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Author Ola, I.; Drebenstedt, C.; Burgess, R.M.; Mensah, M.; Hoth, N.; Okoroafor, P.; Külls, C.
Title Assessing petroleum contamination in parts of the Niger Delta based on a sub-catchment delineated field assessment Type Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication (down) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 196 Issue 6 Pages 585
Keywords
Abstract The Niger Delta in Nigeria is a complex and heavily contaminated area with over 150,000 interconnected contaminated sites. This intricate issue is compounded by the region’s strong hydrological processes and high-energy environment, necessitating a science-based approach for effective contamination assessment and management. This study introduces the concept of sub-catchment contamination assessment and management, providing an overarching perspective rather than addressing each site individually. A description of the sub-catchment delineation process using the digital elevation model data from an impacted area within the Delta is provided. Additionally, the contamination status from the delineated sub-catchment is reported. Sediment, surface water and groundwater samples from the sub-catchment were analyzed for total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), respectively. Surface sediment TPH concentrations ranged from 129 to 20,600 mg/kg, with subsurface (2-m depth) concentrations from 15.5 to 729 mg/kg. PAHs in surface and subsurface sediment reached 9.55 mg/kg and 0.46 mg/kg, respectively. Surface water exhibited TPH concentrations from 10 to 620 mg/L, while PAHs ranged from below detection limits to 1 mg/L. Groundwater TPH concentrations spanned 3 to 473 mg/L, with total PAHs varying from below detection limits to 0.28 mg/L. These elevated TPH and PAH levels indicate extensive petroleum contamination in the investigated sediment and water environment. Along with severe impacts on large areas of mangroves and wetlands, comparison of TPH and PAH concentrations with sediment and water quality criteria found 54 to 100% of stations demonstrated exceedances, suggesting adverse biological effects on aquatic and sediment biota are likely occurring.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1573-2959 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Ola2024 Serial 290
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Author Rossetto, R.; Filippis, G.D.; Borsi, I.; Foglia, L.; Cannata, M.; Criollo, R.; Vázquez-Suñé, E.
Title Integrating free and open source tools and distributed modelling codes in GIS environment for data-based groundwater management Type Journal Article
Year 2018 Publication (down) Environmental Modelling & Software Abbreviated Journal
Volume 107 Issue Pages 210-230
Keywords Free and Open Source Software, FREEWAT, Groundwater management, ICT, MODFLOW, QGIS
Abstract Integrating advanced simulation techniques and data analysis tools in a freeware Geographic Information System (GIS) provides a valuable contribution to the management of conjunctive use of groundwater (the world’s largest freshwater resource) and surface-water. To this aim, we describe here the FREEWAT (FREE and open source software tools for WATer resource management) platform. FREEWAT is a free and open source, QGIS-integrated interface for planning and management of water resources, with specific attention to groundwater. The FREEWAT platform couples the power of GIS geo-processing and post-processing tools in spatial data analysis with that of process-based simulation models. The FREEWAT environment allows storage of large spatial datasets, data management and visualization, and running of several distributed modelling codes (mainly belonging to the MODFLOW family). It simulates hydrologic and transport processes, and provides a database framework and visualization capabilities for hydrochemical analysis. Examples of real case study applications are provided.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1364-8152 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ rossetto_integrating_2018 Serial 92
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Author Tujchneider, O.; Christelis, G.; Gun, J.V. der
Title Towards scientific and methodological innovation in transboundary aquifer resource management Type Journal Article
Year 2013 Publication (down) Environmental Development Abbreviated Journal
Volume 7 Issue Pages 6-16
Keywords Communication, Cooperation, Holistic methodological approach, Science, Transboundary aquifer management
