Water Reserves Research Articles

Educational Strategies for Teaching Climate and Bioclimate in Response to Global Change

This work establishes the relationship between climate, bioclimate, and forest ecosystems and highlights the need to teach these topics in educational institutions. It was found that such knowledge is not currently taught in universities, leading to scarce or non-existent teacher training in these areas. However, the teaching of bioclimatic aspects over a three-year period as a basis for land use planning, has shown highly positive results. The objective is to propose the teaching of bioclimatology to future managers and teachers in order to obtain a balanced environmental development. The analysis of bioclimatic diagrams makes it possible to stipulate the duration of the water reserve in the soil. This is essential for agricultural and forestry management. The edaphic factor and the bioclimatic ombrotclimatic (Io) and thermoclimatic (It/Itc) indexes condition the types of forests and crops that can exist in a territory, with the particularity that the ombrotype is conditioned by the edaphic factor, which allows a decrease in the ombrothermal index, expressed by the ombroedaphoboxerophilic index (Ioex). The humid ombrotypes condition the presence of Abies pinsapo, Quercus pyrenaica, Q. broteroi, and Q. suber, and the dry ones Q. rotundifolia and Olea sylvestris.

EVALUATION OF REUSE WATER FROM THE PINHEIROS METRO STATION IN THE CITY OF SÃO PAULO (BRAZIL) FOR THE PRESENCE OF METALS USING THE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE TECHNIQUE WITH SYNCHROTRON RADIATION

Ensuring the conservation of water reserves is a challenge for all humanity, which makes it essential to continuously study new ways of treating and using water sources on the planet. One of the focuses of water conservation and sustainability is the reuse of water sources in order to guarantee the continuity of the main reserves of drinking water for activities such as waterlogging and food production. The present study aimed to investigate the quality of the water used for reuse at the Pinheiros subway station in the city of São Paulo (Brazil) in order to assess the degree of presence of heavy metals and other chemical elements using the X-ray fluorescence technique by synchrotron radiation at the National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS). The data collection for a sample collected in the summer and analyzed revealed a pH of 6.8 and the presence of 19 chemical elements using the technique with concentrations in the order of ng.mL -1 , with emphasis on the presence of lead (Pb).

Cuticular hydrocarbons promote desiccation resistance by preventing transpiration in D. melanogaster.

Desiccation is a fundamental challenge confronted by all terrestrial organisms, particularly insects. With a relatively small body size and large surface-to-volume ratio insects are susceptible to rapid evaporative water loss and dehydration. To counter these physical constraints, insects have acquired specialized adaptations, including a hydrophobic cuticle that acts as a physical barrier to transpiration. We previously reported that genetic ablation of the oenocytes - specialized cells required to produce cuticular hydrocarbons (HCs) - significantly reduced survivorship under desiccative conditions in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. Although increased transpiration - resulting from the loss of the oenocytes and HCs - was hypothesized to be responsible for the decrease in desiccation survival, this possibility was not directly tested. Here we investigate the underlying physiological mechanisms contributing to the reduced survival of oenocyte-less (oe-) flies. Using flow-through respirometry we show that oe- flies, regardless of sex, exhibited an increased rate of transpiration relative to wild-type controls, and that coating oe- flies with fly-derived HC extract restored the rate to near wild-type levels. Importantly, total body water stores, including metabolic water reserves, as well as dehydration tolerance, measured as the percent of total body water lost at time of death, were largely unchanged in oe- flies. Together, our results directly demonstrate the critically important role played by the oenocytes and cuticular HCs to promote desiccation resistance.

Efisiensi desalinasi air laut dengan menggunakan konsentrasi reflektor parabolik

Water is very important for the life of living things, many countries in the world are experiencing a clean water crisis. The total global water reserve is less than 1.4 billion km3, of which about 97.5% is in the oceans and the remaining 2.5% is fresh water contained in the atmosphere, ice mountains and groundwater. Desalination is generally the process of removing salt from seawater or saltwater. Desalination of seawater and brackish water can be utilized to increase the availability of clean water. Two types of desalination techniques used can be classified into phase change (heat) and membrane. desalination techniques with phase change processes are processes that utilize changes in a substance under certain temperature conditions. While desalination techniques with membrane processes are processes that focus on filtering a substance accurately. Comparison of desalination efficiency between the three materials in different days is the flanel sheet material, the goni and the combination of flanels and goni. Flanel leaf material has the highest efficiency value on the 1st day with a presentation of 57,71% while the lowest one has a value of 32,24%. Then on the 2nd day the most efficient value is 45,32%, while the least value is 0%. In the first day goni material has a highest efficacy value with a presentation of 34,56%, and a lowest value with 0%. Then the second day trial with the same material has its highest effectiveness value with the presentation of 41,44%, and the lower value with 0%.

