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Wildlife viewing is an important type of outdoor recreation in national parks. Wildlife observation and photography in natural areas have attracted more and more attention. In order to fully reflect the public welfare and comprehensive sharing of Kalamaili National Park, so that its rich and unique wildlife resources can be used in a non-consumptive and sustainable way, the distribution of wild animals in the water source near the road in the general control area of Kalamaili National Park was calculated by means of infrared camera monitoring, and the viewing route was designed according to their appearance time, place and frequency, under the principle of no disturbance to wildlife, a planning and design scheme was proposed based on the connectivity of the original road. Two viewing routes in summer (July to August) and autumn (September to October) was designed. The summer and autumn viewing route has four viewing points respectively, and there is one supplementary viewing point for autumn route. Three ungulates species, Mongolian kulan (Equus hemionus), Przewalski’s wild horse (E. ferus), goitered gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) are the main viewing species. Other ornamental species with a relatively high occurrence frequency include wolves (Canis lupus), argali (Ovis ammon), ruddy shelduck (Tadorna ferruginea) and Pallas’s sandgrouse (Syrrhaptes paradoxus) . The results provide a scientific basis for the future planning and management of wildlife tourism in national parks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Purposes] By taking the water inrush event of Jiaguo Coal Mine as an example, the control effects of regional geological structure and mine field geological structure on the water-bearing system of Taiyuan Formation in coal mine are systematically studied. The water-bearing system of Taiyuan Formation in the mine field is regarded as an independent hydrogeological unit. Geological structure controls and affects of the supply, runoff and drain conditions of the karst fissure water flow system of Taiyuan Formation in the mine field are investigated. [Methods] This research has been carried out by using hydro-chemical characteristics and analysis of D, 18O stable isotope contents, combined with fine field geological survey and observation of underground water gushing point. [Findings] It is confirmed that the water inrush source of Jiaguo Coal Mine comes from the supply of Wangtao River. It is predicted and verified by drilling that the karst fissure of Taiyuan Formation K2 limestone covered by loose sediment of Wangtao River is the water conducting channel of water inrush source. Controlled by the karst fissure water flow system of Taiyuan Formation in the mine field, the Wangtao River flows through the K2 limestone aquifer of Taiyuan Formation under the riverbed, and flows along the layer to the low-lying structure of the mine field depression, resulting in water inrush at the K2 limestone karst fissure of the main inclined shaft. This work provides a reliable basis for the prevention and control of mine water disasters in Jiaguo Coal Mine, and also provides an effective way for the identification of water inrush sources in mines.

Copyright of Arid Land Geography is the property of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinjiang Institute of Ecology & Geography and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Groundwater nitrate pollution is a pressing threat to public health. To analyze the chemical properties of groundwater across various sources, samples from 15 groundwater outlets within the Tailai Basin were collected during both the dry and wet seasons. An assessment of human health risks based on drinking water habits and skin contact with various water sources was conducted to provide a foundation for the rational development and utilization of groundwater. The results revealed that the main source of chemical components in the groundwater in the study area was evaporite dissolution. Rock weathering and cation exchange predominantly affected the chemical composition of groundwater. The groundwater samples primarily contained Ca2+ cations and HCO3− anions. The concentration of groundwater nitrate at each water source was relatively high. The single-factor water quality evaluation demonstrated that SO42−, NO3−, and TDS exceeded the standard, where NO3− severely exceeded the standard. The water supply and dry seasons were more than 10 times higher than the standard. The HI exceeded 1 for most water sources, and the non-carcinogenic risk index for children significantly surpassed that for adults. This high hazard quotient suggests that groundwater from the majority of sources in the Tailai Basin may adversely affect residents' health. Water resource management authorities should address groundwater nitrate pollution to ensure the residents' health and safety. Meanwhile, efforts should focus on preventing and controlling nitrogen pollution in groundwater to support its sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Gobi Desert is one of the harsh terrestrial ecosystems distributed on the Mongolian Plateau and northwest China. Water is the key restricting environmental factor for the Gobi Desert plants' growth. Exploring the annual dynamic of water sources for the vulnerable plants in the Gobi Desert helps to understand their adaptation to the arid climate and is fundamental for their conservation, e.g., the vulnerable plant Ammopiptanthus mongolicus (Maxim. ex Kom.) S. H. Cheng. The water source of the dominant and companion shrubs in a Gobi Desert A. mongolicus community was determined by comparing the δD and δ18O values of their xylem water and different layers of soil water using the MixSIAR model from spring to autumn over two years. The results showed that A. mongolicus mainly utilized 50–150 cm of middle and deep soil water. However, it also used 10 or 25 cm of surface soil water after heavy rains in the early spring and moderate rains in the autumn of 2021 and after heavy rains in the summer of 2022. Three companion shrubs (Nitraria sphaerocarpa Maxim, Caragana korshinskii Kom, and Convolvulus tragacanthoides Turcz.) had similar main water sources, competing for relatively reliable deep soil water with the dominant A. mongolicus during droughts in 2021 and 2022. Moreover, A. mongolicus utilized more deep soil water in 2021 with less rain. However, C. tragacanthoides used more shallow soil water during the growing season of 2022 with more rain. Therefore, four xerophytic shrubs in the A. mongolicus community utilized soil water in different layers based on their ability to adapt to the annual fluctuation of rain in the Gobi Desert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effluent discharge of domestic wastewater and industrial effluents into watercourses has necessitated the development of monitoring systems with the purpose of characterizing levels of pollution. Substantial levels of pollution in emerging nations have been exacerbated by rapidly growing populations and inefficient enforcement of sustainable management initiatives. The Water Quality Index (WQI) can help fill the gap between water quality reporting and monitoring by offering a simple and effective way to assimilate and communicate results from a large amount of data. WQIs are the kind of communication tools that can facilitate knowledge sharing between scholars and the general public. The degradation of natural water resources, such as lakes, streams, and estuaries, is the most significant problem facing humanity. Water that is not clean