Water Availability Research Articles

Mechanochemically accelerated deconstruction of chemically recyclable plastics.

Plastics redesign for circularity has primarily focused on monomer chemistries enabling faster deconstruction rates concomitant with high monomer yields. Yet, during deconstruction, polymer chains interact with their reaction medium, which remains underexplored in polymer reactivity. Here, we show that, when plastics are deconstructed in reaction media that promote swelling, initial rates are accelerated by over sixfold beyond those in small-molecule analogs. This unexpected acceleration is primarily tied to mechanochemical activation of strained polymer chains; however, changes in the activity of water under polymer confinement and bond activation in solvent-separated ion pairs are also important. Together, deconstruction times can be shortened by seven times by codesigning plastics and their deconstruction processes.

Bilberry Expansion in the Changing Subalpine Belt.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) expansion in subalpine and alpine ecosystems is increasing due to climate change and reduced land management. This review examines bilberry traits, environmental responses, and ecosystem impacts. As a stress-tolerant chamaephyte, bilberry thrives in acidic, nutrient-poor soils across various habitats. It propagates effectively through rhizomes and demonstrates a phalanx growth form. Bilberry's growth and distribution are influenced by elevation, soil structure, pH, water availability, and nitrogen content. Mycorrhizal associations play a crucial role in nutrient uptake. The species modifies the microclimate, facilitates litter accumulation, and influences soil microbial communities, affecting nutrient turnover and biodiversity. Bilberry shows moderate tolerance to herbivory and frost, with the ability to recover through rapid emergence of new ramets. However, severe or repeated disturbances can significantly impact its abundance and reproductive success. Climate warming and atmospheric nitrogen deposition have accelerated bilberry growth in treeline ecotones. The management of bilberry expansion requires a nuanced approach, considering its resilience, historical land-use changes, and environmental factors. The goal should be to limit, not eliminate, bilberry, as it is a natural part of subalpine communities. Long-term comparative monitoring and experimental manipulation are necessary for effective management strategies.

Tomato dry farming as an agroecological model for California’s drought resilient future: Farmers’ perspectives and experiences

Small, diversified farms on California’s Central Coast have been dry farming for decades, allowing farmers to use water stored in soils from winter rains to grow tomatoes and other vegetables with little-to-no irrigation in summers without rainfall. As recent water shortages in California have forced a reckoning with the precariousness of the state’s water supply, policy groups and the general public have become increasingly interested in dry farming as a promising means of achieving water conservation goals. Academic research on this practice, however, has been scarce. Amid growing urgency to develop low-water agricultural systems in the state, we interviewed 10 Central Coast dry farmers, representing over half of the commercial dry farm operations in the region where this practice was developed, to collaboratively answer 2 central research questions: (1) What business and land stewardship practices characterize successful tomato dry farming on California’s Central Coast? (2) What is the potential for dry farming to expand beyond its current adoption while maintaining its identity as a diversified practice that benefits small-scale operations? We summarize farmers’ wisdom into 9 themes about current dry farm practice, its potential for expansion and future opportunities. We also synthesize farmer-stated environmental constraints on dry farm feasibility into a map of suitable areas in California. As we consider how dry farming might expand to new areas and operations, we highlight dry farming’s history as an agroecological alternative to industrial farming in the region and the need for careful policy planning to maintain that identity. In examining this California Central Coast dry farming system, we ask if and how it can enhance the viability of nonindustrial farming operations as the food system adapts to less water availability. Because policies that encourage dry farm expansion could change economic landscapes in which dry farming operates, we caution that well-intentioned policies could edge small growers out of dry farm markets if not carefully designed. At the same time, we emphasize the opportunity for dry farm tomato systems to model an agroecological transition toward water savings in California.

Increased Sensitivity and Accelerated Response of Vegetation to Water Variability in China from 1982 to 2022

Understanding how plants adapt to shifting water availability is imperative for predicting ecosystem vulnerability to drought. However, the spatial–temporal dynamics of the plant–water relationship remain uncertain. In this study, we employed the latest Global Inventory Modeling and Mapping Studies (GIMMS) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI4g), an updated version succeeding GIMMS NDVI3g spanning from 1982 to 2022. We integrated this dataset with the multiple scale Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI 1 to 24) to investigate the spatial–temporal variability of sensitivity and lag in vegetation growth in response to water variability across China. Our findings indicate that over 83% of China’s vegetation demonstrates positive sensitivity to water availability, with approximately 66% exhibiting a shorter response lag (lag < 1 month). This relationship varies across aridity gradients and diverges among plant functional types. Over 66% of China’s vegetation displays increased sensitivity to water variability and 63% manifests a short response lag to water changes over the past 41 years. These outcomes significantly contribute to understanding vegetation dynamics in response to changing water conditions, implying a heightened susceptibility of vegetation to drought in a future warming world.

