Salt Water Research Articles

Solar-driven desalination offers a green and sustainable strategy for solving the issue of freshwater scarcity. However, it remains a challenge to develop a robust evaporator via an eco-friendly strategy, capable of resolving the long-standing trade-off between the water supply, salt accumulation, and thermal localization. Herein, a hierarchical solar-absorbing architecture derived from mycelium is developed for high-performance desalination. With the merits of multi-level spatially low-tortuosity channels, gradient wettability and directional transport, the evaporator achieves an impressive evaporation rate (up to 10.25kg m-2h-1 for 25wt.% brine), efficient salt collection (1.95kg m-2h-1 for 25wt.% brine), zero liquid discharge desalination, and long-term stability (over 145h in 10-25wt.% brine). Moreover, the scaled-up desalination system exhibits an ultrahigh freshwater production rate of 6kg m-2h-1 and a daily freshwater yield of up to 32 L m-2 during the outdoor desalination test. A continuous desalination-cultivation platform demonstrates the feasibility of the evaporator for self-sustainable agricultural irrigation. This low-cost, mycelium-based hierarchical architecture opens an avenue to advance green and sustainable strategy for highly efficient and large-scale desalination of high-salinity brine.

This project involves the design and construction of a flood detection system with SMS alert. The system is made up of a 9V DC battery for power supply, water level measuring sensors, a programmable microcontroller, a GSM module, an SD card module for data storage, and a liquid crystal display (LCD) to display the status of the system. The project utilized affordable embedded system components to provide timely flood alert text messages to residents and relevant authorities. The Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) module is used for sending the mobile text message while the Arduino Nano microprocessor is used to read the input from the water level sensor unit and calculate the height of water. The water level sensor/measuring device in this work was designed using resistors and the principle of water conductivity. The design analysis and simulation was done with proteus and Arduino IDE software. The system was tested using salt water and the output at different water level was obtained.

Introduction: Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a heterogeneous syndrome, and its pathophysiology is not fully understood. Histone serotonylation has recently emerged as a novel epigenetic mechanism, and transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) has been identified as a responsible molecule mediating this process through its gulutaminase activity. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the significance of histone serotonylation in cardiomyocytes during the development of HFpEF. Methods: HFpEF was induced in a mouse model using a combination of salty drinking water, unilateral nephrectomy, and chronic exposure to aldosterone, referred to as the SAUNA model ( Figure 1A ). To assess the role of TGM2, cardiomyocyte-specific TGM2-deficient (CKO) mice were generated. Results: In wild-type mice, histone serotonylation (H3K4me3Q5ser) as well as nuclear TGM2 expression were significantly increased in the hearts at 4 weeks after SAUNA induction. In TGM2-CKO hearts, H3K4me3Q5ser levels were decreased by 80% compared to wild-type littermates ( Figure 1B ). Following 4 weeks of SAUNA exposure, TGM2-CKO mice showed exacerbated diastolic dysfunction, evidenced by increased E/A ratio, E/e’ ratio, and left atrial volume, compared to wild-type littermates ( Figure 2 ). Furthermore, SAUNA-exposed TGM2-CKO mice exhibited a significant reduction in running distance by treadmill exercise testing and elevated lung weight. Ex vivo analysis using isolated cardiomyocytes revealed that time-to-50% relaxation in response to 1 Hz pacing were significantly prolonged in cardiomyocytes from TGM2-CKO mice, indicating impaired cardiomyocyte relaxation at a single cardiomyocyte level. CUT&RUN sequencing of cardiac tissue using an anti-H3K4me3Q5ser antibody revealed significant enrichment of gene ontology terms related to microtubule-associated pathways in SAUNA hearts compared to sham controls ( Figure 3 ). In vitro, aldosterone stimulation promoted nuclear translocation of TGM2 in cardiac myocytes transfected with GFP-tagged TGM2, whereas a Ca 2+ -binding-mutants failed to localize to the nucleus, indicating its role of Ca 2+ -dependent TGM2 activation in this process. Conclusion: Cardiomyocyte-specific TGM2 deletion exacerbates diastolic dysfunction, exercise intolerance, pulmonary congestion, and impaired cardiomyocyte stiffness in the SAUNA model. These findings suggest that TGM2 plays a cardio-protective role and could represent a novel therapeutic target for HFpEF.

Out in the Cold: The ignored influence of glacial melting on Rhincalanus gigas and R. nasutus (Copepoda, Calanoida) morphology in Antarctic waters.