has far-reaching effects on all aspects of life. Water resource management is therefore essential if it is to maximize water quality. If data are analyzed and water quality can be predicted in advance, water pollution may be efficiently addressed. Although this subject has been the subject of numerous earlier studies, additional research is still required to fully understand the effectiveness, reliability, accuracy, and application of the present approaches to water quality management. In this research work, a comprehensive review has been conducted on water quality assessment using artificial techniques. It reviews 75 research works on water quality analysis. The data collected in each research work have been analyzed. Moreover, the type of water resource surface water, groundwater, drinking water as well has been analyzed. The parameters considered in each work are “Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Potential of Hydrogen (pH), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), chloride, hardness, alkalinity, nitrate–nitrite”. In addition, the Artificial Intelligence technique utilized for water quality analysis is also assessed. Finally, the research gaps identified in water quality detection are exhibited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) affects the growth status of trees in colonized forests, but there has been insufficient research on changes in tree water physiology. In this study, we used stable δ2H, δ18O, and 13C isotope ratios to analyze the water sources and water use efficiency (WUE) of bamboo, deciduous broadleaf trees (Alniphyllum fortunei), and evergreen broadleaf trees (Machilus pauhoi and Castanopsis eyrei) in a bamboo-expended broadleaf forest (BEBF), a bamboo-absent broadleaf forest (BABF), and a bamboo forest (BF). We found that the expansion of bamboo had no significant effect on the water sources and WUE of deciduous broadleaf trees, but altered the water sources of evergreen broadleaf trees. During the growing season, evergreen broadleaf trees decrease their uptake fractions of surface soil water by 7.1% to 9.6% and increased their uptake fractions of middle soil water by 5.8%~9.4%. Conversely, during the non-growing season, they increased their uptake fractions of surface soil water by 11.9% and decreased their uptake fractions of deeper soil water by 5.6%~12.9%. Additionally, after expanding into broadleaf forests, bamboo increased its uptake proportion of surface and shallow soil water by 20.0% and 9.4% during the growing season. Its WUE also improved, increasing by 20.0 μmol/mol and 13.0 μmol/mol during the growing and non-growing seasons, respectively. These results indicate that as bamboo expands into broadleaf forests, it enhances its competitiveness for water resources by changing its water use strategy. Compared to deciduous broadleaf trees, evergreen broadleaf trees exhibit more flexible water use strategies under the conditions of bamboo expansion. Our research reveals, for the first time, how broadleaf trees adjust their water use strategies in response to bamboo expansion, and uncovers the mechanisms behind bamboo expansion into evergreen broadleaf forests from the perspective of water use strategies. This will aid future forest management under the conditions of bamboo expansion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reservoir-type drinking water sources in the Pearl River Delta ensure a safe urban water supply; thus, land-use changes are important factors affecting these aquatic environments. In this study, we investigated the water source areas of medium and large reservoirs in the Pearl River Delta to determine the contributions and trends of land-use changes within reservoir drinking water source areas to the reservoir water quality. First, we analyzed dynamic land-use changes in reservoir-type water sources in the Pearl River Delta region from 1980 to 2020. We then used the gray relational analysis method to determine the relationship between land use and water quality changes. We analyzed changes in the main water quality factors in the Dajingshan Reservoir (Zhuhai) and determined the relationship between changes in land use and the reservoir water quality index over the past 20 years using correlation and redundancy analyses. The results indicate that paddy fields, dry land, forest land, and water areas were the main land-use types around reservoir-type drinking water sources in the Pearl River Delta. Although construction land and water areas expanded, paddy fields, dry land, and forest land areas decreased. The land transfer trend was mainly from forest and cultivated land to production and living land (e.g.1980-2020), construction land) and water areas. With the implementation of the policy, the aforementioned land-use transformation began to slow. Regionally, the risk sources of non-point source pollution in the study area gradually decreased, but still accounted for 9.48% of total land use in 2020. The water quality of reservoir sources in the Pearl River Delta improved; however, nitrogen pollution remains problematic. Gray relational analysis indicates that land-use changes and water quality were correlated (in order of decreasing strength): construction land > agricultural land > forest land. Non-point source pollution caused by land use remains an important influencing factor. The Dajingshan Reservoir water quality is seriously polluted, as the total nitrogen exceeded the standard during several months, and nitrogen and phosphorus pollution gradually increased over time. Nitrogen and phosphorus were the main pollutants in the reservoir. Big mountain reservoir redundancy, correlation, and partial least squares regression analyses indicate that the land use type and water quality index were correlated, forest land and the nitrogen/phosphorus water quality index were negatively correlated, and construction and agricultural land were significantly positively correlated, which had a positive effect on the total nitrogen concentration. The influence of land-use patterns on non-point source pollution remains an uncontrollable factor. The specific effects of land-use changes on water quality are complex; therefore, further modeling should investigate the mechanism by which the water supply quality is influenced to improve reservoir water quality, ensure the safety of the regional water supply, and provide support for ecological restoration measures in protected areas.

Fog harvesting, also known as fog collection, is a sustainable approach to addressing water scarcity which captures water droplets from fog, providing a renewable water source for water-scarce regions. The aim of this study is to give more background about fog harvesting by introducing fog harvesting systems, their advantages and disadvantages, real world and laboratory projects and efficiency. This study emphasizes fog harvesting's potential in arid regions with frequent fog occurrence, discusses working mechanisms, and explores nature-inspired and nanotechnology-based fog collectors. Local climate data's importance for feasibility assessment is highlighted, along with the vital role of community involvement for long-term success. Fog harvesting offers a promising and environmentally friendly solution to alleviate water scarcity challenges when combined with innovative strategies and community engagement. Real-world projects have shown that fog water collection can be an effective and sustainable solution, particularly in regions with persistent fog and limited water resources. However, more work is needed on innovative fog collectors and advanced materials to increase sustainability.

