Sulfur vacancy-rich MoS2 nanoflowers as electron shuttles boost Fe(VI) activation for efficient micropollutant degradation.

This study investigates the relationship between water governance and agricultural water productivity in two irrigation systems, qanat and well-based farming, in Sabzevar County, Iran. The study is based on cross-sectional field survey data collected from 202 farmers using a structured questionnaire grounded in internationally recognized water governance frameworks. A multistage random sampling approach was applied. Water governance was operationalized as a multidimensional index consisting of eight components. Physical water productivity (crop yield per cubic meter of water, kg·m⁻³) and economic water productivity (net economic return per cubic meter of water, IRR·m⁻³) were calculated for three major crops (wheat, barley, and cotton). Descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests, and multiple linear regression models were employed for data analysis. The results show that overall water governance is at a moderate level, with relatively higher performance in consensus-building and responsibility, and lower performance in accountability, transparency, and equity-related dimensions. Water productivity was significantly higher in qanat-based systems compared to well-based systems for both physical and economic indicators, with larger differences observed in economic productivity. Correlation analysis indicates a positive association between water governance and water productivity, stronger for economic productivity (r = 0.258, p < 0.01) than for physical productivity (r = 0.162, p < 0.05). Regression results further confirm that governance is positively associated with economic water productivity after controlling for socio-economic and farm-level variables. The findings highlight the importance of strengthening formal water governance institutions, particularly in accountability, transparency, and equity, while leveraging existing social capital and traditional irrigation systems. Rehabilitation and sustainable management of qanat systems are suggested as complementary strategies for improving agricultural water efficiency and reducing pressure on groundwater resources. This study contributes to the literature by providing comparative empirical evidence on governance-productivity linkages in traditional and modern irrigation systems in arid regions.

Under the impacts of global warming and the frequent occurrence of extreme climate events, the adaptability issue between water resources and land resources has become increasingly severe, which has affected the sustainable development of regional territorial space. Particularly in ecologically fragile areas, this mismatch problem is further amplified, leading to reduce cropland productivity, decrease efficiency of water and land resource utilization, and weaken ecological environment carrying capacity. Consequently, this has hindered regional sustainable development and food security. Therefore, based on the objective of maximizing ecological-economic-social (EES) benefits, this study constructed a multi-objective optimal allocation model of water and land resources for the Western Jilin Province (WJP). The third-generation Non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-III) was adopted to solve the model, thereby obtaining optimal allocation schemes of water and land resources under different objectives conditions. The results indicated that: (1) Multi-objective collaborative optimization was an effective approach to achieve regional sustainable development. The scenario of synergistic optimization of EES objectives can realize the improvement of economic benefits and social benefits while minimizing the reduction of ecological benefits (0.10%), reflecting the advantage of "synergistic enhancement" among the objectives. (2) Under the scenario of collaborative optimization of EES objectives, the optimal results of water and land resources demonstrated the potential for coordinated development of ecological restoration and agricultural production in the WJP. (3) A comparison of the data from various districts and counties of WJP before and after optimization highlights the necessity of differentiated resource allocation schemes, and the final optimization results also showed significant ecological restoration potential.

ABSTRACT The Kappel propeller has attracted considerable attention for its favorable hydrodynamic performance, yet further efficiency improvement under complex marine conditions remains challenging. This paper proposes a parameterized modeling and multi-objective optimization framework for Kap-type propeller. The F-spline technique is used to reconstruct and control the three-dimensional blade geometry, while point cloud-baded reverse engineering and experimental data are employed to validate the modeling and numercial simulation procedures. The results shows that the modified Kappel propeller improves propulsion efficiency by approximately 2.4%. Furthermore, an optimization framework coupling CFD with NSGA-II is established, with the thrust coefficient and open water efficiency as objective functions. Under the design condition, the optimized propeller increases open water efficiency by 3.62% and thrust coefficient by 6.51%. The proposed method effectively improves propulsive performance and provides a technicial reference for the parametric design and optimization of marine propellers.

Reliable path planning for ship collision avoidance remains challenging in complex maritime environments with dense traffic. This study proposes a novel approach that integrates Belief-Rule-Based (BRB) reasoning with the Velocity Obstacle (VO) algorithm for multi-ship encounter scenarios. First, the BRB framework groups ships with similar movement trends and close proximity, reducing both the number of avoidance targets and decision-making complexity. Based on the grouping results, the safety domain radius for individual ships and ship groups is set proportionally to ship length. Subsequently, the VO algorithm generates safe and feasible avoidance trajectories toward the goal. The method was tested in two scenarios, showing improved navigational safety and operational efficiency in congested waters. This work provides a foundation for intelligent decision-making in maritime safety management and supports sustainable development in the shipping industry.

