Electrical Conductivity Values Research Articles

Investigating the Effects of Elevation on Microbial Communities and Soil Properties at Fanjing Mountain, China

Elevation is one of the most influential factors affecting soil characteristics and microbial communities in forest ecosystems. Nevertheless, there is no consensus on how soil characteristics, soil microbials, and their relationships response to the elevation of the mountain ecosystem. We investigated the soil physicochemical characteristics, the activity of soil enzymes, and the microbial community at elevational sites from 600 to 2400 m above sea level (asl) in the western slopes of the Fanjing Mountain ecosystem, China. The soil microbial communities were determined by high throughput 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing. The results demonstrated that soil total nitrogen (TN) showed a slight decrease, whereas total phosphorus (TP) and total potassium (TK) gradually tended to increase with increasing elevation. The large macroaggregates (>2 mm) accounted for the largest proportion of the aggregate fraction (66.23%–76.13%) in the 0–10 cm soil layer with elevation. The average values of the soil electrical conductivity (EC), soil organic carbon (SOC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) concentration in the 0–60 cm layer undulated with increasing elevation, and the highest values were observed at 1500–1800 m asl and 1800–2100 m asl, respectively. The activities of soil urease, sucrase, acid phosphatase, and catalase clearly differed (p < 0.05) with increasing elevation, and the minimum values were found at 2100–2400 m asl. Interesting, with increasing soil depth, the values of these factors tended to decrease, indicating surface aggregation. In addition, the soil microbial (bacterial and fungal) community diversity exhibited a single-peak pattern with elevation. Our results also revealed that the soil bacterial and fungal communities varied significantly at different elevation sites. The bacterial communities were dominated by the phyla Acidobacteria, Pseudomonadota, and Chloroflexi, and the phyla Basidiomycota and Ascomycota dominated the fungal communities. The Pearson and redundancy analyses revealed that the SOC, TP, four soil enzymes, and soil aggregates were significant factors influencing the soil microbial community. In conclusion, soil properties and enzyme activities jointly explained the elevational pattern of the soil microbial community in the Fanjing Mountain. The results of this study provide insights into the influence of elevation on soil characteristics, microbial communities, and their relationships in the Fanjing Mountain ecosystem.

Critical factors influencing electron and phonon thermal conductivity in metallic materials using first-principles calculations.

Understanding the thermal transport of various metals is crucial for many energy-transfer applications. However, due to the complex transport mechanisms varying among different metals, current research on metallic thermal transport has been focusing on case studies of specific types of metallic materials. Ageneral understanding of the transport mechanisms across a broad spectrum of metallic materials is still lacking. In this work, we perform first-principles calculations to determine the thermal conductivity of 40 representative metallic materials, within a range of 8-456 W/mK. Our predicted values of electrical and thermal conductivity are in good agreement with available experimental results. Based on the data of separated electron and phonon thermal conductivity, we employ a statistical approach to examine nine factors derived from previous understandings and identify the critical factors determining these properties. For electrons, although a high electron density of states around the Fermi level implies more conductive electrons, we find it counterintuitively correlates with low electron thermal conductivity. This is attributed to the enlarged electron-phonon scattering channels induced by substantial electrons around the Fermi level. Regarding phonons, we demonstrate that among all the studied factors, Debye temperature plays the most significant role in determining the phonon thermal conductivity, despite the phonon-electron scattering being non negligible in- sometransition metals. Correlation analysis suggeststhat Debye temperature has the highest positive correlation coefficient with phonon thermal conductivity, as it corresponds to a large phonon group velocity. Additionally, Young's modulus is found to be closely correlated with high phonon thermal conductivity and contribution. Our findings of simple factors that closely correlate with the electron and phonon thermal conductivity provide a general understanding of various metallic materials. They may facilitate the discovery of novel materials with extremely high or low thermal conductivity, or be used as descriptors in machine learning to accurately predict the thermal conductivity of metals in the future.&#xD.

