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Author Soh, Q.Y.; O’Dwyer, E.; Acha, S.; Shah, N.
Title (down) Robust optimisation of combined rainwater harvesting and flood mitigation systems Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Water Research Abbreviated Journal
Volume 245 Issue Pages 120532
Keywords Rainwater harvesting, Flood mitigation, Robust stochastic optimisation, Sustainable environmental engineering, Decision tool, Urban residential estates
Abstract Combined large-scale rainwater harvesting (RWH) and flood mitigation systems are promising as a sustainable water management strategy in urban areas. These are multi-purpose infrastructure that not only provide a secondary, localised water resource, but can also reduce discharge and hence loads on any downstream wastewater networks if these are integrated into the wider water network. However, the performance of these systems is dependent on the specific design used for its local catchment which can vary significantly between different implementations. A multitude of design strategies exist, however there is no universally accepted standard framework. To tackle these issues, this paper presents a two-player optimisation framework which utilises a stochastic design optimisation model and a competing, high-intensity rainfall design model to optimise passively-operated RWH systems. A customisable tool set is provided, under which optimisation models specific to a given catchment can be built quickly. This reduces the barriers to implementing computationally complex sizing strategies and encouraging more resource-efficient systems to be built. The framework was applied to a densely populated high-rise residential estate, eliminating overflow events from historical rainfall. The optimised configuration resulted in a 32% increase in harvested water yield, but its ability to meet irrigation demands was limited by the operational levels of the treatment pump. Hence, with the inclusion of operational levels in the optimisation model, the framework can provide an efficient large-scale RWH system that is capable of simultaneously meeting water demands and reducing stresses within and beyond its local catchment.
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ISSN 0043-1354 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Soh2023120532 Serial 243
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Author Musy, S.; Purtschert, R.
Title (down) Reviewing 39Ar and 37Ar underground production in shallow depths with implications for groundwater dating Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Science of The Total Environment Abbreviated Journal
Volume 884 Issue Pages 163868
Keywords Subsurface production, Argon-39, Argon-37, Muons, Isotope hydrology, Tracers
Abstract Argon-37 (37Ar) and Argon-39 (39Ar) are used for groundwater dating on timescales from weeks to centuries. For both isotopes, the quantification of underground sources is essential to accurately infer water residence times from sampled dissolved activities. Subsurface production resulting from interactions with neutrons from the natural radioactivity in rocks and with primary cosmogenic neutrons has been known for a long time. More recently, the capture of slow negative muons and reactions with muon-induced neutrons were documented for 39Ar subsurface production in the context of underground particle detectors (e.g. for Dark Matter research). However, the contribution from these particles was never considered for groundwater dating applications. Here, we reevaluate the importance of all potential depth-related production channels at depth ranges relevant for 39Ar groundwater dating [0 − 200 meters below the surface (m.b.s)]. The production of radioargon by muon-induced processes is considered in this depth range for the first time. The uncertainty on the total depth-dependent production rate is estimated with Monte Carlo simulations assuming a uniform distribution of the parameter uncertainties. This work aims to provide a comprehensive framework for interpreting 39Ar activities in terms of groundwater residence times and for exposure age dating of rocks. The production of 37Ar is also addressed since this isotope is relevant as a proxy for 39Ar production, for the timing of river-groundwater exchanges, and in the context of on-site inspections (OSI) within the verification framework of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). In this perspective, we provide an interactive web-based application for the calculation of 37Ar and 39Ar production rates in rocks.
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ISSN 0048-9697 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Musy2023163868 Serial 217
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Author Timsina, J.; Weerahewa, J.
