Minimize Water Loss Research Articles

Performance of ‘Sabiá’ Grass Irrigated with Drippers Installed in the Subsurface

ABSTRACTSubsurface irrigation, which provides greater water efficiency and reduces surface soil wetting, is an effective alternative for minimizing water losses through evaporation, especially under cultivation conditions that require greater resource conservation. The ‘Sabiá’ grass, an agronomically relevant forage species, may exhibit different responses when irrigated by subsurface systems. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of ‘Sabiá’ grass irrigated with drippers installed at different depths during different climatic seasons. The experiment was carried out from January to July 2022 under open‐air conditions in Viçosa, MG, Brazil, in a completely randomized design in split plots with four replicates. The plots consisted of four cycles of ‘Sabiá’ grass, and the subplots consisted of seven depths of dripper installation (superficial, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm). ‘Sabiá’ grass was cultivated in pots, and the recommendations for irrigation were based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc), which was measured in two drainage lysimeters. The water consumption and morphogenetic and agronomic characteristics of ‘Sabiá’ grass were evaluated. The total water consumption of ‘Sabiá’ grass in cycles 1, 2, 3, and 4 was 42.4, 26.7, 14.9, and 11.5, respectively. The growth, development and productivity of ‘Sabiá’ grass decreased from cycle 1 (summer) to cycle 4 (winter). Morphogenic characteristics were slightly affected by the different dripper installation depths. ‘Sabiá’ grass presented lower shoot fresh mass, shoot dry mass and water use productivity at the greatest dripper depths. ‘Sabiá’ grass presented greater root system development when the dripper was installed between 10 and 15 cm deep. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) proved to be a promising tool for estimating the biomass production of ‘Sabiá’ grass. In view of these results, drip tapes should be installed between depths of 10 and 20 cm for the cultivation of ‘Sabiá’ grass in clay soil.

Lithium Extraction by Electrodialysis: Effect of Co-Occurring Ions for Application in Brine Processing

Abstract Lithium (Li) is considered a critical material because of growing Li-ion battery demand and 90% of global production occurring in Australia, Chile, and China. Li-ion (Li+) extraction from brine uses large areas for evaporation and precipitation. Membrane separation can extract lithium with minimal water losses. However, the effect of brine composition on Li+ transport across different commercial membranes in electrodialysis (ED) separations remains a pressing knowledge gap. This study aimed to evaluate co-occurring ion effects (Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+) on ED Li+ extraction using different commercial membranes. Li+ extraction performance was evaluated for varying current densities in binary solutions using a single-stack ED cell comprised of a standard anion exchange membrane and either a standard cation exchange (CEM), monovalent-selective CEM, or nanofiltration (NF) membrane. Li+ selectivities were highest for the monovalent-selective CEM, followed by NF and then standard CEM. Monovalent contaminants remain an extant challenge for Li+ extraction using all membranes tested. Selectivity factors for Li+ over divalent reached 6.8 (SLi/Mg) and 56.7 (SLi/Ca) at 2.8 mA/cm² for the monovalent-selective CEM. These divalent separation factors were achieved without Ca precipitation/fouling; Li+/Mg2+ and Li+/Ca2+ ratios increased from 0.5 in the feed (for both ions) to 5.0 and 3.5 in the permeate.

Carvacrol-loaded emulsions stabilized by soy protein isolate/chitosan oligosaccharide conjugates improved the quality of refrigerated sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus).

In this study, the soybean protein isolate / chitosan oligosaccharide (SPI/COS) conjugates were developed using glycosylation and used as a stabilizer of carvacrol-loaded emulsions for refrigerating sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus). The results of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy showed that COS modified the secondary and tertiary structure of SPI by covalent binding. The SPI/COS conjugate with a mass ratio of SPI and COS of 4:1 (SPI/COS-4) exhibited high glycosylation degree, great water solubility and better emulsification properties. Carvacrol-loaded emulsion stabilized by the SPI/COS-4 (CE-SPI/COS-4) had nanoscale droplet size and remained stable during 40days of storage. SPI/COS-4 aqueous solution (SPI/COS) and CE-SPI/COS-4 aqueous solution (CE-SPI/COS) in the form of immersion were applied to investigate their preservation effects on sea bass, with sterile water as control check (CK). Sea bass were stored at 4°C and quality assessments of fish were performed periodically for up to 21days, which included microbiological and physicochemical analysis. As suggested by microbiological analysis, CE-SPI/COS treatment could significantly inhibit the bacterial growth. The low total volatile basic nitrogen value, thiobarbituric acid value and K-value indicated that CE-SPI/COS greatly retarded protein and lipid oxidation in fish and significantly suppress the degradation of nucleotide. Moreover, fish treated with CE-SPI/COS had minimal color variation and water loss, and maintained hardness, adhesiveness, chewiness, and resilience of fish to the highest degree. Therefore, emulsions stabilized with SPI/COS conjugates may be employed as a potential strategy for the quality maintenance of sea bass.

