Innovative Technologies for Large-Scale Water Production in Arid Regions: Strategies for Sustainable Development

Water scarcity in arid regions poses significant challenges to sustainable development and human well-being. This article explores both existing and innovative technologies and methods to produce large amounts of water to address these challenges effectively. Key approaches include atmospheric water generation, advanced desalination techniques, innovative water collection methods such as fog nets and dew harvesting, geothermal water extraction, and water recycling and reuse. Each method is evaluated for its feasibility with existing technology, potential time of implementation, required investments, and specific challenges. By leveraging these technologies and combining them into a multifaceted water management strategy, it is possible to enhance water security, support agricultural and industrial activities, and improve living conditions in arid regions. Collaborative efforts between governments, private sector entities, and research institutions are crucial to advancing these technologies and ensuring their sustainable implementation. The article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of these technologies, their potential for large-scale application, and recommendations for future research and development.

Biodegradability of soil water soluble organic carbon extracted from seven different soils

Water soluble organic carbon （WSOC） is considered the most mobile and reactive soil carbon source and its characterization is an important issue for soil ecology study. A biodegradability test was set up to study WSOC extracted from 7 soils differently managed. WSOC was extracted from soil with water （soil/water ratio of 1：2, W/V） for 30 min, and then tested for biodegradability by a liquid state respirometric test. Result obtained confirmed the finding that WSOC biodegradability depended on the both land use and management practice. These results suggested the biodegradability test as suitable method to characterize WSOC, and provided useful information to soil fertility.

Automated Extraction for Water Bodies Using New Water Index from Landsat 8 OLI Images

The extraction of water bodies is essential for monitoring water resources,ecosystem services and the hydrological cycle,so analyzing water bodies from remote sensing images is necessary.The water index is designed to highlight water bodies in remote sensing images.We employ a new water index and digital image processing technology to extract water bodies automatically and accurately from Landsat 8 OLI images.Firstly,we preprocess Landsat 8 OLI images with radiometric calibration and atmospheric correction.Subsequently,we apply KT transformation,LBV transformation,AWEI nsh,and HIS transformation to the preprocessed image to calculate a new water index.Then,we perform linear feature enhancement and improve the local adaptive threshold segmentation method to extract small water bodies accurately.Meanwhile,we employ morphological enhancement and improve the local adaptive threshold segmentation method to extract large water bodies.Finally,we combine small and large water bodies to get complete water bodies.Compared with other traditional methods,our method has apparent advantages in water extraction,particularly in the extraction of small water bodies.

Allelopathic Effects of Water Extracts of Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas) on Seed Germination of Ageratum conyzoides

Sustainable weed management strategies are essential to reduce chemical and labor inputs. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of water extracts from sweet potato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lamarck] on seed germination of Ageratum conyzoides L. under controlled conditions. The aqueous was produced from plant parts i.e., roots, stems, and leaves of sweet potato at concentrations of 0.025, 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 g·mL-1. The results showed that the plant parts of sweet potato all contained allelopathic substances, which showed high-concentration inhibition and low-concentration promotion of seed germination of A. conyzoides. When the aqueous extract concentrations were 0.050, 0.075, and 0.100 g·mL-1, the germination of A. conyzoides seeds was inhibited, while the germination was promoted at a concentration of 0.025 g·mL-1. This shows that when the planting density of sweet potato is large, it can form an obvious prevention and control effect on A. conyzoides, and thus improve herbicide resistance management.

Extracting water body data based on SDWI and threshold segmentation:A case study in permafrost area surrounding Salt Lake in Hoh Xil,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,China

