Addition Of Water Research Articles

Accelerated photonic design of coolhouse film for photosynthesis via machine learning

Controlling the suitable light, temperature, and water is essential for plant photosynthesis. While greenhouses/warm-houses are effective in cold or dry climates by creating warm, humid environments, a cool-house that provides a cool local environment with minimal energy and water consumption is highly desirable but has yet to be realized in hot, water-scarce regions. Here, using a synergistic genetic algorithm and machine learning, we propose and demonstrate a coolhouse film that regulates temperature and water for photosynthesis without requiring additional energy or water. This scalable film, selected from hundreds of potential designs, selectively and precisely transmits sunlight needed for photosynthesis while reflecting excess heat, thereby reducing thermal load and evapotranspiration. Its optical properties also exhibit weak angle dependence. In demonstrations in subtropical and arid regions, the film reduces temperatures by 5–17 °C and cuts water loss by half, resulting in more than doubled biomass yield and survival rates. It also improves crop resistance to heat and drought in greenhouse cultivation. The integration of machine learning and photonics provides a powerful toolkit for designing photonic structures and devices aimed at sustainability.

Switching CO2 Electroreduction toward C2+ Products and CH4 by Regulating the Dimerization and Protonation in Platinum/Copper Catalysts

AbstractCopper (Cu)‐based catalysts exhibit distinctive performance in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) with complex mechanism and sophisticated types of products. The management of key intermediates *CO and *H is a necessary factor for achieving high product selectivity, but lack of efficient and versatile strategies. Herein, we designed Pt modified Cu catalysts to effectively modulate the competitive coverage of those intermediates. The Pt single‐atoms and Pt nanoparticles modified Cu catalysts (denoted as Cu‐Pt1 and Cu‐PtNPs) precisely regulated the protonation and dimerization, with the faradaic efficiency (FE) of C2+ products up to 70.4 % and the FE of CH4 reaching 57.7 %, respectively. CO stripping experiments reveal that Pt1 sites could enhance the adsorption of *CO, while PtNPs exhibit *CO tolerance for H2O dissociation. In situ spectroscopic results further confirms that high coverage of *CO is achieved on Cu‐Pt1, while *CHO on Cu‐PtNPs might generate by additional water dissociation. As elucidated by theoretical studies, the interfacial sites of Cu‐Pt1 would favor the *CO coverage promoting the evolution of *OCCO for C2+ products while PtNPs supplementarily accelerate H2O dissociation achieving *CHO for CH4. This work provides insights for efficient and targeted CO2 conversion by atomically design of active sites with engineered key intermediates coverage.

Mitigating strength loss in mortar due to application delay: quantified impact of additional water and cement

This study examines how application (i.e., “casting” another widely used term) delays affect the compressive and shear strengths of mortar in masonry constructions. It also explores the impact of adding supplementary materials like water and cement to the mortar. Mortar mixes were prepared using sand with a fineness modulus (FM) of 1.7 for plaster and 1.9 for brick binder, subjected to casting delays ranging from 0 to 4 h. Three physical conditions were utilized as follows: the 1st case—WAAW (without adding additional water); the 2nd case—AAW (adding additional water), maintaining initial mortar flow; and the 3rd case—AAWC (adding additional water and cement), maintaining initial mortar flow and initial mortar strength. In the 1st case, the fall of strength was greater than in the 2nd case. In the 3rd case, the amounts of additional cement and water were quantified to restore the initial strength of the mortar. This quantification can help avoid material loss in construction sites.

Maintaining Silage Corn Production Under Sodic Irrigation Water Conditions in a Semi-Arid Environment

