Water Regulation Research Articles

FORMATION OF THE WATER REGIME OF THE SOIL ON DRAINED LANDS IN MODERN CLIMATE CONDITIONS

The results of analytical and field studies of the influence of modern climatic conditions on the formation of the soil water regime on drained lands are presented. It has been determined that an increase in air temperature and uneven distribution, changes in the nature, intensity, and structure of precipitation, and an increase in the number of cases of heavy rainfall, which are local during the warm period of the year, do not allow for the effective accumulation of moisture in the soil. The formation of new conditions for the cultivation of crops and changes in the directions of the use of drained lands requires expanding the functional tasks of drainage systems and improving the efficiency of water regulation on drained lands. Due to the discrepancy between the technological integrity embedded in the existing drainage systems at the stage of their design, the technical and technological capabilities of the systems, and the modern infrastructure of the users of drained lands, operational management of the technological processes of water regulation and maintenance of the optimal water regime of the soil is not ensured today.
 Studies at production sites on drainage systems typical for the drainage reclamation zone have established that carrying out a set of works to restore the channels of the open and collector-drainage network to design indicators, repairing and equipping hydraulic structures, the presence on the drainage systems of the possibility of water accumulation and the use of irrigation systems (drum-type sprinkler), made it possible to regulate the water regime of the soil and maintain humidity in the active soil layer within the limits close to optimal during the growing season. By regulating the groundwater level, the increase in the yield of crops was: spring wheat - by 19,8%, oats - by 26,5%, corn for grain - by 24,6%, and soybeans - by 48,0%. The cost of the increase in yield obtained by the water regime regulation during the study period averaged: spring wheat – 5,1 thousand UAH, oats – 4,8 thousand UAH, corn for grain – 12,9 thousand UAH, soybeans – 16,0 thousand UAH for 1 hectare. Information materials on the influence of modern climatic conditions on the formation of the soil water regime on reclaimed lands were obtained, which serve as the basis for the development of a methodology for substantiating the parameters for managing the soil water regime on reclaimed lands, taking into account the peculiarities of its formation under modern economic conditions and climate change.

Time-Lagged Response of Streamflow in the Lower Yellow River to the Water Regulation by Xiaolangdi Reservoir: Implication for Efficient Water Supply

The Lower Yellow River (LYR) is a vital water resource for agriculture, industry, and domestic use in the surrounding areas. Understanding the delayed response of local streamflow response to remote reservoir operations is crucial for effective water management and flood control. In this work, we utilize historical hydrological data and statistical analysis techniques to investigate the time-lagged response of streamflow in the LYR to water regulation by the Xiaolangdi Reservoir. The results demonstrate that there is a time lag of 1.98 days, 2.86 days, and 3.93 days between the record of water regulation at Xiaolangdi Reservoir and the arrival time at Gaocun, Aishan, and Lijin stations, respectively. Time lag correction is proven to be crucial when establishing the relationship between the daily streamflows in the LYR and those at Xiaolangdi station. Further analysis reveals that the travel distance of streamflow is the dominant factor determining the lag time, with a time lag coefficient of 0.57 days per hundred kilometers. It is expected that the findings in this study could offer a fundamental basis for decision-makers in water resource management.

Agroforestry and Its Potential for Sustainable Land Management and Climate Action: A Review

Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs with crops and/or livestock, stands as a pivotal strategy in sustainable land management and climate action. This review synthesizes current knowledge and practices of agroforestry, focusing on its diverse systems, contributions to sustainable land management, role in climate change mitigation and adaptation, and the challenges and future prospects, with a special emphasis on the Indian context. Agroforestry systems, classified into silvopastoral, agrosilvicultural, and silvoarable, along with specialized practices like alley cropping and forest farming, demonstrate significant adaptability across various climatic and geographical regions. These systems have shown promising results globally, evident in case studies highlighting their effectiveness in different environmental settings. In the realm of sustainable land management, agroforestry is instrumental in soil conservation, enhancing soil fertility, and nutrient cycling. It also plays a critical role in biodiversity conservation and the enhancement of ecosystem services, such as water regulation and pollination. Socioeconomically, agroforestry contributes to improving livelihoods and economic resilience, as demonstrated in various local community case studies. In addressing climate change, agroforestry systems are notable for their carbon sequestration capabilities. Compared to traditional agricultural practices, these systems exhibit a higher potential for carbon storage, both above and below ground. They also enhance resilience to climate extremes, offering adaptive strategies for farmers and communities facing climatic variability. Policy and global initiatives increasingly recognize agroforestry's role in climate action, with international agreements and organizations fostering its integration into national policies. The implementation of agroforestry is not without challenges. Technical complexities, the need for site-specific knowledge, economic and policy barriers, and sociocultural factors pose significant hurdles. For India, a country with diverse agro-ecological zones, these challenges are coupled with opportunities for research, technological innovation, policy improvement, and global-local collaborations. The future prospects for agroforestry are vast, particularly in the Indian context, where it can significantly contribute to sustainable agriculture and rural development. Continued research, policy support, and collaborative efforts are essential to fully realize the potential of agroforestry in environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, and socioeconomic development.

