Scenario-Based Assessment of the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Kuwait: Insights for Effective Resource Management

The interdependency among water, food, and energy (WEF) in the GCC countries is strongly and closely interlinked, and is intensifying as demand for resources increases with population growth and changing consumption patterns, and are expected to be further compounded by the impacts of climate change. Therefore, integrated management of the three sectors is crucial to reduce trade-offs and build synergies among them. This paper presents a comprehensive framework to assess the WEF nexus in Kuwait as a representative case for the GCC countries. The framework consists of three main steps: 1) evaluating the influence of socio-economic development and climate change on water, energy, and food resources;2) generating scenario-based projections;and 3) conducting an extensive quantitative nexus analysis. The WEF interlinkages in Kuwait are modelled quantitatively using the Q-Nexus model, and current critical interdependencies are evaluated. Then, various WEF-Nexus scenarios were conducted for the year 2035 to explore the effects of management interventions in one sector on the other two sectors. The main findings are that per capita municipal water consumption is a major influencer on the WEF-nexus due to the heavy reliance on thermal desalination in municipal water supply in Kuwait, which is attributed to its energy intensity, financial cost, GHGs emissions, and environmental impacts on the marine and air environments. To reduce WEF trade-offs, mitigate risks, and build synergies among the three sectors, it is important to shift the current policy focus on supply-side management approach to the demand-side management and efficiency approaches.

Diversity of endophytes across the soil-plant continuum for Atriplex spp. in arid environments

Endophytes are hypothesized to be transferred across the soil-plant continuum, suggesting both the transfers of endophytes from environment to plant and from plant to soil. To verify this hypothesis and to assess the role of locality, we evaluated the similarity of microbial communities commonly found both in soils and endophytic communities in three arid regions, i.e. the Jornada LTER （Long Term Ecological Research） site in New Mexico, USA, and the research station of Jordan University of Science and Technology （JUST） and Khanasd research station in Badia region of Jordan. Rhizosphere and non-rhizosphere soils, leaves and seeds of Atriplex spp. were sampled. Diversity and distribution of bacteria and fungi across the soil-plant continuums were assessed by tag-encoded FLX amplicon pyrosequencing and sequence alignment. Of the total bacterial OTUs （operational taxonomic units）, 0.17% in Khanasri research station, 0.16% in research station of JUST, and 0.42% in Jornada LTER site were commonly found across all the plant and soil compartments. The same was true for fungi in two regions, i.e. 1.56% in research station of JUST and 0.86% in Jornada LTER site. However, in Khanasri research station, 12.08% of total fungi OTUs were found in at least one soil compartment and one plant compartment. Putative Arthrobacter, Sporosarcina, Cladosporium and members of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were found across all the soil-plant continuums. Ascomycota, mainly including Didymellaceae, Pleosporaceae and Davidiellaceae were present across all the soil-plant continuums. Microbial communities in two regions of Jordan were similar to each other, but both of them were different from the Jornada LTER site of USA. SIMPER （similarity percentage） analysis of bacterial and fungal taxa for both soil and endophyte communities revealed that dissimilarities of two bacterial genera （Arthrobacter and Sporosarcina） and two fungal genera （Cladosporium and Alternaria） are very high, so they play key roles in the soil-plant continuums. A weighed Pearson correlation analysis for the specific bacterial OTUs in the soil-plant continuums only showed high similarity between the two regions of Jordan. However, fungal groups showed higher similarities among all regions. This research supports the hypothesis of continuity of certain bacterial and fungal communities across the soil-plant continuums, and also explores the influences of plant species and geographic specificity on diversity and distribution of bacteria and fungi.

