Analysis of influence on water quality and harmful algal blooms due to weir gate control in the Nakdong River, Geum River, and Yeongsan River

شرایط اقلیمی به عنوان یکی از عوامل اصلی در شکل گیری بلوم جلبکی در اکثر نواحی دریاچه‌ای، دریایی و اقیانوسی دنیا مطرح است. هدف اصلی این تحقیق، شناسایی الگوهای نقشه ای اقلیمی در زمان توسعه و گسترش جلبکی در سطح دریا و تعیین شرایط اقلیمی آن می‌باشد. داده‌های مورد استفاده در این تحقیق شامل فشار هوا در تراز 1000 و 500 هکتوپاسکال، باد مداری و نصف النهاری و قائم، درجه دمای هوا و آب، کلروفیل است. روش تحقیق در این پژوهش به صورت الگوی محیطی به گردشی بوده است. برای انجام این تحقیق ابتدا زمان شکل گیری بلوم جلبکی تعیین و سپس عناصر اقلیمی همزمان با آن نقشه سازی شدند و در ادامه نیز تحلیل و نتیجه گیری انجام گرفت. نتایج این تحقیق حاکی از آن است که در زمان شکل گیری بلوم جلبکی بر روی خزر جنوبی، الگوی نقشه ای فشار هوا به صورت یک سامانه پرفشار با تداوم زمانی زیادی دیده می‌شود و منشا اصلی این پرفشار بر روی اقیانوس اطلس در حوالی پرفشار جنب حاره آزور قرار دارد. الگوی وزش باد به تبع این الگوی فشار در جهت عقربه ساعت برروی منطقه در حال گردش است. همچنین جریانات عمودی هوا حاکی از آن است که در حوالی جنوب غربی خزر نزول ضعیفی از هوا دیده می‌شود.

Retrieval of water quality information from satellite imagery can provide resource managers with an improved understanding into the spatial variability of the water body. In light of the increasing availability of ‘analysis ready data’ (ARD) satellite imagery in open datacubes*, either on cloud-based services or on high performance computing environments, development of operational monitoring systems is becoming feasible. Near-surface sensors can assist in more rapid and widespread algal bloom monitoring at a much higher temporal resolution. Remote sensing imagery, whilst cost effective, may not be optimal in terms of spatial or spectral resolution and can be greatly enhanced with the integration of near-surface observations. We describe pathways to use field-based near-surface sensors to calibrate and validate satellite remote sensing. These methods allow early detection of algal blooms and assist in the early warning for management intervention. We have designed and deployed several low-cost, near-surface sensors at several inland water sites around eastern Australia. The data is transferred using mobile networks where it is processed into spectral information. From this data and coincident field bio-optical measurements, we have developed algorithms for quantitative estimation of blue-green algal-specific pigments (phycocyanin) and chlorophyll concentrations. We have tested these algorithms for detection using a number of existing satellite sensors and report on results here. These methods have applied next-generation monitoring technology and when combined with hydrologic modelling will provide aquatic observations and forecasts. These will lead to improved management preparedness to respond to environmental challenges, e.g., a harmful algal blooms.

Keeping Tabs on HABs: new tools for detecting, monitoring, and preventing harmful algal blooms.

Simultaneous feature engineering and interpretation: Forecasting harmful algal blooms using a deep learning approach

Retention ponds constructed within urban watershed areas of high density populations are common as a result of green infrastructure applications. Several urban ponds in the Northern Kentucky, USA area were monitored for algal community (algae and cyanobacteria) from October 2012 to September 2013. Many of the harmful algal blooms observed during this study were composed primarily of the cyanobacteria genus, Microcystis. No correlations were observed between basic water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, temperature, nitrate and soluble reactive phosphate) and the presence of cyanobacteria and/or microcystin cyanobacterial toxin levels. Furthermore, levels of microcystin toxins did not always coincide with high Microcystis cell counts. Harmful algal blooms in small urban ponds are common which pose risk to human and ecological health due to proximity of dense human population including pets and wild animals. Because harmful algal blooms were detected throughout the year in this study, adaptation of universal guidelines for the design, construction and maintenance of urban ponds may be necessary to protect watershed aquatic ecosystems, and lower health risks from exposure to such harmful blooms.