Mass transport limitations at high current densities hinder polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) performance due to inefficient water management and reactant distribution. Gas diffusion layer (GDL) perforation offers a potential solution as an alternative to complex flow-field modifications. However, understanding of how perforation impacts critical internal states like water distribution, local temperature and electrochemical reaction rates remains limited. This knowledge gap has prevented optimisation of GDL designs, with homogeneous patterns potentially exacerbating performance gradients. This study uses operando neutron imaging combined with synchronous thermal-electrical mapping to analyse water dynamics and their impact on PEFC performance with both homogeneous and heterogeneous GDLs. The approach enables detailed analysis of interactions between water, heat and electrochemical reactions, providing experimental validation beyond limited field-of-view techniques like X-ray tomography. Results demonstrate that a spatially tailored perforation pattern effectively balances in-plane saturation gradients and enhances peak power compared to both uniform patterns and non-perforated GDLs. This work establishes spatial engineering as a design principle for porous transport layers, offering a simpler and cost-effective solution to mass transport constraints in fuel cells and other electrochemical devices containing porous media.

The oxygen evolution reaction (OER), characterized by sluggish kinetics, severely restricts the energy conversion efficiency in electrocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production. Utilizing the photothermal effect to generate a localized thermal field presents a highly effective strategy for addressing this limitation. Herein, a novel OER electrocatalyst with photothermal function, the heterostructured metal-organic complex/alloy/nitride (NiFe-MOC/Ni3Fe/Ni4N), was developed through a simple microwave assisted method. The introduction of Fe3+ can establish a distinctive amorphous/crystalline heterostructure to regulate the catalyst's electronic configuration, optimize the adsorption characteristics of reaction intermediates, and significantly boost its photothermal effect. Under near-infrared light irradiation, the NiFe-MOC/Ni3Fe/Ni4N achieves 1000mAcm-2 with a low overpotential of only 311mV. Moreover, when utilized as an anode catalyst in an anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzer integrated with the photothermal function, this electrocatalyst can enable the electrolyzer to attain approximately 57% energy savings in comparison with the conventional AEM electrolyzer. This work not only offers a highly efficient OER electrocatalyst but also provides fundamental understanding regarding the improvement of the energy conversion efficiency of electrocatalytic water splitting through the integration of the photothermal function.

Tuning the interface of graphite felt-supported NiCo composites for superior electrocatalytic degradation of pharmaceutical pollutants.

This study quantified water-use metrics under five sustained container capacity (CC) levels (100%, 85%, 70%, 55%, and 40%) during greenhouse production of Petunia milliflora F1 (Picobella Pink) production. Total irrigation input and leachate volumes were measured weekly, and plant growth and quality parameters were measured at harvest. Plant size declined gradually with decreasing CC; however, flower coverage was unaffected. Irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE; grams of dry biomass per volume of water) increased as CC decreased; highest IWUE was observed at 40%. No leachate was recovered at 55% and 40% throughout the experiment. Irrigation input and leachate volumes were significantly reduced at 70% and 55% while maintaining marketable quality, suggesting a practical balance between water conservation and crop marketability. Although the greatest IWUE occurred at 40% CC, the reduction in plant size at 40% limits the practical application of this irrigation strategy for commercial production.

Recycling-oriented food production system highlights enhanced coupling of water, energy and food efficiencies

ABSTRACT Rural youths constitute a large section of Ghana’s population and are continually encouraged to pursue natural resource-based and climate-dependent livelihood activities through national policies and international development programs. However, their engagement in these activities increases their vulnerability to climate change and variability. This study examined rural youths’ perceptions of climate variability, their adaptation strategies, and barriers faced in implementing these strategies. Data was collected from 197 rural youths in the Ajumako Enyan Essiam District of Ghana through surveys. An ordered probit model was used to analyze the determinants of youths’ perceptions of climate variability. A Relative Importance Index was used to rank preferred adaptation measures, while a Problem Confrontation Index identified the barriers to adaptation. The findings reveal that rural youths perceive climate variability as leading to increased rainfall intensity and temperature levels, yet they do not associate extreme weather events with climate variability. Their highest-ranked adaptation strategies include energy efficiency, protection of water resources, and water efficiency. However, they face barriers, such as lack of commitment and unfavorable attitudes, inadequate machinery and equipment, and limited government support. Rural youths acknowledge climate variability and demonstrate preferences for adaptive strategies, but structural and institutional barriers hinder their implementation. Addressing these challenges is crucial for enhancing climate resilience among rural youth populations. This study contributes to the existing literature by providing insights into rural youths’ perspectives on climate adaptation in Ghana. It highlights the necessity of integrating youth-specific considerations into climate and development policies to foster sustainable livelihood opportunities and climate resilience.

