Water Storage Facilities Research Articles

Effects of effluents from the Villa Victoria Reservoir (Mexico) on the development of Danio rerio at early life stages through apoptotic response and oxidative-induced state

As one of Mexico's most crucial water storage facilities, the Villa Victoria Reservoir (VVR) supplies water to over six million people residing in the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. In recent years, this water resource has been subjected to significant risks due to several factors, including human population growth, alterations in global climate patterns, excessive resource utilization, and insufficient protective regulations, thereby endangering not only the biocenosis itself, but also the water supply for numerous inhabitants. This study aimed to evaluate the current state of the reservoir through the determination of conventional and emerging pollutants present in the sampling points, as well as embryotoxicity and oxidative damage in Danio rerio embryos exposed to effluents from the VVR. Embryotoxicity was quantified using the General Morphology Score (GMS) and teratogenic index, whereas oxidative damage was assessed based on lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxide content, oxidized proteins, antioxidant enzyme activity, and gene expression. These results revealed the presence of heavy metals, diverse pharmaceutical compounds, and pesticides. In addition, elevated lipid, hydroperoxide, and protein oxidation accompanied by alterations in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) enzymatic activity were observed during exposure. GMS resulted in impaired embryo development and teratogenic effects, including pericardial, axial, and skeletal edema. Furthermore, the upregulation of genes associated with apoptotic processes and antioxidant defense reflects a comprehensive response to oxidative stress. The study concluded that pollutants in VVR water induced oxidative damage, modified antioxidant activity, elicited embryotoxicity, and upregulated oxidative damage-related genes. The findings underscore the necessity of undertaking restoration efforts for water sources, as pollution can potentially endanger aquatic organisms and human well-being.

Yield Performance of Pangasius sutchi with Carps in Farm Ponds of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India

Farm ponds are the major water storage facilities available for the farming community and majority of the farming community face scarcity of water during the summer months. Dakshina Kannada being the coastal district, majority of the population is dependent on marine fisheries for fish nutrition. Pangasius sutchi is an omnivore and bottom feeder, feeding on variety of plant and animal protein (Philippe 1998). Composite fish culture of carps with Pangasius sutchi using farm ponds was carried for three years in various parts of the district, Pangasius sutchi under composite fish culture with carps exhibited better growth with a mean growth of 0.948+0.33, 0.961 +0.20 and 0.901+0.16 kg during 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 respectively. Pangasius sutchi and Catla performed better in terms of growth in farm ponds under the composite culture system giving more benefits to the farmer. The total yield varied with a minimum of 68.45 qtl/ ha in 2020- 21 and a maximum of 72.69 qtl/ha during 2019- 20.

Examining the Barriers to Redesigning Smallholder Production Practices for Water-Use Efficiency in Numbi, Mbombela Local Municipality, South Africa

Smallholder farmers in South Africa face issues related to water shortages and poor irrigation water management. This study investigated barriers to improving water-use efficiency (WUE) in smallholder production practices in Numbi, South Africa. The objectives were to identify barriers in redesigning production practices for higher agricultural productivity and analyze the relationship between irrigation water supply and the adoption of WUE methods. From a population of 7696 people, 141 smallholder farmers were sampled using a simple random sampling technique through Taro Yamane’s sample size formula. The data were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and descriptive statistics. Unreliable water supply (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), poor soil water retention (M = 3.78, SD = 0.85), lack of water-efficient irrigation systems (M = 3.91, SD = 0.71), lack of water storage facilities (M = 3.85, SD = 0.93), limited access to credit (M = 4.09, SD = 0.85), income instability due to market fluctuations (M = 3.96, SD = 0.91), inadequate knowledge of irrigation management (M = 4.00, SD = 0.84), and harsh climatic factors were identified. A positive correlation (r = 0.339, n = 141, p < 0.001) between irrigation water source and WUE techniques was evident, indicating that irrigation water source had an insignificant impact on WUE methods. Resolving these barriers requires a holistic approach focusing on investments in irrigation infrastructure and targeted education initiatives by extension agents and other stakeholders, as this can enhance agricultural productivity.

