Waterway Systems Research Articles

Postsynthetically Modified Cationic, Robust MOF Featuring Selective Separation of Carboxylate-Containing Pharmaceutical Drugs from Water at Neutral pH: Elucidation of the Adsorption Mechanism by Theory and Experiments.

The escalating levels of hazardous pharmaceutical contaminants, specifically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), in groundwater reservoir surfaces and surface waterway systems have prompted substantial scientific interest regarding their potential deleterious effects on both aquatic ecosystems and human health. Extraction of those pollutants from wastewater is quite challenging. Hence, the development of economic, sustainable, and scalable techniques for capturing and removing those pollutants is crucial to ensure water safety. Herein, we demonstrate a physicochemically stable, reusable, porous Hf(IV)-based cationic metal-organic framework (MOF), namely, 1'@MeCl for the aqueous phase adsorption-based removal of NSAIDs (diclofenac, naproxen, ibuprofen) from the wastewater environment. The highly positively charged surface of the 1'@MeCl MOF enables it to selectively extract more than 99% of diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen contaminants within less than 30 s. With fast adsorption kinetics, very high adsorption capacities (Qe) were achieved at neutral pH for diclofenac (482.9 mg/g), naproxen (295.9 mg/g), and ibuprofen (219.5 mg/g). Moreover, the influence of changes in pH and coexisting anions on the adsorption property of the 1'@MeCl MOF was studied. Furthermore, the adsorption efficiency of 1'@MeCl in different real water environments was ensured by performing diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen adsorption from tap, river, and lake water. Moreover, a 1'@MeCl-anchored cellulose acetate-chitosan membrane was developed successfully to demonstrate the membrane-based extraction of diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen from contaminated water. Furthermore, a molecular-level mechanistic study was performed through experimental and computational study to propose the plausible adsorption mechanisms for diclofenac, naproxen, and ibuprofen over the surface of 1'@MeCl.

Soil-sediment connectivity through Bayesian source tracking in an urban naturalised waterway via microbial and isotopic markers

Riverine sediments are important habitats for microbial activity in naturalised waterways to provide potential ecosystem services that improve stormwater quality. Yet, little is known about the sources of these sediment microbes, and the factors shaping them. This study investigated the dominant source of sediments in a tropical naturalised urban waterway, using two Bayesian methods for microbial and isotopic 13C/15N markers concurrently. Additionally, key factors shaping microbial communities from the surrounding landscape were evaluated. A comprehensive two-year field survey identified source land covers of interest based on topology and soil context. Among these land covers, riverbanks were the dominant source of sediments contribution for both edaphic and microbial components. The physico-chemical environment explains most of the variation in sediment communities compared to inter-location distances and microbial source contribution. As microbes provide ecosystem services important for rewilding waterways, management strategies that establish diverse sediment microbial communities are encouraged. Since riverbanks play a disproportionately important role in material contribution to sediment beds, management practices aimed at controlling soil erosion from riverbanks can improve overall functioning of waterway systems.

Economic consequences of inland waterway disruptions in the Upper Mississippi River region in a changing climate

Inland waterway locks have become significant bottlenecks in waterway networks worldwide due to the disruptions caused by aging infrastructure and climate change. While these locks have traditionally received attention for traffic issues, the disruptive impact on the regional economy remains unclear. This study addresses this knowledge gap by assessing the economic impacts of inland water transportation system failures, specifically focusing on disruptions in agricultural commodities within the Upper Mississippi River–Illinois River (UMR–IR) region. These disruptions encompass both unscheduled climate-induced extreme weather events and scheduled maintenance and repair work due to internal system failure. To capture the spatial interdependence between the regional economy and shipping rate changes caused by disruptions, we developed an integrated modeling approach. This approach combines spatial econometric modeling and multi-regional computable general equilibrium modeling techniques. Detailed weekly data from 2013 to 2021, including variations in inland barge rates and environmental conditions, were utilized. The assessment reveals that lock closure events in the UMR-IR region have severe economic consequences, impacting both the region itself and beyond. Conversely, transportation resilience achieved through modal substitution from barge to rail services during disruptive events can substantially reduce GDP losses. Specifically, such resilience measures can reduce GDP losses in the UMR-IR region by 6.6–24.2% and in the rest of the USA by 5.2–19.5%. Overall, these research findings carry significant implications for future planning and investment in inland waterway systems.

