Changes in soil quality of sugarcane plantation as a result of changes in land management can not be measured directly, but must be demonstrated by measuring the change in the properties of the ecosystem as an indicat...Changes in soil quality of sugarcane plantation as a result of changes in land management can not be measured directly, but must be demonstrated by measuring the change in the properties of the ecosystem as an indicator. This research aimed to study the effect of the addition of various quality and quantity of organic matter on soil biology (earthworms) and physical quality (aggregate stability, macroporosity and infiltration rate). There were i 5 treatment combinations tested. The first factor is the type of organic matter: (1) cattle manure (CM), (2) filter cake (FC), (3) sugarcane trash (ST), (4) a mixture ofCM + FC and (5) a mixture of CM + ST. The second factor is the application dose of organic matter, which consists of three levels-5, l0 and 15 Mg/ha. The treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replicates and one control treatment (without organic matter input). The result of this research showed that the highest population density of earthworms was found in the treatment of ST (78 individuals/m2) and a mixture of CM + ST (84 individuals/m2). The type of organic matter with C/N ratio ranged from 15.5 to 34.7 and cellulose content in 33.3%-40.1% gave better growth of earthworm. The effect of increase in earthworm growth on soil physical improvement is more apparent in the treatment of mixture of low quality and high quality organic matter. The increase of earthworm density and biomass enhanced soil macroporosity (from r = 0.683 to r = 0.606) and infiltration rate (from r = 0.669 to r = 0.756). The results of this study suggest a mixture of CM + ST or ST alone as organic matters, which is recommended to improve soil physical and biological quality of sugarcane land, with the dose application ranged from 10 Mg/ha to 15 Mg/ha.展开更多
Green infrastructures such as rain gardens can benetit onsite reduction ot stormwater runott, leading to reduced combined sewer overflows. A pilot project was conducted to evaluate the impact of rain gardens on the wa...Green infrastructures such as rain gardens can benetit onsite reduction ot stormwater runott, leading to reduced combined sewer overflows. A pilot project was conducted to evaluate the impact of rain gardens on the water quality and volume reduction of storm runoff from urban streets in a combined sewer area. The study took place in a six-block area on South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri. The impact was assessed through a comparison between the pre-construction (2011/2012) and the post-construction (2014) phases. Shortly after the rain gardens were installed, the levels of total suspended solids, chloride, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, zinc, and copper increased. The level of mercury was lower than the detection level in both phases. E. coli was the only parameter that showed statistically significant decrease following the installation of rain gardens. The likely reason for initial increase in monitored water quality parameters is that the post-construction sampling began after the rain gardens were constructed but before planting, resulted from soil erosion and wash-out from the mulch. However, the levels of most of water quality parameters decreased in the following time period during the post-construction phase. The study found 76% volume reduction of stormwater runoff following the installation of rain gardens at one of studied sites. Statistical analysis is essential on collected data because of the encountered high variability of measured flows resulted from low flow conditions in studied sewers.展开更多
This study advances the DRASTIC groundwater vulnerability assessment framework by integrating a multi-hazard groundwater index(MHGI)to account for the dynamic impacts of diverse anthropogenic activities and natural fa...This study advances the DRASTIC groundwater vulnerability assessment framework by integrating a multi-hazard groundwater index(MHGI)to account for the dynamic impacts of diverse anthropogenic activities and natural factors on both groundwater quality and quantity.Incorporating factors such as population growth,agricultural practices,and groundwater extraction enhances the framework’s ability to capture multi-dimensional,spatiotemporal changes in groundwater vulnerability.Additional improvements include refined weighting and rating scales for thematic layers based on available observational data,and the inclusion of distributed recharge.We demonstrate the practical utility of this dynamic DRASTIC-based framework through its application to the agro-urban regions of the Irrigated Indus Basin,a major groundwater-dependent agricultural area in South Asia.Results indicate that between 2005 and 2020,54%of the study area became highly vulnerable to pollution.The MHGI revealed a 13%decline in potential groundwater storage and a 25%increase in groundwater-stressed zones,driven primarily by population growth and intensive agriculture.Groundwater vulnerability based on both groundwater quality and quantity dimensions showed a 19%decline in areas of low to very low vulnerability and a 6%reduction in medium vulnerability zones by 2020.Sensitivity analyses indicated that groundwater vulnerability in the region is most influenced by groundwater recharge(42%)and renewable groundwater stress(38%).Validation with in-situ data yielded area under the curve values of 0.71 for groundwater quality vulnerability and 0.63 for MHGI.The framework provides valuable insights to guide sustainable groundwater management,safeguarding both environmental integrity and human well-being.展开更多