Considerations for the use of laboratory-based and field-based estimates of environmental tolerance in water management decisions for an endangered salmonid

Water infrastructure development and operation can provide for human economic activity, health, and safety. However, this infrastructure can also impact native fish populations resulting in regulatory protections that can, in turn, alter operations. Conflict over water allocation for ecological function and human use has come to the forefront at Shasta Reservoir, the largest water storage facility in California, USA. Shasta Reservoir supports irrigation for a multibillion-dollar agricultural industry, provides water for urban and domestic use, provides flood protection for downstream communities, and power generation as part of the larger Central Valley Project in California. Additionally, an endangered run of Chinook Salmon relies on cold water management at the dam for successful spawning and egg incubation. Tradeoffs between these uses can be explored through application of models that assess biological outcomes associated with flow and temperature management scenarios. However, the utility of models for predicting outcomes of management decisions is contingent on the data used to construct them, and data collected to evaluate their predictions. We evaluated laboratory and field data currently available to parameterize temperature-egg survival models for winter run Chinook Salmon that are used to inform Shasta Dam operations. Models based on both laboratory and field data types had poor predictive performance which appears to limit their value for management decisions. The sources of uncertainty that led to poor performance were different for each data type (field or laboratory) but were rooted in the fact that neither data set was collected with the intention to be used in a predictive model. Our findings suggest that if a predictive model is desired to evaluate operational tradeoffs, data should be collected for the specific variables and life stages desired, over an appropriate range of values, and at sufficient frequency to achieve the needed level of precision to address the modeling objective.

Magnetosomes as Potential Nanocarriers for Cancer Treatment.

Magnetotactic bacteria (MTBs) and their organelles, magnetosomes, are intriguing options that might fulfill the criteria of using bacterial magnetosomes (BMs). The ferromagnetic crystals contained in BMs can condition the magnetotaxis of MTBs, which is common in water storage facilities. This review provides an overview of the feasibility of using MTBs and BMs as nanocarriers in cancer treatment. More evidence suggests that MTBs and BMs can be used as natural nanocarriers for conventional anticancer medicines, antibodies, vaccine DNA, and siRNA. In addition to improving the stability of chemotherapeutics, their usage as transporters opens the possibilities for the targeted delivery of single ligands or combinations of ligands to malignant tumors. Magnetosome magnetite crystals are different from chemically made magnetite nanoparticles (NPs) because they are strong single-magnetic domains that stay magnetized even at room temperature. They also have a narrow size range and a uniform crystal morphology. These chemical and physical properties are essential for their usage in biotechnology and nanomedicine. Bioremediation, cell separation, DNA or antigen regeneration, therapeutic agents, enzyme immobilization, magnetic hyperthermia, and contrast enhancement of magnetic resonance are just a few examples of the many uses for magnetite-producing MTB, magnetite magnetosomes, and magnetosome magnetite crystals. From 2004 to 2022, data mining of the Scopus and Web of Science databases showed that most research using magnetite from MTB was carried out for biological reasons, such as in magnetic hyperthermia and drug delivery.

Integrated operation of sand dam and groundwater dam to increase water supply capacity in mountainous areas of Chuncheon, South Korea

