Analysis of Groundwater Quality in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Districts, Parwan, Afghanistan

This groundwater research is carried out groundwater quality in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Districts. The main objective of this research is to find out natural causes of drinking water contaminations (toxic elements and components), that are leaching from soluble arrangement of rocks,sediments and soil by surface water at the infiltration time, toward the groundwater. For completion this research I used two categories of water analysis; one is areal analysis, and another is laboratory analysis. In areal analysis ten wells have been recovered by this research in Jabal Sarage and Charikar Distracts, a number of Electro-Conductivity, water temperature,dissolved oxygen in water, Total Dissolved Soled (TDS) and the Resolved Salt in Water (SSW), determination Partible ground at areal complete. For laboratory works I used chemical device of Spectra- photo model. From comparing mean of chemical and physical parameters with standards.pH, K, Na, Mg, Cl, Fe, F, TH, Ca and SO4 all are normal and we can use them for drinking and irrigation waters. The challenges that I faced during this research are; absence of research in this area and lack of geological equipment’s.

Spatial assessment of probable recharge areas – Investigating the hydrogeological controls of an active deep-seated gravitational slope deformation

Continuous and slow-moving deep-seated landslides entail challenges for the effective planning of mitigation strategies aiming at the reduction of landslide movements. Given that the activity of most of these landslides is governed by pore pressure variations within the shear zone, profound knowledge about their hydrogeological control is required. In this context, the present study presents a new approach for the spatial assessment of probable recharge areas to better understand a slope's hydrogeological system. The highly automated geo-statistical approach allows deriving recharge probability maps of groundwater based on stable isotope monitoring and a digital elevation model (DEM). By monitoring stable isotopes in both, groundwater and precipitation, mean elevations of recharge areas can be determined and further constrained in space with the help of the DEM. The approach was applied to the Vögelsberg landslide, an active slab of a deep-seated gravitational slope deformation (DSGSD) in the Watten valley (Tyrol, Austria). Resulting recharge probability maps indicate that shallow groundwater emerging at springs on the landslide recharges between 1100–1500 m a.s.l.. In contrast, groundwater encountered in wells in up to 49 m below the landslide’s surface indicates a mean recharge elevation of up to 2200 m a.s.l. matching the highest parts of the catchment. Further inferred proxies, including flow path length, estimated recharge area sizes, and mean transit times of groundwater validated against field measurements of electrical conductivity, water temperature, and discharge resulted in a profound understanding of the hydrogeological driver of the landslide. It is shown that the new approach can provide valuable insights into the spatial pattern of probable recharge areas where mitigation measures aiming at reducing groundwater recharge could be most effective.

Fabrication of cellulose-based aerogel for thermal and acoustic insulation applications

A method to prepare aerogels from rice straw and polyvinyl alcohol in the presence of fiberglass and glutaraldehyde is herein reported. The morphology, pore structure and physical properties of the aerogels were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), thermal conductivity, water contact angle (WCA) measurements, oil adsorption and sound absorption measurements. The obtained aerogels should be considered as a promising material for upcoming applications, since it has high porosity (up to 93.72%), low density (0.083-0.127 g/cm3), super low thermal conductivity (0.032-0.048 W/mK), high Young modulus (0.201-1.207 MPa), high sound absorption (absorption coefficient of 0.87) and a good oil adsorption capacity (4.8 g/g).

Improvement of the Hydrodynamic Behavior and Water Quality Assessment of Al-Chibayish Marshes, Iraq

Al-Chibayish Marsh (CM) is considered as the major part of Central Marshes area of this marsh is 1050 Km². The water quality of these marshes is suffering from salt accumulation due to intensive dam construction, limited supply of water from sources, climate change impacts, and the absence of outlet flow from these marshes, specifically at low flow periods. So, the current research aims to assess and improve these marshes' hydraulic behavior and water quality and define the best location for outlet drains. Field measurements and laboratory tests were conducted for two periods (November 2020 and February 2021) to define the (TDS) concentrations at nine different locations. Samples were also examined for water's physical and chemical properties as pH, electrical conductivity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. Simultaneously with the sampling process, the water depths were measured at 50 different locations within the marshes. Moreover, the observations of water quality parameters were analyzed for the previous ten years (2010-2020). Hydrodynamic and water quality simulations were conducted using (SMS-RMA2 and RMA4) software to specify the water depths and velocity variations and define the salt content distribution. The obtained results illustrated 4sediment and TDS and in the Central Marshes area in general and CM in specific. As well, numerical results showed that the use of these outlets would significantly improve water quality. The current outlets do not work, and they link the Euphrates River to the Chabayish Marsh.

Influence of Edaphic Salinity on Leaf Morphoanatomical Functional Traits on Juvenile and Adult Trees of Red Mangrove (Rhizophora mangle): Implications with Relation to Climate Change

Rhizophora mangle L. is one of the most distributed species of neotropical mangroves. The species exhibits great phenological variability that is associated with saline concentrations of the sediment where it grows. Among the organs that are most affected by interstitial and tidal water salinity concentrations are the leaves. Since the hypersalinity generates water deficiency, it changes photosynthetic and hydraulic processes of the plant. To understand the relationship between the variation in leaf blade parameters and the water stress generated by salinity in two growth stages, morphoanatomical functional traits were quantified in leaves of juveniles and adults of R. mangle in three structurally different mangrove forests with different ranges of natural salinity (Oligohaline: 5.8–11.7 practical salinity units (PSU); Euhaline: 9.2–35.6 PSU and 23.9–47.7 PSU). We hypothesized that water stress caused by salinity generates modification in conductivity, water-storage, and photosynthetic tissues. Our results showed a greater number of morphoanatomical traits affected by salinity in juveniles compared to adults, greater variability in the traits associated with water accumulation and transport. Adults and juveniles subjected to higher values of salinity had traits more tolerant of variability in this factor, allowing superior adaptation to environments with high water deficit than individuals originating in oligohaline environments. This difference in adaptability to salinity between populations of R. mangle may imply different responses to climate change, where populations of oligohaline origin will be more susceptible to hypersalinization resulting from this phenomenon, while populations of euhaline origin could more effectively tolerate the aquatic stresses caused, allowing a prolongation of their permanence and the provision of their ecosystem services over time.

