Plant Reservoir Research Articles

First results of soil and water bioengineering interventions to stabilise and control erosion processes in hydroelectric power plant reservoirs in Brazil

Reservoir banks are highly susceptible to erosion processes that result in a loss of stability. The main factors that cause erosion on reservoir banks are wave action and the oscillation of the water level. The aim of this study was to investigate four different soil and water bioengineering measures to stabilise and control erosion processes on the banks of reservoirs. The selection of plant species must follow various technical and ecological criteria. The study area is located at Itá hydropower plant. The development of the techniques and the used plants were monitored over a period of 28 months. Permanent plots were installed to assess plant development and erosion. When combined with support structures, the plants used were able to develop well. The average diameter and height of the plants increased in all sections. For the average plant height after 5 months, the best results were obtained in section A (1.32 m), and after 28 months the plants in sections C and B had an average height of 2.05 m and 2.01 m respectively. The greatest deposition occurred within the intervention zone, ranging from −6.4 cm/year (section A) to −0.6 cm/year (section D). For the pins 3/7, the largest soil deposition occurred in section B (−3.4 cm/year), while a soil loss (0.1 cm/year) was measured in section C. This confirms the positive technical effect of inert structures in combination with plants. The structures combined with vegetation, creates a barrier effect that protects the shore and enables the deposition/retention of sediments.

Impact of the Seasons on the Evolution of Tomato-infecting Geminivirus and Identification of Plant Reservoirs Harboring Geminivirus in Burkina Faso

Geminiviruses are known as responsible for huge damage to vegetable crops in many tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. In Burkina Faso, tomato was reported as the most infected vegetable crop with the involvement of several geminivirus species despite its socioeconomic importance. This suggests and underlines the pressing need for additional information on virus population evolution (diversity, prevalence, and host plant reservoirs). Thus, to address this problem, surveys and sample collection were carried out in three localities in Burkina Faso (Goué, Léguéma, and Toussiana). Tomato leaves and those of cultivated and non-cultivated plants around the tomato fields were collected. The total DNA extracted from these samples was subjected to diagnosis based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocol with or without amplicon sequencing. Results showed that depending on the season and locality, the prevalence of the disease varied from 0 to 53.33% and that of the virus species varied from 0 to 76.67%. The highest prevalence was observed in the dry season. In addition, PepYVMLV was the virus that was widely detected in all three localities in the rainy (18.89%) and dry (52.22%) seasons. The DNA-B molecule associated with this virus was associated with other begomoviruses (ToLCMLV). In addition, out of 200 samples collected in the vicinity of the tomato fields, only 63 were positive based on PCR diagnosis. Amplicon sequencing yielded 63 partial sequences of virus from ten plant species, including six non-cultivated species. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the 63 partial sequences belonged to three phylogenetic groups (the ToLCV group, the PepYVMLV group, and the CLCuGV group). This study allowed a better understanding of the evolution of tomato leaf curl/yellow disease in Burkina Faso and the diversity of plant species serving as reservoirs for involved viruses. This constitutes an important step in the search for adequate control methods.

Cycling of dissolved organic nutrients and indications for nutrient limitations in contrasting Amazon rainforest ecosystems

In the nutrient-poor soils of the Amazon rainforest, phosphorus (P) emerges as a critical limiting factor for ecosystem productivity. Despite these limitations, the Amazon exhibits remarkable productivity that is maintained by its efficient nutrient recycling mechanisms. Central to this process is the role of organic matter, particularly its dissolved (DOM) fraction, which serves as a crucial nutrient reservoir for both plants and microorganisms. This study delves into the dynamics of nutrient-containing DOM within the soils of two contrasting rainforest ecosystems: clayey terra firme forests, known for their robust nutrient recycling and presumed P-limitation, and sandy white-sand forests, characterized by reduced nutrient recycling capacity and presumed nitrogen (N)-limitation. Utilizing ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (HR-MS), we analyzed the molecular composition of dissolved organic nutrient species. We evidenced nutrient limitation applying innovative concepts: (1) assessing nutrient depletion in DOM via nutrient-to-carbon ratios, (2) comparing the composition of nutrient-enriched DOM pools across soil depth profiles to infer microbial nutrient processing, and (3) examining the temporal variability of nutrient-containing DOM as an indicator of nutrient uptake and production. Our results corroborate the hypothesis of P-limitation in terra firme forests, with significant processing of N-containing DOM also observed, indicating a synergistic demand for both P and N. Surprisingly, white-sand soils exhibited no signs of N-limitation but instead sulfur (S)-limitation, a novel finding for these ecosystems. This study highlights the diversity of potential nutrient limitations in the central Amazon and the importance of the bioavailable “black box” DOM for tropical nutrient cycles.