The purpose of the work was to study the dynamics of mountain stone glaciers and streams flowing down from them for an understanding their hydrological significance. Two glaciers: Morenny and Gorodetsky, were analyzed, both located in the river Ulken Almaty (Big Almatinka) basin, Northern Tien Shan. On the average, the rate of surface displacement of the Morennoye glacier is higher than that of the Gorodetsky, which is associated with increased ice content of the last one. The increase in rates of surface displacement of both stone glaciers revealed in 2021–2022 when compared to previous years turned out to be consistent with the widely discussed idea of intensification of such glaciers dynamics under the present-day climate changes and glacier retreats. It was found that the stone glaciers have a pronounced influence on the water regime, temperature and chemical composition of watercourses formed by water running out from them. They are distinguished by the almost complete absence of intraday fluctuations in the level, temperature, and specific electrical conductivity of water, which are more pronounced in rivers and streams with glacial alimentation during the summer time. Some waterflows from the Gorodetsky glacier do not freeze in winter, which is indicative of significant groundwater reserves in its body. The waters of each of the above stone glaciers differ in their characteristic mineralization, temperature, and the ratio of the major ions. The stable water flow from such glaciers can play an important role in maintaining a river runoff during periods of the low stream discharge.

Indigenous water treatment practices play a vital role, yet they remain underrecognized, in securing access to safe drinking water for rural communities across East Africa. This article performs a mini‐review of the most common traditional techniques used by most East African communities to purify drinking water regularly. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been taken as representative countries in the region as they somehow share many social‐cultural aspects, including a common language (Swahili), transboundary tribes like Maasai (Kenya/Tanzania), and Bahaya (Uganda/Tanzania). The four main traditional water purification techniques identified: filtration using locally available media, solar disinfection, Moringa coagulation, and boiling as well as improved storage. Case studies documenting the effectiveness of these indigenous practices in removing microbial pathogens and meeting WHO guidelines are also examined. However, limitations around reliance on local resources, labor demands, hygiene risks, and the inability to consistently achieve standards challenge wider adoption. The article concludes by highlighting the need for participatory optimization of traditional methods through integration with scientific expertise in a manner respecting local contexts. With proper support, these grassroots innovations can strengthen household water security on a sustainable basis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Geography is the property of Tropical Geography Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

[Objective] The research on crop moisture sources is of great significance to the formulation of reasonable crop irrigation system, the improvement of agricultural water use efficiency and the alleviation of water shortage in arid and semi-arid areas in China. [Method] In this study, hydrogen and oxygen stable isotope technique in liquid water was used to analyze the distribution characteristics of hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes in corn root layer water from the perspective of different irrigation fields in the same irrigation area. [Result] The results showed that the rapid growth of corn during elongation stage required a large amount of water. Due to the different drought degrees in the upper, middle and lower reaches of the irrigation area, the main water absorption depth of corn root system was slightly different from that in other areas: the contribution rate of 0-20 cm in the upper reaches was 38.1%, and that of 20-40 cm was 23.7%; The contribution rate of 0-20 cm in the middle reaches was 27.4%, and that of 20-40 cm was 43.6%. The contribution rate of 0-20 cm in the lower reaches was 20%, and that of 20-40 cm downstream was 63%. [Conclusion] Corn in arid and semi-arid areas is affected by drought during elongation stage, which ranges from the main water intake layer to deep soil. Hydrogen and oxygen stable isotopes can provide theoretical basis and technical support for the study of corn water sources in arid and semi-arid areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fog harvesting, also known as fog collection, is a sustainable approach to addressing water scarcity which captures water droplets from fog, providing a renewable water source for water-scarce regions. The aim of this study is to give more background about fog harvesting by introducing fog harvesting systems, their advantages and disadvantages, real world and laboratory projects and efficiency. This study emphasizes fog harvesting's potential in arid regions with frequent fog occurrence, discusses working mechanisms, and explores nature-inspired and nanotechnology-based fog collectors. Local climate data's importance for feasibility assessment is highlighted, along with the vital role of community involvement for long-term success. Fog harvesting offers a promising and environmentally friendly solution to alleviate water scarcity challenges when combined with innovative strategies and community engagement. Real-world projects have shown that fog water collection can be an effective and sustainable solution, particularly in regions with persistent fog and limited water resources. However, more work is needed on innovative fog collectors and advanced materials to increase sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the adaptation of water use strategy of plant community to habitat heterogeneity, we measured the δD and δ18O values of xylem water of shrubs and potential water sources (soil water in different layers or groundwater) of Ammopiptanthus mongolicus communities on sand dune and Gobi from April to September in 2021 in the Ulan Buh Desert. Employing the MixSIAR model, we examined the seasonal dynamics of water source of each shrub by quantifying the contribution of different potential water sources. The results showed that A. mongolicus and Artemisia xerophytica on sand dune mainly used soil water of 10-25 cm in April and May after heavy rain in early spring, whereas Artemisia ordosica mainly used soil water of 10-200 cm. During the drought event within summer from June to August, A. mongolicus increasingly used soil water of 100-200 cm and groundwater, but A. xerophytica and A. ordosica increased the usage of 50-200 cm soil water. After the moderate rain in September, A. mongolicus