Search Subject Areas | Preprints.org

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0590.v1

Examining The Effects of Carbon Dioxide Emissions on Human Brain Activity Using Agent-Based Modeling

Areej Alqarni, Alyaa Almarwaey

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Carbon Dioxide; Agent Based Modeling; Cognitive Function; Neurophysiological Processes

Online: 14 March 2024 (05:51:49 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0746.v1

Rainfall Potential and Consequences on Structural Soil Degradation of the Most Important Agricultural Region of Mexico

Norzagaray Campos Mariano., Muñoz Sevilla P., Montiel Montoya J., LLanes Cardenas O., Ladron de Guevara Torres M., Serrano García L.A.

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Soil Science Keywords: precipitation; soil degradation; climate variability; spectrum and soil management

Online: 13 March 2024 (17:02:00 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint DATA DESCRIPTOR | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0772.v1

Continuous Wave Measurements Collected in Intermediate Depth throughout the North Sea Storm Season during the RealDune/REFLEX Experiments

Jantien Rutten, Marion Tissier, Paul van Wiechen, Xinyi Zhang, Sierd de Vries, Ad Reniers, Jan-Willem Mol

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Oceanography Keywords: Wave measurements; velocity measurements; wave transformation; ADCP; ADV

Online: 13 March 2024 (09:58:50 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0757.v1

Direct and Indirect Effects of Mountain Heights on Heavy Rainfall in the Hokitika Region of New Zealand

Yang Yang, Ian Boutle, Stuart Moore, Trevor Keith Carey-Smith, John Crouch

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science And Meteorology Keywords: Heavy rainfall; orographic lifting; mountain blocking; cold front; sub-grid mountain height; dual-polarisation radar; Southern Alps

Online: 13 March 2024 (07:28:05 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0769.v1

Preferences of Adults for Synanthropic Flora in the Sustainable Development of Polish Cities’ Green Areas

Beata Fornal-Pieniak, Dagmara Stangierska-Mazurkiewicz, Filip Kamionowski, Katarzyna Widera, Barbara Żarska, Piotr Latocha

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: synanthropic plant species; spontaneous vegetation; residents’ opinions; green and sustainable design; settlement areas

Online: 13 March 2024 (07:17:38 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Synanthropic flora (weeds, spontaneously developed plants) are plants that accompany humans, appearing as a result of anthropopressure as well as after its cessation. The potential of synanthropic flora in shaping green areas usually brings many measurable benefits that depend on land management in cities. The study aimed to determine the preferences and attitudes of adults towards synanthropic flora in settlement units. The article presents survey results from 447 city residents. The obtained results were statistically analyzed using the k-means clustering method to identify segments of respondents with similar attitudes and preferences toward synanthropic flora. Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to determine statistical differences in the demographic variables among the analyzed clusters of respondents. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the opinions and attitudes towards synanthropic flora, that may influence their greater acceptance in the vicinity of residential areas. The results obtained in multiple regression allow for the statement that the respondent’s evaluation of the level of support for the introduction of more synanthropic vegetation into urban greenery (Yw) grows with the increase of acceptance of synanthropic plants occurrence in surroundings. Respondents’ opinions on the subject of the presence of synanthropic plants were studied using such variables concerning: synanthropic vegetation found in turfgrasses has a positive impact on the visual attractiveness of a site (X1), synanthropic plant communities present themselves better than others (X2), presence of synanthropic vegetation in an estate improves the quality of life in that location (X3), introduction of synanthropic flora into estate arrangements is a positive (X4), support for the use of synanthropic flora for educational purposes - as elements of playgrounds or in the form of environmental workshops (X5). Residents’ acceptance of synanthropic flora in green areas is at a relatively high level.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0701.v1

The Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Base Flow Modification: Evidence from Northeast Highland of Ethiopia.