Site selection of floating photovoltaic systems on hydropower reservoirs using fuzzy sine trigonometric decision-making model: Turkey as a case study

Floating photovoltaic systems are a promising option for renewable energy by mitigating the drawbacks of land-based photovoltaic systems. However, renewable energy systems are designed in a site-specific way, therefore, the performance of renewable energy alternatives substantially depends on the selected site characteristics. In this study, a comprehensive assessment was performed to identify the optimal hydroelectric power plant reservoir for floating photovoltaic system deployment in Turkey using the Geographical Information System and Multi-Criteria Decision Making method. A two-staged methodology was used to evaluate the results of questionnaires including several expert opinions. In the first stage, a nonlinear fuzzy Aczel-Alsina functions based Ordinal Priority Approach method was employed to weigh the fourteen sub-criteria based on technical, environmental, economic and social considerations. In the second stage, fuzzy sine Trigonometric based Additive Ratio Assessment method was used to rank the fifteen hydroelectric power plant reservoirs all across Turkey. Despite the global horizontal irradiation being the most important criterion, Sarıyar hydroelectric power plant reservoir, with one of the lowest global horizontal irradiation values among alternatives, was determined as the most suitable dam reservoir for floating photovoltaic installation in Turkey. Therefore, the findings of this study highlight the importance of comprehensive analysis that considers the several assessment criteria from fundamental aspects to achieve reliable site selection for floating photovoltaic systems.

Genetically divergent 'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani' isolates in Croatian vineyard pathosystems suggest complex epidemiological networks

'Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ (CPs), a phytoplasma endemic to the Euro-Mediterranean basin is a causative agent of several plant diseases, including the grapevine yellows disease “bois noir” (BN). As different CPs strains have been shown to have different ecological reservoirs and pathways for spread, the genetic characterization of CPs strains is a prerequisite, and better control of BN relies on the identification of reservoir plants. The variability of the phytoplasma genotypes involved in the BN pathosystem in Croatian vineyards was assessed by a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) approach. The genotyping was performed on selected grapevine, wild plants, and insects collected within the eleven years of national survey conducted in all Croatian viticultural regions. The extensive tuf, secY, stamp, and vmp1 genes-based MLST analyses revealed two new genotypes for stamp and vmp1 genes, designated as ST59 and V28, respectively, and overall identified 28 different CPs MLST genotypes. The prevalent MLST genotype in grapevine CPsSqt21 (S6/ST6/V18/tuf-b2) was widespread in nine counties across Uplands, Slavonia, and Danube wine regions and was affiliated to the known vector Hyalesthes obsoletus and to Urtica dioica. The other two most frequent genotypes were the U. dioica-associated CPsSqt28 (S39/ST46/V3/tuf-a) and the C. arvensis-associated CPsSqt2 (S1/ST9/V4/tuf-b1). CPs of different vmp1 genotypes was also detected in Cixius wagneri specimens originating from different parts of Croatia. In addition, CPs was detected in several Dichtyophara europaea insects and in two new potential plant reservoirs Ailanthus altissima and Robinia pseudoacacia. The substantial number of found MLST genotypes indicates the presence of several independent epidemiological cycles and is certainly a consequence of a unique geographical position of Croatia, bridging the different eco-climatic areas of central and south-eastern Europe.

Advancing towards zero emissions: Integrating floating photovoltaic systems in hydroelectric power plant reservoirs

One technological alternative to diversifying the energy matrix and reducing reliance on conventional sources involves integrating floating photovoltaics into hydropower plants. To improve the efficiency and sustainability of electricity production, this combination harnesses the benefits of solar and hydropower, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. This study proposes an assessment of the floating photovoltaics resource in water bodies associated with the 14 most important hydropower plants in Mexico. Using ERA5 reanalysis data and the assumption of a 10% coverage of the area of the water bodies, parameters such as annual energy production, avoided greenhouse gases and water savings were estimated. This was done considering two scenarios of floating photovoltaics power density, a pessimistic 30 W/m2 and an optimistic 125 W/m2. Under the conditions proposed in this work, the results of the optimistic Scenario indicate that an annual energy production of 33.12 TWh could be achieved, avoiding the emission of 14.51 MtCO2e of greenhouse gases and the evaporation of 336.78 hm3 of water.

