Environmental and Earth Sciences

Abstract: Meteorological, soil, and hydrological droughts are among the most important phenomena affecting the natural environment and water management. Prolonged precipitation deficits often result in low river flows, reducing water resources and degrading aquatic ecosystems. This study evaluates the potential of meteorological drought indices as predictors of observed low flows. Long-term meteorological and hydrological data, including precipitation and river discharge records, were analyzed for the Biała Lądecka River catchment in Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland. Meteorological drought was characterized using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) calculated for 1-, 3-, and 6-month time scales, together with corresponding one- and two-week indices. Relationships between drought index values and observed low flows were analyzed while accounting for the time lag of the catchment response. The predictive performance of individual indices was evaluated to determine their suitability for water resources monitoring and management. The results show that meteorological drought indices can effectively indicate the occurrence of low flows, although the strength of the relationships depends on the adopted time scale. Both classical and short-term indices proved useful for analyzing the development of hydrological drought and have potential applications in low-flow monitoring and early warning systems.

Abstract: The freshwater–saltwater interface is a natural phenomenon that remains not well understood. So far, explanations are mostly based on macroscopic physical processes, such as density gradient, difference in salinity, hydrodynamic mixing. Herein, HBT is introduced, which enables the formation and maintenance of natural aquatic boundaries on the basis of a biochemical process, biomineralization. The suggested process includes the identification of conchiolin, a structural organic matrix protein, as the main arbitrator of this event. Conchiolin serves like a molecular net to trap dissolved calcium and carbonate ions, it accumulates them in its 3D organic matrix where they undergo controlled nucleation and crystallization. Therefore, calcium carbonate undergoes precipitation in the form of highly oriented aragonite nanoneedles and not as randomly agglomerated mineral particulates. The build-up of these nanostructures generates biomineralized selective boundary layers, which minimiz e random ion diffusion and even help to sustain the physicochemical dissimilarity of fresh and salt water environments. This process has been substantiated by the recognized involvement of conchiolin in the ordered biomineralization of aragonite in pearl, molluskan shell and coral skeleton formation. When this process of biomineralization is generalized to include the formation of aquatic boundaries a biochemical underpinning is provided that complements the traditional physical model of freshwater–saltwater separation. The theory presented herein may provide insight into other types of natural boundary formation and find usefulness in biomimetic membrane design, selective filtration, environmental engineering, radiation protection, advanced functional materials, and tissue engineering.

Abstract: The water resources carrying capacity (WRCC) lays a foundational basis for long-term coordinated water resource governance. This work builds evaluation logic around the Driving-Pressure-State-Impact-Response (DPSIR) framework. Weighted TOPSIS and geographical detector tools are jointly applied to quantify spatial-temporal WRCC disparities within the Jialu River Basin, alongside extraction of core driving forces during 2010-2022. The results showed that (1) the WRCC exhibited a unique spatial gradient across the basin’s four cities. Zhengzhou outperformed other regions for most surveyed years, with its WRCC score fluctuating between 0.28 and 0.59 and hitting a maximum of 0.59. Kaifeng maintained a chronically weak carrying capacity, its values sitting at 0.10-0.33 and falling under 0.20 for most time points. Xuchang recorded growth starting in 2019, and its annual evaluation indices remained between 0.35 and 0.41 in subsequent years. Zhoukou followed a downward trajectory instead; its initial high value of 0.55 gradually dropped to 0.14-0.28. The average WRCC across the entire basin hovered between 0.18 and 0.35, with most annual averages staying under 0.30. These intercity gaps construct a fixed spatial hierarchy: Zhengzhou > Zhoukou > Xuchang > Kaifeng. (2) Quantitative factor detection makes clear that socioeconomic human activities dominate the basin’s uneven WRCC distribution. R&D expenditure and urbanization rate carry the strongest explanatory power, with respective q statistics of 0.58 and 0.57. Natural background conditions exert far weaker regulating effects. Two typical natural endowment indicators, precipitation and groundwater reserves, only generate tiny q values of 0.11 and 0.09. The large gap between human and natural factor explanatory degrees confirms that human socioeconomic construction acts as the primary trigger for regional WRCC spatial divergence. (3) Factor interaction analysis showed that bivariate enhancement was the primary interaction type (70.53%), followed by nonlinear enhancement (21.05%) and nonlinear weakening (8.42%). The mean q value of the interactive effects reached 0.58, which is 45.0% higher than the average value of the single independent factors, suggesting prominent multi-factor synergistic effects.