More than 1,000 manmade satellites currently orbit our planet.1 Some are near the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere just a few hundred kilometers up. Others are tens of thousands of kilometers above us.2 They aid in communication, navigation, defense, and science. A small number3,4 play a critical and quickly expanding role: monitoring the Earth’s surface and atmosphere to track environmental conditions that are intimately tied to human health. A number of new Earth-observing missions are planned for the next decade, including Sentinel-5 aboard the European Space Agency’s MetOp Second Generation satellites (pictured).48 In the meantime researchers are finding new uses for the satellite ... Researchers and government agencies worldwide already use satellite data to monitor air pollutants, infectious disease epidemics, harmful algal blooms (HABs), climate change, and more. But as current research indicates, that’s only the beginning of what we can do with the technology, broadly referred to as “remote sensing.” In the coming years, new satellites will offer higher-resolution imagery in conjunction with more robust and precise algorithms to process the data they deliver. As a result, researchers expect to dramatically expand their ability to view and understand Earth’s land, water, and air, from its remotest ocean waters to its largest cities. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched its first satellite in 1958,5 and TIROS-1, the country’s first meteorological satellite, came 2 years later.6 Within a few decades members of the epidemiological and public health communities began actively looking at satellite data, says John Haynes, program manager of the NASA Applied Sciences Health and Air Quality Applications Program. In recent years interest in remote-sensing data has soared, with newer avenues being developed and fine-tuned, including air-quality measurements and vector-borne disease projections. “There’s really been a paradigm shift in the use of remote sensing for public health issues,” Haynes says. “Every year there seems to be more and more interest.” Indeed, by March 2015 NASA will have launched 6 Earth-observing missions in 12 months,7 more than in any year in at least a decade.8 New launches include a “global precipitation observatory” that will make frequent global measurements of rain and snowfall, plus one satellite designed to measure soil moisture and another that will measure how carbon moves through the Earth’s atmosphere, land, and oceans. In addition, the International Space Station will receive three new instruments, one that will observe how winds behave around the world, one that will measure clouds and aerosols (particles suspended in the atmosphere)—two variables that remain difficult to predict in climate-change models—and one that will take global, long-term measurements of key components of the Earth’s atmosphere, including aerosols and ozone.9 The momentum will carry through at least the next 8 or so years, with NASA and other space agencies in Europe and Asia planning to launch new satellites that will provide even higher-resolution snapshots of the Earth. Along with technological and scientific advances, a third development is leading to new and improved applications of satellite data: NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have made their satellite data available free of charge, Haynes says, while the European Space Agency (ESA) has reduced prices and promised to provide free access to data from its next generation of instruments. “More people use the data, and you get more out of it than when you try to restrict it,” says Raphael Kudela, an oceanographer at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who uses satellite imagery to study HABs. This free sharing of data has been instrumental in his field, allowing researchers at institutions around the world to study HABs from above and to improve systems to track and predict them.

Shahid Rajaee Reservoir (SRR) is one of the main reservoirs is located in Mazandaran province. There is no published data of algal study and water quality deduction based on biotic parameter in this area. Therefore, SRR was chosen to study the water quality and water pollution based on the phytoplankton community. Samples were collected at four stations during the six months sampling occasions (June, July, August, September, November 2012 and February 2013). Results showed that the water quality of selected sampling stations based on the phytoplankton communities (Shannon-Weiner diversity index H', 0.92-1.37) were classified as slightly polluted to polluted. The H' values reflected the excellent quality in June (2.80) and February (2.77), whereas the lowest quality were obtained in August (0.58). Based on the saprobic index values, the reservoir was categorized as s –mesosaprobic class (moderate organic loading) except in August which was under α-mesosaprobic to s–mesosaprobic (critical organic loading) classification. The water quality condition derived from the trophic classification (based on chlorophyll-a concentration) varied from good to poor class at different sampling months and stations. Based on the results obtained, the risk of pollution and water quality degradation was more noticeable at station 2 and during July and August 2012. In order to prevent the occurrence of eutrophication and algal bloom, it is necessary to conduct the regular monitoring and human activities surrounding the SRR and the river tributaries should be monitored.

1 - In the Thau lagoon (Southern Mediterranean Coast) the main anthropogenic pressure is represented by the urban development in the watershed, whilst oyster and mussel farming represents one of the main economical activities in the region. 2 - During the last decade, the increasing organic loads from watershed and urban settlements in the lagoon surroundings have caused a diffuse contamination by faecal bacteria. Also toxic algal blooms have been occurring, impairing water quality with major impacts on shellfish farming, fishery and bathing. 3 - In this study, indicators and scenarios identified for the lagoon have been integrated in a Decision Support System (DSS) to evaluate the best solutions for reducing pressures and improving both water quality and ecosystem status. 4 - The watershed has been analysed with reference to indicators of pollution sources and transfer rates to the lagoon. In parallel, socio-economic indicators and descriptors of urban growth and development have been assessed. Numerical models have been run in order to simulate the lagoon hydrodynamics in relation to both meteorological factors and watershed runoff. The impact of faecal bacteria contamination has been evaluated in terms of economical losses and social conflicts, arising from the restriction of shellfish farming and marketing during contamination events. Finally, the DSS prototype has been applied to the lagoon in support to management and future planning.