The Zayandeh-Rud watershed of Iran has had water scarcity for decades, giving rise to pressures toward limiting water allocation for the agriculture sector. Marginal waters can be an alternative source for irrigated agriculture in water-scarce regions if adequately managed. One of the critical hazards for sustainable agriculture and the environment is the accumulated salinity–sodicity problem as a consequence of irrigating with unconventional waters. Applying additional water beyond the crop water requirement, known as leaching application, has been suggested as a solution to this problem. A physical model was built to investigate the effects of the severe sodicity and salinity conditions of irrigation water by creating 250 mm diameter soil columns (27 columns) filled with sandy clay loam soil. The severity of the irrigation water’s sodicity (sodium adsorption ratios (SAR): 5.27, 16.56, and 28.57) and its interactions with various leaching fractions (0%, 15%, and 30%) on critical soil chemical characteristics and corn yield were studied. Implementing a 30% leaching fraction reduced the SAR and salinity in the soil’s first layer (0–10 cm) when irrigating with saline–hyper-sodic water (SAR = 28.57 and ECiw = 9 dS/m). However, an elevated level of sodicity accumulation in the soil profile was observed, emphasizing the importance of adding calcium and magnesium amendments during the irrigation season. A noticeable increase in the efficiency of leaching applications in reducing accumulated salts and the sodicity level in the corn rootzone was detected with higher levels of irrigation water sodicity. The reduction in the accumulated salinity and sodium in the first soil layer due to implementing a 30% leaching fraction resulted in a 223.3% increase in the total biomass of silage corn. Applying a 30% leaching fraction also increased the corn biomass by 58% and 114.56% when irrigating with waters with 5.57 and 16.56 SAR values. The effectiveness of a 15% leaching fraction for enhancing the soil and crop conditions was significantly lower than that of the 30% leaching fraction. Nevertheless, in case of unavailability of sufficient water supply for irrigation purposes, applying a 15% leaching fraction could mitigate the consequences of sodic water irrigation. The results demonstrate that in the absence of the proper calcium amendments, the implementation of leaching management could still be effective in enhancing corn production under sodic water irrigation conditions.

Pastureland Soil Organic Carbon Storage Regulated by Pasture Species and Age Under Nitrogen and Water Addition in Northern China

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key indicator of soil quality and an important component of the global carbon cycle. Enhancing SOC through crop rotation is a promising strategy; yet, the underlying mechanisms for SOC accumulation remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different pasture age, pasture species, irrigation, and nitrogen (N) fertilization treatments on SOC content and storage in pastureland, analyzing the SOC content and below-ground biomass (BGB) data of different soil layers (0–10 cm, 10–20 cm, 20–40 cm, 40–60 cm) of each treatment under three factors (pasture species (Bromus inermis, Medicago varia, the 1:1 mixture), irrigation (CK, dry-season supplementation), and N fertilization (0 kg N hm−2 y−1, 75 kg N hm−2 y−1, and 150 kg N hm−2 y−1)), as well as the interaction effects of these factors. Pasture species, water and N addition levels, and pasture age all had significant (p < 0.05) effects on BGB. At the age of 1–3, the SOC content of monocultured Bromus inermis was slightly higher than the monocultured Medicago varia and the mixture, and at the age of 4–5, monocultured Medicago varia and the mixture were slightly higher than the monocultured Bromus inermis. Among them, the mixture was the highest. At the age of 2–5, the BGB of pastureland was significantly influenced by pasture species, N and water addition, and pasture age. Over a 5-year period, SOCs in the surface layer of the fallowed cropland accumulated 32.35 Mg ha−1, showing a very good carbon sequestration effect; especially the planting of a mixed pasture had a more significant positive effect on the accumulation of SOC. Therefore, for the low and medium yielding fields in China, according to the crop utilization target and production cycle, the purpose of improving soil quality can be effectively achieved through crop and grass rotation.

Effect of different moisture content on nitrous oxide production in aggregated soil of Shintoku, Japan

