Assessment on eco-environmental quality of the Yellow River Basin by considering desertification index

Desertification has had a significant impact on the ecological environment of the Yellow River Basin(YRB)in China.However,previous studies on the evaluation of the ecological environment quality(EEQ)in the YRB have paid limited attention to the indicator of desertification.It is of great significance to incorporate the desertification index into the spatiotemporal assessment of the EEQ in the YRB in order to protect the ecological environment in the region.In this study,based on multi-source remote sensing data from 91 cities in the YRB,this article proposes a desertification remote sensing ecological index(DRSEI)model,which builds upon the traditional Remote Sensing Ecological Index(RSEI)model,to analyze the spatiotemporal changes in the EEQ in the YRB from 2001 to 2021.Furthermore,using the geographic detector(GD),and geographically and temporally weighted regression(GTWR)model,the study assesses the impact of human and natural factors on the EEQ in the YRB.The research findings indicate that:(1)Compared to the traditional RSEI,the improved DRSEI shows a decreasing trend in the evaluation results of the EEQ.Among the 24 cities,the change in DRSEI exceeds 0.05 compared to RSEI,accounting for 26.37%of the YRB.The remaining 67 cities have changes within a range of less than 0.05,accounting for 73.63%of the YRB.(2)The results of the GD for individual and interactive effects reveal that rainfall and elevation have significant individual and interactive effects on the EEQ.Furthermore,after the interaction with natural factors,the explanatory power of human factors gradually increases over time.The spatial heterogeneity results of GTWR demonstrate that rainfall has a strong direct positive impact on the EEQ,accounting for 98.90%of the influence,while temperature exhibits a more pronounced direct inhibitory effect,accounting for 76.92%of the influence.Human activities have a strong negative impact on the EEQ and a weak positive impact.

Implications of Dynamic Interactions between Meteorological Patterns and Surface Water Quality on Environmental Health—A Case Study of the Nairobi River

Urban areas face significant challenges in maintaining water quality amidst increasing urbanization and changing climatic patterns. This study investigates the complex interplay between meteorological variables and water quality parameters in Nairobi City, focusing on the impacts of rainfall and temperature on surface water quality. Data from multiple sources, including the Water Resources Authority, Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company, and the World Bank’s Climate Change Knowledge Portal, were analyzed to assess the relationships between meteorological variables (rainfall and temperature) and water quality parameters (such as electroconductivity, biochemical oxygen demand, chloride, and pH). The analysis reveals varying impacts of rainfall and temperature on different water quality parameters. While parameters like iron and pH show strong relationships with both rainfall and temperature, others such as ammonia and nitrate exhibit moderate relationships. Additionally, the study highlights the influence of runoff, urbanization, and industrial activities on water quality, emphasizing the need for holistic management approaches. Recommendations encompass the establishment of annual publications on Nairobi River water quality, online accessibility of water quality data, development of hydrological models, spatial analysis, and fostering cross-disciplinary research collaborations. Implementing these recommendations can enhance water quality management practices, mitigate risks, and safeguard environmental integrity in Nairobi City.

Spatiotemporal variation of ecological environment quality and extreme climate drivers on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Protecting the ecological security of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)is of great importance for global ecology and climate.Over the past few decades,climate extremes have posed a significant challenge to the ecological environment of the QTP.However,there are few studies that explored the effects of climate extremes on ecological environment quality of the QTP,and few researchers have made quantitative analysis.Hereby,this paper proposed the Ecological Environmental Quality Index(EEQI)for analyzing the spatial and temporal variation of ecological environment quality on the QTP from 2000 to 2020,and explored the effects of climate extremes on EEQI based on Geographically and Temporally Weighted Regression(GTWR)model.The results showed that the ecological environment quality in QTP was poor in the west,but good in the east.Between 2000 and 2020,the area of EEQI variation was large(34.61%of the total area),but the intensity of EEQI variation was relatively low and occurred mainly by a slightly increasing level(EEQI change range of 0.05-0.1).The overall ecological environment quality of the QTP exhibited spatial and temporal fluctuations,which may be attributed to climate extremes.Significant spatial heterogeneity was observed in the effects of the climate extremes on ecological environment quality.Specifically,the effects of daily temperature range(DTR),number of frost days(FD0),maximum 5-day precipitation(RX5day),and moderate precipitation days(R10)on ecological environment quality were positive in most regions.Furthermore,there were significant temporal differences in the effects of consecutive dry days(CDD),consecutive wet days(CWD),R10,and FD0 on ecological environment quality.These differences may be attributed to variances in ecological environment quality,climate extremes,and vegetation types across different regions.In conclusion,the impact of climate extremes on ecological environment quality exhibits complex patterns.These findings will assist managers in identifying changes in the ecological environment quality of the QTP and addressing the effects of climate extremes.

