Ecological Safety Research Articles

Lightweight Multi-Scale Network for Segmentation of Riverbank Sand Mining Area in Satellite Images

Riverbank sand overexploitation is threatening the ecology and shipping safety of rivers. The rapid identification of riverbank sand mining areas from satellite images is extremely important for ecological protection and shipping management. Image segmentation methods based on AI technology are gradually becoming popular in academia and industry. However, traditional neural networks have complex structures and numerous parameters, making them unsuitable for meeting the needs of rapid extraction in large areas. To improve efficiency, we proposed a lightweight multi-scale network (LMS Net), which uses a lightweight multi-scale (LMS) block in both the encoder and decoder. The lightweight multi-scale block combines parallel computing and depthwise convolution to reduce the parameters of the network and enhance its multi-scale extraction ability. We created a benchmark dataset to validate the accuracy and efficiency improvements of our network. Comparative experiments and ablation studies proved that our LMS Net is more efficient than traditional methods like Unet and more accurate than typical lightweight methods like Ghostnet and other more recent methods. The performance of our proposed network meets the requirements of river management.

Graphene-based electrochemical sensors for antibiotics: sensing theories, synthetic methods, and on-site monitoring applications.

Owing to the extensive use of antibiotics for treating infectious diseases in livestock and humans, the resulting residual antibiotics are a burden to the ecosystem and human health. Hence, for human health and ecological safety, it is critical to determine the residual antibiotics with accuracy and convenience. Graphene-based electrochemical sensors are an effective tool to detect residual antibiotics owing to their advantages, such as, high sensitivity, simplicity, and time efficiency. In this work, we comprehensively summarize the recent advances in graphene-based electrochemical sensors used for detecting antibiotics, including modifiers for electrode fabrication, theoretical elaboration of electrochemical sensing mechanisms, and practical applications of portable electrochemical platforms for the on-site monitoring of antibiotics. It is anticipated that the current review will be a valuable reference for comprehensively comprehending graphene-based electrochemical sensors and further promoting their applications in the fields of healthcare, environmental protection, and food safety.

Spatial and temporal variability of physicochemical characteristics in Lancang River sediments amid hydropower development

The construction of river dams disrupts river continuity and sediment transport, altering the riverbed between sediment “sources” and “sinks” and changing the sediment characteristics of the river. In this study, 256 sediment samples from 54 major control cross-sections of the Lancang River (LCR) were analyzed to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of clay and non-clay minerals in the sediment and their relationship with the environmental changes caused by the construction 11 hydropower plants. The results indicate that the construction of terrace dams on the LCR interrupted the downstream refinement trend of sediments, which reappeared once the terrace reservoirs stabilized. Additionally, the interception of the dam increased the accumulation of clay mineral in sediments. From 2011 to 2023, the relative abundance of clay mineral in the regulated reaches (RRs) increased by 2.4 %, the quartz content decreased by 26.2 %, and the contents of calcite, mica, kaolinite, and chlorite increased, respectively. Consequently, the main non-clay mineral assemblage in the sediments shifted from quartz+feldspar to quartz+feldspar+mica. Furthermore, the clay mineral content was higher upstream the main dams (15.3 %) than downstream (14.8 %), with the sediment quartz and calcite contents being higher downstream, and mica and chlorite contents being higher upstream. The feldspar content showed a minimal change. However, the mineral composition of the sediments in individual reservoirs varied significantly, owing to the specific environmental conditions of each reservoir. The distribution of sediment clay also differed between the dry and rainy seasons. This study provides a scientific basis for managing reservoir sediment scheduling and regulating the ecological and environmental safety in watersheds.

Assessment of the interaction between digital infrastructure and ecological resilience: Insights from Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration in China