Study regionA valley area in South Korea Study focusSand dams are cost-effective water-storage facilities for water-stressed areas in arid and semi-arid climates, with the advantages of reducing evaporation losses and filtering pollutants. Generally, sand dams are constructed by placing a horizontal barrier across the river bed, creating a naturally sand-filled structure upstream. Unlike this typical construction, a sand dam in Korea in the monsoon climate region was built near a mountainous valley, not in a stream, in Mulori, Chuncheon City, to ensure a sustainable water supply throughout the year, and especially to prevent freezing in the winter. Furthermore, a small-scale groundwater dam was additionally constructed downstream of the sand dam to increase the water supply capacity in preparation for severe droughts. In this study, the hydrological reservoir-routing simulations were performed to evaluate the effects of the combined use of the two dams on increasing water supply. New hydrological insights for the regionDaily discharge rates for the period from March 16, 2020 to July 6, 2022 were simulated for several hybrid operations that supplies water primarily through the sand dam under the normal conditions, but combines both water sources to manage severe droughts. The simulated results showed that, compared with operating the sand dam alone, the hybrid operations could satisfy the village’s water demand by increasing the minimum water supply rates by 24.6–50.0 m³/day for different simulation conditions. The combined use of sand and groundwater dams presented in this study will help provide sustainable water supply in water-stressed areas, especially mountainous uplands vulnerable to droughts and freezes.

Immunologic Crosstalk and Host-Specific Immune Signature Associated with Dengue.

In tropical and subtropical regions, dengue fever is a common febrile illness that is mostly spread by Aedes mosquitoes. Urban population migration, inadequate water storage facilities, and high mosquito density are features associated with this disease. The severity of the illness ranges from mild to deadly dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS), often with severe cases causing profound shock from extensive plasma leakage, and may result in demise. The symptoms of the illness include headache, myalgia, retro-orbital pain, and hemorrhagic signs. There may also be an intermittent shift in blood vessel integrity and coagulation, but recovery is typically complete and rapid. In this review, we emphasize the immunological aspects of this illness. The intricate interactions among the virus, host genes, and host immune systems impact the pathophysiology of dengue. Postinfection antibody-dependent enhancement is prominent, which significantly influences the etiology and virulence of the disease. Whereas the severe form only manifests when the host immune system is actively working to eradicate the infection by secreting several inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and lipid mediators, for example, early dengue virus infection (DVI) resulted in the production of Interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-6, and later infection, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. Higher concentrations of interferons gamma (IFN-gamma), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), IL-1, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-13 were found in DHF patients. These are significantly more prevalent in severe infections than in mild ones. Numerous immunopathogenic processes involving both virus and host variables influence the severity of dengue. There is growing evidence that a compromised immune system limits viral clearance and causes severe inflammation, which in turn causes dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Furthermore, the capacity of DENV to infect a broad range of immune cells, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, T and B cells, and monocytes, further dysregulates these cells' antiviral activities, leading to the spread of the virus. Even though a number of risk factors linked to the advancement of the disease have been suggested, further research and evaluation of novel technologies are necessary to understand the complicated etiology and develop reliable and effective vaccines to fight against this febrile illness.

Epidemiological characteristics of fatal drowning and related factors in children in Zhejiang Province, 2022

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of fatal drowning in children in Zhejiang Province in 2022, analyze factors such as the swimming ability of children, the caregiver behavior at drowning site, types of first aid personnel and methods of first aid of unintentional fatal drowning and provide evidence for targeted intervention. Methods: Using the "Survey Form of Fatal Drowning Case in Children" designed by National Center for Chronic and Non-communicable Disease Control and Prevention of the China CDC, we collected case information of children aged 0-17 years who died due to drowning in Zhejiang in 2022 from medical history/death investigation records, telephone interviews, and home visits. Results: A total of 341 fatal drowning cases in children occurred in Zhejiang in 2022 and 330 cases were investigated (96.77%). The male to female of the cases was 2.33∶1, most cases were aged 15-17 years and 0-4 years, and 54.24% of fatal drowning cases occurred in children from other provinces. In the drowning cases, 83.33% were unintentional ones, and the proportion of intentional fatal drowning cases in children increased with age. Fatal drowning cases mainly occurred in open natural water bodies and public water storage facilities. More fatal drowning cases occurred in open natural water bodies in older children, while more fatal drowning cases occurred in public water storage facilities in younger children. In 275 children who died due to unintentional drowning, 73.09% could not swim, and only 1.09% were fully supervised by adults within an arm's length. First aid personnel, mainly medical staffs, bystanders and adult caregivers, were present for 47.63% fatal drowning cases. The proportion of the cases who had cardiopulmonary resuscitation as the first aid within 5 minutes was 2.18%. Conclusions: Drowning poses a serious threat to children's lives and there are differences in reasons and locations of fatal drowning in children in different age groups in Zhejiang Province in 2022. It is necessary to conduct to interventions to improve children's swimming skills, strengthen effective adult care and conduct health education about field first aid of drowning to reduce the incidence of drowning and related deaths in children.

