Water Conductivity Research Articles

Principal causes of water damage in mining roofs under giant thick topsoil–lilou coal mine

The roof water inrush disaster induced by coal mining is becoming a vital bottleneck restricting mine safety. To accurately predict the water inrush position of the coal seam roof sandstone aquifer and accurately prevent and control it, this paper takes Lilou Coal Mine in Juye Coalfield as an example. Based on the comprehensive analysis of hydrogeological data, drilling data, and geophysiological data, this paper examines the water richness of the roof aquifer, the water insulation and geological structure, and the fracture development characteristics of the roof aquifer. Starting from the general side, nine factors, including fault strength index, tectonic intersection point, tip extinguishing point, development height of water conduction crack zone, roof sandstone aquifer thickness, aquifer drilling unit inrush, geophysical prospecting water-rich anomaly area, roof key layer thickness, roof aquifer thickness, brittle plastic rock thickness ratio, etc., form the roof plate roof. The main control factors for water inrush are deeply discussed. Through the spatial analysis function of GIS, unique drawings of different evaluation indicators are drawn, and the data are normalized. Combined with the AHP hierarchical analysis method, the corresponding weight is determined. Finally, a comprehensive water inrush risk assessment map of the roof of coal seam 3 in Lilou Coal Mine is obtained. Through the verification of the coal mine water inrush survey ledger over the years, it has been found that the evaluation results of the coal seam roof water inrush model are consistent with the actual situation. The evaluation results are reasonable and accurate, which can provide a reference basis for coal seam mining and water damage prevention and control in the future.

Efficiency of Nitrogen Fertilization in Millet Irrigated with Brackish Water

Nitrogen fertilization can provide greater nutritional support and mitigate salt stress in the millet crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physiological responses and agronomic performance of millet crop subjected to nitrogen fertilization and irrigation water salinity. The study was carried out in a greenhouse, using a completely randomized design in a 5 × 2 factorial scheme, with four replications, with five doses of nitrogen (40; 60; 80; 100 and 120 kg ha−1 of N), and two levels of electrical conductivity for the irrigation water: 0.3 and 4.0 dS m−1. We concluded that salt stress increased leaf sodium levels and had a negative impact on stalk and panicle dry mass, leaf gas exchange, mineral element concentrations (K, P, and Ca), and water use efficiency. The use of lower-salinity water associated with increased nitrogen fertilization provides greater stalk and panicle dry mass, photosynthesis, water use efficiency, chlorophyll index, leaf potassium concentration, and biomass production. The adverse effects of salt stress were evident in decreased transpiration and stomatal conductance, alongside reductions in leaf phosphorus and calcium levels, coupled with elevated leaf sodium concentrations, particularly as nitrogen fertilization rates increased in potted millet plants. These findings offer insights for devising strategies aimed at mitigating the detrimental effects of salt stress on millet plant nutrition through targeted nitrogen fertilization approaches.

Dual-Site Biomacromolecule Doped Poly(3, 4-Ethylenedioxythiophene) for Bosting Both Anticoagulant and Electrochemical Performances.

Poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) as a new generation of intelligent conductive polymers, is attracting much attention in the field of tissue engineering. However, its water dispersibility, conductivity, and biocompatibility are incompatible, which limit its further development. In this work, biocompatible electrode material of PEDOT doped with sodium sulfonated alginate (SS) which contains two functional groups of sulfonic acid and carboxylic acid per repeat unit of the macromolecule. The as dual-site doping strategy simultaneously boosts anticoagulant and electrochemical performances, for example, good hydrophilicity (water contact angle of 59.40°), well dispersibility (dispersion solution unstratified in 30 days), high conductivity (4.45 S m-1), and enhanced anticoagulant property (extended activated partial thrombin time value of 59.0 s), forming an adjustable PEDOT: biomacromolecule interface; this fills the technical gap of implantable bioelectronics in terms of coagulation and thrombosis risk. At the same time, the assembled all-in-one supercapacitor with anticoagulant properties is prepared by PEDOT: sodium sulfonated alginate as electrode material and sodium alginate hydrogel as electrolyte layer. The dual-site doping strategy provides a new opinion for the design and optimization of functional conductive polymers and its applications in implantable energy storage fields.