Edge functionalized with benzenesulfonyl groups of g-C3N4 nanosheets as a highly efficient photocatalyst for water purification

Photocatalytic water purification is a promising method for environmental remediation, but it is greatly hindered by the rapid charge carrier recombination behavior of the photocatalysts. Herein, a simple wet-chemical method is developed for grafting electron-withdrawing benzenesulfonyl groups at the edges of g-C3N4 nanosheets. These exhibited a superior and versatile photocatalytic performance on the degradation of organic contaminant, as well as disinfected Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria under visible light illumination. Systematic studies reveal that the grafting of benzenesulfonyl groups led to the synergic effect in ultrathin g-C3N4 nanosheets of enhancing the photogenerated charge carrier separation on surface, improving light absorption, changing electronic band structure, and causing surface charge redistribution, all of which are beneficial for enhancing the photocatalytic performance. Notably, these edge-activated g-C3N4 photocatalysts also demonstrate remarkable photocatalytic activity in the real tap water and urban wastewater, indicating their promising potential for application in real wastewater treatment.

Urban trees left high and dry – Modelling urban trees´ water supply and evapotranspiration under drought

Abstract Long-lasting extreme weather conditions are expected to occur more frequently in the future owing to climate change, as demonstrated by the recent heat waves. In particular, the decrease in precipitation during the summer months had a significant impact on urban tree water availability. Therefore, it is imperative to develop methodologies for determining the available water supply and evaporation rates for urban trees. We mapped data from 49 urban small-leaved linden trees with varying characteristics including groundwater levels, shading situations, tree pit sizes, pavement materials, and sealing ratios. By combining these data with an adapted Penman-Monteith method to calculate evapotranspiration, we simulated the soil water storage and evapotranspiration rates of these trees during the very dry year of 2018 as an example. Model validations were performed using lysimeter and sap-flow studies on Tilia cordata trees in 2022.
During the growing season, most trees experienced water stress on > 85% of the days because of weak precipitation events that failed to refill soil water storage. In contrast, trees with additional water supply through capillary rise reached water stress approximately 45 d later. The model results suggest that many trees will require additional water supply during predicted droughts in the future, which could have significant implications for urban forestry management. This model approach can be used to test and refine future water supply management strategies, making it a useful planning tool for improving the water efficiency of trees in urban areas and blue-green infrastructure.

Reversal of the Spatiotemporal Patterns at the End of the Growing Season of Typical Steppe Vegetation in a Semi-Arid Region by Increased Precipitation

Vegetation phenology serves as a sensitive indicator of climate change. However, the mechanism of the hydrothermal role in vegetation phenology changes is still controversial. Utilizing the data on the Fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation (FPAR) from MODIS and meteorological data, the study employed the dynamic threshold method to derive the end of the growing season (EOS). The research delved into the spatiotemporal patterns of the EOS for typical steppe vegetation in the semi-arid region of Inner Mongolia spanning the period from 2003 to 2022. Furthermore, the investigation scrutinized the response of EOS to temperature and precipitation dynamics. The results showed that (1) the dynamic threshold method exhibited robust performance in the EOS of typical steppe vegetation, with an optimal threshold of 45% and a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 5.5 days (r = 0.81); (2) the spatiotemporal patterns of the EOS of typical steppe vegetation in the semi-arid region experienced a noteworthy reversal from 2003 to 2022; (3) the lag effects of precipitation and temperature on the EOS were found, and the lag time scales were mainly 1 month and 2 months. The increase in precipitation in August was the key reason for the reversal of the EOS, and satisfying the precipitation was a prerequisite for the temperature to delay the EOS. The study emphasizes the important role of water availability in regulating the response of the EOS to hydrothermal factors and highlights the utility and reliability of FPAR in monitoring the EOS of typical steppe vegetation.