Cross-sectional study on prevalence of typhoid and health risk factors among pregnant women attending general hospital, Azare, Bauchi state, Nigeria

Typhoid fever is among the major prevalent disease in Nigeria due to various interconnected factors such as scarce amenities for handling unwanted products and abuse of antibiotics; these among other factors are responsible for the widespread of typhoid fever affecting both underage children and young adults. This study was a descriptive cross-sectional conducted from September to November, 2023. The study population consisted of adults female age ranged from 18 years and above. A pilot study was conducted which tested the validity and reliability of the instruments. The response rate was 100% for there were no non-consenting respondents. The study variables were independent and dependent. Data was analyzed using SPSS Computer software version 11. The processed data was presented in Tables, Pie chart; and Chi-square test of independence (contingency tables) was used to determine if there was a relationship between control measures of typhoid and it’s occurrence in the study area. The study revealed that those with low level of education suffered from typhoid more than those who had attained a higher level of education and therefore education played a key role in the prevalence of typhoid among pregnant women based on the study. It has been shown that the higher the level of education the more the typhoid prevalence decreased among the adults as in primary, secondary and college levels respectively. The findings of this study also showed that 63% of the pregnant women had suffered from typhoid fever in one or more times in their life time, and only 37% had not. This is a clear indication that typhoid fever is prevalent among pregnant women attending General hospital in Azare. The results showed that those with low level of education were more than 50% and they suffered from typhoid episodes in their lifetime more than those with higher level of education. This study revealed that 63% did not have water storage facility while 37% provided water storage facilities within their households. The results of the study found that 80.2% of the residents had temporary houses, 14.4% had semi-permanent houses and 5.4% had permanent houses. These statistics reveal that most of the residents were poor and that they were vulnerable to poor housing which could promote poor state of sanitation. Poor sanitation practices are a cause of bacterial, viral, protozoa, and helminthic infections. Similarly, on waste collection 82.9% were dissatisfied about it, and 17.1% were satisfied. The main reason of dissatisfaction on waste collection was that it was done unprofessionally (52.9%) and irregularly (36.3%). The majority (47.1%) of the residents of the area under study felt that the drainage systems posed a problem of leaking, 36% felt the problem with drainage was smell and 16.9% felt that drainage system were contaminating their surface water sources.

Potential for a commercial inland fishery or just another water storage facility at Spring Grove Dam, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa?

South Africa's inland fisheries are generally undervalued, though there is developing interest in the sector. Spring Grove Dam in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands became operational as a water storage facility in 2013 to provide water to the growing urban population in the province. We assessed whether the impoundment could potentially support commercial fisheries as had been proposed during its design and construction. We conducted seasonal fish community surveys from 2020 to 2021 at sites along the impoundment and in the mainstem of the Mooi River which feeds into the impoundment. We recorded a total of nine fish species, including six non-native fishes with invasive characteristics. Only three of 10 expected native species were found, namely the KwaZulu-Natal yellowfish Labeobarbus natalensis, chubbyhead barb Enteromius anoplus and African longfin eel Anguilla mossambica. Catch per unit effort (CPUE) was low in the sampling surveys using mostly gillnets and fyke nets, and relatively low yields (14.97 tonnes yr-1) were subsequently calculated for the impoundment, making commercial fisheries unviable. However, the existing subsistence and recreational fisheries for non-native salmonids and the native L. natalensis would benefit by controlling the distribution range and abundances of non-native centrachids Micropterus spp. We offer recommendations and suggestions for management plans for Spring Grove Dam in the context of local fish diversity, a changing climate, further construction of water storage facilities on east-flowing rivers in the province, and a nationally neglected inland fishery industry.