It is essential to investigate the impact of tropical highland open pit gold mines on surface and groundwater quality and flow dynamics. Samples from the Twangiza gold mine, with long term mining activities, including...It is essential to investigate the impact of tropical highland open pit gold mines on surface and groundwater quality and flow dynamics. Samples from the Twangiza gold mine, with long term mining activities, including small-scale mining were analyzed in an accredited South African Laboratory. Results indicate that TDS and EC were higher in the mine site due the concentration of many metals. DO values were higher downstream. ORP and pH levels were similar at all site positions. Upstream: Fe, Si, K, Mg, Al have the highest concentrations (14.0 - 23.1 mg∙l−1). P, Pb, B, Ti, Sr, Ag, Ni, Ba, and As have concentrations ranging from 0.1 - 0.9 mg∙l−1. Li and Au have the lowest concentrations (0.01 - 0.05 mg∙l−1). Zn was also relatively abundant upstream, most likely airborne by the plant generator smoke. Within the mine site: Si, Al, Mg, Fe are found in higher concentrations (19 - 50 mg∙l−1). These are followed by K, As, and P (1.4 - 4 mg∙l−1). Ni, Ti, Ag, Sr, Ba are also found in lesser concentrations (0.2 - 0.7 mg∙l−1). The groundwater flow remained consistent. This study has the advantage of having continuously followed up a large number of heavy metals during years.展开更多
BACKGROUND There is no established treatment to impede the progression or restore kidney function in human chronic kidney disease(CKD).AIM To examine the efficacy of cultured human CD34+cells with enhanced proliferati...BACKGROUND There is no established treatment to impede the progression or restore kidney function in human chronic kidney disease(CKD).AIM To examine the efficacy of cultured human CD34+cells with enhanced proliferating potential in kidney injury in mice.METHODS Human umbilical cord blood(UCB)-derived CD34+cells were incubated for one week in vasculogenic conditioning medium.Vasculogenic culture significantly increased the number of CD34+cells and their ability to form endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming units.Adenineinduced tubulointerstitial injury of the kidney was induced in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice,and cultured human UCB-CD34+cells were administered at a dose of 1×106/mouse on days 7,14,and 21 after the start of adenine diet.RESULTS Repetitive administration of cultured UCB-CD34+cells significantly improved the time-course of kidney dysfunction in the cell therapy group compared with that in the control group.Both interstitial fibrosis and tubular damage were significantly reduced in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group(P<0.01).Microvasculature integrity was significantly preserved(P<0.01)and macrophage infiltration into kidney tissue was dramatically decreased in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Early intervention using human cultured CD34+cells significantly improved the progression of tubulointerstitial kidney injury.Repetitive administration of cultured human UCB-CD34+cells significantly improved tubulointerstitial damage in adenine-induced kidney injury in mice via vasculoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.展开更多
文摘Changes in soil quality of sugarcane plantation as a result of changes in land management can not be measured directly, but must be demonstrated by measuring the change in the properties of the ecosystem as an indicator. This research aimed to study the effect of the addition of various quality and quantity of organic matter on soil biology (earthworms) and physical quality (aggregate stability, macroporosity and infiltration rate). There were i 5 treatment combinations tested. The first factor is the type of organic matter: (1) cattle manure (CM), (2) filter cake (FC), (3) sugarcane trash (ST), (4) a mixture ofCM + FC and (5) a mixture of CM + ST. The second factor is the application dose of organic matter, which consists of three levels-5, l0 and 15 Mg/ha. The treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized block design with three replicates and one control treatment (without organic matter input). The result of this research showed that the highest population density of earthworms was found in the treatment of ST (78 individuals/m2) and a mixture of CM + ST (84 individuals/m2). The type of organic matter with C/N ratio ranged from 15.5 to 34.7 and cellulose content in 33.3%-40.1% gave better growth of earthworm. The effect of increase in earthworm growth on soil physical improvement is more apparent in the treatment of mixture of low quality and high quality organic matter. The increase of earthworm density and biomass enhanced soil macroporosity (from r = 0.683 to r = 0.606) and infiltration rate (from r = 0.669 to r = 0.756). The results of this study suggest a mixture of CM + ST or ST alone as organic matters, which is recommended to improve soil physical and biological quality of sugarcane land, with the dose application ranged from 10 Mg/ha to 15 Mg/ha.