Title (down) Restoring ancient irrigation systems for sustainable agro-ecosystems development: Reflections on the special issue Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Agricultural Systems Abbreviated Journal
Volume 209 Issue Pages 103668
Keywords Ancient irrigation systems, Degradation, Sustainability, Sri Lanka
Abstract Humans have relied on agriculture to feed their communities for thousands of years. Irrigation is practiced in many different forms over the years in countries all over the world. Although modern irrigation systems have been developed, and are in use in many countries, ancient irrigation systems (AISs) have also played a major role in sustaining food production, especially in smallholder farming in least developed and developing countries. The editorial team of Agricultural Systems put out a call for a special issue on restoring AISs for sustainable agro-ecosystems development to capture ancient marvels of traditional irrigation technology across the world. The objectives of this special issue were to: (i) understand and analyse the hydrological and socio-economic networks anchored by AISs; (ii) explain the nature and sustainability of management of these systems in relation to local agro-ecosystems; (iii) analyse the implications of the AISs for land, soil and water quality, and agro-ecosystem services; (iv) qualitative and quantitative analysis of AISs, including bio-physical and bio-economic modelling of these systems; and (v) assess the feasibility of alternative technological, institutional and management strategies to enhance the productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability of the systems. The overall goal of the special issue was to develop a useful repository for this information as well as to use the journal’s international reach to share this information with the agricultural systems research community and journal readership. This paper provides reflections of papers published in the special issue. The special issue resulted in twelve high quality original research articles and one review article from Asia, Africa and Europe. The findings from various papers revealed that the AISs have been degraded due to human interventions or the anthropogenic activities across the world. Various papers emphasized that as a corrective measure, there is a need for developing and implementing rehabilitation projects in these systems. Authors identified that appropriate policy interventions by the relevant authorities would be a major step towards such rehabilitation process. However, resetting the ecosystem structure of the AISs strictly towards their historical manifestation is neither required nor feasible in the present context as it would contradict the expectations of stakeholders from these systems. The knowledge generated through the special issue provides evidence-based information on various aspects of AISs. It helps aware governments, private sectors and development agencies for improved policy planning and decision making and for prioritizing the restoration, rehabilitation, and management of various AISs around the world.
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ISSN 0308-521x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Timsina2023103668 Serial 255
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Author Wang, W.; Liang, X.; Niu, Q.; Wang, Q.; Zhuo, J.; Su, X.; Zhou, G.; Zhao, L.; Yuan, W.; Chang, J.; Zheng, Y.; Pan, J.; Wang, Z.; Ji, Z.
Title (down) Reformability evaluation of blasting-enhanced permeability in in situ leaching mining of low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposits Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Nuclear Engineering and Technology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 55 Issue 8 Pages 2773-2784
Keywords Analytic hierarchy process-entropy method, Fuzzy mathematics method, Mechanical property, Mineral composition, Pore structure, Split Hopkinson pressure bar
Abstract It is essential to evaluate the blasting-enhanced permeability (BEP) feasibility of a low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit. In this work, the mineral composition, reservoir physical properties and rock mechanical properties of samples from sandstone-type uranium deposits were first measured. Then, the reformability evaluation method was established by the analytic hierarchy process-entropy weight method (AHP-EWM) and the fuzzy mathematics method. Finally, evaluation results were verified by the split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experiment and permeability test. Results show that medium sandstone, argillaceous sandstone and siltstone exhibit excellent reformability, followed by coarse sandstone and fine sandstone, while the reformability of sandy mudstone is poor and is not able to accept BEP reservoir stimulation. The permeability improvement and the distribution of damage fractures before and after the SHPB experiment confirm the correctness of evaluation results. This research provides a reformability evaluation method for the BEP of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit, which contributes to the selection of the appropriate regional and stratigraphic horizon of the BEP and the enhanced ISL of the low-permeability sandstone-type uranium deposit.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1738-5733 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ wang_reformability_2023 Serial 194
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Author Hdeib, R.; Aouad, M.