Mohammed Seid Mihidin, Mekonen Ayana, Zelalem Biru, Tenna Alamerew, Gizaw Desta

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Water Science And Technology Keywords: Soil and water conservation; micro-catchments; base flow

Online: 13 March 2024 (06:48:52 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0682.v1

Influence of New Parameterization Schemes on Arctic Sea Ice Simulation

Yang LU, Xiaochun WANG, Yijun He, Jiping Liu, Jiangbo Jin, Jian Cao, Juanxiong He, Yongqiang Yu, Xin Gao, Mirong Song, Yiming Zhang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Oceanography Keywords: Earth System Model; Sea Ice Parameterization Scheme; Arctic Sea Ice; Sea Ice Concentration; Sea Ice Thickness

Online: 12 March 2024 (10:29:33 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0689.v1

A Critical Review on Environmental Pollution Causes by Textile Industry

MD Rofiul Islam Rofi

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Textile industry; pollution; chemical; environment pollution; plastic; ecosystem; soil; ozone surface; synthetic fabric

Online: 12 March 2024 (08:39:12 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint TECHNICAL NOTE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0677.v1

Response of a Triangular Hill Joined with a Semicircular Alluvial Valley under Incident SH Waves

Guangzheng Wang, Jianze Liu, Zhuang Wang, Yang Li, Xuefeng Zhang, Fazhan Yang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geophysics And Geology Keywords: SH-waves; triangular hill; semicircular alluvial valley; complex function

Online: 12 March 2024 (08:05:43 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0660.v1

Beneficial Effects of Geological Materials: With Africa Case Descriptions

Olaoluwa Omoniyi Olarewaju, Olufunke Omowumi Fajinmi, Theophilus C. Davies, Georgina D. Arthur, Roger Murugas Coopoosamy, Kubendran Kista Naidoo

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Earth medicine; Diseases; Indigenous medicine; Natural medicine; Muds

Online: 11 March 2024 (18:11:48 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0570.v1

Earthquake-Induced Landslides in Italy: Evaluation of the Triggering Potential Based on Seismic Hazard

Sina Azhideh, Simone Barani, Gabriele Ferretti, Davide Scafidi

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geophysics And Geology Keywords: earthquake-induced landslides; landslide triggering; seismic hazard; hazard disaggregation; triggering probability.

Online: 11 March 2024 (17:47:46 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0627.v1

Application Of Machine Learning To Understand Pfas Occurrence, Distribution, Transport And Removal In Water

Adewale Ajao

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: PFAS, machine learning, Ground water, Environment, sustainability. ; ;

Online: 11 March 2024 (12:51:46 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0613.v1

COVID-19 Pandemic Modulates the Environmental Contamination Level with Enteric Bacteria from WWTPs

Alina Roxana Banciu, Luoana Florentina Pascu, Catalina Stoica, Stefania Gheorghe, Irina Lucaciu, Laura Feodorov, Mihai Nita-Lazar

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: pathogen; wastewater; pharmaceutical compounds, Covid-19

Online: 11 March 2024 (12:25:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202309.1827.v2

Conservation Imperatives: Securing the Last Unprotected Terrestrial Sites Harboring Irreplaceable Biodiversity

Eric Dinerstein, Anup R. Joshi, Nathan R. Hahn, Andy T. L. Lee, Carly Vynne, Karl Burkart, Greg P. Asner, Charlotte Beckham, Gerardo Ceballos, Richard Cuthbert, Rodolfo Dirzo, Oliver Fankem, Sarah Hertel, Binbin V. Li, Haley Mellin, Felix Pharand-Deschênes, David Olson, Bivash Pandav, Carlos Peres, Rudi Putra, Amy Rosenthal, Caspar Verwer, Eric Wikramanayake, Andrew Zolli

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: Conservation imperatives; 30 by 30; Protected area targets; Rare species; Land cover fraction mapping; Geospatial analysis; Land costs analysis

Online: 11 March 2024 (11:52:38 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0567.v1

Coastal Vulnerability Assessment in the southern Valparaíso Region, Chile

Felipe Saavedra Véliz, Vicente Negro Valdecantos

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Valparaí; so; vulnerability; coastal zone; climate change

Online: 11 March 2024 (09:44:00 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0548.v1

Measuring Cliff Top and Cliff Face Retreat Rates of a Coastal Drumlin Using Structure-from-Motion in Galway Bay, Ireland.