Abstract Groundwater is both an invaluable and a vulnerable resource. Aquifer resources management, aiming at the responsible exploitation and adequate protection of the groundwater resources, is therefore of key importance and has to be based on sound hydrological, environmental, economic and social principles. Aquifer-wide groundwater projects are carried out to collect the required area-specific information, to understand ongoing processes, to identify the management issues to be addressed and to develop an adequate management strategy and action plan. The quality of the project results depends to a large extent on the science and methodologies adopted in the design and used during the implementation of the projects. In this context, a project was carried out recently to analyse the scientific aspects of—among others—the transboundary aquifer projects within the IW: Portfolio of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) and to make recommendations for scientific strengthening and innovation. This paper presents the main outcomes of this analysis. In order to accomplish groundwater resources management goals in the case of transboundary aquifers, a balanced joint strategy is needed. Analysis of documentation on completed and on-going transboundary aquifer projects has shown a wide range of scientific activities that contribute positively to the development of such strategies. This analysis has also identified options for increasing the positive impacts of science on strategy development; some of these options have been pioneered already and deserve wider application other ones are relatively new. Important options are: integrating transboundary aquifer resource management in a wider environmental–socio-economical context (holistic approach); exploring causal chains to better understand the processes of change of groundwater resources; using this improved understanding for optimising groundwater assessment and monitoring programmes; and adaptive management. In addition, to obtain maximum benefit of the scientific results there is a general need to promote effective communication at all levels, between the scientific community and policy-/decision makers, as well as with the local community who have a major role to play in the use and conservation of the resources. All of this should be accompanied by the harmonisation of the legal instruments and co-operation agreements between countries and the communities involved. Two case studies, one in South America and one in Southern Africa, are added as examples of the setting and approach of the analysed transboundary aquifer projects.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2211-4645 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ tujchneider_towards_2013 Serial 105
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Author Sahoo, S.K.; Jha, V.N.; Patra, A.C.; Jha, S.K.; Kulkarni, M.S.
Title Scientific background and methodology adopted on derivation of regulatory limit for uranium in drinking water – A global perspective Type Journal Article
Year 2020 Publication (down) Environmental Advances Abbreviated Journal
Volume 2 Issue Pages 100020
Keywords Drinking water, Global policy, Regulatory limits, Toxicity, Uranium
Abstract Guideline values are prescribed for drinking water to ensure long term protection of the public against anticipated potential adverse effects. There is a great public and regulatory agencies interest in the guideline values of uranium due to its complex behavior in natural aquatic system and divergent guideline values across the countries. Wide variability in guideline values of uranium in drinking water may be attributed to toxicity reference point, variation in threshold values, uncertainty within intraspecies and interspecies, resource availability, socio-economic condition, variation in ingestion rate, etc. Although guideline values vary to a great extent, reasonable scientific basis and technical judgments are essential before it could be implemented. Globally guideline values are derived considering its radiological or chemical toxicity. Minimal or no adverse effect criterions are normally chosen as the basis for deriving the guideline values of uranium. In India, the drinking water limit of 60 µg/L has been estimated on the premise of its radiological concern. A guideline concentration of 2 µg/L is recommended in Japan while 1700 µg/L in Russia. The relative merit of different experimental assumption, scientific approach and its methodology adopted for derivation of guideline value of uranium in drinking water in India and other countries is discussed in the paper.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2666-7657 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ sahoo_scientific_2020 Serial 127
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Author Singh, A.; Patel, S.; Bhadani, V.; Kumar, V.; Gaurav, K.
