Search Results (20,265)

Water quality evaluation usually relies on limited state-controlled monitoring data, making it challenging to fully capture variations across an entire basin over time and space. The fine estimation of water quality in a spatial context presents a promising solution to this issue; however, traditional analyses often ignore spatial non-stationarity between variables. To solve the above-mentioned problems in water quality mapping research, we took the Yangtze River as our study subject and attempted to use a geographically weighted random forest regression (GWRFR) model to couple massive station observation data and auxiliary data to carry out a fine estimation of water quality. Specifically, we first utilized state-controlled sections’ water quality monitoring data as input for the GWRFR model to train and map six water quality indicators at a 30 m spatial resolution. We then assessed various geographical and environmental factors contributing to water quality and identified spatial differences. Our results show accurate predictions for all indicators: ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) had the lowest accuracy (R² = 0.61, RMSE = 0.13), and total nitrogen (TN) had the highest (R² = 0.74, RMSE = 0.48). The mapping results reveal total nitrogen as the primary pollutant in the Yangtze River basin. Chemical oxygen demand and the permanganate index were mainly influenced by natural factors, while total nitrogen and total phosphorus were impacted by human activities. The spatial distribution of critical influencing factors shows significant clustering. Overall, this study demonstrates the fine spatial distribution of water quality and provides insights into the influencing factors that are crucial for the comprehensive management of water environments. Full article

This paper investigates the influence of vegetable oils (sunflower oil (SO), rapeseed oil (RO), and linseed oil (LO)) supplemented into broiler diets on the fatty acids profile and quality of lipids in breasts and thighs, expressed through qualitative, nutritional, and metabolic indices. Broilers of the Ross 308 hybrid were divided into three groups and fattened over 6 weeks. During the last three weeks of fattening, broilers were fed a finisher diet that differed in types of supplemented oil. Diets were balanced at the level of 19.80% crude protein and 13.5 MJ ME/kg of feed. Feed and water were offered to broilers ad libitum. Fatty acid profiles were determined in samples of broiler breasts and thighs, based on which lipids health indices were calculated. Quantitative indices (polyunsaturated fatty acids-∑PUFA/saturated fatty acids-∑SFA, ∑PUFA n-6/∑PUFA n-3, linoleic acid-LA/α-linolenic acid-ALA, and eicosapentaenoic acid-EPA+ docosahexaenoic acid-DHA) were influenced by the type of oil (p < 0.001), whereas the type of meat was only important for the index of ∑PUFA/∑SFA (p < 0.001). Nutritional indices (nutritional value index-NVI, atherogenicity index-AI, thrombogenicity index-TI, hypo/hypercholesterolemic index-hHI, health-promoting index-HPI) depended on both factors (p < 0.001). The metabolic indices (elongase index-EI, thioesterase index-THI, ∆9-desaturase, ∆5 + ∆6-desaturase, kinetic activity index-KHI) were significantly affected by the type of meat (p < 0.001), as well as by the feeding treatments (p < 0.05), except for the EI index. This research confirmed that oils supplemented into broiler feed influence the fatty acid profiles in broiler meat. It has also been confirmed that the fatty acid profile affects the lipid quality in meat, which may be beneficial for consumers’ health. Full article

This study investigated key factors in the petrochemical industry and evaluated the oxidation performance of ozonation catalytic oxidation for treating phenol-simulated wastewater and actual wastewater spiked with phenol. In simulated phenol wastewater, optimal conditions (ozone dosage of 8 mg/L/min, pH 11, total dissolved solids (TDSs) of 1000 mg/L, and initial phenol concentration of 50 mg/L) yielded a maximum chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate of 90.60%. For actual wastewater spiked with phenol under the same conditions, maximum removal rates of phenol, COD, and total organic carbon (TOC) were 65.45%, 63.57%, and 79.65%, respectively. The degradation mechanisms and changes in organic matter during ozonation were analyzed using three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet spectroscopy, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The findings demonstrate that ozonation oxidation is an effective wastewater treatment method, significantly reducing pollutant concentrations and enhancing water quality. Full article

In China, the current policy of the financial sector on water conservation and management is being vigorously pursued; therefore, efficient synergy between the two systems is of great significance. In this study, the coupling and coordination degree (CCD) between reclaimed water usage efficiency (RWUE) and high-quality development of the financial sector (HQDFS) was assessed using a coupling coordination model with panel data from 27 provinces in China during 2010–2021, and a more in-depth coupling and coordination relationship (CCR) was carried out using a spatiotemporal evolution methodology and PVAR model. The results of this study show the following: (1) CCD exhibits a continuous upward trajectory. At the end of the study period, the eastern, central, western, and northeastern regions moved to the primary coordination level. (2) The eastern and northeastern regions show an increasing trend in absolute differences and polarization. Meanwhile, the central region experiences a gradual rise in polarization. (3) The elliptical plot of the CCD’s standard deviation tends toward a circular shape with a positive aspect ratio. An expanding trend of absolute differences and polarization is observed in the eastern and northeastern regions. (4) The PVAR results show that the two systems can promote each other in the early stages and have a negative impact in the later stages. This study provides policy recommendations for a balanced development of the two systems and the formulation of regional development strategies based on the state of coupling and coordination between the two. Full article