Agricultural soils are the major source of the potent greenhouse gas and ozone-depleting substance, N2O. An incubation study was carried out using the volcanic ash fine textured soil of Shintoku. Soil samples used in this study were taken from managed grassland at Shintoku Experimental Livestock Farm of Hokkaido University in Southern Hokkaido, Japan (N43º05′, E142º51′). Soil aggregates were air-dried, and sieved with 4.5 mm and 2 mm and adjusted the soil moisture of 60% and 80% of field water capacity (FWC). Just after the moistening, the aggregates were incubated for 9 days under a temperature of 20°C. Just after starting the incubation, the flush of N2O production was observed. Similar flushes of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitric oxide (NO) productions were also observed. All of the gas productions were higher in larger aggregates with 80% of field water capacity. The concentrations of Water Extractable Organic Carbon (WEOC), NH4+-N, pH and total N were significantly different before and after incubation. Shintoku soil showed a significant correlation between before and after incubation for all soil chemical properties except pH. Especially WEOC and NH4+-N changed immediately after the addition of water and this situation continued during the incubation. Larger aggregates showed higher amounts of NH4+-N and NO3-–N and were responsible for higher N2O production compared to smaller aggregates. In Shintoku the results of N2O-N/NO-N ratio in both moisture contents indicated nitrification as a main process of N2O production. It is very well known that N2O is produced more from the denitrification process than nitrification. Poor aeration and less diffusion of NO3-N and WEOC from the aerobic area to the anaerobic area reduce N2O production in the denitrification process of fine textured Shintoku soil. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 14(2): 99-110, December 2024

Making classic wines from Georgian and French varieties of grapevine

Authenticity is an important factor in determining the value of food products and nutritional components or additives [3, 4]. In addition to the control of products correct labeling, the compliance with good oenological practices should be taken into account. Analytical methods can be used to determine whether wines are mixed with each other, or if their production is modified by the addition of water, alcohol, sugar, etc. Different grape varieties: ,,Chardonnay’’, ,,Chinuri’’ and ,,Kakhuri Mtsvane’’ were selected for the study. Classic wines were made from these grape varieties. Sepage of the Chinuri and Chardonnay varieties was carried out, and from the variety Kakhuri Mtsvane varietal wine was made. The main chemical parameters were determined in the wines, based on the objectives of the study. The obtained results were used to compared wines with each other. In the wines the ratio of carbon isotopes 13C/12C was also determined in order to establish their falsification. According to experimental results it was established that the main chemical parameters of the studied wines correspond to the standard requirements. The wines are distinguished by the organoleptic properties characteristic of the variety.

The Effect of Foliar Fertilizers as Substitution Media on The Growth of Chrysanthemum morifolium Shoot by In Vitro Culture

The production of chrysanthemum plants in large quantities can be obtained by in vitro growth of chrysanthemums. The growth media that is often used is MS media which has a relatively high price. Therefore, a substitution medium that has a relatively affordable price is needed in the form of foliar fertilizer media with coconut water and ambon bananas added. This study aims to examine the best medium that can be used for in vitro chrysanthemum growth. The research was carried out in June-September 2020 at the In Vitro Culture Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. The research was carried out by a single-factor experimental method with 7 treatments and each had 5 replicates and each replicate consisted of 3 samples arranged with a Complete Random Design (RAL). The treatment that was experimented with was the use of foliar fertilizers in the form of Growmore and Hyponex Green with the addition of coconut water and bananas. The concentrations of Growmore foliar fertilizer given were 3 g/l, 4 g/l, and 5 g/l. The concentrations of Green Hyponex foliar fertilizer given were 3 g/l, 4 g/l, and 5 g/l. The results of the research showed that foliar fertilizer added with coconut water and banana ambon could be used as a substitution medium for MS media in chrysanthemum growth in vitro. The use of Growmore 4 g/l foliar fertilizer shows the best hail against the tall growth of chrysanthemum shoots in vitro

Campus-Community Partnership for One Health: Harnessing a Semi-Urban Community’s Participatory History to Address WASH needs in Southwest Nigeria

Abstract This One Health case highlights a community-based initiative implemented by Babcock University Department of Public Health (BU-DPH), to provide access to water through campus-community collaboration. BU-DPH engaged the semi-urban community by (1) meeting with local leaders to discuss the purpose of the project and obtaining necessary permissions, (2) developing and conducting a community survey to identify the felt health needs of the people, (3) analysing the data to prioritize the top needs, (4) presenting and discussing the data with community leaders and campus authorities, (5) deflating the expectation of the community leaders that BU-DPH should address the identified need, (6) developing an inventory of their past community self-help development initiatives and achievements to elicit commitment and motivation to address the identified water need by the people, with the people, and for the people, and (7) inviting BU to contribute to the expectation of the people by installing water pipes outside the campus walls to complement the efforts of the community leaders to reduce the risk of the transmission of water-related diseases in the spirit of campus-community partnership for One Health. The initiative led to the construction of four deep wells using resources from the community, supported with additional water pumps from BU and continued education on ways and means of reducing zoonotic waterborne diseases. For sustainability, the community’s development committee (DC) provided oversight. This case illustrates how a campus-community approach implemented systematically resonated the underlying participatory history/philosophy of a community to address identified One Health need with multiplier benefits at the individual, community, and institutional levels of influence. Information © The Author 2025

