The paper looks at the interaction of seawater and freshwater in the aquifer beneath the Apapa-Ajegunle area, southwestern Nigeria. Seawater intrusion is fast becoming an increasing threat to the Lagos Apapa-Ajegunle coastal aquifers, which have been subjected to deteriorating conditions due to rapid urbanization, industrial waste discharge, and over-exploitation of groundwater in the last few years. This study combines 1D Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2D Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) alongside a geostatistical analysis to map the severity of saline intrusion and spatial extent within the shallow aquifer system. Twenty-six (26) VES points and fourteen (14) ERT traverses utilizing Schlumberger and Wenner arrays, respectively, alongside borehole data from 10 locations, were employed. The findings indicate 4-5 subsurface layers with resistivity values varying between 1.0 and 50,022Ωm. The results indicate that the layer of saline water was encountered at depths of 1-40m, characterized by a resistivity range of 1.0-500Ωm, particularly in southern, eastern and western zones that represent influences from nearby water bodies. Using VES profiles, brackish layers were detected with resistivities ranging from 8 to 5022Ωm, and saline layers with as low a resistivity as 1.8Ωm. Freshwater aquifers were encountered with resistivities above 100Ωm, but in many cases were covered by a saline or brackish layer, making the extraction intricate. This evidence points to the necessity of the groundwater management plan of an amazing kind. The sea intrusion causes the most threatening challenges to the availability of potable water, as well as the stability of ecosystems. To maintain the water reserves and to guarantee a sustainable water supply in the region, it is necessary that such measures be implemented as continuous geophysical monitoring, controlled groundwater abstraction, and pollution mitigation strategies.

At present, the global shortage of water resources has led to serious challenges, and traditional water production technologies such as seawater desalination and atmospheric water harvesting have certain limitations due to inflexible operation and environmental conditions. This study proposes a novel water production system (called “NeWater” system in this paper), which combines saline water desalination with atmospheric water-harvesting technologies to simultaneously produce freshwater from brackish water or seawater and ambient air. To evaluate its performance, an integrated thermodynamic and mathematical model of the system was developed and validated. The NeWater system consists of a vapor compression refrigeration unit (VRU), a direct evaporation unit (DEU), up to four heat exchangers, some valves, and auxiliary components. The system can be applied to areas and scenarios where traditional desalination technologies, like reverse osmosis and thermal-based desalination, are not feasible. By switching between different operating modes, the system can adapt to varying environmental humidity and temperature conditions to maximize its freshwater productivity. Based on the principles of mass and energy conservation, a performance simulation model of the NeWater system was developed, with which the impacts of some key design and operation parameters on system performance were studied in this paper. The results show that the performances of the VRU and DEU had a significant influence on system performance in terms of freshwater production and specific energy consumption. Under optimal conditions, the total freshwater yield could be increased by up to 1.9 times, while the specific energy consumption was reduced by up to 48%. The proposed system provides a sustainable and scalable water production solution for water-scarce regions. Optimization of the NeWater system and the selection of VRUs are beyond the scope of this paper and will be the focus of future research.

Abstract Turbidites have been widely studied as indicators of the occurrences and magnitudes of paleo‐tsunamis and paleo‐earthquakes. Inversion to estimate flow conditions from turbidites offers valuable insights into the magnitudes of paleo‐seismic and tsunami events. However, conventional one‐dimensional inverse models are insufficient for capturing the behavior of turbidity currents in tectonically active margins, where the seafloor topography is typically complex. Here, we developed a horizontal two‐dimensional inverse model of turbidity currents based on a deep neural network and evaluated its performance using synthetic and flume experiment data sets. The model successfully estimated model input parameters with a symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) of less than 29.7%, except for the density‐equivalent sediment concentration for saline water at the inlet. When applied to experimental data, the model reasonably reconstructed flow conditions, yielding SMAPE values between 51.7% and 86.2%, despite potential uncertainties introduced by sampling disturbances, data processing, and forward model limitations. These values were reasonable even compared to the results of the previous one‐dimensional inverse model (Cai & Naruse, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2021jf006276 ), which showed a SMAPE range of 24.2%–113%. The spatial distribution of bed thickness was also well predicted, except when most of the suspension bypassed the depositional zone. Overall, the proposed inverse models demonstrated accuracy comparable to that of the previous one‐dimensional model. They offer greater applicability to complex seafloor geometries and maintain low computational costs, providing a practical advantage over optimization‐based methods. These results suggest that the proposed method is well‐suited for the field‐scale inversion of turbidity currents in realistic geological settings.