Accurate prediction of total phosphorus (TP) in water quality is critical for monitoring ecosystem stability and eutrophication status. However, the distribution of natural environmental data such as total phosphorus (TP) in water quality tends to undergo complex changes over time. Stable and reliable prediction results not only require a certain degree of stability and periodicity of natural data but also require that the TP prediction model be highly adaptable to random fluctuations and distributional drifts of environmental data. Therefore, it is a challenge to adapt prediction models to the distributional drift of natural environmental data. In this study, the spatial and temporal variations in TP in the Yangtze River from 2019 to 2023 were described in detail. Using data mining techniques, time series data were analyzed to generate a forecast dataset focusing on the stability and periodicity of TP fluctuations. By comparing various time series prediction models, MTS-Mixers was finally selected as the experimental baseline model and different modes were used for time series prediction. The results show that after parameter adjustment, the model can achieve high prediction accuracy (MAE: 0.145; MSE: 0.277), which can guarantee the accuracy at 20 time steps. These research results not only comprehensively described and reliably predicted the changes in TP in the Yangtze River but also provided effective methods and tools for water quality monitoring and management. They provide a scientific basis for environmental protection and water quality improvement in the Yangtze River Basin which can help in the formulation and implementation of relevant policies and promote the sustainable development of the Yangtze River water environment. In addition, this study confirms the applicability of machine learning in hydrological prediction for responding to environmental changes. Full article

This study is aimed at a comprehensive assessment of the chemical composition of surface waters in the Turkestan region and their impact on regional landscapes. The primary objective of the research is to systematically evaluate the level of chemical pollution in the region’s water resources and determine its indirect effects on landscape-ecological stability. In August 2024, water samples from eight sampling points (S1–S8) were analyzed for 24 physicochemical parameters, including total hardness (mg*eq/L), pH, dry residue (mg/L), electrical conductivity (µS/cm), total salinity (mg/L), Al, As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Ti, Fe, Pb, Cu, Mg, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Zn, SO₄²⁻, and C₆H₅OH. To determine the degree of pollution, variational-statistical analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), as well as the calculation of the OIP, NPI, and HPI indices were performed. For land use and land cover change (LULC) analysis, LULC classification was carried out based on Landsat data from 2000 to 2020, forming the basis for land resource management and planning. The research results showed a deterioration in the ecological condition of water resources and an increasing anthropogenic impact. Specifically, at point S8, the concentration of Al was found to be 56 times higher than the maximum allowable limit, while the concentration of Fe was 42 times higher. High levels of pollution were also recorded at points S1, S4, S5, and S6, where the increase in Al and Na concentrations caused a sharp rise in the OIP value. The main factors influencing water pollution include industrial effluents, agricultural waste, and irrigation drainage waters. The pollution’s negative impact on regional landscapes has led to issues related to the distribution of vegetation, soil fertility, and landscape stability. To improve the current ecological situation and restore natural balance, the phytoremediation method is proposed. The research results will serve as the foundation for developing water resource management strategies for the Turkestan region and making informed decisions aimed at ensuring ecological sustainability. Full article

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), a gram-positive, spore-forming bacillus, has emerged as a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections, significantly contributing to infectious diarrhea and increasing healthcare costs. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted among Saudi Arabian nursing staff from July to December 2023 to assess their knowledge and practices related to the diagnosis and management of C. difficile infection (CDI). Data were collected using a modified questionnaire. Overall, 358 nurses were surveyed, and 66% reported knowledge of C. difficile procedures. However, only 30.4% of the respondents correctly classified C. difficile as an anaerobic bacillus, while 42.2% were aware of the organism’s common occurrence in healthy adult volunteers. Additionally, 55.6% of respondents were aware of risk factors and 48.9% could name typical medicines that might cause illness. Only 24.0% acknowledged the cytotoxin test as the gold standard for detection, 26.8% identified hand washing with water and soap as an effective method to prevent the transmission of CDI, and 36.3% identified oral metronidazole as the first-line treatment for CDI. In summary, this study revealed a significant lack of awareness among nurses in Saudi Arabia regarding various aspects of CDI, emphasizing the need for improved education and training to address the knowledge gaps and quality of patient care. Full article