evenly used soil water in all layers and groundwater, whereas two Artemisia shrubs preferred soil water of 10-50 cm. On Gobi, A. mongolicus and Nitraria sphaerocarpa evenly used soil water in all layers in April and May, mainly used 50-150 cm soil water from June to August and used 10-50 cm soil water in September. Convolvulus tragacanthoides mainly used soil water of 10-50 cm (from April to May), 25-150 cm (from June to August), and 10-25 cm (in September), separately. There were seasonal differences in water use of three shrubs on sand dune and Gobi A. mongolicus communities. During drought, A. mongolicus on sand dune could use deep soil water and groundwater, and that on Gobi relied only on deep soil water, which was more sensitive to rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The creation of an electrochemical sensor based on a CeO2/CNT nanocomposite is presented in this study as a means of detecting Lupron (LPR) in water sources, pharmaceutical waste, and clinical samples. Leuprolide, marketed under the name LPR, is a drug that is frequently used to treat uterine myoma and fibroids. Accurate identification of lupron is essential for both guaranteeing efficacious therapy and keeping an eye on its existence in pharmaceutical waste and environmental sources, since it may present hazards to both human and environmental health. Comprehensive insights into the manufacture and application of the sensor were provided by the full synthesis of the CeO2/CNT nanocomposite and the electrode modification process. Characterizations using XRD, FT-IR, and TEM demonstrated the structural integrity and morphology of the CeO2/CNT nanocomposite, confirming its effective production. The CeO2/CNT nanocomposite modified electrode's electrochemical behavior for LPR showed a strong linear relationship between the peak current and LPR concentrations ranging from 20 to 2520 ng/ml. This resulted in low detection limits (LOD = 0.01 ng/ml) and high sensitivity (0.63398 µA/ng ml−1). The remarkable storage capacity and operational stability of the CeO2/CNT/GCE sensor were validated by long-term stability studies. Additionally, the sensor showed strong selectivity towards LPR even in the presence of structurally similar compounds, indicating that it is a suitable tool for selective detection in complex biological samples. The usefulness of the sensor for real-world applications was validated by analyzing real samples. The great potential of the CeO2/CNT nanocomposite to transform LPR detection is demonstrated in this study, along with its significance for the development of electrochemical sensing in critical applications such as environmental monitoring and clinical diagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundNonylphenol (NP) is a typical phenolic endocrine disruptor, and there are significant differences in NP concentration in different regions and water types. ObjectiveTo investigate the concentration of NP in three types (river, lake, and reservoir) of water sources in Hubei Province, and assess its ecological risk and population health risk. MethodsFifteen sampling points were set up at four river water sources (Liangtingshan Waterworks, Baishazhou Waterworks, Dijiao Waterworks, and Zongguan Waterworks), one lake water source (Liangzi Lake), and one reservoir water source (Fushui Reservoir). Water samples were collected from the 15 sampling points in June 2019 (wet season), October 2019 (level season), and December 2019 (dry season), respectively. The NP concentration in water samples was detected using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the differences in NP concentration among groups were compared using variance analysis. The ecological risk and the health risk of NP were evaluated using risk quotient (RQ) and non-carcinogenic risk index (NCRI), respectively. ResultsThe detection rate of NP was 100%, with an average concentration of (18.10±15.00) ng·L−1 (5.45-92.71 ng·L−1). The average concentrations of NP during the level, wet, and dry seasons were (11.52±5.31) ng·L−1, (23.86±22.08) ng·L−1, and (18.93±9.51) ng·L−1, respectively, and the maximum concentrations were 24.62 ng·L−1, 92.71 ng·L−1, and 42.38 ng·L−1, respectively. The variance analysis showed no statistical difference in the NP concentration in the samples from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in different periods (P>0.05). Only the water samples from the water source serving the Zongguan Waterworks showed an RQ (0.19) greater than 0.1 during the wet season, indicating a moderate risk. The RQ values of other water samples were all less than 0.1, indicating an overall relatively low ecological risk. The highest NCRI values during the level, wet, and dry seasons were 0.1459, 0.5492, and 0.2511, respectively, all less than 1, indicating an acceptable health risk level. ConclusionThe NP concentrations in all water sources in this study are at a relatively low level, which poses an acceptable risk level to human health.

[Objective] To explore the water use characteristics of typical plants under different ecological measures at the waste dump, improve plant water use efficiency, and accelerate the ecological restoration process in mining areas. [Methods] Six ecological measures (control, inoculation, green fertilizer, inoculation+green fertilizer, inoculation+weathered coal, inoculation+green fertilizer+weathered coal) were implemented at the waste dump of the Heidaigou Coal Mine to treat Amorpha fruticosa. Stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in water were combined with other techniques. [Results] (1) The soil moisture content of the waste dump was 3% to 9%, which was lower in the 0-30 cm and 70-100 cm soil layers, and higher in 30-70 cm soil layer. (2) Amorpha fruticosa obtained water from precipitation and soil. The soil water undergoes significant fractionation processed in the 0-30 cm soil layer, and exhibited significant differences among different ecological measures, with the green fertilizer treatment showing the highest and inoculation+green fertilizer treatment being the lowest. (3) Significant differences existed in the water use characteristics of Amorpha fruticosa under various ecological measures. The inoculation treatment exhibited a higher water use ratio of 53.4% in the 50-100 cm soil layer; The green fertilizer treatment mainly utilized the soil water in the surface layer (0-20 cm), which was 42.6%; The treatment of inoculation and green fertilizer had a relatively uniform proportion of soil water use in each layer. [Conclusion] The inoculation + green fertilizer treatment optimized the water use characteristics of Amorpha fruticose plants, increased the utilization ratio of surface and deep soil water, and can be used as an ecological reclamation measure for waste disposal sites, which promoted the ecological recovery rate and effect of arid mining areas in the western region.

