| Records |
| Author |
Holmes, M.; Campbell, E.E.; Wit, M. de; Taylor, J.C. |
| Title |
Can diatoms be used as a biomonitoring tool for surface and groundwater?: Towards a baseline for Karoo water |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication  |
South African Journal of Botany |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
161 |
Issue |
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Pages |
211-221 |
| Keywords |
Bioindicator, Diatom, Hydraulic fracturing, Karoo, Water quality |
| Abstract |
The environmental risks from shale gas extraction through the unconventional method of ‘fracking’ are considerable and impact on water supplies below and above ground. Since 2010 the recovery of natural shale gas through fracking has been proposed in parts of the fragile semi-arid ecosystems that make up the Karoo biome in South Africa. These unique ecosystems are heavily reliant on underground water, intermittent and ephemeral springs, which are at great risk of contamination by fracking processes. Diatoms are present in all water bodies and reflect aspects of the environment in which they are located. As the possibility of fracking has not been removed, the aim of the project was to determine if diatoms could be used for rapid biomonitoring of underground and surface waters in the Karoo. Over a period of 24 months, water samples and diatom species were collected simultaneously from 65 sites. A total of 388 diatom taxa were identified from 290 samples with seasonal and substrate variation affecting species composition but not the environmental information. Species diversity information, on the other hand, often varied significantly between substrates within a single sample. Analysis using CCA established that the diatom composition was affected by lithium, oxidized nitrogen, electrical conductivity, and sulphate levels in the sampled water. We conclude that changes in diatom community composition in the Karoo do reflect the water chemistry and could be useful as bioindicators. |
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0254-6299 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ holmes_can_2023 |
Serial |
163 |
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| Author |
Aderemi, B.A.; Olwal, T.O.; Ndambuki, J.M.; Rwanga, S.S. |
| Title |
Groundwater levels forecasting using machine learning models: A case study of the groundwater region 10 at Karst Belt, South Africa |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Systems and Soft Computing |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
5 |
Issue |
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Pages |
200049 |
| Keywords |
Artificial intelligence, Forecasting model, Groundwater levels, Machine learning, Neural networks, Rainfall, Regression, Temperature, Time series |
| Abstract |
The crucial role which groundwater resource plays in our environment and the overall well-being of all living things can not be underestimated. Nonetheless, mismanagement of resources, over-exploitation, inadequate supply of surface water and pollution have led to severe drought and an overall drop in groundwater resources’ levels over the past decades. To address this, a groundwater flow model and several mathematical data-driven models have been developed for forecasting groundwater levels. However, there is a problem of unavailability and scarcity of the on-site input data needed by the data-driven models to forecast the groundwater level. Furthermore, as a result of the dynamics and stochastic characteristics of groundwater, there is a need for an appropriate, accurate and reliable forecasting model to solve these challenges. Over the years, the broad application of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) models are gaining attraction as an alternative solution for forecasting groundwater levels. Against this background, this article provides an overview of forecasting methods for predicting groundwater levels. Also, this article uses ML models such as Regressions Models, Deep Auto-Regressive models, and Nonlinear Autoregressive Neural Networks with External Input (NARX) to forecast groundwater levels using the groundwater region 10 at Karst belt in South Africa as a case study. This was done using Python Mx. Version 1.9.1., and MATLAB R2022a machine learning toolboxes. Moreover, the Coefficient of Determination (R2);, Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), Mutual Information gain, Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and the Mean Absolute Scaled Error (MASE)) models were the forecasting statistical performance metrics used to assess the predictive performance of these models. The results obtained showed that NARX and Support Vector Machine (SVM) have higher performance metrics and accuracy compared to other models used in this study. |
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2772-9419 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Aderemi2023200049 |
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219 |
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| Author |
YI, Z.-ji; LIAN, B.; YANG, Y.-qun; ZOU, J.-ling |
| Title |
Treatment of simulated wastewater from in situ leaching uranium mining by zerovalent iron and sulfate reducing bacteria |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Transactions of Nonferrous Metals Society of China |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
19 |
Issue |
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Pages |
840 |
| Keywords |
basification, sulfate, sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB), uranium, wastewater, zerovalent iron (ZVI) |
| Abstract |
Batch and column experiments were conducted to determine whether zerovalent iron (ZVI) and sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB) can function synergistically and accelerate pollutant removal. Batch experiments suggest that combining ZVI with SRB can enhance the removal of U(?) synergistically. The removal rate of U(?) in the ZVI+SRB combining system is obviously higher than the total rate of ZVI system and SRB system with a difference of 13.4% at t=2 h and 29.9% at t=4 h. Column experiments indicate that the reactor filled with both ZVI and SRB biofilms is of better performance than the SRB bioreactor in wastewater basification, desulfurization and U(?) fixation. The results imply that the ZVI+SRB permeable reactive barrier may be a promising method for treating subsurface uranium contamination. |
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1003-6326 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ yi_treatment_2009 |
Serial |
206 |
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| Author |
Ubierna, J.A.J. |
| Title |
Tunnel heritage in Spain: Roots of the underground |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
13 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
131-141 |
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| Abstract |