In the present work, the effect of inter-critical heating temperatures on the micro-structure, microhardness, and wear properties of AISI 1018 steel has been investigated. AISI 1018 steel was heated at three different temperatures 750°C, 775°C, and 800°C inter-critical temperatures for 30 min and followed by hardening in salt water. The results of this study showed that the concentration of martensite phase increases by incrementing inter-critical temperature as 36% Vm. till 70% Vm. At 750°C and 775°C there is one-stage of work hardening has taken place, while two stage have taken place at 800°C. The exponent of work hardening (n) increases with increments of temperature by 0.239 at 750°C, 0.302 at 775°C, and 0.391 at 800°C. While the mechanical properties, such as microhardness, yielding strength, and tension strength have been increased by 162 (HV), 599 MPa and 800 MPa respectively, with an increment of the concentration of the martensite phase till 50%, at which the concentration of the martensite phase is equal to the concentration of the ferrite phase and then slightly increases. Finally, the results of wear behavior reveal that the rate of wear decreases with increasing the temperature of heat treatment by 60×10-7 to 30×10-7, as shown in Fig.9. The photomicrographs of worn surfaces have shown that the grooves of the sample heated at 800°Care finer than for the samples heated at 750°C and 775°C owing to the increase in the concentration of the martensite phase

Side structural regulation strategy of 3D gear evaporators for enhanced solar water evaporation and salt harvesting

Spatial distribution pattern of heavy metals in sediments of seasonal ice-covered lakes.

There is growing global concern that cesium-137 poses a potential risk to the environment, ecology, and public health. For the first time, an ultrasensitive cesium detection system with a pore-dependent electrochemiluminescence mechanism is developed in this work for the accurate and rapid monitoring in the environment. A cesium-imprinted film is prepared on the electrode to obtain an electrochemiluminescence sensor with cesium-matched pores. Tri-n-propylamine (TPrA) can enter the cesium-matched pores and give an electrochemical oxidation process, while Ru(bpy)3 2+ cannot. When cesium ions can selectively bind to the ─N═ group to occupy the pores, they block the oxidation process of TPrA in pores to quench the electrochemiluminescence signal of Ru(bpy)3 2+ with an ultralow limit of detection (50 pgL-1). It is successfully employed to the environmental sample (salt water, fresh water, and different animals) determination and the cesium accumulation monitoring in aquatic animals, indicating its application in environmental and ecology research. A chip-type detection system is designed basing on this sensor to realize real-time detection. This work not only aids in environmental monitoring efforts but also contributes to the broader scientific understanding of cesium mobility behavior in aquatic environments, making it important for the fields of environment, ecology, and public health.

Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis) is a blue-green cyanobacterium that grows in fresh and salt water. It is known to be a rich source of nutrients, including proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. One of its main applications is its use as nutritional supplement, where Spirulina is often consumed to its high protein content and other essential nutrients. It is especially popular among vegetarians and vegans due to its complete protein quality. Some studies suggest that Spirulina may have several health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol, controlling blood pressure, strengthening the immune system and protecting against cardiovascular diseases. It has also been reported to act as a detox agent, since Spirulina is known for its ability to detoxify the body, helping to remove heavy metals and toxins from the body. In the cosmetics field, due to its antioxidant and nourishing properties, Spirulina is used in several products, such as facial creams, hair masks, and body lotions to promote skin and hair health. It is also used in agriculture as an organic fertilizer and in animal feeding, especially in aquaculture, as a source of protein for fish and shrimp. In summary, Spirulina is a valuable source of nutrients and has a variety of applications, from nutritional supplements to cosmetics and agriculture. Its health benefits and potential for sustainable use make it a popular choice in many areas. Therefore, in this article we review the applications of Spirulina (Arthrospira platensis).

Coupled salt and nitrogen dynamics in coastal reservoir-adjacent aquifer systems under extreme rainfall event.

This study discusses the application of a simple experimental method using eggs and salt water as a medium for teaching basic science at MI Jam'iyatul Mubtadiin. The main objective is to improve students' understanding of the concepts of mass and buoyancy through direct experience. The research method used was a descriptive qualitative approach with fourth-grade students as subjects. The learning process was carried out through simple experimental steps: preparing fresh water, adding salt, and observing changes in the position of the eggs in the solution. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and . The results showed that this experimental method was able to attract students' interest, increase active participation, and make abstract concepts easier to understand. In addition, this simple experiment-based learning also trains students' critical thinking skills and curiosity. Thus, the use of egg and salt water experiments can be an alternative to effective, inexpensive science learning media that is suitable for the characteristics of elementary school students.