Ecological Wastewater Treatment System in a School Environment Using a Horizontal Flow Biological Reactor: The Case of Typha

The overarching goal of this study is to offer an effective and sustainable solution to the challenges of sanitation in rural and school settings in the northern region of Senegal. The study explores a wastewater treatment approach based on phytoremediation, with a particular focus on the use of horizontally-flowing reed bed filters. Furthermore, it aims to adapt and optimize these systems for the specific needs of Senegal, focusing on wastewater in school environments. Thus, we constructed a horizontally-flowing reed bed filter, planted with Typha, at the Ndiébène Gandiol school in Senegal. We will investigate the efficiency of wastewater treatment by this horizontally-flowing reed bed filter, emphasizing the role of the plant used: Typha. The filter is described in detail, specifying its dimensions, its composition of flint gravel, and the choice of plants, namely Typha. The experimental protocol is detailed, describing the sampling at the entrance and exit of the filter to evaluate water quality. The parameters analyzed include Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Biochemical Oxygen Demand over 5 days (BOD5), suspended solids, ammonium, nitrates, phosphates, pH, conductivity, and fecal coliforms. The results indicate a significant improvement in water quality after treatment. COD, BOD5, suspended solids, and fecal coliforms are greatly reduced, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the Typha filter. However, nitrate concentrations remain relatively stable, suggesting room for improvement in their elimination. A perspective of reuse of the treated water is considered, showing that the effluents from the planted filter meet Senegalese and international standards for irrigation. The findings suggest that these waters could be used for a variety of crops, thereby reducing the pressure on freshwater resources. In conclusion, the Typha-based filtration system shows promising results for improving water quality in this region of Senegal. However, adjustments are necessary for more effective nitrate removal. This study paves the way for sustainable use of treated wastewater for irrigation, thus contributing to food security and the preservation of water resources.

Groundwater and environmental challenges in Asia

Asia stands out as the most populous and geographically diverse region globally.The pressing issues of water resource development and the resulting ecological impacts are exacerbated by the region's rapid population growth and economic expansion.Groundwater,a vital source of water in Asia,faces significant disparities in distribution and suffers from unsustainable exploitation practices.This study applies groundwater system theory and categorizes Asia into 11 primary groundwater systems and 36 secondary ones,based on intercontinental geological structures,climate,terrain,and hydrogeological characteristics.As of the end of 2010,Asia's assessed groundwater resources totalled 4.677×10^(9) m^(3)/a,with exploitable resources amounting to 3.274×10^(9) m^(3)/a.By considering the geological environmental impacts of groundwater development and the distinctive characteristics of terrain and landforms,six categories of effect zones with varying distribution patterns are identified.The current research on Asia's groundwater resources,environmental dynamics,and human impacts aims to provide a theoretical foundation for sustainable groundwater management and environmental conservation in the region.