Redox Behavior of Arsenic (III) and Copper (II) Mixtures on Ultraflat Au (111) Thin Film Electrodes

The electrochemical behavior of arsenic on gold (Au) electrodes surfaces is of great interest as As is well-recognized as a highly toxic and relatively ubiquitous ground water species. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standards for arsenic are 10 PPB, or 𝜇g L-1 [1]. These minute ion concentrations necessitate the use of analytical methods with high sensitivity and a low susceptibility to cross interferences. Electrochemical stripping voltammetry is a well-established electroanalytical method for arsenic ions [2]. Polycrystalline gold electrodes are often used due to their high redox stability and relatively low overpotential for hydrogen evolution. We recently explored the use of ultra-flat, thin film, Au(111) electrodes to replace polycrystalline Au for As stripping voltammetry. Previous studies on oriented single crystals showed relatively narrow stripping peaks with greatly improved peak to background ratios on the (111) surfaces [3]. We observed comparatively similar or better stripping behavior on the Au(111) thin film electrodes with correspondingly far less gold usage per electrode. Unfortunately, copper is a known interference for arsenic stripping electroanalysis, with a strong affinity for UPD deposition on gold. We therefore studied the deposition behavior of Cu on Au(111) thin film electrodes and the co- deposition of Cu and As on the Au(111) thin film electrodes to evaluate cross interference effects. Copper redox behavior in 0.5M H2SO4 was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electro- deposition and linear stripping voltammetry (LSV) measurements. Strong Cu UPD behavior was observed on Au(111) thin films with sharper, better defined redox peaks than polycrystalline electrodes. Arsenic and Cu ions were also co-deposited over a wide range of Cu (II) and As (III) concentrations. Complex redox behavior was observed with strong indications of Cu-As alloy formation. This was confirmed via angle resolved, X-ray Photoemission Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Our results also indicate that the electrodeposition efficiency during LSV of As is increased by the co-deposition of Cu. The results of this study have important implications for understanding the nature of Cu (II) interference with electrochemical detection of trace As (III) in water.[1] USEPA. National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations. 2009. https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water- regulations-and-contaminants (accessed.[2] USEPA. METHOD 7063: ARSENIC IN AQUEOUS SAMPLES AND EXTRACTSBY ANODIC STRIPPING VOLTAMMETRY (ASV). 1996.[3] Casuse-Driovínto, T. Q.; Rizo, R.; Benavidez, A.; Brearley, A. J.; Cerrato, J. M.; Garzon, F. H.; Herrero, E.; Feliu, J. M. Increased Sensitivity and Selectivity for As(III) Detection at the Au(111) Surface: Single Crystals and Ultraflat Thin Films Comparison. The Journal of Physical Chemistry C 2022, 126 (48), 20343-20353. DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c05541.

A Comparative Analysis of Kinnow Production in Rajasthan and Punjab

The study investigated Kinnow production in Sriganganagar, Rajasthan, and Fazilka, Punjab, using structured interviews with 480 Kinnow growers from 24 villages. It explored production practices, challenges, and opportunities in the 2020-21 crop year. Linear and exponential trend equations were used to analyze the secondary data. The area under Kinnow cultivation in Fazilka showed a strong linear trend with a high R2 value, while the Sriganganagar showed a weak linear trend with a low R2 value. Similarly, the production and productivity of Kinnow in Fazilka showed stronger trends than in Sriganganagar. The study suggested that the state should offer support and resources to tackle canal water pollution through treatment plants and sustainable practices. Rajasthan government should provide support and resources to farmers and follow Punjab's citrus estate model to boost production. Furthermore, Kinnow production can be encouraged by ensuring an uninterrupted regulation of irrigation water. The study recommended increasing water storage capacity in the established orchards for water management. Keywords: Constraints, growth rate, instability index, productivity. JEL Codes: C19, C33, C88.

