Preferential Pathways Research Articles

NIMG-69. INTERROGATION OF GLIOBLASTOMA FATTY-ACID SYNTHESIS AND METABOLISM WITH DEUTERIUM METABOLIC IMAGING

Abstract Glioblastoma, an invariably lethal brain tumor, undergoes marked metabolic alterations during tumorigenesis and is extraordinarily difficult to treat. Detecting recurrence after treatment and understanding metabolic alterations within the tumor microenvironment are extremely challenging. An exciting and emerging imaging methodology, deuterium metabolic imaging (DMI), detects metabolic adaptations via non-radioactively labeled deuterated substrates. This study developed approaches to image lipid synthesis with deuterium oxide (D2O) and metabolism with D31-palmitate (D31-Pal) in glioblastoma. A fatty-acid phantom was generated for characterization of lipid DMI signal at 12 T. DMI was performed in mice orthotopically implanted with GL261 glioblastoma utilizing either orally administered D31-Pal or D2O and was correlated with pharmacokinetic metabolic measurements from mouse serum. Mice were either orally gavaged with an emulsion of D31-Pal prior to imaging or provided 16% D2O for ad libitum consumption following tumor implantation. Although D2O administration resulted in robust enrichment of lipid signal in GBM, D31-Pal uptake and metabolism were not significantly detected within intracranial tumors. Interestingly, D31-Pal uptake and metabolism were detected in normal tissues, indicating preferential utilization of fatty acids in non-neoplastic tissues. These findings suggest de novo lipogenesis within GBM, rather than uptake of administered long chain fatty acids, is the preferential pathway for cellular lipids. DMI can assist in interrogating GBM fatty-acid synthesis and metabolism, as well as furthering our understanding of lipid distribution within the body by providing a non-invasive scaffold for dynamic interrogation of fatty-acid distribution in an oncologic model. Developing a non-invasive method for characterization of tumor fatty-acid synthesis and metabolism may improve our understanding of tumor metabolism and could dynamically guide selection of patient-tailored metabolic therapies in the future.

Using geochemical and geophysical data to characterise inter-aquifer connectivity and impacts on shallow aquifers and groundwater dependent ecosystems.

Understanding inter-aquifer connectivity within sedimentary basins is crucial for determining how groundwater extraction will impact groundwater resources and groundwater dependent ecosystems (GDEs). Geophysical, geochemical and radioisotope data were combined to understand whether dewatering for open-cut coal mining in Australia’s Galilee Basin will be likely to impact groundwater levels in overlying aquifers sustaining the ecologically significant Doongmabulla Springs Complex and Carmichael River. Groundwater salinities (<300 mg/L), measurable 3H (0.43 TU), and activities of radiocarbon a14C (14.1 – 95.3 pMC) and chlorine-36 R36Cl (78.1 x10-15 – 161 x10-15) imply that preferential pathways for groundwater flow and recharge occur through the weathered sub-crop of the Galilee Basin sediments. These high permeability zones occur consistently within 5 km of the mine (and further to the south), where strong overlap in major ion and radioisotope compositions indicates significant groundwater connectivity between aquifers. Elevated groundwater HCO3 and F concentrations and heavy fraction hydrocarbons (>100 μg/L C10 - C40) also imply deep groundwater in the coal measures discharges into overlying non-coal bearing aquifers, most likely via faults. Since coal mine dewatering commenced, drawdown has spread preferentially southward from the mine, driven by geological heterogeneity including into aquifers that are not targeted by mining. Drawdown is also migrating gradually into shallow aquifers west of the mine, towards GDEs along the Carmichael River valley. Numerical modelling of the mine’s groundwater impacts, which was the basis of the mine’s approval, did not anticipate this level of drawdown in shallow aquifers at this stage of mining. Mining impacts on shallow groundwater resources and GDEs, including the Doongmabulla springs and the Carmichael River, may have thus been underestimated and require re-evaluation. This study highlights that multiple lines of evidence must be assessed to carefully develop conceptual and numerical models, and to protect groundwater and GDEs.