ABSTRACT This work investigates a natural material (NM) (Buddhist pine-BP) for the first time to prevent corrosion of copper (Cu) in salty water (3.5% NaCl). The ethanolic extract of Buddhist pine leaves (EEBPL) has been prepared and tested by UV-visible spectroscopy (UVS), FTIR spectroscopy (FTIS), and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR). EEBPL has been deposited in layers (1-3) on Cu by drop casting (DC). The corrosion testing has been done by open circuit potentials (OCP), impedance behaviour through impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and polarization behaviours. The testing suggests that Cu coated with 2 layers of EEBPL provides the best protection (81%) to Cu. The surfaces have been investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, which suggest that EEPBL covers the Cu and protects it effectively in salt water. Additionally, the corrosion prevention of Cu by EEBPL layers is elucidated based on results analysis.

Abstract A critical challenge in multifunctional room‐temperature phosphorescent (RTP) hydrogels is the balance between the persistent afterglow and the editable phosphorescent information. Inspired by the Hawaiian bobtail squid (Euprymna scolopes), which modulates bioluminescence through symbiotic bacterial storage and release, a biomimetic RTP hydrogel system is introduced that overcomes this limitation. The hydrogel, synthesized via polymerization of acrylic acid (AA) with diethylenetriamine (DETA), followed by Ca2+ coordination with COO− in polyacrylic acid (PAA) chains, exhibits remarkable phosphorescence (afterglow > 6.5 s) and three synergistic functionalities: 1) Dynamic information re‐editability via water erasing and salt printing for real‐time information programming; 2) Thermomechanical responsiveness enabling reversible stiffness modulation and thermal concealment of photonic information; 3) Self‐healing through dynamic hydrogen bonding, facilitating dynamic reconfiguration of luminescent patterns. This RTP hydrogel establishes a robust platform for the edition of information, which emphasizes the potential of bioinspired strategies for advancing intelligent materials in bioimaging, flexible displayers, and information encryption.

Fungi are key drivers of biogeochemical processes, yet marine fungi remain understudied and under-characterized due to primer biases and database gaps. In this study, we conducted a metabarcoding survey targeting the small and large subunit rRNA genes and the internal transcribed spacer region of fungi (18S, 28S, and ITS2) in the sediment and surface water of salt and brackish marshes in the North Inlet-Winyah Bay estuarine system (Georgetown, South Carolina, USA). The universal 18S/16S primer set (515F-Y and 926R) identified few fungal taxa. The ITS2 primer set (ITS3mix and ITS4) revealed high diversity among Dikarya but failed to capture the full extent of early diverging fungi (EDF). In contrast, the 28S primer set (LR0R and LF402) excelled at identifying EDF lineages, including Chytridiomycota, Mucoromycota, Zoopagomycota, and Blastocladiomycota, many of which dominated the brackish marsh sampling site but were less prevalent in the salt marsh sampling sites. Over half of the fungal OTUs identified by the 28S primer set were from EDF lineages. Copy-normalized 28S qPCR showed that EDF were more abundant in brackish sediments than in the salt marsh. Several putative denitrifying fungi, primarily species from Trichoderma and Purpureocillium, were also detected, suggesting overlooked functional guilds that may contribute to estuarine nitrogen cycling. A FUNGuild analysis found that most lineages were saprotrophic. Overall, our findings show that EDF are key contributors to community differences across salinity gradients and may play more important functional roles in coastal biogeochemistry than is currently understood. The 28S primer set is ideal for marine fungal metabarcoding because it provides comprehensive taxonomic coverage and enables phylogenetic analysis.

Barotropic saline Baltic inflows (SBIs) occurred in the period of 01.09.2023–20.02.2024 are analyzed using the NEMO reanalysis data. To test the model product, it is shown that it adequately reproduces the observed time series of salinity and temperature on depth and time of 32 yr long (1993–2024) at a monitoring station BY15 located in the Gotland Deep. The water volume imported to the Baltic Sea with the SBIs being estimated from the in situ observations of the sea level and salinity is found to be highly correlated with the direct estimates based on the NEMO reanalysis data. Comparison of the October and December 2023 SBIs reveals that quantitative characteristics of an SBI, such as the imported water volume and salt mass, being important nevertheless do not fully determine the subsequent evolution of the salinity field in the remote basins of the Baltic Sea. Apart from the imported water volume and salt mass the synoptic variability of the wind field is of paramount importance. Keeping in mind that the salt water transport in the bottom layer of the Bornholm Channel, Słupsk Furrow, and Hoburg Channel towards the deepest Baltic basins is most intense at northwesterly, northerly, and northwesterly winds, respectively, one may expect that a long-lasting northwesterly wind period immediately following the inflow event is the most favorable for ventilation of the Baltic Sea deep layer.