Assessment of Rainwater Quality in Warri and Environ, Southern Nigeria for Domestic Purposes

The study aimed at assessing the physiochemical characteristics of rainwater in Warri and it environ was investigated. Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Cr concentrations in rainwater from roof and non-roof sources were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. Three geospatial locations comprising Jakpa, Udu, and Ubeji were selected based on prevailing anthropogenic activities. The rainwater samples were systematically collected from (aluminum) roof and non-roof sources for the months of April, June, and August and October 2022, treated and analyzed in the laboratory for sixteen physicochemical parameters. Results were statistically analyzed using ANOVA, and T-test for the determination of the level of relationships and variations across geospatial locations. Significant correlations (r = 0.72) exist between Cr in rainwater from roof and non-roof sources. Implying point-source contaminations and may be emanating from the influence of roof materials. Furthermore, high concentrations of Cd and Pb in roof source above WHO standards were mostly in Jakpa and Ubeji. Calculated Health Risk Index (HRI) for children and adult is greater than 1. The results showed that most samples from the locations are considered not safe (HRI > 1) especially for Cd, which means that there are potential health risks consuming rainwater from Jakpa, Udu and Ubeji. Therefore, there is need for prompt sensitization program to dissuade people from directly drinking rainwater from these locations.

Comparison of Chick Quality, Health, and Inflammation from Two Hatchery Environments

Hatchery contamination can result in ingested or inhaled microbes that may modify colonization of the intestinal and respiratory tract, with potential to influence early growth, inflammation, and overall health. Six experiments were completed to compare chick quality, inflammation, and health between two hatcheries (H1 and H2). On embryonic d0, 45 eggs from the same breeder flock were set at each hatchery. On d0, length, abdominal height, navel and leg abnormalities, and self-righting were measured for 36 chicks/hatchery, yolk sacs were weighed, and crop/cloaca swabs were cultured from 12 chicks/hatchery. On d7, mid-ileum and ceca were cultured from 12 chicks/hatchery. On d0 and d7, body weight (BW) and intestinal weight were measured, lung/air sac swabs and liver were cultured, and liver and air sacs were scored for health. Blood was collected on d0 and d7 for serum alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentrations in Exp 1 and 2. Data was analyzed using Student’s t-test or χ2, significance p < 0.05. On d0, BW, length, yolk free BW, and intestinal weight were greater for H2 chicks (p < 0.05). Liver bacterial recovery was decreased in H2 on d0 (p < 0.05) and there were fewer average leg and righting abnormalities in H2 (p < 0.05). Decreased lactase positive Enterobacteriaceae were noted in H2 in crop/cloaca and lung/air sac swabs (p < 0.05), and of alpha and beta hemolysis in crop/cloaca swabs, and alpha and gamma hemolysis in lung/air sac swabs (p < 0.05) on d0. By d7, only alpha hemolytic bacteria were increased in lung/air sac swabs of H2. Based on factors measured, chicks from H2 showed favorable microbial colonization, starting quality, and improved health on d0. While not sustained through d7, differences in d0 microbial recovery may have shifted microbial development and potentially influenced immune response development. These experiments elucidated the importance of hatchery environment on early chick quality, microbial colonization, overall inflammation, and chick health.

Analysis of the Relationship Between Teaching Environment and Teaching Quality in Inner Mongolia Universities

This study aims to explore the relationship between the teaching environment and teaching quality in Inner Mongolia universities,analyze the characteristics and current situation of the teaching environment,and provide recommendations for improvement.Through a detailed analysis of the components,characteristics,and existing issues and challenges of the teaching environment,it is found that the teaching environment has an important impact on the teaching quality.It is suggested to increase investment in infrastructure,optimize the structure of the teaching staff,rationally allocate educational resources,and promote the balanced development of disciplines.At the same time,policy recommendations were put forward,including the establishment of a teaching evaluation system,strengthening teacher training and development,and promoting school-enterprise cooperation to improve the quality of teaching.Future research directions may focus on areas such as educational technology development,policy-level influences,and school management models to further expand our understanding of the relationship between teaching environment and teaching quality.