The aquaculture sector is experiencing remarkable growth, and its economic success depends mainly on an efficient production strategy and cost management, which are essential to guarantee the profitability and sustainability in this sector. The main objective of this study was to analyze the production costs and growth performance of Oreochromis niloticus in the most successful intensive production systems: Recirculating Aquaculture System (RAS), Aquaponic System (AS), and Biofloc Technology (BFT). Data collection involved extensive searches in various academic and scientific databases, resulting in the selection of 52 published articles from 2008 to 2024, following a rigorous analysis of inclusion criteria. Results showed that the rentability of the aquaculture production systems for Tilapia production is underexplored in the scientific community, with less than 20% of articles reporting economic variables, while around 80% of them reported growing variables and water quality without considering economic variables. Costs associated with production and economic indicators must also be viewed as important indicators for aquaculture producers as a reference for the investment in RAS, AS, and BFT technologies. The research in the aquaculture field has seen a resurgence in studies on production, design, water quality, and the recent integration of technologies to increase production. Full article

Over the past decade, China’s air quality has improved significantly. To further mitigate the concentration levels of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), this study analyzed the spatio-temporal evolution of PM_2.5 concentrations from 2012 to 2022. Furthermore, the study integrated the generalized additive model (GAM) and GeoDetector to investigate the main driving factors and explored the complex response relationships between these factors and PM_2.5 concentrations. The results showed the following: (1) The annual average concentration of PM_2.5 in China peaked in 2013. The annual reductions of PM_2.5 in each city ranged from 1.48 to 7.33 μg/m³. In each year, the PM_2.5 concentrations were always consistently higher in north and east China and lowest in northeast and southwest China. (2) In terms of spatial distribution, the North China Plain, the Middle and Lower Yangtze River Plain, and the Sichuan Basin exhibited the highest PM_2.5 concentration levels and showed high aggregation characteristics. (3) The GeoDetector analysis identified the concentrations of SO₂, NO₂, and CO and the meteorological conditions as important factors influencing the spatial differentiation of PM_2.5. The results of the GAM showed that the meteorological factors, such as temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind speed, and precipitation, generally had specific inflection points in their effects on the PM_2.5 concentration levels. The relationship of PM_2.5 with the gross domestic product and population density followed an inverted U shape. The PM_2.5 concentrations under the land use types of cropland, barren, impervious, and water were higher than others. The concentration of PM_2.5 decreased significantly under all land use types. Our work can be used as a strong basis for providing insights crucial for developing long-term pollution control strategies and promoting environmental sustainability. Full article

The benefits of ecosystem services provided by urban green systems have been highlighted in research on spatial and landscape planning, and the need has emerged for an integrated approach to urban green planning aiming at increasing climate mitigation and urban resilience. Research indicates that plant selection and substrate management are vital for optimizing the most important performance of green roofs, like building thermal insulation, urban heat reduction, air quality improvement, and stormwater management. In Mediterranean climates, it is essential to investigate sustainable management solutions for green roofs like the growth potential of native, low-maintenance forbs adapted to thermal and water stress on specific substrates. Medicinal species may be suitable, provided that interactions with pollutants are controlled. This study evaluates the performance of Melissa officinalis and Hypericum perforatum on experimental green roof modules under controlled conditions, comparing chemical fertilization and three different treatments with biomass from Trifolium repens used as green manure. The key metrics of fresh and dry biomass, plant cover ratio, and chlorophyll content are measured. Results show significantly higher values of cover and biomass for these two species treated with green manure in comparison to chemical fertilization, with no significant differences in chlorophyll content, indicating that T. repens is a useful source of green manure in green roof management. Overall, the results are consistent with the research goals of suggesting sustainable solutions for green roof management, since low-maintenance vegetation and green manure contribute to the elimination of chemicals in urban green. Full article