Spain has deep roots in the underground. The territory of myth and legend, of cave and tunnel, has existed in Spain since that ancient time overwhelmed with shreds of fog, where all was myth around heros like Túbal Hércules, Gárgoris and Abidis. The underground evokes strong links with life and death, light and darkness, and has served as a source of inspiration for art through the centuries. The history of tunnels in Spain reflects the mosaic of cultures that have inhabited Iberia from prehistoric times till today. This contribution on the subterranean History of Spain traces the country’s heritage in the form of natural caves, troglodyte dwellings, mining, crypts, galleries in fortresses and castles, aqueducts, qanats, cellars, and other landmarks. |
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0886-7798 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Ubierna1998131 |
Serial |
260 |
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| Author |
Carrión, A.; Fornes, A. |
| Title |
Underground medieval water distribution network in a Spanish town |
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Journal Article |
| Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Tunnelling and Underground Space Technology |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
51 |
Issue |
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Pages |
90-97 |
| Keywords |
Water distribution, Underground cistern, Medieval tunnel |
| Abstract |
The city of Alcudia de Crespins, in the centre of the Valencia province (east of Spain), has an exceptional water distribution system that in the past served fresh water to many houses in the town. This system is formed by more than one km of tunnels and underground cisterns, and dates probably in the late medieval times, while it has been in use and suffering modifications until 1955. This paper presents the structure and characteristics of such exceptional system, and explains the functioning parameters of the infrastructure. |
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0886-7798 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Carrion201690 |
Serial |
264 |
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| Author |
Arya, S.; Kumar, A. |
| Title |
Evaluation of stormwater management approaches and challenges in urban flood control |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Urban Climate |
Abbreviated Journal |
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51 |
Issue |
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Pages |
101643 |
| Keywords |
Flood risk, Green infrastructure (GI), Stormwater management, Stormwater modelling, Vulnerability assessment, Urban floods |
| Abstract |
Across the globe, the damage caused by urban floods has increased manifold. The unchecked development has encroached the natural drainage, and the conventional drainage systems are inadequate in handling the augmented hydrological response. To counter this, a variety of approaches with the ability to adjust within the constraints of complex environments by managing surface runoff are being widely investigated and applied worldwide. These can put the flood water to better use, and the ecological balance may get restored. This review discusses recent progress made in the area of Green Infrastructure (GI), modelling tools that help in stormwater management, vulnerability analysis and flood risk assessment. Different ways of handling the problem are summarized through an extensive literature survey. The gaps and barriers that impede the implementation of stormwater management solutions and strategies for further improvement have also been presented. A case study of Gurugram city, India depicting the challenges being faced by urban flooding and the possible solutions through an expert survey is also presented. |
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2212-0955 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Arya2023101643 |
Serial |
224 |
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| Author |
Illgen, M.; Ackermann, H. |
| Title |
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Type |
Book Chapter |
| Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Urban Flood Prevention: Technical and Institutional Aspects from Chinese and German Perspective |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Issue |
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Pages |
173-193 |
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Today’s cities face the challenge of climate change adaptation worldwide. In this context, prevention of damage caused by flash floods plays an important role. This requires a cooperative pluvial flood risk management approach, which includes planning, technical, and administrative measures and involves preliminary flood risk analyses. This article outlines the main components of this risk management approach, which has proven its effectiveness in Europe. The recommendations formulated for this purpose are applicable or adaptable to regions with other constraints, such as China, for example. |
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Springer International Publishing |
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Cham |
Editor |
Köster, S.; Reese, M.; Zuo, J.’e |
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978-3-030-01488-9 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Illgen2019 |
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87 |
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Borrego-Alonso, D.; Quintana-Arnés, B.; Lozano, J.C. |
| Title |
Natural radionuclides behaviour in drinking groundwaters from Castilla y León (Spain); radiological implications |
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Journal Article |
| Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Water Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
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245 |
Issue |
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Pages |
120616 |
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Drinking water, Environmental monitoring, Natural radioactivity, Public health, Radiological characterisation |
| Abstract |
