Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Article Types

Countries / Regions

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Search Results (1,060)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = surface drainage

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
19 pages, 5470 KiB  
Article
Synergy of Fly Ash and Surfactant on Stabilizing CO2/N2 Foam for CCUS in Energy Applications
by Jabir Dubaish Raib, Fujian Zhou, Tianbo Liang, Anas A. Ahmed and Shuai Yuan
Energies 2025, 18(15), 4181; https://doi.org/10.3390/en18154181 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
The stability of nitrogen gas foam hinders its applicability in petroleum applications. Fly ash nanoparticles and clay improve the N2 foam stability, and flue gas foams provide a cost-effective solution for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This study examines the stability, [...] Read more.
The stability of nitrogen gas foam hinders its applicability in petroleum applications. Fly ash nanoparticles and clay improve the N2 foam stability, and flue gas foams provide a cost-effective solution for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). This study examines the stability, volume, and bubble structure of foams formed using two anionic surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS), along with the cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), selected for their comparable interfacial tension properties. Analysis of foam stability and volume and bubble structure was conducted under different CO2/N2 mixtures, with half-life and initial foam volume serving as the evaluation criteria. The impact of fly ash and clay on SDS-N2 foam was also evaluated. The results showed that foams created with CTAB, SDBS, and SDS exhibit the greatest stability in pure nitrogen, attributed to low solubility in water and limited gas diffusion. SDS showed the highest foam strength attributable to its comparatively low surface tension. The addition of fly ash and clay significantly improved foam stability by migrating to the gas–liquid interface, creating a protective barrier that reduced drainage. Both nano fly ash and clay improved the half-life of nitrogen foam by 11.25 times and increased the foam volume, with optimal concentrations identified as 5.0 wt% for fly ash and 3.0 wt% for clay. This research emphasizes the importance of fly ash nanoparticles in stabilizing foams, therefore optimizing a foam system for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Subsurface Energy and Environmental Protection 2024)
19 pages, 30180 KiB  
Article
Evaluating Distributed Hydrologic Modeling to Assess Coastal Highway Vulnerability to High Water Tables
by Bruno Jose de Oliveira Sousa, Luiz M. Morgado and Jose G. Vasconcelos
Water 2025, 17(15), 2327; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152327 - 5 Aug 2025
Abstract
Due to increased precipitation intensity and sea-level rise, low-lying coastal roads are increasingly vulnerable to subbase saturation. Widely applied lumped hydrological approaches cannot accurately represent time and space-varying groundwater levels in some highly conductive coastal soils, calling for more sophisticated tools. This study [...] Read more.
Due to increased precipitation intensity and sea-level rise, low-lying coastal roads are increasingly vulnerable to subbase saturation. Widely applied lumped hydrological approaches cannot accurately represent time and space-varying groundwater levels in some highly conductive coastal soils, calling for more sophisticated tools. This study assesses the suitability of the Gridded Surface Subsurface Hydrologic Analysis model (GSSHA) for representing hydrological processes and groundwater dynamics in a unique coastal roadway setting in Alabama. A high-resolution model was developed to assess a 2 km road segment and was calibrated for hydraulic conductivity and aquifer bottom levels using observed groundwater level (GWL) data. The model configuration included a fixed groundwater tidal boundary representing Mobile Bay, a refined land cover classification, and an extreme precipitation event simulation representing Hurricane Sally. Results indicated good agreement between modeled and observed groundwater levels, particularly during short-duration high-intensity events, with NSE values reaching up to 0.83. However, the absence of dynamic tidal forcing limited its ability to replicate certain fine-scale groundwater fluctuations. During the Hurricane Sally simulation, over two-thirds of the segment remained saturated for over 6 h, and some locations exceeded 48 h of pavement saturation. The findings underscore the importance of incorporating shallow groundwater processes in hydrologic modeling for coastal roads. This replicable modeling framework may assist DOTs in identifying critical roadway segments to improve drainage infrastructure in order to increase resiliency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Natural Hazards and Disaster Risks Reduction, 2nd Edition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

30 pages, 4529 KiB  
Article
Rainwater Harvesting Site Assessment Using Geospatial Technologies in a Semi-Arid Region: Toward Water Sustainability
by Ban AL- Hasani, Mawada Abdellatif, Iacopo Carnacina, Clare Harris, Bashar F. Maaroof and Salah L. Zubaidi
Water 2025, 17(15), 2317; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152317 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Rainwater harvesting for sustainable agriculture (RWHSA) offers a viable and eco-friendly strategy to alleviate water scarcity in semi-arid regions, particularly for agricultural use. This study aims to identify optimal sites for implementing RWH systems in northern Iraq to enhance water availability and promote [...] Read more.
