Basin Soil Research Articles

Pollution of soils in the Emba river basin and their cleaning of petroleum products

Научная статья посвящена изучению серьезной проблемы загрязнения почв нефтепродуктами в бассейне реки Эмба. Исследование направлено на анализ воздействия нефтепродуктов на окружающую среду и разработку эффективных стратегий управления рисками и санации. Эта статья направлена на предоставление комплексного взгляда на проблему загрязнения почв нефтепродуктами в бассейне реки Эмба и предлагает практические подходы к ее решению с учетом научных, экологических и социальных аспектов с использованием углеродного сорбента. В настоящее время углеродные сорбенты рассматриваются как совокупность графитоподобных кристаллов, размер которых зависит от природы исходного материала, температуры его разложения и способности активации Ғылыми мақала Ембі өзенінің бассейніндегі топырақтың мұнай өнімдерімен ластануының күрделі мәселесін зерттеуге арналған. Зерттеу мұнай өнімдерінің қоршаған ортаға әсерін талдауға және тәуекелдерді басқару мен санитарлық тазалаудың тиімді стратегияларын жасауға бағытталған. Бұл мақала Ембі өзенінің бассейніндегі топырақтың мұнай өнімдерімен ластануы мәселесіне жан-жақты көзқарас беруге бағытталған және көміртекті сорбентті қолдана отырып, ғылыми, экологиялық және әлеуметтік аспектілерді ескере отырып, оны шешудің практикалық тәсілдерін ұсынады. Қазіргі уақытта көміртекті сор- бенттер мөлшері бастапқы материалдың табиғатына, оның ыдырау температурасына және белсендіру қабілетіне байланысты графит тәрізді кристаллиттердің жиынтығы ретінде қарастырылады The scientific article is devoted to the study of the serious problem of soil pollution with petroleum products in the Emba River basin. The research is aimed at analyzing the impact of petroleum products on the environment and developing effective risk management and rehabilitation strategies. This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the problem of soil pollution with petroleum products in the Emba River basin and offers practical approaches to solving it, taking into account scientific, environmental and social aspects using a carbon sorbent. Currently, carbon sorbents are considered as a set of graphite-like crystallites, the size of which depends on the nature of the source material, its decomposition temperature and activation ability

Desertification Reduces Organic Carbon Content and Nutrient Availability in Dryland Soils: Evidence From a Survey in the Amu Darya River Basin

ABSTRACTDesertification degrades drylands, undermining ecosystem services and human well‐being as a serious global issue. Assessing desertification impacts on soil organic carbon (SOC) and properties aids in preserving drylands and combating desertification. However, knowledge gaps persist regarding desertification effects on SOC and soil in Central Asia's Amu Darya River Basin. Surveys across ~1000 km in this region showed that desertification decreased SOC by ~52% versus natural vegetation. Desertification also reduced nutrient availability and altered hydrothermal conditions, pH, stoichiometry, and herbaceous richness. In particular, it decreased soil clay and silt while increasing sand content. Regional climate change and prolonged grazing are primary desertification drivers here. These pronounced impacts on soils and vegetation may threaten ecological processes and services. Our findings contribute to dryland restoration efforts and resilience against desertification.

Regulatory Threshold of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Runoff and Sediment Processes in the Sanchuan River Basin

Research on the runoff and sediment reduction effects of soil and water conservation measures has always been a topic of interest, which is of great significance for carrying out sustainable strategies for soil and water conservation in the Yellow River Basin. This study aims to find the threshold years of soil and water conservation measures for reductions in runoff and sediment. Through the analysis of various soil and water conservation measures, runoff, sediment, and rainfall data in the Sanchuan River Basin from 1960 to 2019, we determined the threshold years of soil and water conservation measures on runoff and sediment processes using the Hydrology and Lagrange Multiplier method. The results are as follows: The trend in flood season rainfall and annual rainfall in the Sanchuan River Basin is consistent. The 1990s was a turning period in the annual rainfall and flood season rainfall of the Sanchuan River Basin. The 2000s was a turning period of the runoff in the Sanchuan River Basin, while the sediment entered a stable period after 2000. The best periods for reducing runoff and sediment were the initial treatment period (1967–1979) and the centralized treatment period (1980–1996). The runoff and sediment reduction effects of each soil and water conservation measure during the initial treatment period (1967–1979) were terrace (32.8%) > dam (30.1%) > grass (18.6%) > forest (18.5%), while their effects during the centralized treatment period (1980–1996) were grass (53.7%) > terrace (20.7%) > dam (14.6%) > forest (11.0%). The runoff and sediment reduction effects of various soil and water conservation measures during different treatment periods indicate that the runoff reduction effect reached its peak in 2003–2005, while the sediment reduction benefit reached its peak in 2013–2015. Based on the comprehensive benefits of runoff and sediment regulation, 2013–2015 are considered to be the threshold years for various soil and water conservation measures, with the measures covering respective average areas of 4.85 × 104, 17.80 × 104, 1.15 × 104, and 0.82 × 104 hm2. These research results will have a certain significance for the reasonable allocation of soil and water conservation measures and sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin.