Enhancing stability of fermented egg white gels: Influence of guar and xanthan gum addition order during yogurt-like fermentation.

Egg white gels prepared through fermentation, similar to yogurt production, offer a high-protein, zero-fat alternative to traditional dairy products. This study investigated the impact of guar gum (GG) and xanthan gum (XG) as rheological modifiers on the stability of fermented egg white gels. Rheological analysis revealed that the addition of both gums significantly influenced gel properties, with XG demonstrating superior performance. Specifically, XG-containing gels exhibited increased viscosity and enhanced viscoelasticity compared to GG-containing and control gels. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) analysis showed reduced water mobility in XG-added gels, indicating improved water retention. Furthermore, syneresis rates were notably lower in XG-modified gels, especially when the concentration exceeded 0.3 %, indicating an improved system stability. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis indicated structural changes in the protein secondary structure, with an increase in β-sheet content in XG-added gels. Notably, the addition of GG and XG prior to fermentation facilitated protein co-aggregation, aiding in the reduction of syneresis rates. However, incorporating GG and XG after fermentation offered superior stability to the gel, achieved through a surface modification process that minimized water loss compared to pre-fermentation addition. These findings reveal how optimizing protein-gum interactions enhances gel stability and functional properties, advancing the design of stable, high-protein, non-dairy gel systems.

Optimizing working water head of subsurface irrigation system with ceramic emitters based on various climatic scenarios and water balance components

Water scarcity critically affects agricultural productivity in arid and semi-arid regions, impacting wolfberry cultivation in Northwest China. To enhance water use efficiency, subsurface irrigation with ceramic emitters (SICE) has been proposed. However, determining an optimal working water head under SICE to minimize water loss and improve water utilization of wolfberry remains underexplored. We used the HYDRUS-2D model to simulate SICE under three climate scenarios (wet, normal and dry year) and optimized dynamic working water head based on water balance components and evaluated by field experiment. Results showed that soil water content under SICE in various constant working water heads generally remained stable between 80 % and 100 % field capacity. Moreover, soil wetting patterns at 10 cm, 20 cm and 30 cm working water head matched wolfberry root zone. Furthermore, cumulative evapotranspiration and deep percolation significantly as working water head rising from 0 cm to 50 cm in three climate scenarios. Meanwhile, a dynamic working water head rising from 10 cm to 30 cm at 40 days after bud burst and dropping to 10 cm at 100 days (10–30–10 cm) is recommended for dry and normal years (rainfall < 200 mm), outperforming two constant working water heads in yield, water use efficiency, and vitamin C content by 29.5 %, 33.3 %, and 41.1 %, respectively. For wet year (rainfall > 200 mm), a dynamic working water head of 0–10–0 cm is suggested. This study highlights the effectiveness of dynamic working water head strategies under SICE to optimize water uptake and minimize deep percolation risks, providing a practical irrigation solution for sustainable agriculture in water-limited regions.

Speciation in the desert: A new endemic Iberus land snail restricted to the southeastern Iberian Peninsula

Arid habitats constitute harsh environments for hydrophilic animals such as land snails. Still, several land snail species appear to inhabit arid environments and such species present an array of adaptations needed to minimise water loss in dry habitats. However, different species may have found different solutions for the same problem. Here, we describe Iberus xerophilus sp. nov., a new species of arid-dwelling land snail from southeastern Spain, on the basis of phylogenetic analyses. Moreover, we show a detailed morphological description as well as a characterization of its habitat. A comparison with the shell morphology of other aridity resistant Iberus land snails casts the question of how this snail can succeed in such harsh arid environments. Southeastern Spain constitutes a hotspot for Iberus arid-dwelling species, displaying a plethora of shell morphologies. The description of this new species might contribute to our understanding of the evolution and diversification of land snails specifically adapted to drought and arid conditions.