Exploring the Cation Regulation Mechanism for Interfacial Water Involved in the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by In Situ Raman Spectroscopy

HighlightsIn situ Raman spectroscopy study of the cation regulation for interfacial water on Au@Pd core–shell nanoparticle surface during hydrogen evolution reaction process.Direct spectral evidence reveals new strategies to optimize the structure of interfacial water by the adjusting of radius and valence of the cation in the electrolyte.The optimized structure of interfacial water will improve the charge transfer efficiency between the water and electrode increasing the performance of the hydrogen evolution reaction.

Ground-Runoff Harvesting to Increase Water Availability in Isolated Households on Hilly Mediterranean Islands: A Case Study in a Micro-Catchment of Ibiza (Spain)

Mediterranean islands suffer from a lack of freshwater due to persistent and recursive droughts, limited groundwater availability and mass tourism. In Ibiza (Spain), private estates disconnected from the water distribution network consume about 21% of the total freshwater demand on the island. We conducted a study to evaluate the potential of ground-runoff harvesting (GRH) as a sustainable and inexpensive solution to increase freshwater availability in isolated households in Ibiza. The study involved an innovative modular tank of 40 m3 buried in the garden of a private property. The tank intercepted runoff forming in a 12,300 m2 hilly micro-catchment. We found that an extreme rainfall event with an intensity of 65 mm/h was able to create sufficient runoff to fill up the tank in one hour. A curve-number-based rainfall-runoff model was used to simulate the experimental results and to obtain a first-cut estimation of the potential of GRH at the scale of the island. The analysis indicates that, if installed in all forest areas in Ibiza with a similar slope to the study area, a volume of 1.31×106 m3 of freshwater could be harvested per year on the island just from extreme precipitation events. Such a volume of water is equivalent to about 5% of the island’s total freshwater budget. The study concludes that GRH is a highly valuable, yet still unexploited opportunity to save large freshwater volumes in dry-climate areas like Ibiza. GRH should be promoted across Mediterranean islands, and it can be easily incorporated within local water regulations.

Effects of water and fertilizer regulation on soil physicochemical properties, bacterial diversity and community structure of Panax notoginseng

Improper irrigation and fertilization can result in soil compaction, solidification, and acidification, consequently disrupting the equilibrium of the soil microbial community. The objective was to enhance the microbial environment in Panax notoginseng soil, augment bacterial diversity, increase community abundance, and establish a scientific and theoretical foundation for Panax notoginseng cultivation. Panax notoginseng field planting experiment was carried out from 2019 to 2021, involving two controlled variables: irrigation (W) and fertilizer application (F). Three irrigation levels were established, denoted as W1 (0.6 FC), W2 (0.75 FC), and W3 (0.9 FC). A total of 1440 kg•hm−2 of soluble organic fertilizer was applied throughout the entire growth cycle, with varying proportions allocated to each growth stage. Four fertilization levels were designated as F1 (rooting stage: seedling stage: flowering stage: fruiting stage = 25 %: 25 %: 25 %: 25 %), F2 (20 %: 25 %: 30 %: 25 %), F3 (15 %: 30 %: 30 %: 25 %), and F4 (10 %: 40 %: 20 %: 30 %), total 12 treatments. Non-irrigated and non-fertilized CK treatments were employed as control. Soil physicochemical attributes, bacterial diversity, community structure, and functional characteristics across various water and fertilizer treatments were comprehensively assessed utilizing the quotient-weighted TOPSIS method. The results showed that coupled irrigation and fertilization treatments had a significant impact on various soil parameters of Panax notoginseng, including total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, organic carbon, pH, water content, and bacterial alpha diversity (P < 0.05). Moreover, coupled irrigation and fertilization treatments had a highly significant influence on soil water content during the rooting stage, seedling stage, and fruiting stage (P < 0.01). Total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, water content, and pH emerged as the primary environmental factors significantly shaping the structure of the soil bacterial community. In the W2F4 treatment, soil total nitrogen, organic carbon content, pH, Chao1, Shannon index, and functional abundance in categories such as chemoheterotrophy, aerobic chemoheterotrophy, nitrogen fixation, nitrate reduction, nitrogen respiration, and nitrate respiration were notably higher compared to other water-fertilized treatments. Furthermore, the W2F4 treatment ranked first in the TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation. Consequently, the W2F4 treatment emerged as the optimal irrigation-fertilization strategy for enhancing soil microbial activity and fertility in Panax notoginseng cultivation. This study establishes a theoretical foundation for enhancing the microbiological environment of Panax notoginseng soils, augmenting soil bacterial diversity, increasing community abundance, and ultimately elevating soil fertility for the efficient and high-quality cultivation of Panax notoginseng.

