Search Results (82)

To combat coastal wind erosion and develop sustainable stabilization technologies, a resource-efficient technique was developed based on the Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) principle in the coastal regions of China. Utilizing seawater as a multi-ion source and discarded soybean hulls (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) as a crude urease source, this method is synergized with vegetation to form an environmentally friendly anti-erosion strategy. This study first explored the feasibility of soybean hull-derived urease, then analyzed the impacts of urease activity, reaction liquid volume, and seawater concentration on the germination and growth of Kalimeris indica. The results show that the biochemical mineralization process effectively sequesters soluble Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ from seawater into stable mineral phases, thereby mitigating salt-induced osmotic stress. Optimal plant growth was achieved at a seawater concentration of 0.2 mol·L⁻¹ and a liquid volume of 200 mL. Furthermore, the biocementation provided robust protection for initial plant growth, achieving an approximately 92.3% reduction in soil loss. Despite the presence of nitrogenous byproducts, the synergistic effect of EICP crusts and developing root systems ensures long-term wind erosion resistance and ecological integrity. This study highlights a functional transition from artificial mineralization to biological anchoring for sustainable coastal restoration. Full article

Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) represents a sustainable advancement in geotechnical engineering for stabilizing fine-grained soils (e.g., silt). Utilizing plant-derived urease (~12 nm) to catalyze urea hydrolysis, this technique generates calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) for soil reinforcement. Unlike Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP), EICP overcomes microbial size constraints (0.5–3 µm) by penetrating soil micropores, enabling uniform cementation. Its innovative single-phase low-pH method achieves >98% calcium conversion efficiency, yielding 6.41 MPa unconfined compressive strength (UCS) in sand—a 92.97% improvement over MICP. EICP demonstrates versatility: enhancing soil strength (up to 650% for silt), erosion resistance (wind erosion modulus increased ~20-fold), anti-seepage performance (permeability reduced from 10⁻⁶ to <10⁻⁹ cm/s), and heavy metal immobilization (>99%). However, challenges include unstable crystal morphologies (e.g., excessive vaterite), urease stability/cost constraints, and environmental concerns related to NH₃ emissions from urea hydrolysis. The manuscript acknowledges these emissions’ impacts and introduces mitigation strategies: ammonia capture technologies, optimized dosing protocols, and exploration of alternative N-sources. Long-term durability data under complex field conditions remain insufficient. Ongoing research addresses these gaps through nucleating agents (dried skim milk, biochar), enzyme immobilization, process optimization, and byproduct treatment. As a low-carbon technology with targeted mitigation measures, EICP advances environmentally conscious soil stabilization practices. This study presents a comparative narrative analysis of EICP’s performance and challenges, integrating laboratory findings and field applications. Full article

The stability and functionality of offshore wind energy systems depend critically on how offshore platforms interact with the geotechnical features of the seabed. This review describes developments in five areas: (i) offshore geotechnical site investigation and strength assessment; (ii) seabed geohazard causes and deep-water mooring challenges; (iii) frameworks for seabed modeling; (iv) sediment behavior influencing anchor and mooring performance; and (v) selection of anchors based on their interactions with various soils. The review emphasizes developments in seabed assessment and modeling using field, lab, and numerical methods. It discusses how the new advances in analytical and simulation frameworks have enhanced our knowledge of anchor–mooring responses, cyclic loading behaviors, and soil–structure interactions under changing seabed conditions. The key findings reveal that: (1) cyclic loadings considerably change anchor holding capacity and evolution of seabed trenching, yet most existing design methods still use quasi-static loads; (2) site-specific data from integrated geophysical–geotechnical surveys are vital to reduce uncertainty in anchor penetration and the frictional resistance of chains; (3) geohazards, such as shallow gas, marine landslides, and seabed erosion, pose under-recognized risks to long-term anchor reliability. The lack of knowledge on the coupled, long-term evolution of the seabed–anchor–mooring line system is identified as another gap in the literature. Major gaps exist in validating the life cycle of anchor performance under real-scale storm–wave sequences for offshore geotechnical risk management in layered soils. At the end of the discussion, the current study also highlights the need for flexible, data-driven frameworks that integrate geotechnical, hydrodynamic, and structural analyses in a coupled framework to improve reliability in next-generation offshore wind energy systems. Full article