Conductive Biocomposite Made by Two-Photon Polymerization of Hydrogels Based on BSA and Carbon Nanotubes with Eosin-Y

Currently, tissue engineering technologies are promising for the restoration of damaged organs and tissues. For regeneration of electrically conductive tissues or neural interfaces, it is necessary to provide electrical conductivity for the transmission of electrophysiological signals. The developed biocomposite structures presented in this article possess such properties. Their composition includes bovine serum albumin (BSA), gelatin, eosin-Y and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). For the first time, a biocomposite structure was formed from the proposed hydrogel using a nanosecond laser, and a two-photon absorption cross section value of 580 GM was achieved. Increased viscosity over 3 mPa∙s and self-focusing with a nonlinear refractive index of 42 × 10−12 cm2/W make it possible to create a biocomposite structure over the entire specified area. The obtained electrical conductivity value was 19 mS∙cm−1, due to the formation of effective electrically conductive networks. For a biocomposite with a concentration of gelatin 3 wt. %, formed by low-energy near-IR pulses, the survival of Neuro 2A nerve tissue cells was confirmed. The obtained results are important for the creation of new tissue engineering structures and neural interfaces from a biopolymer hydrogel based on the organic dye eosin-Y and carbon nanotubes by two-photon polymerization.

Structure and Properties of the Electroexplosive Coating of the TiB2-Ag System after Electron Beam Treatment

A coating of the TiB2-Ag system was formed through the use of sequential operations of electroexplosive spraying and electron beam processing. The values of electrical conductivity (62.0 MS/m), Vickers microhardness (0.251-0.265 GPa at the point of measurement on a silver matrix and 25-32 GPa at the point of measurement at inclusions of boride phases), nanohardness (4.48 ± 0.76 GPa) were determined), Young’s modulus (116±29 GPa), wear parameter under dry friction-sliding conditions (1.2 mm3/N • m) and friction coefficient (0.5). Switching wear resistance during accelerated tests was 7000 on and off cycles with an electrical resistance of 10.01 - 11.76 LiOhm. The thickness of the coatings is 100 microns. The coatings are formed by a silver matrix with inclusions of titanium borides located in it with three types of sizes: nanocrystalline, submicrocrystalline and microcrystalline. Quantitatively, in the structural composition among titanium borides, titanium diboride and silver (56 wt. %) are formed predominantly (41 wt. %), while other titanium borides account for 3 wt. %. Structural transformations are described using complementary methods of X-ray phase analysis, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Cinética de secagem e qualidade fisiológica de sementes de jiló

ABSTRACT The drying process is paramount for maintaining seed quality, where the temperature during this process directly influences germination and vigor, especially for vegetable species harvested with high moisture content. This research aimed to determine and model the drying curves of S. aethiopicum (cultivar Tinguá-verde-claro) seeds at temperatures of 35, 38, 41, and 44 ºC, as well as to evaluate the physiological quality of the seeds after drying. A completely randomized design was used, with four drying temperatures (35, 38, 41, and 44 ºC) and four replicates. Nine mathematical models were fitted using the non-linear regression analysis by the Gauss-Newton method, and the goodness of fit was assessed based on the magnitude of the coefficient of determination (R2), chi-square test (χ2), relative mean error (P), and estimated mean error (SE). Seed quality was evaluated by germination test (G), electrical conductivity (EC), and accelerated aging (AA). The Modified Midilli model best represents the drying curves of S. aethiopicum seeds at the studied temperatures. Seeds with higher germination and vigor, meaning lower electrical conductivity values and higher germination rates after accelerated aging, are achieved through drying at 35 and 38 ºC.

Using Soil Sensors to Assess Soil Salinity

AbstractThis article is reproduced from Chapter 6 of the new book, Salinity and Sodicity: A Growing Global Challenge to Food Security, Environmental Quality and Soil Resilience, in a slightly modified form. The book is available for purchase from Wiley.com or Amazon.com. The article covers the use of electromagnetic (EM) sensors for measuring apparent electrical conductivity (ECa). In the field, electrical conductivity (EC) can be measured by two primary approaches: physical contact and electromagnetic (EM) induction. With physical contact, a current is injected into the soil, and the detector measures the resulting voltage. An EM meter does not make direct contact but uses a coil to produce an EM field. A sensor then measures the soil‐induced changes to the original EM field. Both types of sensors measure the ECa, which is different from laboratory‐derived EC values. When using ECa sensors, it is important to remember that they are sensitive to many factors, including salinity, soil moisture, bulk density, soil texture, and temperature. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview on the use of EM sensors to provide examples on the use of these sensors in the field. Earn 1.5 CEUs in Soil & Water Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.