Control System Design for Water Pump Activation in PLC-based Smart Hydroponic Design

Food security is one of the issues that is one of the concerns to the country government, and one of the independent efforts made by community on their awareness to meet and achieve food needs on a domestic scale in their respective households is through hydroponic for cultivation of vegetables. Hydroponics works by using water as growing medium instead of soil, however, the use of water as a planting medium requires special treatment thus the plants is able to grow optimally. To ensure that the air content in the water used as a hydroponic growing medium is properly available, a water regulation process is needed. The process of water regulation in the hydroponic system uses regulation of the activation of the water pump motor so that water can be regulated and electrical energy efficiency can still be achieved. This study aims to design and test a PLC-based automation system for the purposes of setting the activation of a water pump in a hydroponic system based on the sunlight conditions in the hydroponic installation being built. By using a light sensor (LDR) to measure the intensity of sunlight in the hydroponic system being built, the activation of the pump motor can be controlled through the use of a PLC device that processes the information obtained from the sensor used. The results of the tests carried out provide information that the designed system has proven effective for use in hydroponic systems with pump water regulation time from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM.

Response of water yield to silvicultural treatments in a temperate forest in northern Mexico

Forest management modifies tree cover, directly influencing various ecosystem services, such as water regulation. Evapotranspiration, water interception, surface runoff, stemflow, and throughfall are among those processes that depend on tree cover. The objective of this study was to evaluate the changes in water yield, defined as the difference between precipitation and evapotranspiration, after the application of silvicultural treatments in a temperate forest ecosystem in northern Mexico. Fifteen experimental plots were established in which the following treatments were applied: intensive management (clearcutting), semi-intensive management (selection, tree cutting of 59–61% of basal area), conservative management (selection, tree cutting of 29–31% of basal area), and no treatment (control group). Incident precipitation, throughfall, stemflow, net precipitation, interception, and surface runoff were analyzed. Results show that conservative management treatments increase water yield between 2 to 3.6 mm per m-2 ha-1 of tree basal area removed. Water flow distribution, in relation to the incident precipitation, ranged from 72.3 to 91.8% for throughfall, 0.2 to 0.4% for stemflow, 72.7 to 91.8% for net precipitation, 8.19 to 27.42% for interception or evaporation, and 0.54 to 1.93% for surface runoff. The conservative management treatment was the most viable alternative for increasing water yield without compromising timber harvesting and loss of soil due to hydric erosion.

Integrating impacts of climate change on aquatic environments in inter-basin water regulation: Establishing a critical threshold for best management practices