In this study, three typical plants capable of restoring in the Heidaigou open-pit mine dump, namely, Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica, Caragana korshinskii, and Medicago sativa, were taken as the research objects. The δ2H and δ18O values of atmospheric precipitation, soil water, stem water, and leaf water were measured using the stable isotope technique, and the distribution characteristics of the δ2H and δ18O values of different water sources were identified. The IsoSource model (version1.3.1) was used to calculate the contribution rate of different water sources to the plants, and the differences and dynamic changes in the water sources for P. sylvestris var. mongolica, C. korshinskii, and M. sativa during the rainy season were examined. Results showed that the water source of the three plants was found to be mainly soil water, and the utilization of each potential water source varied in different periods of the rainy season. In June, when SWC was sufficient, P. sylvestris var. mongolica and M. sativa primarily absorbed and utilized shallow and middle soil water, with relative utilization ratios of 55.5% and 59%, respectively, while C. korshinskii has a more balanced utilization ratio of soil water in each layer, with shallow soil water utilization at 33.7%, middle soil water at 34.2%, and deep soil water at 32.2%. In August, when SWC decreased, P. sylvestris var. mongolica, C. korshinskii, and M. sativa were all transferred to deep soil water, with utilization ratios of 75.8%, 78.8%, and 71.1%, respectively. The values showed that these three typical plants are capable of restoring can respond to external water changes through the plastic transformation of water absorption sources. Among them, C. korshinskii can flexibly use soil water in each layer, has stronger survival competitiveness in drought, and can better adapt to the fragile ecological environment of a mining dump. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predator–prey interactions are influenced by the ability of the parties to visually perceive each other. Changes in moonlight across the lunar cycle may influence visibility of predator and prey and how they interact with each other and access shared resources (e.g. water sources in the desert). We tested three competing hypotheses explaining the nocturnal activity of mammalian predator and prey at desert water sources (i.e. predation risk allocation hypothesis, visual acuity hypothesis, physiological need for water hypothesis). We used camera traps at water sources in the Great Basin Desert to monitor mammalian predators (bobcat, Lynx rufus ; coyote, Canis latrans) and their shared prey (black-tailed jackrabbit, Lepus californicus ; mule deer, Odocoileus hemionus ; pronghorn, Antilocapra americana). We used generalized linear mixed-effects models and model selection to evaluate the influence of moonlight on the nocturnal activity of predator and prey after accounting for other influential abiotic and biotic factors. Responses to moonlight varied across species, with the activity of black-tailed jackrabbits and pronghorn being lunarphilic, the activity of coyotes being lunarphobic and the activity of bobcats and mule deer not associated with changes in moonlight. Our findings provide partial support for the visual acuity hypothesis and the physiological need for water hypothesis but do not support the predation risk allocation hypothesis in a desert predator–prey community. • We examined moonlight effects on activity of predators and prey at water sources. • Activity of jackrabbits and pronghorn was associated with increasing moonlight. • Activity of coyotes was associated with decreasing moonlight. • Activity of bobcats and mule deer was not associated with moonlight. • Results partially support visual acuity and physiological need for water hypotheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taraxacum officinale G.H. Weber ex Wiggers (dandelion) is a common weed of cool‐season turfgrass with 2,4‐D as the most commonly used herbicide for its control. Hard water is known to antagonise 2,4‐D dimethylamine herbicide efficacy in greenhouse studies, and this antagonism is mitigated by adding the water conditioning agent ammonium sulphate (AMS) to spray mixtures. As greenhouse herbicide efficacy trials do not always provide similar control to field studies, this experiment was undertaken to determine how hard water and AMS influences 2,4‐D dimethylamine control of T. officinale in established lawns. Hard water was prepared to achieve 0, 275, 450 and 675 mg CaCO3 L−1. The 2,4‐D was applied at each hardness level with and without AMS at 20 g L−1 in eight separate field trials across three sites and two seasons. Regardless of water hardness level, 2,4‐D treatments with AMS added reduced T. officinale cover at 52 weeks after application (WAA) compared to those without AMS. Similarly, fewer T. officinale plants were recorded when adding AMS to 2,4‐D. Taraxacum officinale cover at 52 WAA was higher when applied in water with a hardness of 450 mg CaCO3 L−1 or more compared to applications in distilled water (0 mg CaCO3 L−1). When hard water antagonism occurred, the addition of AMS to the spray mixture reduced the antagonism. Based on this field experiment and consistent with greenhouse experiments, applicators should mix AMS at 20 g L−1 when applying 2,4‐D dimethylamine, especially in hard water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of water scarcity has drawn attention from all over the world. The coordination of the interaction between ecological and environmental development of water sources and socio-economic development is currently an essential issue that needs to be solved in order to safeguard the water resources environment for human survival. In this essay, we suggest a paradigm for assessing the sustainable exploitation of water resources. First, three ecological, economic, and social factors are investigated. Twenty essential evaluation indexes are then constructed using the Delphi approach, along with an index system for assessing the potential of water sources for sustainable development. The weights of each evaluation index were then determined using the combination assignment approach, which was then suggested. The coupled degree evaluation model of the capability for sustainable development of water sources was then developed. In order to confirm the viability and validity of the suggested model, the model was used to assess the Liwu River water source's capacity for sustainable growth in the context of the South-North Water Transfer in Shandong, China. It is believed that the aforementioned study would serve as a helpful resource when evaluating the capacity of water sources for sustainable development. HIGHLIGHTS Proposes a novel coupled coordination degree evaluation model for water source sustainability, expanding upon traditional methods to offer a comprehensive understanding of sustainable development status, aiding in strategic planning.; Introduces an improved weight determination method using the coefficient of variation combined with the combination assignment approach, enhancing the precision and reliability of sustainability evaluations by mitigating outlier effects.; Establishes a comprehensive evaluation index system from ecological, economic, and social perspectives, providing a holistic framework for assessing water source sustainability, serving as a reference for future sustainable development efforts.;

Simple Summary: There is growing interest in insects as an alternative to animal proteins in the food and feed industries because of concerns about the unsustainability of existing production methods. Yellow mealworms (the larvae of the beetle Tenebrio molitor) are the most prominent insect being promoted for industrialization in this regard. Water requirements in mealworm farms rely on leafy vegetables (lettuce, napa cabbage, and white radish) or agricultural by-products, but their seasonality poses challenges in supply and storage. This study suggests that bean sprouts can be a superior substitute for lettuce, thus resolving problems in seasonal supply and cost fluctuations while improving productivity in mealworm farms. The study also shows that combining the vegetables with milk as well as increasing the amount of wet feed provided to the mealworms are additional means of enhancing larval growth rates. The Tenebrio molitor larva (yellow mealworm) holds great potential as a sustainable ingredient in food and feed. Optimizing its growth under mass farming requires careful water management. However, the availability and cost of fresh fruit and vegetables, which are the most widely used sources of water, can vary geographically, which calls for the search for relatively affordable, effective, and readily available alternatives. We evaluated the effect of three water sources (bean sprouts, lettuce leaves, and milk) as well as their quantity on weights