Enhanced bioactive component recovery from Sohiong via optimized enzyme-assisted microwave extraction and its stability in freeze-dried premix

In the process of juice preparation, a significant portion of bioactive constituents remains unextracted, leading to wastage and reduced nutritional value. In this study, an Enzyme-assisted microwave extraction methodology was optimized for Sohiong. The optimized condition showed high total polyphenolic content (TPC) of 118.5 mg GAE/g, total anthocyanin content (TAC) to 2133.5 mg/L, and DPPH antioxidant activity to 72.5%. The optimized protocol yielded a substantial increase in juice output (55.6%) under specific parameters (394.8W microwave power, 0.04% enzyme concentration, 63.07 min enzyme incubation, 253.4 s microwave treatment). The Freeze Dried Sohiong Premix produced thereafter retained these phytochemicals over six months, evidenced by UPLC analysis while demonstrating superior hydrosolubility (95.1 s) and minimal water activity (0.32), indicative of enhanced microbial stability. This research highlights Enzyme-assisted microwave extraction's efficacy in the food industry for augmenting the nutritional and bioactive profile of juice products, positioning Freeze Dried Sohiong Premix as a nutritionally superior alternative to traditional juice offerings.

A multi-country survey on sanitation systems in underserved urban settlements in the Melanesian Pacific region

Safe and enduring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) for all is the key target of Sustainable Development Goal 6. Despite progress in global WASH monitoring to support SDG 6, significant data gaps persist, especially in urban informal settlements in the Melanesian Pacific Region. This study aimed to improve understanding of existing sanitation systems, residents’ preferences, and climate hazard exposure in these areas. Household surveys were conducted with 393 households in Suva (Fiji) and Port Vila (Vanuatu). Water availability for sanitation was high in Suva (99%) and Port Vila (70%), with noted improvements in sanitation superstructure. However, dry pits without slabs remain significant (15%) in Port Vila. The preference for water-based systems highlights the need for a resilient sanitation service chain, including adequate faecal sludge management, which was problematic in both locations. Reports of climate-driven hazard damage were more frequent in Vanuatu, with one in three respondents reporting impacts on their sanitation services.

Separation layers and their influence on green roof water storage

ABSTRACT This study deals with how adding separation layers to flat roofs improves their design, construction, and sustainability. Better understanding and use of these layers leads to increased durability, lower maintenance, and simpler execution, with potential for material reuse and performance enhancement. Currently, the optional nature of separation layers hinders the overall sustainability of roofing systems, so this research seeks to guide building professionals in selecting suitable separation layers for flat roofs, considering factors like location, function, material composition, and mass. Particularly, it examines the impact of Water Storage layers on self-sustaining green roofs, aiming to enhance thermal performance, especially when water is scarce. Results indicate that installing these layers significantly increases water retention below the drainage layer, primarily in extensive green roofs, where values rise by 17%. Water Storage layers also extend water availability after rainfall, raising maximum daily humidity levels inside the roof by up to 10% on the third day post-rainfall compared to green roofs without such a layer. Highlights The optional character related to separation layers lends a voluntary aspect to sustainability. Proper selection of separation layers’ characteristics ensures optimal roof functionality. The Water Storage separation layer increases humidity on the green roof's inner layers. The Water Storage separation layer extends the time for water usage on green roofs.

Interaction Effects of Nutrient and Water on Crop Production System under Dry and Irrigated Agriculture System

Many areas in India, including dryland areas, are under stress from two main obstacles to agricultural output, namely, inadequate soil nutrients and a scarcity of water. In most rainfed regions, except for a few places that can conduct irrigation, low precipitation levels and their erratic distribution usually result in soil water deficiency which leads to water as well as the instances of nutritional stress. Hence, in sustainable agricultural production systems, soil water and nutrient stress are major concerns. In crop production systems, the interplay between water and nutrients might yield favourable results, contingent on the growth stages, volumes, combinations, and balance of the crops. In irrigated areas, water and nutrients have interdependent effects. Efficient water management can enhance nutrient availability and transformation in soil or fertilizers. Water boosts plant nutrient content, uptake, and overall efficiency. Water scarcity stresses plants, impeding root growth and nutrient absorption. Additionally, it has been discovered that there is typically a strong, nearly linear correlation between crop yield and nutrient and water management techniques. Water availability and nutrient efficiency are therefore intimately related. The water state of the soil should be taken into consideration when applying nutrients in a balanced manner, taking into account their types, ratios, amounts, timing, and methods, in addition to their capacity to give nutrients. Therefore, determining the best time or growth stage to add water and nutrients to various crops, as well as how water and nutrients interact, are essential for a sustainable crop production system.