Rainwater harvesting for sustainable agriculture (RWHSA) offers a viable and eco-friendly strategy to alleviate water scarcity in semi-arid regions, particularly for agricultural use. This study aims to identify optimal sites for implementing RWH systems in northern Iraq to enhance water availability and promote sustainable farming practices. An integrated geospatial approach was adopted, combining Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Key thematic layers, including soil type, land use/land cover, slope, and drainage density were processed in a GIS environment to model runoff potential. The Soil Conservation Service Curve Number (SCS-CN) method was used to estimate surface runoff. Criteria were weighted using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), enabling a structured and consistent evaluation of site suitability. The resulting suitability map classifies the region into four categories: very high suitability (10.2%), high (26.6%), moderate (40.4%), and low (22.8%). The integration of RS, GIS, AHP, and MCDA proved effective for strategic RWH site selection, supporting cost-efficient, sustainable, and data-driven agricultural planning in water-stressed environments. Full article
36 pages, 10414 KiB  
Article
Forces During the Film Drainage and Detachment of NMC and Spherical Graphite in Particle–Bubble Interactions Quantified by CP-AFM and Modeling to Understand the Salt Flotation of Battery Black Mass
by Jan Nicklas, Claudia Heilmann, Lisa Ditscherlein and Urs A. Peuker
Minerals 2025, 15(8), 809; https://doi.org/10.3390/min15080809 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 237
Abstract
The salt flotation of graphite in the presence of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) was assessed by performing colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM) on sessile gas bubbles and conducting batch flotation tests with model lithium-ion-battery black mass. The modeling of film [...] Read more.
The salt flotation of graphite in the presence of lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) was assessed by performing colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (CP-AFM) on sessile gas bubbles and conducting batch flotation tests with model lithium-ion-battery black mass. The modeling of film drainage and detachment during particle–bubble interactions provides insight into the fundamental microprocesses during salt flotation, a special variant of froth flotation. The interfacial properties of particles and gas bubbles were tailored with salt solutions containing sodium chloride and sodium acetate buffer. Graphite particles can attach to gas bubbles under all tested conditions in the range pH 3 to pH 10. The attractive forces for spherical graphite are strongest at high salt concentrations and pH 3. The conditions for the attachment of NMC to gas bubbles were evaluated with simulations using the Stokes–Reynolds–Young–Laplace model for film drainage, under consideration of DLVO forces and a hydrodynamic slip to account for irregularities of the particle surface. CP-AFM measurements in the capillary force regime provide additional parameters for the modeling of salt flotation, such as the force and work of detachment. The contact angles of graphite and NMC particles during retraction and detachment from gas bubbles were obtained from a quasi-equilibrium model using CP-AFM data as input. All CP-AFM experiments and theoretical results suggest that pristine NMC particles do not attach to gas bubbles during flotation, which is confirmed by the low rate of NMC recovery in batch flotation tests. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Particle–Bubble Interactions in the Flotation Process)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 2129 KiB  
Article
GIS-Based Flood Susceptibility Mapping Using AHP in the Urban Amazon: A Case Study of Ananindeua, Brazil
by Lianne Pimenta, Lia Duarte, Ana Cláudia Teodoro, Norma Beltrão, Dênis Gomes and Renata Oliveira
Land 2025, 14(8), 1543; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081543 - 27 Jul 2025
Viewed by 433
Abstract
Flood susceptibility mapping is essential for urban planning and disaster risk management, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas exposed to extreme rainfall events. This study applies an integrated approach combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS), map algebra, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess [...] Read more.