文摘Green infrastructures such as rain gardens can benetit onsite reduction ot stormwater runott, leading to reduced combined sewer overflows. A pilot project was conducted to evaluate the impact of rain gardens on the water quality and volume reduction of storm runoff from urban streets in a combined sewer area. The study took place in a six-block area on South Grand Boulevard in St. Louis, Missouri. The impact was assessed through a comparison between the pre-construction (2011/2012) and the post-construction (2014) phases. Shortly after the rain gardens were installed, the levels of total suspended solids, chloride, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, zinc, and copper increased. The level of mercury was lower than the detection level in both phases. E. coli was the only parameter that showed statistically significant decrease following the installation of rain gardens. The likely reason for initial increase in monitored water quality parameters is that the post-construction sampling began after the rain gardens were constructed but before planting, resulted from soil erosion and wash-out from the mulch. However, the levels of most of water quality parameters decreased in the following time period during the post-construction phase. The study found 76% volume reduction of stormwater runoff following the installation of rain gardens at one of studied sites. Statistical analysis is essential on collected data because of the encountered high variability of measured flows resulted from low flow conditions in studied sewers.
基金funding from the National Science Foundation(NSF Award 2114701)of the United States.
文摘This study advances the DRASTIC groundwater vulnerability assessment framework by integrating a multi-hazard groundwater index(MHGI)to account for the dynamic impacts of diverse anthropogenic activities and natural factors on both groundwater quality and quantity.Incorporating factors such as population growth,agricultural practices,and groundwater extraction enhances the framework’s ability to capture multi-dimensional,spatiotemporal changes in groundwater vulnerability.Additional improvements include refined weighting and rating scales for thematic layers based on available observational data,and the inclusion of distributed recharge.We demonstrate the practical utility of this dynamic DRASTIC-based framework through its application to the agro-urban regions of the Irrigated Indus Basin,a major groundwater-dependent agricultural area in South Asia.Results indicate that between 2005 and 2020,54%of the study area became highly vulnerable to pollution.The MHGI revealed a 13%decline in potential groundwater storage and a 25%increase in groundwater-stressed zones,driven primarily by population growth and intensive agriculture.Groundwater vulnerability based on both groundwater quality and quantity dimensions showed a 19%decline in areas of low to very low vulnerability and a 6%reduction in medium vulnerability zones by 2020.Sensitivity analyses indicated that groundwater vulnerability in the region is most influenced by groundwater recharge(42%)and renewable groundwater stress(38%).Validation with in-situ data yielded area under the curve values of 0.71 for groundwater quality vulnerability and 0.63 for MHGI.The framework provides valuable insights to guide sustainable groundwater management,safeguarding both environmental integrity and human well-being.
文摘It is essential to investigate the impact of tropical highland open pit gold mines on surface and groundwater quality and flow dynamics. Samples from the Twangiza gold mine, with long term mining activities, including small-scale mining were analyzed in an accredited South African Laboratory. Results indicate that TDS and EC were higher in the mine site due the concentration of many metals. DO values were higher downstream. ORP and pH levels were similar at all site positions. Upstream: Fe, Si, K, Mg, Al have the highest concentrations (14.0 - 23.1 mg∙l−1). P, Pb, B, Ti, Sr, Ag, Ni, Ba, and As have concentrations ranging from 0.1 - 0.9 mg∙l−1. Li and Au have the lowest concentrations (0.01 - 0.05 mg∙l−1). Zn was also relatively abundant upstream, most likely airborne by the plant generator smoke. Within the mine site: Si, Al, Mg, Fe are found in higher concentrations (19 - 50 mg∙l−1). These are followed by K, As, and P (1.4 - 4 mg∙l−1). Ni, Ti, Ag, Sr, Ba are also found in lesser concentrations (0.2 - 0.7 mg∙l−1). The groundwater flow remained consistent. This study has the advantage of having continuously followed up a large number of heavy metals during years.
文摘BACKGROUND There is no established treatment to impede the progression or restore kidney function in human chronic kidney disease(CKD).AIM To examine the efficacy of cultured human CD34+cells with enhanced proliferating potential in kidney injury in mice.METHODS Human umbilical cord blood(UCB)-derived CD34+cells were incubated for one week in vasculogenic conditioning medium.Vasculogenic culture significantly increased the number of CD34+cells and their ability to form endothelial progenitor cell colony-forming units.Adenineinduced tubulointerstitial injury of the kidney was induced in immunodeficient non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice,and cultured human UCB-CD34+cells were administered at a dose of 1×106/mouse on days 7,14,and 21 after the start of adenine diet.RESULTS Repetitive administration of cultured UCB-CD34+cells significantly improved the time-course of kidney dysfunction in the cell therapy group compared with that in the control group.Both interstitial fibrosis and tubular damage were significantly reduced in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group(P<0.01).Microvasculature integrity was significantly preserved(P<0.01)and macrophage infiltration into kidney tissue was dramatically decreased in the cell therapy group compared with those in the control group(P<0.001).CONCLUSION Early intervention using human cultured CD34+cells significantly improved the progression of tubulointerstitial kidney injury.Repetitive administration of cultured human UCB-CD34+cells significantly improved tubulointerstitial damage in adenine-induced kidney injury in mice via vasculoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.