Monitoring urban construction and quarry blasts with low-cost seismic sensors and deep learning tools in the city of Oslo, Norway

The aim of this study is to collect information about events in the city of Oslo, Norway, that produce a seismic signature. In particular, we focus on blasts from the ongoing construction of tunnels and under-ground water storage facilities under populated areas in Oslo. We use seismic data recorded simultaneously on up to 11 Raspberry Shake sensors deployed between 2021 and 2023 to quickly detect, locate, and classify urban seismic events. We present a deep learning approach to first identify rare events and then to build an automatic classifier from those templates. For the first step, we employ an outlier detection method using auto-encoders trained on continuous background noise. We detect events using an STA/LTA trigger and apply the auto-encoder to those. Badly reconstructed signals are identified as outliers and subsequently located using their surface wave (Rg) signatures on the seismic network. In a second step, we train a supervised classifier using a Convolutional Neural Network to detect events similar to the identified blast signals. Our results show that up to 87% of about 1,900 confirmed blasts are detected and locatable in challenging background noise conditions. We demonstrate that a city can be monitored automatically and continuously for explosion events, which allows implementing an alert system for future smart city solutions.

Water Stress: Between Farmers' Needs and Public Policies the Case of Smallholder Farmers in the Villages of Nabatieh Governorate

Water scarcity is a paramount developmental and livelihood issue globally, posing life-threatening challenges in the Arab world and the Eastern Mediterranean. This scarcity manifests in two forms: physical scarcity, due to insufficient water resulting from local environmental conditions, and economic scarcity, characterized by inadequate water infrastructure. When these forms of scarcity converge, they lead to severe water stress, exemplified by regions experiencing both low rainfall and inadequate water storage and sanitation facilities. In Lebanon, state policies, or the lack thereof, have significantly exacerbated water scarcity. Governmental negligence and mismanagement of water resources, compounded by insufficient investment in infrastructure, have intensified both physical and economic water scarcities. The lack of effective water conservation policies, poor maintenance of existing water facilities, and failure to develop new water projects have led to severe water stress, hindering developmental progress and threatening the livelihoods and health of the population. The combined effect of environmental challenges and governmental inaction has made water scarcity a critical issue, necessitating immediate and comprehensive interventions to ensure sustainable water management and availability for the future.

An integrated model with interdependent water storage for optimal resource management in Energy–Water–Food Nexus

With the rapid increase in population and the industrial revolution, the demand for clean energy and water has substantially increased, underscoring their importance for sustainable economic development. Although energy and water infrastructures are often viewed as separate and uncoupled due to distinct processes in power generation and water production, they are fundamentally interlinked within their respective domains. This necessitates a strong coupling to optimally manage power and water resources simultaneously. To address this, a joint optimization algorithm has been developed to manage the supply-side resources of the Energy–Water–Food Nexus (EWFN), including the power, water, food, cogeneration, and storage networks. A mathematical model is first developed to dispatch clear power, potable water, and storage resources, considering constraints related to supply, demand, production, flow, and ramping. Additionally, the integration of a water storage facility alleviates binding constraints, enabling flat production to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. The proposed methodology also allows for the real-time quantification of production costs, energy mix, reserve and curtailed capacities, and energy imbalances. This methodological extension to EWFN includes flexible resources within the grid’s portfolio to promote cleaner production, ensuring that the required amount of water is consumed across all sectors. Finally, the proposed algorithm is tested on freely available datasets, demonstrating that the co-dispatch of energy and water resources in the presence of constraints leads to optimal generation and distribution of power and water without heavily relying on a single-product plant.