and nutrient profiles of reared T. molitor larvae. Newly hatched mealworm larvae were maintained in controlled conditions of 25 °C and 60% relative humidity under a 12-h light–dark cycle for 15 weeks. When provided as sole-supplements, bean sprouts induced the highest larval weight gains compared to fresh lettuce leaves, which in turn performed better than milk and water. However, the addition of milk to the vegetable supplements enhanced growth. Furthermore, doubling the level of water supply resulted in 70% higher larval weights by week 14 post hatching. Moreover, water sources did not change the nutrient content of the harvested larvae. These findings suggest that mealworm productivity can be enhanced by increasing water feed levels and that bean sprouts may be a superior alternative to lettuce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Water is fundamental to the growth of plants by participating in plant metabolism, and nutrient transport and maintaining the integrity of the hydraulic system. Knowledge of water use characteristics among co-occurring plant species is crucial for understanding the ecohydrological processes and community assemblages. However, interspecific interactions with respect to water sources and physiological activity remain poorly understood. Methods: The stable oxygen isotope values of xylem and soil water, and leaf physiological characteristics were measured in three communities in the Mu Us Desert, northwest China: a mixed shrub and grasses community; a pure shrub community; and a pure grasses community. Results: In mixed communities, the main water source for shrubs shifted to deeper soil layers than in pure communities, whereas grass water use switched to shallower soil layers. Leaf photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance, transpiration, and water potential of both species were significantly lower in mixed communities than in pure communities. These results suggest that interspecific interactions influenced plant water use patterns. The water-use efficiency of shrubs increased in mixed communities, whereas that of grasses decreased, indicating that grasses exacerbated water stress on shrubs, while shrubs relieved water stress on grasses. Additionally, leaf physiological activity was positively correlated with shallower water sources and negatively correlated with deeper water sources. Conclusion: Our findings show that plants responded to interspecific interactions under drought conditions through the coupling of plant water sources with leaf physiologies. The present study provides important insights into water-related reforestation and ecological management in dryland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the policy of securing and protecting water resources for growth and sustainable development, agriculture must, through adequate planning of land use, cultivated crops and water infrastructure and taking into account climate changes and the needs of ecosystems, have a responsible managing role. The changes in Bulgaria after 1989 have brought for agriculture many risks and challenges. Therefore, the present study aims at making a general overview of the state of irrigation in the region of Plovdiv, as an example of the Maritsa River watershed.in the period 2017-2021. On the basis of the obtained results, major problems and their possible solutions for agriculture and irrigation will be defined, such as recommendations for improving the agricultural policy and integrated water management in Bulgaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Critically Endangered African wild ass Equus africanus is one of the most threatened equids, with fewer than 400 individuals persisting in the Danakil Desert (Eritrea), and fewer than 600 globally. To effectively conserve the species, it is essential to determine the extent of available suitable habitats and understand the environmental factors that most influence its current distribution. During 2016–2019 we observed African wild asses, recorded their locations during both the wet and dry seasons and analysed the bioclimatic data and topography using the maximum entropy species distribution model. Distance from water sources and precipitation of the driest month were the top predictors of suitable habitat for the dry season, whereas seasonal temperature variability and precipitation during the warmest quarter were the top predictors for the wet season. Model performances were high, with area under the curve values of 0.97 and 0.98 for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. In the Danakil Desert of Eritrea, the extent of optimal habitat for African wild asses is estimated to be 130 km2 in the dry season and 739 km2 in the wet season, with a potential range of 11,000 km2 for both seasons. Our model results also indicate that in the dry season 89 km2 of the Messir Plateau is optimal habitat, and the entire plateau area of 124 km2 provides optimal habitat during the wet season. These findings provide wildlife management authorities with substantive information and rationale for the establishment of a protected area on the Messir Plateau for African wild asses in Eritrea.

Pari Island has 1,441 inhabitants who are facing major environmental challenges related to water consumption and availability. These challenges may impact water quality and availability in the future. Previous research examining water usage and sanitation behavior on Pari Island remains limited. Since domestic activities dominate in Pari Island, this study evaluated water sources for domestic usage, estimated water consumption, and evaluated sanitation behavior, as well as community behavior and awareness. This study was based on a field survey using a questionnaire involving 317 heads of household, and had focus group discussions. The results revealed that reverse osmosis (RO) water and branded bottled water were the dominant water sources for drinking and food preparation, and RO water had become an important alternative water source for its affordable price. An individual's well water was mostly used for bathing and toilets. Annual water consumption on Pari Island for drinking, food preparation, and water-related sanitation is 24,930.74–29,401.44 m3/year, which still fell within the estimated water capacity of 290,000.48 m3/year, yet problems related to sanitation need special attention with respect to the increasing population. The awareness of the Pari Island community on technological interventions should be an advantage to maintain water sustainability. HIGHLIGHTS Study of water consumption, domestic usage, and sanitation behavior on small island of Pari remains limited.; Annual water consumption on Pari Island for drinking, food preparation, and water-related sanitation still fell within the estimated water capacity.; RO water and branded bottled water were the dominant water sources for drinking and food preparation.; Individual well water was utilized only for bathing and toilet purposes.;

[Objective] The spatial and temporal distribution of water yield at Yunlong Reservoir basin (one of the sources of drinking water in Kunming) from 2001 to 2020 was studied in order to provide a scientific basis for the sustainable development of a water yield service function, and for constructing an ecological compensation mechanism and ecological protection policies. [Methods] We used the InVEST model and the ArcGIS spatial geographic analysis tool to determine the spatial and temporal changes of water yield. The factors influencing these changes were compared and analyzed by multi-scenario analysis and the difference comparison method. [Results] ① The water yield of Yunlong Reservoir basin showed seasonal distribution characteristics, mostly concentrated in summer. From 2001 to 2020, the water yield of Yunlong Reservoir basin initially decreased and then increased. The average water yield per unit area in the three study phases were 495 mm, 278 mm, and 364 mm, respectively. ② Water production gradually increased spatially from southwest to northeast, with high values located in the northeast and low values in the middle. ③ The contribution rates of land use change, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration to water yield change at Yunlong Reservoir basin from 2001 to 2020 were 1.93%, 85.66%, and 12.41%, respectively. [Conclusion] Climate was the dominant factor affecting water yield changes at Yunlong Reservoir basin, and changes in land use type had the smallest impact on water yield. The annual water yield of forest land was the highest among the land use types. In the future, efforts should be made at Yunlong Reservoir basin to reduce the waste heat released to the atmosphere by human production activities and life, to strengthen the construction and protection of water conservation forests, and to reduce the negative impacts of human activities on climate which are the results of changing the underlying surface properties.