Flood susceptibility mapping is essential for urban planning and disaster risk management, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas exposed to extreme rainfall events. This study applies an integrated approach combining Geographic Information Systems (GIS), map algebra, and the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess flood-prone zones in Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. Five geoenvironmental criteria—rainfall, land use and land cover (LULC), slope, soil type, and drainage density—were selected and weighted using AHP to generate a composite flood susceptibility index. The results identified rainfall and slope as the most influential criteria, with both contributing to over 184 km2 of high-susceptibility area. Spatial patterns showed that flood-prone zones are concentrated in flat urban areas with high drainage density and extensive impermeable surfaces. CHIRPS rainfall data were validated using Pearson’s correlation (r = 0.83) and the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NS = 0.97), confirming the reliability of the precipitation input. The final susceptibility map, categorized into low, medium, and high classes, was validated using flood events derived from Sentinel-1 SAR data (2019–2025), of which 97.2% occurred in medium- or high-susceptibility zones. These findings demonstrate the model’s strong predictive performance and highlight the role of unplanned urban expansion, land cover changes, and inadequate drainage in increasing flood risk. Although specific to Ananindeua, the proposed methodology can be adapted to other urban areas in Brazil, provided local conditions and data availability are considered. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Land Use, Impact Assessment and Sustainability)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5241 KiB  
Review
Global Environmental Geochemistry and Molecular Speciation of Heavy Metals in Soils and Groundwater from Abandoned Smelting Sites: Analysis of the Contamination Dynamics and Remediation Alternatives in Karst Settings
by Hang Xu, Qiao Han, Muhammad Adnan, Mengfei Li, Mingshi Wang, Mingya Wang, Fengcheng Jiang and Xixi Feng
Toxics 2025, 13(7), 608; https://doi.org/10.3390/toxics13070608 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 507
Abstract
Abandoned smelting sites in karst terrain pose a serious environmental problem due to the complex relationship between specific hydrogeological elements and heavy metal contamination. This review combines work from across the globe to consider how karst-specific features (i.e., rapid underground drainage, high permeability, [...] Read more.
Abandoned smelting sites in karst terrain pose a serious environmental problem due to the complex relationship between specific hydrogeological elements and heavy metal contamination. This review combines work from across the globe to consider how karst-specific features (i.e., rapid underground drainage, high permeability, and carbonate mineralogy) influence the mobility, speciation, and bioavailability of “metallic” pollutants, such as Pb, Cd, Zn, and As. In some areas, such as Guizhou (China), the Cd content in the surface soil is as high as 23.36 mg/kg, indicating a regional risk. Molecular-scale analysis, such as synchrotron-based XAS, can elucidate the speciation forms that underlie toxicity and remediation potential. Additionally, we emphasize discrepancies between karst in Asia, Europe, and North America and synthesize cross-regional contamination events. The risk evaluation is complicated, particularly when dynamic flow systems and spatial heterogeneity are permanent, and deep models like DI-NCPI are required as a matter of course. The remediation is still dependent on the site; however, some technologies, such as phytoremediation, biosorption, and bioremediation, are promising if suitable geochemical and microbial conditions are present. This review presents a framework for integrating molecular data and hydrogeological concepts to inform the management of risk and sustainable remediation of legacy metal pollution in karst. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Toxicity Reduction and Environmental Remediation)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 5627 KiB  
Article
Effects of a Post-Harvest Management Practice on Structural Connectivity in Catchments with a Mediterranean Climate
by Daniel Sanhueza, Lorenzo Martini, Andrés Iroumé, Matías Pincheira and Lorenzo Picco
Forests 2025, 16(7), 1171; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16071171 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 302
Abstract
Forest harvesting can alter sedimentary processes in catchments by reducing vegetation cover and exposing the soil surface. To mitigate these effects, post-harvest residue management is commonly used, though its effectiveness needs individual evaluation. This study assessed how windrowed harvest residues influence structural sediment [...] Read more.