Influence of the Pandeiros Small Hydroelectric Plant reservoir on the concentration and composition of solids transported by the Pandeiros River, Brazil

Influence of the Pandeiros Small Hydroelectric Plant reservoir on the concentration and composition of solids transported by the Pandeiros River, Brazil

Temporal Perspective of Vegetation Around the Salto Santiago Hydroelectric Plant Reservoir

Objective: The construction of hydroelectric plants brings benefits to energy supply, improving the quality of life for the population. Permanent Preservation Areas (APP) in reservoirs are essential for environmental conservation and mitigating the impacts of these structures. Given the importance of APPs, this study aimed to evaluate changes in vegetation within a 10 km radius around the Salto Santiago Hydroelectric Plant reservoir. Theoretical Framework: The research was developed using definitions governed by the new Brazilian Forest Code, established by Law Nº. 12.65, of May 25, 2012. Method: Geotechnologies were used for spatiotemporal mapping and evaluation of the APP surrounding the Salto Santiago reservoir, located in the municipality of Saudade do Iguaçu, Paraná. Results and Discussion: The practical and theoretical implications of this research are discussed, providing insights on how the results can be applied or promote studies for the environmental licensing processes of hydroelectric projects. Research Implications: The relevance and value of this research are demonstrated through applications of academic studies and methodologies as a support base for environmental professionals. Originality/Value: This study contributes to the literature by [highlighting the originality of the research, whether through the innovative approach, new discoveries or practical contributions]. The relevance and value of this research are evidenced by [explain how the results may impact the area of study or professional practice].

Resolution of the bi-objective optimization problem for the dispatch of hydroelectric plants under conditions of low inflow using the NSGA II algorithm

Among the consequences of climate change are increased temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns that bring longer periods of drought. This creates limitations in the administration of hydroelectric plant reservoirs, restricting, in some cases, the amount of electrical energy generated. The objective of this research is to solve the multi-objective optimization problem that seeks to minimize the production of electrical energy from hydroelectric plants with low inflow and, at the same time, minimize electrical rationing due to this low production. As these objectives conflict with each other, it is necessary to apply multi-objective optimization problem-solving methodologies, among which are genetic algorithms. The mathematical model is built considering the operating conditions of the reservoirs of the hydroelectric plants under study, including their minimum operating levels, which are included in the model restrictions. The non-dominated genetic classification algorithm II is used to obtain the Pareto front, which is composed of a total of 78 non-dominated solutions that are useful to manage the considered reservoirs at the time of maximum demand. It is recommended to use other multi-objective optimization algorithms for comparison purposes, selecting the ideal indicators to evaluate the performance of each algorithm used, in addition to incorporating monetary and environmental cost restrictions into the model

Environmental impacts due to the behavior of limnological variables in water reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants

Environmental impacts due to the behavior of limnological variables in water reservoirs of hydroelectric power plants

Plant viruses in the system of seed potato production

Solanum tuberosum L. is susceptible to 40 different virus species and 2 viroids. To prevent plant viruses from spreading in field conditions, it is necessary to have reliable data on the species composition of plant reservoirs of viral infection, the total activity of insect vectors, and possible ways of virus transmission in a particular territory of seed material production. Attention should be paid to the factors that facilitate and hinder the disease development in crops and to disease symptoms in different potato varieties. Manifestations of viral infections were monitored on every plant from the sample at the stages of initial growth, bud formation, and flowering and before the removal of potato haulms. Insects were collected using standard entomological method. The total RNA was isolated employing commercial kits for the extraction of nucleic acids from plant material “PhytoSorb” (Syntol Llc) and the benchtop automated extraction instrument KingFisher Flex (ThermoScientific) with magnetic particles. Plant viral infection was observed to accumulate if potato planting material was not renewed. The tested potato plants contained mixed viral infection, which consisted of viruses from mosaic group: PVY, PVX, PVM, PVS PVA, as well as PSTVd and PLRV. Without the renewal of seed potatoes, the concentration of plant viruses in an agroecosystem rises and causes secondary infections in potato plants. The research identified the main insect-vectors in the agroecosystem of potato fields: insects from genera Cicadella, Henosepilachna vigintioctomaculata, Dolycoris baccarum, Mythimna separata, Lygus pratensis, and Rhopalosiphum padi. Many wild weeds serve as fodder plants for insect vectors facilitating the accumulation of plant viruses in agroecosystems. It was established that perennial weeds were the main plant reservoirs of dangerous viral infections, e.g. Sonchus arvensis and Taraxacum officinale. We determined that Trifolium pratense typus L., Chenopodium album L., Plantago major L., Barbarea vulgaris W.T. Aiton, and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. were the reservoirs of PVY. All these factors can lead to an epiphytotic situation.