Validation of a Key Performance Indicator Framework Demonstrating Economic Benefits Gained through Resolving Nautical Bottlenecks on Selected Sections of the Danube

Addressing nautical bottlenecks is crucial for optimizing the utilization of inland waterways and maximizing the economic benefits of transports. To maximize economic benefits, a study was conducted to validate a key performance indicator (KPI)-based framework. This framework offers a structured approach to assessing the impact of resolved nautical bottlenecks on the economic benefits of inland waterway transport (IWT). To validate the applicability of the KPI framework, interviews with eleven experts were conducted. The goal was to prioritize each KPI based on their insights. The results of the interviews shed light on the relevance and coherence of both the individual KPIs and the overall KPI framework. The experts confirmed the importance of measures related to transportation efficiency, such as reduced transit times, increased vessel throughput, and enhanced reliability. The validated KPI-based framework serves as a valuable tool for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers. It enables the assessment of the effects of resolving nautical bottlenecks in inland waterway systems. Future research should focus on quantifying the multifaceted impacts, making this framework even more useful for decision-making processes concerning investments in infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

Relationship between two-phase flow in bottom outlet and air-core vortices at intake

Model experiments were conducted on the hydraulic characteristics of air-water two-phase flow inside the bottom outlet of shaft spillways as a result of natural air suction from air-core vortices at the pipe intake. Experiments were performed in a cylindrical reservoir 2 m in diameter and 1 m high, under a swirling flow around the intake, investigating the most severe two-phase flow regimes. Three different vertical pipe intakes, attached to the floor of the reservoir at its centre, were examined for different flow discharges, establishing different vortex types. Results indicate that the void fraction decreases by changing the type of swirling flow. For a constant submergence depth, reducing the intake pipe diameter or increasing its height led to an increase in void fraction and two-phase slug flow wave velocity, length and frequency. However, by the increase in Kolf number, the frequency of slug waves reduced and the two-phase flow pressure inside the bottom outlet was increased. The relationships between two-phase flow hydraulic characteristics and regimes inside the bottom outlet and types of vortices at the intakes will be of interest to both scientific research and design engineers, to increase the efficiency and safety of pressurised waterway systems.

The Travel Time of Floatable Litter of Different Densities Influenced by River Flow Velocity

Rivers are a source of life. However, these past years, the sustainability of rivers around the world has been threatened by urbanization, industrialization, and rapid development. These activities put pressure on waterway systems and rivers, leading to the emergence of riverine litter. The lack of understanding of the migration of litter in rivers can affect the decision-making efficiency of policymakers when it comes to riverine litter management. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to evaluate the travel time for different densities of Floatable Litter (FL) in rivers influenced by river flow velocity. The density of the selected FL was manually determined by assessing litter characteristics of mass, volume, and size. The Sg. Berkelah river in Pahang, Malaysia was used as the simulation medium for the sampling of FL travel time utilizing the extrapolation of the Time of Travel (ToT) approach. The ToT technique utilizes a 30 m distance. The sampling was done under three different river flow velocity conditions. In this study, a correlation analysis between these two variables was carried out and evaluated. The results revealed that magazine papers possess the fastest FL travel time, with T = 43.93 s when v = 0.230 m/s, while cloth possesses the slowest FL travel time, with T = 204.90 s when v = 0.167 m/s. The travel time of FL is not influenced by low-class density, p < 1000 kg/m3, but by other factors that have a stronger influence on the travel time of horizontally migrated litter. This study provides a basic understanding and overview of FL migrating characteristics in rivers for further reference by local authorities for litter monitoring and also future riverine litter studies.

