Search Results (1,831)

This study addresses the issue of missing basic data and insufficient accuracy in predicting runoff and non-point-source pollution in the Heilongjiang region of China using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model. Based on the China Ground Climate Data Daily Dataset (V3.0) and SPAW soil characteristic calculation formula, and assisted by the Python V3.0 language for data processing and computation, new high-precision weather generators and soil attribute databases suitable for the Heilongjiang region of China were established. The weather generator is based on daily data and contains detailed meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, rainfall, etc., used to characterize the periodic changes in meteorological elements. And the differences and fluctuations outside this change curve were also retained in the basic construction of the weather generator. The soil database covers various parameters, such as soil type, texture, structure, nutrient content, organic matter content, etc., enabling the SWAT model to better simulate hydrological and pollutant transport processes in the soil. Additionally, point-source input data, including various industrial and domestic wastewater discharge situations, were collected and organized to improve data quality. Furthermore, a series of agricultural management measures were developed based on the use of fertilizers and pesticides for simulation, providing an important basis for analyzing non-point-source pollution using the SWAT model. By comparing the different results of the simulation using optimized databases, it is shown that the above work improved the simulation accuracy of the SWAT model in predicting runoff and pollution load in Heilongjiang, China. The NSE of runoff simulation increased from 0.923 to 0.988, and the NSE of ammonia nitrogen and CBOD simulation increased from 0.852 and 0.758 to 0.930 and 0.902, respectively. It is expected that these efforts will provide strong data support for subsequent research and provide a theoretical basis for government decision-makers to build scientifically rigorous and effective pollution control strategies. Full article

An archaeological exposure near Hachum, featuring a ditch profile interpreted as part of a Neolithic earthwork, was characterized using DNA analyses of bacterial 16S rRNA from soil samples. The NGS data from 13 sampling points at different positions and depths within the trench profile were compared with regard to the percentage distribution of phyla and the frequency of occurrence of individual bacterial types (genera or operational taxonomic units, OTUs). Characteristic differences between parts of the trench profile became apparent based on correlations of OTU abundances as well as the occurrence of specific types. In particular, a high similarity in bacterial communities was observed among samples from intermediate trench depths, while a markedly different composition was found in the area of the central trench bottom. These findings indicate that the trench must have remained open for a certain period of time and was later filled relatively homogeneously. The results showed that the middle and lower parts of the ditch fill could be clearly distinguished from each other and from the surrounding area based on the composition of soil bacterial DNA. Genera detected predominantly in the lower part of the ditch suggest that, after the ditch was completed, organic matter, animal dung, and possibly even human feces were accumulated at the bottom. The investigations demonstrate that analyses of soil bacterial communities can provide valuable insights into the history and function of a Neolithic earthwork and, more generally, represent an important additional source of information for interpreting archaeological contexts that are devoid of or poor in finds. Full article

Microbe–mineral interactions in lacustrine environments play a critical role in controlling carbonate diagenesis and preserving organic matter, particularly under the influence of hydrothermal processes. To improve the understanding of such processes, this study focuses on the diagenesis of different types of carbonates from the upper section of the Bayingebi Formation in the Yin’e Basin, revealing the association between lacustrine sedimentation and hydrothermal activity. According to mineralogical and geochemical evidence, the carbonates in the studied interval can be broadly classified into hydrothermal, hydrothermal-biogenic, and sedimentary types on the basis of their dominant genetic signatures. Hydrothermal carbonates are dominated by crystalline dolomite, with associated hydrothermal minerals rich in Fe, Ba, and Mg, while 87Sr/86Sr values are close to mantle source values, indicating substantial mantle hydrothermal fluid contributions. Hydrothermal-biogenic carbonates are dominated by mud-crystalline and spherical dolomite enriched in Mg, Na, and P. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values fall between the typical mantle-derived and paleolake water ranges, indicating a mixed hydrothermal signal, with possible microbial involvement indicated by mineralogical and textural features. Sedimentary carbonates are predominantly crystalline calcite, with ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr values close to crustal source values, indicating the influence of terrestrial inputs. Moreover, there are significant relationships between different types of diagenetic carbonates and organic matter. Intense hydrothermal activity is associated with low TOC values and relatively unfavorable conditions for organic matter preservation. In contrast, sections with mild hydrothermal activity have higher TOC contents, and the nutrient contents and water temperatures are more conducive to enrichment with organic matter. Although based on a single fully cored borehole from the upper section of the Bayingebi Formation, this study provides a framework for understanding the coupling between carbonate diagenesis and organic matter enrichment in hydrothermally influenced lacustrine systems, with implications for future studies involving multi-core investigations across the basin. Full article

