOS improved digestibility and altered fermentation, potentially reducing methane yield (per NDFD). Full article

The Mahu Sag, a hydrocarbon-rich depression within the Junggar Basin, hosts significant petroleum resources. Here, the Permian Fengcheng Formation shale oil reservoirs have emerged as a primary exploration target. This study investigates fracture development within these alkaline lacustrine shales, a critical factor governing hydrocarbon migration and accumulation. Through integrated petrographic and geochemical analyses, we elucidate a multifactorial fracture formation mechanism driven by the interplay of alkaline minerals, stress, and fluids. Two distinct fracture types were identified: bedding-complex fracture veins (BCFVs) and Y-shaped high-angle fracture veins (Y-HFVs). Both fracture types result from alkaline fluid–rock interactions, which induce fracture opening along specific orientations, alter fracture angles, and control aperture width and final morphology. Alkaline mineral assemblages further influence fracture evolution via dissolution–precipitation cycles. Concurrently, these assemblages preserve hydrocarbons by inhibiting the thermal maturation of organic matter, as evidenced by variations in fluid inclusion fluorescence. The fracture networks act as crucial migration pathways, with the BCFV containing higher-maturity hydrocarbons (indicated by blue-green fluorescence) and the Y-HFV retaining less mature fluids (indicated by yellow-green fluorescence). This study presents the first systematic characterization of the multifactorial controls on fractures in alkaline lake environments, proposing a cooperative “alkaline minerals–stress–fluids” mechanism. These findings provide a new framework for understanding fracture development in alkaline lacustrine shales and offer valuable insights for shale oil exploration in analogous depositional settings. Full article

The dynamic growth of global maize production results in the generation of large amounts of residues originating from both cultivation and processing, creating a need to develop efficient and sustainable management pathways. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of utilizing selected maize-derived residues (straw, cobs, technical maize, and post-fermentation DDGS) for the production of densified solid fuels based on biochar obtained through pyrolysis at 500 °C. The study included analyses of the mineral composition of biomass and biochar, determination of biochar yield, ash content, and higher heating value (HHV). The biochar yield ranged from 30.19% to 42.49%, with the highest values obtained for DDGS (dried distillers grains with solubles). The pyrolysis process led to an increase in HHV to 25.3–32.14 MJ/kg. These values are comparable to the calorific values of hard coal. The results indicate that biochar derived from maize residues may represent a promising feedstock for the production of solid fuels with increased energy density, while the ashes generated during their combustion show potential for agricultural applications. Full article

In this study, nanolubricants based on SAE 5W-30 mineral oil were formulated using oleic acid-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), and their colloidal stability, rheological behaviour, thermal stability, and tribological performance under cold rolling conditions were systematically investigated. The nanolubricants were prepared at GNP concentrations of 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 wt%. FT-IR analysis confirmed successful functionalization, evidenced by the characteristic C=O band at approximately 1710 cm⁻¹ and changes in CH₂ stretching vibrations in the 2850–3000 cm⁻¹ range. UV–VIS results indicated initially homogeneous dispersions; however, after three days, relative concentrations decreased to 95%, 90%, and 75% for 0.05, 0.2, and 0.6 wt% GNPs, respectively. Viscosity measurements showed minimal variation at low concentrations, with only a 0.64% increase at 0.2 wt% compared to the base oil. TGA revealed enhanced oxidative stability at low GNP contents, with the oxidation onset temperature increasing from 205.3 °C to 207.2 °C at 0.05 wt%, while a marked decline was observed at higher concentrations (176.8 °C at 0.6 wt%). In cold rolling experiments at a 3% reduction ratio, the rolling force was measured at 1341 N/mm with the neat lubricant, decreasing to 1210 N/mm with a lubricant containing 0.1 wt% GNPs, corresponding to an approximate 10% reduction. Compared with dry conditions, this reduction was approximately 21%. Surface roughness and 3D topography analyses further showed that GNPs-containing lubricants reduced asperities and promoted the formation of a more uniform tribofilm. At low concentrations, the improved lubrication performance of oleic acid-functionalized graphene nanoplatelets is attributed to their homogeneous dispersion in mineral oil, where physically adsorbed oleic acid improves colloidal stability by reducing agglomeration and promotes the formation of a stable tribofilm, facilitating interlayer sliding under boundary lubrication conditions. Overall, the findings demonstrate that oleic acid-functionalized GNPs, when used at optimal concentrations, significantly enhance both lubricant stability and cold rolling performance. Full article