Water resources in Pakistan: a comprehensive overview and management challenges

ABSTRACT Pakistan has a range of water resources, including many rivers, large glaciers in the Himalayas, and significant underground water reserves, located throughout the country. However, the country faces considerable challenges in effectively managing these water resources. Employing a comprehensive review methodology, this paper examines policy documents and recent scholarly articles to analyze the current obstacles and propose viable solutions for sustainable water management in Pakistan. Significant challenges, including delayed policy implementation, insufficient regulatory enforcement, and inadequate data collection, hinder water resource management. Furthermore, there is a critical gap in integrating climate adaptation measures into water management strategies, which affects the resilience and efficiency of water resource allocation and utilization amid changing environmental conditions. It recommends significant policy changes that include economic measures such as water pricing, advancements in water recycling technologies, and approaches to improve climate resilience. Furthermore, this study proposes a comprehensive framework designed to tackle the complex challenges of water management. It suggests an integrated approach that combines policy, technology, environmental, and economic strategies to promote sustainable and resilient water use.

Phenotypic plasticity of water-related traits reveals boundaries to the adaptive capacity of a dominant European grass species under increased drought

The intensification of droughts due to climate change is a global concern, and many plant species face increasing water deficits. Understanding the role of phenotypic plasticity in plant adaptation to these changing conditions is crucial. This research focuses on Bromopsis erecta, a dominant perennial grass in European and Mediterranean grasslands, to predict its potential adaptation to climate change. We assessed plants from shallow and deep soils (i.e., with contrasting water reserves) of a Mediterranean rangeland in southern France, and tested the effect of six years of experimentally increased summer drought compared to the ambient conditions on plant traits, survival and abundance. In both field and common garden experiments, we measured water-related traits, including static traits under non-limiting water conditions, and dynamic traits, such as rates of trait variation during drought. Trait plasticity was determined as a reaction norm to increasing soil water stress and was tested against changes in B. erecta abundance over the past decade, including the study period. Trait plasticity was detected only for leaf dry matter content (LDMC), revealing that the resource strategy of B. erecta became more conservative over less than a decade with higher LDMC and leaf thickness according to the plant economic spectrum. No plasticity was found for osmotic potential or specific leaf area. The variability of other traits was ascribed to the possible lagging effect of previous water stress and was associated more with soil depth than with previous summer drought intensity. The abundance decline of B. erecta, which dropped from 20 % to around 5 % in shallow soils, was not associated with the plasticity of LDMC but was positively correlated with variations in leaf base membrane damage, meaning unexpectedly, that plants exposed to the most severe summer drought also had the most sensitive leaf base membranes, a possible sign of maladaptive trait plasticity in the population. This key trait response reveals boundaries to the adaptive capacity of this perennial grass to survive pluri-annual drought.

Future Agricultural Water Availability in Mediterranean Countries under Climate Change: A Systematic Review

Warming and drying trends in the Mediterranean Basin exacerbate regional water scarcity and threaten agricultural production, putting global food security at risk. This study aimed to review the most significant research on future water availability for the Mediterranean agricultural sector under climate change (CC) scenarios published during 2009–2024. Two searches were performed in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, to which previously identified significant studies from different periods were also added. By applying a methodology duly protocoled in the PRISMA2020-based guideline, a final number of 44 particularly relevant studies was selected for review. A bibliometric analysis has shown that most of the published research was focused on Southwestern European countries (i.e., Spain, Italy, Portugal) and grapevine and olive tree crops. Overall, the reviewed studies state that future Mediterranean water reserves may not meet agricultural water demands, due to reduced reservoir inflows and higher irrigation demands under future CC and socioeconomic scenarios. Regarding adaptation measures to improve water-use management in agriculture, the majority of the reviewed studies indicate that the use of integrated modelling platforms and decision–support systems can significantly contribute to the development and implementation of improved water/land-management practices.