Aim: This study examined the growth performance of six geographical stocks of common carp, Cyprinus carpio a species that tolerates salinity up to 10 ppt, in saline water systems. Methodology: Two growth experiments were conducted under low salinity (S1: 2-4 ppt) and high salinity (S2: 8-10 ppt) levels. In the first experiment (1-225 days), six stocks (MH, MN, TR, MP, HR, AP) were housed separately, and traits like body weight, length, and height were recorded. In the second experiment (225-365 days), fish were tagged and communally reared, with males and females kept separately. Results: Significant variations in Body weight (Bw), Body length (Bl), and Body height (Bh) were observed among the stocks in the first experiment, with the MH stock performing best. In the second experiment, the least squares means of Bw was 354.59±10.04 g in S1 and 335.99±10.12 g in S2. The effect of Bw at tagging, salinity and sex by salinity interaction had a significant effect on Bw and Bh. Females in the S1 group exhibited the highest growth metrics (376.19±10.39 g, 21.39±0.43 cm, and 8.23±0.10 cm for Bw, Bl and Bh, respectively). Heritability estimates for growth traits (Bw: 0.11 ± 0.06; Bl: 0.12 ± 0.07; Bh: 0.11 ± 0.06) indicated moderate genetic variability, supporting the potential for a selective breeding program to develop fast growing common carp for inland saline aquaculture. Interpretation: The study demonstrates the potential of selective breeding in common carp to culture in saline environment, offering a sustainable solution for utilizing degraded saline soils. Key words: Common carp, Growth performance, Inland saline aquaculture, Salinity tolerance

Low-cost, scalable fabrication of antibacterial asymmetric hydrogels inspired by mangrove systems for superior oil-water separation and salt-tolerant evaporation.

Abstract. Salt accumulation in the root zone limits agricultural productivity and can eventually lead to land abandonment. Therefore, monitoring the spatial distribution of soil water content and solution salinity is crucial for effective land and irrigation management. However, assessing soil water content and salinity at the field scale is often challenging due to the heterogeneity of soil properties. Electromagnetic induction (EMI) offers a fast, non-invasive, in situ geophysical method to map spatial variability in soil. EMI instruments measure the apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa), which reflects the integrated contribution of the bulk electrical conductivity (σb) of different soil layers. By inverting the measured ECa, it is possible to obtain the distribution of the σb along the soil profile, which provides indirect information on soil salinity. However, in saline soils, σb is influenced by both water content (θ) and soil solution electrical conductivity (σw) (the salinity), making it difficult to independently quantify these two variables through a single, straightforward procedure. The objective of this study is to separate the respective contributions of θ and σw to σb, as obtained from the EMI inversion. To achieve this, ECa was measured using a CMD-MiniExplorer instrument in two maize plots irrigated with saline and non-saline water, respectively, in an agricultural field in southern Italy. The dataset was then inverted in order to obtain the σb distribution. By employing a site-specific calibrated Rhoades linear model and assuming pedological homogeneity between the two plots, the spatial distribution of θ and σw in the saline plot was successfully estimated. To validate the results, independent measurements of soil water content by Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) and direct measurement of soil solution electrical conductivity, σw, were performed. The proposed procedure enables the estimation of θ and σw with high accuracy along the soil profile, except in the soil surface, where EMI reliability is limited. These findings demonstrate that the integration of EMI with a site-specific θ–σb–σw model is a reliable and efficient in-situ approach for mapping soil salinity and water content at field scale, offering valuable insights for optimizing agricultural irrigation management in systems using saline water.

Phytoremediation using halophytes provides a sustainable, low-cost method for removing heavy metals from saline-contaminated water. However, the influence of pH on cadmium (Cd) uptake is unclear. This study investigates the combined effects of pH and salinity on Cd uptake and phytoremediation efficiency in the halophyte Atriplex halimus L. A hydroponic experiment was conducted with three pH levels (5.5, 7.0, and 8.5) and two irrigation types (tap and saline water at 20 dS m−1), using 40 µg Cd L−1. Results showed that saline irrigation enhanced plant growth, root development, and Cd accumulation, especially under acidic conditions. The highest Cd removal (39.1%), shoot Cd uptake (10.53 μg plant−1), bioconcentration factor (4.88), and translocation factor (1.18) were observed under saline–acidic conditions, indicating enhanced Cd uptake and efficient translocation to shoots. In contrast, alkaline pH reduced Cd uptake, likely due to decreased exudation of low molecular weight organic acids (citrate, malate, oxalate). Physiological responses, including increased proline and reduced chlorophyll, reflected stress induced by Cd and salinity effects. These findings highlight the importance of pH and root exudates in enhancing halophyte-based phytoremediation and support the use of A. halimus in treating saline wastewater and reclaiming marginal water resources.

