Search Results (465)

This study investigates ground deformations in the southeastern Po Plain (northern Italy), focusing on the Bologna area—a densely populated region affected by natural and anthropogenic subsidence. Ground deformations in the area result from geological processes (e.g., sediment compaction and tectonic activity) and human activities (e.g., ground water production and underground gas storage—UGS). We apply a multidisciplinary approach integrating subsurface geology, ground water production, advanced differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar—DInSAR, gas storage data, and land use information to characterize and analyze the spatial and temporal variations in vertical ground deformations. Seasonal and trend decomposition using loess (STL) and cluster analysis techniques are applied to historical DInSAR vertical time series, targeting three representatives areas close to the city of Bologna. The main contribution of the study is the attempt to correlate the lateral extension of ground water bodies with seasonal ground deformations and water production data; the results are validated via knowledge of the geological characteristics of the uppermost part of the Po Plain area. Distinct seasonal patterns are identified and correlated with ground water production withdrawal and UGS operations. The results highlight the influence of superficial aquifer characteristics—particularly the geometry, lateral extent, and hydraulic properties of sedimentary bodies—on the ground movements behavior. This case study outlines an effective multidisciplinary approach for subsidence characterization providing critical insights for risk assessment and mitigation strategies, relevant for the future development of CO₂ and hydrogen storage in depleted reservoirs and saline aquifers. Full article

The objective of this study is to define groundwater management zones for a complex deformed and fissured Precambrian karst aquifer, which underlies one of the most important agricultural areas in the semi-arid region of Irecê, Bahia, Brazil. It is an unconfined aquifer, hundreds of meters thick, resulting from a large sequence of carbonates piled up by thrust faults during tectonic plate collisions. Groundwater recharge and flow in this aquifer are greatly influenced by karst features, through the high density of sinkholes and vertical wells. Over the past four decades, population and agricultural activities have increased in the region, resulting in unsustainable groundwater withdrawal and, at the same time, water quality degradation. Therefore, it is important to develop legal and environmental management strategies. This work proposes the division of the karst area into three well-defined management zones by mapping karst structures, land use, and urban occupation, as well as the concentrations of chloride and nitrate in the region’s groundwater. Zone 1 in the north possesses the lowest levels of karstification, anthropization, and contamination, while zone 2 in the central region has the highest levels and zone 3 in the south ranging in-between (except for stronger karstification). The delimitation of management zones will contribute to the development and implementation of optimized zone-specific groundwater preservation and restoration strategies. Full article

Selective water withdrawals (SWWs) are frequently used to minimize the downstream effects of dams by blending water from different depths to achieve a desired temperature regime in the river. In 2010, an SWW was installed on the outlet structure of the primary hydropower reservoir on the Deschutes River (Oregon, USA) to increase spring temperatures by releasing a combination of surface water and bottom waters from a dam that formerly only had a hypolimnetic outlet. The objective of increasing spring river temperatures was to recreate pre-dam river temperatures and optimize conditions for the spawning and rearing of anadromous fish. The operation of the SWW achieved the target temperature regime, but the release of surface water from a hypereutrophic impoundment resulted in a number of unintended consequences. These changes included significant increases in river pH and dissolved oxygen saturation. Inorganic nitrogen releases decreased in spring but increased in summer. The release of surface water from the reservoir increased levels of plankton in the river resulting in changes to the macroinvertebrates such as increases in filter feeders and a greater percentage of taxa tolerant to reduced water quality. No significant increase in anadromous fish was observed. The presence of large irrigation diversions upstream of the reservoir was not accounted for in the temperature analysis that led to the construction of the SWW. This complicating factor would have reduced flow in the river leading to increased river temperatures at the hydropower site during the measurement period used to develop representations of historical temperature. The analysis supports the use of numerical models to assist in forecast changes associated with SWWs, but the results from this project illustrate the need for greater consideration of complex responses of aquatic communities caused by structural modifications to dams. Full article

Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) receptor antagonists prevent morphine-mediated antinociceptive tolerance, and compounds with dual mu opioid receptor (MOR) agonist and NPFF antagonist activity produce antinociception without tolerance. Compounds synthesized showed affinities in radioligand competition binding assays in the nM and µM range at the opioid and NPFF receptors, respectively, and displayed substitution-dependent functional profiles in the [³⁵S]GTPγS functional assay. From six compounds screened in vivo for antinociception and ability to prevent NPFF-induced hyperalgesia in mouse warm water tail withdrawal tests, compound 22b produced dose-dependent MOR-mediated antinociception with an ED₅₀ value (and 95% confidence interval) of 6.88 (4.71–9.47) nmol, i.c.v., and also prevented NPFF-induced hyperalgesia. Meanwhile, 22b did not demonstrate the respiratory depression, hyperlocomotion, or impaired intestinal transit of morphine. Moreover, repeated treatment with 22b produced a 1.6-fold rightward shift in antinociceptive dose response, significantly less acute antinociceptive tolerance than morphine. Evaluated for microsomal stability in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic profile, 22b showed suitable microsomal stability paired in vivo with a large apparent volume of distribution and a clearance smaller than the hepatic flow in rats, suggesting no extra-hepatic metabolism. In conclusion, the present study confirms that dual-action opioid–NPFF ligands may offer therapeutic promise as analgesics with fewer liabilities of use. Full article

Drought, a natural phenomenon intricately intertwined with the broader canvas of climate change, exacts a heavy toll by ushering in acute terrestrial water scarcity. Its ramifications reverberate most acutely within the agricultural heartlands, particularly those nestled in arid regions. To address this pressing issue, this study harnesses the temperature vegetation dryness index (TVDI) as a robust drought indicator, enabling a granular estimation of land water content trends. This endeavor unfolds through the sophisticated integration of geographic information systems (GISs) and remote sensing technologies (RSTs). The methodology bedrock lies in the judicious utilization of 72 high-resolution satellite images captured by the Landsat 7 and 8 platforms. These images serve as the foundational building blocks for computing TVDI values, a key metric that encapsulates the dynamic interplay between the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the land surface temperature (LST). The findings resonate with significance, unveiling a conspicuous and statistically significant uptick in the TVDI time series. This shift, observed at a confidence level of 0.05 (Z_S = 1.648), raises a crucial alarm. Remarkably, this notable surge in the TVDI exists in tandem with relatively insignificant upticks in short-term precipitation rates and LST, at statistically comparable significance levels. The implications are both pivotal and starkly clear: this profound upswing in the TVDI within agricultural domains harbors tangible environmental threats, particularly to groundwater resources, which form the lifeblood of these regions. The call to action resounds strongly, imploring judicious water management practices and a conscientious reduction in water withdrawal from reservoirs. These measures, embraced in unison, represent the imperative steps needed to defuse the looming crisis. Full article

In this article, we present experimental and theoretical studies of pyridine derivatives (pyDs) inspired by natural systems to investigate the electron transfer processes occurring in aqueous media and elaborate a theoretical model that adequately predicts the behavior of new derivatives. Our results might be relevant to scientific and technological applications, including energy storage, redox-active scaffolds for organic synthesis, photoredox catalysis, and new materials. The synthesis of eight pyDs is reported. To improve water solubility, six new compounds are hexafluorophosphate alkylammonium salts. The pyDs exhibit irreversible redox processes, with electron-donating substituents decreasing the cathodic peak potential while electron-withdrawing groups increase it; when both substituents are present, the latter effect prevails. A computational study was performed to investigate the electrochemical behavior of the synthesized compounds and design new electroactive pyDs. DFT calculations provided the predominant species’ redox potentials and acidity constants to elaborate Pourbaix diagrams for each compound. The synthesized molecules exhibit a two-electron-one-proton dismutation process in the water pH window. Beyond this range, stabilized radical species undergo one-electron exchange processes. We correlated experimental and calculated parameters, screening 22 additional derivatives to evaluate their electrochemical behavior, identifying potential candidates capable of performing a one-electron transfer process in the pH window of water, revealing new applications for pyDs. Full article