Enhanced properties of Nafion nanofibrous proton exchange membranes by altering the electrospinning solvents

Abstract Nanofibrous proton exchange membranes (PEMs) play an important role in improving the performance of the fuel cells. In this paper, two kinds of Nafion nanofibrous PEMs, Nafion-E/W and Nafion-DMF, were fabricated respectively by using ethanol/water (E/W) and N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as the solvent and their properties, such as the morphologies, water uptake, area swelling, ion exchange capabilities, conductivities, and mechanical properties were examined. Nafion-E/W nanofibers showed a thick diameter of 6,089 nm and Nafion-DMF nanofibers a thin diameter of 410 nm. Then the two Nafion nanofibers were annealed to provide the PEMs. Compared with Nafion 117 membranes and Nafion-DMF PEMs, Nafion-E/W PEMs showed the greatest water uptake and area swelling of respectively 59.75 % and 30.31 % and the conductivity increased to 0.1405 S/cm, more than twice as much as Nafion 117 membranes, but the broken stress decreased to 5.49 MPa, nearly half of Nafion 117 membranes. Nafion-DMF PEMs showed the lowest water uptake, area swelling, and conductivity of 22.67 %, 10.75 %, and 0.0410 S/cm, and the broken stress reached 14.20 MPa, greater than 11.0 MPa of Nafion 117 membranes. The obtained experimental results are instructive to improve the properties of Nafion PEMs.

Desorption and migration of dissolved organics from oil sands tailings to capped water: Demonstration pit lake

Rate and mechanism of organic compounds desorption from fluid fine tailings (FFT) deposits into the capped water are crucial to understand the geochemical stability of end pit lakes. Specifically, the intricate interplay between electrolyte concentrations and seasonal fluctuations along with their impact on the persistence of organic constituents remains insufficiently elucidated. This study utilized PASS-treated FFT (i.e., permanent aquatic structure storage) from Lake Miwasin to address these questions. Experiments were conducted to investigate the desorption of organics from FFT into lake water under different conditions, including FFT dosage, contact time, temperature, and ionic strength. Results revealed that higher FFT dosage and lake water organic matter led to increased desorption of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while temperature and conductivity of the lake water had minimal effects. The presence of electrolytes regulated the equilibrium desorption capacity of DOC, with cations (K+ and Ca2+) significantly affecting the desorption process from negatively charged treated FFT particles. Temkin isotherms displayed that desorption dynamics followed physically favorable patterns whereas the Intraparticle diffusion kinetic model suggested the equilibrium desorption capacity of DOC as 0.65 mg/g of PASS-treated FFT. A small percentage (5.82 %) of the DOC and less than half of naphthenic acids (NAs) (39.1 %) in PASS-treated FFT were potentially released. The distribution coefficient value of DOC and NAs was comparably high, indicating that DOC and NAs were mostly stable within the PASS-treated FFT deposition. The study reflects considerable stability of PASS-treated FFT about the physical and chemical conditions of the lake water, making them a promising alternative in FFT management.

Graphene-Functionalized Titanium Carbide Synthesis and Characterization and Its Cytotoxic Effect on Cancer Cell Lines.