There are a large number of lakes,rivers,and other natural water bodies distributed in the permafrost area of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP).The changes in water bodies will affect the distribution of water resources in sur-rounding areas and downstream areas,resulting in environmental impact and bringing potential flood disasters,which will induce more serious issues and problems in alpine and high-altitude areas with a fragile habitat(such as the QTP in China).Generally,effective,reasonable,and scientific monitoring of large-scale water bodies can not only document the changes in water bodies intuitively,but also provide important theoretical reference for subsequent environmental impact prediction,and disaster prevention and mitigation in due course of time.The large-scale water extraction technology derived from the optical remote sensing(RS)image is seriously affected by clouds,bringing about large differences among the extracted water result products.Synthetic aperture radar(SAR)RS technology has the unique advantage characteristics of all-weather,all-day,strong penetration,and not being affected by clouds,which is hopeful in extracting water body data,especially for days with cloudy weather.The data extraction of large-scale water bodies based on SAR images can effectively avoid the errors caused by clouds that become prevalent at present.In this paper,the Hoh Xil Salt Lake on the QTP and its surrounding five lakes are taken as the research objects.The 2-scene Sentinel-1 SAR image data covering the whole area on 22 August 2022 was used to verify the feasibility of extracting water body data in permafrost zones.Furthermore,on 22 August 2022,the wealth here was cloudy,which made the optical RS images,e.g.,Sentinel-2 images full of clouds.The results show that:using the Sentinel-1 image and threshold segmentation method to extract water body data is efficient and effective with excellent results in permafrost areas.Concretely,the Sentinel-1 dual-polarized water index(SDWI),calculated by combining dual vertical–vertical(VV)polarized and verti-cal–horizontal(VH)polarized data is a useful index for water extraction and the result is better than each of the VV or VH polarized images.

Water Extract of Rice False Smut Balls Activates Nrf2/HO-1 and Apoptosis Pathways,Causing Liver Injury

Ustiloxins are vital cyclopeptide mycotoxins originally isolated from rice false smut balls that form in rice spikelets infected by the fungal pathogen Ustilaginoidea virens.The toxicity of the water extract of rice false smut balls(RBWE) remains to be investigated.Studies have shown that RBWE may be toxic to animals,but toxicological evidence is still lacking.In this study,we found that the IC50 values of RBWE to BNL CL.2 cells at 24 and 48 h were 40.02 and 30.11 μg/m L,respectively,with positive correlations with dose toxicity and time toxicity.After treatment with RBWE,the number of BNL CL.2 cells decreased significantly,and the morphology of BNL CL.2 cells showed atrophy and wall detachment.RBWE induced DNA presynthesis phase arrest of BNL CL.2 cells,increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and inhibited cell proliferation.RBWE up-regulated reactive oxygen species(ROS) levels and lowered mitochondrial membrane potentials.Additionally,Western blot and q RT-PCR results suggested that RBWE exerted the above effects by promoting the Nrf2/HO-1 and caspase-induced apoptosis pathways in vitro and in vivo.The contents of alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,alkaline phosphatase,and total bile acids in the serum of mice from Institute of Cancer were significantly up-regulated by RBWE.At the same time,RBWE can lead to increases in ROS and malondialdehyde contents,decreases in contents of oxidized glutathione,glutathione and reduced glutathione,as well as decrease in catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in mouse liver tissues,demonstrating that oxidative stress occurred in mice.Moreover,liver damage was further detected by haematoxylin-eosin staining and electron microscopy to verify the damage to the mice caused by RBWE.In general,RBWE may cause hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro via the apoptosis pathway,which provides a reference for hepatotoxicity and its mechanism of action.

Inhibitory Effects of Propolis Water Extract on the Proliferation of Cervical Cancer Cells

[Objectives]To investigate the effects of propolis extract on HeLa cells to provide theoretical guidance for facilitating clinical treatment.[Methods]The effects of propolis on inflammation,and proliferation were analyzed based on the levels of DNA transcriptional regulation and mRNA and protein expression levels.[Results]Propolis water extract(PWE)could inhibit the cell proliferation and production of DNA damage in a dosedependent manner.Moreover,the propolis water extract could significantly downregulate the expression of iNOS-Luc,PTGS-2-Luc,and IL-8-Luc,and that it was related to the expression of the NF-κB family protein.After the induction of HeLa cells by propolis,the expression of the cell cycle inhibitor gene p21 was increased,while that of the cell proliferation gene Ki67 was decreased.[Conclusions]Propolis water extract could significantly inhibit the cell proliferation and production of DNA damage,suggesting propolis as a potential candidate for the development of adjunctive therapy against cervical cancer.