The Effect of Eco-Friendly Deicing Agents Containing Humic Acid on Plant Growth

Objectives:In this experiment, we used an environmentally friendly snow removal agent containing calcium chloride (CaCl2) and humic acid (HA) to alleviate salt stress on chili pepper seedlings, and analyzed its effect on plant growth. As an alternative to minimize the negative effects of existing chloride-based snow removal agents on plants and soil, we investigated whether humic acids contribute to improving plant physiological responses and soil electrical conductivity (EC). Evaluated.Methods:For 21 days, we set up a control group (Count.), a calcium chloride treatment group (CaCl2), a humic acid treatment group (HA), and a mixed treatment group (HUA2, HUA5, HUA10) in which humic acid and calcium chloride were mixed. The growth of stems and roots was measured. In addition, the high mortality rate of leaves and changes in soil electrical conductivity (EC) were measured to evaluate the effect of alleviating salt stress.Results and Discussion:As a result of the experiment, stem length increased in the control group, humic acid treatment group (HA), and humic acid and calcium chloride mixed treatment groups (HUA2, HUA5, HUA10), and the greatest growth was observed in HUA5 among the mixed treatment groups. On the other hand, in the calcium chloride treatment group (CaCl2), stem growth did not occur and the high leaf mortality rate was 66.7%, which had a negative effect on growth. The soil EC value was lowest at 0.21mS/cm in the humic acid only treatment group (HA) and highest at 1.25mS/cm in the calcium chloride treatment group (CaCl2). In the mixed treatment group, the EC value tended to decrease as the humic acid concentration increased. This indicates that humic acid can play a role in reducing salt stress and promoting plant growth.

Effects of microbial communities during the cultivation of three salt-tolerant plants in saline-alkali land improvement

Planting vegetation on saline-alkaline land enhances soil fertility and sustainability by improving salt-alkali tolerance. Different salt-tolerant plant species interact with soil microorganisms, enriching bacterial communities and promoting nutrient availability. In this study, mechanisms affecting microbial communities in severely saline-alkaline soils planted with salt-tolerant plants are investigated. Over 4 years, the potential to cultivate three salt-tolerant plant species (tall wheatgrass Agropyron elongatum, chicory Chicorium intybus, and alfalfa Medicago sativa) in severely saline-alkaline soils is compared with a non-cultivated control. Bacterial and fungal communities were characterized through high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3–V4 region and the V4 region, respectively. Cultivating these three plant species significantly reduces soil electrical conductivity values. Chicory cultivation notably increased soil nutrients, bacterial alpha richness, and fungal alpha diversity and richness. Microbial community structures vary considerably between the control and treatments, significantly correlating with the soil quality index. This index enables an assessment of soil health and fertility by integrating variables such as nutrient content, microbial diversity, and salinity levels. In each plant treatment, particularly alfalfa, the relative abundances of fungal pathogens like Neocosmospora and Gibellulopsis increase, which may pose risks to subsequent crops such as tomatoes, requiring careful consideration in future planting decisions. Conversely, in alfalfa and tall wheatgrass treatments, there was an increase in the relative abundances of fungal genera (e.g., Alternaria and Podospora) that antagonize fungal pathogens, while Paraphoma increased in the chicory treatment. The strong relationship between microorganisms and the rise in pathogen-resistant fungi across different plant treatments highlights robust and beneficial structural characteristics. According to soil quality index scores, each treatment, but especially that of chicory, improved the severely saline–alkaline soil environment.