Inter-basin water diversion (IBWD) is a viable strategy to tackle water scarcity and quality degradation due to climate change and increasing water demand in headwaters regions. Nevertheless, the capacity of IBWD to mitigate the impacts of climate change on water quality has rarely been quantified, and the underlying processes are not well understood. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate how the IBWD manipulated total phosphorus (TP) loading dilution and conveying patterns under climate change and determine a critical threshold for the quantity of water entering downstream reservoirs (WIN) for operational scheduling. To resolve this issue, climate-driven hydrologic variability over a 60-year period was derived utilizing the least square fitting approach. Subsequently, six scenarios evaluating the response of in-lake TP concentrations (TPL) to increased temperatures and IBWDs of 50 %, 100 %, and 150 % from the baseline water volume in 2030 and 2050 were studied by employing a calibrated hydrological-water quality model (SWAT-YRWQM). In the next stage, three datasets derived from mathematical statistics based on the observed data, the Vollenweider formula, and modeled projections were integrated to formulate best management practices. The results revealed that elevated air temperatures would lead to reduced annual catchment runoff but increased IBWD. Additionally, our study quantified the IBWD potential for mitigating water quality degradation, indicating the adverse effects of climate change on TPL would be weakened by 4.2–14.4 %. A critical threshold for WIN was also quantified at 617 million m3, maintaining WIN at or near 617 million m3 through optimized operational scheduling of IBWD could effectively restrict external inflow TP loading to lower levels. This study clearly illustrates the intricate interactive effects of climate change and IBWD on aquatic environments. The methodology elucidated in this study for determining the critical threshold of WIN could be applied in water management for analogous watershed-receiving waterbody systems.

Effects of irrigation and nitrogen application on soil water and nitrogen distribution and water-nitrogen utilization of wolfberry in the Yellow River Irrigation Region of Gansu Province, China.

To address the problems of extensive field management, low productivity, and inefficient water and fertilizer utilization in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) production, an appropriate water and nitrogen regulation model was explored to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the wolfberry industry. Based on a field experiment conducted from 2021 to 2022, this study compared and analyzed the effects of four irrigation levels [75%-85% θf (W0, full irrigation), 65%-75% θf (W1, slight water deficit), 55%-65% θf (W2, moderate water deficit), and 45%-55% θf (W3, severe water deficit)] and four nitrogen application levels [0 kg·ha-1 (N0, no nitrogen application), 150 kg·ha-1 (N1, low nitrogen application), 300 kg·ha-1 (N2, medium nitrogen application), and 450 kg·ha-1 (N3, high nitrogen application)] on soil water distribution, soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3 --N) migration, yield, and water-nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry. The soil moisture content of the 40-80 cm soil layer was higher than those of 0-40cm and 80-120cm soil layer. The average soil moisture content followed the order of W0 > W1 > W2 > W3 and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0. The NO3 --N content in the 0-80 cm soil layer was more sensitive to water and nitrogen regulation, and the cumulative amount of NO3 --N in the soil followed the order of W0 > W1> W2 > W3 and N3 > N2 > N1 > N0 during the vegetative growth period. There was no evidently change in soil NO3 --N accumulation between different treatments during the autumn fruit. The yield of wolfberry under the W1N2 treatment was the highest (2623.09 kg·ha-1), which was 18.04% higher than that under the W0N3 treatment. The average water consumption during each growth period of wolfberry was the highest during the full flowering period, followed by the vegetative growth and full fruit periods, and the lowest during the autumn fruit period. The water use efficiency reached a peak value of 6.83 kg·ha-1·mm-1 under the W1N2 treatment. The nitrogen uptake of fruit and nitrogen fertilizer recovery efficiency of fruit first increased and then decreased with increasing irrigation and nitrogen application. The treatment of W1N2 obtained the highest nitrogen uptake of fruit and nitrogen recovery efficiency of fruit, which were 63.56 kg·ha-1 and 8.17%, respectively. Regression analysis showed that the yield and water-nitrogen use efficiency of wolfberry improved when the irrigation amount ranged from 315.4 to 374.3mm, combined with nitrogen application amounts of 300.0 to 308.3 kg·ha-1. Additionally, the soil NO3 --N residue was reduced, making it an optimal water and nitrogen management model for wolfberry planting. The present findings contribute novel insights into the production of wolfberry with saving water and reducing nitrogen, which helps to improve the level of wolfberry productivity in the Yellow River irrigation region of Gansu Province and other areas with similar climate.