Assessment of ship manoeuvring safety in waterway systems by relative navigational risk

The safety of vessels navigating in the sea waterway system is ensured by fulfilling the acceptable restrictions called safe ship operation conditions in that system. The assessment of navigation safety is particularly important when the conditions for safe operation of ships in the waterway system are changed concerns increasing the maximum parameters of vessels, increasing the allowable hydrometeorological conditions or changing the minimum tug assistance. The article presents a method for assessing navigation safety when the conditions for the safe operation of vessels in the waterway system get changed. The method uses two indicators, which are difference in navigation risks and relative navigation risk. To determine the navigational risk, algorithms were developed for calculating the probability of accidents caused by the deterioration of navigation conditions and technical failure of ship equipment and tugs. Another algorithm was developed for calculating the consequences of the accidents that involve blocking a waterway by a ship anchoring in an emergency, grounding, impact of the ship against a port structure or moored ship and a collision with another ship in motion. The method developed for assessing navigation safety by means of relative navigation risk can be used in practice when changing the conditions for safe operation of vessels in the waterway system and when the system is modernized. Navigational safety management is a decision process that is implemented in the loop presented in the article. The acceptable risk is determined on the basis of vessel traffic intensity and ship parameters defined by safe operation conditions for a given waterway system. Relative navigational risk may be used in assessment and comparison of various conditions of safe ship operation. The probability of an accident caused by ship's moving outside the available navigable area due to technical failures of ship equipment or tugs is determined, depending on the type of port waterway and the manoeuvres performed.

Multihazard Performance Assessment of Scoured Bridges Subjected to Barge Collision

Barges offer a safe and cost-effective means for transporting commodities in inland waterway systems. This, however, comes with the risk of barge collision into bridge piers that span navigable waterways. While the vulnerability of such bridges has been investigated in an intact condition under vessel collision, the existing assessment methods fail to capture how scour events that bridge piers often experience during their service life can affect their response to vessel-induced impact loads. To address this gap, three bridge structures were modeled in this study, and a fully loaded barge traveling at 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 m/s was allowed to collide into each of them after they underwent various scour scenarios. The scour scenarios under consideration were developed, following the procedure provided in Hydraulic Engineering Circular No. 18, for both 100- and 500-year floods. Based on the obtained results, the impact force, maximum shear, and maximum bending moment that the bridge piers experienced were found to decrease as the scour depth increased, mainly because the bridge piers gained flexibility. On the other hand, the maximum force that the bridge ends witnessed were determined to increase, indicating that the bridge structure can become vulnerable to failure at locations other than bridge piers as the scour depth increases. With an in-depth understanding of the magnitudes and trends of key structural response measures, the outcome of this study provided a rigorous multihazard perspective to improve the safety and performance of bridges built on navigable waterways.

An AIS-Based approach for measuring waterway resiliency: a case study of Houston ship channel

ABSTRACT Resiliency measurement is a great tool for evaluating system performance and proposing solutions to prevent damage and to recover from disruptive events. This study proposes an analytic approach to quantify narrow waterway systems’ resiliency during disasters. First, metrics are introduced to quantify the resiliency before, during, and after a disruption. The existing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Maritime Transportation Systems (MTS) are examined, and two metrics, 1) the number of inbound and outbound vessels and 2) Total Stopped Vessel-Hours, are selected to measure the resiliency of a waterway system. Second, a heuristic method is developed to derive the KPIs from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) data. Finally, the proposed methodology is performed for the Houston Ship Channel (HSC) AIS data before, during, and after Hurricane Harvey, in August 2017. The results are presented for the entire channel and highlight useful information about the performance of individual docks, terminals, and waterway zones within HSC. This study helps decision-makers identify the weaknesses and potential bottlenecks in a waterway confronting a disruption and come up with remedies.