Effects of Soil and Environment on Quality Traits of Purple-fleshed Sweetpotato

For the study of main traits of purple-flashed sweetpotato in different soil and ecological environments, 18 cultivars of purple-flashed sweetpotato with different enthocyenin contents were planted at Yancheng and Xuzhou separately. The main quality traits were determined. The results showed the quality traits of purple-fleshed sweetpotato were significantly influenced by soil and ecological environments. Geno- type （G）, environment （E） and genotype x environment （GxE） interaction had signif- icantiy effects on the contents of anthocyanin, dry matter, starch, protein, reducing sugar and soluble sugar in storage roots. Anthocyanin content was most easily af- fected by the environment. The E effect on anthocyanin content was greater than G and GxE effects. However, the GxE interaction effects on other 5 quality traits were greater than G and E effects. The 6 quality traits were significantly different at 1% level under different environments respectively. The contents of dry matter, starch and anthocyenin were higher in Yancheng than in Xuzhou, while the contents of protein, reducing sugar and soluble sugar were higher in Xuzhou. The variation co- efficients of all quality traits at Yancheng and Xuzhou were in the same order： an- sugar〉protein〉starch, the variation coefficient of anthocyanin content was higher in Xuzhou, and the variation coefficients of other 5 traits were higher in Yancheng. Correlation analysis showed that the reducing sugar and solu- ble sugar contents were negatively correlated with starch content, and had no sig- nifiant correlation with anthocyanin and protein contents. Dry matter content and starch content were positively correlated, and anthocyanin content and other quality traits had no significant correlation.

A Comparative Study of Different Methods on Quality Assessment of Soil Environment Polluted by Zinc in Agricultural Production Areas——A Case Study in Shulan City of Jilin Province

[Objective] The aim was to explore evaluated precision on quality of soil environment polluted with zinc in agricultural production areas and to provide references for verification of production area.[Method] In Shulan City in Jilin Province,soils were sampled and analyzed in a laboratory using single-factor pollution index and GIS based spatial interpolation.The quality of environment polluted with zinc was assessed and related methods were compared according to Environment Quality Standard of Green Food Production Area.[Result] Spatial interpolation of zinc in soils based on GIS proved more precise than traditional methods;cokriging method with co-factors was higher in precision than common cokriging;cokriging method with zinc and organic matter was higher in precision than cokriging with zinc alone.[Conclusion] Quality assessment on environment polluted with zinc based on GIS interpolation is more scientific and reasonable than traditional methods.

Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Traffic Environment Quality

In this paper, traffic environment quality assessment is achieved by applying fuzzy mathematics methods. Set up an assessment system, determine assessment criterion, formulate membership function, make program designs and conduct example analysis. The evaluation result is consistent with the real case. So that the method of the fuzzy evaluation is a good one for the environment quality assessment.

Relationship between spatio-temporal evolution of soil pH and geological environment/surface cover in the eastern Nenjiang River Basin of Northeast China during the past 30 years

To illuminate the spatio-temporal variation characteristics and geochemical driving mechanism of soil pH in the Nenjiang River Basin,the National Multi-objective Regional Geochemical Survey data of topsoil,the Second National Soil Survey data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index(NDVI)were analyzed.The areas of neutral and alkaline soil decreased by 21100 km^(2)and 30500 km^(2),respectively,while that of strongly alkaline,extremely alkaline,and strongly acidic soil increased by 19600 km^(2),18200 km^(2),and 15500 km^(2),respectively,during the past 30 years.NDVI decreased with the increase of soil pH when soil pH>8.0,and it was reversed when soil pH<5.0.There were significant differences in soil pH with various surface cover types,which showed an ascending order:Arbor<reed<maize<rice<high and medium-covered meadow<low-covered meadow<Puccinellia.The weathering products of minerals rich in K_(2)O,Na_(2)O,CaO,and MgO entered into the low plain and were enriched in different parts by water transportation and lake deposition,while Fe and Al remained in the low hilly areas,which was the geochemical driving mechanism.The results of this study will provide scientific basis for making scientific and rational decisions on soil acidification and salinization.

Influence of environment and substrate quality on the decomposition of wetland plant root in the Sanjiang Plain,Northeast China

The litterbag method was used to study the decomposition of wetland plant root in three wetlands along a water level gradient in the Sanjiang Plain,Northeast China.These wetlands are Calamagrostis angustifolia(C.aa),Carex meyeriana(C.ma)and Carex lasiocarpa (C.la).The objective of our study is to evaluate the influence of environment and substrate quality on decomposition rates in the three wetlands.Calico material was used as a standard substrate to evaluate environmental influences.Roots native to each we...