Efficiency of sample-based indices for spatial pattern recognition of wild pistachio(Pistacia atlantica) trees in semi-arid woodlands

The efficiency of sample-based indices proposed to quantify the spatial distribution of trees is influenced by the structure of tree stands, environmental heterogeneity and degree of aggregation. We evaluated 10 commonly used distance-based and 10 density-based indices using two structurally different stands of wild pistachio trees in the Zagros woodlands, Iran, to assess the reliability of each in revealing stand structure in woodlands. All trees were completely stem-mapped in a nearly pure（40 ha） and a mixed（45 ha） stand. First, the inhomogeneous pair correlation function [g（r）] and the Clark-Evans index（CEI） were used as references to reveal the true spatial arrangement of all trees in these stands. The sampled data were then evaluated using the 20 indices.Sampling was undertaken in a grid based on a square lattice using square plots（30 m 9 30 m） and nearest neighbor distances at the sample points. The g（r） and CEI statistics showed that the wild pistachio trees were aggregated in both stands, although the degree of aggregation was markedly higher in the pure stand. Three distance- and six density-based indices statistically verified that the wild pistachio trees were aggregated in both stands. The distance-based Hines and Hines statistic（ht） and the densitybased standardised Morisita（Ip）, patchiness（IP） and Cassie（CA） indices revealed aggregation of the trees in the two structurally different stands in the Zagros woodlands and the higher clumping in the pure stand, whereas the other indices were not sensitive enough.

The control of soil polarization in Populus simonii and Quercus liaotungensis forests by forage litter on the Loess Plateau,P. R. China

Soil polarization in pure forest stands affects the stability and sustainable development of the ecosystem. The most effective approaches to the prevention of soil polarization may be the use of forage litter as fertilizer or the direct establishment of tree-grass communities. We investigated monospecific plantations of Populus simonii and Quercus liaotungensis. Such plantations have been established throughout the Loess Plateau of China. A 120-day decomposition incubation experiment with forest humus soil mixed with 7 common leguminous forage litterspecies was performed to study the uses of forage litter in controlling soil polarization in pure forests. The addition of forage litter of Astragalus adsurgens, Lespedeza bicolor, and Vicia viUosa to the soil of pure P. simonii forest clearly improved the soil quality, these forage species are suitable for planting with P. simonii, whereas Melilotus officinalis, Medicago sativa, and Onobrychis viciifolia litter produced obvious deterioration, thus these forages should not be planted with P. simonii. Coronilla varia litter showed no significant influence. The addition of forage litter of M. sativa to the soil of pure Q. liaotungensis forest clearly improved the soil quality, and C. varia and V. villosa also yielded improvements but were slightly less effective than M. sativa litter, these forages are suitable to be planted with Q. liaotungensis. However, L. bicolor showed obvious deterioration, followed by O. viciifolia and A. adsurgens, and M. officinalis had no significant influence. These spe- cies should not be planted with Q. liaotungensis.

Removal of Turbidity and COD from a Synthetic Water Sample by Coagulation

The main objective of this research was to study the removal of turbidity and COD （chemical oxygen demand） from a synthetic water sample. The water sample was treated chemically by coagulation. Two inorganic coagulants were used, ferric chloride and the double salt potassium-aluminium sulphate. The optimum coagulant dosage and working pH were examined. The results for ferric chloride as coagulant showed that the maximum removal efficiency （%） of COD was achieved at pH 6 with a dosage of 100 mg-L-1 and the maximum removal efficiency （%） of turbidity at pH 5 with a dosage of 500 mg.L-1. For double salt, as coagulant, the maximum removal efficiencies （%） of COD and turbidity were achieved at pH 6 with a dosage of 3,500 mg.L-1. An extensive comparison with results from previous studies was also described in this research.

Chemistry and particle size distribution of respirable coal dust in underground mines in Central Eastern Europe

Despite international efforts to limit worker exposure to coal dust,it continues to impact the health of thousands of miners across Europe.Airborne coal dust has been studied to improve risk models and its control to protect workers.Particle size distribution analyses shows that using spraying systems to suppress airborne dusts can reduce particulate matter concentrations and that coals with higher ash yields produce finer dust.There are marked chemical differences between parent coals and relatively coarse deposited dusts(up to _(500)μm,DD_(500)).Enrichments in Ca,K,Ba,Se,Pb,Cr,Mo,Ni and especially As,Sn,Cu,Zn and Sb in the finest respirable dust fractions could originate from:(i)mechanical machinery wear;(ii)variations in coal mineralogy;(iii)coal fly ash used in shotcrete,and carbonates used to reduce the risk of explosions.Unusual enrichments in Ca in mine dusts are attributed to the use of such concrete,and elevated K to raised levels of phyllosilicate mineral matter.Sulphur concentrations are higher in the parent coal than in the DD_(500),probably due to relatively lower levels of organic matter.Mass concentrations of all elements observed in this study remained below occupational exposure limits.