Analysis of Groundwater Salinity Distribution Based on Electrical Conductivity (EC) and Hydrochemical Approaches to Deep Wells in Sayung Subdistrict, Demak Central Java

In coastal areas, obtaining groundwater is not easy due to the lack of geological support conditions that cause water in the area to have poor quality such as groundwater that becomes salty. The coastal area of Sayung Subdistrict has geomorphological conditions whose surface tends to be flat with elevations 0-5 m higher than sea level and is dominated by alluvial material so that it can cause seawater infiltration to increase. The purpose of this research was to determine the distribution of salinity of groundwater in the coastal area of Sayung Subdistrict and to determine the cause of groundwater becoming salty. The method used in this research is the electrical conductivity (DHL) approach which is then classified based on the level of saltiness of groundwater. And then, well water from the sample points was tested using a hydrochemical test with the parameters used, namely the content of cations (Na, K, Mg, Ca) and anions (Cl, CO3, HCO3, SO4, NO3). This research was conducted at 33 well points spread across Sayung sub-district. The results of this study show that the electrical conductivity value obtained is between the range of 928-7,199 μS/cm which is divided into 3 classifications namely fresh water, fresh-brackish water, and brackish water. The analysis of the Trilinier Piper diagram shows that the saltiness of the groundwater is due to indications of seawater mixing characterized by a chloride (Cl) content that is increasingly greater towards the sea.

Improving Nutrient Uptake Efficiency in Hydroponic Systems With Phytoremediation of Nitrate‐Nitrogen Contaminated Wastewater

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the efficacy of a nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system in phytoremediation of nitrate‐nitrogen contaminated wastewater using six plant species: vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides), golden pothos (Epiprennum aureum), crotons (Codiaeum variegatum), arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum), spinach (Spinacia oleracea), and brinjal (Solanum melongena). This study examines how well different plant species remove nitrate‐nitrogen from wastewater in an NFT hydroponic system. It finds that all plants, but especially money plant and arrowhead plant, successfully lower nitrate levels at influent concentrations of 30 and 90 mg/L. The wastewater had average pH values of 5–6.5, temperature values of 24°C–25°C, electrical conductivity values (EC) of 1.5–2 mS/cm, and total dissolved solids (TDS) between 1062 ± 199.3 and 1400 ± 124.16 mg/L. The system for golden pothos (70.94%–90.3%), crotons (62.5%–83.1%), arrowhead plant (67.25%–90.03%), vetiver grass (45.42%–83.1%), spinach (47.15%–81.71%), and brinjal (59.52%–83.38%) has shown excellent biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) elimination efficiency. These results suggest that nitrate‐nitrogen contaminated wastewater can be effectively cleaned up by NFT hydroponic systems, which employ certain plant species.

PERFORMANCE OF FREE WATER SURFACE FLOW CONSTRUCTED WETLAND FOR LEAD AND CADMIUM IONS REMOVAL USING AZOLLA PINNATA PLANT

Phytoremediation is the ability of some plants to bio accumulate, decompose, or transformation of pollutants in soils, water, or air. In the current study, an effort is made to study the effectiveness of free-floating plants to treat simulated industrial wastewater polluted with Lead and Cadmium ions using Azolla Pinnata plant in a lab condition. Free water surface flow constructed wetland were fed with simulated Cd and Pb ions in different concentrations (5, 10 and 20) mgl-1. Different operating conditions were studied such as; pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, temperature, and sodium adsorption ratio to find out the possibility of using treated wastewater for irrigation. Results showed that, Azolla plant had a higher removal efficiency to extract Lead ions (90.1%, 86.67%, and 81.3%) than Cadmium (79.3%, 78.4%, and 69.7%) when the initial concentration is (5, 10, 20) mgl-1 respectively, during 5 days. A slight reducing in pH (8.3 to 7.4) and dissolved oxygen (8.7 to 7.2) mgl-1 observed, all these values mentioned satisfied with the Iraqi standards and World Health Organization. From values of electrical conductivities (250- 750) (µScm-1) and the sodium adsorption ratios (0- 10) it was found that treated wastewater falls into class C2S1 which mean that water has good quality and can be used to irrigate moderately salt-tolerant crops on soils with good permeability.