Aluminum (Al) toxicity constrains plant performance in acidic volcanic soils, yet nitrogen (N) fertilization may influence Al availability and plant responses. This study evaluated the effects of N source and rate under contrasting soil liming conditions on vegetative growth, mineral nutrition, and physiological performance of non-bearing northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. cv. Blue Ribbon^®) plants. A split–split-plot experiment was conducted in southern Chile using urea or potassium nitrate applied at 0, 20, or 40 kg N ha⁻¹ to plants grown in unlimed soil or soil amended with calcium carbonate or magnesium oxide. Vegetative growth, tissue mineral composition, stomatal conductance, chlorophyll fluorescence, and leaf chlorophyll were monitored during the first season. Growth responded primarily to soil liming rather than N supply, indicating low N demand and substantial soil N mineralization under the experimental conditions. Foliar N increased from 1.36 to 1.70% with increasing N rates. Urea nutrition reduced foliar Al concentration by 12% compared with nitrate. Under unlimed conditions, representing maximal soil Al availability, urea fertilization was associated with 70% higher Al retention in roots relative to nitrate. Chlorophyll content was consistently higher under urea supply, while the maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II remained unaffected. These findings indicate that N form influences plant Al partitioning independently of growth responses. Although the underlying mechanisms were not directly assessed, the observed patterns suggest that urea fertilization may reduce Al translocation to shoots under conditions of high Al availability. Full article

The urban heat island effect is strongly linked to the use of dense mineral pavements with high thermal inertia and lacking passive heat dissipation mechanisms. This article evaluates the potential of evaporatively cooled concrete pavers, based on capillary action and evaporation by incorporating recycled, bio-based, and lightweight materials to develop functional porosity. Ten paver formulations were developed using natural or recycled sand, hemp fibers and shives, and lightweight aggregates. Compressive strength, density, capillary absorption, and thermal behavior were characterized. Tests were conducted outdoors in full sunlight over 48 h in comparison with reference urban materials. The results show that capillary action alone is insufficient to induce effective cooling. The raw recycled sand formulation exhibits high capillary absorption but reaches maximum temperatures of 43–44 °C, which may be due to its low interconnected porosity that limits evaporation. Conversely, formulations incorporating bio-based materials or lightweight aggregates showed a more favorable balance between water availability, reduced density, and surface cooling performance. Hemp-based pavers reach maximum temperatures of 38–40 °C, while those incorporating expanded clay range between 37 and 39 °C, representing a reduction of 7 to 13 °C compared to bitumen and maintaining mechanical strengths suitable for pedestrian use. The results suggest that effective evaporative cooling is associated with sufficient capillary absorption, efficient water transfer toward the surface, and moderate density limiting heat storage. This study demonstrates that high capillary absorption alone does not ensure effective evaporative cooling. By systematically comparing recycled, bio-based and lightweight aggregates, the results reveal that evaporative cooling efficiency probably depends on the functional connectivity of the pore network and on a moderate material density limiting heat storage. Full article

Mineral substrates for indoor horticulture systems critically determine plant water availability and irrigation demand. However, integrative assessments linking pore structure, water retention, and evaporation dynamics of commonly used mineral growing media remain scarce. A total of nine distinct mineral substrates were investigated: expanded clay, expanded slate, pumice, perlite, zeolite, vermiculite, lava granules, brick chips, and clay granules. To assess the impact of granulometry, pumice was tested in three different grain sizes (1–3 mm, 4–7 mm, 7–14 mm), resulting in a total of 11 experimental samples. Samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), suction experiments, and evaporation tests at 30%, 50%, and 70% relative humidity (RH) at 23 °C. Bulk density ranged from <0.12 g·cm⁻³ (perlite, vermiculite) to >0.99 g·cm⁻³ (zeolite, brick chips), while volumetric water content varied from 11.0 vol.% (expanded clay) to 46.6 vol.% (vermiculite). Plant-available water content (AWC) ranged from 2.7 vol.% (expanded clay) to 30.9 vol.% (clay granules). These results demonstrate that pore interconnectivity, rather than total porosity, is the decisive driver of hydraulic performance. Finer pumice fractions increased water retention by ~16% compared to coarser fractions. All substrates exhibited a two-phase evaporation profile, with initial rates ranging from 1.9 to 5.6 g·h⁻¹ at 30% RH. Clay granules showed the most temporally stable evaporation, with only a 37% rate reduction over 48 h, compared to 66% for perlite. While conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, these findings provide a quantitative basis for targeted substrate selection and blending to optimize root-zone hydration, irrigation efficiency, and hygrothermal performance in permanent indoor horticulture systems. Full article