ANALYSIS OF PH VALUE AND WATER ACTIVITY AS KEY SAFETY PARAMETERS FOR KULEN SAUSAGE

Active acidity (pH) and water activity (aw) were analyzed in 14 samples (K01-K14) of kulen available in markets in the Republic of North Macedonia. These samples were produced under industrial conditions by various manufacturers from R.N. Macedonia and neighboring countries in the region. The obtained pH values ranged from 4.24 to 4.97, while the aw values of the Kulen sausages ranged from 0.789 to 0.903. The pH and aw values are critical parameters for assessing the stability and safety of fermented products. According to European regulations, fermented sausages do not support the growth of L. monocytogenes under conditions of pH ≤ 5.0 and aw ≤ 0.94. All analyzed samples of kulen sausages (K01-K14) fall within this range that does not support the growth of L. monocytogenes, indicating a well-controlled technological process.

Enhancing Gluten-Free Crispy Waffles with Soybean Residue (Okara) Flour: Rheological, Nutritional, and Sensory Impacts.

The incorporation of okara, a by-product of soybean milk production, into gluten-free products such as crispy waffles poses challenges due to the absence of gluten's viscoelastic properties and the high fiber content of okara. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of okara flour on the rheological properties, physical attributes, and sensory qualities of gluten-free waffles. Waffle batters with varying levels of okara flour (10%, 20%, 30%, and 40%) were prepared, and their rheological properties were analyzed using oscillatory shear and creep-recovery tests. Physical properties, proximate composition, cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacities, storage stability, and sensory attributes were also assessed. The results demonstrated that increasing okara flour content improved batter elasticity and viscosity (with complex viscosity reaching up to 10,923 Pa·s for 40% okara flour) but decreased spread ratio by up to 45% and increased moisture content by approximately 2.7%. Higher okara content also led to a 16% decrease in brightness (L*) and increased hardness, reaching 325.26 g/s at 40% substitution. Sensory evaluation revealed that waffles with 30% okara flour were preferred for their texture and overall liking, with a score of 7.43 compared to higher substitution levels. Cholesterol and glucose adsorption capacities were high in okara flour, contributing to potential health benefits. Storage stability tests showed acceptable moisture content, water activity, and microbiological safety over 60 days, though hardness decreased by about 42%. In conclusion, okara flour enhances the nutritional profile of gluten-free waffles, but its impact on texture and flavor requires careful formulation adjustments to optimize consumer acceptance.

Tracking the storage stability in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.): impact of accelerated storage on storability characteristics, seed quality, phytochemical content, and fatty acids

Storage stability under non-optimal conditions is an essential characteristic of Sudanese sesame. To understand opportunities to improve storage stability in sesame, seed quality, storability characteristics, content of fatty acids and phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated in ten Sudanese genotypes subjected to high temperature (55 °C) and humidity (60% RH) for 16 and 32 days. The accelerated storage increased seed color, linoleic acid, fungal growth, and peroxide value, while oil content, oleic acid, water activity, phytochemicals, and antioxidant capacity decreased (P < 0.05). The germination rate and content of saturated fatty acids were retained despite the storage (P > 0.05). The landrace Abusundoug showed better storage stability than the other genotypes due to generally low fatty acids and high phytochemical contents. The differences in storage stability in the Sudanese genotypes underscore the need for their further evaluation and use in breeding programs to improve sesame shelf life and quality.

Effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among the adolescent girls of Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal.