Collaborative knowledge mapping to inform environmental policy-making: The case of Canada’s Rideau Canal National Historic Site

The Rideau Canal National Historic Site is a complex social-ecological system that connects the Ottawa River and the St-Lawrence River in Eastern Ontario, Canada. As an interjurisdictional waterway, it presents interconnected social-ecological challenges. In this article, we analyze findings from five participatory workshops held with stakeholder groups in the Rideau Canal system. Participants in the workshops co-produced social-ecological relational maps that represent their knowledge and views about determinants of environmental health in the system. The maps were merged by the authors to create an aggregated, collective map grouping all factors that participants perceived as influencing the environmental health of the Rideau Canal. Our analysis focuses on two dimensions of these co-production exercises. First, we use concepts and methods from social-ecological systems and social network analysis to analyze the content of the maps, examining convergences and divergences in stakeholder perceptions of the system and outlining insights into social-ecological linkages that might be relevant for decision- and policy-makers. Most factors cited were social, emphasizing the need for more careful integration of the social and ecological in our understanding of complex historic waterway systems. Second, we examine the value of our workshops, anchored in collaborative systems thinking and network analysis, as a method for eliciting highly variable local knowledge and experiences, and for summarizing these in a consumable form for decision- and policy-makers. We argue that this method facilitates inclusion of various knowledges and perspectives in decision- and policymaking processes and provides pathways to improve social-ecological resilience.

Environmental Risk Mitigation by Biodiesel Blending from Eichhornia crassipes: Performance and Emission Assessment

The aggressive growth of Eichhornia crassipes (Water Hyacinth) plants causes severe damage to the irrigation, environment, and waterway systems in Iraq. This study aims to produce, characterize, and test biofuel extracted from the Eichhornia crassipes plant in Iraq. The extracted biodiesel was mixed at 10%, 20%, and 40% with neat diesel to produce three biodiesel samples. The methodology consists of the physiochemical properties of the samples that were characterized. The performance of the IC engine fueled by neat and biodiesel samples was measured under various operational conditions. The exhaust gases were analyzed to estimate the compounds to assess the environmental impact. The results showed that the density and viscosity of mixtures increase and the calorific value decrease with biodiesel. The engine test showed that the diesel + 10BE, diesel + 20BE, and diesel + 40BE enhanced brake thermal efficiency using 2.6%, 4.2%, and 6.3%, respectively, compared to neat diesel. Exhaust tests show a slight reduction, of 0.85–3.69% and 2.48–6.93%, in CO and HC emission, respectively. NOx is higher by 1.87–7.83% compared with neat diesel. The results revealed that biodiesel blended from Eichhornia crassipes is a viable solution to mitigate the drastic impact on the environment and economy in Iraq. The blended biodiesel has good potential to be mixed with the locally produced diesel from oil refineries.

Sandhills, sandbanks, waterways, canals and sacred lakes at Sais in the Nile Delta

Abstract. The paper explores the relationship between the archaeological zones of the ancient city of Sais at Sa el-Hagar, Egypt, and the natural landscape of the western central Nile Delta and, in particular, the extent to which the dynamic form of the landscape was an element in the choice of settlement location. Furthermore, settlement at Sais has been determined to have existed at several locations in the immediate environs of the current archaeological zones from the Neolithic period, around 4000 BCE (Before Common Era), to the modern day, suggesting that the local environment was conducive to sustainable settlement, culminating in the establishment of a capital city in the 7th century BCE. The nature of the settlement, its immediate environs and waterway systems will, thus, be described, based on correlation of geological, geophysical, remote sensing and archaeological data, in order to establish if and when human interactions in the landscape can be determined to be reactive or proactive.

Development and First Tests of a Lab-Scale Electric Field for Investigating Potential Effects of Electric Barriers on Aquatic Invasive Invertebrates