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a painful condition recalcitrant to current available therapies. CIPN pain can be severe and dose-limiting or dose-reducing for life-extending chemotherapeutics and, to date, there is no treatment to alter the progression of CIPN. For these experiments we used docetaxel, a first-line therapy for metastatic prostate cancer in humans and investigated the soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitor EC5026 for its analgesic efficacy against this CIPN pain. Male SD rats (n = 10/group) were pretreated with 1 mg/kg EC5026 in formulated drinking water or vehicle for one week prior to docetaxel injections. The rats continued the formulated drinking water during three once-a-week docetaxel 10 mg/kg i.p. injections and were maintained on treatment until the end of week 5 when all groups were transitioned to normal drinking water. Nociceptive testing occurred throughout the entire experiment including after transitioning to normal drinking water. EC5026 increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds and latencies on the cold plate compared to docetaxel-treated controls. There were no motor effects of the compound, and the formulated drinking water provided favorable exposure. These results demonstrated that EC5026 administered prophylactically was both analgesic and able to limit the severity of mechanical and cold sensitivities in the docetaxel CIPN rat model. Full article

Iraq has faced escalating water scarcity over the past two decades, driven by climate change, upstream water withdrawals, and prolonged economic instability. These factors have caused deterioration in irrigation systems, inefficient water distribution, and growing social unrest. As per capita water availability falls below critical levels, Iraq is entering a period of acute water stress. This escalating water scarcity directly impacts water and food security, public health, and economic stability. This study aims to develop a general framework combining decision support systems (DSSs) with Integrated Comprehensive Water Management Strategies (ICWMSs) to support water planning, allocation, and response to ongoing water scarcity and reductions in Iraq. Implementing such a system is essential for Iraq to alleviate its continuing severe situation and adequately tackle its worsening water scarcity that has intensified over the years. This integrated approach is fundamental for enhancing planning efficiency, improving operational performance and monitoring, optimizing water allocation, and guiding informed policy decisions under scarcity and uncertainty. The current study highlights various international case studies that show that DSSs integrate real-time data, artificial intelligence, and advanced modeling to provide actionable policies for water management. Implementing such a framework is crucial for Iraq to mitigate this critical situation and effectively address the escalating water scarcity. Furthermore, Iraq’s water management system requires modifications considering present and expected future challenges. This study analyzes the inflows of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers from 1933 to 2022, revealing significant reductions in water flow: a 31% decrease in the Tigris and a 49.5% decline in the Euphrates by 2021. This study highlights the future 7–20% water deficit between 2020 and 2035. Furthermore, this study introduces a flexible, tool-based framework supported by a DSS with the DPSIR model (Driving Forces, Pressures, State, Impacts, and Responses) designed to address and reduce the gap between water availability and increasing demand. This approach proposes a multi-hazard risk matrix to identify and prioritize strategic risks facing Iraq’s water sector. This matrix links each hazard with appropriate DSS-based response measures and supports scenario planning under the ICWMS framework. The proposed framework integrates hydro-meteorological data analysis with hydrological simulation models and long-term investment strategies. It also emphasizes the development of institutional frameworks, the promotion of water diplomacy, and the establishment of transboundary water allocation and operational policy agreements. Efforts to enhance national security and regional stability among riparian countries complement these actions to tackle water scarcity effectively. Simultaneously, this framework offers a practical guideline for water managers to adopt the best management policies without bias or discrimination between stakeholders. By addressing the combined impacts of anthropogenic and climate change, the proposed framework aims to ensure rational water allocation, enhance resilience, and secure Iraq’s water strategies, ensuring sustainability for future generations. Full article