Title AutoML-GWL: Automated machine learning model for the prediction of groundwater level Type Journal Article
Year 2024 Publication (down) Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence Abbreviated Journal
Volume 127 Issue Pages 107405
Keywords AutoML, Bayesian optimisation, Groundwater, Machine learning
Abstract Predicting groundwater levels is pivotal in curbing overexploitation and ensuring effective water resource governance. However, groundwater level prediction is intricate, driven by dynamic nonlinear factors. To comprehend the dynamic interaction among these drivers, leveraging machine learning models can provide valuable insights. The drastic increase in computational capabilities has catalysed a substantial surge in the utilisation of machine learning-based solutions for effective groundwater management. The performance of these models highly depends on the selection of hyperparameters. The optimisation of hyperparameters is a complex process that often requires application-specific expertise for a skillful prediction. To mitigate the challenge posed by hyperparameter tuning’s problem-specific nature, we present an innovative approach by introducing the automated machine learning (AutoML-GWL) framework. This framework is specifically designed for precise groundwater level mapping. It seamlessly integrates the selection of best machine learning model and adeptly fine-tunes its hyperparameters by using Bayesian optimisation. We used long time series (1997-2018) data of precipitation, temperature, evaporation, soil type, relative humidity, and lag of groundwater level as input features to train the AutoML-GWL model while considering the influence of Land Use Land Cover (LULC) as a contextual factor. Among these input features, the lag of groundwater level emerged as the most relevant input feature. Once the model is trained, it performs well over the unseen data with a strong correlation of coefficient (R = 0.90), low root mean square error (RMSE = 1.22), and minimal bias = 0.23. Further, we compared the performance of the proposed AutoML-GWL with sixteen benchmark algorithms comprising baseline and novel algorithms. The AutoML-GWL outperforms all the benchmark algorithms. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm ranked first in Friedman’s statistical test, confirming its reliability. Moreover, we conducted a spatial distribution and uncertainty analysis for the proposed algorithm. The outcomes of this analysis affirmed that the AutoML-GWL can effectively manage data with spatial variations and demonstrates remarkable stability when faced with small uncertainties in the input parameters. This study holds significant promise in revolutionising groundwater management practices by establishing an automated framework for simulating groundwater levels for sustainable water resource management.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0952-1976 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ singh_automl-gwl_2024 Serial 168
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Author Mekuria, W.; Tegegne, D.
Title Water harvesting Type Book Chapter
Year 2023 Publication (down) Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment (Second Edition) Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 593-607
Keywords Climate change, Ecosystem services, Environmental benefits, Population growth, Resilient community, Resilient environment, Socio-economic benefits, Urbanizations, Water harvesting, Water quality, Water security
Abstract Water harvesting is the intentional collection and concentration of rainwater and runoff to offset irrigation demands. Secondary benefits include decreased flood and erosion risk. Water harvesting techniques include micro- and macro-catchment systems, floodwater harvesting, and rooftop and groundwater harvesting. The techniques vary with catchment type and size, and the method of water storage. Micro-catchment water harvesting, for example, requires the development of small structures and targets increased water delivery and storage to the root zone whereas macro-catchment systems collect runoff water from large areas. The sustainability of water harvesting techniques at the local level are usually constrained by several factors such as labor, construction costs, loss of productive land, and maintenance, suggesting that multiple solutions are required to sustain the benefits of water harvesting techniques.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Academic Press Place of Publication Oxford Editor Goss, M.J.; Oliver, M.
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-0-323-95133-3 Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Mekuria2023593 Serial 225
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Author Mekuria, W.; Tegegne, D.
Title Water harvesting Type Book Chapter
Year 2023 Publication (down) Encyclopedia of Soils in the Environment (Second Edition) Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages 593-607
Keywords Climate change, Ecosystem services, Environmental benefits, Population growth, Resilient community, Resilient environment, Socio-economic benefits, Urbanizations, Water harvesting, Water quality, Water security
Abstract Water harvesting is the intentional collection and concentration of rainwater and runoff to offset irrigation demands. Secondary benefits include decreased flood and erosion risk. Water harvesting techniques include micro- and macro-catchment systems, floodwater harvesting, and rooftop and groundwater harvesting. The techniques vary with catchment type and size, and the method of water storage. Micro-catchment water harvesting, for example, requires the development of small structures and targets increased water delivery and storage to the root zone whereas macro-catchment systems collect runoff water from large areas. The sustainability of water harvesting techniques at the local level are usually constrained by several factors such as labor, construction costs, loss of productive land, and maintenance, suggesting that multiple solutions are required to sustain the benefits of water harvesting techniques.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Academic Press Place of Publication Oxford Editor Goss, M.J.; Oliver, M.
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN 978-0-323-95133-3 Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Mekuria2023593 Serial 265
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Author Wolfe, P.
Title The Simplex Method For Quadratic Programming Type Journal Article
Year 1959 Publication (down) Econometrica Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue Pages 170
Keywords
Abstract
Address
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Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Wolfe1959 Serial 285
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Author Chase, B.M.; Meadows, M.E.