To address the global challenge of desertification, it is essential to develop sustainable and biodegradable materials for sand fixation to support ecological restoration in arid regions. In this work, a CNS/PAM biocomposite system was constructed through the supramolecular assembly of highly flexible two-dimensional cellulose nanosheets (CNS) and polyacrylamide (PAM). Benefiting from the flexible layered structure of CNS and the abundant hydroxyl and carboxyl groups on their surface, a conformal coating and an interparticle bridging network were formed via hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions with mineral cations. The introduction of PAM further regulated the hydrogen-bonding network, which improved structural uniformity and mechanical integrity. The resulting composites showed strong resistance to both wind and water erosion (erosion loss < 0.1%) and reached a compressive strength of up to 0.23 MPa, while maintaining good environmental compatibility. This study clarifies the structure–interaction–property relationships of cellulose nanosheet-based supramolecular assemblies and provides a new theoretical basis and practical pathway for designing biodegradable sand-fixing materials. Full article

This study focuses on the scale of wind and rainfall-induced soil erosion that is relevant to transportation infrastructure. To this end, an experimental approach was devised and carried out to assess the effectiveness of lignin, a biodegradable and non-toxic plant-derived biopolymer, in enhancing soil resistance to wind and rainfall-induced erosion. The experimental program included basic soil tests required for soil classification, wind and rainfall-induced erosion tests, pocket penetrometer tests to assess the near-surface soil strength, SEM, EDS scans, and FTIR spectroscopy to evaluate changes in the fabric and chemical composition of the soil treated with lignin. Additionally, the effect of lignin on the re-establishment of the vegetative cover after the construction completion was also investigated. It was found that an increased spraying rate of lignin solution increased both the near-surface strength and wind erosion resistance. Moreover, SEM scans showed that the presence of lignin provided abundant particle coating, which is a source of additional cohesive strength. However, the spraying rate had a minor effect on rainfall erosion resistance, which increased with an increase in lignin solution concentration. Finally, lignin treatment did not significantly affect the size of the vegetative cover and had a minor effect on soil nutrients. Full article

Aeolian sand in arid mining regions is highly susceptible to wind erosion, posing serious threats to ecological stability and surface engineering safety. To enhance its resistance, this study applied the microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique and conducted wind tunnel experiments combined with SEM and XRD analyses to examine the effects of cementing solution type and concentration, bacteria-to-cementation-solution ratio (B/C ratio), and spraying volume on the wind erosion behavior of MICP-treated aeolian sand. Results show that the cementing solution type and concentration jointly control erosion resistance. The MgO-based system exhibited the best performance at a B/C ratio of 1:2, reducing erosion loss by 47.2% compared with the CaCl₂ system, while a 1.0 mol/L concentration further decreased loss by 97.4% relative to 0.5 mol/L. Increasing the spraying volume from 0.6 to 1.2 L/m² reduced erosion loss by 70–99%, and a moderate B/C ratio (1:2) ensured balanced microbial activity and uniform CaCO₃ deposition. Microstructural observations confirmed that MICP strengthened the sand through CaCO₃ crystal attachment, pore filling, and interparticle bridging, forming a dense surface crust with enhanced integrity. From a symmetry perspective, the microbially induced mineralization process promotes a more symmetric and spatially uniform distribution of carbonate precipitates at particle contacts and within pore networks. This symmetry-enhanced microstructural organization plays a key role in improving the macroscopic stability and wind erosion resistance of aeolian sand. Overall, MICP improved wind erosion resistance through a coupled biological induction–chemical precipitation–structural reconstruction mechanism, providing a sustainable approach for eco-friendly sand stabilization and wind erosion control in arid mining regions. Full article