Assessment of Groundwater Age in the Upper Chao Phraya River Basin Using Tritium and Carbon-14 Isotope Analysis

Groundwater is a critical resource in the Upper Chao Phraya basin, providing consistent water supplies for agricultural, domestic, and industrial activities, especially during the dry season. This study utilized tritium and carbon-14 dating techniques to investigate groundwater age, analyzing 273 samples collected in 2021 from various wells and depths across the basin. Tritium and carbon-14 were measured using liquid scintillation counting (LSC). The results revealed a wide range of groundwater ages, including recently recharged water with tritium concentrations up to 2.4 TU, corresponding to groundwater ages ranging from a few months to 44.17 years BP (Before Present), with an average of 18.26 years BP. Older groundwater was identified with carbon-14 concentrations as low as 3.22 pMC, indicating ages of up to 22,899 years, with a mean age of 6687 years BP. Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between tritium and carbon-14 concentrations (r = 0.52). Spatial distribution patterns indicated that tritium concentrations were higher in northern and mountainous areas, identifying these as critical recharge zones. In contrast, lower carbon-14 concentrations in the central and southern areas suggested the presence of older groundwater, emphasizing the need for careful management of these ancient water reserves. The spatial variation in tritium and carbon-14 concentrations highlights differences in groundwater circulation and recharge patterns, enabling the identification of key recharge zones in the northern and highland regions. This highlights the importance of conserving these areas from pollution and over-extraction. The presence of old groundwater in the central and southern areas further emphasizes the need for ongoing monitoring to sustainably manage these long-term water resources. This study enhances the understanding of groundwater dynamics in the Upper Chao Phraya basin and provides valuable insights for improving water resource management strategies.

A performance and interpretability assessment of machine learning models for rainfall prediction in the Republic of Ireland

Rainfall prediction significantly impacts agriculture, water reserves, and preparations for flooding conditions. This research examines the performance and interpretability of machine learning (ML) models for rainfall prediction in the Republic of Ireland. The study uses a brute force approach and the Leave One Feature Out (LOFO) methodology to evaluate model performance under highly correlated variables. Results reveal consistent performance across ML algorithms, with average Area Under the Curve Precision–Recall (AUC-PR) scores ranging from 0.987 to 1.000, with certain features such as atmospheric pressure and soil moisture deficits demonstrating significant influence on prediction outcomes.SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values provide insights into feature importance, reaffirming the significance of atmospheric pressure and soil moisture deficits in rainfall prediction. This study underscores the importance of feature selection and interpretability in enhancing the accuracy and usability of ML models for rainfall prediction in Ireland.

Variation of soil pore structure and predication of the related functions following land‐use conversion identified by multi‐scale X‐ray tomography

AbstractLand‐use conversion profoundly influences the soil pore structure, consequently modifying the soil functions. Investigating the variation of multiscale soil pore structure and their associated functions following land‐use change is critical for evaluating land management strategies. However, this topic has not yet been extensively explored in recent studies. In this study, the pore structure of soil following land‐use conversion was quantitatively investigated by multiscale X‐ray tomography. Intact soil aggregates and undisturbed soil cores were collected from paddy fields (PF) and from vegetable fields were converted from paddy fields for 5 years (VF‐5), 13 years (VF‐13), and 20 years (VF‐20), respectively. Results revealed that the connected porosity of both aggregates and soil cores was significantly increased after land‐use conversion. The isolated porosity of soil aggregates increased, while, conversely, it decreased for soil cores. The variance in pore structure was attributed to the development of new pores, including channels created by vegetable roots, fissures, earthworm holes, and packing pores resulting from the decomposition of soil organic matter and the rearrangement of soil particles. The altered pore structure influenced the soil exchangeability and reservation ability. For aggregates, the isolated porosity of PF and VF‐5 accounted for over 70% of the total imaged porosity. These aggregates displayed a larger water and carbon reservation ability, but limited exchangeability of air, water, and nutrients. The isolated porosity of VF‐13 and VF‐20 aggregates accounted for approximately 50% of the total imaged porosity, suggesting they could effectively balance the exchange and storage of air, water, and nutrients. As for soil cores, isolated pores became negligible (<0.2%) following land‐use conversion, leading to the emergence of a drainable pore system suitable for vegetable plantation. These findings offer insights into the development of pore structures and the prediction of soil function variations at multiple scales, both of which are crucial for optimizing soil management protocols.