Exploring the interaction between digital infrastructure (DI) and ecological resilience (ER) is essential to understand whether urban development and the ecosystem have formed an integration trend. First, clarifying the interactive and driving mechanism between DI and ER, the evaluation indicator systems for them are constructed based on the core connotation of DI and the theory of evolutionary resilience. Then, using multiple methods such as the interactive coercion and the Markov chain model, the study reveals the spatiotemporal evolution of DI, ER, and their interactive levels in the Yangtze River Delta Urban Agglomeration (YRDUA)from 2005 to 2021. Furthermore, we employ the optimal parameter-based geographical detector (OPGD) to identify the core driving factors. The results indicate that (1) The comprehensive levels of DI and ER show an upward trend, and both systems have significant spatial heterogeneity. (2) The interactive coercion model verifies a coercive effect and a constraining relationship between DI and ER; notably, the interaction between the two systems is still in its moderate stage. (3) The analysis of driving factors reveals that socioeconomic conditions are the key influencing factors. Additionally, the proportion of cases showing a bi-enhancement type account for 92%, suggesting that the interactive role of the two factors mainly exhibits a multiplier effect. The study provides empirical evidence for solidifying the foundation of digital development, establishing robust ecological safety barriers, and promoting the deep integration of DI and ER, thereby facilitating high-quality regional development.

A Review of the Predatory Adaptation and Applications of Eocanthecona furcellata (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) as a Biological Control Agent1

Abstract Eocanthecona furcellata (Wolff) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae: Asopinae) captures and feeds on a wide range of insect pests, making it an important biocontrol agent in agriculture and forestry with significant regional application and promotional potentials. This review summarizes current research information on E. furcellata focusing on taxonomy, morphological characteristics involved in predation, its natural prey, mass rearing, regional application and potential, integrated pest management (IPM) usages, ecological safety evaluations, as well as future prospects for its use in IPM programs.

Spectroscopic approach to optimize the biogenic silver nanoparticles for photocatalytic removal of ternary dye mixture and ecotoxicological impact of treated wastewater

The fabricating of extremely effective, economical, ecologically safe, and reusable nanoparticle (NP) catalysts for the removal of water pollution is urgently needed. This study, spectroscopically optimizes the process parameters for the biogenic synthesis of AgNP catalysts using Cledrdendrum infortunatum leaf extract. The optimization of several synthesis parameters was systematically studied using UV–Vis spectroscopy to identify the ideal conditions for AgNPs formation. The AgNPs are spherical with a size of ~ 20 nm, pure and stable. Mechanistic insights into the biogenic synthesis process were explored. The photocatalytic performance of biogenic AgNPs was evaluated for the degradation of three common (crystal violet, thioflavin T, and methylene blue) dyes as models in ternary mixtures under the influence of sunlight. AgNPs show excellent photocatalytic efficiency in terms of degradation percentage (82.89–96.96% within 110 min), kinetics (0.0247–0.0331 min–1), half-life (20.96–28.11 min), and T80 (48.67–65.28 min) and also easily recovered and reused. Ecological safety assessment of the treated wastewater was assessed on the growths of rice, mustard, and lentil plants, and preliminary findings demonstrated that seedling growths for treated wastewater were nearly similar to the control sample but retarded in dye-contaminated wastewater suggesting potential use of treated wastewater for sustainable agriculture without compromising ecological balance. So, this study explores biogenic AgNPs as cost-effective, safe, and sustainable photocatalytic agents for the remediation of hazardous mix dyes and real-life applications of treated water for agricultural purposes.

Exploring the Effects of Imidacloprid on Liver Health and the Microbiome in Rats: A Comprehensive Study

The current study investigates the systemic effects of imidacloprid, one of the most widely used neonicotinoid insecticides, on the liver and gut microbiome of rats in detail. With consideration of recent discussions on the potential harmfulness of imidacloprid to environmental and human health, the aim was to investigate the influence of this compound in the framework of controlled exposure at different dosages, namely, IMI-5, IMI-10, and IMI-30. Histopathological examination showed that liver morphology changed significantly with the dose, including in terms of cellular disorganization and signs of stress, with an alteration in the hepatic architecture. Morphological changes were related to disturbances in the activity of liver enzymes, reflecting deteriorating liver function with increased imidacloprid exposure. In parallel with this, a deep analysis of the gut microbiome revealed dramatic changes in microbial diversity and composition. Alpha diversity, represented by the Chao1 and Shannon indices, was significantly reduced with an increased dosage of imidacloprid. Subsequent beta diversity analysis, as visualized by principal component analysis, showed distinct clustering among the microbial communities, separated well between control and imidacloprid-treated groups, especially at higher dosages. Taxonomic analysis revealed an increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and a change in key phyla including Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Verrucomicrobia. A heatmap and bar charts further confirmed dose-dependent changes in microbial abundance. These changes point toward imidacloprid-induced dysbiosis, a reduction in microbial diversity, and an imbalance in the F/B ratio, usually associated with metabolic disorders. Overall, given these findings, it would seem that imidacloprid does indeed impose serious negative impacts on both liver function and gut microbiota composition and may have further impacts on health and ecological safety.