Water resources are vital for sustainable development in arid regions, where glacial runoff plays a significant role in maintaining water supply. This study quantitatively assesses the sustainability of water resources in the Manas River Basin (MnsRB) and the Muzati River Basin (MztRB), situated on the northern and southern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains, respectively, over the period from 1991 to 2050. Freshwater availability was simulated and projected using the Variable Infiltration Capacity Chinese Academy of Sciences (VIC-CAS) hydrological model. Furthermore, three development modes—traditional development, economic growth, and water-saving—were established to estimate future water consumption. The levels of water stress were also applied to assess water resources sustainability in the MnsRB and MztRB. Results indicate that from 1991 to 2020, the average annual available freshwater resources were 13.94 × 10⁸ m³ in the MnsRB and 14.27 × 10⁸ m³ in the MztRB, with glacial runoff contributing 20.24% and 65.58%, respectively. Under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, available freshwater resources are projected to decline by 10.94% in the MnsRB and 4.37% in the MztRB by 2050. Total water withdrawal has increased significantly over the past 30 years, with agriculture water demand accounting for over 80%. The levels of water stress during this period were 1.14 for the MnsRB and 0.87 for the MztRB. Glacial runoff significantly mitigates water stress in both basins, with average reductions of 21.16% and 69.84% between 1991 and 2050. Consequently, clear policies, regulations, and incentives focused on water conservation are vital for effectively tackling the increasing challenge of water scarcity in glacier-covered arid regions. Full article

While at the global level, water stress does not seem to present a serious threat to the sustainability of freshwater withdrawal and use, the situation appears much grimmer if a closer look is given to the status of the freshwater resources at basin and sub-basin levels. Unfortunately, such information is often not available to water managers and decision-makers, due both to the scarcity of sufficient data and also to the lack of methods capable of transforming the existing data into usable information. Hence, disaggregating water stress at basin and sub-basin levels is fundamental to provide a finer view of both its causes and effects, allowing the targeting of interventions at areas with high water stress and sectors with high water use. The spatial disaggregation of SDG indicator 6.4.2 by major river basin already implemented at a global scale showed the existence of a water stress belt running across the globe approximately between 10 and 45 degrees north, with a few other areas above and below it. The value of SDG indicator 6.4.2 at the country level is influenced by its size: the larger the country, the more the national average masks local variability. When the disaggregation is performed at sub-basin level, there is the possibility that the same amount of water is counted twice or even more (double counting), as it flows from one sub-basin to the neighbouring ones. Current water accounting methods do not allow this issue to be overcome. This causes an underestimation of water stress and an overestimation of the water resources available for human use in a given area. This paper presents a new methodology to assess SDG indicator 6.4.2 (water stress) seasonally and at the sub-basin level, addressing double counting by factoring in water demands between upstream and downstream sub-basins. This approach supports more informed water management. A corresponding plugin for the WEAP tool was developed, tested in the Senegal River basin countries, and is available online with a user manual in English, French, and Spanish. Full article

The current study reveals a deficiency in knowledge regarding the assessment of the breadth of prohibitions and restrictions on water withdrawal for the development and utilization of geothermal resource projects involving water withdrawal. To resolve this matter, this report outlines the extent of water withdrawal prohibitions and restrictions for geothermal energy development and use projects, with a particular focus on Lindian County’s medium- and low-temperature geothermal resources of the sedimentary basin type. A comprehensive consideration of geological, hydrological, and other factors was made in light of the need for global energy transformation and the benefits and drawbacks of geothermal energy. The study first divided Lindian County into 17 zones using the zoning method of dominant sign and superposition method, which was then combined with the hierarchical analysis method. The evaluation indexes were then quantitatively graded and evaluated in the 17 zones using the linear weighted sum method, and each zone’s suitability for water abstraction was ultimately determined. The limited and banned water withdrawal range of the Lindian County geothermal energy development and utilization project is defined based on the water withdrawal characteristics of the 17 subareas. The rational development of geothermal energy, the preservation of the natural environment, and the advancement of the geothermal industry in Lindian County are all greatly impacted by this study, which offers a more sophisticated methodology for the assessment of water withdrawal type projects of sedimentary basin-type medium- and low-temperature geothermal resources. Full article