Canals and other connected waterway systems, including the Chicago Area Waterway System (CAWS), have often facilitated the spread of non-native species. Electric barriers have recently emerged as a method for preventing this spread and protecting uninvaded ecosystems from new invaders. The largest system of electric barriers in the world is in the CAWS and is operated primarily to prevent the spread of invasive Asian carp. It is not known whether these barriers are effective for other species, particularly invasive invertebrates. Here, we provide data regarding the efficacy of an electric field that operates at the same parameters as the electric barrier in the CAWS in affecting behaviors of two invertebrate species, the red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii and the amphipod Hyalella azteca. We constructed an electric field within a tank that operates at the same parameters as the existing CAWS barriers and determined the effects of the electric field on our test species. At the electric field parameters of the CAWS barriers, the vast majority of P. clarkii individuals showed altered movement with maintained equilibrium. For H. azteca, behavioral responses were less extreme than for P. clarkii, with a majority of individuals experiencing altered movement. By measuring the orientation of organisms to the electric field, we determined that the test organisms are affected by the electric field, especially at lower field strengths where they exhibited no or little other behavioral response. At lower field strengths, P. clarkii exhibited changes in orientation, but at higher field strengths, individuals were less able to orient themselves. H. azteca exhibited changes in orientation to the electric field at all field strengths. The results of this study suggest that the existing electric barriers may not slow or prevent spread of invasive invertebrates—including amphipods and crayfish—through passive movement attached boats/barges or through downstream drift, but that the barriers may prevent spread by active upstream movement. Overall, our work gives new data regarding the efficacy of electric fields in preventing the spread of invasive invertebrates and can inform management decisions regarding current and future electric barriers in the CAWS.

Dimensioning of Fairway Bends—Kinematic Method of Numerical Simulation

The article presents a new kinematic method of numerical simulation intended for establishing dimensions of safe manoeuvring areas of bends in various types of fairways for vessels of specific parameters. The method consists of multiple numerical simulations of a ship’s passage (ship’s centre of gravity) through a bend, representing the entire physically possible movement of the ship, and an analysis of simulation results. The developed method was verified on the bends of the Świnoujście–Szczecin fairway, by comparing the results to the exact simulation method of a ship’s movements. The relatively high accuracy and low costs of the method allow it to be used in a concept design of built or modern waterway systems.

Evaluation of ethanol multimodal transport logistics: a case in Brazil

This paper evaluates a large ethanol multimodal logistics system in Brazil. This system conducts ethanol logistics activities using pipelines and waterways to supply Brazil's internal and export markets. A transhipment model is used for the treatment of logistic flows. A linear programming model was developed to determine the transhipment and replenishment flows from more than 400 ethanol plants to more than 70 terminals and distribution centres. We found that optimal results occur when pipeline and waterway systems reach full capacity by taking volume from road transportation on long distances, suggesting that these options have the potential to make the ethanol logistics in Brazil more efficient and competitive in the future.

SM-UAN: A Software-Defined Underwater Acoustic Network of Multi-Controllers for Inland Waterway Systems

Underwater acoustic network (UAN) is a lightweight system used in inland waterway systems. Software-defined networking (SDN) is a promising approach to improve the supervision abilities and integration services. This paper introduces SM-UAN, an SDN-based UAN with multi-controllers. Firstly, a hierarchical framework of SM-UAN is offered. Secondly, a multi-flow table structure and a multi-flow processing method is built. Followed by, a distributed deployment model of controllers and a load balancing mechanism are established. Finally, we construct an experimental scenario on Mininet with WOSS-NS3. For the multi-flow table processing method, the simulation demonstrates that the compression ratio is promoted to 24.1% and 29.4% separately, the packet forwarding rate 14.7% and the processing delay 31.2%, when comparing SM-UAN with the item-by-item matching (IM) system. For the load balancing mechanism, it shows that the maximum load for a master controller is balanced to 0.55, while the minimum load for a slave controller 0.46, which proves that a fair load distribution achieves. In addition, SM-UAN is compared with the traditional single-sink-based UAN (TS-UAN), the traditional multi-sink-based UAN (TM-UAN), and the SDN-based UAN with a single controller (SS-UAN). The results reveal that the survival time of SM-UAN is extended to 32.7%, 24.9%, and 21.6%, respectively. Also, the bit error rate (BER) of that is less than 10−4. In conclusion, advantages of SM-UAN have been highlighted, which provides theoretical support for inland waterway systems.