Environmental reservoirs of multidrug-resistant pseudomonads in a geographical location in Kenya with high community-acquired infections

Background Pseudomonads are gram negative bacteria and readily form biofilms in the environment, allowing long-term colonization and persistence in sinks, water systems. They pose a risk of life-threatening opportunistic infections in immune-compromised individuals. MDR strains, make treatment increasingly difficult. Environmentally persistent MDR strains are typically problematic within healthcare facilities, however, data on MDR pseudomonad reservoirs in settings with community-acquired infections to inform preventive interventions, in resource-constrained settings is scarce. Here, we determined reservoirs and antibiotic susceptibility of Pseudomonas species in water sources in Kisumu County, Kenya with reported high levels of community acquired pseudomonad infections. Methods We adopted a cross-sectional design, randomly collecting 297 samples from tap heads, sinks, tanks, vendor and household storage containers in six selected sub-locations and one hospital (KCRH). Standard microbiological procedures were used for identification and AST of the isolates. Results We isolated Pseudomonads from 14.1% of the samples collected, predominantly from the community 10.4%. Seven different pseudomonads were identified, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa predominating 6.7% overall, in the community samples 5.7%, and among isolates from water tanks 21.4%. Pseudomonad isolates were 62% non-susceptible to piperacillin, 57% to tigecycline, 24% meropenem, 21% cefepime, 19% levofloxacin and 14% colistin. Carbapenem resistance was mainly detected in P. aeruginosa 80% (8/10) from Milimani sub-location 75% (6/8). 45% of the isolates recovered were MDR, mainly community-associated carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa (CRPA) 42%, strains susceptible to colistin. The MDR pseudomonads exhibited high multiple antibiotic resistance indices, ranging from 0.43 to 1. Conclusion This study reveals a higher prevalence of MDR pseudomonads, including CRPA strains in community water sources. These potential conduits of drug resistance present a critical public health threat, especially among immunocompromised. Regular cleaning of water storage facilities, water treatment and implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs, are required to prevent a rise in AMR and eliminate the environmental reservoirs that put the vulnerable populations at risk.

Eco-Flow: Water Management System Using UV Sterilization

Abstract: In our contemporary world, the accessibility of clean and potable water is a pervasive issue, particularly in residential complexes and apartment buildings where shared waterstorage facilities pose a significant challenge. The lack of awareness and diligence in maintaining these communal tanks exposes residents to waterborne diseases. The current hurdle in water monitoring and filtering systems is the creation of a cost- effective, scalable solution that can be easily implemented across diverse environments. This project introduces EcoFlow, an innovative and budget- friendly solution for water level monitoring and purification. The system utilizes UV lights and activated carbon to efficiently filter water, eliminating harmful microorganisms and removing impurities, chemicals, and odors. By addressing the unique challenges of different regions, EcoFlow aims to contribute to the broader adoption of UV and activated carbon-based water treatment systems. Beyond its filtration capabilities, EcoFlow incorporates a real-time water level monitoring system, empowering users with vital information for sustainable and equitable access to clean water

Elucidate the complex drivers of significant greening on the Loess Plateau from 2000 to 2020

Greening and its drivers in the Loess Plateau of China have been extensively studied, but attributional explorations regarding vegetation restoration in different climatic zones remain unclear. This study quantitatively evaluated greening on the Loess Plateau based on Fraction Vegetation Cover (FVC) calculated by MOD13Q1 dataset, compared FVC in different climatic zones, and explored the relationship between greening and precipitation, evaporation, soil water content (SWC), surface water bodies, and human activities. The study found that FVC on the Loess Plateau increased significantly at a rate of 0.538% yr−1 from 2000 to 2020, resulting in 94% greening. The greening rate was higher in the middle temperate zones (0.557% yr−1) than in the southern temperate zones (0.532% yr−1), but its average FVC was lower. This suggests that the greening rate (0.551% yr−1) is higher within 5 km of water bodies. Cropland (15.26%), grassland (13.66%) and trees (12.57%) had higher FVC increment than other types, while the six-fold increase in urban area is a significant impediment to greening. Additionally, there is a significant positive correlation with FVC when the urban economy exceeds 100 billion. The interaction of natural factors and human activities made the greatest contribution to greening, as calculated by the GeoDetector. It is hypothesized that there is significant potential for greening in the middle temperate zones. However, large-scale tree planting may not have a catalytic effect and could even be counterproductive. To achieve sustainable greening of the Loess Plateau in the future, shrubs and artificial water storage facilities may be key.