Analysis Water Quality in Reservoir of PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi Bekasi City Branch

Water is needed to support various living systems. Almost all of human life needs require water, both for household needs, agriculture, industry and other economic activities. It’s need for clean water increases along with the reduction in clean water available in the area, which if not managed properly, it can be scarcity. This type of research is quantitative descriptive. This research was conducted at the reservoir of Water Treatment Plant of PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi, Bekasi City Branch. Sampling was carried out for five days on January 29-February 2 in 2024. The parameters tested in this study are temperature, pH, turbidity, odor and taste. Testing was carried out at the PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi Laboratory. It aim of this research is to analyze the water quality in the reservoir of Water Treatment Plant in PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi Bekasi City and then the results are compared with the clean and drinking water quality standards in accordance with Minister of Health Regulation Number 32 of 2017. The results of the research show that the water quality of the Water Treatment Plant in PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi Bekasi City in terms of temperature, pH, turbidity, odor and taste parameters have fulfilled the standard of clean water by the government. Based on the results of this research, it is hoped that PDAM will continue to carry out regular inspections and cleaning of each Water Treatment Plant building, because this can affect water quality, where water quality is one of the most important factors in maintaining customer satisfaction with PDAM Tirta Bhagasasi Bekasi City Branch.

Wind Energy in Brazil: Current Overview and Projections on Power Generation

National public policies contributed to the diffusion of wind energy in Brazil. The cost of production has been falling due to the infrastructure developed to meet the facilities required in the implementation of turbines that produce energy through the wind. Brazil has 534 wind farms with a total capacity of 13.4GW and the state of Rio Grande do Norte is the largest producer of this type of electricity, accounting for 27.7% of this amount. A justified strategy is the energy production of the winds during the dry season due to the supply of this source during this period, with the objective of preserving the reservoirs of the hydroelectric plants. The intermittency of the wind regime, the noise impact, the interference of the wind towers on the climate and the lack of research resources are some of the disadvantages that prevent the country from enjoying more of this inexhaustible source of energy.

Statistical modeling of diffusive CO2 emissions before the creation of the SINOP hydroelectric reservoir, Brazil.

Several discussions have arisen about energy from hydroelectric plants being considered clean energy and its reservoirs have been investigated due to the large emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. The present work shows a statistical study of the diffusive CO2 emissions before the formation of the reservoir of the hydroelectric power plant (HPP) of SINOP, Brazil. The association between emissions collected at the surface (water-air) and at the bottom of the reservoir (sediment-water) was investigated during four data collection campaigns, carried out from November 2017 to September 2018. This study aims to compare the effect of reservoir depth on the diffusive flow of CO2 at 34 collection points. The variable depth analyzed was defined from points collected on the surface and bottom of the reservoir. The objective is to detect whether different periods of time and whether the depth of the reservoir have a direct impact on the behavior of diffusive CO2 emissions. As the measurements of the observational unit are repeatedly observed, there is a multilevel structure, individuals are independent of each other, but there is an intra-individual correlation. Considering this data configuration, an estimation of generalized equations (GEE) was performed, which is a technique that estimates the intra-individual correlation matrix and thus produces estimates for the parameters of the generalized regression models (Generalized Regression Models - GLM) that are not biased. The study showed that the average diffusive CO2 emissions are higher on the reservoir surface. The study also found that, on average, there are more emissions during the rainy season in the region than during the dry season.

Evaluation of the electrical parameters and performance of floating PV generators

This study provides evaluation of floating photovoltaics (PV) in the Brazil tropical climate and discusses the specific technical and environmental benefits and limitations. This paper develops a model simulating the annual performance of the photovoltaic generator of a floating photovoltaic plant as a function of a given conditions. The reference is a 1.2-MWp floating-PV system commissioned in 2023 near the city of Grão Mogol, Brazil, in the reservoir of the PCH Santa Marta hydropower plant. The influence of the ambient meteorological and marine parameters on the PV module temperature, current, voltage, and power were evaluated. The simulation uses a reference crystalline-Si PV module and the Engineering Equation Solver (EES). Relevant experimental data, including incident solar radiation, ambient temperature, and wind speed were used as input data for the model. The effect of these parameters on the thermal end electrical parameters was assessed. Although small variations were found throughout the year, significant hourly and daily variations were observed, depending on solar irradiation and ambient and resulting module surface temperatures. The voltage at the maximum power decreases with the increase of the solar module surface temperature. The convective heat transfer rates are higher than the radiative heat transfer rates. This study provides a first-time complete energy and exergy analysis of a floating PV system (FPVS) incorporating the various heat transfer rates, electrical and irradiance parameters, under climate and meteorological conditions for this Brazil location.