Anti-tumor Effect and Protective Effect on Chemotherapeutic Damage of Water Soluble Extracts from Hedyotis diffusa

Bai-Hua-She-She-Cao Hedyotis diffusa Willd. (Ru-biaceae) is a medicinal herbwidely distributed in northeast Asian countries. In traditional Chinese medicine, it has the effectof 'clearing away heat and toxic material, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis'.It is a well known Chinese folk-medicine used for the treatment of appendicitis, sore throat, mumps,acne, sebo-rheic dermatitis and various kinds of tumors, such as tumors of digestive tract,carcinoma of liver. It was reported that the MeOH extract of H. diffusa demonstrated a significantantitumor activity and ursolic acid succeeded in being isolated from the MeOH extract as an activecomponent . Shan BN, et al suggested that the direct aqueous extract of H. diffusa hadimmuno-modulating activity and antitumor activity in vitro through stimulating the immune system tokill or engulf tumor cells. But regarding anti-tumor activity in vivo of water soluble extracts fromH. diffusa, no detail was reported. Therefore, we prepared water soluble extracts (H_1 and H_2)from H. diffusa and evaluated their anti-tumor property in vivo experiments as well as protectiveeffect on chemo-therapeutic damage.

Study on Processing of Clear Banana Juice Using Hot Water Extraction Method

In this study, the effects of hot water temperature on clarity, total soluble solids, polyphenol oxidase （PPO） and color of banana juice during hot water ex-traction were discussed based on the theory in which heat treatment might induce the pectin and protein in banana pulp to form insoluble products. The results showed the hot water temperature had a significant effect on the formation of insol-uble polymers in banana pulp from pectin and protein. In 75 ℃ water, the pectin and protein in banana pulp were most inclined to form insoluble products. Under this condition, the clarity of banana juice was also highest. The light transmittance at 660 nm was close to 90%. In the banana juice, extracted by 75 ℃ water, the pectin and protein contents were lowest, and they were lower than 7.3 mg/100 ml and 12.9 mg/100 ml respectively. The 75 ℃ water could not inactivate completely the pectin in banana pulp due to its high heat resistance, Therefore, 0.05% L-cys-teine or ascorbic acid needed to be added into banana pulp to inhibit the browning of juice induced by residual PPO.

Proposed Models for Subcritical Water Extraction of Essential Oils

Mechanisms that control the extraction rate of essential oil from Zataria multiflora Boiss. (Z. multiflora) with subcritical water (SW) were studied. The extraction curves at different solvent flow rates were used to deter-mine whether the extractions were limited primarily by the near equilibrium partitioning of the analyte between the matrix and solvent (i.e. partitioning thermodynamics) or by the rates of analyte desorption from the matrix (i.e. ki-netics). Four simple models have been applied to describe the extraction profiles obtained with SW: (1) a model based solely on the thermodynamic distribution coefficient KD, which assumes that analyte desorption from the ma-trix is rapid compared to elution; (2) one-site kinetic model, which assumes that the extraction rate is limited by the analyte desorption rate from the matrix, and is not limited by the thermodynamic (KD) partitioning that occurs dur-ing elution; (3) two-site kinetic model and (4) external mass transfer resistance model. For SW extraction, the thermodynamic elution of analytes from the matrix was the prevailing mechanism as evidenced by the fact that ex-traction rates increased proportionally with the SW flow rate. This was also confirmed by the fact that simple re-moval calculations based on determined KD (for major essential oil compounds) gave good fits to experimental data for flow rates from 1 to 4 ml·min-1. The results suggested that the overall extraction mechanism was influenced by solute partitioning equilibrium with external mass transfer through liquid film.

Effect of water extracts of larch on growth of Manchurian walnut seedlings

A study was conducted to detect the effect of water extracts from different parts such as root, bark, branch and leaf, of adult larch, Larix gmelini, trees on growth of Manchurian walnut, Juglans mandshudca, seedlings and the allelopathy between the two tree species. Four concentrations （100 g. kg i, 50 g. kg^-1, 25 g. kg^-1 and 12.5 g. kg^-1） were prepared for each kind of extracts. Result showed that the water extracts with low and moderate concentrations accelerated the growth of collar diameter and increased biomass and root/shoot ratio of walnut seedlings. The water extracts from branches and barks with low and moderate concentrations accelerated the height growth of the seedlings, while those from leaves and roots slightly decreased the height growth of seedlings. The fact that application of water extracts of larch improved the growth of Manchurian walnut attributes possibly to the allelopathy between the two tree species.