Forest harvesting can alter sedimentary processes in catchments by reducing vegetation cover and exposing the soil surface. To mitigate these effects, post-harvest residue management is commonly used, though its effectiveness needs individual evaluation. This study assessed how windrowed harvest residues influence structural sediment connectivity in two forest catchments in south-central Chile with a Mediterranean climate. Using digital terrain models and the Index of Connectivity, scenarios with and without windrows were compared. Despite similar windrow characteristics, effectiveness varied between catchments. In catchment N01 (12.6 ha, average slope 0.28 m m−1), with 13.6% windrow coverage, connectivity remained unchanged, but in contrast, catchment N02 (14 ha, average slope 0.27 m m−1), with 21.9% coverage, showed a significant connectivity reduction. A key factor was windrows’ orientation: 83.9% aligned with contour lines in N02 versus 58.6% in N01. Distance to drainage channels also played a role, with the decreasing effect of connectivity at 50–60 m in N02. Bootstrap analysis confirmed significant differences between catchments. These results suggest that windrow configuration, particularly contour alignment, may be more critical than coverage percentage. For effective connectivity reduction, especially on moderate to steep slopes, forest managers should prioritize contour-aligned windrows. This study enhances our understanding of structural sediment connectivity and offers practical insights for sustainable post-harvest forest management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Erosion and Forests: Drivers, Impacts, and Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 2276 KiB  
Article
Surface Water Runoff Estimation of a Continuously Flooded Rice Field Using a Daily Water Balance Approach—An Irrigation Assessment
by Diego Rivero, Guillermina Cantou, Raquel Hayashi, Jimena Alonso, Matías Oxley, Agustín Menta, Pablo González-Barrios and Álvaro Roel
Water 2025, 17(14), 2069; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142069 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 472
Abstract
The high water demand of rice cultivation is mainly due to flood irrigation, which requires large volumes not only to meet evapotranspiration needs, but also due to losses from percolation, lateral seepage, and surface runoff. In addition to lowering water use efficiency, surface [...] Read more.
The high water demand of rice cultivation is mainly due to flood irrigation, which requires large volumes not only to meet evapotranspiration needs, but also due to losses from percolation, lateral seepage, and surface runoff. In addition to lowering water use efficiency, surface runoff may transport nutrients. This study aimed to calibrate and validate a daily water balance model to estimate surface runoff losses across three rice-growing seasons. During the first two seasons, different model components were calibrated by comparing simulated and observed water depths. In the final season, the calibrated model was validated using direct runoff measurements obtained from weirs and flowmeters. Results showed strong agreement between model estimates and direct measurements of water depth and surface runoff. Linear regression models showed good fit, with coefficients of determination (R2) above 0.80 for water depth and 0.79 for runoff. A validated daily water balance model, combined with periodic monitoring of water depth, proved to be a reliable tool for estimating surface runoff during the rice-growing season. Total runoff—from irrigation, rainfall, and final drainage—represented between 7.5% and 18% of the total water input. This approach offers a practical tool for improving irrigation water management and understanding runoff-driven nutrient transport. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Water, Agriculture and Aquaculture)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 6165 KiB  
Article
Hydrological Transformation and Societal Perception of Urban Pluvial Flooding in a Karstic Watershed: A Case Study from the Southern Mexican Caribbean
by Cristina C. Valle-Queb, David G. Rejón-Parra, José M. Camacho-Sanabria, Rosalía Chávez-Alvarado and Juan C. Alcérreca-Huerta
Environments 2025, 12(7), 237; https://doi.org/10.3390/environments12070237 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 969
Abstract
Urban pluvial flooding (UPF) is an increasingly critical issue due to rapid urbanization and intensified precipitation driven by climate change that yet remains understudied in the Caribbean. This study analyzes the effects of UPF resulting from the transformation of a natural karstic landscape [...] Read more.