Effects of Water and Nitrogen Regulation on Cotton Growth and Hydraulic Lift under Dry Topsoil Conditions

Dry topsoil and relatively moist subsoil can occur in specific areas and times, limiting plant growth but creating conditions for hydraulic lift (HL). There is a lack of a rational water and nitrogen (N) strategy to improve cotton growth and maintain HL. This study investigated the effects of three topsoil water conditions (W0.6: 60–70%, W0.5: 50–60%, and W0.4: 40–50% of field capacity) and three N rates (N120-120, N240-240, and N360-360 kg N ha−1) plus one control treatment on cotton growth and HL under dry topsoil conditions in 2020 and 2021. The results showed that plant height and leaf area increased with increasing N rate, but the differences among topsoil water conditions were relatively small, except for leaf area in 2021. The HL water amount of all treatments increased gradually and then continued to decline during the observation period. There was a trend that the drier the topsoil or the more N applied, the greater the amount of HL water. Additionally, topsoil water conditions and N rate significantly affected the total HL water amount and root morphological characteristics (root length, surface area, and volume). Seed and lint cotton yield tended to decrease with increasing topsoil dryness at N240 or N360, except for lint yield in 2021, or with decreasing N rate, especially under W0.6. As topsoil became drier, the total evapotranspiration (ET) decreased, while with the increase in N rate, ET showed small differences. Water use efficiency increased with a higher N rate, while N partial factor productivity (PFPN) did the opposite. Furthermore, the PFPN under W0.4 was significantly lower than that under W0.6 at N240 or N120. These findings could be useful for promoting the utilization of deep water and achieving sustainable agricultural development.

Somatic Coliphages as an Operational Tool to Assess Loss of Bathing Water Quality after Heavy Rain Events

Rapid population growth and coastal development has led to increased fecal contamination of coastal surface waters worldwide, enhancing the potential risk of waterborne human pathogens in bathing areas. More frequent heavy rainfall events, attributed to global warming, have further exacerbated the problem by causing sometimes sewer overflows into recreational waters. As traditional bacterial indicators have limited accuracy for predicting health risks associated with waterborne viruses, the additional use of viral indicators such as coliphages is recommended. In this study, we compared the behavior of bacterial and viral indicators of water quality at 10 Barcelona beaches during three bathing seasons, in dry conditions, and after four rainstorms that caused specific pollution events due to rain runoff with combined sewer overflows (CSO). Levels of all target indicators increased after the rainstorms, but compared to Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci, somatic coliphages exhibited a slower decline and higher environmental persistence following a rain event. Daily continuous sampling carried out during the days following a rainstorm allowed not only the determination of the decay kinetics of each target indicator but also the day when the water quality recovered the values established in the current European regulation in approximately 2 -3 days after each CSO. These observations indicate that the combined use of bacterial and viral indicators can enhance the surveillance of microbial quality of bathing waters. Moreover, coliphages can swiftly provide insights into transient fecal pollution linked to rainfall episodes, thanks to available analytical techniques that enable same-day recommendations. The management of urban wastewater and recreational water regulations should consistently employ microbial indicators to address rainwater runoff or sewer overflows resulting from heavy rainfall.

The value of ecosystem services in arid and semi-arid regions: A multi-scenario analysis of land use simulation in the Kashgar region of Xinjiang

This study aimed to investigate the interrelationships between land use/land cover (LULC) and ecosystem services value (ESV) in arid and semi-arid regions, with a specific focus on the Kashgar region in Xinjiang, China. Four distinct development patterns (BAU, RED, ELP, and EBB) were derived using a multi-objective planning algorithm (MOP), and the relationship between LULC and ESV was analyzed using three methods: the random forest algorithm, the PLUS model, and the ecosystem service equivalence method. The findings indicated a significant projected expansion of LULC in Kashgar by 2030, primarily concentrated in arable and construction land. The ELP scenario demonstrated the lowest growth in cultivated and urbanized land, while the BAU and RED scenarios exhibited higher increments. Notably, the expansion of arable and construction land was concentrated around the urban agglomeration of the Kashgar region, whereas changes in forest land were concentrated near the Kunlun Mountains. Regarding ESV, grassland and watersheds played a significant role, accounting for 45 % and 30 % of the total, grasslands and watersheds emerge as pivotal components in supporting biodiversity, soil preservation, water regulation, and purification. The study underscores the necessity of conserving these ecosystems. This study highlights the trade-offs between economic development and ecological/environmental protection. The RED scenario, driven by rapid economic growth and urbanization, has resulted in a significant decline in ESVs, underscoring the urgency of sustainable land use practices. The MOP-PLUS-ESV model used in this study provides a powerful framework for decision makers to make informed choices in land use planning. By prioritizing a balance between economic development and ecological preservation, the model contributes to sustainable community and regional growth, emphasizing the preservation of important ecosystems. The findings suggest that Kashgar needs to adopt a sustainable land use strategy that balances economic development and ecological/environmental protection to maximize the provision and protection of ESV. The pathway emphasizes the integrated consideration of ESV, rational land use policies, and enhanced ecological protection to achieve an ecological civilization.