Traditionally, the efficiency of water flooding for oilrecoveryhas been attributed to whether the formation is “water-wet”(hydrophilic) or “oil-wet” (oleophilic). However, waterflooding is fundamentally a process in which the aqueous phase displacesthe oil phase from the rock surface, involving the replacement ofthe “oil-rock” interface with a “water-rock”interface. This process is closely related to the under-oil–waterwettability of the rock surface. In this study, alkoxysilane modificationwas used to regulate rock surfaces, achieving three wetting states:under-oil hydrophilic (under-oil–water contact angle of 34.9°),under-oil neutral (under-oil–water contact angle of 92.4°),and under-oil hydrophobic (under-oil–water contact angle of129.2°). The simulated water flooding and spontaneous imbibitionexperiments demonstrate that enhancing the under-oil hydrophilicityof rock significantly improves both water flooding oil recovery andimbibition recovery. Water flooding results show that, compared tountreated natural cores, the oil recovery of under-oil hydrophiliccores increased by 10.5%, with a corresponding reduction in displacementpressure of 1.4 MPa. In contrast, under-oil hydrophobic cores exhibiteda 13.7% decrease in recovery and a 1.3 MPa increase in pressure. Spontaneousimbibition tests revealed that under-oil hydrophilic cores achievedan imbibition recovery of 34.02%, whereas under-oil hydrophobic coresshowed almost no effective oil production via imbibition. It alsoconfirms that it is not the overall water or oil wettability (in air)of the rock surface but the under-oil–water wettability thatdetermines the efficiency of water flooding. These findings can provideinsightful guidance for searching for more efficient water floodingmethods.

Magnetization of irrigation water has gained increasing attention in agriculture. Salinity stress markedly decreases caraway growth and productivity. This study aimed to determine the optimal irrigation approach using magnetic water technology for improving caraway genotype efficiency, yield, and irrigation water productivity (IWP). This investigation was conducted at the Wadi El-Natrun Research Station, under the auspices of the Water Management Research Institute, National Water Research Center, Egypt. This study included four treatments, using magnetic and non-magnetic water, applied under two different drip irrigation systems (surface and subsurface). The findings indicated that in the absence of magnetic treatment, EC values increased after irrigation at all soil depths. In contrast, the use of magnetized water consistently reduced irrigation requirements in both surface (SDI) and subsurface (SSDI) drip systems, with reductions of 619 and 681 m³/ha, respectively. Furthermore, magnetized water increased IWP by approximately 16% and 14% under SDI in the 1st and 2nd seasons, respectively, compared to non-magnetized treatments. SSDI with magnetized water also had a pronounced positive effect on overall caraway productivity per feddan, with average friut yield increasing by approximately 10.38% and essential oil yield rising by more than 24.56%. The benefit–cost ratio improved from 2.48 to 2.53 under SDI and from 2.54 to 2.62 under SSDI in the first season, highlighting increased economic efficiency. These results underscore the potential of advanced magnetic technologies and modern irrigation practices in enhancing caraway performance under saline stress. Future studies will assess different magnetic field strengths, optimal exposure time, and the best placement of the magnetization unit to maximize water use efficiency.

