Lake Tana Sub-Basin, Ethiopia The Lake Tana sub-basin plays a vital role in Ethiopia’s hydropower generation and irrigation development. However, the recent operation of an interbasin water transfer has intensified competition for water resources, raising concerns about long-term hydrological sustainability and downstream ecological flows. To evaluate these impacts, this study developed an integrated modeling framework that couples the HBV Light rainfall-runoff model, a lake water balance model, and the Water Accounting Plus (WA+) approach to assess water availability, consumption patterns, and downstream ecological flow conditions for 2010–2020. The HBV Light model was unable to accurately simulate the natural lake outflow, but its coupling with the lake water balance model significantly improved model performance, resulting in NSE of 0.79 and R² of 0.92. The mean annual inflow to the lake was estimated at 6.9 km³ , with 55% contributed by the Gilgel Abbay catchment. The rainfall and evaporation over the lake was estimated at 4.1 km³ yr⁻¹ and 5.1 km³ yr⁻¹ , respectively. Total annual outflow averaged 5.8 km³ , with 3.1 km³ yr⁻¹ diverted through the interbasin water transfer and 2.7 km³ yr⁻¹ outflow at the natural outlet. The interbasin water transfer now exceeds lake's natural outflow and has increased the frequency of unmet environmental flow requirements from 6% (pre-transfer period) to 27% during 2010–2020. In terms of consumption, rainfed agriculture dominates water consumption at 5.7 km³ yr⁻¹ , while irrigation accounts for only 0.4 km³ yr⁻¹ . Green evapotranspiration (ET) constitutes 68% of total water consumption, with blue ET making up the remaining 32%. These results demonstrate the hydrological implications of interbasin water transfer on lake outflow and downstream ecological conditions. The integrated modeling framework offers a scalable approach for hydrological assessment and water allocation in data-scarce basins. • An integrated modelling framework was developed to address complex water management challenges in the Lake Tana sub-basin. • The interbasin water transfer surpasses the lake outflow at the natural outlet. • Downstream environmental flow requirements are significantly impacted by interbasin water transfers. • Water availability and scarcity indicators were derived to inform sustainable water resource planning • The study offers actionable insights for balancing hydropower development with environmental flow needs.

Integrated evaluation of energy and water use in air-cooled and adiabatic condensers – a case study in an office building

Impact of COVID-19 mild lockdowns on residential water consumption: Evidence from Brazil

Protein Restriction During Pregnancy and Lactation Triggers Steatohepatitis and Adrenal Disorders in Rat Dams: Insights into Maternal Metabolic Health.

In situ micro-nano bubbles for enhanced and regenerative lithium extraction from salt lake brines.

Case study on steam-assisted solvent-free microwave extraction of black pepper essential oil: Comparative performance, kinetics, and process intensification against microwave hydrodistillation

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an increasing health and social problem worldwide with prevalent cholinergic cell involvement. To reveal the details of the exact mechanisms, further preclinical studies in animals are needed. Our aim was to create a mouse model that represents the progression of AD with easy cholinergic manipulation. The 3xTg-AD and ChAT-Cre strains were crossbred. After serial genotyping, a colony, homozygote for all four genes (PSEN1, APPSwe, tauP301L and Cre; 3xAD-ChAT-Cre) was established. The presence of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques and phosphor-Tau (pTau) aggregates was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. To test the functionality of the Cre enzyme, a stimulating DREADD virus (AAV8-hSyn-DIO-hM3Dq-mCherry) was injected unilaterally into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis, and clozapine-N-oxide-induced c-Fos activation was compared between the two hemispheres. Behavioral characterization was performed using the Y-maze, social discrimination (SDT), single pellet reaching (SPR), fox odor (FOT), and splash tests (ST). Food, water consumption and body weight change were investigated. Immunostaining and RNAscope confirmed the expression of Cre in ChAT-positive cells and the progressive appearance of pathological hallmarks (Aβ and pTau). The c-Fos activity was significantly increased in the virus-injected hemisphere. Compared with control mice, 3xAD-ChAT-Cre mice showed decreased locomotion (Y-maze, SDT, FOT), increased anxiety (FOT, ST) and weaker fine motor skills (SPR). In conclusion, newly created animals have a functional Cre recombinase enzyme in cholinergic cells. Additionally, the animals presented the pathophysiological hallmarks of AD in specific brain areas and maintained the typical behavioral alterations previously reported in 3xTg-AD mice. Thus, this strain seems to be appropriate for further studies.