Dynamic assessment and prediction of land use alterations influence on ecosystem service value: A pathway to environmental sustainability

In the face of rapid urbanization, understanding and managing changes in Land Use and Land Cover (LULC) is crucial for the sustainability and resilience of urban ecosystems. Rapid urban growth resulting from changes in LULC, can lead to the fragmentation and degradation of Ecosystem Services (ES), including habitat provision, water regulation, and air purification. This study investigates LULC changes in Dhaka City, Bangladesh, from 2010 to 2021 and forecasts their future impacts on ES in 2030 and 2040. Landsat images were processed using the Google Earth Engine platform, and a cellular automata technique was integrated with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for LULC mapping and prediction. Results showed an increase in built-up areas from 31% to 42% between 2010 and 2021, with a projected decrease to 34% and 32% in 2030 and 2040, respectively. Water bodies, vegetation, and agricultural land declined from 2010 to 2021 but are expected to increase in 2030 and 2040. This trend indicates a growing awareness of the need for a sustainable environment and resilience in urban ecosystem development. The value of ES is predicted to drop from $172.66 to $160.23 over thirty years (2010–2040), primarily due to the degradation of water bodies ($7.64) and agricultural land ($6.89). However, the projected increase in water bodies, vegetation, and agricultural land by 2040 suggests a potential for recovery and enhancement of these ES values through sustainable practices. Future land use policies should promote sustainable agriculture and water resource management while fostering resilience against rapid urban growth. This approach will ensure the sustainable development of urban ecosystems. This study informs future land use strategies in Dhaka City, supporting sustainable natural resource management, urban ecosystem quality management decisions, and resilience planning. It underscores the importance of integrating sustainability and resilience into urban development policies for the benefit of both the environment and the city's inhabitants.

Effects of Chronic Heat Stress on Kidney Damage, Apoptosis, Inflammation, and Heat Shock Proteins of Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii)

Chronic heat stress caused by global warming can have serious implications for fish survival. The kidney plays a central role in many homeostatic functions, including water and electrolyte regulation. However, there is limited knowledge about the effect of heat stress on fish kidneys. In this study, water temperatures were increased from 20 °C to 24 °C and 28 °C in 8 days at a warming rate of 1 °C/d, and then maintained for 12 days. We investigated the effects of mild heat stress (24 °C) and high heat stress (28 °C) on Siberian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) kidneys using histological observation, flow cytometry detection, and RT-qPCR. Our histological observations revealed that heat stress caused significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in the kidney, especially at 28 °C. The flow cytometry assay demonstrated a significant increase in the number of apoptotic cells after heat stress at 28 °C compared to a control group at 20 °C (p = 0.033). The level of plasma creatinine was significantly increased in the 28 °C group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). In addition, the mRNA expression levels of heat shock protein GRP75 increased (p = 0.009). The results indicate that heat stress at 28 °C caused damage to the kidneys of A. baerii and triggered the protective response of heat shock proteins. In conclusion, this study contributes to the understanding of the coping strategies of the kidney of A. baerii for chronic heat stress.

The Somatechnic and Spatio-legal Regulation of Stagnant Water in Singapore

Using a critical legal geography approach that incorporates theories of law, space, and power, this paper explores how the public health surveillance of dengue fever is utilised by the state in an ongoing ‘war against the mosquito’ in Singapore. Here, the state deploys biopower as a form of spatio-legal ‘lawscaping’ – consisting of and implicating a host of actors, institutions, and objects – in order to seek and eradicate sources of stagnant water (and the mosquitoes that breed in them) in spaces across the city. The paper demonstrates how, in combating dengue fever this way, the public health surveillance and regulation of dengue fever in Singapore informs four distinct yet interconnected forms of spatio-legal materiality and normativity: a) the inspection of space; b) the invisibilisation of death; c) the implementation of self-regulatory objects; and d) the illegality of uncleanliness. Therefore, in tracing the public health surveillance of dengue fever as it relates to the biopolitical regulation of stagnant water, this paper is also able to evince how the state uses spatio-legal means to govern a range of sites as well as a host of human and non-human bodies, and in doing so reveal how state biopower can be exerted across different species. At the same time, these acts of biopolitical lawscaping serve to flatten different typologies of urban space – be they public, private, or even transient (or under construction). In its desire to eradicate mosquito breeding grounds, the state reduces urban space to that which is clean and unclean – even if unwittingly.