Como utilizar o ponto de inflexão da curva de retenção de água e os atributos físicos do solo para previsão da capacidade de campo?

ABSTRACT Agricultural productivity is closely related to soil physical attributes, specifically those that affect the soil-water relationship, as the soil serves as the main water reservoir for plants. This research aimed to determine the field capacity for different soils, using equations based on the water retention curve. The database used included 150 soil profiles from studies published by other authors encompassing information related to textural classification, soil bulk density, particle density and soil water retention. The inflection point for each soil profile and the corresponding matrix potential were generated. Multiple correlations were established between volumetric moisture at field capacity and clay, silt and sand contents. The calculated inflection point can be an estimator of field capacity, what may facilitate and speed up the calculation of water availability.

Methodology for target forecasting of water level in hydroelectric plant reservoirs under conditions of low inflow

Methodology for target forecasting of water level in hydroelectric plant reservoirs under conditions of low inflow

Screening of Phytoplankton Dynamics: Assessing Reservoir Ecosystem Health under Thermal Pollution from an Electrical Power Plant in the Pechora River Basin, European North.

For the first time, we investigated species composition, phytoplankton community structure, and hydrochemical parameters in the artificial cooling reservoir of a major thermal power plant (TPP) in northeastern Europe located in the Pechora River basin (Komi Republic). Our research, conducted during June and August, revealed a total of 81 species of algae and cyanobacteria, with cyanobacteria predominating. Among these cyanobacteria and microalgae (Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta), algae that serve as reliable indicators of water quality were identified. The assessment of water quality based on abundance and species composition of indicator phytoplankton species revealed that the waters of the Pechorskoe Reservoir belong to the III class (β-mesosaprobic or moderately polluted). This indicates that water quality is satisfactory, and the reservoir retains the ability to self-purify. The power plant's discharges heat the surface layers, increasing plankton communities' diversity, abundance, and biomass. Such stable warming in the upper layers throughout the season, uncommon for natural water bodies in the north, results in a slight increase in the trophic status of the studied reservoir, supported by hydrochemical analysis. These results provide valuable information about ecosystem functioning under temperature increasing for predicting changes in the phototrophic biota of small northern reservoirs facing the impacts of climate change.

Hibrit Güneş-Hidroelektrik (GHE) Sistemine Rezervuar Etkisi

The solar-hydroelectric (SHE) energy system is a renewable hybrid energy system consisting of solar and hydroelectric energy. An optimization algorithm has been designed to work out the installed power size of the SHE hybrid system, which is planned to be integrated into the existing hydroelectric power systems. This designed algorithm provides the optimum installed power with the benefit/cost approach. The value of the hydro cost and also the energy generation is taken from the actual values since it's an existing facility, and also the electricity production and price of the solar power are obtained from the algorithm that works iteratively. This study aims to indicate that more electricity will be produced by regulating water flows due to the reservoir of hydroelectric power plants. Hydro energy enables energy management to be administrated more effectively with the reservoir, which could be a natural enclosure, without using the other energy storage equipment/method. As a result of the study, it's been shown that with the regulation of the hydro facility flows with a reservoir, 180% more solar power capacity installation with 20.9 MW installed power and 12% more electricity production with 75.3 GWh electricity production is provided compared to the unregulated situation.

Seasonal assessment of water quality and eutrophication of the Tucuruí Hydroelectric plant reservoir, Pará, Brazil

No represamento de um rio, a hidrologia local sofre mudanças nas condições físico-químicas e biológica do meio aquático, podendo gerar significativos impactos ambientais. Dessa forma, este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a qualidade da água do reservatório da Usina Hidrelétrica de Tucuruí (UHT) localizada no estado do Pará, a partir da utilização do Índice de Qualidade da Água (IQA) e do Índice de Estado Trófico (IET). A coleta de dados foi realizada no banco de dados da Secretaria de Meio Ambiente e Sustentabilidade do Estado do Pará. Os dados foram coletados para o ano de 2022, em dois períodos distintos, chuvoso e seco. Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e posterior elaboração de gráficos e tabelas, teste não paramétrico de Wilcoxon e interpolação espacial. A análise dos dados permitiu a elaboração de mapas com a identificação do nível de qualidade e trofia dos pontos de monitoramento a montante, a jusante e do reservatório da UHT. Os resultados indicaram que o IQA determinado nos dois períodos analisados (chuvoso e seco) apresentou maiores valores nos pontos amostrais dentro do reservatório e o menor valor no ponto a montante. O ambiente pode ser classificado como oligotrófico, caracterizado pela pobreza em nutrientes e por uma baixa taxa de produção de matéria orgânica.