Driven by factors such as meteorology, topography, and industrial structure, the concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) exhibit significant spatial heterogeneity. Investigating the characteristics and sources of VOCs in different regions is therefore crucial for formulating targeted strategies to mitigate their contributions to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) and ozone (O₃) pollution. This study comprehensively investigated—for the first time—the concentration characteristics, sources, and contributions to secondary organic aerosol (SOA) and O₃ formation of VOCs at an urban background site in Ganzhou, a southern Chinese city, based on hourly observations of VOCs during 2023. Analyses included ozone formation potential (OFP), secondary organic aerosol formation potential (SOAFP), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) source apportionment. The influence of photochemical loss was assessed using a photochemical age parameterization method. The results showed an annual average total VOC concentration of 22.6 ± 13.17 ppbv, with higher levels in winter and lower in summer. Alkanes were the dominant species (45.76%). After correcting for photochemical loss, the initial concentration of VOCs (IC-VOCs) was approximately 60% higher than the observed concentration of VOCs (OC-VOCs), with alkenes becoming the dominant group in IC-VOCs (≈72%). OFP analysis indicated that the OFP calculated using initial VOC concentrations (IC-OFP) was substantially higher (by 320 μg/m³) than the values calculated using observed VOC concentrations (OC-OFP), primarily due to the increased contribution of alkenes. SOAFP was higher in spring and winter, and lower in summer and autumn, with aromatic hydrocarbons being the dominant contributors (>85%). PMF results based on month-case studies identified combustion and industrial process sources as the major contributors (>20%) in August, while combustion and vehicle exhaust dominated in January. Photochemical loss significantly influenced source apportionment, particularly leading to an underestimation of biogenic emissions during a warm month (August). These findings underscore the necessity of accounting for photochemical aging and offer a scientific basis for refining targeted VOC control measures in Ganzhou and similar regions. Full article

Background/Objectives: In recent years, MRI-based diffusion-weighted tractography techniques have uncovered additional white matter pathways that have significant roles in language processing and production. In this review, we aim to outline the major language centers of the brain and major language pathways along with association tracts that serve dual roles in both the language and limbic systems. According to the current dual-stream model of language processing, the brain’s language network is organized into a dorsal stream, responsible for mapping sound to articulation, and a ventral stream, which maps sound to meaning. Materials and Methods: The literature cited in this manuscript was identified through targeted searches of the PubMed database. Priority was given to peer-reviewed human studies, including original neuroimaging, cadaveric validation, and intraoperative stimulation studies. Non-peer-reviewed sources and publications lacking clear anatomical or functional correlation to language pathways were excluded. Results: Advances in functional MRI and diffusion weighted imaging techniques have revealed a more interconnected network, expanding our understanding beyond the classical dual-stream model of language processing. The Kamali limbic model proposed distinct ventral and dorsal limbic networks. Notably, several fiber pathways within the ventral limbic network may subserve both language and limbic functions. The association tracts with dual limbic-language functions form a critical basis for understanding the pathophysiology of language disorders accompanied by cognitive and emotional comorbidities observed in dyslexia, speech apraxia, aphasia, autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusions: Visualizing the language center and interconnected dual language and limbic fiber tracts highlights the importance of integrating language, executive function, and emotion in developing disease models and designing effective, targeted treatments for patients. Full article

In the context of the rapid transformation of global agricultural production towards intensification and intelligence, the precise and intelligent management of horticultural crop production processes is key to enhancing resource utilization efficiency and industry profitability. Crop growth and development models, as digital representations of the interactions between environment, crops, and management, are core tools for achieving intelligent decision-making in facility production. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the advancements in intelligent management models and systems for horticultural crop growth and development. It introduces the developmental stages of horticultural crop growth models and the integration of multi-source data, systematically organizing and analyzing the modeling mechanisms of crop growth and development process models centered on developmental stages, photosynthesis and respiration, dry matter accumulation and allocation, and yield and quality formation. Furthermore, it summarizes the current status of expert decision-support system software development and application based on crop models, achieving comprehensive functionalities such as data and document management, model parameter management and optimization, growth process and environmental simulation, management plan design and effect evaluation, and result visualization and decision product dissemination. This illustrates the pathway from theoretical research to practical application of models. Addressing the current challenges related to the universality of mechanisms, multi-source data assimilation, and intelligent decision-making, the paper looks forward to future research directions, aiming to provide theoretical references and technological insights for the future development and system integration of intelligent management models for horticultural crop growth and development. Full article

