Isotope Tracking of Surface Water Groundwater Interaction in the Beninese Part of the Iullemeden Aquifer System

The Kandi basin is located in northeast Benin (West Africa). This study is focused on the estimation of water fluxes exchanged between the river Niger (and its tributaries) and the transboundary Iullemeden Aquifer System. In that framework, an innovative approach based on the application of the Bayesian Mixing Model (MixSIAR) analysis on water isotopes (oxygen-18, deuterium and tritium) was performed. Moreover, to assess the relevance of the model outputs, Pearson’s correlation and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) have been done. A complex relationship between surface water and groundwater has been found. Sixty percent (60%) of groundwater samples are made of more than 70% river water and rainwater;while 31.25% of surface water samples are made of about 84% groundwater. To safeguard sustainable water resources for the well-being of the local communities, surface water and groundwater must be managed as a unique component in the Kandi basin.

DYNAMIC ASPECT OF THE INTERACTION OF DIATOMIC MOLECULES WITH METAL SURFACES

The dynamics of the scattering processes of diatomic molecules from metal surfaces has been studied with different theoretical approaches. Modified LEPS (London-Eyring-Polanyi-Sato) potential surfaces for several diatomie molecule-surface systems have been constructed and examined for the dynamic study. The surfaces are treated as rigid but corrugated. The potential parameters are adjusted to produce reliable potential hypersurfaces. Molecular dissociation, diffraction, adsorption and consequent desorption in the scattering processes have been observed through quasiclassieal trajectory calculations. The significance of the effective corrugation of the potential surfaces has been evaluated in calculating the dissociation and adsorption probabilities. Vibration-rotation-translation energy transfer in the inelastic scattering is investigated to understand the mechanism of selective adsorptions mediated through vibrational or rotational degrees of freedom. We have carried out quantum mechanical calculations to obtain the rotational and vibrational transition probabilities. Relative importance of rotational and vibrational transitions for each adsorbed state with respect to incidence energy has been carefully examined to determine the dominant factor which causes the adsorbed state. The results show that vibration mediation is an essential factor to the selective adsorption especially in the ease of higher incidence energies.

Intermolecular and Surface Interactions in Engineering Processes

Interactions involving chemical reagents,solid particles,gas bubbles,liquid droplets,and solid surfaces in complex fluids play a vital role in many engineering processes,such as froth flotation,emulsion and foam formation,adsorption,and fouling and anti-fouling phenomena.These interactions at the molecular,nano-,and micro scale significantly influence and determine the macroscopic performance and efficiency of related engineering processes.Understanding the intermolecular and surface interactions in engineering processes is of both fundamental and practical importance,which not only improves production technologies,but also provides valuable insights into the development of new materials.In this review,the typical intermolecular and surface interactions involved in various engineering processes,including Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek(DLVO)interactions(i.e.,van der Waals and electrical doublelayer interactions)and non-DLVO interactions,such as steric and hydrophobic interactions,are first introduced.Nanomechanical techniques such as atomic force microscopy and surface forces apparatus for quantifying the interaction forces of molecules and surfaces in complex fluids are briefly introduced.Our recent progress on characterizing the intermolecular and surface interactions in several engineering systems are reviewed,including mineral flotation,petroleum engineering,wastewater treatment,and energy storage materials.The correlation of these fundamental interaction mechanisms with practical applications in resolving engineering challenges and the perspectives of the research field have also been discussed.

Mechanical behaviors of interaction between coral sand and structure surface

Based on the interface shear tests,the macro-and meso-mechanical behaviors of interaction between coral sand and different structure surfaces are studied,in which CCD camera is used to capture digital images to analyze the evolution of the interaction band and a particle analysis apparatus is applied to studying the distribution characteristics of particle morphology.This study proposes four-stage evolution process based on the shear stress−strain curve.During the shear process,coral sand particles slide and rotate within the interaction band,causing the changes in shear stress and vertical displacement.In addition,the effects of structure surface roughness on shear strength,volume change and particle breakage are illustrated that the greater the roughness of slabs is,the larger the shear stress is,the more obvious the contraction effect is and the more the particles break.Furthermore,the change in particle’s 3D morphology during the breakage will change not only their size but also other morphological characteristics with convergence and self-organization.