Poor menstrual hygiene practices are one of the major public health problems in Nepal. Due to persistent taboos and socio-cultural constraints, adolescent girls are often unaware of scientific facts, knowledge, and practices related to menstrual hygiene. This paper aims to assess the effects of health education intervention on menstrual hygiene knowledge and practices among adolescent girls in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. A true experimental study was conducted in two government basic schools in Pokhara Metropolitan, Nepal. The study population was adolescent girls who had attended the menarche. Firstly, a pretest with the help of a self-administered questionnaire was done to find out the socio-demographic information, knowledge and practices of menstrual hygiene. Next, health education sessions were conducted among the intervention group. Finally, after one month of intervention, a post-test was conducted among the intervention and non-intervention group. Data analysis was done through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings showed significant improvement in the knowledge and practice level of adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene after health education intervention. Participants in the intervention group showed a significant increase in knowledge scores from 10.0% to 67.0%, while the non-intervention group remained unchanged at 7.5%. Good menstrual hygiene practices scores in the intervention group increased significantly from 22.5% to 67.0%, whereas the non-intervention group saw a slight rise from 20.0% to 22.5%. Regarding observed practice scores in menstrual hygiene, significant improvement was observed in the intervention group (45.0% to 100.0%) in contrast to the non-intervention group (25.0% to 27.5%). This study highlights the crucial role of school health education interventions in promoting menstrual hygiene among adolescent girls. It emphasizes the importance of comprehensive educational programs tailored to early teenage girls, addressing timing, content, and delivery methods alongside ensuring the availability of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.

GIS-based multi-criteria approach for ranking suitable areas for the implementation of PV-Powered MCDI desalination plants in the Rheris Watershed, Southeast Morocco

In Morocco's oases, which rely heavily on surface water from mountain sources, the threat of decreasing rainfall presents a significant challenge, leading to a decline in surface water availability. This study focuses on the Rheris Watershed in Southeast Morocco, where brackish water desalination emerges as a viable alternative to ensure sustainable water supply for agriculture. Prior to the deployment of a pilot plant integrating a desalination unit, selecting an optimal site for PV-powered MCDI desalination plants was critical. This selection was based on a range of criteria, including Groundwater Quantity, Global Horizontal Irradiation, Temperature, Evaporation, Water Salinity, Water Quantity, Well Density and Slope. These criteria were evaluated using a combination of the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), and geospatial data obtained from Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques.This case study in the Rheris watershed identified potential sites for future Membrane Capacitive Deionization (MCDI) desalination projects, High suitability areas encompass 280.45 km² (30.91 %), located west of Tinejdad, Khettarat Moulay Hachem, north of Goulmima, and south of Tinghir. Low suitability areas cover 63.75 km² (7.02 % of the study area), including regions south of Tadighoust and Tinejdad. Moderate suitability areas span 562.86 km² (62.05 %), involving central regions of Goulmima, Tadighoust, Tinejdad, and Tinghir. Based on the results of the study, the recommendations include focusing on areas identified as highly suitable for MCDI technology for sustainable agriculture, refining selection criteria based on local data, exploring brine management strategies, and adopting integrated water management approaches to ensure sustainable resource use.

Fast stomatal kinetics in sorghum enables tight coordination with photosynthetic responses to dynamic light intensity and safeguards high water use efficiency.

In this study, we assessed 43 accessions of Sorghum from 16 countries across three continents. Our objective was to identify stomatal and photosynthetic traits that could be exploited in breeding programs to increase photosynthesis without increasing water use under dynamic light environments. Under field conditions, Sorghum crops often have limited water availability and are exposed to rapidly fluctuating light intensity, which influences both photosynthesis and stomatal behaviour. Our results highlight a tight coupling between photosynthetic rate (A) and stomatal conductance (gs) even under dynamic light conditions that results in steady Wi. This was due mainly to rapid stomatal responses, with the majority of Sorghum accessions responding within 5min or less. The maintenance of Ci:Ca over a large range of accessions suggests high stomatal sensitivity to changes in Ci, that could underlie the rapid gs responses and extremely close relationship between A and gs under both dynamic and steady-state conditions. Therefore, Sorghum represents a prime candidate for uncovering the elusive mechanisms that coordinate A and gs, and such information could be used to design crops with high A without incurring significant water losses and eroding Wi.

Assessment of Potential Aquifer Recharge Zones in the Locumba Basin, Arid Region of the Atacama Desert Using Integration of Two MCDM Methods: Fuzzy AHP and TOPSIS

Natural aquifers used for human consumption are among the most important resources in the world. The Locumba basin faces significant challenges due to its limited water availability for the local population. In this way, the search for possible aquifer recharge zones is crucial work for urban development in areas that have water scarcity. To evaluate this problem, this research proposes the use of the hybrid Fuzzy AHP methodology in conjunction with the TOPSIS algorithm to obtain a potential aquifer recharge map. Ten factors that influence productivity and capacity in an aquifer were implemented, which were subjected to Fuzzy AHP to obtain their weighting. Using the TOPSIS algorithm, the delineation of the most favorable areas with high recharge potential was established. The result shows that the most influential factors for recharge are precipitation, permeability, and slopes, which obtained the highest weights of 0.22, 0.19, and 0.17, respectively. In parallel, the TOPSIS result highlights the potential recharge zones distributed in the Locumba basin, which were classified into five categories: very high (13%), high (28%), moderate (15%), low (28%), and very low (16%). The adapted methodology in this research seeks to be the first step toward effective water resource management in the study area.