While the use of anthropogenic resources by wildlife in degraded habitats has been frequently documented, the use of such alternative resources in natural and semi‐natural habitats is not yet well understood. We explored the use of artificial water sources by bats in a semi‐natural habitat by conducting acoustic monitoring surveys at swimming pools on Amakhala Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa from 2018 to 2020. We identified 7 of 23 local species in 24,909 recorded activities associated with resource use at the swimming pools, including 1,374 feeding buzzes and 9,286 drinking buzzes. This study confirmed that bats were using swimming pools in the game reserve as a foraging and drinking resource and indicates that such anthropogenic features could be of value to bats and potentially other wildlife in natural and semi‐natural habitats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research tries to fill the gap of empirical studies to demonstrate how water, both in terms of its role as a resource and disaster, is integrally related to the value of land. This study involves four water-related measures categories: source, disaster, supply, and infrastructure. The eight independent variables were tested upon Jakarta's 3,725 land value zone samples. It is found that areas with more accessibility to wastewater management infrastructure have land value of IDR 476 per square meter higher than average. In contrast, land value in areas with higher risk of being affected by a flood is IDR 470.91 per square meter lower than average. This research signifies the importance of integral policy of clean water provision as well as water-related disaster prevention in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In July and August from 2020 to 2022, Japanese pipistrelle (Pipistrellus abramus) predation buzzes were recorded in an abandoned outdoor swimming pool in Changchun, and insect samples were collected using insect nets. The experiments were carried out six times a month. The two sides t test was used to analyze the significance of the difference in water volume, insect abundance and the number of bat predation buzzes between different months. One-way analysis of variance was used to test the significance of the difference between different years. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the correlation of the number of buzzes with water status and insect abundance. The pool water storage in July was 10.39% significantly less than that (81.61%) in August (t=-20.86, df=34, p<0.05). A total of 1, 147 insects were captured, belonging to Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera. There was no significant difference in the number of insects of each order between different years in the same month (p>0.05) and different months (July and August) in the same year (p>0.05). A total of 1, 301 buzzes for P.abramus were recorded, and there was no significant difference in the number of bat buzzes between different years in the same month (FJuly=0.34, pJuly>0.05； FAugust=0.86, pAugust>0.05). As a whole, the number of bat buzzes in August (58.50) was 4.25 times that in July (13.78) (t=26.81, df=34, p<0.05). The number of bat buzzes was significantly correlated with water storage of pool (t=27.89, p<0.05), higher in wet season and lower in dry season, but not related to insect abundance (p>0.05). In conclusion, abandoned swimming pools can provide water resources for bats in wet season. We suggest to provide more available water for bats by artificial recharge in dry season, so as to maintain the diversity of urban bat population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Providing garden water sources (e.g., ponds, bird baths) has become a popular and strongly promoted form of wildlife-friendly gardening, yet evidence of their use by animals is scarce and limited to a few taxa and water source types. We examined the prevalence, variety and potential value to animal wildlife of supplementary water provided within gardens of Hertfordshire, United Kingdom, using an online questionnaire and field observations of wildlife visitation to urban water sources during summer 2021. Over 70% of 105 questionnaire respondents indicated the presence of at least one water source in their garden and almost 50% had two or more. Bird baths, ground water-bowls and ponds were the most common water source types provided. During 207 h of field observation, we recorded a total of 43 taxa (birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, reptiles) visiting urban lakes and garden birth baths, ponds and ground water-bowls. Taxa richness was similar at urban lakes (30) and garden water sources (27), although approximately 50% of the taxa recorded in each location were unique to that location. Visitation rates of smaller-bodied wildlife did not differ between lakes and gardens, nor among individual water source types. Multivariate analyses indicated insect assemblages visiting lakes did not differ from those visiting garden water sources, and small bird assemblages did not differ among each water source type. These results demonstrate garden water sources, especially for smaller-bodied animals, can supplement the wildlife values contributed by urban lake systems, and should continue to be promoted as an effective conservation action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China is an important ecological security barrier for central and eastern China. Ecological restoration in this zone is very important due to its fragile ecosystem structure, frequent ecological and environmental problems, and severe land desertification. The plant-soil water relationship is essential to ecological and hydrological processes in land desertification areas. Studying the water conversion process between plants and soil is of great importance for understanding the water absorption patterns of plants and determining the preferred plant species for ecological restoration. Taking northern Kangbao County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province as the study area, this study analyzed the water uptake layer, ecological niche width, and water competition of typical plants based on the hydrogen and oxygen isotopic characteristics of rainfall, groundwater, soil water, and xylem water during the rainy season, were analyzed. The results showed that Caragana korshinskii mainly absorbed soil water at a depth of 80-100 cm, with a maximum water uptake rate of 87.7%, while Brassica campestris mainly absorbed soil water at a depth of 0-20 cm, with a maximum water uptake rate of 82.3%. The water absorption layer of Stipa baicalensis was related to the soil moisture content, and the depth of water absorption of Neopallasia pectinata was more balanced. The ecological niche of each plant species is relatively wide, but there is intense water competition among some plants. This study provides a scientific basis for identifying plant water sources and ecological restoration in desertification areas of the agro-pastoral ecotone in northern China.