Determination of Slip Length in Couette Flow Based on an Analytical Simulation Incorporating Surface Interaction

An analytical simulation based on a new model incorporating surface interaction is conducted to study the slip phenomenon in the Couette flow at different scales. The velocity profile is calculated by taking account of the micro-force between molecules and macro-force from the viscous shearing effect, as they contribute to the achieve- ment of the slip length. The calculated results are compared with those obtained from the molecular dynamics simulation, showing an excellent agreement. Further, the effect of the shear rate on the slip is investigated. The results can well predict the fluid flow behaviors on a solid substrate, but has to be proved by experiment.

On the electron sheath theory and its applications in plasma–surface interactions

In this work,an improved understanding of electron sheath theory is provided using both fluid and kinetic approaches while elaborating on their implications for plasma–surface interactions.A fluid model is proposed considering the electron presheath structure,avoiding the singularity in electron sheath Child–Langmuir law which overestimates the sheath potential.Subsequently,a kinetic model of electron sheath is established,showing considerably different sheath proflles in respect to the fluid model due to non-Maxwellian electron velocity distribution function and flnite ion temperature.The kinetic model is then further generalized and involves a more realistic truncated ion velocity distribution function.It is demonstrated that such a distribution function yields a super-thermal electron sheath whose entering velocity at the sheath edge is greater than the Bohm criterion prediction.Furthermore,an attempt is made to describe the electron presheath–sheath coupling within the kinetic framework,showing a necessary compromise between a realistic sheath entrance and the inclusion of kinetic effects.Finally,the secondary electron emissions induced by sheath-accelerated plasma electrons in an electron sheath are analysed and the influence of backscattering is discussed.

Optimized CeO_(2) Nanowires with Rich Surface Oxygen Vacancies Enable Fast Li-Ion Conduction in Composite Polymer Electrolytes

Low-cost and flexible solid polymer electrolytes are promising in all-solid-state Li-metal batteries with high energy density and safety.However,both the low room-temperature ionic conductivities and the small Li^(+)transference number of these electrolytes significantly increase the internal resistance and overpotential of the battery.Here,we introduce Gd-doped CeO_(2) nanowires with large surface area and rich surface oxygen vacancies to the polymer electrolyte to increase the interaction between Gd-doped CeO_(2) nanowires and polymer electrolytes,which promotes the Li-salt dissociation and increases the concentration of mobile Li ions in the composite polymer electrolytes.The optimized composite polymer electrolyte has a high Li-ion conductivity of 5×10^(-4)4 S cm^(-1) at 30℃ and a large Li+transference number of 0.47.Moreover,the composite polymer electrolytes have excellent compatibility with the metallic lithium anode and high-voltage LiNi_(0.8)Mn _(0.1)Co_(0.1)O_(2)(NMC)cathode,providing the stable cycling of all-solid-state batteries at high current densities.

On the impact of grinding conditions in the flotation of semi-soluble salt-type mineral-containing ores driven by surface or particle geometry effects?

Grinding and flotation processes are often studied independently, despite the well-established grinding influence on flotation performance, which affects not only particle size and thus liberation but also shape and leads to complex changes in pulp chemistry affecting the particle surface properties relevant for selective bubble attachment. Yet, no study jointly investigated these possible causes and many are limited to single mineral flotation. We relate grinding conditions to changes in pulp chemistry and particle surface properties and assess their impact on upgrading. We studied three non-sulfide ores with different feed grades and valuables: scheelite, apatite, and fluorite. These were dry-, wet-, and wet conditionedground before flotation in a laboratory mechanical cell. Results were evaluated with bulk-and particle-specific methodologies. The selectivity of the process is higher after dry grinding for the fluorite and apatite ores and irrelevant for the scheelite ore. Variations in flotation kinetics of individual particles associated to their size and shape are not sufficient to explain these results. The higher concentration of Ca2+and Mg2+observed in the pulp after wet grinding, altering particle surface properties, better explains the phenomenon. Additionally, we demonstrate how particle shape impacts are system specific and related to both entrainment and true flotation.