Title (down) Rainwater harvesting systems: An urban flood risk mitigation measure in arid areas Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Water Science and Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 16 Issue 3 Pages 219-225
Keywords Rainwater harvesting, Urban floods, Flood map, Hydrodynamic model, Built environment, Arid areas
Abstract Rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems have been developed to compensate for shortage in the water supply worldwide. Such systems are not very common in arid areas, particularly in the Gulf Region, due to the scarcity of rainfall and their reduced efficiency in covering water demand and reducing water consumption rates. In spite of this, RWH systems have the potential to reduce urban flood risks, particularly in densely populated areas. This study aimed to assess the potential use of RWH systems as urban flood mitigation measures in arid areas. Their utility in the retention of stormwater runoff and the reduction of water depth and extent were evaluated. The study was conducted in a residential area in Bahrain that experienced waterlogging after heavy rainfall events. The water demand patterns of housing units were analyzed, and the daily water balance for RWH tanks was evaluated. The effect of the implementation of RWH systems on the flood volume was evaluated with a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model. Flood simulations were conducted in several rainfall scenarios with different probabilities of occurrence. The results showed significant reductions in the flood depth and flood extent, but these effects were highly dependent on the rainfall intensity of the event. RWH systems are effective flood mitigation measures, particularly in urban arid regions short of proper stormwater control infrastructure, and they enhance the resilience of the built environment to urban floods.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1674-2370 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Hdeib2023219 Serial 242
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Author Petisco-Ferrero, S.; Idoeta, R.; Rozas, S.; Olondo, C.; Herranz, M.
Title (down) Radiological environmental monitoring of groundwater around NPP: A proposal for its assessment Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Heliyon Abbreviated Journal
Volume 9 Issue 9 Pages 19470
Keywords Detection limit, Nuclear power plant dismantling and decommissioning, Radiological environmental monitoring, Radionuclides in groundwater
Abstract Whether a nuclear installation has radiological impact and, in that case, its extension, are the questions behind any environmental analysis of the installation along its operational life. This analysis is based on the detailed establishment of the radiological background of the area. Accordingly, the dismantling and decommissioning process (D&D) of a nuclear power plant starts with a radiological monitoring plan, which includes the radiological characterization of the area and of its surroundings. At the completion of the D&D, unrestricted use for the site will be permitted strictly in accordance with results of the radiological survey within the limits established by the local authorities. Groundwater quality is typically included in any radiological analysis since, among other reasons, a significant part of it is highly likely to end up being extracted for domestic use and hence, human consumption. While there is no regulation containing maximum activity concentration or radionuclide guidance values for water that may be destined for uses other than public consumption, if groundwater is considered a “part” of the land, dose criteria for site release can be applied. Therefore, together with the guidance levels to be established for the different radionuclides expected in the groundwater, the detection limits to be employed when performing routine radio analytical characterization procedures in the laboratory should also be provided. In this paper, we first propose a relation of the potential radionuclides to be analyzed in groundwater, together with their detection limits to be achieved when the determinations are performed in a laboratory, and subsequently, we discuss the most suitable analytical methodologies and resources that would be necessary to undertake radiological characterization plans from a practical point of view.
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Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 2405-8440 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ petisco-ferrero_radiological_2023 Serial 133
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Author Rusli, S.R.; Weerts, A.H.; Mustafa, S.M.T.; Irawan, D.E.; Taufiq, A.; Bense, V.F.
Title (down) Quantifying aquifer interaction using numerical groundwater flow model evaluated by environmental water tracer data: Application to the data-scarce area of the Bandung groundwater basin, West Java, Indonesia Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology: Regional Studies Abbreviated Journal
Volume 50 Issue Pages 101585
Keywords Aquifer interaction, Multi-layer groundwater abstraction, Environmental water tracers, Groundwater flow model, Bandung groundwater basin