Оценка воздействия стока некоторых рек Сочинского Причерноморья на прибрежную морскую среду в зонах их плюмов

The paper assesses the impact of water quality of some rivers located within the Black Sea coastal zone in the Sochi area on the ecological security and status of the Black Sea coastal line. The relevance of the study is determined by the lack of a unified methodological approach to establishing parameters for assessing the ecological condition of water bodies within the Black Sea coastal area. The study is the first to consider a unified river-sea system in the context of integrated monitoring of natural water quality. The research is based on biological methods (biotesting, bioindication) to evaluate the state of biological communities and processes in combination with the analysis of geological aspects. This allows a detailed study of the influence of various factors on the marine environment ecological safety. It was revealed that the marine environment has the highest levels of toxicity in the inflow zones of small rivers, which are subject to significant complex impacts from municipal solid waste landfills and industrial enterprises located in their catchment areas. In the marine plumes of rivers classified as medium, which are important for water management, recreation and fisheries in the region, seawater has a lower toxic effect as a result of significant dilution. Thus, small rivers inflows can cause similar negative impacts on the quality of the marine environment and the status of coastal biocenoses as runoff from larger watercourses. The study results can contribute to the development of new approaches for the assessment and monitoring of the environmental security of the coastal marine environment, based on the concept of the ecological system integrity in the context of interdependencies associated with the pollutants and nutrients transfer between qualitatively different environments and associated with them river and cjastal marine hydrobiocenoses.

Analysis of natural and technological factors of changes in exogeodynamic conditions of mine No. 2 of the Stebnytsky potassium deposit as a consequence of self-rehabilitation flooding

The Stebnytsy deposit of potash salts is located in the foothills of the Ukrainian Carpathians. The engineering-geological and hydrogeological conditions of the field’s operation due to the development of a thick layers of loose and water-soluble rocks are difficult of loose and water-soluble rocks are complex and therefore sensitive to mining-technological influences, extraction of rocks, deformation of the surface, hydrographic network, activation of the interaction of surface and groundwater. The most threatening situation was at mine No. 2, where in 1978, due to too intensive blasting, violation of waterproof layers, loosening and increase of water permeability, reduction of rock strength, an emergency breakthrough of super-saline waters occurred in the spent chambers of the first horizon. The total inflow of brines during the years of existence of the flow here constantly increased and reached up to 1700 m³/day, in 2002, the outflow of suprasaline waters developed in 22 points and acquired an irreversibly negative character, suffusion-diffusion processes began to develop actively. During the operation of the mine, ore extraction was carried out for a long time without laying out spent cavities, as a result of which more than 15 million m³ of unlined cavities were formed at the mine, the deformations of which disturbed the geodynamic regime of the salt-bearing massif with the subsequent development of sedimentary and karst-failure processes. In 2004, a comprehensive project for the conservation of mine No. 2 and the reclamation of disturbed lands was approved in order to restore the ecological balance in this area. Mine conservation works were carried out behind the design schedule, which led to the failure of the main provisions of the project and increased the danger due to the expansion of existing karst cavities and the formation of new ones. It can be argued that the works on the conservation of mine No. 2, including: preparation of brines, feeding them to underground mine workings, laying of chambers, etc., were carried out in a timely and incomplete manner, which does not ensure the cessation of negative consequences for the natural environment and ecological safety. The results of our research can be used in the future in the development of projects for the conservation or liquidation of salt mines.