Linking bacterial and archaeal community dynamics to related hydrological,geochemical and environmental characteristics between surface water and groundwater in a karstic estuary

Subterranean estuaries(STEs)are characterized by the mixing of terrestrial fresh groundwater and seawater in coastal aquifers.Although microorganisms are important components of coastal groundwater ecosystems and play critical roles in biogeochemical transformations in STEs,limited information is available about how their community dynamics interact with hydrological,geochemical and environmental characteristics in STEs.Here,we studied bacterial and archaeal diversities and distributions with 16S rRNA-based Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology between surface water and groundwater in a karstic STE.Principal-coordinate analysis found that the bacterial and archaeal communities in the areas where algal blooms occurred were significantly separated from those in other stations without algal bloom occurrence.Canonical correspondence analysis showed that nutrients and salinity can explain the patterns of bacterial and archaeal community dynamics.The results suggest that hydrological,geochemical and environmental characteristics between surface water and groundwater likely control the bacterial and archaeal diversities and distributions in STEs.Furthermore,we found that some key species can utilize terrestrial pollutants such as nitrate and ammonia in STEs,indicating that these species(e.g.,Nitrosopumilus maritimus,Limnohabitans parvus and Simplicispira limi)may be excellent candidates for in situ degradation/remediation of coastal groundwater contaminations concerned with the nitrate and ammonia.Overall,this study reveals the coupling relationship between the microbial communities and hydrochemical environments in STEs,and provides a perspective of in situ degradation/remediation for coastal groundwater quality management.

Quantifying groundwater recharge and discharge for the middle reach of Heihe River of China using isotope mass balance method

The study aims to identify a suitable site for open and bore well in a farmhouseusing ground magnetic survey in south India.It also aims to define depth to granitoid and structural elements which traverse the selected area.Magnetic data(n=84)measured,processed and interpreted as qualitative and quantitatively.The results of total magnetic intensities indicate that the area is composed of linear magnetic lows trending NE-SW direction and circular to semi-circular causative bodies.The magnetic values ranged from-137 nT to 2345 nT with a mean of 465 nT.Reduction to equator shows significant shifting of causative bodies in the southern and northern directions.Analytical signal map shows exact boundary of granitic bodies.Cosine directional filter has brought out structural element trending NE-SW direction.Results of individual profile brought to light structurally weak zone between 90 m and 100 m in all the profile lines.Sudden decrease of magnetic values from 2042 nT to 126 nT noticed in profile line 6 between 20 m and 30 m indicates fault occurrence.Magnetic breaks obtained from these maps were visualized,interpreted and identified two suitable sites for open and bore well.Radially averaged power spectrum estimates depth of shallow and deep sources in 5 m and 50 m,respectively.Euler method has also been applied to estimate depth of granitoid and structural elements using structural indexes 0,1,2,and 3 and found depth ranges from<10 m to>90 m.Study indicates magnetic method is one of the geophysical methods suitable for groundwater exploration and site selection for open and borewells.

Neuron-fibrous scaffold interfaces in the peripheral nervous system: a perspective on the structural requirements

The nerves of the peripheral nervous system are not able to effectively regenerate in cases of severe neural injury.This can result in debilitating consequences,including morbidity and lifelong impairments affecting the quality of the patient’s life.Recent findings in neural tissue engineering have opened promising avenues to apply fibrous tissue-engineered scaffolds to promote tissue regeneration and functional recovery.These scaffolds,known as neural scaffolds,are able to improve neural regeneration by playing two major roles,namely,by being a carrier for transplanted peripheral nervous system cells or biological cues and by providing structural support to direct growing nerve fibers towards the target area.However,successful implementation of scaffold-based therapeutic approaches calls for an appropriate design of the neural scaffold structure that is capable of up-and down-regulation of neuron-scaffold interactions in the extracellular matrix environment.This review discusses the main challenges that need to be addressed to develop and apply fibrous tissue-engineered scaffolds in clinical practice.It describes some promising solutions that,so far,have shown to promote neural cell adhesion and growth and a potential to repair peripheral nervous system injuries.

S-doped carbon aerogels/GO composites as oxygen reduction catalysts

Composites of carbon aerogel and graphite oxide（GO） were synthesized using a self-assembly method based on dispersive forces. Their surface was modified by treatment in hydrogen sulfide at 650 and800 ℃. The samples obtained were characterized by adsorption of nitrogen, TA-MS, XPS, potentiometric titration, and HRTEM and tested as catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions（ORR） in an alkaline medium.The synergistic effect of the composite（electrical conductivity, porosity and surface chemistry） leads to a good ORR catalytic activity. The onset potential for the composite of carbon aerogel heated at 800 ℃ is shifted to a more positive value and the number of electron transfer was 2e-at the potential 0.68 V versus RHE and it increased to 4e-with an increase in the negative values of the potential. An excellent tolerance to methanol crossover was also recorded.