Floristic Composition, Diversity and Stand Structure of Tropical Forests in Popa Mountain Park

Safeguarding biodiversity is an important component of the REDD+ scheme of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Information on tree species and their distribution is therefore needed for successful implementation of forestry carbon projects. Forest inventory data were collected in four natural forests located in Popa Mountain Park, Myanmar. Based on the data from 4-ha sample plots, average stem density ranges from 1293 trees ha-1 in dry dipterocarp forest to 804 tree ha-1 in dry evergreen forest. According to the Jackknife estimator for species richness (trees with DBH ≥ 5 cm), the highest number of species was recorded in dry mixed deciduous forest—74 species ha-1, and the lowest number of species recorded in dry forest—40 species ha-1. Dry mixed deciduous forest occupied the highest value on the Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson diversity index while the lowest was in dry forest, indicating that dry mixed deciduous forest is the most complex whereas dry forest is the simplest community. Not only does this study provide useful information on the current status of vegetation type but the information is important for designing forestry management systems that could result in biodiversity conservation and carbon emission reductions.

Grey Crowned Crane and Shoebills Conservation Status and Linkage to Livelihoods of Lake Victoria Shores Adjacent Communities in Mayuge District, Eastern Uganda

This research was done among communities living adjacent to Lake Victoria Shores in Mayuge District to generate knowledge on Shoebill, Grey Crowned Crane conservation status and linkage to livelihoods. This knowledge was necessary to guide design and implementation of interventions that would deliver on the species conservation and adjacent communities’ livelihood benefits at the same time. We obtained information through individual interviews with 101 members of households from targeted communities and key informers-technical officials from the district, and analysed this data using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) by Bryman and Cramer, (2011) Version 20. The results were then subjected to validation using focus group discussions with 10 groups of between 8 - 15 individuals representing the targeted communities and other stakeholders and the results from this further validated with ≥250 representatives of these stakeholders in a one day workshop and with evidences collected during field observations, before synthesis. The findings show: Grey Crowned Crane habitats declining due to mining, agriculture, fishing activities by adjacent communities for their livelihoods (food and income from sale of produce obtained from the species’ habitats). The communities say they need to be engaged in development and implementation of integrated interventions that will improve their livelihoods while securing conservation for Grey Crowned Cranes. They among others propose ecotourism enterprises, training and sensitization on environment and wildlife conservation practices, policies and laws to enhance their knowledge and compliance in management. The fisher folk say fish is often found within Grey Crowned Cranes’ habitats and breeding grounds in the Lake and to avoid destroying the habitats, they need engine boats and standard fishing nets to enable fishing far away in the deeper waters. Crop farming communities say they need commercial, soil fertility improving tree species to plant boundary to the buffer zones so that they can prevent cultivation encroachment on Grey Crowned Crane habitats in the Lake Shores. The findings also reveal need for Grey Crowned Crane population structure studies, and, that of shoebill presence to determine management strategies for their survival in habitats.

Abandoned Quarries in the Akreuch Area (Western Morocco): Inventory of Flora for a Rehabilitation Strategy

Quarrying is an activity contributing to the vitality of the Moroccan economy. However, most of these quarries were abandoned at the end of extraction and became dump and later a place of uncontrolled landfills. The number of restored or rehabilitated quarries is limited and this threatens several aspects of the environment, especially, the quality of surface and ground water, landscape, forests, etc. This also gives rise to increased erosion risk. The study identifies plant species covering 10 abandoned quarries in the region of Rabat, especially the Bouregreg River and its affluent Akreuch in order to define a strategy for their restoration or rehabilitation. Field surveys were led to locate and map 10 abandoned quarries and to sample plant species. Herbaria were established and species were identified and classified. The results of the study distinguished 46 different plant species spread over 45 genera and 27 botanical families. The most dominant family in the quarries visited is Asteraceae. These results will allow us to study the vegetation dynamics in these abandoned lands and serve as a basis, in the selection of appropriate species in eventual restoration or rehabilitation projects.