THE ROLE OF URBAN SCULPTURE IN FORMING THE MEANING OF IDENTITY IN MODERN URBAN PLANNING

The settlements of the Ukrainian Carpathians play an important role in preserving the natural and cultural resources of the region, however, due to the growing popularity of the Carpathians as a tourist destination, they are increasingly facing a number of challenges related to environmental degradation, excessive anthropogenic load, ecosystem fragmentation, and lack of effective infrastructure. Environmental factors and urban-ecological interactions significantly affect the spatial development of both individual settlements and territorial communities or entire regions. In modern conditions, the need to integrate environmental aspects into urban planning documentation has matured, in order to ensure sustainable development of territories, improve the ecological situation and ensure optimal viability of settlements. It is precisely the understanding of the mechanism of urban-ecological interactions, the simplest example of which is the interaction of natural and anthropogenic systems, in our opinion, will allow us to solve the problem of spatial planning of urban ecosystems, rational use of nature, ensuring ecological safety and balance. One of the main urban-ecological tasks can be considered the study of the interaction of the urbanized and natural environment, which are of decisive importance and affect the quality of life of the population in specific urban-planning conditions, that is, they form a system – urban-social ecosystem. The correct spatial-functional approach allows for the best preservation of natural resources, prevention of ecosystem fragmentation, and limitation of human impact on environmentally sensitive areas. Spatial planning is an extremely important tool for the preservation and development of mountain regions, taking into account specific physical, geographical and ecological conditions - altitude, relief, climate. The use of spatial plans can lead to a more rational use and organization of land, natural and cultural resources, the implementation of an ecosystem approach to biodiversity conservation, as well as the creation of a more effective planning system for mountain settlements. An ecological approach to the spatial organization of settlements in the Carpathian region is the basis for the development of scientifically based recommendations for their urban development, preservation of ecological and cultural uniqueness and improvement of the quality of life of the local population.

Subjective environmental rights of citizens of Ukraine: legal problems of content and implementation

The article is devoted to the study of the legal nature of the subjective environmental rights of Ukrainian citizens and the definition of the main legal problems of their content and implementation. The article defines that environmental rights are a special type of civil rights, therefore their protection is ensured on the basis of civil legislation, if other rules are not established in environmental legislation. The authors concluded that the current environmental legislation of Ukraine, while declaring certain types of environmental rights, ignores the issue of their content. In addition, the circle of subjects who are the bearers of environmental rights is established arbitrarily in the legislation. The article defines that in order to prove a violation of a subjective right, it is necessary to know exactly what legal possibilities this right provides, and in what form its violation manifested itself. In our opinion, the problems of contradictions and conflicts of legislation regarding the mentioned issue paralyze the development of legal relations regarding the implementation and protection of subjective environmental rights. Enshrining in legislation the range of subjects of environmental rights and the content of these rights is a necessary prerequisite for the emergence of relevant legal relations. In addition, the legislative concept of «ecological safety» needs to be clarified and can be stated in the following version: «ecological safety is a state of the environment that meets the standards of its quality, the requirements of resource intensity, aesthetic richness and species diversity, ensures the stable functioning of natural ecosystems, natural and natural and anthropogenic objects with the aim of preserving human life and health, as well as meeting his needs in using the environment as a natural environment for life.» According to the authors of the article, the content of the right under consideration consists of the following powers of its subjects: first, the right to demand the provision of such an environmental condition that will be favorable for human health and life; secondly, the right to use the natural environment as a natural environment for human activity.

Theoretical Framework for the Supervision of Plateau-Characteristic Agroecological Security

To mitigate the conflict between ecological restoration and the pursuit of economic benefits in characteristic agriculture within plateau regions, this study proposes a theoretical framework for supervising plateau-characteristic agroecological security (PCAES). Initially, characteristic agriculture is conceptualized as an artificial ecosystem resulting from the complex interactions between the ecological environment and specific agricultural resources in a given plateau region; thus, PCAES is defined as a sustainable developmental state of plateau-characteristic agriculture that ensures a high-quality resource supply without compromising ecological integrity. Subsequently, a theoretical framework of PCAES is constructed by analyzing supervisory subjects, objects, and their interrelationships, followed by an in-depth study from three different perspectives. At the foundational level, the monitoring and evaluation mechanism focuses on gathering data regarding resource composition and environmental conditions to assess ecological security. At the intermediate level, the early warning and decision-making mechanism aims at estimating potential ecological security issues and then designing and selecting optimal measures. At a higher level, the control and assurance mechanism directs stakeholders toward compliance with ecological safety regulations via resource allocation and macro-policy interventions while ensuring effective system operation. This study holds significant implications for advancing green development initiatives, enhancing agricultural scientific innovation, and promoting sustainable practices in plateau agriculture.