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a profound climatic and oceanographic phenomenon arising from the thermal contrast between the western and eastern Pacific Ocean, and has far-reaching influences on ocean heat distribution, monsoonal rainfall and thermal structure of the water column in the Pacific Ocean. The East China Sea (ECS) is a marginal sea in the western Pacific, significantly influenced by the Kuroshio Current (KC), which originates from the West Pacific Warm Pool. The warm and saline water transported by KC determines the surface-to-subsurface oceanographic conditions, including the thermocline structure of the ECS. Downcore variability of the thermocline-sensitive planktic foraminifera over ~400 ka at IODP Site U1429 has been considered to decipher the linkage of ENSO-like processes and the thermocline structure in the ECS. Singular Value Decomposition (SVD) analysis was applied to major thermocline planktic foraminiferal ( Neogloboquadrina dutertrei, Globoconella inflata , and Pulleniatina obliquiloculata ) abundance data to extract three modes representing three distinct palaeoclimate signals. Trend-synchronisation tests were carried out to study the linear/non-linear relationship between obtained SVD modes, KC strength, SST, Salinity, Insolation variability and paleo-ENSO Proxy. SVD Mode 1 corresponds to KC subsurface intrusion, Mode 2 represents KC-induced seasonal upwelling, and Mode 3 is found to be linked with the residual signal of ENSO-like processes in the ECS. This study reveals that stronger KC during interglacial phases (MIS 9, 7, and 5) corresponds to La Niña-like conditions, which deepens the thermocline as indicated by thermocline species P. obliquiloculata . The intensification of La Niña-like conditions in the ECS occurred during the last 150 ka, with no effect of local insolation on the thermocline depths in the ECS.

Irreversible membrane damage resulting from the scaling of calcium sulfate in membrane distillation: Mechanistic duality of sodium chloride as a background electrolyte.

Abstract The northern Bay of Bengal (BoB) exhibits low mixed layer salinity accompanied by strong intraseasonal variability, primarily driven by the Indian Summer Monsoon and monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO). Notably, the northern BoB shows concurrent increases in mixed layer salinity and MISO-induced precipitation at intraseasonal timescales. This contrasts with the central BoB where precipitation typically reduces salinity in mixed layer. Diagnostic studies reveal that horizontal advection, rather than freshwater flux, is the dominant term in this process particularly to the north of 18°N during the MISO. Wind-driven meridional currents transport saline water northward, increasing salinity before MISO arrival; subsequently, reversed winds reduce salinity as MISO propagates northward through changing horizontal advection. In the latitudinal band of 15°N–18°N, horizontal advection consistently decreases salinity, but MISO-induced southwesterly winds enhance evaporation, yielding net salinity increases. These results elucidate the mechanisms governing mixed layer salinity variations in the BoB, underscoring the complexity of air-sea interactions during MISOs.

The poor quality irrigation water is a major cause of the development of soil salinity and reduced agricultural production in the arid and semiarid areas. Although pearl millet and wheat are moderately salinity-tolerant crops, their productivity is affected by salinity to a large extent. A field experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of integrated nutrient management on yield and yield attributes of pearl millet and wheat under saline water irrigation during 2022-23 and 2023-24. The experiment consisted of twelve treatments, viz. T1 [(75 % recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF)], T2 (100 % RDF), T3 [75 % RDF + ST-3 (Azotobacter chroococcum)], T4 (100 % RDF + ST-3), T5 [75 % RDF + 2.5 t ha-1 biogas slurry (BGS) + ST-3], T6 (100 % RDF + 2.5 t ha-1 BGS + ST-3), T7 [75 % RDF + 2.5 t ha-1 vermicompost (VC) + ST-3], T8 (100 % RDF + 2.5 t ha-1 VC + ST-3), T9 [75 % RDF + 10 t ha-1 farm yard manure (FYM) + biomix], T10 (100 % RDF + 10 t ha-1 FYM + biomix), T11 (75 % RDF + 2.5 t ha-1 VC + biomix) and T12 (100 % RDF + 2.5 t ha-1 VC + biomix). Results revealed that the number of effective tillers per meter row length, earhead/spike length and the plant height increased with integrated nutrient management and maximum values of these parameters were observed under T10. However, these parameters decreased under the sole application of inorganic fertilisers under saline water irrigation in both pearl millet and wheat crops. The highest grain and stover yield, viz. 27.43 and 78.19 q ha-1 of pearl millet; grain and straw yield of wheat, viz. 38.66 and 55.18 q ha-1 was also reported under treatment T10.