Diagenetic Evolution and Formation Mechanisms of High-Quality Reservoirs under Multiple Diagenetic Environmental Constraints:An Example from the Paleogene Beach-Bar Sandstone Reservoirs in the Dongying Depression,Bohai Bay Basin

The diagenetic environment, diagenetic responses, diagenetic transformation model and formation mechanisms of high-quality reservoirs（beach-bar sandstones of the Paleogene fourth member） in the Dongying depression were studied through the analysis of fluid inclusions, thin section and burial evolution history. The diagenetic fluids of the beach-bar sandstone reservoirs evolved from early high salinity and weak alkalinity to low salinity and strong acidity, late high salinity and strong alkalinity and late low salinity and acidity, which were accompanied by two stages of oil and gas filling. The fluids at the margins of the sandbodies were continuously highly saline and strongly alkaline. The western（eastern） reservoirs experienced early open（closed）, middle open, and late closed diagenetic environments during their burial history. The flow pattern was characterized by upwelling during the majority of the diagenesis（in the east, a non-circulating pattern transitioned into an upwelling current）. Due to the evolution of the diagenetic fluids, the diagenetic sequence of the beach-bar reservoirs was as follows： early weak carbonate cementation; feldspar and carbonate cement dissolution and authigenic quartz cementation; late carbonate and anhydrite cementation, authigenic feldspar cementation, and late quartz dissolution; and late carbonate cementation, feldspar dissolution, and authigenic quartz cementation. The diagenetic strength during these stages varied or was absent altogether in different parts of the reservoirs. Due to the closeness of the diagenetic environment and the flow pattern of the diagenetic fluids, the diagenetic products are variably distributed in the sandstones interbedded with mudstones and in the fault blocks. The evolution of multiple alternating alkaline and acidic diagenetic environments controlled the distribution patterns of the reservoir diagenesis and reservoir space, and the reservoir quality index, RQI, increased gradually from the margins to the centers of the sandstones. The closeness of the diagenetic environment and the flow patterns of the diagenetic fluids controlled the differences in the reservoir properties among the fault blocks. With increasing distance from the oil-source faults, the RQI values in the west gradually decreased and in the east initially increased and then decreased.

Resource and Environmental Quality Changes and Adjustment Principles for Sustainable Development in Rapidly Developing Coastal Region of Southeastern China

Problems in water-land resources and environmental quality increase with the fast economic development in the coastal region of southeastern China. This region has the highest density in population, industry and towns in China, and the large export-oriented economy makes itself a strategic importance while China enters into international markets. The problems facing to this region include arable land reduction, land degradation aggravation, high percentage of built-up land with high rate of expansion, expanded non-point pollution, deteriorated water quality, decreasing biodiversity, destroyed ecosystems, severe air pollution, frequently occurred acid rain, and multi-pollutants. The important research fields in the near future should include a) influence of high-intensity exploitation of resources on changes of environment quality and its feedback; b) interface processes, key mechanisms and adjustment principles for degradation of water-, land-, and air-resources and environmental quality; c) evolvement processes and nurturing theory of biodiversity and ecological resources; and d) spatio-temporal variation and human-induced effects on regional resources and environment quality. Strategies for sustainable development in the region are as follows: a) controlling to ensure basic cultivated land area; b) enforcing remediation of polluted water environment, and controlling non-point pollution; c) strengthening ecological construction and ecological security; and d) controlling multi-pollution and preventing trace toxic pollutants.