Abstract Study Region: Bandung groundwater basin, Indonesia. Study focus: Groundwater abstraction of various magnitudes, pumped out from numerous depths in a multitude of layers of aquifers, stimulates different changes in hydraulic head distribution, including ones under vertical cross-sections. This generates groundwater flow in the vertical direction, where groundwater flows within its storage from the shallow to the underlying confined aquifers. In the Bandung groundwater basin, previous studies have identified such processes, but quantitative evaluations have never been conducted, with data scarcity mainly standing as one of the major challenges. In this study, we utilize the collated (1) environmental water tracer data, including major ion elements (Na+/K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl−, SO42−,HCO3−), stable isotope data (2H and δ18O), and groundwater age determination (14C), in conjunction with (2) groundwater flow modeling to quantify the aquifer interaction, driven mainly by the multi-layer groundwater abstraction in the Bandung groundwater basin, and demonstrate their correspondence. In addition, we also use the model to quantify the impact of multi-layer groundwater abstraction on the spatial distribution of the groundwater level changes. New hydrological insights for the region: In response to the limited calibration data availability, we expand the typical model calibration that makes use of the groundwater level observations, with in-situ measurement and a novel qualitative approach using the collated environmental water tracers (EWT) data for the model evaluation. The analysis in the study area using EWT data and quantitative methods of numerical groundwater flow modeling is found to collaborate with each other. Both methods show agreement in their assessment of (1) the groundwater recharge spatial distribution, (2) the regional groundwater flow direction, (3) the groundwater age estimates, and (4) the identification of aquifer interaction. On average, the downwelling to the deeper aquifer is quantified at 0.110 m/year, which stands out as a significant component compared to other groundwater fluxes in the system. We also determine the unconfined aquifer storage volume decrease, calculated from the change in the groundwater table, resulting in an average declining rate of 51 Mm3/year. This number shows that the upper aquifer storage is dwindling at a rate disproportionate to its groundwater abstraction, hugely influenced by losses to the deeper aquifer. The outflow to the deeper aquifer contributes to 60.3% of the total groundwater storage lost, despite representing only 32.3% of the total groundwater abstraction. This study shows the possibility of quantification of aquifer interaction and groundwater level change dynamics driven by multi-layer groundwater abstraction in a multi-layer hydrogeological setting, even in a data-scarce environment. Applying such methods can assist in deriving basin-scale groundwater policies and management strategies under the changing anthropogenic and climatic factors, thereby ensuring sustainable groundwater management.
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ISSN 2214-5818 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Rusli2023101585 Serial 222
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Author Zhao, Y.; Li, X.; Lei, L.; Chen, L.; Luo, Z.
Title (down) Permeability evolution mechanism and the optimum permeability determination of uranium leaching from low-permeability sandstone treated with low-frequency vibration Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering Abbreviated Journal
Volume 15 Issue 10 Pages 2597-2610
Keywords Chemical reactive rate, Low-frequency vibration, Low-permeability sandstone, Optimum permeability, Permeability evolution mechanism, Uranium migration
Abstract Low-frequency vibrations can effectively improve natural sandstone permeability, and higher vibration frequency is associated with larger permeability. However, the optimum permeability and permeability evolution mechanism for uranium leaching and the relationship between permeability and the change of chemical reactive rate affecting uranium leaching have not been determined. To solve the above problems, in this study, identical homogeneous sandstone samples were selected to simulate low-permeability sandstone; a permeability evolution model considering the combined action of vibration stress, pore water pressure, water flow impact force, and chemical erosion was established; and vibration leaching experiments were performed to test the model accuracy. Both the permeability and chemical reactions were found to simultaneously restrict U6+ leaching, and the vibration treatment increased the permeability, causing the U6+ leaching reaction to no longer be diffusion-constrained but to be primarily controlled by the reaction rate. Changes of the model calculation parameters were further analyzed to determine the permeability evolution mechanism under the influence of vibration and chemical erosion, to prove the correctness of the mechanism according to the experimental results, and to develop a new method for determining the optimum permeability in uranium leaching. The uranium leaching was found to primarily follow a process consisting of (1) a permeability control stage, (2) achieving the optimum permeability, (3) a chemical reactive rate control stage, and (4) a channel flow stage. The resolution of these problems is of great significance for facilitating the application and promotion of low-frequency vibration in the CO2 + O2 leaching process.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1674-7755 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ zhao_permeability_2023 Serial 198
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Author Johnson, R.S.H.; Alila, Y.