Enrichment Characteristics, Risk Evaluation, and Source Apportionment of Heavy Metals in Wabu Lake of Yangtze River to Huaihe River Water Diversion Project

Wabu Lake serves as a crucial junction within the Yangtze River to Huai River Water Diversion Project （Yangtze-Chao Lake-Wabu Lake-Huai River）, where clarifying the status and risk levels of heavy metal contamination in the lake is crucial for the aquatic ecological safety along the route of the project. Surface water and sediment samples from 24 locations in Wabu Lake were collected and analyzed for the contents of heavy metals （As, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Cd）. Risk evaluation and source apportionment of heavy metals in the lake were conducted using the human risk assessment （HRA） model, sediment quality guidelines （SQGs）, and positive matrix factorization （PMF） method. The results showed that the average concentrations of heavy metals （except for Cd and Pb） in the surface water were lower than the class III limits of the surface water quality standard （GB 3838-2002）. The average concentration of heavy metals （As, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Fe, and Cd） in interstitial water were lower than the Criteria Continuous Concentration （CCC） of the National Recommended Water Quality Criteria. The average contents of As, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Cd in the sediment exceeded the background values by factors of 1.78, 1.85, 1.42, 1.77, 1.41, 1.38, and 3.46, respectively. In addition, the heavy metals Pb, Cd, and Cr in the Wabu Lake water posed severe risks to human health, with the cancer risk （CR） value for Cr reaching 6.14×10-5. The sediment quality guidelines （SQGs） indicated that the probability of adverse effects on lakes by As, Ni, and Cr was relatively high. The spatial distribution of risk areas showed that the risk control zones for As, Cr, and Ni in Wabu Lake covered almost the entire lake area. The PMF analysis indicated that the primary sources of heavy metals in Wabu Lake were exogenous inputs from industrial, agricultural, and residential activities in surrounding areas, followed by endogenous pollution caused by enclosed aquaculture. The subsequent focus should be on the pollution of heavy metals Cr, Cd, and Pb in the overlying water of Wabu Lake as well as the sediment ecological safety of As, Cr, and Ni in the sediment.

Analysis of Influencing Factors of Water and Sediment Condition Change in Fenhe River

Fenhe River is the second largest tributary of the Yellow River, and its water and sediment conditions have undergone tremendous changes in the age scale. The change of water and sediment conditions will inevitably lead to the change of river morphology, which poses a threat to the surrounding ecological environment and building safety. Firstly, this paper analyzes the changes of water and sediment conditions in Fenhe River through historical data. Secondly, according to the engineering measures and policies in the Fenhe River Basin, the influencing factors are put forward. Finally, the effects of rainfall, soil and water conservation, hydraulic construction, industrial water and coal mining on river flow and sediment conditions are considered. The results show that the increase of rainfall and inflow will weaken the sediment generation and carrying capacity, and further reduce the sediment yield. Soil and water conservation will effectively intercept runoff and sediment, reduce the content of the two in the river ; reservoir construction will regulate runoff and incoming sand to reduce the content of river sand. Industrial development and reservoir filling will reduce the amount of river water ; coal mining activities may aggravate the infiltration of the leakage area, resulting in a decrease in upstream runoff.

Study on Soil Freeze–Thaw and Surface Deformation Patterns in the Qilian Mountains Alpine Permafrost Region Using SBAS-InSAR Technique

The Qilian Mountains, located on the northeastern edge of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, are characterized by unique high-altitude and cold-climate terrain, where permafrost and seasonally frozen ground are extensively distributed. In recent years, with global warming and increasing precipitation on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, permafrost degradation has become severe, further exacerbating the fragility of the ecological environment. Therefore, timely research on surface deformation and the freeze–thaw patterns of alpine permafrost in the Qilian Mountains is imperative. This study employs Sentinel-1A SAR data and the SBAS-InSAR technique to monitor surface deformation in the alpine permafrost regions of the Qilian Mountains from 2017 to 2023. A method for spatiotemporal interpolation of ascending and descending orbit results is proposed to calculate two-dimensional surface deformation fields further. Moreover, by constructing a dynamic periodic deformation model, the study more accurately summarizes the regular changes in permafrost freeze–thaw and the trends in seasonal deformation amplitudes. The results indicate that the surface deformation time series in both vertical and east–west directions obtained using this method show significant improvements in accuracy over the initial data, allowing for a more precise reflection of the dynamic processes of surface deformation in the study area. Subsidence is predominant in permafrost areas, while uplift mainly occurs in seasonally frozen ground areas near lakes and streams. The average vertical deformation rate is 1.56 mm/a, with seasonal amplitudes reaching 35 mm. Topographical (elevation; slope gradient; aspect) and climatic factors (temperature; soil moisture; precipitation) play key roles in deformation patterns. The deformation of permafrost follows five distinct phases: summer thawing; warm-season stability; frost heave; winter cooling; and spring thawing. This study enhances our understanding of permafrost deformation characteristics in high-latitude and high-altitude regions, providing a reference for preventing geological disasters in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau area and offering theoretical guidance for regional ecological environmental protection and infrastructure safety.