Gregor M. Rink, Eugene J. Farrell, Gordon R.M. Bromley

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Soft rock cliff erosion; coastal erosion; structure-from-motion; shoreline detection

Online: 10 March 2024 (17:00:58 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0537.v1

A Craniometric Analysis of the Subfamily Cervinae (Cervidae, Mammalia)

Roman CROITOR

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Paleontology Keywords: plesiometacarpal deer; cranial measurements; biometry; principal component analysis; evolution; fundamental body size

Online: 8 March 2024 (16:42:07 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0528.v1

The Impact of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on base flow modification: Evidence From Northeast Highland of Ethiopia

Mohammed Mihidin, Mekonen Ayana, Zelalem Biru, Tenna Alamerew, Gizaw Desta

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Water Science And Technology Keywords: Soil and water conservation; micro-catchments; base flow

Online: 8 March 2024 (12:59:37 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0478.v1

The City and its Stream: Blue Urban Acupuncture as a Method for Neglected Spaces Regeneration in Lebanese Riversides: The Case of Beirut River

Aya Chehab, Baher Farhat

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: Blue Urban Acupuncture; Aqua-puncture; Neglected Space; Water Quality; Biodiversity; Regeneration

Online: 8 March 2024 (10:32:19 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Urban rivers and waterfronts play a vital role in the ecological, social, and economic fabric of cities, providing not only aesthetic value but also serving as important ecosystems that contribute to the overall well-being of urban environments. However, many urban rivers, including the Beirut River in Lebanon, face challenges such as pollution, neglect, and the loss of recreational and ecological value due to urbanization and industrialization. According to the Lebanese MOE (Ministry of Environment), almost 70% of Lebanese rivers are polluted due to untreated waste management systems and which leads to undrinkable water and possible flooding disasters if not treated. This study addresses the problem of abandoned and degraded spaces along the Beirut River riverside through the application of urban acupuncture, a strategic approach that targets specific points in the urban environment to stimulate positive change and regeneration. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of implementing small-scale ‘sensitive urban points’ known as urban acupuncture as the method for regenerating the Beirut River riverside, with the hypothesis that targeted interventions through Blue Urban Acupuncture or Aqua-puncture- can lead to significant improvements in the ecological, social, and economic aspects of the area that re-connect the people of Beirut with its river. The methodology involves a multidisciplinary approach that integrates urban design, and community engagement, and analysing similar examples of different approaches through creating a comparative table. Data collection includes environmental assessments of water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health, as well as social surveys to understand community needs and perceptions. By applying urban acupuncture principles to the Beirut River riverside, this study seeks to demonstrate how strategic interventions can lead to the regeneration of abandoned spaces, improve the overall quality of the urban environment, and create sustainable and inclusive riverside landscapes that benefit both the environment and the community.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0505.v1

In-Situ Improvement of Sediment Microenvironment by Nitrate in Tailwater of Wastewater Treatment Plants Combined with Aerobic Denitrifying Bacteria under Low-Do Regulation

Junyi Chen, Chao Zhang, Yun Liu, Jie Tian, Jianbo Guo

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Black and odorous water bodies, Microenvironment, Sulfur autotrophic denitrification, Electroactive Bacteria, Functional gene

Online: 8 March 2024 (09:25:20 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202312.1052.v2

Innovative Cloud Quantification: Deep Learning Classification and Finite Sector Clustering for Ground-Based All Sky Imaging

Jingxuan Luo, Yubing Pan, Debin Su, Jinhua Zhong, Lingxiao Wu, Wei Zhao, Xiaoru Hu, Zhengchao Qi, Daren Lu, Yinan Wang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science And Meteorology Keywords: cloud quantification; deep neural networks; adaptive segmentation; finite element clustering; whole sky image

Online: 8 March 2024 (04:08:19 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0459.v1

Multi-Dimensional Impacts of Climate Change on China’s Food Security during 2002-2021

Huanhuan Zhou, Ning Cao, Lihua Yang, Jianjun Xu

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Climate change; Food security; Economic-climate model

Online: 7 March 2024 (15:04:22 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0453.v1

Zagros Grass Index – a New Vegetation Index to Enhance Fire Fuel Mapping: Case Study in Zagros Mountains

Iraj Rahimi, Lia Duarte, Ana Claudia Teodoro

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Remote Sensing; Vegetation Index; NDVI Zagros Grass Index (ZGI); Forest Fire; Kurdo-Zagrosian

Online: 7 March 2024 (13:47:09 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0441.v1

Spatiotemporal Evolution and Influencing Factors of Vegetation Net Primary Productivity in the Yangtze River Delta Region, China

Tinghui Wang, Mengfan Gao, Qi Fu, Jinhua Chen

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: NPP; spatiotemporal evolution; influencing factors; scenario analysis; Yangtze River Delta region