Agricultural transition on the brink of crisis: Forecasting development trends in the eastern Urmia lake basin

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major cause of dyspeptic disorders and remains highly prevalent in Ghana. However, data on its epidemiology in northern Ghana are limited. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection and identify associated predisposing factors among dyspeptic patients in the Upper East Region of northern Ghana. A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted among 325 dyspeptic patients tested for H. pylori infection. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire, whereas stool samples were analyzed for H. pylori antigens using an immunoassay. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with H. pylori infection. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 65.8% (214/325), with the highest prevalence observed in patients within the age category 1-20 years (40.7%). Major predisposing factors included use of public toilets (57.0%), consumption of untreated water (66.4%), and rural residence (56.5%). Consumption of food from street vendors was associated with a 2.27-fold increased likelihood of infection (odds ratio [OR]=2.27), whereas intake of fresh fruits and vegetables increased the risk by 4.81-fold (OR=4.81). Patients from larger households (≥13 members) were at greater risk of infection compared with those from smaller households (1-6 members) (OR=0.31). The study reveals a high prevalence of H. pylori infection in Ghana's Upper East Region, which is strongly associated with poor sanitation and inadequate personal and food hygiene. Public health interventions aimed at improving sanitation, water quality, food safety, and living conditions are crucial for reducing transmission.

Optimizing import patterns to reduce the environmental effects and risks of China’s grain imports

Assessing the impact of tiered water pricing policy on residential water consumption in China: A national evaluation and spatial heterogeneity analysis

Organizational life cycle assessment: A case study in the fashion industry small and medium enterprises

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by the consumption of food or water contaminated with Vibrio cholerae serotypes Ogawa and Inaba. Historically, Vibrio cholerae has remained susceptible to several key antibiotics. However, resistance to older antibiotics has been increasingly reported worldwide. The objective of this study was to assess the distribution of Vibrio cholerae serotypes and their susceptibility patterns in the cholera outbreak areas of the East and central Oromia region, Ethiopia, 2024. The study was conducted on isolates recovered from stool specimens collected from Cholera Outbreak areas of East and Central Oromia Region in 2024. The study design used was a laboratory-based retrospective cross-sectional study. Serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on isolates identified after enrichment in alkaline peptone water, (BIOMARK Laboratories, India). Presumptive screening of the isolates was performed using the Oxidase test (HiMedia, India), string test (Liofilchem, Italy), and other standard biochemical tests. Presumptive identification with O1 and O139 antisera (Hardy Diagnostics, USA) was carried out using the slide agglutination method with polyvalent O1 or O139 antisera. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were assessed using the disk diffusion method. All isolates tested for identification of Vibrio cholerae suspects were found to be serogroup O1. Of these Ogawa accounts for 62% and Inaba for 38%. Complete (100%) resistance was observed for cefepime, ceftazidime, piperacillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Additionally, very high resistance rates were found for cefuroxime sodium (93.0%) and ampicillin-sulbactam (93%). Tetracycline also exhibited significant resistance at 76.2%, while cefoxitin and ampicillin showed substantial resistance at 56.1% and 40.5%, respectively. Ciprofloxacin (69.0%) and levofloxacin were moderately effective, but also displayed notable resistance rates 31.0% and 26.2%, respectively. All Vibrio cholerae isolates identified in this study belong to serogroup O1, with the Ogawa serotype being more prevalent than Inaba. The isolates demonstrated extensive resistance to multiple commonly used antibiotics, including a complete resistance to several cephalosporins, piperacillin and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, alongside high resistance to tetracycline and other agents. Although ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin showed comparatively better activity, the presence of considerable resistance highlights a narrowing range of effective treatment options and underscores the need for ongoing antimicrobial resistance monitoring.

This study was conducted to determine the concentrations of some physicochemical parameters of water and sediment in Lake Tinike during dry and wet seasons as well as some heavy metals in water, sediment, and fish. A laboratory-based study was carried out between January and June 2017, with samples collected from three purposively selected sites. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS), while physicochemical parameters, including temperature, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and electrical conductivity, were measured using standard procedures. The mean concentrations of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and manganese (Mn) in water were 0.96 ± 0.02, 0.05 ± 0.003, 0.13 ± 0.07, and 1.00 ± 0.01mg/L, respectively, while in sediments-2.00 ± 0.041, 0.80 ± 0.008, 1.70 ± 0.10, and 1.22 ± 0.10mg/kg; and in fish-2.78 ± 0.034, 0.07 ± 0.001, 1.72 ± 0.02, and 3.46 ± 0.08mg/kg. Fish samples recorded the highest levels of Cu, Pb, and Mn compared to sediments and water. Cd, Pb, and Mn in water slightly exceeded the maximum permissible concentration limits for drinking water, while Cd and Mn in sediments were above permissible levels of concentration. In fish, Pb exceeded permissible limits of concentration, whereas Cu, Cd, and Mn remained within acceptable ranges. Generally, some heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, and Mn) in Lake Tinike were above international safety standards, indicating potential ecological risks and public health concerns for surrounding communities that rely on the lake for water and fish consumption. Therefore, continuous monitoring, strict regulation of pollutant discharges, and public awareness initiatives are strongly recommended to safeguard both environmental and human health in the region.

Water-floating solar photovoltaics (FPV) add to renewable energy capacity building without additional land requirements. We quantify the environmental impacts of FPV on inland water bodies with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and water consumption. We harmonize and compare all existing peer-reviewed life cycle assessments on FPV and add two case studies. We consider the full life cycle of FPV, including future (prospective) material recycling options, as well as changes in water evaporation and aquatic GHG emissions at the FPV location. On average, we computed an overall GHG footprint of 36 gCO2 kWh-1, similar to ground-based PV. Biogenic aquatic GHG emissions at the FPV location are expected to contribute a relatively minor share (1%-8%) to the GHG footprint of the FPV systems. Water savings due to prevented evaporation are much higher than the FPV systems' water consumption. Collectively, our findings support the continued development and deployment of FPV technology to aid the transition toward renewable energy supply.