Abstract: The removal of five neonicotinoid insecticides, acetamiprid (ACE), chlothianidin (CLO), imidacloprid (IMI), thiacloprid (THC), and thiamethoxam (THM), was explored using various commercial ultrafiltration (UF) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes. Several modification techniques have also been implemented for one UF membrane, including immersion in hot water, sodium hydroxide, and ethanol solutions, as well as polymerization with monomers such as polyethyleneimine (PEI) and trimesoyl chloride (TMC), to improve micropollutant retention while maintaining adequate permeability. The results show that only immersion in ethanol (60% solution or absolute ethanol) was a suitable immersion technique for improving membrane performance. The use of various reagents and conditions for the membrane surface modification via polymerization yielded the best results, with the sequential application of PEI+TMC+60°C followed by immersion in glycerol solution (GLY) being the most efficient. Once the optimal modification procedure was established, these membranes were tested with real water matrices (two secondary effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) and a surface water sample) in which the neonicotinoids were dissolved. The modified UF membrane showed improved retention levels compared with commercial UF and NF membranes, demonstrating greater efficiency in retaining neonicotinoids under real water conditions. Therefore, the proposed modification process is a promising alternative to commercial membranes for removing micropollutants from urban wastewater.

Abstract: This study proposes a new method for the topological synthesis of principal component projections and hydrogeochemical stoichiometric equality lines on self-organizing map (SOM) component planes to assess groundwater chemistry forming factors and quality in the Pleistocene unconfined aquifer of the Southern Bug and Sinyukha interfluve area, Ukraine. The hydrogeochemical characteristics clustered by the SOM were further examined using the graphical cross-validation method. The groundwater dataset used in the analysis consisted of 10 parameters (i.e., pH, total dissolved solids, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, HCO₃^-, Cl^-, SO₄^2-, and NO₃^- ) from 91 samples collected during the dry season. Subsequently, for SOM construction, we utilized six log-ratio relationships of milliequivalent ion concentrations. Based on the results, the hydrogeochemical groundwater data were classified into three clusters, which revealed three water types and processes controlling their chemistry: salinity driven by sulphate inputs (Cluster 1), highly salinity driven by nitrate-chloride and sulfate pollution (Cluster 2), and relatively fresh water governed by natural carbonate dissolution and silicate weathering (Cluster 3). The salinity types were identifiable in the northern part of the study area, characterized as the primary zone of initial intense pollution. High salinity types were identified in the eastern and south-eastern parts of the territory (with delayed water exchange), whereas relatively fresh types were identified in the central part (with active water exchange) as well as in the western and south-western parts. Modeling confirmed that extensive sulfate, nitrate, and chloride contamination led to anthropogenic degradation of the aquifer system.

Abstract: Marine ecosystems face escalating threats from heavy metals, harmful algal bloom tox-ins, pathogens, and antibiotic resistance genes, yet conventional detection methods re-main laboratory-dependent and incapable of real-time, multiplexed field monitoring. CRISPR-Cas diagnostics, leveraging programmable Cas12a/Cas13a trans-cleavage for attomolar-level sensitivity, offers a transformative solution when integrated with mi-crofluidic platforms that provide the automation and miniaturisation required for field deployment. This review systematically examines this emerging convergence across four marine target classes: heavy metals, biotoxins, pathogens, and resistance genes alongside integration architectures, signal readout strategies, and comparative performance benchmarking. We identify that only a small fraction of reported platforms have been validated in authentic seawater, with cross-class multiplexing, biofouling resistance during autonomous deployment, and regulatory standardisation remaining largely unaddressed. By synthesising this rapidly developing literature and articulating these unresolved challenges, this review provides a foundational reference and research agenda for translating microfluidic-CRISPR biosensors from laboratory proof-of-concept to operational marine environmental surveillance.