Controlling the quality of Patinopecten yessoensis from the perspective of the ultrasound and ferulic acid influences.

In this study, the effects of ultrasound combined with ferulic acid (FA) on the quality of the Yesso scallop (Patinopecten yessoensis) adductor muscles (SAM) during refrigerated storage were investigated. The results demonstrated that the combined treatment with 350W ultrasound and FA (UFA) significantly delayed enzyme activities and microbial growth in SAM tissues compared to FA treatment alone. After 6 days of cold storage, samples treated with UFA exhibited higher hardness (2850g), lower thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS=9.35 MDA mg/g SAM), and lower total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N=19.75mg/100g SAM) values compared to control and FA-treated samples. Consequently, UFA treatment prolonged the shelf life of SAM by 3 days during storage at 4°C. Based on scanning electron microscopy and low-field nuclear magnetic resonance data, these findings are attributed to UFA treatment not only reducing the degradation of SAM tissue network structure but also minimizing water loss. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Scallop adductor muscle (SAM) is commonly considered a delicacy owing to its unique mouthfeel and delicious taste. However, owing to its high moisture content and high levels of various nutrients, SAM has a short shelf life. In this work, a combination of ultrasound with ferulic acid (UFA) has been found to have effective preservation effects on SAM during refrigerated storage. Our study findings pave the way for a potential approach to maintain scallop quality during processing and storage. Moreover, our study also provides some theoretical basis for using and promoting these technologies in aquatic products.

Growth Performance of Sabia Grass Irrigated by Drippers Installed in Subsurface

Studies to improve the use of subsurface drippers in pasture formation are needed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the germination and emergence of Sabia grass as a function of drippers installed at different depths. The study was conducted in pots in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. The experiment was conducted using a completely randomized design with four replicates. The experimental layout featured split plots over time, where the main plots consisted of three cultivation cycles and the subplots represented various dripper installation depths. The three sowing dates were 26 March, 12 April, and 29 April 2022. Drip tapes were installed at seven different depths: 0 (superficial), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cm. The results showed that the reduction in water potential, associated with increased temperature, resulted in lower performance of Sabia grass seeds. Seed germination and parameters related to germination speed were negatively impacted by the increase in dripper installation depth, with a 30–40% reduction in germination speed observed at depths greater than 15 cm. Drippers installed at 15–20 cm depth in clayey soil were ideal, providing a balance between reducing soil water evaporation and maintaining seedling emergence rates. Compared to surface installation, this depth improved seed performance by up to 25%, while enhancing operability and minimizing water loss. It is recommended to install drippers at a depth of 15–20 cm in subsurface drip irrigation systems in clayey soil areas to achieve benefits such as decreased soil water evaporation and improved operability compared to surface systems.

Transportable, portable, wearable and (partially) implantable haemodialysis systems: comparison of technologies and readiness levels

ABSTRACT Background Dialysis modalities and their various treatment schedules result from complex compromises (‘trade-offs’) between medical, financial, technological, ergonomic, and ecological factors. This study targets summarizing the mutual influence of these trade-offs on (trans)portable, wearable, or even (partially) implantable haemodialysis (HD) systems, identify what systems are in development, and how they might improve quality of life (QoL) for patients with kidney failure. Methods HD as defined by international standard IEC 60601–2-16 was applied on a PUBMED database query regarding (trans)portable, wearable, and (partly) implantable HD systems. Out of 159 search results, 24 were included and scanned for specific HD devices and/or HD systems in development. Additional information about weight, size, and development status was collected by the internet and/or contacting manufacturers. International airplane hand baggage criteria formed the boundary between transportable and portable. Technology readiness levels (TRLs) were assigned by combining TRL scales from the European Union and NATO medical staff. Results The query revealed 13 devices/projects: seven transportable (six TRL9, one TRL5); two portable (one TRL6–7, one TRL4); two wearable (one TRL6, one frozen); and two partly implantable (one TRL4–5, one TRL2–3). Discussion Three main categories of technical approaches were distinguished: single-pass, dialysate regenerating, and implantable HD filter with extracorporeal dialysate regeneration (in climbing order of mobility). Conclusions Kidneys facilitate mobility by excreting strongly concentrated waste solutes with minimal water loss. Mimicking this kidney function can increase HD system mobility. Dialysate-regenerating HD systems are enablers for portability/wearability and, combined with durable implantable HD filters (once available), they may enable HD without needles or intravascular catheters. However, lack of funding severely hampers progress.