Fuzzy logic-based mineral potential mapping was applied to the Tisová–Klingenthal Cu–Co VMS deposit (Erzgebirge) in the Czech–German border region. The study area is characterized by heterogeneous geological and geochemical datasets derived from differing national surveys and historical mining. Using the Exploration Information System (EIS) toolkit, a knowledge-driven fuzzy logic approach integrated key spatial datasets, including copper and zinc soil and stream sediment anomalies and metabasalt lithology, relevant to Besshi-type VMS deposits. Three prospective anomalies were identified: the historic Tisová mine and two additional targets aligned along the same stratigraphic horizon. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) modelling was limited by insufficient training data, resulting in overfitting and reduced predictive reliability. Follow-up soil geochemical surveys conducted over the largest anomaly returned locally elevated copper values but did not conclusively confirm mineralisation. The results demonstrate that fuzzy logic provides a flexible and interpretable framework for mineral potential mapping in complex, data-scarce environments and highlight the need for iterative modelling and targeted exploration. Full article

The tomato leaf miner, Phthorimaea (Tuta) absoluta, Meyrick 1917 is recognized as a highly destructive pest, causing significant economic losses to crops in both greenhouse and open field environments across four continents: Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. High genetic homogeneity among populations from various regions and countries indicates significant gene flow between P. absoluta populations, suggesting a lack of geographical barriers to dispersion. Furthermore, P. absoluta has developed resistance to insecticides due to target-site mutations or metabolic resistance, which enable the insect to withstand lethal doses of insecticides. To control this insect pest, the plant-mediated RNA interference (RNAi) is most promising host-induced gene silencing technique, utilized the plant’s machinery to express double-stranded (dsRNA), which triggers the RNAi pathway in P. absoluta. Due to thermal tolerance, the P. absoluta has increased its area of invasion by 600 km per year over 9 years. Female P. absoluta releases pheromones that are recognized by males with a sophisticated olfactory circuit on their antenna. Pheromone binding proteins (PBPs) play a crucial role in mate recognition and attraction, and their expression peaks during courtship, specifically around 6:00 a.m. Given its potential to significantly alter the insect genome, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) offer a revolutionary strategy to control P. absoluta. Furthermore, this pest has developed remarkable adaptations to survive on unfavorable hosts by secreting specific proteins from its salivary glands that detoxify plant defenses. Insecticide resistance is likely the cause of field control failures of P. absoluta. Biological control, sex pheromone traps, and cultural control are the most promising approaches to address insecticide resistance resulting from these failures. Therefore, the implementation of integrated control programs and appropriate resistance management strategies is necessary to keep P. absoluta infestations under economic damage thresholds. Full article

Groundwater plays an indispensable role in daily life. However, with the continuous advancement of industrialization, more attention should be paid to the quality of groundwater and the associated potential health risks in areas surrounding industrial parks. In this study, groundwater samples collected in the city of the Tibetan Plateau during the wet season (WS) and dry season (DS) were analyzed using Piper diagrams, Gibbs diagrams, and correlation analysis. The results elucidated the hydrochemical characteristics, formation mechanisms, and controlling factors of groundwater in the area. Groundwater potability was assessed using the Entropy-weighted Water Quality Index (EWQI) method. In addition, the health risk assessment model was applied to evaluate potential risks for four population groups, with NO₃⁻ and F⁻ selected as representative groundwater pollutants. The findings revealed that groundwater in the study zone was typically moderately alkaline and characterized primarily as soft–fresh and hard–fresh. The groundwater in both seasons mainly exhibited HCO₃–Ca chemical facies. Water–rock interactions involving silicate and carbonate minerals were identified as key processes controlling the hydrochemical composition in both seasons. EWQI results showed that groundwater quality for drinking purposes was excellent in the seasons. Sensitivity analysis further showed that Cl− exerted the greatest influence on the drinking water quality evaluation in both seasons. Health risk assessments revealed that the risks posed by NO₃⁻ and F⁻ to infants, children, adult females, and adult males remained within acceptable limits (with max values of 0.63, 0.39, 0.28, and 0.33 in the WS, and 0.59, 0.36, 0.26, and 0.31 in the DS, respectively). However, infants exhibited greater susceptibility than the other groups across seasons, with a risk index approximately twice that of adults. Overall, the findings contribute valuable insights for the sustainable management and planning of groundwater resources in the study zone. Future research could refine the risk assessment model with localized data and explore mitigation strategies for elevated risks in specific seasons or regions. Full article