Active pharmaceutical contaminants in drinking water: myth or fact?

Global water availability has been affected by a variety of factors, including climate change, water pollution, urbanization, and population growth. These issues have been particularly acute in many parts of the world, where access to clean water remains a significant challenge. In this context, preserving existing water bodies is a critical priority. Numerous studies have demonstrated the inadequacy of conventional water treatment processes in removing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) from the water. These pharmaceutical active compounds have been detected in treated wastewater, groundwater, and even drinking water sources. The presence of APIs in water resources poses a significant threat not only to aquatic organisms but also to human health. These emerging contaminants have the potential to disrupt endocrine systems, promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and bioaccumulate in the food chain, ultimately leading to unacceptable risks to public health. The inability of current conventional treatment methods to effectively remove APIs from water has raised serious concerns about the safety and reliability of water supplies. This issue requires immediate attention and the development of more effective treatment technologies to safeguard the quality of water resources and protect both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Other treatment methods, such as nanotechnology, microalgal treatment, and reverse osmosis, are promising in addressing the issue of API contamination in water resources. These innovative approaches have demonstrated higher removal efficiencies for a wide range of APIs compared to conventional methods, such as activated sludge and chlorination, which have been found to be inadequate in the removal of these emerging contaminants. The potential of these alternative treatment technologies to serve as effective tertiary treatment. To address this critical challenge, governments and policymakers should prioritize investment in research and development to establish effective and scalable solutions for eliminating APIs from various water sources. This should include comprehensive studies to assess the performance, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability of emerging treatment technologies. The emerging contaminants should be included in robust water quality monitoring programs (Aus der Beek et al. in Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35(4):823-835), with strict regulatory limits enforced to protect public health and the environment. By doing so, the scientific community and regulatory authorities can work together to develop a multi-barrier approach to safeguarding the water resources and ensuring access to safe, clean water for all. This review explores the potential of alternative treatment technologies to serve as viable solutions in the fight against API contamination. Innovative approaches, including nanotechnology, microalgal treatment, and reverse osmosis, have demonstrated remarkable success in addressing this challenge, exhibiting higher removal efficiencies compared to traditional methods.

Effects of temperature and storage duration on quality of an insect artificial diet.

Artificial diets are widely used to produce insects for research and education programs. Completed diets, in which the diets are fully made from individual ingredients and ready to use, often have high water activity, making them vulnerable to degradation. Proper storage is critical to maintaining diet quality, yet the storage conditions are not well investigated. In this study, we characterized the effects of storage conditions (temperatures and storage duration) on the quality of a diet capable of rearing both specialist and generalist insect species. The completed diet, produced by both private industry and a USDA-Agricultural Research Service laboratory, was exposed to varying temperatures during a 24-hour transit over 1600km. After transit, it was stored at 4°C for a total storage period of 28 days. In a separate experiment, the completed diet was stored immediately after diet production at five fixed temperatures (-20, 4, 22, 25, and 33°C) for up to 28 days. For both experiments, at 5 intervals after storage (1, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days), diet quality was accessed by life history parameters (survival, molting, and weight) of western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larvae, the most serious maize pest in the United States. Our results showed that exposure to varying temperatures between -2°C and 27°C for 24 hours had no significant impact on diet quality. However, extended storage (beyond 24 hours) at any of the fixed temperatures negatively affected diet quality. Insects reared on diets stored for over 24 hours at fixed temperatures ranging from -20°C to 33°C had significant declines in performance. Among the tested temperatures, -20°C and 4°C were found to be the most effective for preserving diet quality. At these low temperatures, there were no significant changes in insect weight and survival for diets stored within 21 and 28 days, respectively, though molting was significantly reduced within 7 days of storage. These findings provide the base of information on the storage conditions for completed diets, supporting the production of healthy insects.