Analysis of Water Resources Vulnerability Assessment Tools

Water resources face many pressures and stresses around the world.Assessing the vulnerability of water resources is,therefore,increasingly an essential practice in water resources management.Several studies of water resources vulnerability have been carried out around the world during the last three decades.Thus,the main objective of this study was to analyze water resources vulnerability assessment tools and identify the methodological trend of water resources vulnerability assessment at the local level in existing literature.To achieve this objective,the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses(PRISMA)method has been applied to include or exclude articles.Articles on water vulnerability numbering 374 were preselected in the ScienceDirect and the Google Scholar databases.Only 32 out of the 374 articles met the inclusion criteria defined for the analysis.The results show that China(21.9%),U.S.A.(9.4%)and Canada(6.3%)are the most active countries publishing water resources vulnerability assessments.Some 191 vulnerability indicators from the 32 articles were classified into five categories of factors:physical factors(33.5%),socio-economic factors(28.3%),environmental or eco-environmental factors(25.1%),institutions and governance factors(7.3%)and infrastructure factors(5.8%).This study shows that almost half of the studies(47%)considered all five categories of factors,9.4%considered four categories of factors,6.3%considered three categories of factors,28%used two types of factors and 9.4%considered only one category.Researchers have used several methods to assess water resources vulnerability:overlay and index methods(59.4%),process-based models(12.5%),statistical methods(9.4%),overlay and index methods plus process-based model(9.4%),overlay and index methods plus statistical methods(6.3%)and statistical methods plus process-based models(3.1%).Geographic information system(GIS)is an important tool in assessing the vulnerability of water resources with almost 60%of the studies using it at some stage of the assessment.In recent years,there is an increasing trend toward conceptualizing the vulnerability of water resources in a holistic way.

Salt-Affected Soil Mapping in an Arid Environment Using Semi-Empirical Model and Landsat-OLI Data

The aim of this research is to map the salt-affected soil in an arid environment using an advanced semi-empirical predictive model, Operational Land Imager (OLI) data, a digital elevation model (DEM), field soil sampling, and laboratory and statistical analyses. To achieve our objectives, the OLI data were atmospherically corrected, radiometric sensor drift was calibrated, and distortions of topography and geometry were corrected using a DEM. Then, the soil salinity map was derived using a semi-empirical predictive model based on the Soil Salinity and Sodicity Index-2 (SSSI-2). The vegetation cover map was extracted from the Transformed Difference Vegetation Index (TDVI). In addition, accurate DEM of 5-m pixels was used to derive topographic attributes (elevation and slope). Visual comparisons and statistical validation of the semi-empirical model using ground truth were undertaken in order to test its capability in an arid environment for moderate and strong salinity mapping. To accomplish this step, fieldwork was organized and 120 soil samples were collected with various degrees of salinity, including non-saline soil samples. Each one was automatically labeled using a digital camera and an accurate global positioning system (GPS) survey (σ ≤ ± 30 cm) connected in real time to the geographic information system (GIS) database. Subsequently, in the laboratory, the major exchangeable cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl- and SO42-), pH and the electrical conductivity (EC-Lab) were extracted from a saturated soil paste, as well as the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) being calculated. The EC-Lab, which is generally accepted as the most effective method for soil salinity quantification was used for statistical analysis and validation purposes. The obtained results demonstrated a very good conformity between the derived soil salinity map from OLI data and the ground truth, highlighting six major salinity classes: Extreme, very high, high, moderate, low and non-saline. The laboratory chemical analyses corroborate these results. Furthermore, the semi-empirical predictive model provides good global results in comparison to the ground truth and laboratory analysis (EC-Lab), with correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.97, an index of agreement (D) of 0.84 (p < 0.05), and low overall root mean square error (RMSE) of 11%. Moreover, we found that topographic attributes have a substantial impact on the spatial distribution of salinity. The areas at a relatively high altitude and with hard bedrock are less susceptible to salinity, while areas at a low altitude and slope (≤2%) composed of Quaternary soil are prone to it. In these low areas, the water table is very close to the surface (≤1 m), and the absence of an adequate drainage network contributes significantly to waterlogging. Consequently, the intrusion and emergence of seawater at the surface, coupled with high temperature and high evaporation rates, contribute extensively to the soil salinity in the study area.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Water Quality Indices