Title (down) Nonstationary stochastic paired watershed approach: Investigating forest harvesting effects on floods in two large, nested, and snow-dominated watersheds in British Columbia, Canada Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Hydrology Abbreviated Journal
Volume 625 Issue Pages 129970
Keywords Probabilistic physics, Forest hydrology, Attribution science, Flood Frequency Analysis, Stochastic hydrology, Nonstationarity
Abstract Drawing on advances in nonstationary frequency analysis and the science of causation and attribution, this study employs a newly developed nonstationary stochastic paired watershed approach to determine the effect of forest harvesting on snowmelt-generated floods. Moreover, this study furthers the application of stochastic physics to evaluate the environmental controls and drivers of flood response. Physically-based climate and time-varying harvesting data are used as covariates to drive the nonstationary flood frequency distribution parameters to detect, attribute, and quantify the effect of harvesting on floods in the snow-dominated Deadman River (878 km2) and nested Joe Ross Creek (99 km2) watersheds. Harvesting only 21% of the watershed caused a 38% and 84% increase in the mean but no increase in variability around the mean of the frequency distribution in the Deadman River and Joe Ross Creek, respectively. Consequently, the 7-year, 20-year, 50-year, and 100-year flood events became approximately two, four, six, and ten times more frequent in both watersheds. An increase in the mean is posited to occur from an increase in moisture availability following harvest from suppressed snow interception and increased net radiation reaching the snowpack. Variability was not increased because snowmelt synchronization was inhibited by the buffering capacity of abundant lakes, evenly distributed aspects, and widespread spatial distribution of cutblocks in the watersheds, preventing any potential for harvesting to increase the efficiency of runoff delivery to the outlet. Consistent with similar recent studies, the effect of logging on floods is controlled not only by the harvest rate but most importantly the physiographic characteristics of the watershed and the spatial distribution of the cutblocks. Imposed by the probabilistic framework to understanding and predicting the relation between extremes and their environmental controls, commonly used in the general sciences but not forest hydrology, it is the inherent nature of snowmelt-driven flood regimes which cause even modest increases in magnitude, especially in the upper tail of the distribution, to translate into surprisingly large changes in frequency. Contrary to conventional wisdom, harvesting influenced small, medium, and very large flood events, and the sensitivity to harvest increased with increasing flood event size and watershed area.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0022-1694 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ Johnson2023129970 Serial 245
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Author Boumaiza, L.; Ammar, S.B.; Chesnaux, R.; Stotler, R.L.; Mayer, B.; Huneau, F.; Johannesson, K.H.; Levison, J.; Knöller, K.; Stumpp, C.
Title (down) Nitrate sources and transformation processes in groundwater of a coastal area experiencing various environmental stressors Type Journal Article
Year 2023 Publication Journal of Environmental Management Abbreviated Journal
Volume 345 Issue Pages 118803
Keywords Aquifer, Denitrification, MixSIAR, Nitrate, Nitrification, Stable isotopes
Abstract In coastal salinized groundwater systems, contamination from various nitrate (NO3) inputs combined with complex hydrogeochemical processes make it difficult to distinguish NO3 sources and identify potential NO3 transformtation processes. Effective field-based NO3 studies in coastal areas are needed to improve the understanding of NO3 contamination dynamics in groundwater of such complex coastal systems. This study focuses on a typical Mediterranean coastal agricultural area, located in Tunisia, experiencing substantial NO3 contamination from multiple anthropogenic sources. Here, multiple isotopic tracers (δ18OH2O, δ2HH2O, δ15NNO3, δ18ONO3, and δ11B) combined with a Bayesian isotope MixSIAR model are used (i) to identify the major NO3 sources and their contributions, and (ii) to describe the potential NO3 transformation processes. The measured NO3 concentrations in groundwater are above the natural baseline threshold, suggesting anthropogenic influence. The measured isotopic composition of NO3 indicates that manure, soil organic matter, and sewage are the potential sources of NO3, while δ11B values constrain the NO3 contamination to manure; a finding that is supported by the results of MixSIAR model revealing that manure-derived NO3 dominates over other likely sources. Nitrate derived from manure in the study area is attributed to organic fertilizers used to promote crop growth, and livestock that deposit manure directly on the ground surface. Evidence for ongoing denitrification in groundwaters of the study area is supported by an enrichment in both 15N and 18O in the remaining NO3, although isotopic mass balances between the measured and the theoretical δ18ONO3 values also suggest the occurrence of nitrification. The simultaneous occurrence of these biogeochemical processes with heterogeneous distribution across the study area reflect the complexity of interactions within the investigated coastal aquifer. The multiple isotopic tracer approach used here can identify the effect of multiple NO3 anthropogenic activities in coastal environments, which is fundamental for sustainable groundwater resources management.
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Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0301-4797 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes Approved no
Call Number THL @ christoph.kuells @ boumaiza_nitrate_2023 Serial 170
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