Photoionization microscopy of hydrogen atom near a metal surface

We have studied the ionization of Rydberg hydrogen atom near a metal surface with a semiclassical analysis of photoionization microscopy. Interference patterns of the electron radial distribution are calculated at different scaled energies above the classical saddle point and at various atom surface distances. We find that different types of trajecto- ries contribute predominantly to different manifolds in a certain interference pattern. As the scaled energy increases, the structure of the interference pattern evolves smoothly and more types of trajectories emerge. As the atom approaches the metal surface closer, there are more types of trajectories contributing to the interference pattern as well. When the Rydberg atom comes very close to the metal surface or the scaled energy approaches the zero field ionization energy, the potential induced by the metal surface will make atomic system chaotic. The results also show that atoms near a metal surface exhibit similar properties like the atoms in the parallel electric and magnetic fields.

An experimental study on the influences of wind erosion on water erosion

In semi-arid regions, complex erosion resulted from a combination of wind and water actions has led to a massive soil loss and a comprehensive understanding of its mechanism is the first step toward prevention of the erosion. However, the mutual influences between wind erosion and water erosion have not been fully understood. This research used a wind tunnel and two rainfall simulators and simulated two rounds of alternations between wind erosion and water erosion（i.e., 1^（st） wind erosion–1^（st） water erosion and 2^（nd） wind erosion–2^（nd） water erosion） on three slopes（5°, 10°, and 15°） with six wind speeds（0, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 20 m/s） and five rainfall intensities（0, 30, 45, 60, and 75 mm/h）. The objective was to analyze the influences of wind erosion on succeeding water erosion. Results showed that the effects of wind erosion on water erosion were not the same in the two rounds of tests. In the 1^（st） round of tests, wind erosion first restrained and then intensified water erosion mostly because the blocking effect of wind-sculpted micro-topography on surface flow was weakened with the increase in slope. In the 2^（nd） round of tests, wind erosion intensified water erosion on beds with no rills at gentle slopes and low rainfall intensities or with large-size rills at steep slopes and high rainfall intensities. Wind erosion restrained water erosion on beds with small rills at moderate slopes and moderate rainfall intensities. The effects were mainly related to the fine grain layer, rills and slope of the original bed in the 2^（nd） round of tests. The findings can deepen our understanding of complex erosion resulted from a combination of wind and water actions and provide scientific references to regional soil and water conservation.

Dominant SST Mode in the Southern Hemisphere Extratropics and Its Influence on Atmospheric Circulation

The variability in the Southern Ocean（SO） sea surface temperature（SST） has drawn increased attention due to its unique physical features; therefore, the temporal characteristics of the SO SST anomalies（SSTA） and their influence on extratropical atmospheric circulation are addressed in this study. Results from empirical orthogonal function analysis show that the principal mode of the SO SSTA exhibits a dipole-like structure, suggesting a negative correlation between the SSTA in the middle and high latitudes, which is referred to as the SO Dipole（SOD） in this study. The SOD features strong zonal symmetry, and could reflect more than 50% of total zonal-mean SSTA variability. We find that stronger（weaker） Subantarctic and Antarctic polar fronts are related to the positive（negative） phases of the SOD index, as well as the primary variability of the large-scale SO SSTA meridional gradient. During December–January–February, the Ferrel cell and the polar jet shift toward the Antarctic due to changes in the SSTA that could be associated with a positive phase of the SOD, and are also accompanied by a poleward shift of the subtropical jet. During June–July–August, in association with a positive SOD, the Ferrel cell and the polar jet are strengthened, accompanied by a strengthened subtropical jet. These seasonal differences are linked to the differences in the configuration of the polar jet and the subtropical jet in the Southern Hemisphere.