Nitrogen and Water Additions Affect N2O Dynamics in Temperate Steppe by Regulating Soil Matrix and Microbial Abundance

Elucidating the effects of nitrogen and water addition on N2O dynamics is critical, as N2O is a key driver of climate change (including nitrogen deposition and shifting precipitation patterns) and stratospheric ozone depletion. The temperate steppe is a notable natural source of this potent greenhouse gas. This study uses field observations and soil sampling to investigate the seasonal pattern of N2O emissions in the temperate steppe of Inner Mongolia and the mechanism by which nitrogen and water additions, as two different types of factors, alter this seasonal pattern. It explores the regulatory roles of environmental factors, soil physicochemical properties, microbial community structure, and abundance of functional genes in influencing N2O emissions. These results indicate that the effects of nitrogen and water addition on N2O emission mechanisms vary throughout the growing season. Nitrogen application consistently increase N2O emissions. In contrast, water addition suppresses N2O emissions during the early growing season but promotes emissions during the peak and late growing seasons. In the early growing season, nitrogen addition primarily increased the dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) levels, which provided a matrix for nitrification and promoted N2O emissions. Meanwhile, water addition increased soil moisture, enhancing the abundance of the nosZ (nitrous oxide reductase) gene while reducing nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) levels, as well as AOA (ammonia-oxidizing archaea) amoA and AOB (ammonia-oxidizing bacteria) amoA gene expression, thereby lowering N2O emissions. During the peak growing season, nitrogen’s role in adjusting pH and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), along with amplifying AOB amoA, spiked N2O emissions. Water addition affects the balance between nitrification and denitrification by altering aerobic and anaerobic soil conditions, ultimately increasing N2O emissions by inhibiting nosZ. As the growing season waned and precipitation decreased, temperature also became a driver of N2O emissions. Structural equation modeling reveals that the impacts of nitrogen and water on N2O flux variations through nitrification and denitrification are more significant during the peak growing season. This research uncovers innovative insights into how nitrogen and water additions differently impact N2O dynamics across various stages of the growing season in the temperate steppe, providing a scientific basis for predicting and managing N2O emissions within these ecosystems.

Enhancing Utilization of Municipal Solid Waste Bottom Ash by the Stabilization of Heavy Metals

Waste-to-energy (WtE) is a key part of modern waste management. In the European Union, approximately 500 WtE plants process more than 100 million tons of waste yearly, while globally, more than 2700 plants handle over 500 million tons. Roughly 20% of the waste processed is bottom ash (BA). However, this ash can contain heavy metals in concentrations that may render it hazardous. This paper presents a study focusing on stabilizing municipal solid waste incineration BA using simple and industrially viable treatments. The Slovenian WtE plant operator wishes to install the stabilization process; thus, the samples obtained from the plant were treated (1) with a CO2 gas flow, (2) with water spraying, and (3) with a combination of water spraying and a CO2 gas flow under laboratory conditions. Thermodynamic calculations were applied to define potential reactions during the treatment processes in the temperature range from 0 to 100 °C and to define the equilibrium composition of the treated ash with additions of CO2 and water. The standard leaching test EN 12457-4 of treated ash shows a reduction of over 40% in barium concentration and over 30% in lead concentration in leachates.