Water quality indices (WQI) are useful tools for indicating the suitability of water for an expected use. However, they can suffer from some problems. The objective of this paper was to analyze the development of WQI to determine which parameters are used in water quality assessment and to discuss the characteristics of WQI. To screen articles on WQI, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method is applied to include or exclude articles. Four necessary steps are needed to design WQI: parameter selection, standardization, weighting and aggregation. A set of six methods of aggregations of sub-indices are identified: the arithmetic mean, the geometric mean, the root square, the logarithmic function, the fuzzy inference and the minimum operator. The problems encountered for the overall index are different according to the form of aggregation. They are eclipsing, ambiguity, rigidity or flexibility, adaptability and compensation. The chemical parameters (70%) are the most used in the development of WQI with the physical parameters used at 24% and the biological parameters at 6%. Dissolved oxygen (DO, 87%), total coliforms (87%), biological oxygen demand (BOD, 73%), pH (73%), temperature (67%), turbidity (60%), ammonia (53%), ammonium (47%) and total dissolved solids (47%) are the most commonly used parameters for water quality assessment.

Characterization of the Biodegradation of Kasbahs of the Gharb Region (Mehdia and Kenitra Kasbahs, Morocco)

With the aim of contributing to the solutions linked to the problems of the preventive preservation and the restoration of the Kasbah of Mehdia or the Kasbah of Moulay El Hassan, a study of the flora populating the facades of these historical monuments was realized and showed the presence of a varied and diverse vegetation populating these buildings left to the ravages of time. The inventory of this flora showed the existence of 70 species among which 48were exclusively detected at the Kasbah of Mehdia, 11 other species were only discovered at the Kasbah of Kenitra and 11 vegetal species were inventoried at both Kasbahs. These plant species are divided into 28 families. Four families clearly dominate the flora inventoried at both Kasbahs of the Gharb region. These are the Asteraceae (15.7%),Poaceae (10%), Apiaceae (8.6%) and Scrophulariaceae (5.7%). These families alone account for 41.4% of the specific size of the flora of the studied sites. The most dominant vegetal type is the therophytes with 61.4% of the total specific size, followed by hemicryptophytes with 17.1%. Located at the top or the base of walls, these plants, fitting into joints or cracks, have a chemical action on the stones by acids which they release and also have a mechanical action on the stones by the growth of roots inside cracks. This vegetation remains one of the most important biological factors of the degradation of historical monuments.

Rainfall erosivity and sediment dynamics in the Himalaya catchment during the Melamchi flood in Nepal

Rainfall erosivity is an indicator of rainfall potential to cause soil erosion.The Melamchi extreme flood occurred on June-15 and recurred on July-31,2021 in Nepal.During these flooding events,a large volume of sediments were eroded,transported and deposited due to the high rainfall erosivity of the basin.In this study,the temporal and the spatial distribution of rainfall erosivity within the Melamchi River Basin was estimated and further linked to sediment discharge and concentration at various sites along the river segments.The daily rainfall data for the event year 2021 of the entire basin were used.Validation was performed by post-flooding grain size sampling.The result showed that rainfall and rainfall erosivity exhibit pronounced intensity within the Melamchi River basin,particularly at Sermathang and Tarkeghang,both located in the middle section of the basin.The average annual rainfall in the Melamchi region was 3140.39 mm with an average annual erosivity of 18302.06(MJ mm)/(ha h yr).The average daily erosivity of the basin was 358.67(MJ mm)/(ha h)during the first event and 1241(MJ mm)/(ha h)for the second event.In the upper section of sampling,the sediment size ranged from 0.1 mm to>8 mm and was poorly graded.However,the lower region had smaller sediment ranging from 0.075 mm to>4.75 mm and also well graded.The smaller size(<1 mm)sediment passing was much higher in the Chanaute(78%)and Melamchi(66.5%)river segments but the larger size(>100 mm)sediments were passed relatively higher from the Kiwil(8.20%)and Ambathan(8.39%)river segments.During premonsoon and monsoon seasons,the highest sediment concentration was found to be 563.8 g/L and 344.3 g/L in Bhimtar and the lowest was 238.5 g/L and 132.1 g/L at the Ambathan,respectively.The sediment concentration during the pre-monsoon was found to be higher than the sediment concentration during the monsoon season in the Melamchi River.The more erosive regions in the basin were associated with the presence of highly fractured rock,weathered rocks and a thrust(weak)zone.The higher rainfall erosivity at upstream and the higher sediment concentration at downstream during flooding events have coincided well in the basin.Thus,the estimation of rainfall erosivity at the catchment scale and its influences on sediment concentration in the river are crucial for erosion control measures during flooding times in the Himalaya.