Fossil fuels have been the main source of energy for decades. However, they are non-renewable resources that take millions of years to replenish from decomposed organic matter. As they are depleting at an alarming rate, a shift towards more sustainable fuels is gaining popularity. Biodiesel is emerging as a biodegradable and renewable energy source that serves as a promising alternative to conventional fuels. It addresses the challenges of greenhouse gas emissions while ensuring energy security. Among potential feedstocks, sunflower oil demonstrates unique advantages due to its high oil yield, favorable fatty acid composition, and availability. Despite extensive research on biodiesel, no comparative study has yet synthesized the four generations of biodiesel feedstocks while integrating optimization strategies with a particular focus on sunflower oil and sustainability trade-offs. This review aims to fill that gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of biodiesel production pathways, highlighting sunflower oil within a broader sustainability framework. The four generations are assessed based on feedstock potential, efficiency, and yield, while optimization processes for sunflower oil-based biodiesel are examined in terms of economic feasibility, limitations, and environmental impacts. The principal findings highlight the low free fatty acid composition of sunflower oil compared to other feedstocks, which makes it efficient for transesterification. Challenges such as production costs, land consumption, and food chain disruption are also discussed. Finally, innovative insights are presented for improving the viability of biodiesel through advanced technologies and supportive policies. Full article

Heavy metal pollution in forest and agroforestry soils represents a persistent environmental challenge with direct implications for ecosystem functioning, food security, and human health. In tropical and subtropical regions, intense weathering, rapid organic matter turnover, and dynamic redox conditions strongly modulate metal mobility, bioavailability, and long-term soil vulnerability. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the sources, biogeochemical mechanisms, ecological impacts, monitoring approaches, and restoration strategies associated with heavy metal contamination in forest and agroforestry systems, with particular emphasis on tropical landscapes. We examine natural and anthropogenic metal inputs, highlighting how atmospheric deposition, legacy contamination, land-use practices, and soil management interact with mineralogy, organic matter, and hydrology to control metal fate. Key processes governing metal behavior include sorption and complexation, Fe–Mn redox cycling, pH-dependent solubility, microbial mediation, and rhizosphere dynamics. The ecological consequences of contamination are discussed in terms of soil health degradation, plant physiological stress, disruption of ecosystem services, and risks of metal transfer to food chains in managed systems. The review also evaluates integrated monitoring frameworks that combine field-based soil analyses, biomonitoring, and geospatial technologies, while acknowledging methodological limitations and scale-dependent uncertainties. Finally, restoration and remediation strategies—ranging from phytotechnologies and soil amendments to engineered Technosols—are assessed in relation to their effectiveness, scalability, and relevance for long-term functional recovery. By linking mechanistic understanding with management and policy considerations, this review provides a process-oriented framework to support sustainable management and restoration of contaminated forest and agroforestry soils in tropical and subtropical regions. Full article

This study is based on field observations and sample collections from the Panjinbulak, Qiongbulak, and Qunjisayi outcrops in the Yining Sag of the Ili Basin. Using organic geochemical analysis methods, the characteristics and hydrocarbon generation potential of the Permian Xiaoshansayi Formation (P₂x) and Tamqisayi Formation (P₂t) source rocks in the Yining Sag were compared and analyzed. The results indicate that the Permian source rocks in the Yining Sag of the Ili Basin exhibit high organic matter abundance and good types, among which the P₂t source rocks are overall superior to the P₂x. The P₂t source rocks in the Panjinbulak outcrop section on the northern margin are dominated by Type II₁-II₂ kerogen, while those in the Qunjisayi and Qiongbulak outcrop sections on the southern margin show a transition to Type II₂-III kerogen. The maturity of Permian source rocks presents a pattern of “higher in the south and lower in the north”, and all have reached the hydrocarbon-generation threshold. The northern margin is in the oil window, mainly dominated by oil generation; the southeastern margin has higher maturity, mainly producing oil/condensate gas. The Permian source rocks were deposited in a saline-reducing environment, with mixed input of aquatic organisms and terrestrial plants. During the deposition of P₂t source rocks in the northern margin, the water salinity was higher, and plankton such as cyanobacteria made prominent contributions. The P₂t source rocks in the Panjinbulak outcrop section on the northern margin have relatively better organic matter abundance and type, making it the main hydrocarbon-generation-potential area. The source rocks in the Qunjisayi outcrop section on the southeastern margin are slightly poorer, but their maturity is higher, currently in the main oil window, representing a secondary hydrocarbon-generation-potential area. Full article