Background Graphene is a versatile material with promising applications in various fields such as electronics, energy, biomedicine, and the environment due to its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal and electrical conductivity, transparency, and chemical stability. Graphene has been extensively used in biological and medical settings. MXene is a two-dimensional (2D) material that exhibits a strong affinity for water and electrical conductivity because of its surface terminations (oxygen {-O}, fluorine {-F}, and hydroxyl {-OH}) andtransition metal carbide or nitride. MXene has attracted significant attention recently for its wide range of applications and unique properties. This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of graphene-functionalized MXene. Furthermore, we investigated its cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The characterization of graphene-functionalized MXene is carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction(XRD), and Fourier transform infraredspectroscopy (FTIR) assays. Materials and methods Graphene powder was finely ground in isopropyl alcohol and then sonicated for two hours to produce solution A. MXene was synthesized by reacting titanium aluminum carbide (Ti3AlC3) with hydrofluoric acid (HF). A mixture of Ti3AlC3 and HF was heated to 40°C with continuous stirring for 24 hours to form solution B. Subsequently, solutions A and B were combined and stirred for 30 minutes. The resulting mixture was transferred to a hydrothermal reactor and maintained at 180°C for 12 hours. After the completion of the reaction, the resulting material was cooled to room temperature and purified through washing with distilled water, ethanol, and acetone. The sample was then dried at 80°C for 12 hours. Results The X-ray diffraction (XRD) study confirms the formation of graphene-functionalized titanium carbide (Ti3C2). The sharp peaks indicate a highly crystalline nature. Graphene is a sheet-like structure with numerous gaps. Particles exhibit a multitude of voids and pores on their surfaces. Upon incorporation, graphene displays a small sheet-like structure. Graphene-functionalized titanium carbide confirms the presence of distinct layered or sheet-like structures stacked together. Following the addition of the material, some cancer cells are eradicated, and they exhibit increased biocompatibility, demonstrating anticancer activity. Conclusion Graphene-functionalized titanium carbide has been successfully synthesized and characterized, as evidenced by various analytical methods such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and methyl-thiazoldiphenyl-tetrazolium (MTT) assays. The cytotoxic impact of the synthesized graphene-functionalized titanium carbide on cancer cell lines was examined. The findings reveal a notable cytotoxic effect, indicating its potential as an anticancer agent. Further research in collaboration with experts from diverse fields will be crucial to advance and translate this technology into practical applications for cancer patients. Future scope Graphene and titanium carbide are promising materials for cancer research, biomedical applications, and imaging. Nevertheless, additional research is required to comprehend their mechanisms, enhance their properties, assess their safety and efficacy, and conduct clinical trials.

Studying the Electrical Conductivity of Natural Waters in a Pulsed Field of Increasing Intensity: Case Study of the Kama Basin District

Studying the Electrical Conductivity of Natural Waters in a Pulsed Field of Increasing Intensity: Case Study of the Kama Basin District

COSMARIUM RETUSIFORME VAR. INCRASSATUM GUTWIŃSKI 1890 (ZYGNEMATOPHYCEAE, STREPTOPHYTA) – NEW RECORD OF RARE DESMID IN UKRAINE

Purpose. Adding a new taxon of the genus Cosmarium to the desmids flora of Chernihiv Polesie. Methodology. The landscape reserve of national significance “Zamglai” is one of the largest eutrophic swamps in the Chernihiv Polesie, which is an important refugium of hydrophilic phytodiversity of the forest zone, a place of concentration of a number of rare species of the boreal group and representatives of various biotic complexes. During the field research of the Zamglai bog complex, algal samples were collected and fixed with 4 % formalin for further study in laboratory conditions; pH and electrical conductivity of water were measured with a portable pH and conductivity meter. Microscopic examination of the samples was carried out using a light microscope equipped with a camera for taking microphotos. Identification manuals and monographs of the leading Ukrainian (Palamar-Mordvintseva, 1986, 2005) and European desmidiologists (Lenzenweger, 1999) were used for species identification.The iconotype provided in the original description of the newly recorded taxon (Gutwiński, 1892) was used. Scientific novelty. The second record in Ukrainian desmidioflora of a rare taxon from the genus Cosmarium is documented. Previously it was discovered 134 years ago (Gutwiński 1890) in the Roztochchia-Opillja mountain region, namely in the vicinity of Lemberg (former Kingdom of Galicia and Lodomeria, a part of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy – now Lviv, Ukraine). This taxon was found by the authors for the first time in the Ukrainian Polesie (Chernihiv Polesie). Description, cell dimensions and microphotographs in three views are included in this publication. Conclusions. The description and photographs of the three cell views of the taxon given in the article fill the gaps in the illustrative material of the national reference publications (Palamar-Mordvintseva 1986: 167, fig. 37 item 16) and create better conditions for identification and new records of this taxon in Ukraine. The distribution area of Cosmarium retusiforme var. incrassatum Gutwiński 1890 has been expanded. The flora of desmids of the Ukrainian Polesie is enriched with a new infraspecific taxon.