The quality of urban human settlements (UHSs) directly affects the city’s livability and the well-being of its residents. Scientific monitoring and assessment of UHSs, their progress toward sustainable development, and impacts they experience from rapid urbanization can accelerate the implementation of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the field of human settlements. This study focuses on Chenzhou City, an innovation demonstration zone for China’s Sustainable Development Agenda. It develops a sustainable development evaluation index based on SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and other relevant SDGs, with the objectives of residential stability, facilitated mobility, safety of residents, comfortable environment, and low-carbon development. The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) methodology was utilized to assess the progress of sustainable development in Chenzhou City from 2015 to 2022, focusing on the evaluation of UHS indicators, targets, and sustainable development index (SDI) scores. The geographic detector techniques were employed to investigate the impact of new urbanization on the UHSs. The analysis found the following: (1) After the demonstration zone was established (2019–2022), the scores for the five goals and the SDI increased by over 50% compared to the pre-establishment period (2015–2018), with a highly significant difference between the two periods. (2) Among the 35 indicators measured, the proportion of those that reached or nearly reached their targets increased from 57.1% in 2018 to 71.4% in 2022. As of 2022, there has been positive progress toward the goal of residential stability, while efforts toward the other four goals have made some progress but require further acceleration. (3) China’s new urbanization process had a notable impact on the SDI, with most influencing factors positively correlated with the SDI and the interactive effects of population, economic, social, and spatial urbanization factors demonstrate strong explanatory power. The findings provide decision-making support for the sustainable development of the demonstration zone’s UHSs and offer a reference for evaluating the sustainable development of UHSs in similar cities. Full article

Freshwater ecosystems face increasing pressures from human activities, leading to degraded water quality and altered habitats for aquatic species. This study investigates the relationship between water quality and waterbird distribution along the Lieve River, Belgium, based on manually conducted waterbird counts and water quality data collected from 48 transects in March 2024. Localized eutrophication was evident, with TN (2.7–5.6 mg L⁻¹), TP (up to 0.46 mg L⁻¹), and chlorophyll-a (median 70 ppb) exceeding environmental thresholds. Prati index analysis revealed that 58.3% of the sampling points along the Lieve River were categorized as “polluted”, reflecting extensive water quality degradation. Eurasian coots (71.4%) and wild ducks (72.4%) were predominantly found in polluted areas, thriving in nutrient-enriched habitats linked to high TP levels. In contrast, common moorhens (80.3%) preferred acceptable quality areas, indicating higher water quality requirements. These findings indicate that phosphate is a key driver of waterbody eutrophication, as evidenced by the TP concentrations measured on-site, which far exceed the thresholds set by environmental standards. Future research should explore advanced monitoring approaches to improve waterbird and water quality assessments, ensuring the conservation of the Lieve River as one of Europe’s oldest artificial canals, and the protection of its waterbird habitats. Full article

The degradation of groundwater quality due to mining activities is a major public concern globally. This study employed a combination of methods (multivariate statistics, Self-organizing mapping, and PHREEQC hydrogeochemical simulation) to uncover the hydrochemical characteristics and processes of mine water in the Kailuan mining area. Self-organizing mapping (SOM) clustering divided the mine water into three groups, TDS values gradually increased from the first to the third group, and the hydrogeochemical type of mine water gradually changed from Na-HCO₃ and CaMg-HCO₃ to CaMg-SO₄, Na-Cl, and mixed types. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that water–rock action and evaporation concentration were major ion concentration factors. According to the molar ion concentration ratio method, the main ions in mine water in Kailuan mining area originate from silicate and sulfate, and a small amount from carbonate rock weathering, and they are influenced by cation exchange. As a result of the PHReactor EQuilibrium Code (PHREEQC) simulation results, it can be concluded that better hydrodynamic conditions in mines are primarily controlled by carbonate dissolution. Mine water with poorer hydrodynamic conditions is mainly controlled by sulfate and carbonate dissolution, with sulfate dissolution having a greater effect. The results of this study provide an important scientific basis for the safe mining of mines and the protection of groundwater resources. Full article

As an important part of the urban landscape, lakes not only enhance the overall environmental quality of a city, but also strengthen the residents’ sense of well-being and cultural identity. With the acceleration of urbanization, the water quality and ecological health of urban lakes have become increasingly prominent issues. However, there is a lack of quantitative research on the effects of lake shape on the spatial and temporal distribution of hydrodynamics and water quality. Using the Environmental Fluid Dynamics Code (EFDC) model, this study simulates the hydrodynamic characteristics and water quality responses of an urban lake in Tianjin, focusing on the critical role of lake shape in regulating hydrodynamics and water quality. By quantifying the relationship between lake landscape indices (e.g., shape index, Fractal Dimension) and hydrodynamic parameters, this study reveals how lake shape regulates water flow characteristics and nutrient distribution, thereby influencing eutrophication risk. The results show that regular lakes (e.g., Lake B) exhibit higher flow velocities (0.027 m/s) and significantly lower chlorophyll-a concentrations (6–9 μg/L), reducing eutrophication risk, whereas complex-shaped lakes (e.g., Lake X) have lower flow velocities (0.0087 m/s) and higher localized chlorophyll-a concentrations (13–15 μg/L), increasing the risk of eutrophication. This study systematically quantifies the impact of lake shape on hydrodynamic characteristics and water quality distribution, providing a scientific reference for lake shape optimization, precise water replenishment, and water quality management. Full article