Abstract: The topology and spatial extent of regional surface-water bodies fluctuate seasonally, with the most pronounced changes during high-intensity rainfall and flooding. To capture these dynamics, we introduce a novel geomorphological metric, the catchment-to-destination area ratio (C/D ratio). The catchment area represents the upstream contributing surface area, and the destination area represents the spatial extent of the receiving sink, such as a depression or existing water body. Theoretically, the C/D ratio scales proportionally with the rate of water-level (stage) rise in destination basins during wet seasons. As water levels increase, the lateral expansion of receiving basins drive fundamental topological shifts in watershed-network connectivity. Using the C/D ratio and upstream catchment area, we develop a computational simulation algorithm for modeling the seasonal and climate-driven evolution of surface-water configurations from digital elevation models (DEMs). The algorithm distinguishes natural topographic depressions from spurious digital artifacts, supports automated channel routing across low-relief terrain, preserves two-dimensional channel widths, and estimates depression storage capacity for flood-buffer assessment. Evaluation across multiple DEM datasets demonstrates the algorithm’s ability to simulate seasonal variation of the watershed network and identify flood-prone terrain configurations. This framework allows predictions for regional flood-hazard mapping, water-resource planning, and environmental and ecosystem management. Available at https://cs.stanford.edu/people/zjl/flow.

Abstract: River–aquifer interactions play a significant role during floods, yet they are often simplified or neglected in hydrodynamic models. Horizontal infiltration across the riverbed and vertical infiltration through the floodplain jointly contribute to bank storage, delaying and attenuating flood waves. This study presents a conceptual numerical framework that couples 1D surface hydrodynamics, 2D groundwater flow, and a vertical infiltration module to represent these exchanges during overbank flooding. Applied to a simplified lowland river system, the model captures both lateral and vertical flux components and quantifies their contributions to flood wave attenuation. Our findings indicate that, in a 50-km river reach, vertical infiltration through the floodplain accounts for approximately 90% of total bank storage. Total bank storage can contribute up to 4.3% of flow attenuation and reduce peak river water levels by as much as 24 cm. These results highlight the substantial influence of bank storage on extreme flood events and underscore the importance of representing groundwater pathways in flood modelling. The proposed model provides a practical, process-based framework for representing bank storage through a two-way coupled surface water–groundwater formulation with a few physically based parameter set. By explicitly resolving the governing exchange processes, the model enables improved inclusion of bank storage dynamics in flood modelling, while avoiding both simplified loss-type formulations and the complexity of fully multidimensional coupled SW–GW models.

Abstract: Handheld Mobile Laser Scanning (HMLS) is increasingly used for high resolution 3D mapping in construction, mining and natural environments. This study evaluates the strengths and limitations of HMLS for vegetation assessment in diverse tropical eco-systems across north Queensland, Australia, including rangelands, grasslands, man-groves and estuarine wetland forests. We assessed the accuracy of HMLS-derived point clouds against ground-truth measurements and compared performance with UAV SfM–MVS surveying. HMLS achieved centimeter-level accuracy for vegetation metrics, with mean absolute errors of 8.5 cm for Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) in rangeland forests and 6.7 cm for tussock height. The system consistently produced high-density point clouds, enabling detailed characterization of vertical structure, particularly understory vegetation often obscured in aerial surveys. HMLS proved operationally flexible across closed-canopy wetlands, mangroves, rangeland forests and open grasslands. Key limi-tations included restricted horizontal point cloud penetration in dense vegetation, compounded by access constraints and environmental conditions, and point cloud drift in areas with few geometric features, such as grasslands, which introduced uncertainty in vegetation metrics. High computational demands further constrained workflow effi-ciency. Overall, HMLS demonstrates strong potential as an accurate and versatile tool for vegetation mapping and structural analysis in complex tropical ecosystems.

Abstract: Groundwater is vital for ecosystems and livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Ethiopia, dubbed the "water tower of Africa." Despite its significance, many areas face water scarcity due to data scarcity and an uneven distribution of resources. The Baro River watershed, covering over 23,000 km² in Southwestern Ethiopia, poses a critical study area that has been largely overlooked. A hydro-geospatial modeling framework, utilizing remote sensing (RS), geographic information systems (GIS), and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) through the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), was employed to model Groundwater Potential Zones (GWPZ) in this region. Nine environmental parameters were assessed for their impact on groundwater recharge, with rainfall as the primary influencer. The analysis involved reclassifying and weighting each factor, yielding a Consistency Ratio (CR) of 0.067, well below the acceptable threshold of < 0.10, indicating reliable results. The resulting groundwater potential map classified zones into five categories: very high, high, moderate, low, and very low potential. High-potential zones are predominantly located in the Gambella lowlands, benefiting from favorable groundwater infiltration conditions in fractured volcanic and alluvial deposits. In contrast, low-potential areas correspond to steep slopes with dense drainage. The findings reveal significant groundwater development opportunities, with over 90% of the watershed exhibiting moderate- to very-high potential, suggesting effective water management strategies through the integration of GIS and AHP for enhanced groundwater evaluation.