Application of functionalized magnetic silica nanoparticles for selective induction of three coumarin metastable polymorphs

The precise control of active pharmaceutical ingredient(API)crystal nucleation and polymorphism is a key consideration in pharmaceutical manufacturing.In this study,tunable nanoparticles were developed to regulate the nucleation process of coumarin.Magnetic silica nanoparticles with four different functional groups(-NH_(2),-COOH,-SH,-NCO)were prepared and coated on the substrate for inducing the crystallization of coumarin.Confined melt crystallization and microspacing sublimation crystallization methods were used to investigate the regulation mechanism.The results indicated that three metastable forms of coumarin can be obtained as pure components based on the combined influence of crystallization methods and functionalized nanoparticles.FormⅡcould be selectively obtained by microspacing sublimation crystallization on Fe_(3)O_(4)@SiO_(2)-SH substrates,and FormⅣcould be obtained by confined melt crystallization on Fe_(3)O_(4)@SiO_(2)-NCO substrates.FormⅢcould be obtained by further heating FormⅣcrystals to 52℃on Fe_(3)O_(4)@SiO_(2)-NCO substrates.Moreover,the polarized light microscopy results also indicated that the introduction of nanoparticles could also increase the stability of the metastable crystalline forms of coumarin.Finally,the diffusion and surface dynamics during nanoparticle induced crystallization were comparatively investigated and the corresponding polymorphic selectivity mechanism was proposed.

A Self-Consistent Analysis of Impurity Radiation by SOL-PSI Model

A model of scrape-off layer （SOL）-plasma surface interaction （PSI） coupling is pre- sented for divertor operation. This model can treat the interrelation between impurity production and impurity radiation self-consistently. The model is based on a ＇two-point＇ model and a 0-D steady state impurity particle balance model. The fraction of power radiated in SOL is calcu- lated as a function of the line average density. Compared to the former simple coupling model, this model takes into account the wall-produced impurities that are sputtered by charge-exchange （CX） neutrals. A simple retention factor is also added in this model. A comparison with the experiments is made. The simulation results show the same trend upon the plasma density as shown in experiments. Reasonable qualitative agreement is reached between the results by using the model and those from experiments through the adjustment of the fitted factor.

Abatement of Arsenite from Water by Glow Discharge Electrolysis

Glow discharge electrolysis provides an alternative method for the removal of arsenite from water. Glow discharge electrolysis of aqueous solution containing arsenite is studied under altemating current altemating current （50 Hz） discharge. It is found that arsenite [As（III）] get converted to arsenate [As（V）]. The yield is studied with various parameters such as discharge current, duration of discharge and pH （2-10）. The results are interpreted on the basis of interaction of the OH and eaq （produced consequent to the interaction of H2O＋ and e with water at the surface of the solution） with arsenite [As（III）] through the intermediate oxidation state, namely [As（IV）].

Field scale interaction and nutrient exchange between surface water and shallow groundwater in the Baiyang Lake region,North China Plain

Fertilizer input for agricultural food production, as well as the discharge of domestic and industrial water pollutants, increases pressures on locally scarce and vulnerable water resources in the North China Plain. In order to：（a） understand pollutant exchange between surface water and groundwater,（b） quantify nutrient loadings, and（c） identify major nutrient removal pathways by using qualitative and quantitative methods, including the geochemical model PHREEQC） a one-year study at a wheat（Triticum aestivum L.） and maize（Zea mays L.） double cropping system in the Baiyang Lake area in Hebei Province, China, was undertaken. The study showed a high influence of low-quality surface water on the shallow aquifer. Major inflowing pollutants into the aquifer were ammonium and nitrate via inflow from the adjacent Fu River（up to 29.8 mg/L NH4-N and 6.8 mg/L NO3-N）, as well as nitrate via vertical transport from the field surface（up to 134.8 mg/L NO3-N in soil water）. Results from a conceptual model show an excess nitrogen input of about 320 kg/ha/a. Nevertheless,both nitrogen species were only detected at low concentrations in shallow groundwater,averaging at 3.6 mg/L NH4-N and 1.8 mg/L NO3-N. Measurement results supported by PHREEQC-modeling indicated cation exchange, denitrification, and anaerobic ammonium oxidation coupled with partial denitrification as major nitrogen removal pathways. Despite the current removal capacity, the excessive nitrogen fertilization may pose a future threat to groundwater quality. Surface water quality improvements are therefore recommended in conjunction with simultaneous monitoring of nitrate in the aquifer, and reduced agricultural N-inputs should be considered.