Winter wheat production in the extremely arid oasis region of Xinjiang relies heavily on irrigation and fertilization, but conventional high-input management can induce luxury transpiration and non-productive water consumption, limiting the coordinated improvement of grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE), and economic benefits. To identify the threshold at which water–fertilizer inputs shift from efficient use to inefficient water consumption and to define a robust management range, a two-year field experiment was conducted in southern Xinjiang during the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 growing seasons. Four irrigation levels, corresponding to 60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% of crop evapotranspiration (ETc), and four fertilization levels were established to evaluate the effects of water–fertilizer interactions on canopy development, leaf gas exchange, evapotranspiration, yield, WUE, and economic benefits. Appropriate water and nutrient supply promoted canopy establishment and maintained higher photosynthetic capacity, thereby increasing grain yield, WUE, and net return. However, excessive inputs weakened yield gains and failed to synchronously improve WUE and economic benefits. Linear plateau models revealed clear thresholds in both the crop-stand scale evapotranspiration (ET)–dry matter accumulation (DM) relationship and the leaf-scale transpiration rate (Tr)–net photosynthetic rate (Pn) relationship. The seasonal ET thresholds were 504.59 and 553.87 mm in the two growing seasons, respectively, and the Tr threshold was 4.83 mmol m−2 s−1. Beyond these thresholds, additional water consumption was not effectively converted into photosynthetic assimilation or biomass accumulation, indicating luxury transpiration. Year-specific response surface analysis and TOPSIS evaluation showed that I3F3, namely 100% ETc combined with 210–195–75 kg ha−1 N–P2O5–K2O, together with its adjacent range, sustained high grain yield, WUE, and economic benefits, with I3F3 achieving the best overall performance in both years. The intersection of the two-year high-performance regions further defined a robust interannual feasible range with an irrigation amount of 506.21–545.09 mm and a total fertilizer input of 369.54–628.33 kg ha−1. Overall, maintaining water and fertilizer inputs within the I3F3-adjacent range can reduce non-productive water consumption and luxury transpiration risk while synergistically improving grain yield, WUE, and economic benefits in winter wheat.

Interconnected factors, including improper water resource management and climate change, escalated with rapid population growth, are worsening the global water crisis. This study bridges human-environment interactions through water performance indicators to transform complex problems into manageable information if implemented within organized frameworks. The DPSIR framework (Drivers, Pressures, State, Impacts, Responses), coupled with detailed causal relationships, can demonstrate pressures of human activities on ecosystems, impacts of changing state, and prompt responses to restore and enhance sustainability by reducing stressors. The indicators that measure different attributes of water resources systems help in understanding the interactions and their dynamics. This study utilizes key indicators, including water stress, productivity, and efficiency, to assess various aspects of water resource sustainability in the Kor-Sivand River Basin, Iran, as a region facing severe water scarcity challenges. The Principal Component Analysis (PCA) method is utilized to develop a composite indicator, avoiding redundant indicators while reducing complexity. Findings demonstrate growing socioeconomic drivers and pressures; the system state undergoes unstable water demands, and subsequent cascading impacts make the system respond inversely. The system's behavior at a critical tipping point in the year 2008, coinciding with severe drought and dam impoundment, reveals the effects of human-environment interactions. This transferable methodological framework can be readily adapted to other water-stressed regions worldwide, providing a replicable template for informing sustainable water governance and diagnosing human-water interactions. The findings directly inform progress toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, by providing diagnostic tools for water stress assessment and management, supporting targets related to water-use efficiency (Target 6.4), water quality improvement (Target 6.3), and integrated water resources management (Target 6.5). The framework also holds relevance to SDG 14 through the effects of terrestrial water management decisions on downstream marine systems.

Population growth and climate change demand technologies for the efficient use of water in agriculture. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize hybrid hydrogels of polyacrylamide and white angico gum (Anadenanthera colubrina), reinforced with kaolinitic clay and soapstone, for potential application as soil conditioners and nutrient carriers. The hydrogels were obtained via radical polymerization, followed by alkaline hydrolysis (0.1 mol L−1 NaOH) to convert amide groups into carboxylates. The results indicated that the HPAD formulation [constituted by white angico gum (1:1); 5% (w/w) kaolin and 5% (w/w) steatite (soapstone)] presented the best balance, with a maximum compressive force greater than 200 N, thermal stability up to 310 °C, and a swelling capacity of 60 g/g in saline medium, surpassing the limits of viability for use in soil. The kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and the point of zero charge (pH 9.0–11.7) favored phosphate retention. It is concluded that the HPAD hydrogel, one of several hydrogel formulations developed in this study, is a viable and safe technical alternative, with non-toxicity exceeding 80% in Artemia salina assays and capable of optimizing water and nutrient efficiency in agricultural systems.