Urban pluvial flooding (UPF) is an increasingly critical issue due to rapid urbanization and intensified precipitation driven by climate change that yet remains understudied in the Caribbean. This study analyzes the effects of UPF resulting from the transformation of a natural karstic landscape into an urbanized area considering a sub-watershed in Chetumal, Southern Mexican Caribbean, as a case study. Hydrographic numerical modeling was conducted using the IBER 2.5.1 software and the SCS-CN method to estimate surface runoff for a critical UPF event across three stages: (i) 1928—natural condition; (ii) 1998—semi-urbanized (78% coverage); and (iii) 2015—urbanized (88% coverage). Urbanization led to the orthogonalization of the drainage network, an increase in the sub-watershed area (20%) and mainstream length (33%), flow velocities rising 10–100 times, a 52% reduction in surface roughness, and a 32% decrease in the potential maximum soil retention before runoff occurs. In urbanized scenarios, 53.5% of flooded areas exceeded 0.5 m in depth, compared to 16.8% in non-urbanized conditions. Community-based knowledge supported flood extent estimates with 44.5% of respondents reporting floodwater levels exceeding 0.50 m, primarily in streets. Only 43.1% recalled past flood levels, indicating a loss of societal memory, although risk perception remained high among directly affected residents. The reported UPF effects perceived in the area mainly related to housing damage (30.2%), mobility disruption (25.5%), or health issues (12.9%). Although UPF events are frequent, insufficient drainage infrastructure, altered runoff patterns, and limited access to public shelters and communication increased vulnerability. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3111 KiB  
Article
Iron Sludge-Derived Photo-Fenton Reaction for Laundry Wastewater Effluent Oxidation and Process Optimization into Industrial Ecology Symbiosis
by Amira Ben Gouider Trabelsi, Fatemah H. Alkallas, Shehab A. Mansour, Abdullah F. Al Naim, Adil Alshoaibi, Najeh Rekik, Manasik M. Nour and Maha A. Tony
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070669 - 10 Jul 2025
Viewed by 440
Abstract
Controlled iron extraction from iron-based sludge (Fe-Sludge) drainage and its use as a Fenton’s reagent is investigated in the current study for eliminating organics from launderette discharge stream. The influences of the iron dosage, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and pH are assessed [...] Read more.
Controlled iron extraction from iron-based sludge (Fe-Sludge) drainage and its use as a Fenton’s reagent is investigated in the current study for eliminating organics from launderette discharge stream. The influences of the iron dosage, hydrogen peroxide concentration, and pH are assessed as treatment factors for their direct impact on the oxidation of organic compounds. Additionally, optimal oxidation conditions are determined using the response surface methodology (RSM) technique, and the ranges of treatment variables are analyzed. The optimum values of a pH of 2.0, Fe sludge concentration of 99 mg/L, and H2O2 content of 402 mg/L resulted in optimal organics removal of up to 98%, expressed as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) removal. The oxidation efficacy attained from the design is confirmed and the model validation is assessed, and the suggestive model is accepted since it possesses a correlation coefficient of 97.7%. The thermodynamic and kinetic models are also investigated, and the reaction showed that the temperature increases resulted in the oxidation efficiency being reduced. The oxidation efficiency expressed as COD reduction is clearly characterized by first-order reaction kinetics. The thermodynamic characteristics indicated that the oxidation reaction was exothermic and not spontaneous. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Catalytic Processes for Wastewater Treatment)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

27 pages, 5832 KiB  
Article
Incorporation of Horizontal Aquifer Flow into a Vertical Vadose Zone Model to Simulate Natural Groundwater Table Fluctuations
by Vipin Kumar Oad, Adam Szymkiewicz, Tomasz Berezowski, Anna Gumuła-Kawęcka, Jirka Šimůnek, Beata Jaworska-Szulc and René Therrien
Water 2025, 17(14), 2046; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17142046 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1108
Abstract
The main goal of our work was to evaluate approaches for modeling lateral outflow from shallow unconfined aquifers in a one-dimensional model of vertical variably-saturated flow. The HYDRUS-1D model was modified by implementing formulas representing lateral flow in an aquifer, with linear or [...] Read more.