HYDROCHEMICAL STUDY OF BALAK RIVER, ERBIL-IRAQ

This study was aimed to assess the water quality of different water resources (Surface water, subsurface in water, and groundwater) across the Balak river basin. Twenty two different water resource samples were collected and subjecting to a comprehensive physicochemical analysis. Balak river basin, situated in Erbil governorate, Iraq, it is located 10 km to the east from Bekhal Waterfall. Five attributers combine with Balak River within the basin areas which are: Rezanok Sub River, Balakiyan Sub River, Basan Sub River, Roste Sub River, and Alana Sub River. The hydro chemical study of all water resources during the investigated period revealed that the spring waters are relatively higher in electrical conductivity value compared to other sources. Some surface water samples were recorded high turbidity value. Values recorded for physicochemical parameters were within WHO and Iraqi standards guideline values except for some samples of turbidity. According to water classification, all samples have a very similar composition, and can be classified as Ca-HCO3 water. This indicated that they correspond to different sampling points along different rivers, and different samples along the same river.

Evaluating the efficiency of oil waste treatment plant in AL- Qayyarah Refinery - Iraq

The study included an evaluation of the efficiency of AL-Qayyarah refinery oil waste treatment plant. For this purpose, monthly samples were collected for a period of six months from October 2023 until March 2024, the first station (before treatment) represents the water coming out of the crude oil filter units. As for the second station (after treatment) it is located in the refinery waste treatment unit, the site represents the treated water. many physical and chemical tests were conducted on water, they ranged of temperature values ​​before the treatment ranged between (17-33) compared to its value after the treatment (15-31), and the electrical conductivity values ​​before the treatment ranged between (295-405)µS/cm, while after the treatment it was (349-471)µS/cm. As for total dissolved solids, their average before the treatment was(182.5)mg/L, while their average after the treatment was(194.6)mg/L as for salinity, its values ​​ranged between(0.7-0.75) mg/L before the treatment and between (0.6 -0.8) mg/L after the treatment ,pH value before the treatment was between)6.12- 7.91( compared to its value after the treatment as it ranged between (6.81-7.95), while the values ​​of the chemical requirement for oxygen before the treatment were (85108)mg/L, Their concentrations values ​​after the treatment amounted to(73_125) mg/L, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (73.46-155.17) mg/L before the treatment, and after the treatment it reached (35.53-52.53) mg/L, while oils and greases reached values ​​that ranged between (26.16-165.68) mg/L before the treatment compared to their results after the treatment which ranged between (94.15-23.18)mg/L. Finally, the total organic carbon had an average value before treatment (134.1) mg/L, while after treatment their average values ​​reached (120.8) mg/L

Invertebrate composting quality of the invasive alga Rugulopteryx okamurae, prospects for its bio-recycling, management and circular economy.

In recent decades, the invasive seaweed Rugulopteryx okamurae has had a huge environmental impact on marine biodiversity, fisheries, GHG emissions and public health along much of the Iberian Peninsula and islands coastline. Due to the enormous amount of algae biomass that is expelled to the beaches where it slowly rots, some circular economy business initiatives, such as composting, are emerging. In the present study, we compared the quality of compost obtained from earthworms (Dendrobaena veneta), cockroaches (Eublaberus sp.), mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) and black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens). Batches fed with 100% organic kitchen waste (control group) were compared with batches fed with 50% algae and 50% kitchen waste (treatment group). Our results show that the most sensitive species (D. veneta and T. molitor) to R. okamurae toxins compost adequately. The C/N ratio, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, total organic matter (TOM), C, K, K2O, Mg, MgO, N, P, P2O5, B, Cu, Ni and Zn of the compost obtained were determined. A high quality compost was obtained in which only the EC values are slightly elevated. Particularly good was the compost obtained with H. illucens and Eublaberus sp. This quality is in agreement with previous research on the mass balance of composting. Therefore, both species offer, in the field of circular economy, encouraging prospects for the development of composting enterprises.

Hydrochemical Characterisation of the Basement Aquifer with a Focus on the Origin of Nitrate in the Highly Urbanised Niamey Region, SW of Niger