The Impact of Climatic Characteristics on Increasing Soil Salinity in Manathira District Center

The climate plays a crucial role in shaping soil characteristics. High temperatures during summer can lead to increased evaporation of soil moisture, resulting in drier and more fragmented soils. This process often leads to higher salt concentrations, altering the soil's properties. In the study area, the soil is categorized into four types: river shoulder soil, river basin soil, riverine island soil, and desert gypsum soil. These soil types are significantly influenced by environmental factors, both natural and anthropogenic. Soil, being a fundamental component of the environment that supports life, is essential for the survival of humans, plants, and animals. In the Najaf Governorate, the soil is vital for agriculture, supporting the growth of various important crops, including vegetables and fruits. However, the soil's natural and human-induced changes have led to a noticeable deterioration in its quality, rendering much of the land unsuitable for agriculture due to high concentrations of saline elements. The natural factors impacting the soil in the study area include climate, soil properties, and water resources, while human activities have further exacerbated these effects. As a result, the soil, particularly in cultivated and uncultivated basins, has seen a rise in the levels of total dissolved salts, sodium, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sulfate, and chloride, often exceeding global standards. In contrast, the soils of river shoulders have remained within acceptable limits.

Estimation of the Potential for Soil and Water Conservation Measures in a Typical Basin of the Loess Plateau, China

Abstract: In the context of the large-scale management of the Loess Plateau and efforts to reduce water and sediment in the Yellow River, this study focuses on a typical watershed within the Loess Plateau. The potential for vegetation restoration in the Kuye River Basin is estimated based on the assumption that vegetation cover should be relatively uniform under similar habitat conditions. The potential for terrace restoration is assessed through an analysis of topographic features and soil layer thickness, while the potential for silt dam construction is evaluated by considering various hydrological and geomorphological factors. Based on these assessments, the overall potential for soil erosion control in the watershed is synthesized, providing a comprehensive understanding of target areas for ecological restoration within the Kuye River Basin. The study demonstrates that the areas with the greatest potential for vegetation restoration in the Kuye River Basin are concentrated in the upper and middle reaches of the basin, which are in closer proximity to the river. The total potential for terracing is 1013.85 km2, which is primarily distributed across the river terraces, farmlands, and gentle slopes on both sides of the riverbanks. Additionally, the potential for the construction of check dams is 14,390 units. The target areas for terracing measures in the Kuye River Basin are primarily situated in the middle and lower reaches of the basin, which are in closer proximity to the river. Conversely, the target areas for forest, grass, and check dams, as well as other small watershed integrated management measures, are predominantly located in the hill and gully areas on the eastern and southern sides of the basin. The implementation of the gradual ecological construction of the watershed, based on the aforementioned objectives, will facilitate the protection, improvement, and rational utilization of soil, water, and other natural resources within the watershed.

Databases and Applications of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in Brazilian River Basins: a Review

Databases and Applications of the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) Model in Brazilian River Basins: a Review

English

This study aimed to experimentally examine the impact of organic matter content on some of compression characteristics of fine-grained riverine soils from southern Iraq. A total of eight soil samples were collected from two various riverine areas, presenting natural levee and basin (fine-grained) soils, in the eastern Basrah region. The research explored the correlation between organic matter content and compression characteristics, highlighting changes in unit weight, permeability, and compressibility. Findings showed that higher organic matter content led to lower density, increased permeability, and higher compressibility. The research offers valuable contributions to understanding the relationship between organic matter and soil compressibility, particularly relevant for sustainable soil management in the lower Mesopotamia region of southern Iraq, where those areas are vulnerable to climate change..

Does the diversity of vegetation and diatoms correlate with soil and water factors in a tropical cloud forest's complex land use/land cover scenario?