Characteristics of Spatial–Temporal Evolution of Sustainable Intensification of Cultivated Land Use and Analysis of Influencing Factors in China, 2001–2020

The rapid growth of the global population, the acceleration of the urbanization process, and the demands of economic development, place enormous pressure on scarce land resources. Cultivated land use presents a series of problems, hindering its socioeconomic and ecological sustainability. The sustainable intensification of cultivated land use (SICLU) is a development model designed to maximize land use efficiency, while minimizing environmental pollution. It is considered to be an efficient method to achieve three aspects of sustainable goals, namely in regard to society, the economy, and ecology, simultaneously. This approach has significant theoretical and practical implications for China’s food security and ecological safety. This study incorporates the “agricultural carbon emissions” indicator into the indicator evaluation system. Using the super-efficiency SBM model, we estimate the SICLU levels in China from 2001 to 2020. ArcGIS and the Dagum Gini coefficient decomposition model are employed to explore the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics and non-equilibrium spatial dynamics of SICLU in China. Finally, the Tobit regression model is used to reveal the driving factors. The results show the following: (1) Since 2003, China’s SICLU levels demonstrate an overall ascent amid fluctuations, sustaining a relatively high average annual level of 0.945. (2) In terms of spatial evolution patterns, China’s SICLU levels demonstrate significant spatial disparities, with distinct differences among the four major regions. Regions with similar SICLU levels show a certain degree of spatial adjacency. (3) There are significant regional disparities in China’s SICLU levels, which overall exhibit a declining trend. The differences between regions are the primary source of spatial variation, followed by hypervariable density and intra-regional disparities. (4) The regional industrial structure, the level of agricultural modernization, the agricultural cropping structure, and the per capita sown area, positively influence the enhancement of SICLU levels in China. Throughout the study period, the SICLU levels in China continuously improved and the overall regional disparities diminished. However, significant inter-regional imbalances persist, necessitating tailored optimization measures, based on local conditions. Establishing a coordinated mechanism for orderly and synergistic regional development is crucial, in order to provide references to decision-makers to promote the rational use of arable land in China.

Photovoltaic Cells and Scintillators Towards Carbon Footprint Reduction: Advantages and Challenges for Ecological Safety.

The main goal of this review paper is to show the advantages and challenges of photovoltaic cells/modules/panels and scintillators towards carbon footprint reduction for ecological safety. Briefly, the various types of solar-driven CO2 conversion processes are shown as a new concept of CO2 reduction. The health toxicity and environmental effects of scintillators, along with risks associated with use and disposal, are presented, taking into consideration inorganic and organic materials. Factors affecting the durability and lifespan of scintillators and the carbon footprint of solar cell production are analysed, considering CO2 emission. Moreover, the technology of recycling photovoltaic modules and scintillators, along with a SWOT analysis of scintillation material toxicity, is presented to find the best solutions for clean technology and ecological safety. Finally, we offer recommendations for the areas where the most significant reductions in CO2 emissions are expected to be implemented in the future of green energy in industry, including ESG strategies.