Characterizing groundwater contamination flow-paths and heavy metal mobilization near a waste site in Southwestern Nigeria

This study investigates potential groundwater contamination near a waste disposal site in southwestern Nigeria. The area's complex geological setting, characterized by fractured rock formations, posed significant challenges for traditional monitoring methods. To address these challenges and comprehensively assess groundwater conditions, we employed a combined approach utilizing Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and geochemical analysis of heavy metals and water conductivity. This approach enabled the investigation of groundwater levels, identification of potential contamination zones, and delineation of contaminant flow paths. GPR identified a shallow zone, termed the “shadow zone,” with conductive residues indicating contaminants with anomalous conductivity ranging from 1 to 1.5 m. An intermittent reflection zone at a depth of 1.5–3.5 m suggested the potential presence of leachate-impacted groundwater. ERT confirmed a shallow resistive layer at depths of 0–2 m, attributed to compacted waste and topsoil, around the abandoned main dumpsite. Below this layer, a zone of low resistivity, decreasing downward through a porous weathered zone, was observed. This corresponded to high water conductivity in well data, ranging from 21 to 147 mS/m (equivalent to 6.80 to 47.62 Ω-m), indicating a high conductive anomaly suspected to be a leachate plume at depths of 2–10 m in a sandy-gravelly weathered zone. Validation against ground truth data confirmed the correlation between radar signatures, geoelectrical imaging, and subsurface lithology. Analysis of well and soil samples revealed concerningly elevated concentrations of cadmium, mercury, lead, arsenic, and cobalt, ranging from 641 to 1175 ppb, exceeding established safety limits for drinking water. Additionally, soil samples showed elevated levels of nickel and chromium, generally ranging from <0 to <1 ppb. These findings highlight the significant risk of groundwater contamination due to the proximity of the leachate zone to the groundwater table in the weathered basement complex. This study demonstrates the effective integration of geophysical and geochemical methods for comprehensive mapping of contaminated zones and identification of preferential pathways for contaminant migration. The findings underscore the critical need for implementing comprehensive risk assessment methodologies in similar complex geological settings.

Evaluation of the source and mechanisms of groundwater recharge for the southern sections of the western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor

Study areaSouthern Sections of Western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor. Study focusThe purpose of this study is to identify the source and mechanisms of groundwater recharge based on geological, hydrochemical, and environmental isotope studies. New hydrogeological insightsThe investigation illustrate that the columnar jointed basalt was extended from the plateau to the rift margin. In addition, transverse structures trending NW-SE and NE-SW connect the plateau to the rift margin and the marginal grabens to the rift floor. The hydrochemical interpretations with EC and TDS shows that the groundwater from the plateau has evolved from Ca-dominated and slightly mineralized to Na-dominated and highly mineralized to the rift floor. Isotopically, the deep groundwater systems are depleted in the entire physiography in contrast to the shallow groundwater systems. Radon measurements are higher at the outlets of the marginal grabens and between the rift margin and the rift floor, suggesting groundwater feeds the river. A comprehensive analysis of the aforementioned results suggests that the deep circulating groundwater is recharged in the plateau and escarpment and chemically altered with increasing depth and along its preferential flow path into the rift floor. Therefore, the plateau area is the main source of recharge for the western Afar rift margin and associated rift floor, due to the presence of preferential pathways, mainly the columnar jointed basalts and cross-structures.

Fossil biocalcite remains open to isotopic exchange with seawater for tens of millions of years

Fossilized remains of marine calcifiers constitute the physical basis for reconstructions of both deep ocean and sea-surface temperatures going back millions of years, but paleoclimate records derived from their isotope and trace-element chemistry can be biased by diagenesis. Experiments simulating diagenesis in the presence of an 18O-rich seawater analogue were conducted with modern and 14 Myr old foraminifera (Ammonia sp.) tests to investigate their relative susceptibility to oxygen isotope exchange. The fossilized tests were of exceptional preservation and similar to modern tests in terms of structure and crystalline organization, but had experienced partial loss of embedded organic structures, thus a priori offering fewer preferential pathways for porewaters to penetrate the tests. NanoSIMS imaging revealed that oxygen isotope exchange was pervasive in fossil tests, with isotopic exchange occurring at approximately half the rate of modern tests. The results unequivocally show that fossil biocalcites are metastable and remain more susceptible to isotope exchange than abiotic calcites millions of years after sedimentation and burial.