Toxicity Effects of Water Extract of Euphorbia fischeriana Steud.against Silkworm(Bombyx mori)

[Objective] Taking silkworm （Bombyx mori） as the test material, the research aimed to study the toxicity effects of Euphorbiafischeriana Steud. against the insects in Lepidoptera. [ Methods ] Water extract was prepared with fresh perennial E. fischer/ana Steud. , which was applied in silkworm with different methods including daubing the extract on silkworm back, soaking silkworm in the extract and feeding silkworm with the mulberry leaves daubed by the extract. [ Re- suits] Those silkworms whose backs were daubed with the water extract had no obvious poisoning symptom. The silkworms soaked for 1 and 3 min could be survived for about 7 d; the silkworms soaked for 5 min could be survived for about 2 d; and the silkworms soaked for 15 rain could be survived for 10 h at most. Those silk- worms fed with mulberry leaves daubed by water extract completely died after 2 d. [ Conduslons ] The water extract of E. fischer/ana Steud. had significant contact toxicity and stomach poisoning against silkworm.

Effect of Temperature, pH and Salt on Fluorescent Quality of Water Extractable Organic Matter in Black Soil

Water erosion is the major reason for the loss of soil organic carbon in the Northeast China, which leads to the soil quality deterioration and adjacent water pollution. In this study, the effect of extraction temperature, pH value, and salt on the water extractable organic matter （WEOM） was determined by means of the UV absorbance, fluorescence excitation-emission matrix, and derived fluorescence indexes. In general, the carbon content and aromaticity of WEOM increased with the increasing of extraction temperature, with the exception that there was no significant difference in the amount at 0 and 20℃. More fluorophores, especially microbially-derived organic matter were extracted at high temperature. The pH values of extractant, including 5, 7, and 10, showed no effect on the carbon amount of WEOM, whereas the aromaticity and microbially-derived component gradually increased with the increasing of pH values. The fluorescence intensity of humic acid-like fluorophore was stronger in neutral and alkali condition than that in acidic condition. The addition of 10 mmol L-1 CaCl2 significantly decreased the carbon amount of recovered WEOM. Moreover, it significantly decreased the aromaticity of WEOM and the quantity of fulvic acid-like and humic acid-like fluorophores, whereas increased the percentage of tyrosine-like and tryptophan-like fluorophores in the total fluorophores and the amount of microbially-derived organic matter. Generally, 10 mmol L-1 KCl showed the same influence trend, but with low influence degree.

Water blocking effect caused by the use of hydraulic methods for permeability enhancement in coal seams and methods for its removal

To research techniques for removing the water blocking effect caused by hydraulic applications in coal seams,the use of surfactants is proposed,based on the mechanics of the water blocking effect.Centrifugal experiments were used to validate the effects of using surfactants;the results show that after dealing with vacuum saturation with water,the volume of micropores decreases,which results in a larger average pore size,and the volume of transitional pores,mesopores,macropores and total pores increases.Based on the distribution of pore size,the operation mode of ‘‘water infusion after gas extraction,then continuing gas extraction" is recommended to improve the volume of coal mine gas drainage.When the reflectance of vitrinite in coal samples is less than 1,using the surfactants Fast T,1631,APG,BS can mitigate the damage caused by the water blocking effect.But when the reflectance of vitrinite is larger than 1.4,the damage caused by the water blocking effect can be increased.When the surfactant CMC is used in hydraulic applications,the capillary forces of coal samples are almost negative,which means the capillary force is in the same direction as the gas extraction.The direction of capillary forces benefits the gas flow.So,using CMC can play an active role in removing the water blocking effect.Centrifugal experiments confirm that using CMC can effectively remove the water blocking effect,which has a beneficial effect on improving the gas drainage volume.

Inhibitory Effects of Ginseng Water Extract on Hydroxyl Radical

[Objectives] The aim of this work was to compare the inhibitory effects of different water-soluble extracts of ginseng on hydroxyl radical. [Methods]The water-soluble effective parts of ginseng were extracted by orthogonal test,the hydroxyl radical scavenging rate of each extract was determined by salicylic acid method,and the extraction process of the optimum hydroxyl radical inhibitor was optimized using variance analysis and cluster analysis. [Results] A total of 16 samples were prepared. Among them,the sample No. 12 had the highest hydroxyl radical scavenging rate,and the inhibition rate reached 105. 08% at the concentration of 1 g/L. [Conclusions] Ginseng water extract contained hydroxyl radical scavenger,of which the optimum extraction process was as follows: p H of 8,solid to liquid ratio of 1∶ 10,extraction temperature of 4℃,extraction time of 12 h and extraction times of 3.