The Role of the Functionalization of Biomedical Fabrics on Their Ability to Adsorb and Release Drugs

Biomedical cotton gauzes (C0), after a first functionalization with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) by a Fenton’s reaction (material C1), can be further modified in order to make them suitable for the adsorption and next release of drugs. Indeed, either after opening the epoxide ring through the addition of water (material C2) or after the introduction of amino groups through reaction with diamines (1,2-diaminoethane (material C3), 1,6-diaminohexane (material C4) and 1,12-diaminododecane (material C5)), the new gauzes can be uploaded with drugs. Both ibuprofen (IB), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, and amoxicillin (AM), a wide-spectrum β-lactam antibiotic, are efficiently adsorbed from their aqueous solutions at 20 °C onto C2–C5 (up to ≈0.8 mmol g−1 for IB and up to 0.4 mmol g−1 for AM) but not onto C0 and C1. The release of both IB and AM is affected by the ionic strength of the medium in which the release takes place. Indeed, kinetic experiments conducted with a physiological solution (NaCl (aq, 0.9% w/v) showed good release efficiencies while only modest or negligible release was observed if deionised water was the release medium. Moreover, the kind of functionalization plays an important role during both the adsorption and the release. The gauzes C3–C5 can be uploaded with a higher amount of drug relative to C2. Conversely, the drug is released quickly and in a higher amount from C2 relative to the gauzes containing the amino groups.

Assignment of a Reference Value Independent from the Participants and Its Implications Regarding Performance Evaluation in Proficiency Testing on the Determination of Raw Milk Freezing Point

Milk adulteration may cause losses or quality problems in the dairy industry, with implications regarding consumers’ health. The addition of water is one of the most common adulterations, which can be detected by determining the freezing point of milk. A proficiency testing (PT) program is in place in Chile concerning the determination of the freezing point of raw milk. A limited number of laboratories participate regularly to assure the validity of their measurements. The reference values were obtained independently through a calibration test, as recommended by ISO 13528:2022 in those cases where a small number of participants are evaluated. The uncertainty of the reference values assigned to nine PT rounds that included three PT items was investigated. A modification has been proposed for their calculations, which consists of the incorporation of the CRM uncertainty. This involves assessing the participants’ performance using the z’-score across all laboratories utilizing the thermistor method, which presents a slightly higher likelihood of inaccurate evaluation (2.9% of total participations). The assigned values demonstrated compatibility with the participants’ results. It is recommended that the same standard deviation for proficiency assessment be utilized for evaluating the performance of participants.

The Effects of Water and Nitrogen Addition on the Allocation Pattern and Stoichiometric Characteristics of C, N, and P in Peanut Seedlings

Water and fertilizer application strategies seriously affect the healthy growth of peanuts. The stoichiometric ratio can directly reflect the elemental requirements for crop growth, which are very important for improving fertilizer utilization efficiency. In order to investigate the response of C (carbon), N (nitrogen), and P (phosphorus) allocation pattern and stoichiometric characteristics in peanut seedlings to water and nitrogen addition, we designed a greenhouse pot experiment which had different water treatments (W1, 75–80% field capacity; W2, 45–50% field capacity) and nitrogen addition treatments (N0, 0 kg hm−2; N1, 90 kg hm−2; N2, 180 kg hm−2). The distribution and content changes in C, N, and P in different organs were measured and analyzed by ecological stoichiometry. The results showed that drought stress significantly increased the N or P content of different organs. The average N/P value of peanut roots treated with W2 decreased by 13.02% compared to W1. Restoring irrigation relieved this stress while reducing the C/N and C/P of roots, stems, and leaves, as well as the N/P of roots and stems. The water treatment after rehydration showed significant differences in the C/N, C/P, and N/P ratios of peanut roots. The average values of the C/N, C/P, and N/P ratios of peanut roots in W2 treatment were reduced by 13.54%, 28.66%, and 16.34%, respectively, compared to W1 treatment. On the other hand, nitrogen application significantly increased the N content of stems and leaves, while reducing C/N. On the contrary, it significantly reduced the P content of roots and stems, and increased the N/P ratio of roots, stems, and leaves. Overall, there is a significant interaction between water and nitrogen treatment on the stoichiometric characteristics of C, N, and P in different organs, with water treatment playing a dominant role. In terms of nutrient distribution in organs, the average N content in leaves is the highest. The coefficient of variation (CV) of P content is greater than that of C and N content. The CV of N content, P content, and C/N and N/P ratios of the stem are all greater than those of the roots or leaves, while the stems are more sensitive to water and nitrogen conditions. And the N and P content of roots, stems, and leaves were positively correlated. Meanwhile, peanut seedlings have the phenomenon of ionic synergism that occurs between nitrogen and phosphorus ions. In summary, studying the stoichiometric ratios can reflect the water and fertilizer demand status of peanuts, thereby better improving water and fertilizer utilization efficiency.