Simulation research on the influence of special ships on waterway through capacity for a complex waterway system: a case study for the Port of Meizhou Bay

The study of waterway through capacity for ports is a challenging problem due to the randomness and complexity of the waterway system, which needs to be analyzed by simulation technology. This paper quantitatively studies the influence of special ships on waterway through capacity and provides corresponding measures to improve waterway through capacity. The complex waterway system in the Port of Meizhou Bay is employed as a case study. Considering the actual conditions in the Port of Meizhou Bay, including the ships, berths, waterways, and natural conditions, a Simio-based simulation model is established. The real operation data from the Port of Meizhou Bay in 2015 are used to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the model. The simulation results show that special ships reduce the waterway through capacity by 4.9% and suggest that circumnavigation strategies that can be adopted after the extension and new construction of waterway systems can improve the waterway through capacity by 5.9%.

Water in Krakow’s Gardens, Parks and Areas of Greenery

In park and garden design, one of the more valued assets of the natural environment is water. Perceived as the source of life, it has always constituted an essential element of garden compositions, one that is both impressive and symbolic. In subsequent historical periods, designers expanded the possibilities of using water in garden layouts and since the nineteenth century waterfront areas have been an important element of shaping systems of urban parks. The article features a characterisation of the participation of water and waterfront areas in Krakow’s gardens and areas of public greenery. The matter of both waterway systems that order the structure of the city, anthropogenic or natural pools, as well as details decorating park spaces were discussed. One of the most essential elements that have crystallised Krakow’s urban layout are so-called river parks. The presence of rivers in the city significantly improves its visual attractiveness. Natural points, sequences of views and exposed places are highly distinct, in addition to an attractive waterfront landscape with outstanding landmarks. This is confirmed by historical panoramas and contemporary conceptual proposals of walking areas and boulevards. River parks, which are linear, show highly diverse landscapes, the separate tradition of places, their own identities, including natural identities—not limited to the Vistula River valley—as the Vistula is the main river. Natural and artificial bodies of water and their accompanying recreational areas, e.g. Zakrzówek, Bagry or Przylasek Rusiecki, have a significant share in shaping Krakow’s areas of greenery. Water is also present in Krakow’s gardens and parks. Its visual qualities, the charm of shimmering light, reflections and the dynamism of, among other things, water jets on a smooth water surface, as well as its sound have all found their use. In gardens or manorial or palatial parks it often constituted an essential compositional element, e.g. in the garden of Łobzów, the parks of Dębniki or Prokocim. It did not survive in any of them. Later on it also became an important part of the programme of public parks, with pools or ponds located, among other places, in Planty Park and Park Jordana. To this day it brings joy and refreshment to its users in the form of representative fountains and water jets. In the article it was presented just how diverse functions does water play in the composing of Krakow’s areas of greenery—from the detail to the planning of its urban structure. The fact that, particularly recently, a frontal turn has been made towards the Vistula, as there were voices that the city had its back turned to it. At present, public areas that are open towards the water are being designed. Designs of waterfront areas that have recently been completed in Krakow and which constitute a result of competitions, were shown as well. These include the parks in Zakrzówek or near Płaszów lake. This proves that water still remains an inexhaustible source of inspiration and its accessibility in areas of public greenery attracts large amounts of users.

Delivering Olmsted Locks and Dam

The Olmsted Locks and Dam, the largest civil works project by the US Army Corps of Engineers since the Panama Canal, became operational in August 2018. More than 30 years in the making, the $3-billion project on the Ohio River improves navigation on a critical stretch of the U.S. inland waterway systems.

Changes in the Transport Capacity of Polish Inland Waterways Against the Background of European Waterway Use for Transport

Lower environmental impact of inland waterway transport causes its development to be high on the agenda of the sustainable transport policy. In the above context, the purpose of this article is to discuss the transport function of Polish inland waterways against the background of how primary European inland waterway systems are used. The desk research method was used to analyse waterway use, involving review and consolidation of statistics from various sources capturing freight transport on the primary inland waterways in Europe. Research has shown that inland waterways in Western Europe, regardless of the decline in freight transport in 2009, continue to be important for transport, and their performance may even be higher than that of the infrastructure used for other modes of transport. The transport function of inland waterways in Poland is fading as a consequence of the failure to perform multipurpose waterway management. The above is inconsistent with sustainable transport development priorities adopted by the EU.