Chemical analysis of toxic microalgae from Mediterranean Sea

Large shallow lakes plays a significant role in the rapid urbanization process. A series of problems have occurred due to urbanization including water quality degradation, flood intensity increase, ecological and environmental issues etc. One of the most important threat comes from eutrophication, as it deteriorates water quality, introduces harmful algal blooms, harms lake ecosystems, affecting human health and hinders social economic development. This thesis presents a series of studies focusing on wind induced hydrodynamic circulation in large shallow lake, with the implication of Taihu Lake from lake scale hydrodynamic study, to lake scale water quality implication, and to basin scale implication. The proposed modelling approach could serve as a basis and provide information on lake scale wind effects on hydrodynamic circulation and catchment scale urbanization implication on water environment for management and planning of Taihu Lake and Taihu Basin.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) induced by eutrophication have become a global environmental problem recently. With the development of PCR and high-throughput technology, its application in algae genomics and transcriptomics has been promoted. It enriches the algae gene information and provides new method to further study the mechanisms of algal blooms and toxin production. On the perspective of molecular biology, the mechanism of HABs and algal toxins production have become a worldwide hotspot. The environmental factors, such as the physical, chemical and others, are reviewed to find its effects on algae growth and toxin production based on molecular biology. The research progress based on molecular biology is also summarized. This review could be helpful to investigating the mechanisms of algal blooms and toxin production from the perspective of molecular biology. It is significant to clarify their relationship from the perspective of gene expression.

According to the total pollution load management system, exact prediction and analysis ofwater quality and discharge has been required in order to allocate the amount of pollution loadto each local government. In this study, QUAL2E model was used for comparison with otherwater quality models and improve the inadequate to forecast future water quality. And Variouscalibration and verification methods were applied to deal with existing uncertainties ofparameter during modeling water quality. For user convenience, A GUI(Graphical UserInterface) system named tQL2-XPumodel is developed by object-oriented language for theuser convenience and practical usage. Suggested GUI system consist of hydraulic analysis,water quality analysis, optimized model calibration processes, and postprocessing thesimulation results. Therefore this model will be effectively utilized to manage practical andefficient water quality.Keywords : Water Quality, QUAL2E, Optimization, QU2-XP Corresponding Author: Heo, Joon, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Yonsei University, Korea Tel: +82-2-2123-2809E-mail: jheo@yonsei.ac.kr

Biological oxygen demand (BOD5) analysis is mainly used to estimate organic pollutants in water systems, it takes five days to obtain the result. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) is a fast alternative analysis that requires only (2 hours) to carried out the test. The other advantage of these tests is to evaluate the efficiency of the wastewater treatment plant. A total number of 108 Samples were taken from the Al-Gharaf river from three stations in Thi-Qar province (Al Refaae, Al Nser, and Al Shatra districts) in a period of a year and monthly sampling. The samples were tested according to ASTM D125-06 and ASTM D6238-98 for (COD) and (BOD5) respectively. The collected data were statistically analysed using the SPSS program to predict a relation between COD and BOD5 values. The analysis showed a good relationship with a value of correlation coefficient (r = 0.908) and coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.89). The predicted formula that describes the Biological oxygen demand (BOD5) is expressed by an exponential equation .The validation of the predicted formula has been tested using data from the national water quality monitoring data in Korea for four rivers (Han river, Nakdong river, Geum river, and Yeongsan river), the formula gave reasonably acceptable values. It could be used in wastewater plants to have pre-impression of the plant efficiency.

The algal bloom, resulting from eutrophication, has caused serious water quality problems in river and lake. Therefore, it has to be removed by any means including physicochemical or biological treatment for preserving water quality. This study was conducted to investigate the microalgae removal and energy production using combined electro-flotation and anaerobic hydrogen fermentation processes. The result showed that algae removal efficiency based on chlorophyll a removal increased with the current. At a current of 0.6A, the maximum microalgae removal efficiency of 95.9% was achieved. The treatability of anaerobic hydrogen fermentation was investigated to recover energy from microalgae removed by electro-flotation. The ultimate hydrogen yields of algae before and after ultrasonic pretreatment were 17.3 and 61.1 ml dcw(dry cell weight), respectively. The ultrasonic pretreatment of algae led to 3.4-fold higher production due to the increase of hydrolysis rate.

In recent decades, the importance of long-term ecological research (LTER) has been highlighted because of the growing interest in global environmental changes. Specifically, LTER data allows one to track the history of target ecosystems (e.g., trends of particular ecological entities) and enables one to understand the causal relationships of ecosystem functioning. One ecological problem is harmful algal blooms (HABs) in freshwater environments. It is generally perceived that global warming and local eutrophication are responsible for serious and frequent HAB events, and various efforts have been made to explain and forecast HABs. LTER data for HABs typically consist of various forcing functions and variables; thus, the selection of appropriate data-analysis methods for a HAB database is necessary. This chapter presents a series of studies related to the prediction and elucidation of two HABs, such as summer cyanobacteria (e.g., Microcystis aeruginosa) and winter diatom (e.g., Stephanodiscus hantzschii) that occur in the regulated Nakdong River, South Korea. First, HABs, water quality, and zooplankton patterns were analyzed using self-organizing maps (SOMs). Those major factors that have a close relationship to HABs, i.e., water temperature, pH, and rainfall, were selected. We created a predictive model and control scenario for HABs using a variety of methods (evolutionary computation, artificial neural network) in the real world based on confirmed information. We also suggest potential further studies of the Nakdong River.