The main goal of our work was to evaluate approaches for modeling lateral outflow from shallow unconfined aquifers in a one-dimensional model of vertical variably-saturated flow. The HYDRUS-1D model was modified by implementing formulas representing lateral flow in an aquifer, with linear or quadratic drainage functions describing the relationship between groundwater head and flux. The results obtained by the modified HYDRUS-1D model were compared to the reference simulations with HydroGeoSphere (HGS), with explicit representation of 2D flow in unsaturated and saturated zones in a vertical cross-section of a strip aquifer, including evapotranspiration and plant water uptake. Four series of simulations were conducted for sand and loamy sand soil profiles with deep (6 m) and shallow (2 m) water tables. The results indicate that both linear and quadratic drainage functions can effectively capture groundwater table fluctuations and soil water dynamics. HYDRUS-1D demonstrates notable accuracy in simulating transient fluctuations but shows higher variability near the surface. The study concludes that both quadratic and linear drainage boundary conditions can effectively represent horizontal aquifer flow in 1D models, enhancing the ability of such models to simulate groundwater table fluctuations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Hydrology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3154 KiB  
Article
Water Saving and Environmental Issues in the Hetao Irrigation District, the Yellow River Basin: Development Perspective Analysis
by Zhuangzhuang Feng, Qingfeng Miao, Haibin Shi, José Manuel Gonçalves and Ruiping Li
Agronomy 2025, 15(7), 1654; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15071654 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
Global changes and society’s development necessitate the improvement of water use and irrigation water saving, which require a set of water management measures to best deal with the necessary changes. This study considers the framework of the change process for water management in [...] Read more.
Global changes and society’s development necessitate the improvement of water use and irrigation water saving, which require a set of water management measures to best deal with the necessary changes. This study considers the framework of the change process for water management in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID) of the Yellow River Basin. This paper presents the main measures that have been applied to ensure the sustainability and modernization of Hetao, mitigating water scarcity while maintaining land productivity and environmental value. Several components of modernization projects that have already been implemented are characterized, such as the off-farm canal distribution system, the on-farm surface irrigation, innovative crop and soil management techniques, drainage, and salinity control, including the management of autumn irrigation and advances of drip irrigation at the sector and farm levels. This characterization includes technologies, farmer training, labor needs, energy consumption, water savings, and economic aspects, based on data observed and reported in official reports. Therefore, this study integrates knowledge and analyzes the most limiting aspects in some case studies, evaluating the effectiveness of the solutions used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Farming Sustainability)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 1889 KiB  
Article
Experimental Evaluation of the Sustainable Performance of Filtering Geotextiles in Green Roof Systems: Tensile Properties and Surface Morphology After Long-Term Use
by Olga Szlachetka, Joanna Witkowska-Dobrev, Anna Baryła and Marek Dohojda
Sustainability 2025, 17(14), 6242; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17146242 - 8 Jul 2025
Viewed by 319
Abstract
Green roofs are increasingly being adopted as sustainable, nature-based solutions for managing urban stormwater, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and saving energy in buildings. However, the long-term performance of their individual components—particularly filter geotextiles—remains understudied, despite their critical role in maintaining system [...] Read more.
Green roofs are increasingly being adopted as sustainable, nature-based solutions for managing urban stormwater, mitigating the urban heat island effect, and saving energy in buildings. However, the long-term performance of their individual components—particularly filter geotextiles—remains understudied, despite their critical role in maintaining system functionality. The filter layer, responsible for preventing clogging of the drainage layer with fine substrate particles, directly affects the hydrological performance and service life of green roofs. While most existing studies focus on the initial material properties, there is a clear gap in understanding how geotextile filters behave after prolonged exposure to real-world environmental conditions. This study addresses this gap by assessing the mechanical and structural integrity of geotextile filters after five years of use in both extensive and intensive green roof systems. By analyzing changes in surface morphology, microstructure, and porosity through tensile strength tests, digital imaging, and scanning electron microscopy, this research offers new insights into the long-term performance of geotextiles. Results showed significant retention of tensile strength, particularly in the machine direction (MD), and a 56% reduction in porosity, which may affect filtration efficiency. Although material degradation occurs, some geotextiles retain their structural integrity over time, highlighting their potential for long-term use in green infrastructure applications. This research emphasizes the importance of material selection, long-term monitoring, and standardized evaluation techniques to ensure the ecological and functional resilience of green roofs. Furthermore, the findings contribute to advancing knowledge on the durability and life-cycle performance of filter materials, promoting sustainability and longevity in urban green infrastructure. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 334 KiB  
Entry
Data Structures for 2D Representation of Terrain Models
by Eric Guilbert and Bernard Moulin
Encyclopedia 2025, 5(3), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/encyclopedia5030098 - 7 Jul 2025
Viewed by 337
Definition
This entry gives an overview of the main data structures and approaches used for a two-dimensional representation of the terrain surface using a digital elevation model (DEM). A DEM represents the elevation of the earth surface from a set of points. It is [...] Read more.