An exploration of meteorological effects on PM2.5 air quality in several provinces and cities in Vietnam

Linking meteorology and air pollutants is a key challenge.The study investigated meteorological effects on PM_(2.5)concentration using the advanced convergent cross mapping method,utilizing hourly PM_(2.5)concentration and six meteorological factors across eight provinces and cities in Vietnam.Results demonstrated that temperature(ρ=0.30)and radiation(ρ=0.30)produced the highest effects,followed by humidity(ρ=0.28)and wind speed(ρ=0.24),while pressure(ρ=0.22)and wind direction(ρ=0.17)produced the weakest effects on PM_(2.5)concentration.Comparing theρvalues showed that temperature,wind speed,and wind direction had greater impacts on PM_(2.5)concentration during the dry season whereas radiation had a more influence during the wet season;Southern stations experienced larger meteorological effects.Temperature,humidity,pressure,and wind direction had both positive and negative influences on PM_(2.5)concentration,while radiation and wind speed mostly had negative influences.During PM_(2.5)pollution episodes,there wasmore contribution ofmeteorological effects on PM_(2.5)concentration indicated byρvalues.At contaminated levels,humidity(ρ=0.45)was the most dominant factor affecting PM_(2.5)concentration,followed by temperature(ρ=0.41)and radiation(ρ=0.40).Pollution episodes were pointed out to be more prevalent under higher humidity,higher pressure,lower temperature,lower radiation,and lower wind speed.Theρcalculation also revealed that lower temperature,lower radiation,and higher humidity greatly accelerated each other under pollution episodes,further enhancing PM_(2.5)concentration.The findings contributed to the literature on meteorology and air pollution interaction.

Effects of Soluble Organic N on Evaluating Soil N-Supplying Capacity

It is important to study the soluble organic N （SON） extracted during water-logged incubation for evaluating soil Nsupplying capacity. Soil initial SON and mineral N （Nmin）, cumulative soluble organic N and NH4＋-N in leachates during water-logged incubation, mineralization potentials of both easily decomposable N （ND） and resistant N （NR）, and their relationships with N uptake by crop in pot experiment were investigated by using 10 kinds of farmland soils with widely different physical and chemical properties on the Loess Plateau, China, and the effects of SON on evaluating soil Nsupplying capacity were studied. The results showed that the average content of initial SON （23.9 mg kg^-1） of 10 soils was 28.8% of initial total soluble N and 2.4% of soil total N. The percentage of cumulative SON in leaching total soluble N （118.1 mg kg^-1 was 46.4%, higher than the percentage of initial SON （28.8%）, and almost close to the percentage of cumulative NH4^＋-N in the leachates. ND had close correlation with total N, and the correlation coefficients were 0.92 （P 〈 0.01, excluding SON in estimating ND） and 0.88 （P 〈 0.01, including SON in estimating ND）, respectively. N mineralization potential and mineralization rate constant were different with the soil types. ND of Los-Orthic Entisols and Ust-Sandiic Entisols were lower than that of Eum-Orthrosols. Mineralization rate constant for the fast decomposable N-fraction （kD） decreased and the mineralization rate constant of resistant materials （kR） increased when SON was taken into account. Cumulative NH4^＋-N was a better evaluation index of soil N-supplying capacity, and it is not only suitable for the first season crops but also for two successive season crops. Cumulative SON alone was not a satisfactory index for the potential of mineralizable N. But it would be more accurate for ND in revealing the potential mineralizable N when SON was taken into account. Cumulative TSN, to some extent, could also be taken as an index for the potential mineralizable N. Cumulative NH4＋-N, total soluble N, and ND were good indexes for estimating soil potential mineralizable N, especially for soils of two successive season crops. And cumulative total soluble N and ND in evaluating the permanence of soil N-supply is of greater significance when SON was included.