Simultaneous Determination of Bisphenols and Alkylphenols in Water by Solid Phase Extraction and Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometry

To establish an analytical method for determination of four bisphenols （BPA, BPB, BPF, and BPS） and two alkylphenols （4-n-OP, 4-n-NP） in water by ultra performance liquid chromatography- tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC/MS/MS）. The water samples were extracted and condensed with solid-phase extraction （SPE） using C18 cartridges and eluted by acetonitrile. Separation was carried out with Acquity BEH C8 column and detection were performed by UPLC/MS/MS. Quantification was calculated by using the internal standard BPA-d16 and 4-n-NP-d8. The linear correlation coefficients of these compounds in the range of 1.0-100.0μg/L were all over 0.999. The minimum detectable concentrations were 0.75-1.0 ng/L, and the recoveries ranged from 87.0% to 106.9%.

A Comparative Study of Flavonoid Water-Ethanol Extraction Process in Planted Trollius Chinensis

With rutin standard sample as the comparison, flavonoid extraction rate as an indicator, UV-2450 ultraviolet visible light spectrophotometer to measure flavonoid content in planted Trollius chinensis through orthogonal experiment, this experiment optimizes process condition of flavonoid in Trollius chinensis through water extraction and ethanol extraction. The result shows that flavonoid extraction rate of Trollius chinensis through ethanol extraction method is obviously higher than water extraction, and the optimal extraction process condition is： ethanol concentration is 75%, extraction time is 90min, extraction times are 3, and fluid material ratio is 20：1.

An Idea of Extracting Fresh Water from the Atmosphere

Based on principles of vapor coagulation, a method of extracting fresh water from the atmosphere was put forward. Its principles are simple, and it is easy to make and install the equipment made cheaply. Moreover, there is no or much less energy consumed during the extraction process, so there is no environmental pollution. In a word, this method of extracting fresh water from the atmosphere is of great practical value.

Effects of Convolvulus arvensis Water Extract on Germination of Okra Under Different Seed Sizes

Convolvulus arvensis is a toxic allelopathic weed that suppresses germination and growth of crops. The prime object of present study was to investigate effect of Convolvulus arvensis water extract on germination and performance of okra with different seed sizes. The seeds of okra variety pusa green were separated into three different sizes, viz large size （4.00-5.00 mm）, medium size （3.00-3.50 mm） and small size （2.00-3.50 mm）, and then soaked in allelopathic plant bindweed water extract and kept in patrisdishes for germination into the germinator at 15℃. The experiment was laid out using Complete Randomized Design （CRD） with three replications. The results showed that after sowing of 12 days the highest germination was observed in non-treated seeds as compared to seeds treated in Convolvulus arvensis water extract for 1 h, further non-treated large seeds produced maximum plants as compared to treated small seeds after sowing of 24 days. Meanwhile, root length, shoot length, root fresh and dry weight, shoot fresh and dry weight were recorded higher in non-treated large seeds as compared to small seeds soaked for 1 h in Convolvulus arvensis allelopthic water extract. It could be found that Convolvulus arvensis affected germination, seed growth and overall performance of okra, further presence Convolvulus arvensis in crops could cause negative impact on germination and integrity of okra crops.

Water bodies extraction from TM images

Aiming at the problems of high time-consuming, low accuracy and weak versatility of the existing methods of wa- ter extraction based on TM image, this paper combines principal component analysis （PCA） with the modified normalized difference water index （MNDWI） which was improved by XU Han-qiu to construct a false color composite image that could separate water from others easily. This method can realize the water extraction based on TM image by analyzing the spectral characteristics of water in this false color image and establishing a water extraction model. This paper also compares the effi- ciency of this method with MNDWI, （TM2 ＋ TM3） - （TM4 ＋ TM5） and new water index （NWI）, which were applied in the city and mountain of Taiyuan, respectively. The results show that the proposed method can extract water body from TM im- age more rapidly and efficiently and its accuracy is up to 94.03 %. In addition, this method does not require a manual selec- tion threshold, which meets the research reuuirement of high automaticm.