Background: Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disorder, is characterized by synovial inflammation, cartilage degradation, and elevated proinflammatory mediators including interleukin-6 (IL-6) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13). This study evaluates and compares the modulatory effects of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (HA) and piroxicam (PIRO) on IL-6 and MMP-13 levels in a rat model of OA. Methods: OA was surgically induced in 24 Sprague Dawley rats and animals were randomly assigned to three groups (control, HA, and PIRO) with 08 rats in each group. saline water, hyaluronic acid and piroxicam were administered intra-articularly once weekly for four weeks. Synovial lavage samples were collected post-treatment and analyzed for IL-6 and MMP-13 levels. Data was analyzed using SPSS, (p≤0.05) was considered statistically significant. Results: Both HA and PIRO significantly reduced synovial IL-6 (p=0.001) and MMP-13 (p=0.003) and (p<0.00 l) respectively when compared to control group. No significant difference was found between HA and PIRO groups (p>0.05), suggesting comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy. Conclusion: Both hyaluronic acid and piroxicam equally reduce IL-6 and MMP-13 levels in the synovial lavage fluid of a rat model of osteoarthritis.

Direct extraction and high efficiency gross alpha detection of trace-level U or Pu actinides in deionized and saline water samples with CTMFDs.

Developing highly efficient underwater adhesives is crucial in the fields of marine engineering and soft electronics. However, it is challenging to develop glues with integration of rapid solidification, robust adhesion, durability in diverse environments and conductivity. Herein, inspired by mussel proteins, a coacervation-derived glue was synthesized based on histidine and tryptophan mimetic polymers and ionic liquids (ILs). Key motifs of benzene, imidazole and benzotriazolium, were integrated into the polymer, which promoted the water-driven coacervation by forming multiple physical interactions. The effect of the IL structure on coacervation and underwater adhesion was studied. Instant coacervation was achieved by using ILs with suitable hydrophilicity, which can promote the exchange degree of ILs and surrounding water; meanwhile, suitable rheological behavior and robust underwater adhesion were realized by precisely regulating the affinity of ILs to polymers. The glue was effective for diverse surfaces and in various environments, including in saline water (1 M NaCl), acidic solution (pH = 3), and alkaline solution (pH = 12). Benefiting from the residual ILs, the solidified adhesive exhibited anti-freezing and conductive properties, and not only showed robust adhesion at sub-zero temperature (-40 °C) but can also sense the applied strain at the adhesion point. This work should provide new insights into the design of coacervation-derived adhesives.

Hybrid data-driven framework for interpretable prediction of nitrate and sulfate risks in coastal aquifers.

Defect-rich CMO NF membrane deliver broadband light absorption, enhanced hydrophilicity, and efficient photothermal conversion. It maintains structural stability and effectively purifies saline and dye-contaminated water.

Combined physiological effects of high temperature and salinity stress on genetically improved farmed tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) reared in inland saline water.

Groundwater salinisation in inland water-scarce areas exacerbates various ecological, environmental, and social issues. To obtain a comprehensive understanding of the primary mechanisms driving groundwater salinisation and the baseline water quality in the Ulungur River Basin (URB), this study integrated hydrochemical analysis, geostatistical methods, and multivariate statistical techniques. In addition, rational recommendations for the sustainable exploitation and protection of water resources were proposed. Analysis of the dissolved components revealed that groundwater chemistry was predominantly influenced by Na+ (365.62 mg L-1), Ca2+ (205.91 mg L-1), Mg2+ (62.18 mg L-1), Cl- (276.96 mg L-1), and SO42- (817.45 mg L-1). Groundwater in the Low Mountain region was categorised as freshwater, which gradually turned to saline water in the Lacustrine Plain along the flow direction, with hydrochemical types evolving from HCO3·SO4-Na·Ca and SO4·HCO3-Na·Ca (Mg) to SO4-Na·Ca and SO4·Cl-Na·Ca. Principal component analysis identified four principal components (PCs) that collectively accounted for 80.53% of the total cumulative variance in the key determinants of groundwater salinisation. PC1 represented water-rock interactions (which included carbonate and evaporite dissolution or precipitation and cation exchange). PC2 represented the degradation of organic matter and the application of farm manure. PC3 was associated with the return flow of irrigation water and lateral recharge. PC4 involved domestic sewage discharge and fertiliser application. The calculated values of the water quality index indicated that 47% of the samples, classified as having either excellent or good water quality, were suitable for drinking. Furthermore, the results of the permeability index, sodium adsorption ratio, residual sodium carbonate, and potential salinity indicated that both river water and groundwater within the riparian zone were safe and suitable for irrigation purposes. Overall, reducing river water extraction, upgrading agricultural production technologies, and enhancing domestic sewage treatment capacities are key strategies for protecting water resources in the URB.

Improving the efficiency of circular conical solar still by optimizing saline water depths

Genotype-specific grafting of tomato under saline water irrigation: conferring physiological adaptation, ion homeostasis, antioxidant activity and yield