Conductance Channels in a Single-Entity Enzyme.

For a long time, the prevailing view in the scientific community was that proteins, being complex macromolecules composed of amino acid chains linked by peptide bonds, adopt folded structure with insulating or semiconducting properties, with high bandgaps. However, recent discoveries of unexpectedly high conductance levels, reaching values in the range of dozens of nanosiemens (nS) in proteins, have challenged this conventional understanding. In this study, we used scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to explore the single-entity conductance properties of enzymatic channels, focusing on bilirubin oxidase (BOD) as a model metalloprotein. By immobilizing BOD on a conductive carbon surface, we discern its preferred orientation, facilitating the formation of electronic and ionic channels. These channels show efficient electron transport (ETp), with apparent conductance up to the 15 nS range. Notably, these conductance pathways are localized, minimizing electron transport barriers due to solvents and ions, underscoring BOD's redox versatility. Furthermore, electron transfer (ET) within the BOD occurs via preferential pathways. The alignment of the conductance channels with hydrophilicity maps, molecular vacancies, and regions accessible to electrolytes explains the observed conductance values. Additionally, BOD exhibits redox activity, with its active center playing a critical role in the ETp process. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the intricate mechanisms that govern ETp processes in proteins, offering new insights into the conductance of metalloproteins.

Impact of drainage pipe vapor intrusion pathways on sub-slab depressurization system mitigation performance

Sub-slab depressurization (SSD) systems are the most commonly employed technology for mitigating vapor intrusion (VI) impact to indoor air. However, as cases involving preferential VI pathways (e.g. sewers, land drains) are being reported, the efficacy of SSD systems to reduce VI impacts from such pathways is being questioned. In this study, field test and numerical modeling were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of an SSD system for the case of VI involving a drainage pipe preferential pathway. Field tests investigated the SSD performance at the study house under conditions with and without the impact of a drainage pipe pathway. A numerical model was developed to explore the influence of the preferential pathway on SSD mitigation under different scenarios. Both field and simulation results indicated that the sub-slab drainage system inhibits the performance of the SSD, consequently requiring a greater level of flow and depressurization for the system to protect the building. In addition, the SSD caused higher sub-slab vapor concentrations than under natural condition in both field testing and simulation results, which raised concerns for potential VI risk under standard SSD operation. Moreover, simulation results suggested the location of preferential pathways can affect the performance of an SSD system.

Correlation effect between the capillary flow and evaporation rate of water in a 2-D photothermal membrane

To shed light on the correlation effect between the capillary flow and phase transition of water in photothermal evaporation, the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations were employed to investigate the evaporation of water in Multilayered graphene oxide membranes. It was initially found that water molecules need to overcome strong energy barriers to migrate upward by layers before evaporation, with the energy barrier increasing with the reduction in nanogap, hydroxyl content, or increase in layer spacing of graphene sheets. The strong energy barrier accordingly results in dramatic sensible heat conversion and high evaporation temperature. It was shown that the enhanced temperature and hydrophilicity both weaken the hydrogen bond strength of water molecules confined in 2-dimensional channels, contributing to the reduced evaporation enthalpy. The preferential pathways in graphene channels or the weakened hydrogen bonds in hydroxyl-functionalized graphene of water molecules were found to be important influences on capillary flow energy consumption, leading to differences in evaporation energy supply. In combination with these effects, the evaporation rate could be increased by up to 2 folds and an interfacial enthalpy of evaporation below 1500 kJ kg−1 could be achieved by properly tuning the configuration and chemical properties of the graphene membrane. Our findings lay a theoretical foundation for providing a strategy to improve the interfacial evaporation performance in desalination.