Leak and Burst Detection in Water Distribution Network Using Logic- and Machine Learning-Based Approaches

Urban water systems worldwide are confronted with the dual challenges of dwindling water resources and deteriorating infrastructure, emphasising the critical need to minimise water losses from leakage. Conventional methods for leak and burst detection often prove inadequate, leading to prolonged leak durations and heightened maintenance costs. This study investigates the efficacy of logic- and machine learning-based approaches in early leak detection and precise location identification within water distribution networks. By integrating hardware and software technologies, including sensor technology, data analysis, and study on the logic-based and machine learning algorithms, innovative solutions are proposed to optimise water distribution efficiency and minimise losses. In this research, we focus on a case study area in the Sunbury region of Victoria, Australia, evaluating a pumping main equipped with Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) sensor technology. We extract hydraulic characteristics from SCADA data and develop logic-based algorithms for leak and burst detection, alongside state-of-the-art machine learning techniques. These methodologies are applied to historical data initially and will be subsequently extended to live data, enabling the real-time detection of leaks and bursts. The findings underscore the complementary nature of logic-based and machine learning approaches. While logic-based algorithms excel in capturing straightforward anomalies based on predefined conditions, they may struggle with complex or evolving patterns. Machine learning algorithms enhance detection by learning from historical data, adapting to changing conditions, and capturing intricate patterns and outliers. The comparative analysis of machine learning models highlights the superiority of the local outlier factor (LOF) in anomaly detection, leading to its selection as the final model. Furthermore, a web-based platform has been developed for leak and burst detection using a selected machine learning model. The success of machine learning models over traditional logic-based approaches underscores the effectiveness of data-driven, probabilistic methods in handling complex data patterns and variations. Leveraging statistical and probabilistic techniques, machine learning models offer adaptability and superior performance in scenarios with intricate or dynamic relationships between variables. The findings demonstrate that the proposed methodology can significantly enhance the early detection of leaks and bursts, thereby minimising water loss and associated economic costs. The implications of this study are profound for the scientific community and stakeholders, as it provides a scalable and efficient solution for water pipeline monitoring. Implementing this approach can lead to more proactive maintenance strategies, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and resilience of urban water infrastructure systems.

Antimicrobial potential and protein binding affinity of a hybrid ternary nanocomposite matrix: Zinc oxide functionalization with poly(vinyl alcohol)-sulphonated graphene oxide-poly pyrrole

The present study focuses on the application of a ternary PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP nanocomposite as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. The process involved utilizing a solution casting technique to fabricate the inorganic–organic blend material, where 4-sulfophthalic acid (SPTA) was used in the sulfonation of graphitic oxide (GO) sheets. The amalgamation of polyvinyl alcohol polymer (PVA) and sulphonated GO (sGO) was achieved through a chemical oxidation polymerization process carried out in a water-based environment. This process developed a PVA/sGO film, in which zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NP) and pyrrole monomers were introduced. The PVA/sGO film served as the initial stage for the in-situ deposition and formation of polypyrrole (PP), leading to the fabrication of PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP membrane. The structure was stabilized by hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between the components, while SPTA acted as a cross-linker and a sulphonating agent. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the quad-component composite unraveled the presence of distinctive functional groups, including PVA, sGO, PP, and Zn-O bands. The UV–visible spectra of PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP nanocomposite membrane revealed a peak in the UV-B region, while in-depth X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses provided strong evidence of its amorphous nature. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image showed that the top surface of the organic film was adorned with PP polymeric chains. The membrane exhibited great water retention capabilities due to its high ion exchange capacity (IEC) value.Additionally, the minimal water loss observed underscores its extended shelf life. Due to their inherent hydrophilic properties, the ternary nanocomposite membranes exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity, porosity, zeta potential, and water uptake. The BET and BJH analyses revealed that PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP nanocomposites had a substantial surface area. Remarkably, the nanocomposite membrane exhibited significantly improved antimicrobial efficacy against bacteria and fungi. The type of interactions between Human serum lysozyme (HSL) and nanocomposite at the molecular level was studied through fluorescence spectroscopy. Stern-Volmer plot revealed the occurrence of both static and dynamic quenching. However, the precise mechanisms underlying the antimicrobial and protein binding (HSL) studies of PVA/sGO/ZnO-NP/PP-based nanocomposites require further investigation.