Soil and water characteristics in micro basins with different land uses/land cover (LULC) can influence riparian vegetation diversity, stream water quality, and benthic diatom diversity. We analyzed 18 streams in the upper part of the La Antigua River basin, México, surrounded by cloud forests, livestock pastures, and coffee plantations. Concentrations of P, C, and N were elevated in the humus of forested streams compared to other land uses. In contrast, cations, ammonium, and total suspended solids (TSS) of water streams were higher in pastures and coffee plantations. These results indicate that LULC affects stream chemistry differently across land uses. Vegetation richness was highest (86-133 spp.) in forest streams and lowest in pastures (46-102), whereas pasture streams had the greatest richness of diatoms (9-24), likely due to higher light and temperatures. Some soil and water characteristics correlated with both true diversity and taxonomic diversity; soil carbon exchange capacity (CEC) correlated with vegetation diversity (r = 0.60), while water temperature correlated negatively (r = - 0.68). Diatom diversity was related to soil aluminum (r = - 0.59), magnesium (r = 0.57), water phosphorus (r = 0.88), and chlorophyll (r = 0.75). These findings suggest that land use affects riparian vegetation, while physical and chemical changes influence diatom diversity in stream water and soil. The lack of correlation between vegetation and diatom diversity indicates that one cannot predict the other. This research is an essential first step in understanding how land use changes impact vegetation and diatom diversity in mountain landscapes, providing valuable insights for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts in tropical cloud forests.

Perchlorate-tolerant bacterial strains isolated from the Mars-analog Qaidam Basin soils exposed to Earth's near space.

Earth's lower near space of 20-40 km above sea level with polyextreme conditions serves as a unique Mars analog for astrobiological research to investigate the limits of life on Earth and planetary protection considerations for Mars exploration. In this study, we exposed Mars-like desert regolith to near space at a float altitude of ~35 km and isolated four bacterial strains after exposure. In addition to stress tolerance to extreme environmental stressors, these strains represent a remarkable tolerance to perchlorate that is widespread in present-day Martian soils. These extremophilic bacterial strains screened through near-space exposure could serve as promising candidates for future astrobiological research in space stations or in laboratory-based planetary simulation environments.

The analysis of Yunnan Dayao basin effect based on microtremor test and numerical simulation

AbstractMicrotremor tests and finite element numerical simulations were used to analyze the seismic ground motion effects of the Yunnan Dayao sedimentary basin. The results of the microtremor relative to the reference point spectral ratio (HS/HR) method showed that the spectral ratio curves of each observation point in Dayao basin show multipeak characteristics, indicating that the site consists of different soil layers; the predominant frequencies of each observation point mainly are 6~9 Hz in the basin and there are lots of differences in the predominant frequencies of different observation points, which indicate that the site stiffness of each observation point is different; the differences of spectral ratios between the east–west directions (EW) and the north–south directions (NS) reveal the site's anisotropy. The amplification coefficient characteristics of each observation point in the basin obtained by numerical simulation show that the predominant frequency is 6 ~ 9 Hz; the amplification coefficients of each observation point are different; the edge effect and the focusing effect amplify the seismic ground motion in the basin; the different amplification coefficients of the two sub‐basins reflect the significant effect of the basin soil layers' differences on the seismic ground motion, the site is softer and amplification coefficients are larger; the slope degree of basin edges significantly affects the seismic ground motion near the basins edge, the amplification coefficients of the slope steeper and amplification coefficients larger. This study demonstrates that the microtremor test spectral ratio (HS/HR) method has good reliability applied to the analysis of basin effect and combining the finite element numerical simulation method is more effective in revealing the basin effect mechanism.

Paclobutrazol persistence dynamics in mango (Mangifera indica) orchard soil using HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis

Paclobutrazol, a plant growth regulator, is used commercially in soil application to counter the alternate bearing habit of mango (Mangifera indica L.) all over the country. The experiments were conducted during 2020–21 and 2021–22 at ICAR-Central Institute for Subtropical Horticulture, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh to study the persistence of paclobutrazol in soil and its subsequent uptake in mango fruits using HPLC and validated by LC-MS/MS after its application to tree basin soil of mango cv. Dasheri @2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 g a.i./tree. The residues of paclobutrazol dissipated in soil from its initial values of 10.33, 17.25, 25.71, 50.80, and 62.36 µg/g soil at 0 days to 0.14, 0.30, 0.47, 1.32 and 2.38 µg/g soil after 300 days of application. The dissipation rate in soil followed first-order kinetics with half-life values ranging between 57.75 and 77.00 days. Residues of paclobutrazol were not detected in fully mature fruits harvested after 85 days of fruit set. LC-MS/MS analysis confirmed that the sample peaks corresponded to paclobutrazol residues in mango fruit and soil. Thus, HPLC and LC-MS/MS analysis clearly showed that the paclobutrazol persisted in the soil for longer, but the mature fruits harvested from treated trees were free from its residue even at higher doses and safe for consumption. The response of paclobutrazol to the quality of fruits in terms of phenolic content was also assessed. The paclobutrazol was more responsive in altering phenolic acid composition than the control.