Laser engineered architectures for magnetic flux manipulation on superconducting Nb thin films

Custom shaped magnetic flux guiding channels have been fabricated on superconducting Nb thin films by laser nanopatterning of their surface. Preferential pathways are defined by suitable combination of imprinted anisotropic pinning domains through laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS). Generated by the selective energy deposition of femtosecond UV laser pulses, quasi-parallel ripple structures are formed under optimized irradiation conditions. On average, each domain is formed by grooves with a lateral period of 260–270 nm and a depth about 80 nm. By combination of scanning and transmission electron microscopy, magneto-optical imaging, and conductive atomic force microscopy techniques, we conclude that the boundaries of the LIPSS-covered domains play a prominent role in the magnetic flux diversion process within the film. This is confirmed by dedicated modeling of the flux dynamics, combined with the inversion of the magneto-optical signal. The created metasurfaces enable control of the flux penetration process at the microscale.

Heterostructure ZIF-8@MXene with sieving effect in mixed matrix membranes for CO2 separation

At the present time, the realm of gas separation membranes is predominantly centered on the development of membrane materials that simultaneously exhibit exceptional gas permeability and selectivity. Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) hold significant promise in addressing the long-standing challenge of balancing membrane selectivity with permeability. By incorporating a molecular sieving mechanism, an enhanced gas separation process is achieved. In this research endeavor, single-layer MXene nanosheets serve as an ideal substrate for the direct growth of ZIF-8 nanoparticles, yielding heterogeneously structured nanofillers, coined ZIF-8@MXene. The composite filler, ZIF-8@MXene, maintains a two-dimensional lamellar structure reminiscent of MXene, while also integrating ZIF-8 nanoparticles with their optimal pore size of 3.4 Å. This optimal pore size efficiently facilitates the unimpeded passage of CO2 molecules through the channels, creating a preferential pathway. Conversely, N2 molecules encounter greater difficulty traversing these channels, effectively coupling the solubility-diffusion mechanism with the molecular sieving mechanism to enhance selectivity in gas separation processes. Consequently, the mixed matrix membrane exhibits a remarkable enhancement in gas selectivity. Particularly, under sub-ambient conditions (−20 °C), the PEO/ZIF-8@MXene-0.3 % membrane achieves an exceptional CO2/N2 selectivity of 294.1, accompanied by a high CO2 permeability of 115.58 Barrer. This outstanding performance surpasses the 2019 upper bound, underscoring the significant potential of heterostructured nanofillers to be harnessed in advancing various mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) towards high-performance gas separation capabilities.

Low pressure-drop CuO/CeO2/UiO-66 catalysts for H2 purification

Pressure drop is responsible of a great part of the energy cost in industry due the energy consumed by pumps driving a fluid through the installation, and heterogeneous catalysis industrial processes suffer from this pressure drop penalty. This study demonstrates that UiO-66 significantly improves the catalytic performance of the CuO/CeO2 active phase for preferential CO oxidation in H2 streams with regard to a conventional γ-Al2O3 carrier due to the particular porous and crystalline properties of MOF materials. A packed bed of UiO-66 produces very low-pressure drop in comparison to conventional catalytic carriers, such as γ-Al2O3 or beta zeolite, being 4 times lower for UiO-66 than for γ-Al2O3 under 2 L/min flow of N2, and this ratio increases and approaches ∞ for lower gas flow rates. This feature of UiO-66 not only decreases the energy required to pump gases through the catalytic bed, but also improves catalytic performance of UiO-66-supported catalysts due to the enhanced gas diffusion into the catalytic bed. The reaction gases flow through the interparticle space left by the catalyst in a packed bed of CuO/CeO2/γ-Al2O3, and this produces high pressure drop, preferential gas pathways and mass transport limitations, negatively affecting the reaction rate. On the contrary, the reaction gases are able to flow through the UiO-66 material without channel constrictions, and the CuO/CeO2/UiO-66 catalysts avoid the gas diffusion restrictions of conventional catalysts.