Green Building Materials Based on Waste Filler and Binder

This study is aimed at the application of alternative binder (AB) into bio-aggregate-based composite. The technically important parameters (density, thermal conductivity, water absorption and compressive strength) of 28, 60 and 90 days hardened green composites containing chemically and physico-chemically modified hemp hurds (HH) with AB compared to the Portland cement (PC) are presented. Testing of two reference bio-composites with original HH confirmed higher values of compressive strength and thermal conductivity unlike water absorption for all hardened specimens based on alternative binder (MgO-cement) compared to conventional PC. Changes in the final properties of hardened bio-composites were affected by treatment process of organic filler and alkaline nature of MgO-cement. The combination of purified HH by ultrasound treatment and AB appears to be promising for preparation of bio-based composite material with better properties compared to PC. In this paper, other option of the preparation of bio-composite system based on original (non-treated) filler and binder consisting of optimal activated MgO and silica fume is presented.

Production and Physical–Mechanical Characterization of Peat Moss (Sphagnum) Insulation Panels

Peat moss (sphagnum) is a commonly used sealant, fill, and insulation material in the past. During the efforts to rewet drained moors due to ecological considerations, the technical use of peat moss (sphagnum farming) again became the focus of attention. In the framework of this investigation, insulation panels consisting of peat moss, bound with urea formaldehyde, were produced. Panels manufactured in a wet process and mats bound with textiles were also fabricated. The specimens’ thermal conductivity, water vapor diffusion resistance, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, internal bond, compression resistance, water absorption, and thickness swelling were measured. Physical–mechanical properties were adequate with the resin-bound panels, but not with wet process panels. Moss mats had good characteristics for cavity insulation purposes. The thermal conductivity of the moss panels and mats was found to be lowest with a density of 50 kg/m³, accounting for 0.04 W/m·K. The results show that peat moss is a promising resource for production insulation panels, because their thermal conductivity and mechanical stability are comparable to other insulation materials.

Study of Bio-fertilizer Produced from Agro-waste (Sesame Straw) and Cow Dung Using Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus in Arid Environment

In this study, an analysis of organic fertilizer of an agro-waste (Sesame straw) plus cow dung was carried out using an epigeic earthworm species Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus. Sesame straw is abundantly produced after each harvesting of the crop in Kharif season in arid region of tropical India. The compost produced in presence and absence of earthworm exhibit significant (P<0.001) and non-significant (P>0.05) changes in physicochemical properties respectively. In control bedding, the values of water holding capacity enhanced significantly (P<0.05) by 1.28 fold, while organic carbon and C/N ratio decreased significantly (P<0.05) by 19.93% and 31.25% respectively after 60 days of composting.Working of E. fetida in the bedding material showed significant (P<0.001) difference in the level of pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, organic carbon, total nitrogen, C/N ratio, available phosphorous and available potassium. After 60 days of working of P. sansibaricus, these physicochemical properties of the bedding substrate also changed significantly (P<0.001). Analysis of vermibed showed a gradual increase in electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium by 1.51, 1.86, 1.95, 1.78 and 1.75 fold respectively. While the values of pH, organic carbon and C/N ratio declined by 9.30%, 41.80% and 71.48% respectively within 60 days of decomposition. Thus, E. fetida and P. sansibaricus can be applied for production of organic fertilizer of sesame chaff plus cow dung to fulfill the requirement of bio-fertilizers for organic farming and agro-waste management in arid environment.

Physicochemical characterisation of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated land of Guru Gobind Singh refinery’s peripheral area, Punjab

Petroleum hydrocarbons are a critical environmental contaminant and pose a serious hazard to the living system as petroleum hydrocarbons are identified as carcinogenic and neurotoxic organic pollutants. Therefore, remedial methods are required to dispose of it. With a modern understanding of nature and microorganisms, bioremediation is the preferred method for soil pollution control. However, before the implementation of successful bioremediation technology, it is required to assess various physico-chemical parameters of contaminated soil. In the present study, various physico-chemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity, water holding capacity, organic carbon, organic matter, available nitrogen, carbonate, bicarbonate, potassium and sodium contents of the petroleum hydrocarbon contaminated soil were estimated. The results suggested a rise in all the estimated parameters for the petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil.

Kriging: An advanced Geostatistical Tool to Interpolate the Textural Variation Influences the Yield and Productivity of Tapioca (Manihot esculenta) in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India

Soil texture is a vital variable that reflects a number of soil properties such as Bulk Density, Particle Density, Infiltration Rate, Hydraulic conductivity, Water holding capacity, nutrient storage and availability as well as transport and binding and stability of soil aggregates. For better tuber development in cassava soil texture plays vital role. The main objective of this study is to produce kriged maps (Ordinary kriging map and semivariogram) to interpolate the soil texture for Tapioca growing soils of Paramthy block, Namakkal District at unsampled locations. In this study, nearly 54 surface samples were collected covering 19,149 ha of agriculture land with dominant cultivation of Tapioca. This study helps spatial interpolation of unsampled location of soil texture i.e. sand, silt and clay content which rules the soil physical, chemical and hydrological properties. The average standard error for sand and clay are 0.2 and 0.19 respectively. The results such as provided maps and their associated variance can be used as data source for the development and implementation of further land management and soil water conservation plans in the study area.