Organic pig farming in Europe is endorsed as a promising route to more sustainable livestock production, but its ultimate contribution to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is a contested matter. This study takes a critical perspective on the potential of organic pig farming to contribute to SDGs that may include SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). Organic farming systems delivered better animal welfare outcomes and positive benefits for biodiversity, soil health, and rural employment. Continued improvements in sourcing feed, greenhouse gas emissions per unit of product, animal health, and market could improve their contributions to agricultural sustainability. This study concludes that organic pig farming does not represent a guarantee of sustainable livestock production, but it could represent credible sources of sustainable livestock innovation if sufficient policy, practice, cost accounting, and sustainable metrics are organized together to support organic systems. Organic pig farming focused on innovation and policy support can make it a role model for the transition of European livestock sector towards the 2030 Agenda. Full article

Recently, how to improve the aquaculture efficiency of sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus and promote the sustainable development of its artificial cultivation has become an increasingly important issue. The pond water environment plays important roles in the survival rate and growth of A. japonicus seedlings. This study investigated the changes in water quality and plankton from June to November in A. japonicus ponds. The seawater temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, nitrogen, and active phosphate contents were measured, and the planktonic species were detected and identified. The results showed that the seawater temperature ranged from 11.2 to 29.9 °C, and the highest temperature did not exceed the tolerance survival limits of A. japonicus. The changes in pH, dissolved oxygen, and salinity were also suitable for growth. A total of six phyla and 14 species of planktonic algae were detected, among which diatoms were dominant, and the dominant species changed over time. In the early stage, it was Chroomonas acuta, then, after it was Nitzschia sp., and then it returned to C. acuta again later. The biomass and density of algae peaked in week 5 (p < 0.05), but decreased to their lowest in week 18. The changes in chlorophyll-a content were consistent with the biomass of algae. Both the chlorophyll-a and pheophytin contents peaked in weeks 5 and 10 (p < 0.05). The changes in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and particulate organic matter (POM) were synchronized, and they peaked in weeks 5 and 12. These results suggested that the planktonic algae have the functions of a food supply and an environmental indication, and changes in chlorophyll-a, pheophytin, SPM, and POM support the food source reserve for A. japonicus. This study provides important information for the artificial cultivation of sea cucumber seedlings in a pond, and it is useful to promote the sustainable development of the sea cucumber industry. Full article

Exposure to Particulate Matter (PM) is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, certain types of cancer, and accounts for approximately seven million premature deaths globally. While governments and organizations have implemented various strategies for Air Quality (AQ) such as the deployment of Air Quality Monitoring Networks (AQMN), these networks often suffer from limited spatial coverage and involve high installation and maintenance costs. Consequently, the implementation of networks based on Low-Cost Sensors (LCS) has emerged as a viable alternative. Nevertheless, LCS systems have certain drawbacks, such as lower reading precision, which can be mitigated through specific calibration models and methods. This paper presents the results and conclusions derived from simultaneous PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 monitoring comparisons between LCS nodes and a T640X reference sensor. Additionally, Relative Humidity (RH), temperature, and absorption flow measurements were collected via an Automet meteorological station. The monitoring equipment was installed at the Faculty of Environment of the Universidad Distrital in Bogotá. The LCS calibration process began with data preprocessing, which involved filtering, segmentation, and the application of FastDTW. Subsequently, calibration was performed using a variety of models, including two statistical approaches, three Machine Learning algorithms, and one Deep Learning model. The findings highlight the critical importance of applying FastDTW during preprocessing and the necessity of incorporating RH, temperature, and absorption flow factors to enhance accuracy. Furthermore, the study concludes that Random Forest and XGBoost offered the highest performance among the methods evaluated. While satellites map city-wide patterns and MAX-DOAS enables hourly source attribution, our calibrated LCS network supplies continuous, street-scale data at low CAPEX/OPEX—forming a practical backbone for sustained micro-scale monitoring in Bogotá. Full article