Abstract: Debris flows pose a significant hazard in mountainous and coastal arid regions, yet their rapid post-event assessment remains challenging. In March 2023, the Yaku event generated extreme rainfall across Peru’s Pacific watershed, triggering a debris flood in the Cusipata catchment, Lima department, Peru. This study presents an integrated analysis combining morphometric classification, hydrological modelling, and numerical simulation to characterise the debris flood hazard and support risk assessment. The catchment was classified as debris flood-dominated using three independent morphometric approaches, consistent with a hyperconcentrated flow regime inferred from field-measured sediment concentration. A local rainfall intensity–duration threshold was derived using True Skill Statistic optimisation, providing a basis for early warning systems and validated operationally during the 2026 rainy season. The catchment hydrological response was simulated using event-based modelling, and the resulting hydrograph was used as input to RAMMS debris flow simulations with a Voellmy friction model. Two scenarios were evaluated: the Yaku event using the pre-event topography, and a post-Yaku scenario reflecting damaged retention infrastructure. Hazard maps indicate a significantly increased flow extent and intensity in the post-Yaku scenario due to compromised protective structures. These results were applied to support a formal risk assessment and demonstrate the value of integrating drone-derived topography, locally calibrated thresholds, and physically based modelling for post-disaster hazard characterisation in arid Andean catchments.

Abstract: This study examines the potential of physically activated PET fibers (PA-PET) as an adsorbent for the removal of two antibiotics (rifampicin (RIF) and rifaximin (RIX)) from aqueous solution. To evaluate the performance of PA-PET, the effects of the initial antibiotic concentration and the contact time were experimentally investigated at pH 2.0 and an adsorbent dose of 0.4 g/L. If in the case of contact time there are no notable differences (equilibrium being reached after 180 min., similar to raw PET fibers), in the case of the initial concentration of antibiotics a significant increase in adsorption capacity was observed. The highest increases in adsorption capacity were obtained at RIF concentrations of 68 mg/L, where the adsorption capacity increased by more than 107%, and at RIX concentrations of 4.28 mg/L, where the increase reached approximately 84%, compared with the raw PET fibers. To further highlight the performance of PA-PET in the adsorption of RIF and RIX, the isotherm and kinetic data were modeled. Desorption of RIF and RIX from PA-PET was carried out using a medical-grade polyelectrolyte solution (SL) as the desorbing agent. Although the desorption efficiency is relatively modest (below 33% for RIF and 26% for RIX, after 360 min), the molecular structure of RIF and RIX does not change after desorption, and antibiotics can be reintroduced into the technological circuit. These results demonstrate that PA-PET is as a promising, low-cost, and efficient adsorbent for antibiotic removal, offering a practical solution for pollution reduction and more sustainable waste management.

Abstract: The efficient removal of antibiotic contaminants from aquatic systems remains a significant challenge due to their persistence and complex environmental matrices. In this study, a CuO-loaded biochar (CuO–BC) composite was developed as an efficient catalyst for peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation toward ciprofloxacin (CIP) degradation. The CuO–BC exhibited superior catalytic performance, achieving rapid CIP removal over a wide pH range with strong resistance to coexisting ions. Mechanistic investigations revealed that both radical (SO₄•⁻ and •OH) and non-radical pathways (1O2 and electron transfer) contributed to CIP degradation. Quenching experiments, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and probe analyses confirmed the coexistence of multiple reactive oxygen species (ROS), with interfacial electron transfer between Cu species and biochar playing a dominant role. The synergistic coupling of Cu2+/Cu+ redox cycling and the conductive biochar matrix facilitated efficient electron transport and selective ROS generation. Furthermore, the system was successfully applied in a simulated permeable reactive barrier (PRB), exhibiting stable degradation performance under continuous-flow conditions. This study provides new insights into interfacial PDS activation mechanisms and offers a promising strategy for designing efficient catalytic systems for antibiotic removal in complex water environments.