Assessing soil erosion through the implementation of the RUSLE model and geospatial technology in the Isser watershed, northern Algeria

ABSTRACT Soil erosion, triggered by rainfall and runoff, poses a significant challenge for Mediterranean countries, leading to sedimentation in dam reservoirs, decreased storage capacities, and reduced agricultural fertility. Among various erosion estimation models, the RUSLE equation stands out for its consistency and minimal data requirements. The present study aims to utilize geographic information systems (GIS) software to quantify and map soil loss in the Isser watershed in northern Algeria employing the RUSLE model to strategically plan development measures and prioritize actions to safeguard high-risk erosion areas. Implementing the RUSLE-GIS approach involves integrating multiple datasets, including precipitation, soil erodibility, topography, vegetation cover, and anti-erosion practices. By combining these factors, a comprehensive map depicting erosion rates is generated. The findings categorize potential soil erosion into six groups, ranging from very low to extremely high. They indicate that 61.5% of the Isser Basin faces erosion, varying from moderate to very high (>20 t ha−1 year−1). In addition, 25% of the total surface experiences erosion levels classified as high to very high (>50 t ha−1 year−1). This underscores the urgent need for anti-erosive measures. These measures aim to safeguard the basin's soils, extend the lifespan of existing dam reservoirs (Koudiet Acerdoune and Beni Amran), and preserve their water potential.

Simulation and attribution analysis of runoff–sediment in the Upper Basin of Fenhe River, China

ABSTRACT High-precision simulation of runoff–sediment is a significant challenge due to the combined impacts of climate change and human activities. In this paper, runoff–sediment processes were simulated, and their impact attribution was analyzed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model in the upper Fenhe River basin of the Loess Plateau, China. A SWAT model was constructed to assess its applicability during the historical baseline period, which reflects low human activity. However, the simulation results for the comprehensive impact period, using the calibrated historical baseline model, were unsatisfactory. Consequently, a method was proposed to enhance the accuracy of simulation results by considering the presence of soil-retaining dams. This method incorporates large and small soil-retaining dams as reservoirs and ponds, respectively, into SWAT. The results indicate that the accuracy of runoff and sediment simulation reaches a satisfactory level. The attribution analysis results show that human activities have a greater impact on runoff and sediment than climate change, with land use change and soil-retaining dams being particularly significant. The construction of soil-retaining dams plays a more significant role in reducing runoff and sediment. These findings provide valuable insights into the management and utilization of runoff and sediment in river basins.

Mechanical and Geotechnical Behaviour of Improved Sandy Clay Soil for Road Pavements in Offshore Sedimentary Basins

Road projects require a lot of earthworks. Sometimes, the soil in place has an insufficient bearing capacity; hence, the need to look for soil with required specifications. When a material is too far from the construction site, its transportation costful and time spending to the project. In offshore sedimentary basins, materials mostly available are sandy clay soils. This paper focuses on the improvement of the bearing capacity of sandy clay soil for different road pavements. Two solutions were investigated: lithostabilisation of sandy clay soil with volcanic rocks and cement stabilisation at different percentage in various curing conditions. Physical, geotechnical and mechanical properties were assessed on samples. It was found that, at 25% mix with volcanic gravel, sandy clayed soils are useable for the T2-T3 subbase layer and at 35% the mix can be stabilised with cement for the T2-T3 base and T4-T5 subbase layers. 4% cement dosage is the optimum for the three pavement layers. This dosage can be reduced to 2% for the T2-T3 subbase, if the negative impacts from environmental waters are counteracted. With a close look on the respect of prescribed procedures, sandy clayed soils in offshore sedimentary basins are useable for the construction of pavement layers.