Long-term particulate matter (PM) chemical composition measurements were performed in Cyprus at two different sites (an urban/traffic site (“LIMTRA”) and a remote/background site (“AGM”)) in an effort to assess (i) the spatial and temporal variability of fine (PM2.5) particulate matter in the eastern Mediterranean; (ii) the main sources contributing to their levels and their relationship with the characteristics of the sampling location; and (iii) the enhancement effect of local anthropogenic and natural biogenic sources on PM levels. To this end, the simultaneous determination of 118 individual Secondary Organic Aerosol (SOA) components (carboxylic acids, organosulfates, and organonitrates) was performed. The “AGM” station showed average SOA yields more than three times higher than those at the “LIMTRA” station (15 ng∙m⁻³ and 4.4 ng∙m⁻³, respectively), whilst the organonitrate levels were higher at “LIMTRA” than at “AGM” (3.3 ng∙m⁻³ and 1.8 ng∙m⁻³, respectively). The most abundant SOA species were hydroxy-acetone sulfate, glycolic acid sulfate, and lactic acid sulfate (21 ng∙m⁻³ at “LIMTRA” and 84 ng∙m⁻³ at “AGM”). The highest SOA load was observed in spring at “AGM” (18 ng∙m⁻³) and in summer at “LIMTRA” (6.8 ng∙m⁻³). Two statistical factorization tools, Principal Component Analysis and Positive Matrix Factorization, were applied to extract common patterns and point to possible SOA sources and SOA formation pathways; the different categorization approaches produced similar results. Full article

Liquid digestate, a by-product of excess sludge in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), contains high concentrations of organic matter and essential nutrients that could promote plant growth. However, it also contains a significant number of pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic microorganisms, which present major challenges in terms of its safe application. A sample taken from WWTP “Kubratovo” was treated using plasma devices. The aim was to evaluate the effect of treatment by two types of plasma sources on the content of pathogenic bacteria as well as the chemical composition of the liquid digestate. The Surfaguide plasma source demonstrated a higher disinfection effectiveness (100% for E. coli, Clostridium sp.; over 99% for fecal and total coliforms; 98% for Salmonella sp.). The β-device effectively removed (100%) the following groups: E. coli and Clostridium sp. However, its effectiveness was significantly lower for the other groups. The obtained results show that plasma treatment induces the transformation of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds, resulting in increased nitrite and phosphate concentrations. The application of cold atmospheric plasma disinfection significantly improved the sanitary and compositional characteristics of the liquid digestate. The Surfaguide achieved significantly better results than the β-device, confirming its suitability for sustainable resource recovery and safe agricultural use. Full article

The Cheng-gang crystalline graphite deposit is a recently discovered medium-to-large-sized deposit within the Tan-Lu Fault Zone (TLFZ), East China. However, the knowledge on this deposit remains limited, resulting in a poor understanding of its genesis. In this study, this deposit is chosen to elucidate the degree of graphite mineralization, the nature and depositional environments of the protoliths, and the carbon source of graphite through geochemical and stable isotope investigations, and mineralogical analysis. The fixed carbon contents in the graphite-ore-bearing layers range from 2% to 3%. X-ray diffraction analyses reveal a high degree of graphitization. Analyses of elemental ratios indicate that the protoliths of metamorphic rocks predominantly consist of felsic rocks derived from the upper crust and deposited in brackish-water and reducing environments (anoxic to dysoxic). Stable carbon isotope analyses show that CH₄ with lighter carbon isotopes released from the decomposition of pristine organic matter was trapped into adjacent inorganic reservoirs and the residual fraction with heavy carbon isotopes evolved to become graphite under metamorphism. Assuming the existence of isotope exchange between carbonate minerals and graphite, the temperature of peak metamorphism is estimated to be 580–860 °C, corresponding to amphibolite–granulite facies during regional metamorphism. The direct mixing of organic fluids and adjacent inorganic reservoirs may have contributed to graphite ore formation and needs to be further explored in future studies. The findings shed light on the genesis of the TLFZ graphite deposits, providing practical implications for local mineral exploration. Full article