Genetic and Genotype × Environment Interaction Effects for Appearance Quality of Rice

This study was conducted to generate genetic information in rice varieties based on a complete diallel crosses over two years. The results indicated that genotype effect was significant for all traits. Genotype × environment interaction effects were significant only for cooked grain length （CGL） and cooked grain shape （CGSH）. General combining ability （GCA） and specific combining ability （SCA） effects were significant for entire traits, which indicated the important roles of both additive and non-additive gene actions. GCA x environment interaction effects were significant for CGL, CGSH and grain elongation index （GEI）. In the controlling of the inheritance of milled grain shape （GSH）, milled grain width （MGW）, GEI, milled grain length （MGL）, CGSH and cooked grain width （CGW）, the additive gene effects were more important than non-additive one. The average degree of dominance was within the range of partial dominance for all of the traits. The narrow-sense heritability was ranged from 0.65 （GSH） to 0.36 （CGL）. GCA effects were significant for all of the parents in milled grain length and it was significant for some of the parents in other traits. The crosses of Deilmani × IRFAON-215 exhibited significant SCA for GEI. The positive mean of heterosis was observed for CGW. The highest maximum values of heterosis were revealed in GEI, flowed by GSH, MGW and CGW. GCA and MPV were significantly and positively correlated together for all traits.

Variation of Grain and Malt Qualities in Barley as Affected by Cultivars and Environments

Inferior and unstable quality of malt barley in China has limited its wide use in malting and brewing industries. In this research, eight two-rowed barley cultivars were planted at 7 locations with different ecological conditions in southern China, to investigate the cultivar and environmental effect on grain and malt qualities. The results showed that grain protein content differed dramatically among locations, but there were no significant differences among cultivars. For four malt qualities including diastatic power, wort viscosity, Kolbach index and malt extract, significant differences were found among cultivars and locations, except for diastatic power among cultivars. Coefficients of variance(CV)caused by location were greater than those caused by cultivar for each quality parameter, especially for diastatic power and Kolbach index, indicating the predominant influence of environment on malt quality. The analysis showed that grain protein content was positively related to diastatic power and wort viscosity, and negatively to malt extract. Kolbach index was positively related to malt extract, and negatively to diastatic power and wort viscosity. Diastatic power showed positive and negative correlation with wort viscosity and malt extract, respectively.

Evaluation of Ecological Environment Quality of Typical Forest Parks

Forest tourist areas have an excellent ecological environment,which is conducive to people's physical and mental health.In this study,Fuzhou National Forest Park and Wuying National Forest Park were selected as typical representatives of the southern and northern forest parks,respectively,which were compared by qualitative and quantitative research methods from such five aspects as air quality,climate quality,water environment quality,acoustic environment quality and biological population in some forest areas.The results showed that Fuzhou National Forest Park has a concentration of negative oxygen ions much higher than Wuying National Forest Park,and is thus more conducive to people's health;and it has the characteristics of warm and comfortable climate throughout the year and high biodiversity,but the noise is 4.35 db higher than Wuying National Forest Park,and the water quality is slightly poorer than that of Wuying National Forest Park.And its DO value is about 3.89 smaller in autumn than in summer.In Wuying National Forest Park,the concentration of negative oxygen ions is 53.6% lower than Fuzhou National Forest Park,but it is also above the national standard.The climate is only comfortable in June-August,and is colder or cooler in other months.The water quality is better than that of Fuzhou National Forest Park.In particular,the PH value is about 0.38 lower than that of Fuzhou National Forest Park.It has its own unique biological characteristics.The number of tourists in summer is higher,resulting in higher noise in summer than in autumn.The two forest parks in the north and the south are both good places for people to relax and enjoy.

Genotypic and environmental variation in barley limit dextrinase activity and its relation to malt quality

Variation in the limit dextrinase activity of barley malt, and the relationships between limit dextrinase activity and malt quality parameters were investigated using eight cultivars grown at seven diverse locations in China for two successive years. Limit dextrinase activity varied with genotype and location, with the levels ranging from 0.245 U/g to 0.980 U/g. The results showed that the variation in limit dextrinase activity was more attributable to the environment (location and year) than to the genotype. The response of limit dextrinase activity to the environment differed markedly among cultivars, and was reflected by large difference in coefficient of variation of cultivars across diverse locations. Regression analysis showed that limit dextrinase activity was negatively correlated with malt viscosity (r=?0.52, P<0.01), positively correlated with Kolbach index (r=0.38, P<0.01) and malt extract (r=0.30, P<0.05), but had no significant correlation with malt protein content and diastatic power.