The Role of Geological Methods in the Prevention and Control of Urban Flood Disaster Risk: A Case Study of Zhengzhou

The frequent occurrence of urban flood disasters is a major and persistent problem threatening the safety of cities in China and elsewhere in the world. As this issue is so pervasive, exploring new methods for more effective risk prevention and urban flood disaster control is now being prioritized. Taking the case of the city of Zhengzhou as an example, this paper proposes using geological, hydrogeological, ecological, and environmental conditions together with appropriate engineering designs to address the problem of urban flooding. The strategy includes integrating urban sponge–hydrogeological conditions, ecological engineering, and the construction of deep underground water storage facilities. Field investigations, data collection and analysis, in situ observations, testing, and laboratory experiments, are analyzed to explain the formation mechanism and means to mitigate flood disasters in Zhengzhou. Our results suggest that the appropriate use of geological, ecological, and hydrogeological aspects, combined with effective engineering practices, can significantly improve the city’s flood control capacity. These measures can solve the problem of the “once-in-a-millennium” occurrence of torrential rain disasters such as the “720” torrential rainstorm that has affected the city of Zhengzhou.

Wild Hogs in the Water: Contested Infrastructural Ecologies of Reservoir Storage in Texas

AbstractReservoirs are developed to store water in reserve for future use. But once built, reservoir sites inevitably hold more than just water, often serving as a key habitat for a range of species. This paper examines how one such animal has transformed water storage facilities and nearby landscapes into contested ground in urbanising areas of Texas, USA. Living around the reservoirs, feral hogs complicate the process of urbanisation by degrading the stockpiled water and infrastructure at the storage sites themselves and by damaging private property throughout the surrounding landscape. Tracking local efforts to manage the hogs, the case study illustrates the spatially extensive stakes of such porous infrastructural ecologies of storage, particularly their role in mediating the ongoing process of the urbanisation of nature.

The Influence of Household and Community Food Environments on Food Insecurity in Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Insufficient access to enough quality food remains a public health challenge in South Africa. This study aimed to report the influence of community and the household environment, food system inventories, and food procurement on household food security. The findings alluded that food insecurity is prevalent among the rural areas in South Africa. Large household sizes and a limited access to and use of water and food storage facilities for food preservation are the major household determinants. A multi-sectoral nutrition-planning approach that accelerates the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals should be reinforced. We recommend the promotion of food production for consumption in rural communities.

Multi-source data-driven estimation of maximum carrying capacity of urban water storage facilities under extreme conditions

Abstract With the deepening of urbanization and rapid economic development, urban water storage systems face increasing challenges. In this paper, the behavioral mechanism of urban water storage system is deeply analyzed by using the system dynamics method, and a system dynamics model of the carrying capacity of urban water storage equipment is established. Further, based on the gray correlation theory, a prediction model of the carrying capacity of urban water storage equipment is constructed and accuracy is examined. The study estimated the maximum carrying capacity of urban water storage equipment through performance analysis. The results show that the relative error of the fitted data is deficient, indicating that the model is highly accurate. The empirical Analysis of the carrying capacity index of the urban economy and water environment pollution is high. The prediction results for 2030 show that the carrying capacity of water storage facilities in City M is 0.22, which is already slightly overloaded and faces a severe risk of overloading. The model proposed in this study can not only accurately predict the trend of the carrying capacity of water storage equipment, but also effectively predict the overloading problem of urban water storage equipment, which provides a scientific basis for the optimization and improvement of urban water storage equipment, and an essential support for the formulation of the city’s sustainable development strategy.