Online: 7 March 2024 (13:05:28 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Vegetation Net Primary Productivity (NPP) plays a crucial role in terrestrial carbon sinks and the global carbon cycle. Investigating the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) region can furnish a solid scientific foundation for green, low-carbon, and sustainable development in China, as well as a reference for other rapidly urbanizing regions. This study focuses on the YRD region as an illustration and utilizes the Carnegie-Ames-Stanford Approach (CASA model) to quantify NPP in this region from 2000 to 2018. Investigation into the spatiotemporal evolution and influencing factors was conducted using Theil–Sen Median Trend Analysis and Scenario Analysis. The results indicate that (1) the NPP in the YRD region from 2000 to 2018 exhibited pronounced spatial differentiation characteristics, typically exhibiting a spatial distribution pattern of being high in the south and low in the north, high in the west and low in the east. Additionally, the expansion of built-up areas and the reduction of cultivated land have the potential to reduce NPP in the YRD region. Moreover, the influence of LUCC is anticipated to be relatively limited compared to that of climate change. Furthermore, changes in precipitation were found to be positively correlated with changes in NPP, with the effect being relatively more pronounced. The correlation between temperature and NPP demonstrated spatial differentiation, with a mainly positive correlation in the central and southern parts of the YRD and a mainly negative correlation in the northern part. Changes in solar radiation had a negative correlation with changes in NPP. Based on these results, it is recommended that local governments strictly enforce urban development boundaries and manage the disorderly expansion of built-up areas, enhance the regional irrigation infrastructure, and address air pollution, so as to ensure the necessary conditions for the growth of vegetation, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and control regional temperature rise.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0451.v1

Promoting Green Transformations via Smart Engagement: An Assessment of 100 Citizen-led Urban Greening Projects

Eleni Oikonomaki, Ilektra Papadaki, Christina Kakderi

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Urban Greening Initiatives; Civic actions; Smart technologies; Smart Transition; Green Transition; Climate change; Urban Transformation; Green City; City Planning Model

Online: 7 March 2024 (12:55:29 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0334.v1

Carbon Footprint of the Production Process of Tropical Banana Plantation Based on the Life Cycle Approach: A Case Study of Chengmai County, Hainan Province, China

Changgeng KUANG, Xuesong SHI, Congju ZHAO, Wenwei YE, Minhua MEI

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Life Cycle Assessment; carbon footprint; carbon emission; carbon fixation; banana; Hainan

Online: 7 March 2024 (10:39:29 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0379.v1

Farmer Perceptions of Land Cover Classification of UAS Imagery of Coffee Agroecosystems in Puerto Rico

Gwendolyn Klenke, Shannon Brines, Nayethzi Hernandez, Kevin Li, Riley Glancy, Jose Cabrera, Blake Hendrix Neal, Kevin Adkins, Ronny Schroeder, Ivette Perfecto

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: agroecosystem; drones; farm management

Online: 7 March 2024 (10:11:47 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0410.v1

Treated Wastewater Assessment to Optimize Agricultural Water Reuse in Al-Qatif Region Saudi Arabia Using Hybrid Machine Learning Techniques

Syed Muzzamil Hussain Shah, Mohamed A. Yassin, Sani I. Abba, Dahiru U. Lawal, Farouq Aliyu, Ebrahim Hamid Hussain Al-Qadami, Zahiraniza Mustaffa, Chaitanya B. Pande, Saad Sh. Sammen, Isam H. Aljundi

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Water Science And Technology Keywords: electrical conductivity; treated waste water; machine learning; prediction analysis; agricultural irrigation; water security; SDG-6

Online: 7 March 2024 (07:53:10 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

In the era of mounting water scarcity, particularly in arid regions, the agricultural sector is striving to optimize the water resource management practices. Treated wastewater (TWW) has emerged as a viable alternative to freshwater for irrigation, offering a sustainable solution to water conservation. However, ensuring the safety and quality of TWW is paramount to safeguard for both crop health and environmental integrity. Electrical conductivity (EC), a critical factor in assessing TWW suitability for irrigation, can significantly impact crop yields and soil health since it is directly linked to the concentration of dissolved salts and ions. Therefore, this study delves into the development of advanced predictive models for EC assessment by employing supervised machine learning (ML) techniques like the Support Vector Regression (SVR), Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The TWW samples collected from Al-Qatif area, Saudi Arabia were assessed in the lab through a sensor-based real-time monitoring system integrated with Internet of Things (IoT) network and a multiprobe device. The key water quality parameters assessed involved, temperature (T), pH, Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP), Resistivity (RES), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Salinity and Turbidity which served as the foundation for these models, given their profound influence on and their anticipated impact on EC levels. Following feature selection, two distinct model combinations were identified for the SVR, ANFIS and MLR models. Furthermore, to evaluate prediction performance, four statistical criteria, including coefficient of determination (R²), correlation coefficient (R), mean square error (MSE), and root mean square error (RMSE), were employed. Overall, the comparative performance results proved that ANFIS-M2 indicated the strongest predictive capability with the R² value of 0.99572 and 0.75145 and the RMSE values of 0.00965 and 0.01134, respectively in both calibration and verification stages.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0411.v1