Abstract: With the rapid expansion of nuclear medicine, the safe and sustainable management of medical radioactive wastewater has become a critical challenge at the interface of radiation protection and environmental engineering. This review systematically synthesises the full lifecycle of medical radioactive wastewater, encompassing generation, source reduction, collection, treatment, and discharge. The characteristics of key radionuclides and major contamination pathways are first clarified. Strategies for source control are then critically evaluated, including advances in imaging equipment, reconstruction algorithms, personalised dosing, radiopharmaceutical optimisation, water-saving practices, and source-separated collection. At the treatment stage, the evolution and limitations of decay tank systems are analysed alongside emerging decontamination technologies, with particular emphasis on adsorption, ion exchange, and membrane-based processes for process intensification. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of international management and discharge standards reveals a fundamental divergence between China’s concentration-based regulatory approach and the risk-informed, dose-based frameworks adopted in most other countries. Building on these insights, an end-to-end, closed-loop management framework is proposed, integrating source reduction, classified collection, adaptive treatment, and risk-based discharge. This framework provides a systematic pathway to optimise radiation safety, treatment efficiency, and economic feasibility, offering theoretical and practical guidance for the sustainable development of nuclear medicine wastewater management.

Abstract: Non-stationarity is increasingly recognized as a defining feature of contemporary hydroclimatic regimes, challenging the statistical assumptions that underpin low-flow analysis and water-resources design. This study investigates how shifts in first and second-order statistical moments (mean and variance, respectively) alter the perceived rarity and persistence of inter-annual drought events in low-memory, rapid-response mountain systems. I develop a stochastic Monte Carlo framework to explore changes in inter-annual low-flow frequency and multi-year drought clustering across successive climatic regimes, using the Northern Apennines (Italy) as a representative case study. The model is explicitly exploratory: it does not aim to reproduce observed discharge distributions, but to quantify how regime shifts in mean and variability propagate into tail exceedances and drought spells under stationarity-based metrics. Results show a pronounced amplification of low-flow exceedances and the emergence of persistent multi-year drought spells under contemporary conditions, which are strongly underestimated when historical baselines are assumed stationary. A comparison with long-term regional discharge trends—while acknowledging the distinct hydro-climatic response of high-memory versus low-memory basins—serves to contextualize the systemic nature of the observed drought amplification. The findings highlight the structural vulnerability of low-memory catchments to non-stationary forcing and underscore the limitations of traditional design thresholds for drought-risk assessment under the evolving climate.

Abstract: This study evaluates the performance of two high-resolution precipitation forecasting systems—the SIMEPAR operational forecast (FCST-SIM, 5 km) and the ECMWF Integrated Forecasting System (FCST-ENS, ~11 km)—over the PCJ River Basin, São Paulo, Brazil. Forecasts were validated against local rain gauge observations and the Brazilian Daily Weather Gridded Data (BR-DWGD) dataset to assess their suitability as inputs for hydrological models. Performance was evaluated at three strategic control stations (Atibaia, Valinhos, and Buenópolis) during the 2019–2024 period using categorical verification metrics. FCST-SIM consistently outperformed FCST-ENS, particularly during the first forecast lead times, exhibiting higher event-detection skill across all sub-basins. To improve forecast performance, two bias-correction approaches were investigated: Quantile Delta Mapping (QDM) and dry/wet occurrence correction based on frequentist and Bayesian logistic regression models. QDM generally reduced forecast errors, especially at longer lead times, although improvements in Kling–Gupta Efficiency were limited and varied among basins, seasons, and observational datasets. The occurrence-correction approach produced the largest gains in forecast skill, increasing the Critical Success Index from 0.637 to 0.767 (approximately 20%), but still shows its sensibility to the main characteristics of the forecasting model. Overall, the results demonstrate that high-resolution precipitation forecasts can provide valuable inputs for hydrological forecasting in the PCJ Basin when combined with appropriate bias-correction techniques, while highlighting opportunities for further methodological improvements.

Abstract: The export competitiveness of Andean pseudocereals presents an opportunity for rural development and food security. This study assesses export performance and the factors explaining the divergent trajectories of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus) and cañihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule) from Peru between 2015 and 2024, with an emphasis on water sustainability and value addition. A quantitative longitudinal study was conducted using official data from MINCETUR, SUNAT, ADEX, PROMPERÚ and TradeMap (ITC). Trend analyses were applied using linear regression and the Chow test, calculation of compound annual growth rates (CAGR) with confidence intervals (bootstrapping, 1,000 replicates), and revealed comparative advantage (RCA) and absolute comparative advantage (ARCA) indices, using HS tariff codes and world trade denominators. The results show that quinoa experienced a structural break in 2017 (p &lt; 0.01) followed by stagnation, with a projected CAGR for 2024–2026 of 1.4% (95% CI: 0.8–2.0%) and a stable ARCA between 0.958 and 0.961; export volume rose from 41,458 t in 2015 to 53,914 t in 2024, whilst the average price fell from 3.46 to 2.48 USD/kg. Kiwicha and cañihua showed significant upward trends (p &lt; 0.01), with projected CAGRs of 19.8% (95% CI: 17.2–22.4%) and 17.7% (95% CI: 15.1–20.3%), respectively; furthermore, their ARCA values increased from 0.970 to 0.978 and from 0.960 to 0.976. The RCA values were high due to the small scale of global trade. In Puno, the water footprint of quinoa was estimated at 1,200–1,500 m³/t and that of cañihua at 1,100–1,350 m³/t. It is concluded that quinoa has been in a state of structural stagnation since 2017, whilst kiwicha and cañihua represent underutilised reserves of competitiveness; future competitiveness will depend on differentiation, value addition, water sustainability and the empowerment of small-scale producers.