Evolution law of conductivity value in wet-end system of recycled pulp and its regulation strategy

The closed cycle of white water in the paper-making process is an important way to reduce material loss, water consumption, and wastewater discharge. However, how to improve the quality of white water and increase the efficiency of white water recycling is still a challenge. Faced with the increasing conductivity value of white water in the process of white water circulation, in this study, the factors affecting the conductivity value of white water for recycled pulp and the strategies for regulating the conductivity value were investigated by simulating the white water circulation during the paper-making process. The experimental results indicate the accumulation of inorganic salts is one of the reasons for the increasing conductivity value of white water. When inorganic salts accumulate to dynamic equilibrium, the increase amplitude of conductivity caused by inorganic salts does not exceed 5 % of the initial conductivity. Under the white water circulation, the polyelectrolytes formed by degradated starch are the main factor for the continuous increasing conductivity value of white water. The retention of starch, during the paper-making process, can be improved by adding in-situ generated aluminum hydroxide colloids and the polyelectrolytes from starch degradation in white water can also be adsorbed by aluminum hydroxide precipitates. The effects of soluble organic matter and dissolved inorganic matter on white water conductivity were revealed, and the formation pattern of conductivity value in the wet-end system of recycled pulp was derived. At the same time, methods for removing organic matter and polyelectrolytes were proposed. Both are helpful to improve the quality of white water for paper-making industry and reduce the pollution of the wastewater.

Исследование физико-механических свойств сгущенных хвостов обогащения и формируемого искусственного массива в выработанном пространстве карьера

The article presents the results of studying physical and mechanical properties of thickened concentration tailings, as well as regularities in their changes during the dumping process in mined-out spaces of open-pits. The necessity of experimental studies is explained by the existing discrepancy between the parameters of the artificial hydraulic deposition of soils and the design solutions, in particular, the spreading angles, the lack of a ponding zone created within the rock mass body, as well as the insignificant influence on the intakes of the dewatering plant. The following characteristics of the thickened tailings that define the parameters of the hydraulic deposition technology and the artificial massif formed inside the pit at the design stage were taken as the research objects: density, mineral density, absolute and relative moisture content, storactivity, viscosity, shear stress, flowing angle, and water conductivity. These characteristics were tested using conventional methods. Representative samples were collected at the discharge points of the thickened tailings in the open pit and directly at the discharge point of the thickener No.2 at the paste thickening plant. It was established that as the thickened tailings are transported to the place of their deposition inside the open pit, no changes take place in their density, moisture content, and water conductivity, but the rheological properties, such as viscosity, shear stress, angle of spreading undergo a significant change, which should be taken into account in design solutions. Being familiar with the technology of thickening, transportation and storage of paste mixtures in open-pit mines allows us to consider the mechanical impact on the pulp flocculi and their destruction, consisting in the rupture of the macromolecules, as the main cause of changes in the structure and properties of the thickened tailings.