Water use efficiency (WUE) and water stress (WS) are keys indicators of water sustainability, particularly in regions with rising demand and limited supply. In Thailand, increasing water use across sectors and climate variability have raised concerns about long-term availability. This study applied Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) indicators 6.4.1 (WUE) and 6.4.2 (WS) at the river basin level, covering 22 basins from 2015 to 2022, to provide a more localized perspective than national assessments. A modified version of the FAO’s monitoring framework was applied, using standardized formulas based on sectoral water withdrawals and economic productivity. Supplementary data were gathered through estimation techniques, field surveys, and stakeholder consultations. The results showed a 21.0% decline in WUE and a rise in WS from 9.68% to 13.8%, indicating increased pressure on water resources. A very strong negative correlation was found between WUE and WS (r = −0.97, p < 0.001), although causation could not be inferred. Regional differences were evident: basins such as Tha Chin and Chao Phraya showed worsening conditions, while the Peninsula–West Coast remained relatively stable. These findings suggest the need for targeted policies to improve water use efficiency, especially in agriculture, and to enhance monitoring systems. Increasing wastewater reuse and implementing efficiency measures could help to reduce stress in vulnerable basins and support Thailand’s progress to achieving SDG 6.4. Full article

We modeled the water level variations in a protected playa-lake system (La Ratosa Natural Reserve, S Spain) comprising two adjacent playa-lakes: La Ratosa and Herriza de los Ladrones. For this purpose, daily water balances were applied to reconstruct the water level. Model results were validated using actual water level monitoring over the past 20 years. We surveyed post-Pliocene geological structures in the endorheic watershed to investigate lake nucleation and to improve the hydrogeological model. Additionally, we investigated the groundwater level evolution in nearby aquifers, which have been profusely affected by groundwater exploitation for domestic and agricultural use. Then, the RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 climate change scenarios were applied to forecast the future of this lake system. We found that the playa-lake hydroperiod will shorten, causing the system to shift from seasonal to ephemeral, which appears to be a general trend in this area. However, the impact on the La Ratosa-Herriza de los Ladrones system would be likely more severe due to local stressors, such as groundwater withdrawal for urban demand and agriculture, driving the system to complete desiccation for extended periods. These results highlight the sensitivity of these protected ecosystems to changes in the watershed’s water balance and underscore the urgent need to preserve watersheds from any form of water use, other than ecological purposes. This approach aims to support informed decision-making to mitigate adverse impacts on these fragile ecosystems, ensuring their ecological integrity in the context of climate change and increasing water demand for various uses. Full article

The interlinked issues of climate change and increasing water demand are creating high pressure on water resources. In Slovakia, groundwater is a principal resource for human consumption. Consequently, an analysis was conducted of the current water yields of three springs, river discharges and precipitation trends, from several points of view. As a case study, we selected the area around Slatina nad Bebravou (Slovakia), which has the most relevant database. Descriptive statistics, the Mann–Kendall test and Sen’s slope were used for the trend analysis. The findings indicate that the current capacity of springs is sufficient to meet the present needs of water users. However, the downward trend in abundance, the increasing trend in water withdrawal, and the current poor state of infrastructure point to an early tipping point. Data analysis revealed a problem with the yield of springs, especially in the summer and autumn months. Full article

In this study, straight and looped heat pipes were designed and manufactured, and their performance in cooling cylindrical lithium-ion batteries known as standard 18,650 batteries on the market was investigated. Pure water, methanol, and thermasolv IM2 liquid were used as working fluids in heat pipes. Nanofluid solutions were measured and prepared on a precision balance as 2% by weight according to the working fluid. These nanosolutions were injected into the heat pipes at a ratio of one-third by volume of the working fluids. In the designed experimental setup, the coils were placed 1 cm above the evaporator part of the heat pipes. Thanks to the designed electrical circuits, the amount of load given to and withdrawn from the batteries is controlled. The heated batteries evaporate the liquid in the heat pipe, the vapor rises and reaches the condenser. As a result of the evaporation, efficient heat transfer from the evaporator to the condenser takes place by transporting nanoparticles. At a certain flow rate, the refrigerant is transferred to the refrigerant as a result of the withdrawal of the refrigerant from the heat pipe. In this study, it is seen that the immersion method of the evaporator part in the pool full of IM2 liquid is repeated and the results are examined. Full article