In the context of dust pollution contributing more than 30% to PM_2.5 during urbanization, this study optimally designed a multi-component coupled dust suppressant based on the coupling mechanism of chemical dust suppressants, oriented towards environmental friendliness. The concentration range of the core component was determined through single-factor experiments: surfactant sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) 0.5–1.0% (minimum surface tension 27.8 mN/m), coagulant sodium polyacrylate 0.1–0.2% (viscosity ≥ 42 mPa·s), and water-retaining agent triethanolamine 0.1–1.0% (3 h water retention > 90%). The L9 (3⁴) orthogonal test was used to optimize the formulation with water retention rate, crust hardness, and wind erosion rate as indicators, combined with range and variance analysis (α = 0.05). The results showed that sodium polyacrylate concentration had an extremely significant effect on water retention (contribution rate 98.6%), and an increase in its concentration significantly enhanced shell hardness (up to 51HA) and reduced wind erosion rate (down to 0.05%). The optimal ratio was 0.2% sodium polyacrylate, 1.0% sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate, and 2.5% triethanolamine. At this time, the 24 h water retention rate reached 35.14%, and the wind erosion resistance was 16 times higher than that of the control group. The system builds a three-dimensional cross-linked structure through a hydrogen bond network to synergistically achieve enhanced dust wetting, particle coalescence, and long-lasting consolidation, providing theoretical support and practical solutions for green dust suppression technology. Full article

Erosion of the leading edge is one of the most severe forms of damage in wind turbine blades, particularly in offshore wind farms. This degradation, mainly caused by rain, sand, and airborne particles through droplet impingement wear, significantly decreases blade aerodynamic efficiency and power output. Since blades, typically made of fiber-reinforced polymer composites, are the most expensive components of a turbine, developing protective coatings is essential. In this study, polyurethane (PU) composite coatings reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles were added on glass fiber substrates by spray coating. The incorporation of TiO₂ improved the mechanical and electrochemical performance of the PU coatings. FTIR and XRD confirmed that low TiO₂ loadings (1 and 3 wt%) were well dispersed within the PU matrix due to hydrogen bonding between TiO₂ –OH groups and PU –NH groups. The PU/TiO₂ 3% coating exhibited ~61% lower corrosion current density (I_corr) compared to neat PU, indicating superior corrosion resistance. Furthermore, uniform TiO₂ dispersion resulted in statistically significant improvements (p < 0.05) in hardness, yield strength, elastic modulus, and adhesion strength. Overall, the PU/TiO₂ coatings, particularly at 3 wt% loading, show strong potential as protective materials for wind turbine blades, given their enhanced mechanical integrity and corrosion resistance. Full article

Coastal erosion poses a significant threat to global shorelines, exacerbated by anthropogenic pressures and climate change. The Sea of Azov, a shallow, semi-enclosed basin with coastlines composed of weakly consolidated sediments, represents a highly vulnerable and understudied hotspot for abrasion processes. This study provides a comprehensive, multi-decadal assessment of coastal retreat rates for the Sea of Azov by synergistically integrating long-term field observations with a multi-temporal analysis of satellite imagery from 1971 to 2022. We employed a diverse array of satellite data, including declassified CORONA, SPOT, Sentinel-2, and high-resolution Resurs-P imagery, which were processed and analyzed within a GIS framework using the Digital Shoreline Analysis System (DSAS). Our results quantify extreme coastal abrasion, revealing maximum retreat rates of 1.0–3.5 m/yr along the eastern Sea of Azov coast and specific sectors of Taganrog Bay. The spatiotemporal analysis identified the period of 2013–2014, marked by two major storms, as a peak of erosional activity across all coastal sectors. This study demonstrates that the spatial distribution of erosion is controlled by a convergence of high-energy wind-wave forcing, low geotechnical resistance of Quaternary sedimentary deposits, and unfavorable coastal morphometry. This research underscores the critical value of merging historical field data with modern geospatial technologies to establish baseline rates, identify erosion hotspots, and inform future coastal zone management strategies in vulnerable marine environments. Full article