A Soft Sensor for Flow Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis Based on Artificial Intelligence: A Case Study of Water Supply Systems

The fourth industrial revolution has transformed the industry, with information technology playing a crucial role in this shift. The increasing digitization of industrial systems demands efficient sensing and control methods, giving rise to soft sensors that have the potential to replace traditional physical sensors in order to reduce costs and enhance efficiency. This study explores the implementation of an artificial neural network (ANN) based soft sensor model in a water supply system to predict flow rates within the system. The soft sensor is centered on a Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) artificial neural network model using Monte Carlo dropout to reduce uncertainty and improve estimation performance. Based on the results of this work, it is concluded that the proposed soft sensor (with Monte Carlo dropout) can predict flow rates more precisely, contributing to the reduction in water losses, as well as cost savings. This approach offers a valuable solution for minimizing water losses and ensuring the efficient use of this vital resource. Regarding the use of soft sensors based on LSTM neural networks with a careful choice of Monte Carlo dropout parameters, when compared to the multilayer perceptron model, the LSTM model with Monte Carlo dropout showed better mean absolute error, root mean square error, and coefficient of determination: 0.2450, 0.3121, and 0.996437 versus 0.2556, 0.3522, and 0.9954. Furthermore, this choice of Monte Carlo dropout parameters allowed us to achieve an LSTM network model capable of reducing uncertainty to 1.8290, keeping the error metrics also at low levels.

Analysis and Design of Water Distribution Network for Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area

In this research paper focuses on studying and improving the water distribution network in the Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area. Water distribution networks are crucial infrastructures for ensuring reliable water supply to communities. However, many areas, including Jabalpur Cantonment, face challenges related to water distribution efficiency, reliability, and equitable access. The study begins with a comprehensive analysis of the existing water distribution network in the Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area. Factors such as network layout, pipe material, age of infrastructure, and water demand patterns are thoroughly examined to identify existing inefficiencies and areas for improvement. Using advanced engineering tools such as WaterGems and methodologies, an optimized design for the water distribution network is proposed. This design considers factors such as hydraulic efficiency, pressure management, and resilience to minimize water losses and ensure consistent water supply to consumers. Furthermore, the study incorporates considerations for future growth and development in the Jabalpur Cantonment Board Area. By employing sustainable design practices and incorporating modern technologies, the proposed water distribution network aims to meet the present and future water needs of the community while minimizing environmental impact. By implementing the proposed design improvements, the Jabalpur Cantonment Board can achieve a more sustainable, efficient, and reliable water supply network, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents.

Niosome gels encapsulate green mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) as an anti-acne-inducing bacterial and anti-inflammatory activity