Abstract Sorghum is a resilient crop of great agricultural importance, notable for its high efficiency in water and energy use. However, factors such as low soil nutrient availability and abiotic stresses can limit its productive potential. In this context, plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) have proven to be sustainable alternatives as they can stimulate crop growth through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and tolerance to adverse stresses. This study aimed to conduct a bibliometric analysis with a narrative synthesis of scientific production on the use of PGPB in sorghum cultivation between 2014 and 2024. To this end, a search for scientific articles was conducted in the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The bibliographic data were refined and analyzed in the R software using the Bibliometrix package. It was possible to identify the main authors, institutions, journals, keywords, and scientific collaboration networks. An increase was observed in global scientific production, with Brazil and the United States of America standing out as leaders in publications. The research mainly addressed the effects of PGPB on sorghum growth, BNF, and mitigation of abiotic stresses, such as drought and heavy metal contamination. The use of PGPB was also related to phytoremediation, standing out as a strategy for environmental recovery and increased agricultural productivity. These results contribute to understanding trends and advances in the application of PGPB in sorghum cultivation, as well as providing subsidies for future research.

Sustainable agriculture requires careful evaluation of crop production materials, such as conventional mulching films, which improve yields and water efficiency but raise concerns related to waste, emissions, and supply chains. Assessing sustainable alternatives is therefore essential. This study compares the environmental life cycle impacts (LCA) and social impacts (S-LCA) of three agricultural mulching films: PLA-based, PBAT-based, and conventional LDPE film. The environmental assessment reflects conditions relevant to Lithuania, while the social assessment considers production contexts in Lithuania, Poland, and China. Results show that the highest environmental impacts occur during plastic granulate production, with PBAT generating 7.3 kg CO2eq, compared to 1.9 kg CO2eq for LDPE and 1.8 kg CO2eq for PLA (IPCC 100a method). Social risk analysis indicates that the main risks are associated with petroleum-based materials and, in the case of PLA, corn cultivation. PBAT-based films show the highest overall environmental impact; however, their ability to degrade in soil reduces the need for collection and transport. In contrast, LDPE films require removal and waste management but may offer more favorable outcomes when managed efficiently. Overall, while bioplastics involve diverse raw materials and energy-intensive production, conventional plastics may still provide lower environmental impacts under certain conditions.

In the ultra-high water cut stage, unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs suffer from severe reservoir property time-variation, streamline solidification, and inefficient water circulation. To tackle these problems, this study takes Chengdao Oilfield Block 1G as an example and establishes a dynamic geological model considering permeability time-varying characteristics based on logging, core, and production data. The flow field intensity index and streamline solidification rate are introduced to quantitatively characterize the preferential flow channels and high water-consumption zones. Results show that long-term water flooding increases the average permeability by 26.88% and expands the interlayer permeability ratio from 10.33 to 19.00. The streamline solidification rate reaches 75%, forming obvious “short-circuit” circulation. Three remaining oil enrichment patterns are identified, which are mainly controlled by sedimentary microfacies, structural highs, and well pattern control. A differential regulation strategy including 3D well pattern reconstruction and streamline diversion is proposed. Field prediction indicates that the cumulative incremental oil can reach 410,000 tons and the recovery factor is enhanced by 1.3%. This study not only reveals the dynamic evolution mechanism of flow field under water-rock coupling effects but also provides a practical technical system for flow field regulation and remaining oil tapping in similar offshore ultra-high water-cut unconsolidated sandstone reservoirs.

Healthcare facilities constitute significant contributors to environmental degradation through substantial energy consumption, waste generation, and resource utilization. Green hospital frameworks address these challenges by promoting sustainable methodologies encompassing efficient waste management, energy conservation, water efficiency, and environmentally responsible infrastructure development. This review examines the influence of green hospital frameworks upon healthcare quality, with particular attention to patient safety, operational efficiency, and staff welfare.A narrative review methodology was employed, encompassing analysis of peer-reviewed publications, policy documents, and relevant literature concerning sustainability initiatives within hospital environments. The findings indicate that the adoption of green hospital practices yields measurable improvements in indoor air quality, reduces exposure to hazardous substances, and cultivates therapeutic environments conducive to patient recovery and staff health. Enhanced resource efficiency and reduced operational expenditures facilitate improved financial allocation toward direct healthcare services. Furthermore, superior working conditions contribute to increased staff satisfaction and productivity, thereby augmenting the overall quality of healthcare delivery. Nevertheless, several impediments to implementation persist, including considerable initial capital requirements, limited awareness among stakeholders, and insufficient governmental support. Successful adoption necessitates institutional commitment, comprehensive personnel training, and strategic long-term planning. The sustained integration of sustainability principles within healthcare systems will require strengthened regulatory frameworks and enhanced organizational preparedness.In conclusion, green hospital frameworks serve a critical function in advancing environmental sustainability while concurrently elevating healthcare standards. Their effective implementation depends upon coordinated efforts across institutional, educational, and policy domains.