Nitrate and trihalomethanes are widespread chemicals in drinking water associated with colorectal and bladder cancer, respectively. Drinking water choices determine different exposure levels and environmental impacts. We assessed and compared health impacts and carbon footprint of drinking water options in Barcelona, Spain. Drinking water habits, trihalomethane and nitrate concentrations, and estimated disability adjusted life years (DALYs) of bladder and colorectal cancer in Barcelona were obtained. We defined 5 scenarios: (S1) current drinking water habits; hypothetical situations where everyone drinks (S2) tap water, (S3) bottled water, (S4) reverse osmosis-RO filtered water, and (S5) active carbon filtered water. Bladder cancer population fraction attributable to trihalomethanes and colorectal cancer attributable to nitrate was estimated for the different scenarios using published exposure-response functions. The total set of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2-equivalent Kg) generated by materials flow, energy resources, transportation, and waste disposal were calculated. Bottled water was the most used choice (52%), and the "all bottled water" scenario led to the highest carbon footprint. The "all filtered-RO" scenario yielded the lowest DALYs and "all tap water" yielded the lowest carbon footprint. Domestic filters may offer a compromise between health and environmental awareness in drinking water behavior that warrants future research. This study highlights how a combined approach of Health Impact Assessment and Carbon Footprint can be used to evaluate risks of different chemicals found in drinking water (trihalomethanes and nitrates) through various water consumption scenarios (including current one, all tap, bottled, filtered with reverse osmosis and active carbon). By incorporating environmental and health data into an urban context (Barcelona), this methodology substantiates the need for decision-making based on robust findings on both public health impacts and sustainability trade-offs for future policies. These findings underscore the significance of the drinking water choices in the community heavily depending on bottled water.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with adverse reproductive health outcomes (e.g., reduced fecundability). Identifying correlates of PFAS exposure in females is therefore an important public health objective, but less research has been conducted in the preconception period. We evaluated correlates of PFAS exposure using cross-sectional data from 449 participants enrolled in Pregnancy Study Online, a preconception cohort study, during 2014-2023. We measured concentrations of four PFAS in serum (n = 293) or capillary whole blood (n = 156) at baseline (preconception). Participants reported sociodemographic and reproductive history correlates at baseline. We used multivariable linear regression models to assess associations between correlates and PFAS concentrations, adjusting for all correlates, sampling year, and biospecimen sample type. We estimated percent differences in PFAS concentrations with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Demographic correlates (higher education, non-Hispanic White race and ethnicity, being married) were associated with higher PFAS concentrations. We observed geographical differences in PFAS concentrations, but limited association with tap water consumption. Typical menstrual characteristics, especially flow intensity and cycle length, were associated with lower PFAS concentrations, notably, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (moderate versus light flow: β = -31.4%, 95% CI = -53.6%, 1.5%; 27-29 days versus <27 days of cycle length: β = -28.4%, 95% CI = -43.3%, -9.5%). Longer breastfeeding duration and later sampling year were consistently associated with lower PFAS concentrations. Several demographic and reproductive correlates were associated with PFAS concentrations among pregnancy planners. These findings can help to identify females at increased risk for PFAS exposure in the sensitive preconception period.

Pipe roughness assessment of water distribution networks based on physics-data fusion.

Optimising iron ore beneficiation through dry magnetic pre-concentration: pilot and full-scale performance (Part I)

ObjectivesAntimicrobial resistance is a growing global public health threat driven by interactions between human, animal and environmental factors. Rural settings in low- and middle-income countries may face increased risk due to unregulated antibiotic use, close human–animal interactions, and environmental contamination. This study explored community-level knowledge, attitudes and practices related to antibiotic use and resistance among caregivers of children in rural South India using a One Health perspective.DesignQualitative study using focus group discussions and thematic analysis.SettingFour rural villages in Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, India.ParticipantsSeventy-seven primary caregivers of children aged 2–12 years from households with backyard animals, purposively selected from a rural cohort study.ResultsThree themes emerged. First, human health practices included reliance on home remedies, reuse of prescriptions, self-medication and incomplete antibiotic courses alongside misconceptions about antibiotics. Second, environmental factors such as untreated water consumption, open defecation, poor drainage and improper waste disposal were perceived to increase infection risks. Third, animal-related pathways included close child–animal contact, antibiotic use in livestock and unsafe disposal of animal waste. Limited healthcare access and transport costs influenced treatment-seeking behaviour.ConclusionsInterconnected caregiver practices, environmental conditions and animal husbandry behaviours create multiple pathways for antimicrobial resistance transmission. Integrated, community-based interventions addressing behaviour change, healthcare access and environmental management are essential to support antibiotic stewardship within a One Health framework.