This research aims to develop a niosome gel from green mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) by maceration with an ethanol solvent. The result of the yield percentage was 14.35 ± 0.90. The result of analyzing the phytochemicals by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was that tannin and xanthone were equal to 0.7483 ± 0.0825 mg per 100 mg of extract and 0.02964 ± 0.0088 mg per 100 mg of extract, respectively. The results of the determination of the effect include anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial (Cutibacterium acnes) as anti-inflammatory with nitric oxide from LPS-induced macrophage cells up to a maximum equal to 29.10 ± 4.78% as a concentration at 1 mg mL–1 as acetonide can inhibit nitric oxide equal to 33.12 ± 3.62% as a concentration at 1 mg mL–1. and anti-bacterial (Cutibacterium acnes) by broth microdilution and drop plate methods, it was found that clindamycin has a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 0.08 μg mL–1 and 0.31 μg mL–1, respectively. The development of niosomes consisting of cholesterol, tween 60, and mangosteen peel extract at 1% w w–1 and 2% w w–1 in every formula showed good stability. The reduction of particle size in the formula by an ultrasonic bath at 30 minutes and measurement of particle size with a transmission electron microscope (TEM) were found to be equal to 1,265 and 123 – 219 nm, respectively. The polydispersity index (PDI) was in the range of 0.1 – 0.2, and the zeta potential value was in the range of –26.15 to –28.61 mV. The result of hydration and trans epidermal water loss (TEWL) was found to be that after 4 weeks of use, the formula containing the niosomes of mangosteen peel extract concentrated at 2% w w–1 maximizes skin moisture. It has a value of 346 ± 39.27 and has the least surface water loss. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT HIGHLIGHTS The green mangosteen peel extract (Garcinia mangostana L.) can inhibiting nitric oxide production from LPS-induced macrophage cells up to 29.10 ± 4.78% at a concentration of 1 mg ml-1, the lowest inhibitory (MIC) and kill (MBC) concentration of C. acnes bacteria less than 0.24 mg ml-1. The particle size of niosomes encapsulate extracts before reducing particle size equal to 1,265 nm. and after reducing particle size in the range of 123 - 219 nm. The skin hydration value after using product for 4 weeks as niosome gel encapsulate extract 2%w w-1 of extract was maximum moisture and minimal water loss.

The Hourly Peak Coefficient of Single-Family and Multi-Family Buildings in Poland: Support for the Selection of Water Meters and the Construction of a Water Distribution System Model

Taking care of water resources and minimizing water losses in water supply networks requires a broad approach to identifying and neutralizing operational problems. The correct selection of water meters to minimize apparent losses requires knowledge of the characteristic flows that may occur in the facility to which water is supplied. The research aimed to develop tools in the form of mathematical models and water consumption curves along with hourly water consumption coefficients to facilitate the process of selecting water meters for engineers and creating computer models of water supply systems. The research involved monitoring the flow of 76 single-family and multi-family buildings in four towns in Poland, followed by data analysis and development of tools supporting the selection of water meters and the construction of computer models of water distribution networks. High correlation coefficients of the studied variables indicate the results’ usefulness. Four models were developed to determine the maximum flow values in multi-family buildings (three models) and single-family buildings (one model) in the range of water meter diameters DN15-DN40. Characteristics of the average hourly peak coefficient (HPC) values were also developed, along with the range of changes in HPC values for single-family and multi-family buildings.

Detecting wire breaks in prestressed concrete pipes: an easy-to-install distributed fibre acoustic sensing approach

The escalating water stress resulting from drought conditions in certain global regions underscores the imperative to minimize water losses, particularly within drinking water supply networks. One way to achieve this is by improving pipe monitoring systems to allow the early detection of possible structural collapse of the pipes. One type of pipe widely used in water mains is the prestressed concrete pipe, whose main cause of structural failure is the breakage of prestressing wires. This research paper analyses the ability of an easy-to-install distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) monitoring system using fibre optics to identify and locate the acoustic signal produced by the wire breaks in prestressed concrete pipes to make early detection of possible structural failures. For this purpose, a large experimental pipeline stretch was built (approximately 1 m in diameter and 40 m long) where wire breaks were simulated. Several variables were studied: the origin of the signal (to distinguish wire breaks from events of a similar nature), the location of the event in the pipe, the presence of background noise, the internal water pressure, the length of the prestressed wire not subject to bonding with the concrete and the presence of water in the pipe. The results showed that the DAS system could detect almost all events. In addition, two of the multiple parameters measured in the signals, the zero-crossing rate and the short-time energy, made it possible to precisely determine the signal’s origin and the event’s location. Another parameter measured, the duration of the signal in this case, made it possible to differentiate whether the events had occurred when the pipe was empty or full of water. These and other results in this paper present a highly promising perspective on using this DAS system in water main monitoring.