This study investigated the basement aquifer beneath the urbanised city of Niamey and the agricultural fields of Kollo, SW of Niger. During the observation period spanning from 2021 to 2023, groundwater and surface water samples were collected for analysis of major ions and the stable isotopes oxygen-18 and deuterium (δ18O and δ2H) of water. To trace the origin of high nitrate concentrations (NO3−) found in several observation and drinking water wells in both areas, δ15N and δ18O isotope values of NO3− were analysed in groundwater and eluted soil samples. The observed hydrochemical patterns mainly reflect the heterogeneity of the weathered fringe of the basement aquifer. Decreasing concentrations of NO3− and δ18O and δ2H values were observed in relation to the distance of the Niger River and increasing thickness of the clay layer on the surface. The wells close to the river in Niamey show a dilution effect during the flood season, and the NO3− concentrations displayed a continuous increasing trend. The δ15N-NO3 and δ18O-NO3 values confirmed that septic tank water is spreading in the region of Niamey and that manure originating from livestock in Kollo is the main source of NO3−. The patterns of δ15N in the soil samples coincide with those of cattle’s manure spread in both areas. The shallow wells show significantly higher values of electric conductivity and NO3− concentrations compared to the deeper wells, which clearly indicates the influence of shallow septic tanks on water quality.

Performance evaluation of waste phosphogypsum-based solidified sludge: From laboratory test to field application

Massive dredged sludge is being landfilled without effective use due to its high-water content and poor engineering properties, which not only leads to soil resources waste, but also occupies a large amounts of land sources. In this study, ternary stabilizer, including waste phosphogypsum (PG), ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), and lime (LM) with a mixing proportion of PG: GGBS: LM = 35:60:5, was adopted to improve the mechanical and environmental behaviors of sludge for subgrade filling purpose. The initial water content of sludge was controlled using two different dehydration methods for comparison. A series of laboratory tests, including unconfined compressive strength (UCS), organic matter content, and pH value were tested to understand its physical-mechanical properties. Thereafter, field application model equipped with a mini weather monitoring station was constructed to monitor the influence of solidified matrix on the surrounding water and soil environment. Time -dependent parameters such as plant growth, temperature, humidity, total nitrogen, phosphorus/potassium content, electrical conductivity, and pH value were monitored. Results indicate that the incorporation of PG-GGBS-LM ternary stabilizer significantly improves the mechanical and environmental properties of dredged sludge. The optimal dosage of the ternary stabilizer is 36%, which can result in a UCS value of the 2.0 MPa (slightly higher than ordinary Portland cement) after 28 days of curing. Field application reveals that plants could grow normally in solidified sludge. The environmental related parameters (i.e., total nitrogen, phosphorus/potassium content, electrical conductivity, and pH value) were similar with those in conventional planting soil, suggesting the advantage of the proposed PG-GGBS-LM ternary stabilizer in mechanical, economic and environmental aspects.

Use of Ni/CNT Particles as Additive Fillers in Ebonite Bipolar Plates for Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells.

Composite-based bipolar plates are a chance to substitute graphite and metal bipolar plates because of their corrosion resistance and better chemical and mechanical properties, but they still have various electrical conductivity properties. One of the problems is the loading of filler that depends on matrix types which will affect the electrical conductivity of bipolar plates; ebonite has potential as a matrix in composite bipolar plates because it is obtained from elastomer or rubber. In this work, nickel and carbon nanotubes (CNT) that have a high electrical conductivity will be investigated as additive fillers on graphite particles to enhance the electrical conductivity of ebonite bipolar plates. The formulation and characterization of ebonite bipolar plates with graphite and graphite Ni/CNT and their various contents are the main objectives of this research. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for identification and morphology of compounds and ebonite bipolar plates and Raman spectroscopy for identification of the type carbon in Ni/CNT was performed. Some tests such as bending/flexural tests, corrosion tests, and resistance testing for interfacial contact resistance were conducted to study the properties and optimum of the composite materials. In this research, Ni/CNT particles were added as additive fillers with graphite to enhance the electrical conductivity of fillers in ebonite bipolar plates of proton-exchange membrane fuel cells and their impacts were studied. By through-plane testing, graphite fillers were added in ebonite bipolar plates with 65-75% w/w content, achieving electrical conductivity values from 22.3 to 34 S/cm. This is still below the technical target set by the US DOE for composite bipolar plates. But by adding 30% Ni/CNT filler contents in ebonite bipolar plates at various filler contents from 65% to 75% w/w, one can achieve electrical conductivities from 104.35 to 165.52 S/cm. Only 65% w/w filler with 30% Ni/CNT can meet the technical targets such as a bending/flexural test value of 25.58 N/mm2, a corrosion test value of 0.894 μA/cm2 (I corr), and an interfacial contact resistance value of 3.09 mΩ cm2. Further improvements are needed based on fuel cell applications, as indicated by some additional data that did not meet technical targets.