Water flow in two Cactaceae species: standardization of the method and test under different drought conditions

AbstractInvestigating water flow in the vascular system of plants is important to identify the water path and conduction capacity of different plant species, mainly in succulent species living in dry regions. This study aimed to standardize a method to track water flow in the xylem of Mammillaria bocasana and Echinocereus reichenbachii var. fitchii (Cactaceae) and test it under different drought conditions. The plants were kept under greenhouse conditions to perform the split root method, water flow tracing, and different drought treatments. The plants of each species were separated into three treatments: constant irrigation, drought with water and dye, and drought with dye. Plants were cut 24 h after staining, total and lumen diameters were taken, and the relative theoretical hydraulic conductivity was calculated. The absorption method was adequate for the tracing of water flow, and it worked in all the treatments of the drought experiment. Conducting elements, including wide-band tracheids, were stained violet and were located near the vascular cambium. In Mammillaria bocasana, half of the vascular cylinder was stained, while in Echinocereus reichenbachii var. fitchii, the entire cylinder was stained due to the cortical bundles. M. bocasana had a higher lumen diameter and relative theoretical hydraulic conductivity than E. reichenbachii var. fitchii. With the absorption staining method, the flow of water was traced, and differences in conduction under water stress conditions between the two species of cacti were detected. These results suggest that cacti species living under water stress solve the water movement in different ways.

The PDI model system for parameterizing soil hydraulic properties

AbstractThe Peters–Durner–Iden (PDI) model system for describing soil hydraulic properties (SHP) has been developed over a decade. Inspired by Rien van Genuchten's seminal work, the PDI system focuses on an efficient and simple parameterization of water retention curves and hydraulic conductivity curves (HCC) across the entire soil moisture spectrum. By combining capillary and non‐capillary components for water retention and conductivity, it aims to reconcile mathematical simplicity and insights on water adsorption and film flow in soils. Recent developments have reduced the number of free parameters of the conductivity model to zero, enhancing the model's applicability in cases of limited data availability. The first reduction was achieved by a prediction of absolute non‐capillary conductivity based on the consideration of film and corner flow on the pore scale, and the second by a prediction of absolute capillary conductivity by a capillary bundle model. This allows a complete characterization of SHP over the entire moisture range with only four retention curve parameters. The inclusion of a maximum pore size in the capillary conductivity model prevents an unrealistic drop of the HCC near saturation. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the PDI model system, emphasizing its conceptual features and mathematical details. An Excel sheet and a Python code stored in a repository are provided for accessibility.

Non-destructive strategy to extract sustainable helix and high-strength Musa core fibers for rapid water conduction and evaporation

The reuse and development of natural waste resources is a hotspots and challenges in the research of new fiber materials and the resolution of environmental concern globally. Herein, this study aimed to develop a simple and direct manual extraction process to extract Musa core fibers (MCFs) for rapid water conduction and evaporation. Through simple processes such as ring cutting and stretching, this green and non-destructive inside-out extraction strategy enabled Musa fibers to be naturally and harmlessly degummed from natural Musa stems, with good maintenance of the fiber structure and highly helical morphology. The extracted fibers are composed of regularly and closely arranged cellulose nanofibrils in the shape of ribbon spirally arranged multi-filaments, and the single filament is about 2.65 μm. The high-purity fibers exhibit ultra-high tensile strength under a non-destructive extraction process, and the ultimate tensile strength in dry state is as high as 742.95 MPa. The tensile strength is affected by the number of fiber bundles, which shows that tensile strength and tensile modulus is higher than those of vascular bundle fibers in dry or wet condition. In addition, the MCFs membrane indicates good water conductivity, with a water absorption height of 50 mm for the sample in only 60 s. Moreover, the water evaporation rate of MCFs reaches 1.37 kg m−2 h−1 in 30 min, which shows that MCFs have excellent water conductivity and evaporation rate compared with ordinary cotton fibers. These results indicate that MCFs have great potential in replacing the use of chemical methods to extract fibers from vascular bundles, providing an effective way to achieve sustainability in quick-drying applications, as well as in the sustainable development of natural waste resources.