Analisis Rencana Induk Sistem Penyediaan Air Minum (RISPAM) Kota Makassar Tahun 2023-2043

The provision of drinking water is a basic need that is essential to improve people's welfare. Makassar City, as a metropolitan city, faces significant challenges in ensuring adequate availability of clean water, especially with increasing population growth and changing environmental conditions. Data from 2022 shows that 24.13% of Makassar's population still experiences water scarcity, which is exacerbated by the high water loss of 52% in the distribution of the PDAM system. In response, the Makassar City Government has prepared a master plan for the drinking water supply system (RISPAM) for the 2023-2042 period to ensure sustainable SPAM development that is integrated with the regional spatial plan. This study uses the arithmetic projection method; water demand analysis includes population growth projections, water loss in distribution, and estimates of per capita needs. Data from various PDAM service areas are also analyzed to understand the characteristics of different needs. The results of the study indicate that the population of Makassar City in 2043 is projected to reach 1,530,631 people, with water needs reaching 4,898.02 liters per second in 2033 and 297.02 liters per second in 2043. The potential of groundwater in Tamalate and Tamalanrea, as well as the main river flow, provides opportunities for the development of additional raw water sources. However, high water loss and low access to clean water are major challenges that require mitigation efforts through efficient distribution systems and optimal utilization of water resources. This study emphasizes the importance of integrating spatial planning and water resource management for the sustainability of the water supply system in Makassar City.

Dynamic soil columns simulate Arctic redox biogeochemistry and carbon release during changes in water saturation

Thawing Arctic permafrost can induce hydrologic change and alter redox conditions, shifting the balance of soil organic matter (SOM) decomposition. There remains uncertainty about how soil saturation and redox transitions impact dissolved and gas phase carbon fluxes, and efforts to link hydrobiogeochemical processes to ecosystem-scale models are limited. This study evaluates SOM decomposition of Arctic tundra soils using column experiments, water chemistry measurements, microbial community analysis, and a PFLOTRAN reactive transport model. Soil columns from a thermokarst channel (TC) and an upland tundra (UC) were exposed to cycles of saturation and drainage, which controlled carbon emissions. During saturation, an outflow of dissolved organic carbon from the UC soil correlated with elevated reduced iron and decreased pH; during drainage, UC carbon dioxide fluxes were 70% higher than TC fluxes. Intermittent methane release was observed for TC, consistent with higher methanogen abundance. Slower drainage in the TC soil correlated with more subtle biogeochemical changes. PFLOTRAN simulations captured experimental trends in soil carbon fluxes, oxygen concentrations, and water contents. The model was then used to evaluate additional soil water drainage rates. This study emphasizes the importance of considering hydrologic change when evaluating and simulating SOM decomposition in dynamic Arctic tundra environments.

Switching CO2 Electroreduction toward C2+ Products and CH4 by Regulating the Dimerization and Protonation in Platinum/Copper Catalysts.

Copper (Cu)-based catalysts exhibit distinctive performance in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) with complex mechanism and sophisticated types of products. The management of key intermediates *CO and *H is a necessary factor for achieving high product selectivity, but lack of efficient and versatile strategies. Herein, we designed Pt modified Cu catalysts to effectively modulate the competitive coverage of those intermediates. The Pt single-atoms and Pt nanoparticles modified Cu catalysts (denoted as Cu-Pt1 and Cu-PtNPs) precisely regulated the protonation and dimerization, with the faradaic efficiency (FE) of C2+ products up to 70.4 % and the FE of CH4 reaching 57.7 %, respectively. CO stripping experiments reveal that Pt1 sites could enhance the adsorption of *CO, while PtNPs exhibit *CO tolerance for H2O dissociation. In situ spectroscopic results further confirms that high coverage of *CO is achieved on Cu-Pt1, while *CHO on Cu-PtNPs might generate by additional water dissociation. As elucidated by theoretical studies, the interfacial sites of Cu-Pt1 would favor the *CO coverage promoting the evolution of *OCCO for C2+ products while PtNPs supplementarily accelerate H2O dissociation achieving *CHO for CH4. This work provides insights for efficient and targeted CO2 conversion by atomically design of active sites with engineered key intermediates coverage.