PFOA and PFOS Pollution in Surface Waters and Surface Water Fish

Perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are among the synthetic chemicals employed by various industries since the 1950s and the most critical persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that led to emerging concerns due to high persistency, toxicity, mobility, and environmental bioaccumulation. Although there are more than 5000 types of PFASs, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorosulfonic acid (PFOS) are the two chemicals whose employment is highly restricted and banned by the Stockholm Convention. In the present study, certain water resources in the Marmara Region, the most densely populated and industrial region in Turkey, and the waters of Turkey’s two largest drinking water reserves, Beyşehir and Eğirdir lakes, were investigated. The study was carried out in two seasons, spring and autumn. The lowest and highest PFOA concentrations were determined between 1.77 ± 0.1 and 6.71 ± 2.9 ng/L in all surface waters, and the highest PFOS concentrations were between <LOQ and 3.27 ng/L. PFOA concentrations were higher when compared to PFOS concentrations in all water sources, and PFOA and PFOS concentrations were lower in spring compared to autumn. In some commercially procured fish from water resources, 7.48 ng/g PFOS was detected in Küçükçekmece Lake pike, and 2.5 ng/g PFOA was identified in Eğirdir Lake trout. PFOA and PFOS were not detected in other fish tissues.

Seasonal timing of fluorescence and photosynthetic yields at needle and canopy scales in evergreen needleleaf forests.

The seasonal timing and magnitude of photosynthesis in evergreen needleleaf forests (ENFs) has major implications for the carbon cycle and is increasingly sensitive to changing climate. Earlier spring photosynthesis can increase carbon uptake over the growing season or cause early water reserve depletion that leads to premature cessation and increased carbon loss. Determining the start and the end of the growing season in ENFs is challenging due to a lack of field measurements and difficulty in interpreting satellite data, which are impacted by snow and cloud cover, and the pervasive "greenness" of these systems. We combine continuous needle-scale chlorophyll fluorescence measurements with tower-based remote sensing and gross primary productivity (GPP) estimates at three ENF sites across a latitudinal gradient (Colorado, Saskatchewan, Alaska) to link physiological changes with remote sensing signals during transition seasons. We derive a theoretical framework for observations of solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) and solar intensity-normalized SIF (SIFrelative) under snow-covered conditions, and show decreased sensitivity compared with reflectance data (~20% reduction in measured SIF vs. ~60% reduction in near-infrared vegetation index [NIRv] under 50% snow cover). Needle-scale fluorescence and photochemistry strongly correlated (r2 = 0.74 in Colorado, 0.70 in Alaska) and showed good agreement on the timing and magnitude of seasonal transitions. We demonstrate that this can be scaled to the site level with tower-based estimates of LUEP and SIFrelative which were well correlated across all sites (r2 = 0.70 in Colorado, 0.53 in Saskatchewan, 0.49 in Alaska). These independent, temporally continuous datasets confirm an increase in physiological activity prior to snowmelt across all three evergreen forests. This suggests that data-driven and process-based carbon cycle models which assume negligible physiological activity prior to snowmelt are inherently flawed, and underscores the utility of SIF data for tracking phenological events. Our research probes the spectral biology of evergreen forests and highlights spectral methods that can be applied in other ecosystems.

Some solutions to improve the efficiency and environmental safety of reservoir use

Abstract Flood and landslide control and unhindered management is a global problem worldwide. In high-water years, it is advisable to control the volume of water in reservoirs, taking into account such factors as increased loads on them, due to siltation and sedimentation of soils. In particular, in years with hydrological security of more than 75%, it is necessary to direct the main part of floods and mudflows into the lower stream, for this it is recommended to keep the water level as close as possible to the level of useless volume in high water, and water pumps should operate at full capacity during the passage of floods and downpours. In years when the water consumption of the water source is above 75%, the months of April and May are considered sufficient to create water reserves in high streams. Also, in years when the water consumption of the water source is less than 50%, it is necessary to collect mudflows and floodwaters to create the necessary water supply. In such conditions, it is recommended to carry out the dynamics of stopping water discharge at high temperature as follows. It is advisable to distribute the useless volume of water between the precipitation zones of dense flow and the normal water level in the upper boeuf. Based on this, it is necessary to install “Hydraulic posts” on the upper reaches of reservoirs, with the help of which it is possible to control the transformation of water flows.

Assessment and strategies for water supply security risks in the estuarine city Shanghai under normalized extreme climate conditions

Facing the escalation of extreme climate events, estuarine delta cities like Shanghai grapple with significant water supply challenges. This study employs system dynamics and dynamic adaptive policy pathways to assess Shanghai's water supply security risks and responsive strategies in 2022–2050, amidst extreme climate conditions. Utilizing data from 2000 to 2021, we constructed a system dynamics model to predict future water demand under various development modes. Focusing on the unusual 2022 drought in the Yangtze River Basin, we simulated 15 scenarios, including economy, population, water efficiency, and reservoir levels, to identify the extent and timing of potential water supply risks, then proposed pertinent dynamic adaptive strategies to address them. Our findings suggest that the 2022 drought significantly reduced Shanghai's water supply capacity, leading to a notable deficit. Under scenarios of accelerated economic growth, water supply security risks are heightened, with projections indicating a reduction of days of supply available to merely 33–67 days, and escalating water shortage amount to 592–896 million m3 by 2050. Short-to-medium-term recommendations include optimizing both local and transit water resources, strengthening emergency water reserves, enhancing water use efficiency, and maintaining stable reservoir water levels. For the long term, expanding water storage infrastructure and promoting integrated water resource management within the Yangtze River Delta is key to establishing a resilient and diversified water supply system, effectively mitigating future water security risks. This study provides a scientific basis and reference for the sustainable management of water resources in estuarine cities confronting normalized extreme climate conditions. It offers valuable insights for policymakers and actionable suggestions for urban planners.

Can we identify tipping points of resilience loss in Mediterranean rangelands under increased summer drought?

Mediterranean ecosystems are predicted to undergo longer and more intense summer droughts. The mechanisms underlying the response of herbaceous communities to such drier environments should be investigated to identify the resilience thresholds of Mediterranean rangelands. A 5-year experiment was conducted in deep and shallow soil rangelands of southern France. A rainout shelter for 75 days in summer imposed drier and warmer conditions. Total soil water content was measured monthly to model available daily soil water. Aboveground net primary production (ANPP), forage quality, and the proportion of graminoids in ANPP were measured in spring and autumn. Plant senescence and plant cover were assessed in summer and spring, respectively. The experimental years were among the driest ever recorded at the site. Therefore, manipulated summer droughts were drier than long-term ambient conditions. Interactions between treatment, community type, and experimental year were found for most variables. In shallow soil communities, spring plant cover decreased markedly with time. This legacy effect, driven by summer plant mortality and the loss of perennial graminoids, led to an abrupt loss of resilience when the extreme water stress index exceeded 37 mm 10 day-1, characterized by a reduction of spring plant cover below 50% and a decreased ANPP in rainy years. Conversely, the ANPP of deep soil communities remained unaffected by increased summer drought, although the presence of graminoids increased and forage nutritive value decreased. This study highlights the role of the soil water reserve of Mediterranean plant communities in modulating ecosystem responses to chronically intensified summer drought. Communities on deep soils were resilient, but communities on shallow soils showed a progressive, rapid, and intense degradation associated with a loss of resilience capacity. Notably, indexes of extreme stress were a better indicator of tipping points than indexes of integrated annual stress. Considering the role of soil water availability in other herbaceous ecosystems should improve the ability to predict the resilience of plant communities under climate change.