Methodology for identifying natural phenomena that form large floods using satellite data

Eugeniy Savchenko, Sergey Maklakov

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: floods, climate study, Meteosat satellites, data visualization, remote sensing, satellite sensing.

Online: 7 March 2024 (07:50:58 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0366.v1

Smartphone-Based Color Evaluation of Passive Samplers for Gases: A Review

Kanokwan Kiwfo, Kate Grudpan, Andreas Held, Wolfgang Frenzel

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Passive gas sampling; diffusive sampling; ambient air measurements; immission rate; smartphone-based color evaluation; RGB color space; colorimetric gas sensors

Online: 6 March 2024 (13:39:33 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0341.v1

Visualising Daily PM10 Pollution Data in an Open-Cut Mining Valley of New South Wales, Australia—Part I: Identification of Spatial and Temporal Variation Patterns

Ningbo Jiang, Matthew L. Riley, Merched Azzi, Praveen Puppala, Hiep Nguyen Duc, Giovanni Di Virgilio

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: PM10 pollution; spatial-temporal variability mode; rotated principal component analysis (RPCA); wavelet analysis; open-cut mining; valley environment

Online: 6 March 2024 (12:06:16 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0296.v1

Application of Magnetic Materials Combined with Echo® MS System in Ultra‐Fast and Ultra‐Sensitive Detection of Illegal Drugs in Sewage

Feiyu Yang, Kaijun Ma, Yichao Cao, Zhiyuan Li

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: detection technology of drugs in urban sewage; magnetic solid phase extraction; acoustic ejection mass spectrometry analysis method; fast detection

Online: 6 March 2024 (11:08:13 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0294.v1

Threats of Contamination of Drinking Water Sources and Preventive Enhancement of Protection Efforts of these Sources in the Case Study of the Czech Republic

Štěpán Kavan, Šárka Kročová, Milan Axman

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Water Science And Technology Keywords: aquatic ecosystem; drinking water source; water supply system; contamination of drinking water sources; risks definition; risk analysis methods; threat elimination; pollution

Online: 6 March 2024 (11:01:11 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0323.v1

Ecotoxicity of 2,4-dichlorophenol to Microsorium pteropus by High Spatial Resolution Mapping of Stoma Oxygen Emission

Ning Zhong, Daoyong Zhang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: scanning electrochemical microscopy; chlorophyll fluorescence; dose-response curve; photosynthetic oxygen evolution; nanoscale mapping; persistent organic pollutants

Online: 6 March 2024 (10:57:11 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Abstract: Toxicity of emerging organic pollutants to photosystems of aquatic plants are still not well clarified. This study aimed to develop a novel ecotoxicological experimental protocol based on nanoscale electrochemical mapping of photosynthetic oxygen evolution of aquatic plants by SECM (scanning electrochemical microscopy). The protocol was also checked by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), the traditional Clark oxygen electrode method and chlorophyll fluorescence technique. The typical persistent organic pollutant 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) in water environment and the common aquatic Microsorium pteropus (M. pteropus) were chosen as the model organic pollutant and tested plant, respectively. It was found that the SECM method could well discriminated the responses of stoma micromorphology and spatial pattens of photosynthetic oxygen evolution on single stoma. The shape of stoma blurred with increasing 2,4-DCP concentration, which was in good agreement with the CLSM images. The dose-response curves and IC50 values obtained from the SECM data were verified by the data measured by the traditional Clark oxygen electrode method and chlorophyll fluorescence test. The IC50 value of single stoma oxygen emission of 24 h exposed plant leave, which was derived from the SECM current data (32535 μg L-1), was close to those calculated from the maximum photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) measured by chlorophyll fluorescence test (33963 μg L-1), and the Clark oxygen electrode method photosynthetic oxygen evolution rate (32375 μg L-1). The 72 h and 96 h 2,4-DCP exposure data further confirmed the reliability of the nanoscale stoma oxygen emission mapping methodology for ecotoxicological assessment. In this protocol, the procedures for how to collect effective electrochemical data and how to extract useful information from the single stoma oxygen emission pattern were well established. This study showed that SECM is a feasible and reliable ecotoxicological tool for evaluation of toxicity of organic pollutants to higher plants with unique nanoscale visualization advantage over the conventional methods.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0333.v1