Thermal transport of confined water molecules in quasi-one-dimensional nanotubes

Dimensions and molecular structures play pivotal roles in the principle of heat conduction. The dimensional characteristics of a solution within nanoscale systems depend on the degrees of confinement. However, the influence of such variations on heat transfer remains inadequately understood. Here, we perform quasi-one-dimensional non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations to calculate the thermal conductivity of water molecules confined in carbon nanotubes. The structure of water molecules is determined depending on the nanotube radius, forming a single-file, a single-layer, and a double-layer structure, corresponding to an increasing radius order. We reveal that the thermal conductivity of liquid water has a sublinear dependency on nanotube length exclusively when water molecules form a single file. A stronger confinement leads to behavioral and structural characteristics closely resembling a one-dimensional nature. Moreover, single-layer-structured water molecules exhibit enhanced thermal conductivity. We elucidate that this is due to the increase in the local water density and the absence of transitions to another layer, which typically occurs in systems with double-layer water structures within relatively large radius nanotubes.

Influence of the alcohol and water grades on surfactant-free colloidal syntheses of gold nanoparticles in alkaline water-alcohol mixtures

To make the most of the unique properties of nanomaterials, and to bridge the gap between fundamental and applied research, controlled, green, cheap and energy efficient syntheses of nanoparticles are required. In this respect, room and low temperature surfactant-free colloidal syntheses of nanoparticles obtained in low viscosity and low boiling point solvents, without additives or nature-derived extracts, are promising to develop more active (electro)catalysts. Recently, a room temperature synthesis of surfactant-free gold nanoparticles has been documented (Chem. Mater. 2023, 35, 5, 2173) that requires only water, a base such as NaOH, an alcohol and HAuCl4. Unfortunately, the syntheses of nanomaterials are often sensitive to multiple parameters and it is well acknowledged that reproducibility is a general challenge in the chemical sciences, where the synthesis of nanomaterials is no exception. Here, we investigate the effect of the water conductivity and solvent grade on the surfactant-free low temperature (ca. 30 °C) synthesis of colloidal gold nanoparticles obtained in alkaline mixtures of ethanol and water. The synthesis can be performed with relatively low-grade ethanol but requires high purity water. The importance of water with low conductivity is also stressed for syntheses where ethylene glycol and glycerol are used as source of reducing agents. The results of this study over 100 samples pave the way to greener, more controlled and scalable syntheses of surfactant-free gold nanomaterials.

Electrosensory and metabolic responses of weakly electric fish to changing water conductivity.

Weakly electric gymnotiform fishes use self-generated electric organ discharges (EODs) to navigate and communicate. The electrosensory range for these processes is a function of EOD amplitude, determined by the fish's electric organ (EO) output and the electrical conductivity of the surrounding water. Anthropogenic activity, such as deforestation, dams and industrial/agricultural runoff, are known to increase water conductivity in neotropical habitats, likely reducing the electrosensory range of these fish. We investigated whether fish modulate EO output as means of re-expanding electrosensory range after a rapid increase in water conductivity in the pulse-type Brachyhypopomus gauderio and the wave-type Eigenmannia virescens. Furthermore, because EOD production incurs significant metabolic costs, we assessed whether such compensation is associated with an increase in metabolic rate. Following the conductivity increase, B. gauderio increased EOD amplitude by 20.2±4.3% over 6days but with no associated increase in metabolic rate, whereas the EOD amplitude of E. virescens remained constant, accompanied by an unexpected decrease in metabolic rate. Our results suggest that B. gauderio uses a compensation mechanism that requires no metabolic investment, such as impedance matching, or a physiological trade-off wherein energy is diverted from other physiological processes to increase EO output. These divergent responses between species could be the result of differences in reproductive life history or evolutionary adaptations to different aquatic habitats. Continued investigation of electrosensory responses to changing water conditions will be essential for understanding the effects of anthropogenic disturbances on gymnotiforms, and potential physiological mechanisms for adapting to a rapidly changing aquatic environment.