Active packaging coating based on agarose grafted with benzoic acid derivatives: Preparation, characterization and application in fish preservation

Agarose based on gel strength can not meet the needs of diverse applications, and the structural modification of agarose is helpful to improve its functional properties and promote the economic benefits of the agarose industry chain. This study focuses on making agarose as an active packaging material with specific functions. Agarose was modified with p-hydroxybenzoic acid (Ph) and 3, 4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (Da) to produce agarose derivatives with grafting rates of 4% and 12% (Ph-Ag@4%, Ph-Ag@12%, Da-Ag@4%, and Da-Ag@12%). Characterization techniques confirmed the successful introduction of Ph and Da onto agarose, with grafting occurring at the C-6 position in d-galactose. Both Ph-Ag and Da-Ag exhibited significantly enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Da-Ag@12% showed remarkable improvements in DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities from 0% to 66.01% and 2.49%–84.73%, respectively. Ph-Ag@12% exhibited inhibition rates of 100% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. After modification, Ph-Ag and Da-Ag maintained good gelling and film-forming properties. Fish preservation experiments revealed both Ph-Ag and Da-Ag coatings effectively suppressed microbial growth, slowed down lipid oxidation, minimized water loss, and maintained the texture and appearance of fish meat. These coatings improved fish meat quality and extended its shelf life, with Da-Ag@12% showing the most promising results.

REVIEW ON LEAKAGE DETECTION MODEL OF WATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM FOR NON-REVENUE WATER

Efficient water distribution systems are essential for ensuring global access to clean water, yet the persistent challenge of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) poses a significant threat to the sustainability of water utilities. NRW, comprising losses from leaks, unauthorized consumption, and inaccurate metering, remains a critical concern with economic and environmental implications. The escalating global demand for water highlights the urgency of addressing Non-Revenue Water, with leakage being a substantial contributor to these losses. Leakage models are pivotal tools in understanding and quantifying the factors contributing to water losses. This review consolidates current knowledge on leakage models, offering insights into their applicability in reducing Non-Revenue Water. It aims to guide water engineers, policymakers, and researchers toward effective strategies for minimizing water losses, improving system efficiency, and promoting sustainable water management practices. This paper presents a comprehensive review of leakage models within water distribution systems, focusing on their role in mitigating Non-Revenue Water.

Optimizing Water Use for Okra Cultivation: A Soil Moisture Sensor-Based Approach

Indian agriculture relies on monsoons, a water source notorious for its unreliability. To ensure sustainable production and productivity, the judicious and timely utilization of available water becomes imperative, emphasizing the need to maximize soil moisture while minimizing water losses. Drip irrigation stands out as a widely adopted and highly regarded water-conserving technology. The potential of an automated drip system becomes evident as it holds the promise of blessing farmers with higher yields despite the constraints of limited irrigation water. The necessity for a soil moisture-based drip irrigation system becomes apparent, tailored to the specific moisture and soil types of individual farms. A low-cost soil moisture sensor-based automated drip irrigation system emerges as the research objective, aiming to enhance efficiency and resource management. Gravity, coupled with drip irrigation, emerges as the most suitable method. The system operates in a closed-loop fashion, continuously monitoring and adjusting based on soil moisture content and the crop's water requirements. In the agricultural landscape of Chhattisgarh, where the total cultivable land spans 4.8 million hectares, with 0.51 million hectares dedicated to cultivating okra crops, the Crop Water Requirement (CWR) for okra varies from 30 cm to 55 cm, influenced by factors such as variety and crop seasons. The research yields insightful results, showcasing maximum water use efficiency in the sensor-based treatment at 46.76 kg/ha/mm, while the control irrigation exhibits a minimum efficiency of 26.66 kg/ha/mm.

OPTIMIZING PLANT HEALTH THROUGH IoT

Design and implement a smart plant watering system that uses IoT technology to monitor and regulate moisture levels in flower pots. The system should be able to automatically adjust watering frequency and amount based on real-time moisture measurements to ensure plant health and minimize water loss. In addition to our commitment to holistic plant care, an additional feature, NPK fertilizer, has been seamlessly integrated into the system. Containing essential nutrients nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, this feature optimizes plant growth and health. This system automatically applies fertilizer according to a pre-set schedule or on-the-fly adjustments, creating the perfect solution for efficient and sustainable plant growth. The main goal is to create convenient and sustainable solutions. Meets the needs of both experienced and novice plant enthusiasts. Keywords: Internet of Things, NPK fertilizer, humidity sensor, WiFi module, buzzer, motor.