Since the coming into force of the European Council Directive 51/2013 EURATOM and its transposition into the Spanish legislation, the presence of radioactive substances in drinking waters must be kept under surveillance to ensure that the health protection requirements are met. Driven by this regulatory framework, in an attempt to know the starting point from which to design surveillance plans, the groundwaters intended for human consumption of Castilla y León (Spain) have been radiologically characterised by using both low-level γ-ray and α-particle spectrometry to determine the activity concentration of the natural radionuclides needed to account for the indicative dose estimation. This extensive research has comprised the radiological characterisation of more than 400 drinking water samples from one of the European Union’s largest regions. Furthermore, the gross α and gross β activities have been analysed. Results showed a high geographical variability that can be related to the hydrogeological formations where the groundwaters come from. The uranium isotopes, 234U and 238U, are the main radionuclides present in the analysed drinking waters reaching values up to 2000 mBq/L, in the southwestern and western of Castilla y León, where U-rich minerals are part of the host rock. High 210Pb and 226,228Ra occurrences are found in the low permeability igneous and metasedimentary hydrogeological formations of Salamanca province. From a public health protection point of view, 4.4% of the total drinking water samples from intakes exceeded the Indicative Dose parametric value of 0.1 mSv, which is a not negligible number of samples, being very likely related to granitic and metamorphosed host rock under specific local conditions. This fact highlights the need for research and consideration of special surveillance of the groundwaters from these areas. |
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0043-1354 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ borrego-alonso_natural_2023 |
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157 |
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Netzer, L.; Kurtzman, D.; Ben-Hur, M.; Livshitz, Y.; Katzir, R.; Nachshon, U. |
| Title |
Novel approach to roof rainwater harvesting and aquifer recharge in an urban environment: Dry and wet infiltration wells comparison |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2024 |
Publication |
Water Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
252 |
Issue |
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Pages |
121183 |
| Keywords |
Rainwater harvesting, Managed aquifer recharge, Urban hydrology, Infiltration wells |
| Abstract |
In urban environments there is a severe reduction of infiltration and groundwater recharge due to the existence of large impervious areas. During rain events, large volumes of water that could have recharged groundwater and surface water bodies are diverted into the municipal drainage system and lost from the freshwater storage. Moreover, extreme rain events impose high peak flows and large runoff volumes, which increase the risk of urban floods. Recent studies have suggested the use of rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge, as a plausible solution for these challenges in dense urban environments. While the benefits of this approach are well understood, research on its practical, engineering, and hydrological aspects is relatively limited. The objective of the present study was to examine the use of infiltration wells for groundwater recharge with harvested rainwater collected from building rooftops under Mediterranean climate conditions. Two types of wells with similar hydraulic and technical properties were examined: a well that reaches the groundwater (wet well); and a well that discharges the harvested water into the unsaturated zone (dry well). Infiltration capacities of the wells were compared in controlled experiments conducted during summer months, and in operational recharge of harvested rainwater, during winter. Both dry and wet wells were found to be suitable for purposes of groundwater recharge with rooftop-harvested rainwater. Infiltration capacity of the wet well was about seven times greater than the infiltration capacity of the dry well. While the infiltration capacity of the wet well was constant throughout the entire length of the study (∼10 m3/h/m), the dry well infiltration capacity improved during winter (from 0.5 m3/h/m to 1.5 m3/h/m), a result of development of the dry well with time. Considering Tel-Aviv, Israel, as a case study for a dense modern city in a Mediterranean climate, it is demonstrated herein that the use of infiltration wells may reduce urban drainage by ∼40 %. |
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0043-1354 |
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no |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Netzer2024121183 |
Serial |
230 |
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| Author |
Jamali, B.; Bach, P.M.; Deletic, A. |
| Title |
Rainwater harvesting for urban flood management – An integrated modelling framework |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2020 |
Publication |
Water Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
171 |
Issue |
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Pages |
115372 |
| Keywords |
Rainwater harvesting tanks, Urban flood simulation, Rapid flood inundation model, Urban flood risk mitigation |
| Abstract |
It is well known that rainwater harvesting (RWH) can augment water supply and reduce stormwater pollutant discharges. Due to the lack of continuous 2D modelling of urban flood coverage and its associated damage, the ability of RWH to reduce urban flood risks has not been fully evaluated. Literature suggests that small distributed storage spaces using RWH tanks will reduce flood damage only during small to medium flooding events and therefore cumulative assessment of their benefits is needed. In this study we developed a new integrated modelling framework that implements a semi-continuous simulation approach to investigate flood prevention and water supply benefits of RWH tanks. The framework includes a continuous mass balance simulation model that considers antecedent rainfall conditions and water demand/usage of tanks and predicts the available storage prior to each storm event. To do so, this model couples a rainfall-runoff tank storage model with a detailed stochastic end-use water demand model. The available storage capacity of tanks is then used as a boundary condition for the novel rapid flood simulation model. This flood model was developed by coupling the U.S. EPA Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) to the Cellular-Automata Fast Flood Evaluation (CA-ffé) model to predict the inundation depth caused by surcharges over the capacity of the drainage network. The stage-depth damage curves method was used to calculate time series of flood damage, which are then directly used for flood risk and cost-benefit analysis. The model was tested through a case study in Melbourne, using a recorded rainfall time series of 85 years (after validating the flood model against 1D-2D MIKE-FLOOD). Results showed that extensive implementation of RWH tanks in the study area is economically feasible and can reduce expected annual damage in the catchment by up to approximately 30 percent. Availability of storage space and temporal distribution of rainfall within an event were important factors affecting tank performance for flood reduction. |
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0043-1354 |
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THL @ christoph.kuells @ Jamali2020115372 |
Serial |
239 |
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