Cement slurry penetration behavior of swirl grouting technology

Traditional pressure grouting technology operates under steady pressure conditions, causing the grout to easily flow along preferential pathways. This results in uneven grout penetration and increased economic costs. This study proposes swirl grouting technology, which effectively improves this problem. To verify the effectiveness of swirl grouting, a fan-shaped blade tool was also proposed. The grout penetration performance was investigated through experimental studies. The length, width, height, weight, and uniformity of the grouted bodies produced by the swirl grouting method were compared with those produced by the steady pressure grouting method. Then, the mechanisms of swirl grouting were analyzed through transparent disc visualization experiments. The results demonstrated that, at different water–cement ratios, the swirl device increased the penetration length in the X, Y, and Z directions by 43.3%, 27.8%, and 45.8%, respectively, compared to the conventional straight device, and by 57.3%, 39.4%, and 55.6%, respectively, compared to the fan blade device. Moreover, the swirl device increased the weight of the grouted stone body by 54.9% compared to the conventional straight device and by 91.0% compared to the fan blade device, significantly enhancing filling efficiency. The uniformity coefficient of the swirl device permeation decreased by 56.6% and 51.0%, respectively, compared to the conventional straight device and the fan blade device, resulting in a more uniform grout distribution. The transparent disc visualization experiment further revealed the advantage of the swirl device in promoting the migration of fine particles, with a significant increase in average penetration distance and a penetration shape closer to a regular circle. The rotating flow path of the swirl device imparts additional rotational momentum and multidirectional penetration capabilities. The resulting turbulence accelerates the mixing of grout with the soil matrix, facilitating the migration of fine particles, expanding flow channels, and reducing flow resistance. This combination of effects enhances penetration efficiency and reduces energy loss. This study offers significant practical application value for improving engineering quality, construction efficiency, and reducing costs.

Adsorption and retention of fracturing fluid and its impact on gas transport in tight sandstone with different clay minerals

To elucidate the adsorption characteristics and retention mechanisms of fracturing fluids in diverse clay minerals, we conducted on-line nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) experiments. The depth and extent of solid phase damage are determined by the ratio between the size of fine fractions in fracturing fluid residue and the pore-throat size in experiments. Poor physical properties (K < 0.5 mD) result in a more preferential flow pathway effect during flowback, and the stepwise incremental pressure differential proves to be more effective for the discharge of fracturing fluid in submicron pore throats. The permeability is significantly influenced by the differential distribution of retained fracturing fluid, as supported by direct experimental evidence. The presence of good physical properties (K > 0.5 mD) combined with a scattered distribution of retained fracturing fluid is associated with high gas phase recovery permeability, whereas a continuous sheet-like distribution results in low recovery permeability. The expansive surface area and presence of filamentous illite minerals facilitate the multiple winding and adsorption of fracturing fluids, demonstrating strong hydrogen-bonding, multi-layering and multiple adsorption properties. The geological characteristics of the main gas formations exhibit significant variation, and the severity of damage caused by fracturing fluids occurs in diverse sequences. To address this issue, a differentiated strategy for optimizing fracturing fluids has been proposed.

Molecular Iridium Catalyzed Electrochemical Formic Acid Oxidation: Mechanistic Insights.

Electrochemical formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) is a pivotal model for understanding organic fuel oxidation and advancing sustainable energy technologies. Here, we present mechanistic insights into a novel molecular-like iridium catalyst (Ir-N4-C) for FAOR. Our studies reveal that isolated sites facilitate a preferential dehydrogenation pathway, circumventing catalyst poisoning and exhibiting high inherent activity. In situ spectroscopic analyses elucidate that weakly adsorbed intermediates mediate the FAOR and are dynamically regulated by potential-dependent redox transitions. Theoretical and experimental investigations demonstrate a parallel mechanism involving two key intermediates with distinct pH and potential sensitivities. The rate-determining step is identified as the adsorption of formate via coupled or sequential proton-electron transfer, which aligns well with the observed kinetic properties, pH dependence, and hydrogen/deuterium isotope effects in experiments. These findings provide valuable insights into the reaction mechanism of FAOR, advancing our understanding at the molecular level and potentially guiding the design of efficient catalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Molecular Iridium Catalyzed Electrochemical Formic Acid Oxidation: Mechanistic Insights