Abstract Hydrogel electrolytes, featuring tunable polymer networks, strong mechanical robustness, and effective water confinement, have emerged as promising candidates for stabilizing aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs). This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the design principles and mechanisms of hydrogel electrolytes for enhancing the electrochemical long‐cycle stability of AZIBs. Hydrogel electrolytes are first compared with traditional aqueous liquid electrolytes, emphasizing their advantages in ion transport regulation, mechanical compliance, and interface compatibility. Key performance parameters—including ionic conductivity, Zn2+ transference number, crystallographic selectivity, and solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) composition—are discussed in relation to hydrogel composition and structure. Based on the essential components of hydrogel systems (hydrophilic polymers, water, and zinc salts), various modification strategies are systematically classified and analyzed, such as polymer backbone engineering, water activity regulation, and Zn2+ solvation environment tailoring. Emerging design concepts are also highlighted, including gradient architectures, dynamic crosslinking, and dual‐network architectures, which contribute to improved mechanical integrity and dendrite suppression during extended cycling. Finally, current challenges are outlined and future directions are proposed in the rational design and functionalization of hydrogel electrolytes to meet the demands of next‐generation energy storage systems, particularly in grid‐scale applications and flexible/wearable electronics.

Abstract Chewing plays an essential role in horse health via stimulation of saliva production. Feed form may influence both chewing behavior and salivary volume, but no data are available regarding impact in horses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of feed form on chewing activity, feeding behavior, and salivary parameters in horses. Quarter Horses (n = 6) with normal dental exams were utilized in a 28-day single crossover study to evaluate treatment diets formulated with identical ingredients and nutrient content (Treatment A = pelleted; Treatment B = extruded). Horses were acclimated to treatments for 16 days and fed twice daily (approximately 1.36 kg/meal). All horses were turned out to pasture daily with ad libitum access to water and white salt blocks. To measure salivary volume and other parameters, saliva samples were collected prior to and following each meal using sterile swabs (Salimetrics, State College, PA). Horses were outfitted with halters equipped with sensors (EquiWatch System®) to monitor mastication, meal consumption time, and jaw movements (chews) during each feeding session. Total data collection included 98 meal sessions and 186 saliva samples. Statistical analysis was performed using SAS (version 9.4), with significance set at P < 0.05. Feed residue was scored as high, medium or low on each saliva swab, and was analyzed using the Chi-Square (PROC FREQ), while mastication and salivary data were analyzed using ANOVA (PROC MIXED). Consumption time did not differ between diets: (Pelleted: 16.47 ± 0.73 min; Extruded: 16.45 ± 0.67 min; P = 0.99). However, chewing rate per minutes varied (Pelleted: 95.30 ± 1.88 chews/min vs. Extruded: 97.47 ± 1.80 chews/min; P = 0.05). Total chews did not differ (Pelleted (1560.09 ± 66.27 chews; Extruded: 1587.78 ± 59.19 chews; P = 0.66). Saliva volume measured pre and post meal did not differ (P = 0.77) between pelleted (0.28 ± 0.11 ml) and extruded (0.24 ± 0.08 ml) diets. However, saliva pH was different (P = 0.02) following each meal, with the extruded diet pH lower (8.29), as compared to the pelleted diet (8.43). Feed residue levels also differed with pelleted diet, swabs were scored as medium more frequently after feeding (47.06% to 60.61%, P = 0.04) as compared to the extruded diet where swabs scored as high residue were increased (16.95% to 36.21%, P < 0.001). These results indicate that extruded and pelleted diets manufactured with identical nutrient and ingredient profiles did not influence consumption time or total chews, but significantly affected chewing rate per second and salivary pH. Cumulatively, these findings demonstrate the complexity of equine mastication and feeding behavior. Future studies should include tests with commercially available pelleted or textured diets in order to evaluate differences between traditional formulations and feed forms.