The current research indicates that the Ecological Spatial Network (ESN) supports critical regulating services, yet the quantitative coupling between its topological structure and the sand fixation function has received limited attention. This study investigates this relationship in the Zhangbei region, China, from 2002 to 2022. By integrating the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model, complex network theory, and the Revised Wind Erosion Equation (RWEQ), we systematically evaluated the network’s structural evolution and its correlation with the sand fixation capacity. The results reveal a significant enhancement in ecosystem service: the actual wind erosion amount decreased from 20.18 t/ha in 2002 to 2.83 t/ha in 2022, while the network structure matured, characterized by stable high modularity (Q ≈ 0.67) and a marked “core densification” trend. Correlation and regression analyses confirm that topological metrics—specifically PageRank, Betweenness Centrality, and Degree—are effective indicators, jointly explaining 48–65% of the spatial variation in the sand fixation capacity. Notably, PageRank emerged as the most robust predictor, highlighting the functional importance of high-quality patch clusters. Furthermore, optimization simulations suggest that a low-eigenvector centrality edge-adding strategy is most effective for enhancing network connectivity. These findings provide a theoretical basis and spatial guidance for ecological restoration in arid and semi-arid regions. Full article

Leading-edge erosion (LEE) of wind-turbine blades, driven primarily by rain erosion, particulate erosion, and environmental ageing, remains one of the most pervasive causes of performance loss and maintenance cost in offshore and onshore wind farms. Self-healing coatings, which autonomously or semi-autonomously restore barriers and mechanical function after damage, promise a paradigm shift in blade protection by combining immediate impact resistance with in-service reparability. This review surveys the state of the art in self-healing coating technologies (intrinsic chemistries such as non-covalent interactions or dynamic covalent bonds; extrinsic systems including micro/nanocapsules and microvascular networks) and evaluates their suitability for anti-erosion, mechanical robustness, and multifunctional protection of leading edges. The outcomes of theoretical, experimental, modelling and field-oriented studies on the leading-edge protection and coating characterisation identify which self-healing concepts best meet the simultaneous requirements of toughness, adhesion, surface finish, and long-term durability of wind blade applications. Key gaps are highlighted, notably trade-offs between healing efficiency and mechanical toughness, challenges in large-area and sprayable application methods, and the need for standardised characterisation and testing of self-healing coating protocols. We propose a roadmap for targeted materials research, accelerated testing, and field trials. This review discusses recent studies to guide materials scientists and renewable-energy engineers toward promising routes to deployable, multifunctional, self-healing anti-erosion coatings, especially for wind-energy infrastructure. Full article

Raindrop erosion of wind turbine blades’ leading edge is a critical degradation mechanism limiting wind turbine blade lifetime and aerodynamic efficiency. Protective coatings have been extensively studied to mitigate this damage. This review critically synthesises current knowledge on coating-based protection strategies against erosion, with emphasis on (i) the underlying mechanisms of erosion, (ii) advances in conventional and emerging coating technologies, and (iii) experimental approaches for testing and lifetime prediction. Across reported studies, nanofiller reinforcement (e.g., CNTs, graphene, CeO₂, Al₂O₃) enhances erosion resistance by 60–99%, primarily through improved toughness and stress-wave dissipation. Hybrid and multifunctional systems further combine mechanical durability with self-healing or anti-icing capabilities. Experimental results confirm that erosion rate follows a power-law dependence on impact velocity, with maximum damage occurring between 45° and 60° impact angles. Softer elastomeric coatings demonstrate longer incubation periods and superior viscoelastic recovery compared with rigid sol–gel systems. Persistent gaps include the lack of standardised testing, poor field–lab correlation, and limited long-term durability data. Future work should focus on coordinating multi-stressor testing with variable-frequency rain setups to replicate real field conditions and enable reliable lifetime prediction of next-generation erosion-resistant coatings. Full article