This entry gives an overview of the main data structures and approaches used for a two-dimensional representation of the terrain surface using a digital elevation model (DEM). A DEM represents the elevation of the earth surface from a set of points. It is used for terrain analysis, visualisation and interpretation. DEMs are most commonly defined as a grid where an elevation is assigned to each grid cell. Due to its simplicity, the square grid structure is the most common DEM structure. However, it is less adaptive and shows limitations for more complex processing and reasoning. Hence, the triangulated irregular network is a more adaptive structure and explicitly stores the relationships between the points. Other topological structures (contour graphs, contour trees) have been developed to study terrain morphology. Topological relationships are captured in another structure, the surface network (SN), composed of critical points (peaks, pits, saddles) and critical lines (thalweg, ridge lines). The SN can be computed using either a TIN or a grid. The Morse Theory provides a mathematical approach to studying the topology of surfaces, which is applied to the SN. It has been used for terrain simplification, multi-resolution modelling, terrain segmentation and landform identification. The extended surface network (ESN) extends the classical SN by integrating both the surface and the drainage networks. The ESN can itself be extended for the cognitive representation of the terrain based on saliences (typical points, lines and regions) and skeleton lines (linking critical points), while capturing the context of the appearance of landforms using topo-contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Earth Sciences)
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 6342 KiB  
Article
Innovative Use of UHPC and Topology Optimization in Permeable Interlocking Pavers: Advancing Sustainable Pavement Solutions
by Fernanda Gadler, José Augusto Ferreira Sales de Mesquita, Francisco Helio Alencar Oliveira, Liedi Legi Bariani Bernucci, Rafael Giuliano Pileggi, Emilio Carlos Nelli Silva and Diego Silva Prado
Sustainability 2025, 17(13), 6039; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17136039 - 1 Jul 2025
Viewed by 395
Abstract
The rapid expansion of urban areas has increased the prevalence of impermeable surfaces, intensifying flooding risks by disrupting natural water infiltration. Permeable pavements have emerged as a sustainable alternative, capable of reducing stormwater runoff, improving surface friction, and mitigating urban heat island effects. [...] Read more.
The rapid expansion of urban areas has increased the prevalence of impermeable surfaces, intensifying flooding risks by disrupting natural water infiltration. Permeable pavements have emerged as a sustainable alternative, capable of reducing stormwater runoff, improving surface friction, and mitigating urban heat island effects. Nevertheless, their broader implementation is often hindered by issues such as clogging and limited mechanical strength resulting from high porosity. This study examines the design of interlocking permeable blocks utilizing ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) to strike a balance between enhanced drainage capacity and high structural performance. A topology optimization (TO) strategy was applied to numerically model the ideal block geometry, incorporating 105 drainage channels with a diameter of 6 mm—chosen to ensure manufacturability and structural integrity. The UHPC formulation was developed using particle packing optimization with ordinary Portland cement (OPC), silica fume, and limestone filler to reduce binder content while achieving superior strength and workability, guided by rheological assessments. Experimental tests revealed that the perforated UHPC blocks reached compressive strengths of 87.8 MPa at 7 days and 101.0 MPa at 28 days, whereas the solid UHPC blocks achieved compressive strengths of 125.8 MPa and 146.2 MPa, respectively. In contrast, commercial permeable concrete blocks reached only 28.9 MPa at 28 days. Despite a reduction of approximately 30.9% in strength due to perforations, the UHPC-105holes blocks still far exceed the 41 MPa threshold required for certain structural applications. These results highlight the mechanical superiority of the UHPC blocks and confirm their viability for structural use even with enhanced permeability features. The present research emphasizes mechanical and structural performance, while future work will address hydraulic conductivity and anticlogging behavior. Overall, the findings support the use of topology-optimized UHPC permeable blocks as a resilient solution for sustainable urban drainage systems, combining durability, strength, and environmental performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Infrastructure and Sustainable Stormwater Management)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop