Water Resources Research Articles

Urban water system of the National Capital Territory of Delhi: a comprehensive study

ABSTRACT This study examines the intricate relationship between Delhi's urban water system, with a specific emphasis on the challenges posed by urbanization, and environmental factors. The study investigates the present conditions of the water resources, infrastructure, and governance in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. The study identifies significant difficulties, such as depletion of groundwater and inadequate access to water. Additionally, it examines innovative approaches to supply internalization such as rainwater harvesting, wastewater recycling, and demand management strategies. Therefore, this document establishes the path for future research endeavours and policy suggestions that attempt to promote a fair, effective, and environmentally sustainable water future in Delhi.

Horti-IoT: a new data framework for Dutch horticulture

Abstract Consistency issues limit the sharing of horticultural data across multiple systems, resulting in challenges for users to analyze data effectively across various systems utilizing artificial intelligence technology. Introducing data governance principles can help standardize and unify data practices, making it easier for analysts to locate, comprehend, transfer and integrate data from diverse sources to enable data-driven horticulture. Implementing data governance and principles specific to horticulture can assist in standardizing the layout and format of data structures from different sources. This study aims to propose a new governance framework, Horti-IoT, based on the Data Management Body of Knowledge and several structured frameworks for the Internet of Things (IoT) governance that will lead to data-driven horticulture. This study is empirical in nature. The Dutch horticulture stakeholders are involved in this initiative, providing the data, knowledge, and experiences needed for this study. The data stream from various sources, including camera images, sap flow sensors, climate sensors and manually measured growth data. The key findings following the implementation of the Horti-IoT framework’s principles are reduced workload for data analysts, efficiency in plant monitoring, savings time in pre-processing, enhanced water resource management, reduced system administrator contacts and compliance with General Data Privacy Regulation. The new proposed Horti-IoT framework, compatible with Dutch horticulture, is presented. The data were obtained from the Lab greenhouse at the World Horti Centre in the Netherlands, in the framework of the Regionale SIA RAAK MKB call March 2022-September 2024 subsidy funds for project title ‘Gewasgroei Goed Gemeten (GeGoGe). This project is a collaboration between three educational institutions. Inholland University of Applied Science, the Hague University of Applied Science, Lentiz Vocational School, and stakeholders.

Drought Tolerance in Plants: Physiological and Molecular Responses

Drought, a significant environmental challenge, presents a substantial risk to worldwide agriculture and the security of food supplies. In response, plants can perceive stimuli from their environment and activate defense pathways via various modulating networks to cope with stress. Drought tolerance, a multifaceted attribute, can be dissected into distinct contributing mechanisms and factors. Osmotic stress, dehydration stress, dysfunction of plasma and endosome membranes, loss of cellular turgidity, inhibition of metabolite synthesis, cellular energy depletion, impaired chloroplast function, and oxidative stress are among the most critical consequences of drought on plant cells. Understanding the intricate interplay of these physiological and molecular responses provides insights into the adaptive strategies plants employ to navigate through drought stress. Plant cells express various mechanisms to withstand and reverse the cellular effects of drought stress. These mechanisms include osmotic adjustment to preserve cellular turgor, synthesis of protective proteins like dehydrins, and triggering antioxidant systems to counterbalance oxidative stress. A better understanding of drought tolerance is crucial for devising specific methods to improve crop resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices in environments with limited water resources. This review explores the physiological and molecular responses employed by plants to address the challenges of drought stress.

Water Security in the Context of the Piracicaba River Sub-Basin During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Objective: To analyze the challenges for water security in municipalities belonging to the Piracicaba River (SP) sub-basin, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: This is an exploratory and bibliographical research with a qualitative approach and case study and with a technical documentary procedure. The data sources were: Water Resources Situation Report; number of COVID-19 cases and deaths obtained from the Brazilian Ministry of Health website. In addition, a questionnaire on aspects related to water was administered to experts from the Technical Chamber for Conservation and Protection of Natural Resources of the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin Committees. Results and conclusions: The number of cases and deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic increased significantly in the 1st half of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020. The experts interviewed attributed high importance to prevention measures, the trend of decreasing water availability and the reduction of losses from water distribution systems. Research implications: The research presented theoretical reflections on the COVID-19 pandemic and water security. Water is an extremely important resource, especially in times of epidemics, as occurred with COVID-19. Water security affects the availability of water both to meet the needs of the population and to maintain ecosystems. Originality/value: The research carried out highlights the need for public policies regarding water and sanitation in order to achieve the protection of the population's health and sustainable development.

The Effect of a Parcel-Aggregated Cropping Structure Mapping Method in Irrigation-Water Estimation in Arid Regions—A Case Study of the Weigan River Basin in Xinjiang Province

Effective management of agricultural water resources in arid regions relies on precise estimation of irrigation-water demand. Most previous studies have adopted pixel-level mapping methods to estimate irrigation-water demand, often leading to inaccuracies when applied in arid areas where land salinization is severe and where poorly growing crops cause the growing area to be smaller than the sown area. To address this issue and improve the accuracy of irrigation-water demand estimation, this study utilizes parcel-aggregated cropping structure mapping. We conducted a case study in the Weigan River Basin, Xinjiang Province, China. Deep learning techniques, the Richer Convolutional Features model, and the bilayer Long Short-Term Memory model were applied to extract parcel-aggregated cropping structures. By analyzing the cropping patterns, we estimated the irrigation-water demand and calculated the supply using statistical data and the water balance approach. The results indicated that in 2020, the cultivated area in the Weigan River Basin was 5.29 × 105 hectares, distributed over 853,404 parcels with an average size of 6202 m2. Based on the parcel-aggregated cropping structure, the estimated irrigation-water demand ranges from 25.1 × 108 m3 to 30.0 × 108 m3, representing a 5.57% increase compared to the pixel-level estimates. This increase highlights the effectiveness of the parcel-aggregated cropping structure in capturing the actual irrigation-water requirements, particularly in areas with severe soil salinization and patchy crop growth. The supply was calculated at 24.4 × 108 m3 according to the water balance approach, resulting in a minimal water deficit of 0.64 × 108 m3, underscoring the challenges in managing agricultural water resources in arid regions. Overall, the use of parcel-aggregated cropping structure mapping addresses the issue of irrigation-water demand underestimation associated with pixel-level mapping in arid regions. This study provides a methodological framework for efficient agricultural water resource management and sustainable development in arid regions.

Remote Sensing Evaluation of Trophic Status in the Daihai Lake Based on Fuzzy Classification

Trophic state index (TSI) is a critical ecological and environmental issue in water resource management that has garnered significant attention. Given the complexity of optical characteristics in aquatic environments, this study employs fuzzy classification methods (FCM) and composite nutrient status indices to meticulously classify in-situ remote sensing reflectance data, aiming to develop evaluation models for different nutrient status categories to facilitate the assessment of the Daihai River in Inner Mongolia, China. Subsequently, we applied this model to MSI data to analyze the nutrient status of Daihai Lake from 2016 to 2021. Furthermore, a structural equation model (SEM) was utilized to explore the primary driving factors influencing nutrient status. The results indicated that the water bodies in Daihai Lake can be broadly classified into three categories, with the nutrient status models demonstrating robust performance for each category (R2 = 0.80, R2 = 0.83, and R2 = 0.74). Comparisons were made between nutrient status accuracies obtained through the NCM and FCM based on measured data, yielding R2 values of 0.74 and 0.85, respectively. Furthermore, the TSI results derived from MSI inversion were validated, with NCM achieving an R2 of 0.49, RMSE of 6.88, and MAPE of 10.36%, while FCM exhibited an R2 of 0.55, RMSE of 8.89, and MAPE of 13.18%. An SEM–based analysis revealed that over the long term, human activities exerted a more substantial impact on eutrophication in Daihai Lake, while climatic factors played an accelerating and reinforcing role. These results are consistent with prior research in the Daihai area, indicating a state of mild eutrophication and the potential of the fuzzy classification method and comprehensive trophic status index method in eutrophication assessment.

Toward Sustainable Water Governance? Taking Stock of Paradigms, Practices, and Sustainability Outcomes

ABSTRACTGovernance is key to ensuring the sustainability of water systems in the long run. With the recognition of the complexities inherent in governing water resources, new and diverse governance models have started to emerge and be diffused to various contexts. This systematic review explores 223 cases from 165 studies on water governance and sustainability. We assess the cases based on water governance paradigms and how these paradigms relate to governance characteristics, water‐related problématiques, and sustainability outcomes. Our results indicate a lack of knowledge cumulation and patterns connecting problématiques (e.g., “groundwater exploitation in agriculture”) and paradigms (e.g., “community‐based management”). We found that the “integrated approach to water management” was the most common paradigm, and paradigms might manifest with various governance characteristics, some of which may not fully align with the paradigm's fundamental principles. While certain paradigms, such as “integrated approach to water management,” “participatory and collaborative governance,” and “community‐based management,” are mostly associated with better sustainability outcomes, these successes should be interpreted cautiously due to the context‐sensitive nature of paradigms and potential biases in the reviewed studies. These findings provide a basis for further diagnostic work and suggest the need for more nuanced approaches to water governance and sustainability.

Quantitative characterization, spatiotemporal evolution, and analysis of driving factors of daily dry-wet abrupt alternation: A case study of the Ganjiang River Basin

Study RegionThis study focuses on the Ganjiang River Basin, a major tributary of the Poyang Lake located in southern China. Study FocusWith the growing frequency of extreme weather events driven by climate change, there is increased attention on compound disasters such as Dry-Wet Abrupt Alternation (DWAA). This study aims to quantify and define DWAA in the Ganjiang River Basin by developing and applying a DWAA Index (DWAAI) using a percentile threshold method. The objective is to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics and patterns of DWAA in the region. Precipitation data from 12 meteorological stations were analyzed to track these events from 1970 to 2019. New Hydrological Insights For the regionThe results of this study provide new insights into DWAA dynamics in the Ganjiang River Basin. Key findings include: (i) The DWAAI effectively captures the extremes of Dry-Wet Abrupt Alternations, especially at the 1st and 99th percentiles; (ii) The basin experienced 37–48 dry-to-wet events (DtWs) during the study period, with higher frequencies observed in the central-eastern, western, and northern mountainous areas, and lower frequencies in the southern regions; (iii) Wet-to-dry events (WtDs) were less common than DtWs and exhibited a distinct spatial and temporal shift from the southern mountains toward the central basin; (iv) Temperature was identified as the dominant factor influencing DWAAI changes, while large-scale atmospheric patterns such as AO, ENSO, PDO, and Sunspot activity showed insignificant correlations. These findings offer critical insights for improving water resource management and climate adaptation efforts in the region.

Can Game-Based Learning Help to Increase the Awareness of Water Management in Uganda? A Case Study for Primary and Secondary Schools

In the Ugandan curriculum, theoretical teaching predominates in conveying water-related topics due to its efficiency and low resource requirements. However, this teacher-centred approach limits student interaction and collaborative learning. Conversely, game-based learning can enhance social skills, critical thinking, and engagement, yet it remains underutilised in Ugandan education. To address this gap, this study developed three educational games: Water Conservation Snakes and Ladders (WCSL), Water Awareness Quartet Cards (WAQC), and Water Pollution Puzzle (WPP). These games were implemented in four schools—three primary and one secondary—where students engaged in competitive, team-based play. The impact of these games on learning outcomes was assessed through pre- and post-test questionnaires. Descriptive and thematic analysis indicated a significant positive effect, with WAQC showing a 25% greater influence on performance than WCSL (18%) and WPP (14%). The findings also underscored the importance of age in determining game acceptability and enjoyment. To enhance education on water-related issues, it is recommended that these topics be integrated into both Science and Social Studies curricula and taught consistently across academic terms. Ultimately, the Ugandan government should consider incorporating game-based learning strategies into schools to improve student engagement and learning in water resource management.

Impacts of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Non-Point Source Pollution in the Nyabarongo River Catchment, Rwanda

The Nyabarongo river catchment in Rwanda has experienced significant changes in its land use and land cover (LULC) in recent decades, with profound implications for non-point source pollution. However, there are limited studies on non-point pollution caused by nutrient loss associated with land use and land cover changes in the catchment. This study investigates the spatiotemporal impacts of these changes on water quality considering nitrogen and phosphorus within the catchment from 2000 to 2020 and 2030 as a projection. The SWAT model was used in analysis of hydrological simulations, while the CA–Markov model was used for the future projection of LULC in 2030. The results revealed (1) the important changes in LULC in the study area, where a decrease in forestland was observed with a considerable increase in built-up land, grassland, and cropland; (2) that the R2 and NSE of the TN and TP in the runoff simulation in the catchment were all above 0.70, showing good applicability during calibration and validation periods; (3) that from 2000 to 2020 and looking to the projection in 2030, the simulated monthly average TN and TP levels have progressively increased from 15.36 to 145.71 kg/ha, 2.46 to 15.47 kg/ha, 67.2 to 158.8 kg/ha, and 9.3 to 17.43 kg/ha, respectively; and (4) that the most polluted land use types are agriculture and urban areas, due to increases in human activities as a consequence of population growth in the catchment. Understanding the patterns and drivers of these changes is critical for developing effective policies and practices for sustainable land management and protection of water resources.

Improving maize yield and drought tolerance in field conditions through activated biochar application

Amidst depleting water resources, rising crop water needs, changing climates, and soil fertility decline from inorganic modifications of soil, the need for sustainable agricultural solutions has been more pressing. The experimental work aimed to inspect the potential of organically activated biochar in improving soil physicochemical and nutrient status as well as improving biochemical and physiological processes, and optimizing yield-related attributes under optimal and deficit irrigation conditions. Biochar enhances soil structure, water retention, and nutrient availability, while improving plant nutrient uptake and drought resilience. The field experiment with maize crop was conducted in Hardaas Pur (32°38.37’N, 74°9.00’E), Gujrat, Pakistan. The experiment involved the use of DK-9108, DK-6321, and Sarhaab maize hybrid seeds, with five moisture levels of evapotranspiration (100% ETC, 80% ETC, 70% ETC, 60% ETC, and 50% ETC) maintained throughout the crop seasons. Furthermore, activated biochar was applied at three levels: 0 tons/ha (no biochar), 5 tons per hectare, and 10 tons per hectare. The study’s findings revealed significant improvements in soil organic matter, bulk density, nutrient profile and total porosity with biochar supplementation in soil. Maize plants grown under lower levels of ETC in biochar supplemented soil had enhanced membrane stability index (1.6 times higher) increased protein content (1.4 times higher), reduced malondialdehyde levels (0.7 times lower), improved antioxidant enzyme activity (1.3 times more SOD and POD activity, and 1.2 times more CAT activity), improved relative growth (1.05 times more) and enhanced yield parameters (26% more grain and stover yield, 16% more 1000-seed weight, 29% more total seed weight, 33% more apparent water productivity) than control. Additionally, among the two biochar application levels tested, the 5 tons/ha dose demonstrated superior efficiency compared to the 10 tons/ha biochar dose.

Evaluation of Water System Connectivity Based on Node Centrality in the Tarim River Basin, Xinjiang, China

Water system connectivity is an important measure to optimize the balanced spatial allocation of water resources and water security patterns. Inland river basins in arid zones are generally insufficiently connected, so the scientific evaluation of the current status of water system connectivity and the centrality of its nodes in the water system network has practical significance for the scientific construction of regional water networks. Taking the Tarim River Basin in Xinjiang, China, as an object, this study conducted a comprehensive evaluation of basin water system connectivity by constructing a water system connectivity evaluation system with a total of 12 indicators for the three aspects of pattern connectivity, structural connectivity and functional connectivity. Subsequently, the TOPSIS model, with combined weights of the analytic hierarchy process and the entropy weight method, was used to comprehensively evaluate the connectivity of the watershed’s water system. The research evaluated the node centrality of the water system network that was closely related to the basin water system connectivity by using complex network analyses. The study results indicated the following: (1) among the source streams in the Tarim River Basin, the connectivity of the Aksu Basin was the best and that of the Keriya Basin was the worst and (2) the distribution patterns of the eigenvector centrality and betweenness centrality of the basin hydrological network nodes were similar, with nodes of highest centrality concentrated in the vicinity of the mainstems and the source–mainstem intersections. This work provides a basis and reference for the construction of water system connectivity and the selection of key control sections for ecological flow in the Tarim River Basin.

Maximizing desalination performance in pyramid distiller: Integration of vertical wick still and enhanced phase change material by nanoparticle and emerging fins

The growing global water crisis, driven by population growth and dwindling freshwater resources, demands innovative solutions for sustainable desalination. While traditional solar still designs have been explored, their efficiency remains limited. This study introduces an advanced approach to solar distillation by integrating a modified pyramid solar still (MPSS) with two key innovations: a vertically positioned wick still (VWSS) and phase change material (PCM) enhanced with silver nanomaterials (PCM-Ag Nano). In addition, the design features two absorber plate configurations—flat and finned—coupled with emerging fins (EF) within the PCM unit to improve heat conductivity, addressing a common limitation in solar distillation systems. By incorporating PCM-Ag Nano and finned absorbers, the MPSS achieved significant improvements in desalination performance. The combined system of MPSS-FA-PCM-Ag-EF and VWSS produced a total distillate volume of 12,870 ml, representing a 154 % increase over a conventional pyramid solar still (PSS). Specifically, daily outputs of 9,270 ml, 5,050 ml, and 3,600 ml were recorded for MPSS, PSS, and VWSS, respectively. Furthermore, the enhanced MPSS configuration attained the highest thermal efficiency at 60.5 %, and the desalination cost was reduced to $0.0142/L, compared to $0.019/L for the PSS. These results underscore the potential of this novel MPSS design, which combines PCM-Ag Nano and VWSS, to deliver substantial improvements in freshwater production, thermal efficiency, and cost-effectiveness. This innovative system offers a promising alternative to traditional desalination techniques, contributing to the global effort to mitigate water scarcity.

Beyond aquifer boundaries: unveiling the multi-dimensional value of groundwater management in Jeju, Korea

ABSTRACT This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of groundwater valuation in Jeju Island, Korea, which relies heavily on groundwater resources. The research addresses the limitations of conventional valuation methodologies that often undervalue groundwater management and ignore spatial heterogeneity. We employ three non-market valuation aggregation methods: local benefit, national benefit, and a combined heterogeneous benefit approach. The heterogeneous benefit approach divides the population into groups based on their distinct groundwater valuations and then consolidates their willingness to pay. Using a contingent valuation method, we analyze survey data from 542 respondents in Jeju and 1,000 respondents nationwide to capture the comprehensive value of improving groundwater quality, considering both local and non-local dependencies. Results show that national benefits exceed local benefits by a factor of 21.4, and this disparity increases to 21.6 when spatial heterogeneity is included. These findings highlight a significant underestimation in previous studies focusing solely on local beneficiaries. Our approach enhances understanding of the varied values attributed to groundwater by different populations, providing crucial insights for sustainable water resource management

Spatio‐Temporal Variations and El Niño Modulation of Meteorological Droughts in Malaysia

ABSTRACTMeteorological droughts in Malaysia have significantly impacted critical sectors such as agriculture, water resources, health, the environment, tourism and various socio‐economic sectors, affecting the population's livelihood and well‐being. This study analyses drought characteristics over a 39‐year period, from 1982 to 2021, using the Standardised Precipitation Index (SPI) derived from 5‐km resolution Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS). The droughts were assessed on 3‐, 6‐, 9‐ and 12‐month timescales to investigate spatio‐temporal variations in characteristics such as frequency, duration, peak, severity and intensity. The study also provides an in‐depth analysis of large‐scale drought modulation, particularly associated with the El Niño phenomenon and its teleconnection in the Maritime Continent. Depending on the location and timescale, the number of meteorological drought occurrences varied from 10 to 22 for the 3‐month timescale and 4 to 14 for the 12‐month timescale. Generally, as the timescale of a drought increases, the peak intensity decreases, while the duration and severity increase. Additionally, drought intensity decreases over longer timescales. These characteristics show significant spatial variations. Results indicate that meteorological droughts in Malaysia were almost entirely modulated by the El Niño phenomenon through its induced teleconnection over the Maritime Continent. Drought characteristics exhibit a strong seasonality linked to changes in the Walker circulation and the strengthening and weakening of anticyclonic circulations associated with Rossby waves induced by heating in the Pacific Ocean. Very strong El Niño events had the most significant influence on the droughts. The positive Indian Ocean Dipole (pIOD) strengthened the effects of El Niño but it itself had no significant influence on the droughts. In most regions, there were no significant trends in the characteristics of meteorological droughts. However, in northeast Peninsular Malaysia and some scattered areas along the west coast of the peninsula, significant trends are observed in peak, duration and severity.

Harnessing the Link between Climate Change and Traditional Food Preservation Methods: Implications for Global Food Security and Public Health

Climate change is a global issue, which impacts the different geographical zones in different levels. It is also linked to numerous human health issues, which are a concern to human health. The impact of climate change on traditional methods of food preservation in Nigeria and the consequences for food security and health are examined in this research. Information from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) show that average temperatures are increasing and rainfall is decreasing, which are effects of climate change that affect agriculture, water resources, and traditional food preservation methods that are detrimental to public health.Traditional food preservation methods are critical for understanding the link between climate change and food security.This paper uses a case study of Nigeria to examine the effects of climate change on traditional food preservation practices and public health. The research focuses on the shifts in the conventional preservation techniques, the impact of these shifts on nutrition, and policy interventions for enhancing sustainable preservation of food. Climate change indicators such as temperature and rainfall were used as surrogates for climate change, food insecurity such as undernourishment rates were used for food security and nutritional health outcomes such as child stunting and micronutrient malnutrition. The study shows that climate change has a negative effect on food security since it reduces crop yields and enhances post-harvest losses. Sun-drying and smoking are the common preservation techniques that are now less efficient because of high humidity and unpredictable weather. As such, people are experiencing increased incidences of food wastage, nutritional imbalance, and food borne diseases especially with those people in rural regions. Furthermore, the study confirms the relationship between climate change and food insecurity, which has a negative impact on the health of pregnant women and children, especially under five years, and high under-five mortality despite a decrease in child mortality in the last decade.The results provide important regional information relevant to the entire Sub-Saharan Africa and useful to the international community in matters of climate change, food security and health. This study calls for the use of innovation that combines the conventional and contemporary methods of food preservation in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food security systems. Furthermore, it underlines the need for the policy interventions that may prevent food borne illness and other diseases. These insights are in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) 2, 3, and 13, namely; Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Climate Action, respectively.This research addresses a significant gap in the literature by linking climate change effects with food preservation practices and offering recommendations for improving food system vulnerability to climate change. It provides a clear picture of the prospects and constraints of mitigating climate change impacts on food insecurity and enhancing food security and health in the world.

Construction of a quantitative model for ski resort water demand and preliminary exploration of drainage irrigation pathways

In China, natural snowfall is insufficient, and ski resorts often require artificial snowmaking in winter and turf management in summer, which results in high overall water consumption and considered as one of the high water-consuming service industries, with an urgent need for theoretical foundations related to water management. Based on life cycle theory, we examined the characteristics of the water systems of ski resorts in winter and summer. A Monte Carlo simulation was used to construct a stochastic model to quantify the theoretical water consumption for snowmaking at ski resorts and to investigate the mechanisms by which various factors influence this consumption. We summarize the necessity of summer turf management and irrigation requirements at ski resorts, explore the interaction between ski resorts and agricultural irrigation. The results show that the theoretical water demand of ski resorts is basically consistent with the actual water consumption of ski resorts, that the constructed model is feasible, and that snowmaking water is the most important water use of ski resorts. Exploring the collection and reuse of meltwater or rainwater from ski resorts for agricultural irrigation in the spring and summer could provide more possibilities for the sustainable management of regional water resources. The research findings can provide a theoretical basis for scientifically and reasonably setting the norm of water intake for ski resorts and for developing comprehensive water resource management plans for ski resorts and agricultural irrigation.

O IMPACTO DAS ALTERAÇÕES CLIMÁTICAS NO COTIDIANO DA SOCIEDADE MODERNA

Climate change has caused significant impacts on the daily life of modern society. Changes in temperature, rainfall patterns and the increase in extreme weather events are directly affecting agriculture, water resources, urban infrastructure and public health. The increasing frequency of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, floods and droughts, forces society to deal with adaptation and mitigation challenges. Economic sectors such as agriculture and tourism are especially vulnerable, as are the poorest populations, who are less able to face the effects of these changes. Furthermore, rampant urbanization and industrialization contribute to increased greenhouse gas emissions, further aggravating the situation. The psychological, social and economic impact of these changes becomes more evident as inequalities are accentuated, with vulnerable communities being the most harmed. Thus, the urgency of concrete actions, both at the local and global level, to mitigate the impacts of climate change, has become one of humanity's main challenges in the 21st century.

Paddy straw biochar amended sediment enhances pond productivity, growth and physiological profile of Penaeus vannamei cultured in inland saline nursery ponds.

The growing interest in commercial Inland saline aquaculture has taken momentum across the globe due to the available technologies for aquaculture and the abundant resources of saline groundwater. However, the critical problems in inland saline ponds are degraded soil and imbalanced or deficient nutrients. To address these issues, a 75-day experiment was conducted to explore the effects of Paddy Straw Biochar (PSB) as a sediment amendment on sediment quality, water characteristics, growth parameters, and the well-being of Penaeus vannamei reared in inland saline environments. PSB was applied to the nursery ponds at 1 ton/hectare (Treatment, T1) and 2 ton/hectare (Treatment, T2). The findings of water quality parameters showed a significant increase in K+ and Mg++ with a decrease in ammonia-N levels in biochar-applied ponds. Similarly, the addition of biochar to ponds (T2) resulted in improved sediment characteristics with enhanced water holding capacity (24.75%), increased soil organic carbon content (77.94%), pH levels (0.37 units), cation exchange capacity (43.15%), available potassium (16.3%), and lower bulk density (12.61%) compared to ponds subjected to control conditions at the end of the experiment. Over the experiment, improvements in sediment and water quality parameters followed the T2 > T1 > control trend. Growth characteristics showed a significant rise in the percentage of weight gain (12.398 ± 0.12), SGR (11.80 ± 0.01% day-1) and PER (2.39 ± 0.01) with reduced FCR (1.19 ± 0.00) in biochar-treated ponds (T2), followed by T1 and control. The digestive enzyme activity (amylase) and metabolic enzymes like hepatopancreatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and muscle ALT activities were significantly higher in shrimps raised in the biochar-applied ponds. On the other hand, the oxidative stress enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) in gills, muscles, and hepatopancreas (HP) exhibited lower values, suggesting reduced oxidative stress due to the biochar amendment of the pond sediment. Overall, the study recommends incorporating PSB at a rate of 2 t/ha into nursery pond sediment to enhance water quality, physiological status, and the growth of P. vannamei juveniles. Moreover, this approach improves soil and water characteristics in saline soils, making it an effective culture practice in degraded environments.

Delineation of Groundwater Potential Zones Using Geospatial Techniques. Case Study: Roman City and the Surrounding Area in the Northeastern Region, Romania

Effective groundwater management is crucial under the current climatic conditions, addressing both qualitative and quantitative aspects. An important step in delineating groundwater potential zones involves remote sensing (RS) data and geographic information systems (GISs), facilitating resource assessment, and the implementation of suitable field data management. This study introduces the delineation of potential groundwater zones using seven layers and the Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) method. Satty’s Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to rank the seven selected parameters, contributing to the advancement of groundwater research and resource assessment. All seven thematic layers (Rainfall, Geology, Land Use/Land Cover, Drainage Density, Elevation, Slope, and Soil) were prepared and analyzed to delineate groundwater potential zones. The resulting groundwater potential zone map was categorized into four classes, Very Good, Good, Moderate, and Poor, covering areas of 81.53 km2 (45.1%), 56.36 km2 (31.2%), 19.54 km2 (10.8%), and 23.17 km2 (12.8%) of the total area, respectively. The accuracy of the output was validated by comparing it with information on groundwater prospects in the area, and the overall accuracy of the method was approximately 72%. High-yield boreholes were drilled and concentrated in the Very Good groundwater potential zones, while low-yield ones were developed in the Poor areas.