INFORMATION MATERIALS FOR ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE FACTORS ON FORMING SOIL WATER REGIME ON DRAINED LANDS

The research results on creating information materials for assessing the impact of modern climatic factors on the formation of soil water regimes on drained lands are presented. By the results of the research, carried out at the "Romen" drainage and irrigation system (Sumy region), it was established that over the past 34 years, the average air temperature during the growing season has varied from 14,2 to 19,4 oC. In general, there is a trend for its slight decrease (almost by 0,2 oC). The highest average monthly air temperatures are recorded in July and August, and the lowest ones - in April. It was specified that the water regime of the active soil layer during the growing season is formed mainly due to moderate (4–14 mm – 44%) and significant (15–49 mm – 40%) precipitation, the total share of which in water reserves is 84%. There is a trend towards an increase in the share of significant precipitation (on average, up to 46–60 % of the total amount during the growing season) in years with high-water growing seasons, and its predominant amount falls in the range of 15–29 mm. There is also an increase in the share of moderate precipitation (up to 49% of the total amount during the growing season) in years with low-water growing seasons. Information materials on the distribution of atmospheric precipitation by year in quantitative and percentage indicators, their recurrence in the growing seasons of 1990–2022 ("Romen" DIS, Sumy region), presented as an interactive visual report with graphic materials (dashboard) have been created. Informational materials in the form of dashboards enable us to monitor changes in climatic conditions, promptly providing up-to-date data when forecasting future trends in changes in the water supply of agricultural territories, in particular, the formation of the soil water regime on drained lands and addressing the challenges related to climate change.

Adaptive management: are important environmental concepts understood and valued by the public?

ABSTRACT In areas where science is quite incomplete, such as in the deployment and use of new environmental water reserves, it might be reasonable to expect that managers will be learning ‘on the job’ or ‘learning by doing’ as they seek to apply best available science to decision making. Similarly, it might be expected that the public would have some empathy for the challenges facing environmental managers with incomplete data on which to base decisions. However, there is also a contrasting body of literature that shows the preferences of the public and voters for certainty in outcomes. This article reviews the status of adaptive management in the context of using water to bolster environmental outcomes. We also report the results of a discrete choice experiment where respondents were asked to assign a value to adaptive management undertaken by water managers. The article reports the difficulties of developing an attribute along these lines and the challenges of encouraging the public to engage with the concept and place a value on it. This provides a platform for considering what this means more generally for environmental interventions and the acceptance of environmental policies where ecological outcomes are frequently uncertain.

The heat is on: Thermoregulatory and evaporative cooling patterns of desert-dwelling bats

For small endotherms inhabiting desert ecosystems, defending body temperatures (Tb) is challenging as they contend with extremely high ambient temperatures (Ta) and limited standing water. In the arid zone, bats may thermoconform whereby Tb varies with Ta, or may evaporatively cool themselves to maintain Tb < Ta. We used an integrative approach that combined both temperature telemetry and flow through respirometry to investigate the ecological and physiological strategies of lesser long-eared bats (Nyctophilus geoffroyi) in Australia's arid zone. We predicted individuals would exhibit desert-adapted thermoregulatory patterns (i.e., thermoconform to prioritise water conservation), and that females would be more conservative with their water reserves for evaporative cooling compared to males. Temperature telemetry data indicated that free-ranging N. geoffroyi were heterothermic (Tskin = 18.9–44.9 °C) during summer and thermoconformed over a wide range of temperatures, likely to conserve water and energy during the day. Experimentally, at high Tas, females maintained significantly lower Tb and resting metabolic rates, despite lower evaporative water loss (EWL) rates compared to males. Females only increased EWL at experimental Ta = 42.5 °C, significantly higher than males (40.7 °C), and higher than any bat species yet recorded. During the hottest day of this study, our estimates suggest the water required for evaporative cooling ranged from 18.3% (females) and 25.5% (males) of body mass. However, if we extrapolate these results to a recent heatwave these values increase to 36.5% and 47.3%, which are likely beyond lethal limits. It appears this population is under selective pressures to conserve water reserves and that these pressures are more pronounced in females than males. Bats in arid ecosystems are threatened by both current and future heatwaves and we recommend future conservation efforts focus on protecting current roost trees and creating artificial standing water sites near vulnerable populations.