Transpiration-Inspired Fabric Dressing for Acceleration Healing of Wound Infected with Biofilm.

In chronic wound management, efficacious handling of exudate and bacterial infections stands as a paramount challenge. Here a novel biomimetic fabric, inspired by the natural transpiration mechanisms in plants, is introduced. Uniquely, the fabric combines a commercial polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with asymmetrically grown 1Drutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) micro/nanostructures, emulating critical plant features: hierarchically porous networks and hydrophilic water conduction channels. This structure endows the fabric with exceptional antigravity wicking-evaporation performance, evidenced by a 780% one-way transport capability and a 0.75g h-1 water evaporation rate, which significantly surpasses that of conventional moisture-wicking textiles. Moreover, the incorporated 1D rutile TiO2 micro/nanostructures present solar-light induced antibacterial activity, crucial for disrupting and eradicating wound biofilms. The biomimetic transpiration fabric is employed to drain exudate and eradicate biofilms in Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)-infected wounds, demonstrating a much faster infection eradication capability compared to clinically common ciprofloxacin irrigation. These findings illuminate the path for developing high-performance, textile-based wound dressings, offering efficient clinical platforms to combat biofilms associated with chronic wounds.

Electrodeposition Fabrication of La-Doped NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide to Improve Conductivity for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Electrodeposition Fabrication of La-Doped NiFe Layered Double Hydroxide to Improve Conductivity for Efficient Overall Water Splitting

Root-based solar interfacial evaporation setup for efficient volumetric reduction of concentrated slurry waste

Although solar interfacial evaporation stands as a promising application for seawater desalination, it has been scarcely studied for volumetric reduction of particle-containing wastewater. Taking inspiration from trees, this work presents a novel approach of root-based solar-interfacial evaporation for accelerated drying of slurries. By varying the total surface area of the roots, the water conduction rate was maximized under different intensities of solar radiation. The optimal setup displayed a high evaporation rate of 1.15 kg/(m2h1) under 1 sun irradiation. Additionally, the evaporator dried the slurry to 75 wt% solid concentration at this high evaporation rate. The setup could remove water further till solid concentration above 90 wt% in a total 40-h duration. The decrease in slurry evaporation rates observed at higher solid concentration was attributed to the break-up of continuous water capillary bridges present between the particles in the slurries. Long duration evaporation experiments for over 100 h of continuous operation displayed 75 % evaporation efficiency, underlining the feasibility of this setup for long-term usage. Large-scale outdoor experiments, scaling to 625 cm2, exhibited high evaporation rates comparable to the smaller setups, confirming the feasibility of this setup for large-scale volumetric reduction.

Patterns in abundance, size and space‐use of Giant Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) in a temperate marine protected area

Abstract Marine Protected Areas limit fishing to protect a broad range of species and enhance biodiversity. Consequently, closures may not benefit species equally and species‐specific assessments are required to determine the impact of closures. Relative abundance and size of Giant Mud Crab (Scylla serrata) was compared across no‐take and fished zones in Port Stephens‐Great Lakes Marine Park, on the temperate east coast of Australia (32.45°S). In addition, passive acoustic telemetry was used to estimate daily space‐use areas. Similar abundances were observed between no‐take and fished zones; however certain no‐take sites had higher abundances than others. In addition, crabs were 9.9 mm larger in no‐take zones on average. Daily crab space‐use varied widely (~4 to 1000 m2), and generally increased with water temperature and conductivity. These patterns indicate that recruitment processes interact with marine park protection to shape crab abundances across estuaries. However no‐take zoning appears to primarily limit fishing mortality on legal size crabs (i.e., carapace length >85 mm) resulting in larger crabs within no‐take zones. This may mean no‐take zones enhance reproductive output of crab populations since larger individuals are likely to be more fecund.