Electrochemical formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) is a pivotal model for understanding organic fuel oxidation and advancing sustainable energy technologies. Here, we present mechanistic insights into a novel molecular‐like iridium catalyst (Ir‐N4‐C) for FAOR. Our studies reveal that isolated sites facilitate a preferential dehydrogenation pathway, circumventing catalyst poisoning and exhibiting high inherent activity. In‐situ spectroscopic analyses elucidate that weakly adsorbed intermediates mediate the FAOR and are dynamically regulated by potential‐dependent redox transitions. Theoretical and experimental investigations demonstrate a parallel mechanism involving two key intermediates with distinct pH and potential sensitivities. The rate‐determining step is identified as the adsorption of formate via coupled or sequential proton‐electron transfer, which aligns well with the observed kinetic properties, pH dependence, and hydrogen/deuterium isotope effects in experiments. These findings provide valuable insights into the reaction mechanism of FAOR, advancing our understanding at the molecular level and potentially guiding the design of efficient catalysts for fuel cells and electrolyzers.

Improving monitoring network design to detect leaks at hazardous facilities: Lessons from a CO2 storage site

Exploring the challenges posed by uncertainties in numerical modeling for hazardous material storage, this study introduces methodologies to improve monitoring networks for detecting subsurface leakages. The proposed approaches were applied to the Korea CO2 Storage Environmental Management (K-COSEM) test site, undergoing calibration, validation and uncertainty analysis through hydraulic and controlled-CO2 release tests. The calibration phase involved inter-well tracer and multi-well pumping tests, leveraging the Parameter ESTimation (PEST) model to determine the aquifer flow and solute transport properties of the K-COSEM site. To tackle uncertainties with limited observation data, we adopted Latin Hypercube simulation. Our uncertainty analysis confirmed model accuracy in simulating observed CO2 breakthrough curves. We also explored a probabilistic method to identify the environmental change point (EnCP) through correlation analysis with the distance from the CO2 injection well, revealing a linear trend and pinpointed potential preferential flow pathways by assessing detection probabilities. Evaluating CO2 detection capabilities was crucial for optimizing monitoring well placement, highlighting strategic well selection based on detection probabilities. This study advances managing uncertainties in hydrogeological modeling, underscoring the importance of sophisticated models in designing monitoring networks for hazardous leak detection in complex subsurface conditions.

Exploring the role of phosphorus in the clogging formation of subsurface flow constructed wetland by two-dimensional visualization technique

Phosphorus (P) is associated with microbial activity and can be retained in constructed wetland (CW) through adsorption and chemical precipitation. However, its potential impact on clogging remains poorly studied. In this study, a two-dimensional (2D) visualization technique was utilized to investigate the effect of P on clogging process inside subsurface flow constructed wetland (SSF-CW) during the operation. Tracer images analysis showed that the preferential flow pathway proportions of P-containing group (P-CW) and P-free group (C-CW) were 30.38 ± 1.07 % and 9.72 ± 0.47 %, respectively. The fractal dimension of preferential flow pathways in C-CW (1.57 ± 0.02) was lower than in P-CW (1.70 ± 0.03), indicating that the preferential flow pathways in P-CW exhibited more diversion and tortuosity. The removal efficiencies of both CWs exhibited an initial increase followed by a decrease, with P-CW generally demonstrating higher pollutant removal efficiencies. In P-CW, the primary pathway for P removal was chemical precipitation dominated by apatite P (CaP). Furthermore, the addition of P altered the composition of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and reduced the stability of microbial aggregates, resulting in higher effective porosity. This study provides new insights into the role of P in the clogging of SSF-CW and would contribute to optimizing CW clogging management.