The Application of X-Ray Fluorescence to Assess Proportions of Fresh Concrete

Any transportation infrastructure system is concerned with durability and performance issues. The proportioning and uniformity control of concrete mixtures are critical factors that directly affect the longevity and performance of concrete pavements. Currently, the only means available to monitor mix proportions of any batch are to track batch tickets created at the batch plant. This does not take into account potential errors in loading materials into storage silos, calibration errors, and addition of water after dispatch. Therefore, there is a need for a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable field test that estimates the proportions of as delivered concrete mixtures. In addition, performance based specifications will be more easily implemented if there were a way to readily demonstrate whether any given batch is similar to the proportions already accepted based on laboratory performance testing. This paper describes a preliminary investigation into the potential use of a portable x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique to assess the proportions of concrete mixtures as they are delivered. Tests were conducted on the raw materials, paste and mortar samples using a portable XRF device. There is a reasonable correlation between the actual and calculated mix proportions of the paste samples, but data on mortar samples was less reliable.

Integrating Fish Farming into Runoff Water Harvesting Ponds (RWHP) for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security: Farmers’ Perceptions and Opportunities in Burkina Faso

Integrated aquaculture–agriculture systems are recognized as sustainable solutions to optimize resources, support livelihoods, and enhance food security in climate-sensitive Sahelian regions. In contexts like Burkina Faso, runoff water harvesting ponds (RWHPs) improve agricultural yields during the rainy season but remain underutilized for the rest of the year. This study assesses the feasibility of integrating fish farming into these ponds. Using the Waso-2 tool, structured perception interviews were conducted with 51 farmers across 17 localities. Welch ANOVA and Games–Howell tests revealed, on a scale of 20, that water insufficiency scored 16.01 among experienced farmers without additional water access as a key obstacle, while pond degradation scored 17.69 for those with water access. For motivations, income generation scored 16.24 among inexperienced farmers, whereas training opportunities scored 17.65 for experienced ones, highlighting varying priorities across strata. Farmers preferred fish farming effluents over NPK for vegetables, scoring 15.99. Some favored raw effluents for immediate use, scoring 13.91, while others preferred decanted water with dried sludge for gradual nutrient release, scoring 12.39. This study demonstrates strong farmer interest in integrated RWHP systems. Enhancing pond retention, supplementing groundwater, and providing tailored training in aquaculture practices, pond maintenance, and water management are recommended to encourage adoption.

Co-Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sawdust and Sewage Sludge: Assessing the Potential of the Hydrochar as an Adsorbent and the Ecotoxicity of the Process Water

Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) is a promising thermochemical process to convert residues into hydrochar. While conventional HTC utilizes one type of residue as raw material only, Co-HTC generally combines two. By mixing dry and wet wastes, Co-HTC can advantageously avoid water addition. Therefore, this work investigated the potential of hydrochar derived from the Co-HTC of sawdust and non-dewatered sewage sludge as a dye (methylene blue) adsorbent and evaluated the toxicity of the resulting Co-HTC process water (PW) on Daphnia magna. Three hydrochars were produced by Co-HTC at 180, 215, and 250 °C and named H-180, H-215, and H-250, respectively. For methylene blue adsorption, H-180 and H-215 had a better performance than H-250. Both H-180 and H-215 presented a maximum adsorption capacity of approximately 70 mg·g−1, which was superior compared with the adsorption of methylene blue by other hydrochars in the literature. Moreover, the removal percentage obtained with H-180 remained satisfactory even after five cycles. Regarding the toxicological assays of the PWs, raising the Co-HTC temperature increased the variety of substances in the PW composition, resulting in higher toxicity to D. magna. The EC50 values of PW-180, PW-215, and PW-250 were 1.13%, 0.97%, and 0.51%, respectively. This highlights the importance of searching for the treatment and valorization of the PW. Instead of viewing this by-product as an effluent to be treated and disposed of, it is imperative to assess the potential of PWs for obtaining other higher added-value products.