Title Late Quaternary dynamics of southern Africa’s winter rainfall zone Type Journal Article
Year 2007 Publication (down) Earth-Science Reviews Abbreviated Journal
Volume 84 Issue 3 Pages 103-138
Keywords Last Glacial Maximum, palaeoenvironment, Quaternary, southern Africa, westerlies, winter rainfall zone
Abstract Variations in the nature and extent of southern Africa’s winter rainfall zone (WRZ) have the potential to provide important information concerning the nature of long-term climate change at both regional and hemispheric scales. Positioned at the interface between tropical and temperate systems, southern Africa’s climate is influenced by shifts in the Intertropical Convergence Zone, the westerlies, and the development and position of continental and oceanic anticyclones. Over the last glacial–interglacial cycle substantial changes in the amount and seasonality of precipitation across the subcontinent have been linked to the relative dominance of these systems. Central to this discussion has been the extent to which the region’s glacial climates would have been affected by expansions of Antarctic sea-ice, equatorward migrations of the westerlies, more frequent/intense winter storms and an expanded WRZ. This paper reviews the developing body of evidence pertaining to shifts in the WRZ, and the evolution of ideas that have been presented to explain the patterns observed. Dividing the region into three separate axes, along the western and southern margins of the continent and across the interior into the Karoo and the Kalahari, a range of evidence from both terrestrial sites and marine cores is considered, and potential expansions of the WRZ expansions are explored. Despite the limitations of many of the region’s proxy records, a coherent pattern has begun to develop of a significantly expanded WRZ during phases of the last glacial period, with the best-documented being between 32–17 ka. While more detailed inferences will require the recovery and analysis of longer and better-dated records, this synthesis provides a new baseline for further research in this key region.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0012-8252 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ chase_late_2007 Serial 102
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Author Li, J.; Pang, Z.; Liu, Y.; Hu, S.; Jiang, W.; Tian, L.; Yang, G.; Jiang, Y.; Jiao, X.; Tian, J.
Title Changes in groundwater dynamics and geochemical evolution induced by drainage reorganization: Evidence from 81Kr and 36Cl dating of geothermal water in the Weihe Basin of China Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication (down) Earth and Planetary Science Letters Abbreviated Journal
Volume 623 Issue Pages 118425
Keywords Kr dating, Cl dating, Geothermal water, Groundwater dynamics, Weihe basin
Abstract 81Kr and 36Cl can both be used to date groundwater beyond the dating range of 14C. 81Kr usually provides reliable groundwater ages because it has uniform initial distribution and negligible subsurface generation, while 36Cl is commonly influenced by subsurface sources or “dead” chloride dissolution. Therefore, the combined use of 81Kr and 36Cl could provide clues on the evolution history of groundwater. In the present study, we performed 36Cl and 81Kr dating of geothermal water in Weihe Basin of China and interpreted the possible cause of disagreement. Two distinct water masses were identified with distinctive isotopic signals: groundwater with significant δ18O shifts (up to −2.0‰), dissolved dead Cl and ages < 1.0 Ma (Cluster A), and older water with little δ18O shifts, negligible dissolved Cl and ages >1.0 Ma (Cluster B). The results confirm the eastward flow path of Cluster B to the Ancient Sanmen Lake with an increasing trend of Cl concentration and age. Modern recharge from the mountains flows to the basin center with intense interaction between water and carbonate under respective reservoir temperatures (100 ∼ 130 °C). These waters flow through the saline stratum emerging from the spillover of the Ancient Sanmen Lake, resulting in higher dead Cl dissolution. A significant linear relationship is observed with the older end-member of ∼1.3Ma under the topographically-driven faster circulation effect. 81Kr ages seem to support the hypothesis that the birth of the modern Yellow River was at about 1.0–1.3 Ma. We inferred the drainage reorganization from the Ancient Sanmen Lake to the modern Yellow River since the Mid-Pleistocene Transition induced the change in groundwater dynamics as well as its chemical evolution. The excavation of the Ancient Sanmen Lake and the accentuated incision of the Weihe River induced groundwater gradient, and therefore the recharge from precipitation from both slopes of the Qinling Mountains in the south and the Beishan Mountains in the north. Our results highlight the effects of dead Cl on 36Cl dating and demonstrate the significant impact of catchment reorganization on groundwater dynamics and its chemistry.
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Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0012-821x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Li2023118425 Serial 212
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