Modern agriculture is increasingly reliant on imported fertilizers and subject to price volatility, compounded by environmental pressures arising from the overuse of synthetic fertilizers. This study assessed the impact of Furcellaria lumbricalis algal biostimulant, produced by anaerobic fermentation, on dry matter yield and plant development indicators of garden radish (Raphanus raphanistrum subsp. sativus) in five soil substrate types. Biostimulant doses aimed at reducing mineral fertilizer application to 75% of the full rate while maintaining or improving yield were evaluated; yet no statistically significant effect on dry matter yield was observed, and the hypothesis was therefore not statistically confirmed. The experiment included five substrate types (sandy clay, sandy clay with organic matter, sand, sand with organic matter, and peat) and six fertilizer/biostimulant treatments, including 75% mineral fertilizer combined with 3%, 6%, and 12% algal biostimulant concentrations. Linear mixed models showed that substrate type (F = 19.58; p < 0.001) and fertilizer variant (F = 5.00; p < 0.001) had statistically significant effects on total dry matter yield, but their interaction was not statistically significant. All 75% and 100% mineral fertilizer variants with and without biostimulant produced statistically significantly higher yields than the unfertilized control (p = 0.0016–0.0337). The leaf development indicator (AtLeaf) index was statistically significantly higher in all biostimulant variants compared to the unfertilized control. Principal component analysis (PCA) and redundancy analysis (RDA) demonstrated that substrate type determines the primary structure of the substrate–plant system, while biostimulant effects were expressed as modulation of existing processes within the substrates. The results indicate substrate-specific responses to Baltic Sea algal Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate with statistically significant effect observed only in peat, consistent with previous findings, while no significant effects were detected in other substrates. Although the effects of the biostimulant on dry matter yield were not consistently statistically significant, the observed trends in plant development indicators and substrate–plant system responses suggest that Furcellaria lumbricalis digestate may have potential as a nutrient recycling component within a circular bioeconomy framework. Full article

Soil organic carbon (SOC) responses to straw return are strongly influenced by active carbon dynamics and extracellular enzyme responses, yet how these processes vary with initial SOC status and long-term straw-return history remains unclear. To address this question, we conducted a controlled incubation experiment using soils from long-term straw removal (CK) and straw return (SR) plots at two sites with contrasting SOC levels: a carbon-poor fluvo-aquic soil in Quzhou (QZ) and a carbon-rich black soil in Gongzhuling (GZL). Three fresh-straw input levels were imposed, and CO₂ release, SOC, labile C and N pools, extracellular enzyme activities, and ecoenzymatic stoichiometry were determined. Fresh-straw input markedly stimulated carbon mineralization in both soils, but SOC responses differed substantially. In QZ, SOC increased 12.1–15.7% at day 7 (vs. T0) and remained 6.7–12.1% above the control at day 90 under the long-term straw-return background. In contrast, GZL showed only minor early SOC responses, and doubled straw input reduced SOC 4.9–9.5% at day 90 despite a stronger dissolved organic carbon (DOC) pulse and greater cumulative CO₂ release. Enzyme responses also differed between soils: higher straw input in QZ enhanced β-cellobiohydrolase (CBH), β-xylosidase (BX), and especially L-leucine aminopeptidase (LAP), accompanied by lower ecoenzymatic C:P and higher vector angle, whereas GZL showed later activation of CBH, BX, and NAG with only slight changes in vector angle. Overall, our results indicate that initial SOC status and long-term straw-return history jointly regulate whether fresh-straw input promotes net SOC accumulation or enhanced mineralization. Full article