Методика оценки экономического ущерба подземным водам при эксплуатации гидротехнических сооружений

Introduction. The problem is that currently there are no standard indicators for the degree of groundwater contamination. As a rule, standard indicators for surface waters are taken as a criterion for assessing their pollution. However, as is known, the underground hydrosphere is a separate environment, and groundwater is a separate component of the environment. In addition, groundwater is a strategic reserve of clean fresh water for the population of the Russian Federation. Therefore, it is clear that the regulation of maximum permissible harmful effects on groundwater and maximum permissible discharges of harmful substances into groundwater bodies is currently extremely necessary. Due to the fact that there are no standard indicators, there is no economic regulation of the negative impact of economic activities on groundwater. And this impact is very significant. This has been proven by numerous long-term monitoring studies of the underground hydrosphere, which is under the influence, for example, of mining enterprises in the Urals Federal District. Materials and methods. This work uses hydrogeological (deposit groundwater regime and balance monitoring), geochemical, and geo-ecological (groundwater quality and pollution monitoring) research methods, as well as observation and statistical and cartographic data processing methods. The research is based on a large amount of accumulated data and signature fieldwork. Results and discussion. As is known, in 1998, Guidelines were developed for the development of standards for maximum permissible harmful effects on groundwater bodies and maximum permissible discharges of harmful substances into groundwater bodies. However, this technique did not find its application, either because of its imperfection, or because it was believed that groundwater is sufficiently protected from negative technogenic and anthropogenic influences, in comparison with other components of the environment and, therefore, is not regulated need. Now it is obvious that groundwater, just like other components (atmospheric air, soil, surface water) experience intense negative impact from human economic activity and they require their own standards and, of course, economic regulation of such impact. The authors of this article have significantly improved the methodology for developing standards for maximum permissible harmful effects (MPH) on groundwater bodies and maximum permissible discharges of harmful substances (MPD) into groundwater bodies. This method has been patented and on its basis, the article presents a new method for calculating economic damage to groundwater, developed and tested on the basis of our own research on two unique largest technogenic-mineral formations in the Middle and Southern Urals. Conclusion. The hydrodynamic method for calculating groundwater pollution and normatively permissible discharge underlies the methodology for assessing natural damage to groundwater from pollutants of technogenic-mineral formations. The methodology for assessing economic damage to the underground hydrosphere from sources of surface pollution is based on calculating fees for the discharge of pollutants within the limit and above the limit. Resume. Technogenic mineral formations intensively affect groundwater, which is an important resource in human life in the present and especially in the future. Therefore, their uncontrolled pollution is unacceptable, which predetermines the development of a methodology for assessing damage to groundwater. Suggestions for practical applications and directions for future research. The application of a methodology for assessing economic damage to groundwater during the operation of hydraulic structures initiates the development of effective measures for higher and more comprehensive extraction of minerals, treatment of industrial wastewater, and more careful design and construction of hydraulic structures.

The Natural Potential as a Premise for the Development of Tourism in Dâmbovița County, Romania

The Natural Potential as a Premise for the Development of Tourism in Dâmbovița County, Romania. The tourism potential of a region is influenced by all the specific elements of the natural and man-made environment. A region can be integrated into the tourist circuit if it has a series of natural and anthropogenic resources that can be exploited (Bacal, Cocoș 2012). In this paper we have approached the natural resources specific to Dâmbovița County by analysing the following types of tourism potential: geology, relief, climate, water, biogeography and nature reserves. Dâmbovița County has a diversity of mountain, hilly and lowland landscapes that provide a varied habitat for a wide range of biotic species, which creates a significant tourism potential linked to the biogeographical components. The mountainous area of the county, including Bucegi Natural Park, is a major attraction for ecotourism and wildlife watching. The emblematic fauna of the Carpathians and thus of Dâmbovița County includes the black goat (Rupicapra rupicapra), frequently found on high ridges, the brown bear (Ursus arctos), important for forest ecosystems, and the Carpathian red deer (Cervus elaphus), present in forests. The county of Dâmbovița has a significant natural potential, which has not yet been capitalized. In this sense the development of tourism infrastructure in Dâmbovița County is essential for attracting tourists and for the economic growth of Dâmbovița County. Keywords: natural potential, tourist potential, Dâmbovița County, monuments and natural heritage reserves