Quantification of water, soil and nutrient losses in the Farinha river basin, Carolina - MA, in the Cerrado biome

Natural resources, such as soil and water, play a crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. When used appropriately, these resources can mitigate environmental impacts. However, inadequate soil management practices can result in negative effects, such as the intensification of erosion processes and significant losses of soil, water and nutrients essential for plant growth. Thus, considering that the Farinha River basin - MA is located in the Cerrado biome and has a large part of its area occupied by highly erodible soils, the aim was to quantify water, soil and nutrient losses using a rainfall simulator. The experimental design adopted was entirely randomised (DIC), in a bifactorial scheme with 5 replications. Factor 1 considered two types of soil management systems (Anthropised Area and Non-Anthropised Area), while factor 2 involved three simulated rainfall intensities (80mm.h-¹, 110mm.h-¹ and 130mm.h-¹). The response variables assessed were losses of water, soil and nutrients and organic matter.The averages were subjected to analysis of variance and, if significant, the Tukey test was applied at 5% probability using Past 4.03 software. The results indicated significant losses of soil, water and nutrients associated with both the soil management system and the rainfall intensities, as well as making it possible to quantify the nutrients lost in runoff water on site. The conclusion is that the combination of inadequate soil management practices and intense rainfall can exacerbate erosion processes and the leaching of macro and micronutrients, resulting in an increasing need to incorporate fertilisers and correctives into agroforestry activities. Furthermore, it is important to emphasise that water erosion also contributes to an increase in soil and nutrient loss, which can lead to adverse environmental impacts, such as contamination of water resources and degradation of soil quality.

Impact of Climatic Changes on Water Absorption Capacity of River Basin Soils of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Impact of Climatic Changes on Water Absorption Capacity of River Basin Soils of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Impact of Climatic Changes on Water Absorption Capacity of River Basin Soils of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Impact of Climatic Changes on Water Absorption Capacity of River Basin Soils of the Republic of Bashkortostan

Terra Forma Speculative Mapping

This visual essay discusses an object-map of Paris basin soil and subsoil, commissioned for the Element Terre exhibition within the Architecture and Landscape Biennial 2022 (Versailles, France). To create this map, we contacted actors and researchers whose work is related to soil: earth scientists, materials specialists, and human habitat specialists. Using a model from the book Terra Forma: A Book of Speculative Maps, we designed a specific reference system, the ‘soil’ model, to map entities, movements and conflicts in the underground environment(s). The resulting map aims to reveal what is going on beneath our feet, what is hidden from view, to go beyond representations that are limited to the surface.

Mitigating water pollution in a Portuguese river basin under climate change through agricultural sustainable practices

Sustainable agricultural practices have been extensively used to reduce water pollution; however, the effectiveness of these practices may be significantly affected by climate change. In this study, we assess the effectiveness of sustainable agricultural practices in reducing sediment and nutrient export to rivers under future climate conditions, using the Soil & Water Assessment Tool in a Portuguese river basin exposed to high levels of agricultural pollution. In our study, filter strips demonstrated a significant mitigation effect on sediment and nutrient increases under simulated climate change conditions, with maximum sediment export depletion reaching 65% and the highest nutrient export depletion observed at 35%. The implementation of multiple sustainable practices resulted in the highest depletions, with a notable 71% depletion in sediment export and a 35% depletion in nutrient export. Additionally, our research underscores the crucial role of filter strips and multiple sustainable agricultural practices in mitigating the projected rise in nutrient concentrations during summer, given the effect of climate change on river discharge. Further studies exploring sustainable agricultural practices across different climates and watersheds can improve our understanding of their effectiveness for adaptation to climate change.

Characteristics and Identification Priority Source of Heavy Metals Pollution in Farmland Soils in the Yellow River Basin

Assessments of the soil environmental quality of farmland and pollution source apportionment are the foundation for ensuring national food security and agricultural sustainable development, as well as an important prerequisite for the pursuit to keep our lands clean. This study evaluated the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in farmland soils in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2023, based on the data of heavy metal contents including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, using the geo-accumulation index method. Source apportionment was conducted by employing a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The probabilistic health risks were evaluated by coupling Monte Carlo simulation with a human health risk assessment model, and priority pollution sources and elements were identified. The results showed that:① the average content of all heavy metals in farmland soils within the study area was lower than the screening values specified in the soil environment quality risk control standard for soil contamination of agriculture land (GB 15618-2018) (pH>7.5). However, the contents of Cd, As, and Zn in the samples exceeded their screening values, with percentages of 21.69%, 5.56%, and 1.23%, respectively, with Cd having the highest rate of exceedance. ② Hg and Cd were moderately polluted, Cu and Pb were slightly polluted, and the other elements were not polluted. ③ The main sources of heavy metals in farmland soil were traffic-industrial sources, natural-agricultural sources, industrial-natural sources, and agricultural-industrial sources, with contribution rates of 37.04%, 26.69%, 21.72%, and 14.55%, respectively. ④ Heavy metals in farmland soil posed carcinogenic health risks to adults and children but did not have non-carcinogenic risks; As and Cd were priority control elements for human health risks, and industrial-natural sources and agricultural-industrial sources were priority control sources in the study area.