Comparison of methods to calculate groundwater recharge for karst aquifers under a Mediterranean climate

Karst aquifers can be particularly vulnerable to human activities and climate change due to their relatively high degree of connection with the surface. This study utilized an ensemble of event-based recharge calculation methods to address the problem of structural uncertainty for the example of the Western Mountain Aquifer (WMA), a Mediterranean karst aquifer located in Israel and the West Bank. Spatially distributed recharge estimates derived from the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and the process-based infiltration model (PIM) were compared to site-specific, empirical regression models. The SWAT and PIM mean annual recharge estimates ranged from 32–34.6% of precipitation, almost equating to the results of empirical regression models (32–36%). Future recharge predictions under the influence of climate change were quantified by parameterizing the SWAT and PIM methods with a downscaled regional climate model of Israel. SWAT predicts a 23% decrease in recharge by 2051–2070 relative to 1981–2001. In contrast, PIM shows a 9% decrease, possibly due to the representation of infiltration through preferential flow pathways and exclusion of surface runoff processes. These divergent projections underline key methodological differences in the representation of hydrological processes. Nevertheless, both methods effectively provided good estimates of groundwater recharge. The recharge rates estimated from the various methods were integrated into MODFLOW to assess their relative impacts on groundwater storage dynamics. The ensemble of MODFLOW projected groundwater storage outputs can provide guidance for sustainable groundwater management in the region.

Enhancement Petrophysical Properties of Carbonate Reservoirs Using Plasma Channel Technology, Case Study: Yamama Formation, South of Iraq

Carbonate reservoirs are significant hydrocarbon productions, but their complex and heterogeneous nature often poses challenges in maximizing oil and gas recovery. Traditional methods for enhancing petrophysical properties have shown limited success in carbonate formations. However, new advancements in Plasma Channel Technology have shown promising results in improving the reservoir's petrophysical properties. The application of Plasma Channel Technology is considered as a novel approach to enhance the petrophysical properties of carbonate reservoirs. Plasma channel technology involves the controlled application of high-voltage electrical discharges to create conductive channels (new porosity) within the reservoir units. These channels serve as preferential pathways for fluid flow (permeability) and facilitate enhanced oil and gas recovery. The main objective of this study is to show the key aspects of the enhancement of the Yamama reservoir properties using Plasma Channel Technology minimizes the need for chemical additives to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Therefore, Yamama Formation is studied in two oil wells Snd-1 and Snd-2, six core samples from reservoir units within the Yamama succession were studied to determine porosity using a Scanning Electron Microscope which provides valuable insights into their internal structure and porosity characteristics in these samples. A comparison had been done between porosities within rock samples before and after application of Plasma channel technology, where the porosity was ranging from micropores (10 nm) to mesopores (10-50 nm) in some samples before voltage electrical discharges, while it reached mesopores (20-50 nm) to macropores (more than 500 nm) after voltage electrical discharges.These pores have been increased in size if there was higher voltage which means enhancement in the petrophysical properties in the reservoir.

Integration of Geophysical and Hydrochemical Methods to Determine the Groundwater Contamination in Al-Hosayniat Landfill South East Mafraq City, Jordan

An integration of Geophysical – Electromagnetic and hydro-chemical methods was used to investigate the potential of groundwater contamination due to Al-Hosayniat Municipal Landfill (HL) southeast of Mafraq city. Twenty-five Time Domain Electromagnetic (TDEM) soundings were carried out inside and outside the HL in addition to one WNW-ESE Very Low Frequency (VLF) profile. The TDEM's results help to define the subsurface geology and structures down to 240m depth. The results also depict the presence of a major fault striking NW-SE that crosses the whole landfill, this fault is documented in the surface geological map, and it was delineated and imaged by TDEM measurements and detected at larger depths. VLF results also detected the presence of a major fault beneath the landfill. The presence of the fault just beneath the HL may enhance the leachate movement which can imply groundwater contamination hazards for a longer period as it is a preferential pathway for contaminants. The results of water quality analyses of adjacent wells show higher concentrations of Na+, SO-24, TDS in some wells and this can be ascribed to agricultural activities and over-pumping in the area rather than landfill leachate. The heavy metal concentrations were found to be within the permissible limits and did't indicate direct contamination due to the HL. However, Fluorite (F-) shows a high concentration of (1.3mg/l) in WS4 and WS5 wells and approaches the permissible limit (1.5mg/l) according to the Jordan Water Standards (JWS). Bromide (Br) shows high concentration of (0.6mg/l) in well Al-2462.