Identifying groundwater characteristics and controlling factors in Jiaozhou Bay’s northern coastal region, China: a combined approach of multivariate statistics, isotope analysis, and field empirical investigations

Explicit identification of hydrochemical processes and their controlling factors within groundwater systems is critical for the sustainable utilization of water resources in coastal urban areas. This study was undertaken in the North Coastal Region of Jiaozhou Bay (NCRJB), located in the eastern part of Shandong Province, China, an area grappling with significant issues of groundwater quality degradation and water scarcity. A total of 105 groundwater samples and 34 surface water samples, collected from 2020 to 2024, were analyzed and studied using various hydrogeological tools, multivariate statistical analyses, and water quality assessment methods. These include the Piper diagram, hydrochemical facies evolution diagram (HFE-D), Principal Components Analysis (PCA), correlation analysis, stable isotope analysis, Water Quality Index (WQI), and USSL diagrams. The results indicated that all surface water and pore groundwater samples were categorized as Na-Cl type, exhibiting high Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Electrical Conductivity (EC) values, characteristics that render them poor to unsuitable for drinking and irrigation purposes. The fracture groundwater is predominantly of the Ca-Na-Cl mixed type, with average suitability for irrigation and a limited proportion (22.5%) deemed suitable for drinking. Seawater intrusion, primarily through the surface water system, and the impact of human activities were identified as the predominant controlling factors con-tributing to the degradation of the local groundwater environment. Field empirical investigations further validated the results derived from hydrogeological assessments, multivariate statistical analyses, and isotopic approaches. The long-term shifts in hydrochemical properties, along with the latent threat of seawater intrusion, exhibit an upward trend during the dry season and show a certain degree of mitigation during the wet season. This study highlights that field investigations, in conjunction with hydrochemical tools, multivariate statistical analyses, and stable isotope analysis, can successfully furnish reliable insights into the predominant mechanisms governing regional groundwater evolution within the context of long-term and intricate envi-ronmental settings.

Exploration of structural, electrical, and thermoelectric properties of two-dimensional [formula omitted] in three phases through ab initio investigations

In this study, the structural, electrical, and thermoelectric properties for three phases of two-dimensional WTe2 have been investigated using first-principles study and semiclassic Boltzmann theory. The results of the electronic density of states have represented band gaps of 1.026, 1.021, and 1.048 eV for phase 1, phase 2, and phase 3, respectively. Furthermore, the largest value of the Seebeck coefficient at 300 K belonged to phase 2 with a value of 1585.21 μV/K at the chemical potential of 0.45 eV. In addition, the largest value of electrical conductivity per relaxation time was related to phase 1 at 300 K with the value of 3.42 × 1020Ω−1 m−1 s−1 at the chemical potential of -1.94 eV. Moreover, the largest value of the thermoelectric power factor per relaxation time occurred for phase 1 at 700 K with a value of 48.62 × 1016μW m−1 K−2 s−1 at the chemical potential of -1.17 eV.

Tin-doped titanium dioxide film-enhanced electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Electrocatalyst water-splitting based on metal oxide nanocomposites has gained considerable interest in hydrogen evolution applications. Here, undoped titanium dioxide and tin-doped titanium dioxide films (TiO2 and Sn/TiO2, respectively) are presented for highly efficient H2 production applications. The crystal structure analysis is performed by analyzing the XRD patterns using the Rietveld refinement method and the Williamson-Hall method. XRF scans are used to confirm the doping mechanism between Sn and TiO2. The bandgap energies of undoped TiO2 and Sn/TiO2 films are 3.33 and 3.15 eV, respectively. On the other hand, the electrical conductivity values of undoped TiO2 and Sn/TiO2 films are 0.10 and 0.25 mS.cm−1, respectively. The electrochemical H2 production performance of undoped TiO2 and Sn/TiO2 films is investigated through two different methods: potentiostat measurements and analytical methods. It can be concluded that the Sn/TiO2 film exhibits higher HER performance and H2 production efficiency than the undoped TiO2 film.