Abstract: Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly affected by anthropogenic pollution, highlighting the need for efficient and sustainable water treatment technologies. Polyvinyl alcohol-co-vinyl acetate (PVA), a water-soluble polymer widely used in industrial applications, has received limited attention for surface water remediation. In this study, a chemically modified PVA was evaluated for the treatment of surface water collected from the Joumine Dam (Tunisia). Physico-chemical and microbiological characterization of water samples from six locations revealed the highest contamination levels at the dam inlet, reflecting a substantial pollution load entering the reservoir. Inlet water was therefore selected to assess treatment performance. Application of the modified PVA led to a 93% reduction in microbial load, accompanied by significant decreases in fluoride concentration, turbidity, and organic matter content. The treatment efficiency is attributed to the combined adsorptive and antimicrobial properties of the modified polymer. These results demonstrate the potential of modified PVA as a simple and effective material for improving surface water quality, with promising implications for drinking water treatment and decentralized water purification systems.

Abstract: To reveal the influence of water accumulation in open pits on the stability of boundary coal-rock pillars, this study investigates a boundary coal-rock pillar between an underground coal mine and an adjacent open pit in western China. Coal-rock physical property tests, hydrochemical analysis, permeability tests, and theoretical calculations of water-resisting coal-rock pillars were conducted to examine seepage channel development, physical property changes, and stability evolution under long-term water accumulation. The results show that the mechanical strength of coal and rock specimens decreases under the saturated state. The average uniaxial compressive strength reduction of rock specimens exceeds 40%, while that of coal specimens is 7.6~18.2%. The tensile and shear strengths decrease by 30.0~57.1% and 7.5~34.6%, respectively. The hydraulic conductivity of intact specimens is mostly 10-4~10-3m/d, whereas that of fractured specimens increases to 10-3~10-2m/d. The calculated width of water-resisting coal pillars increases by 19.7~21.9% under long-term water accumulation. Long-term water accumulation in the open pit changes the external hydraulic boundary of the boundary coal-rock pillar, allowing water to migrate inward along bedding planes, joints, primary fractures, mining-induced fractures, and coal seam pores. This process promotes pore-fracture connection and seepage channel formation, weakens particle cementation and structural-plane shear resistance, and reduces the structural integrity, bearing capacity, and water-resisting capacity of the coal-rock pillar. Therefore, the stability deterioration of boundary coal-rock pillars is a continuous process involving channel formation, sustained seepage, strength degradation, fracture development, permeability enhancement, and further stability reduction.

Abstract: Desalination is an urgent response to global freshwater shortages, serving more than 300 million people by 2025. However, it is a technology that still raises several sustainability concerns. Through this study, we aim to propose a systematic review based on the PRISMA methodology, analyzing 45 studies published between 2015 and 2026. The results show that brine discharges, reaching 40-75 g/L, lead to the emergence of hypersaline plumes that cause biodiversity loss, particularly in Posidonia oceanica meadows and coral reefs. From a health perspective, residual contaminants, such as boron (1.8 mg/L) and bromate (25 µg/L), exceed WHO recommended standards, posing potential risks to public health. Economically, the levelized cost of desalinated water remains high (USD 0.5–2.0/m³) due to the high energy consumption of up to 15 kWh/m³ in thermal processes. This study proposes several mitigation strategies, including diffuser optimization, integration of renewable energies, and brine recovery through the extraction of strategic minerals. The originality of this study lies in its integrated approach, combining health, environmental, energy, and economic dimensions, all addressed together in previous reviews. These results demonstrate the need for regional governance and consistent international standards to achieve sustainable water desalination that combines water security and ecosystem conservation.