Wind and sand disaster prevention is a critical challenge for global environmental sustainability, with mechanical wind fences being key engineering measures. Current fences, including solid and permeable types, often struggle to balance environmental impact, windbreak efficiency, and stability. Solid fences provide effective sand control but have limited windbreak efficiency, while permeable fences improve airflow but require deep burial and are prone to erosion on uneven terrain. This study proposes a novel composite wind fence with a polylactic acid (PLA) sandbag base and a fiber mesh top, combining stability and permeability. We assessed windbreak performance using computational fluid dynamics simulations and verified results through wind tunnel experiments. Results show that the novel composite wind fence enhances windbreak efficiency and stability by optimizing airflow distribution, with the PLA sandbag base suppressing high–speed airflow and mesh fence weakening of leeward side vortices. Under wind speeds of 10 m/s, 18 m/s, and 28 m/s, the effective protection distance of the novel composite wind fence improved by 22.33% to 36.51%, 10.96% to 34.22%, and 0.94% to 28.98%, respectively, compared to single PLA and mesh wind fence. The optimal row spacing for the novel wind fences in three rows is 12 h when the incoming wind speed is 10 m/s, while the recommended spacings are 8 h and 6 h for wind speeds of 18 m/s and 28 m/s, respectively, ensuring continuous and effective protection. These findings present a novel wind fence technology with improved wind resistance, a more stable structure, and prolonged protective effects, offering an effective solution for environmental conservation initiatives aimed at preventing wind and sand disasters while promoting the sustainability of ecosystems. Full article

This research seeks to reduce wind-blown sand hazards in saline deserts by introducing hyperbranched PVAc copolymer emulsion as a novel ecological sand-fixing material. The study began with the preparation of the emulsion, then evaluated its fundamental properties and the salt tolerance of latex films through FTIR, SEM, and mechanical strength assessments. The sand-fixing properties (compressive strength, anti-water erosion, anti-wind erosion, thermal aging, freeze–thaw stability, and water retention) were evaluated. In addition, their effects on increasing both the growth of microbes and plants in salty deserts have been evaluated by field experiments to understand their ecological effects. The experimental results showed that the hyperbranched PVAc copolymer emulsion has excellent salt resistance and can be used as an ecological sand-fixing material in salty deserts. The research findings demonstrate that the hyperbranched PVAc copolymer emulsion exhibits superior salt tolerance, rendering it an effective ecological sand-fixing material for saline deserts. Notable attributes encompass its capacity to significantly mitigate NaCl-induced aggregate damage to sand-fixing materials, thereby enhancing sand fixation performance; its robust thermal aging resistance, freeze–thaw stability, and salt tolerance, which enable it to withstand environmental temperature variations; and experimental assessments of sand-based plant and microbial growth confirming favorable ecological impacts. This study presents novel methodologies for designing ecological sand-fixing materials in saline deserts to combat desertification. Full article

A system of field protective forest belts (FPFBs) was created in the middle of the 20th century in Southern Dobrudzha (Northern Bulgaria) to reduce wind erosion, improve soil moisture storage, and increase agricultural crop yields. Since 2020, prolonged climatic drought during growing seasons and the advanced age of trees have adversely impacted the health status of planted species and resulted in the decline and dieback of the FPFBs. Physiologically stressed trees have become less able to resist pests, such as insects and diseases. In this work, an original new methodology for the integrated assessment of the condition of FPFBs and their protective capacity is presented. The presented methods include the assessment of structural and functional characteristics, as well as the health status of the dominant tree species. Five indicators were identified that, to the greatest extent, present the ability of forest belts to perform their protective functions. Each indicator was evaluated separately, and then an overlay analysis was applied to generate an integrated assessment of the condition of individual forest belts. Three groups of FPFBs were differentiated according to their condition: in good condition, in moderate condition, and in bad condition. The methodology was successfully tested in Southern Dobrudzha, but it could be applied to other regions in Bulgaria where FPFBs were planted, regardless of their location, composition, origin, and age. This methodological approach could be transferred to other countries after adapting to their geo-ecological and agroforest specifics. The methodological approach is an informative and useful tool to support decision-making about FPFB management, as well as the proactive planning of necessary forestry activities for the reconstruction of degraded belts. Full article