Small Papillae Regulated by SPD25 are Critical for Balancing Photosynthetic CO2 Assimilation and Water Loss in Rice

BackgroundThe leaf epidermis plays an important role in the transmission of light and the regulation of water and gas exchange, which influences the photosynthesis of mesophyll cells. Small papillae (SP) are one of the important structural elements of the leaf epidermis. The mechanism of the effect that small papillae have on rice leaf photosynthetic performance remains unclear.ResultsIn this study, a small papilla deficient 25 (spd25) mutant was isolated from japonica rice Longjin1. Small papillae were absent on the adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of the spd25 mutant and the silicon and cuticular wax content in the spd25 mutant leaves decreased. Map-based cloning and functional analysis revealed that SPD25, encoding a guanine nucleotide exchange factor for Rop, is a novel allele of OsRopGEF10. The spd25 mutant showed an increased water loss rate and reduced relative water content. The lower stomatal conductance in the spd25 mutant prevented water loss but decreased the intercellular CO2 concentration and net assimilation rate. The fluorescence parameters showed that the inhibited CO2 assimilation reaction feedback regulated the photochemical electron-transfer reaction, but the performance of Photosystem II was stable. Further analysis indicated that the excess light energy absorbed by the spd25 mutant was dissipated in the form of non-photochemical quenching to avoid photodamage through the optical properties of small papillae.ConclusionsSPD25 regulates the development of small papillae on the surface of rice leaves, which play an important role in balancing photosynthetic gas exchange and water loss. This study deepens our understanding of the physiological mechanisms by which small papillae affect photosynthetic performance.

Evaluation of Water Treatment Efficiency of Full-Scale Slow Sand Filtration Process: Comparison of Summer and Winter Season

Objectives : The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of sustainable operation in a conventional full-scale slow sand filter process.Methods : A slow sand filtration process was operated in small scale water treatment plants for valley water. The water quality such as particle matter, dissolved organic matter, the number of bacteria, and disinfection by-product (DBP) were monitored at four designated points once a week and was compared during summer (July-August) and winter season (December-January).Results and Discussion : Although the number of particle matter in summer was higher than in winter by 39% (2.91×10&lt;sup&gt;4&lt;/sup&gt; /mL), particle matter in slow sand filter process was removed by 99% regardless of season (temperature). The removal efficiency of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and UV&lt;sub&gt;254&lt;/sub&gt; was higher in summer than in winter by 15% and 21%, respectively. In addition, concerning the organic fraction, higher molecular weight led to higher removal efficiency in the following sequence: BP (biopolymer, MW: 20,000 g/mol) &gt; HS(humic substances, MW : 1,000~20,000 g/mol) &gt; BB(building blocks, MW : 300~500 g/mol) &gt; LMWs(low molecular weights, MW : 350 g/mol. The concentration of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), indicator of DBP, were detected at 12.2 and 9.4 μg/L in summer and 8.1 and 6.3 μg/L in winter, respectively, which would be considered very low concentration related to the drinking water regulation of 100 μg/L. Finally, the active bacteria was removed up to 93 and 92% in summer and winter, respectively.Conclusion : The feasibility of a slow filtration process was evaluated to compare particle and dissolved matter in summer and winter operation. Despite a 39% increase in particle matter in summer, the removal efficiency was maintained at 98% in summer and winter. Due to the increased activation of biofilm in summer, the removal of DOC and UV&lt;sub&gt;254&lt;/sub&gt; was higher in summer than winter by 15 and 21%, respectively. The significant low concentration of THMs and HAAs, regardless of season, would be negligible. In addition, achieving over 92% removal of activated bacteria secured the biological safety. These stable operations ensure that slow filtration process is effective in controlling of water quality.