Phytoremediation Mechanisms of Heavy Metal Contaminated Soils: A Review

Phytoremediation is a green emerging technology used to remove pollutants from environment components. Mechanisms used to remediate soils contaminated by heavy metal are: phytoextraction, phytostabilisation, phytovolatilization and rhizofiltration. The two first mechanisms are the most reliable. Many factors influence the choice of the suitable phytoremediation strategy for soil decontamination. It depends on soil properties, heavy metal levels and characteristics, plant species and climatic conditions. The present review discusses factors affecting heavy metals uptake by plant species, the different phytoremediation strategies of heavy metal contaminated soils and the advantages and disadvantages of phytoremediation and each of its mechanisms.

A New Method for Comparing Hospital and Municipal Wastewater

The objective of this study is to investigate the differences in organic compounds that are present in hospital and municipal wastewater samples. Two samples with the same COD （chemical oxygen demand） values were chosen for this study. The results have shown that both samples consist of the same compounds with low molecular weights and high polarities in high concentrations. The hospital wastewater consisted of more compounds arithmetically. Differences were found in the organic compound with low molecular weight and low polarities. Pharmaceutical compounds such as caffeine, acetanilide and phenacetin were detected only in the hospital wastewater.

Vegetation Biomass of Sargassum Meadows in An Chan Coastal Waters,Phu Yen Province,Vietnam Derived from PlanetScope Image

SW(Seaweed)is a valuable coastal resource for its use in food,cosmetics,medicine and other items.In this study,PS(PlanetScope)imagery was combined with field sampling to demonstrate the capability of mapping of SAV(Submerge Aquatic Vegetation)(including both SW and SG(Seagrass)beds)and biomass mapping of Sargassum meadows in An Chan coastal waters,Tuy An district,Phu Yen province,Vietnam.In term of SAV and Sargassum mapping,authors proposed an improved remote sensing technique based on Sagawa’s BRI(Bottom Reflectance Index)algorithm with attention to Tassan’s concept in discrimination of light attenuation coefficient Kd between shallow and deep waters.Authors’results showed high accuracy in mapping of SAV and Sargassum distribution with overall accuracy and Kappa coefficient of 92.52%and 0.8957,respectively.The classified class of SW(i.e.Sargassum sp.)then was separated absolutely from other classes in SAV map for estimation of Sargassum biomass.The red and green spectral pre-processed BRI channels(i.e.BRI3 and BRI2)of PS were used to estimate the Sargassum biomass using a multiple 2nd order polynomial regression model with very high accuracy(R2=0.9707;RMSE=±109.21 g/m2).The average total Sargassum biomass was 897.8 g/m2 with total Sargassum yield in whole region reaching a value of 449.57 tons in cover area of 50.32 ha of Sargassum meadows.This result opens the great potential of biomass and yield estimation of Sargassum and other SW meadows in coastal waters(including enough optically deep waters)by remote sensing techniques based on PS imagery.

Flood Hazard Mapping at Long Xuyen Quadrangle in2015 Using Geographic Information System and RemoteSensing Technologies

In recent year,the flooding has occurred with high frequency at LXQ(Long Xuyen Quadrangle)areas of Mekong Delta,Vietnam.It was considered as a major natural disaster which has effects on the physic and spirit in people’s life in this area.This research aims to generate a flood hazard map and assess the flood situation at LXQ in 2015.The MNDWI(Modification of Normalized Difference Water Index)extracting from Sentinel-2 image was used to map the flood extent at LXQ during rainy season in 2015.The statistics method estimated correlation coefficient between flooding spatial distribution and hydrological stations on SPSS(Statistical Product and Services Solutions)software.The results showed that the severe flood occurred from August to December in 2015.There were about 47.6%and 28.2%of the total areas that were inundated in October and August,respectively.The correlation between inundated areas and water level at Ha Tien and Chau Doc hydrological stations was 0.73 and 0.65(p<0.01),respectively.The derived information was very essential and valuable for local managers in making decision on responding and mitigating to the flood disaster.