Seawater intrusion into coastal river systems poses increasing challenges for freshwater availability and estuarine ecosystem integrity, especially under evolving climatic and anthropogenic pressures. This study presents a multidisciplinary investigation of marine intrusion dynamics within the Magra River estuary (Northwest Italy), integrating field monitoring, isotopic tracing (δ18O; δD), and multivariate statistical modeling. Over an 18-month period, 11 fixed stations were monitored across six seasonal campaigns, yielding a comprehensive dataset of water electrical conductivity (EC) and stable isotope measurements from fresh water to salty water. EC and oxygen isotopic ratios displayed strong spatial and temporal coherence (R2 = 0.99), confirming their combined effectiveness in identifying intrusion patterns. The mass-balance model based on δ18O revealed that marine water fractions exceeded 50% in the lower estuary for up to eight months annually, reaching as far as 8.5 km inland during dry periods. Complementary δD measurements provided additional insight into water origin and fractionation processes, revealing a slight excess relative to the local meteoric water line (LMWL), indicative of evaporative enrichment during anomalously warm periods. Multivariate regression models (PLS, Ridge, LASSO, and Elastic Net) identified river discharge as the primary limiting factor of intrusion, while wind intensity emerged as a key promoting variable, particularly when aligned with the valley axis. Tidal effects were marginal under standard conditions, except during anomalous events such as tidal surges. The results demonstrate that marine intrusion is governed by complex and interacting environmental drivers. Combined isotopic and machine learning approaches can offer high-resolution insights for environmental monitoring, early-warning systems, and adaptive resource management under climate-change scenarios.

Wet–dry cycles are a key factor aggravating the durability degradation of foam concrete. To address this issue, this study prepared bentonite slurry–steel slag foam concrete (with steel slag and cement as main raw materials, and bentonite slurry as admixture) using the physical foaming method. Based on 7-day unconfined compressive strength tests with different mix proportions, the optimal mix proportion was determined as follows: mass ratio of bentonite to water 1:15, steel slag content 10%, and mass fraction of bentonite slurry 5%. Based on this optimal mix proportion, dry–wet cycle tests were carried out in both water and salt solution environments to systematically analyze the improvement effect of steel slag and bentonite slurry on the durability of foam concrete. The results show the following: steel slag can act as fine aggregate to play a skeleton role; after fully mixing with cement paste, it wraps the outer wall of foam, which not only reduces foam breakage but also inhibits the formation of large pores inside the specimen; bentonite slurry can densify the interface transition zone, improve the toughness of foam concrete, and inhibit the initiation and propagation of matrix cracks during the dry–wet cycle process; the composite addition of the two can significantly enhance the water erosion resistance and salt solution erosion resistance of foam concrete. The dry–wet cycle in the salt solution environment causes more severe erosion damage to foam concrete. The main reason is that, after chloride ions invade the cement matrix, they erode hydration products and generate expansive substances, thereby aggravating the matrix damage. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that, whether in water environment or salt solution environment, the fractal dimension of foam concrete decreased slightly with an increasing number of wet–dry cycle times. Based on fractal theory, this study established a compressive strength–porosity prediction model and a dense concrete compressive strength–dry–wet cycle times prediction model, and both models were validated against experimental data from other researchers. The research results can provide technical support for the development of durable foam concrete in harsh environments and the high-value utilization of steel slag solid waste, and are applicable to civil engineering lightweight porous material application scenarios requiring resistance to dry–wet cycle erosion, such as wall bodies and subgrade filling.

The production of green hydrogen by microalgae is a promising strategy to convert energy of sun light into a carbon-free fuel. Many problems must be solved before large-scale industrial applications. One solution is to find a microalgal species that is easy to grow, easy to manipulate, and that can produce hydrogen open-air, thus in the presence of oxygen, for periods of time as long as possible. In this work we investigate by means of predictive computational models, the [FeFe] hydrogenase enzyme of Nannochloropsis salina, a promising microcalga already used to produce high-value products in salt water. Catalysis of water reduction to hydrogen by [FeFe] hydrogenase occurs in a peculiar iron-sulfur cluster (H-cluster) contained into a conserved H-domain, well represented by the known structure of the single-domain enzyme in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (457 residues). By combining advanced deep-learning and molecular simulation methods we propose for N. salina a two-domain enzyme architecture hosting five iron-sulfur clusters. The enzyme organization is allowed by the protein size of 708 residues and by its sequence rich in cysteine and histidine residues mostly binding Fe atoms. The structure of an extended F-domain, containing four auxiliary iron-sulfur clusters and interacting with both the reductant ferredoxin and the H-domain, is thus predicted for the first time for microalgal [FeFe] hydrogenase. The structural study is the first step towards further studies of the microalga as a microorganism producing pure hydrogen gas.