Development of the scientific project “mendeleev classes” at the research base of the department of industrial ecology and life safety of the Irkutsk national research technical university

The article examines the results of implementing a new direction in education: the scientific project “Mendeleev Classes.” It outlines the project’s primary goal and objectives, along with participating regions, stakeholders, and executors. The project program has been implemented at Irkutsk National Research Technical University since 2021, utilizing the research facilities of the Department of Industrial Ecology and Life Safety. Students and staff from the department guide the project activities of the “Mendeleev” 8th-grade students from Lyceum No. 1 in Usolye-Sibirskoye. The article provides a detailed overview of the topics, objectives, and key findings of these projects. The article highlights how active engagement of lyceum students allows them to gain experience in scientific research, while university students broaden and acquire new theoretical knowledge, alongside practical skills in environmental safety. The article provides a description and brief report of four expeditions conducted across Russia in 2021 (“Baikal”), 2022 (“Finnish Gulf”), 2023 (“Southern Ural”), and 2024 (“Kamchatka”). The article notes the pressing ecological problems in Russia’s regions that students from various institutions, including Irkutsk National Research Technical University, encountered. It lists publications showcasing the research findings of participants and their supervisors. The article concludes that the implementation of the “Mendeleev Classes” project contributes to the improvement of the ecological education and upbringing system in Russia, fostering environmental culture and ecological literacy among young people.

Mn oxide-modified biochars with high adsorption capacity for Pb(II) in wastewater: Preparation and adsorption mechanisms.

The occurrence of excessive levels of bivalent plumbum (Pb(II)) in wastewater poses a notable threat to both human health and ecological safety. In this study, orthogonal experiments were conducted to prepare coprecipitation-modified biochar (C-BC) and impregnation pyrolysis-modified biochar (I-BC) via potassium permanganate (KMnO4) for removing Pb(II) from wastewater. Three types of modified biochars (BCs) (Mn-BCs) namely, C-BC400, I-BC400, and I-BC700, were selected as high-efficiency adsorbents on the basis of their high removal rates (87.2%, 88.0%, and 91.2%, respectively) for 400mg/L Pb(II) solutions. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‒energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis results indicated that Mn elements were distributed only on the outer surfaces of the C-BC400 particles but occurred on the outer surface and were stably embedded in the I-BC400 and I-BC700 particles. Compared with those of the pristine (BCs), the Pb(II) adsorption rates of C-BC400, I-BC400, and I-BC700 increased by factors of 3.75, 2.09, and 5.70, respectively. The Pb(II) adsorption capacities of C-BC400, I-BC400, and I-BC700 (182.28, 133.16, and 69.25mg/g, respectively) were significantly greater than those of the pristine BCs produced at 400°C (45.43mg/g) and 700°C (40.71mg/g). The excellent adsorption ability of Mn-BCs for Pb(II) depends on various adsorption mechanisms, including complexation, electrostatic attraction, surface adsorption, and ion exchange. These results suggest that Mn-BCs exhibit high application potential in the remediation of Pb(II)-contaminated wastewater.

Optimizing irrigation and planting strategies to prevent non-point source pollution in the Hetao Irrigation District using SWAT-MODFLOW-RT3D model

Non-point source (NPS) pollution is a significant issue in the Hetao Irrigation District (HID), affecting local water environment and ecological safety. To explore solutions for managing NPS pollution in the HID, this study establishes the SWAT-MODFLOW-RT3D (SMFR) model based on data from recent years. The results show that the determination coefficient (R2) of monthly drainage simulation for both the calibration and validation periods are >0.6, the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) values are >0.7, and the percent bias (PBIAS) values are <10 %. For pollutant transport simulation (total nitrogen and total phosphorus), the R2 values for both calibration and validation periods exceed 0.6, the NSEs are >0.75, and the PBIAS values are below 20 %. The model demonstrates good performance in simulating hydrology and pollutant transport in the study area, indicating strong applicability. Building on this, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus losses in the HID were analyzed, and the impacts of different agricultural management practices, such as irrigation and fertilization regimes, drip irrigation under film (DIUF), and crop structure adjustments, on NPS pollution were assessed. Extensive scenario testing indicates that deficit irrigation and DIUF reduce total nitrogen (TN) in agricultural NPS pollution by 7.74 % and 9.34 %, respectively, and total phosphorus (TP) by 35.12 % and 40.99 %, respectively. In contrast, crop structure adjustments have a relatively moderate reduction effect on TN and TP, ranging from 2.66 % to 6.80 %. Additionally, the study examines the NPS pollution control effects of various combined scenarios. Through economic benefit evaluation, it was found that the scenario combining deficit irrigation with crop structure adjustments has a lower cost-effectiveness (CE) ratio and a higher cost-benefit (CB) ratio, making it a more favorable measure for controlling NPS pollution in the HID.