The study determined the association of access to safe water and the type of toilet facilities versus household characteristics in the Philippines. Data from the Department of Science and Technology Food and Nutrition Research Institute consisting of 39,771 respondents were included in the analysis. Cramer's V was used as a statistical tool to determine the association of toilet facility versus the access to safe water, water source, and whether the toilet is shared or not. Additionally, multinomial logistic regression was used to predict the type of toilet facility with other household characteristics. Meanwhile, a Classification and Regression Tree was used to classify the type of toilet facilities based on access to safe water, water sources and a wealth quintile. Statistically, the result showed that there is a high association among the variables mentioned. The study concludes that access to sanitation such as the type of toilet facility per household, is highly associated with water sources and access to safe water. Furthermore, there is a need to provide means of access to sanitation among the poorest households. To reduce the inequalities in these services, the decision rule presented in this study can be a guiding principle in providing such intervention. HIGHLIGHTS The poorest wealth quintile households have various sources of water which are unsafe and unprotected.; The type of dwelling significantly predicts the type of toilet facility.; Shared toilet facility predicts the type of toilet facility among households.; There is a 44.8% probability of having no toilet facility if households belong to the poorest households.; CART algorithm was used to classify toilet facilities.;

Introduction: people's access to quality water resources significantly improves their health. In Cameroon, access to drinking water is still limited and unequally distributed over the national territory with alarming figures in the northern part of the country. This study aimed to assess the distribution of water points and characterise water storage and treatment practices in households of the Lake Chad region of Cameroon. Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in Goulfey, Mada, and Makary health districts of the Far North Region of Cameroon from December 2013 to February 2014. Data were collected in face-to-face interviews with a structured questionnaire to assess household water behaviour and an observational grid for the characterisation of water points. Results: we identified a total of 303 water points, out of which 288 were assessed. Of these, 29.5% (85/288) were non-functional with functional failure observed as the main reason (47.6%). Of the 531 households reached, 527 (99.2%) were interviewed. Most households (70.2%) used boreholes as their main water source and only 3% of households used lakes as drinking water. The majority of households (90.4%) used clay pots for water storage within their homes. Buckets with covers are used in 21 (4.0%) while only 1 (0.2%) household used buckets without covers. Only 138 (26.2%) households treat their water and the main treatment method used is chlorination (89.1%). Conclusion: this study provides further evidence that access to safe water remains a real problem in the Lake Chad Basin. Therefore, interventions are needed to address the problem, but further studies are needed to strengthen its implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Critically Endangered African wild ass Equus africanus is one of the most threatened equids, with fewer than 400 individuals persisting in the Danakil Desert (Eritrea), and fewer than 600 globally. To effectively conserve the species, it is essential to determine the extent of available suitable habitats and understand the environmental factors that most influence its current distribution. During 2016–2019 we observed African wild asses, recorded their locations during both the wet and dry seasons and analysed the bioclimatic data and topography using the maximum entropy species distribution model. Distance from water sources and precipitation of the driest month were the top predictors of suitable habitat for the dry season, whereas seasonal temperature variability and precipitation during the warmest quarter were the top predictors for the wet season. Model performances were high, with area under the curve values of 0.97 and 0.98 for the dry and wet seasons, respectively. In the Danakil Desert of Eritrea, the extent of optimal habitat for African wild asses is estimated to be 130 km2 in the dry season and 739 km2 in the wet season, with a potential range of 11,000 km2 for both seasons. Our model results also indicate that in the dry season 89 km2 of the Messir Plateau is optimal habitat, and the entire plateau area of 124 km2 provides optimal habitat during the wet season. These findings provide wildlife management authorities with substantive information and rationale for the establishment of a protected area on the Messir Plateau for African wild asses in Eritrea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: The quality of water sources, sanitation, and hygiene have long been associated with the incidence of stunting in a household. Various studies show that this is also influenced by differences in access to water, sanitation, and hygiene in rural and urban areas. Objectives: This study aims to determine the condition of the quality of water sources, sanitation, and hygiene in household with stunted children under five in rural and urban areas. Methods: The study was conducted in June 2022 using cross-sectional method to 96 household with stunted children under five that were selected by systematic random sampling in Cianjur District and Sukabumi City. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis were conducted to determine the distribution of use of water sources, sanitation facilities, and hygiene practices in household with stunted children under five based on the categories of improved sanitation facilities and drinking-water sources by World Health Organization and its differences in rural and urban areas. Results: The sources of drinking and cooking water used by the household with stunted children under five have been entirely improved sources. Most of the households in both areas had defecation facilities used only by household members. There were significant differences in the type of fecal waste disposal in household with stunted children under five in rural and urban areas. Majority of households in rural area (70.0%) already used septic tank for fecal waste disposal while majority of households in urban area (65.2%) disposed their fecal waste to river/lake/sea. Mothers’ handwashing practice at critical time were all above 80%, but only 33.6% of the households had separate handwashing facility and only 50.0% of them provide soap for handwashing. Conclusions: Based on the results, it is known that household with stunted children in rural and urban areas have used proper drinking water sources and have good hygiene practices. However, fecal disposal facilities in urban areas with high prevalence of stunting need to be improved as an effort to reduce stunting prevalence.