Combining "Deep Learning" and Physically Constrained Neural Networks to Derive Complex Glaciological Change Processes from Modern High-Resolution Satellite Imagery: Application of the GEOCLASS-image System to Create VarioCNN for Glacier Surges

Ute C. Herzfeld, Lawrence Hessburg, Thomas Trantow, Adam Hayes

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Physically Constrained Neural Networks; connectionist-geostatistical classification; crevasse classification; glacier surging; satellite image classification; machine learning

Online: 6 March 2024 (10:50:40 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0336.v1

A Study of Microplastics in the Freshwater Systems around Dhaka

Md Zahidul Alam, Md Rifat Hossain, Khan Humayra Hafsa Medha, Dr.Md Mujibur Rahman

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: microplastics; microplastic pollution; water pollution; rivers of Dhaka; Bangladesh

Online: 6 March 2024 (09:23:31 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0288.v1

Soil Free Living Nematode Composition in the Vicinity of Vineyard Rhizosphere in a Basaltic Soil

Yosef Steinberger, Tirza Doniger, Itaii Applebaum, Chen Sherman, Nativ Rotbart

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: soil nematodes; community structure; basaltic soil; vineyard

Online: 6 March 2024 (08:55:22 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0283.v1

Compost-Derived Bacterial Communities Offer Promise as Organic Biocontrol Agents against Meloidogyne javanica and Promote Plant Growth in Tomato

Eirini Karanastasi, Vassileios Kotsantonis, Iakovos S. Pantelides

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: Meloidogyne javanica; synthetic bacterial communities; sustainable agriculture

Online: 5 March 2024 (16:14:00 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0280.v1

Phytoextraction Potential of Flax Grown on Multimetal Contaminated Soils: A Field Experiment

Danai Kotoula, Eleni G. Papazoglou, Garyfallia Economou, Panayiotis Trigas, Dimitris L. Bouranis

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: heavy metals; Linum usitatissimum; nitrogen fertilization; phytoremediation; sowing period; uptake

Online: 5 March 2024 (16:05:51 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.0384.v2

Modeling Volcanic Ash and Analysis of the SO2 Plume Emitted from the 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcanic Eruption

Hosni Snoun, Abderrazak Arif, Hatem Chérif

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science And Meteorology Keywords: Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha'apai volcano; WRF-Chem; Aerosol radiative feedback effect;

Online: 5 March 2024 (15:03:00 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0275.v1

Optical Insight: Spectrophotometry as a Tool to Quantify Cell Density of Green Microalgae in Suspension, with Emphasis on Growing Conditions and Toxicological Evaluations

Jassiara da Silva Pessoa, Ana Claudia O. de Almeida, Lais F. dos Santos, Therezinha M. N. de Oliveira, César C. Martins, William Gerson Matias, Silvia P. Melegari

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Spectrophotometry; Desmodesmus subspicatus; Tetraselmis sp.; microalgal culture; optical density; optical microscope counting; toxicity test.

Online: 5 March 2024 (15:00:27 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0233.v1

Waste Disposal Policy in Israel- Economic and Political Aspects

Erez Cohen

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Waste Management And Disposal Keywords: Waste Disposal; Municipal Waste; Environmental Quality; Public Policy; Recycling

Online: 5 March 2024 (14:58:52 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0260.v1

Research Review of GBRS under the Background of Carbon Neutralization

Jin Mao, Hao Yuan, Lun Xiong, Bo Huang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: green building; rating system; weight setting; indicators setting; automation

Online: 5 March 2024 (12:24:29 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0197.v1

Evolution of Hottest Research Topics in E-Mobility over Period of 20 Years and How It Will Help State of Kuwait in Catching Up

Hidab Hamwi, Andri Ottesen, Rajeev Alasseri, Sara Aldei

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Cluster analysis; Bibliometric Analysis; EV Battery performance; EV Charging Facilities

Online: 5 March 2024 (07:22:49 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1707.v2

High-Resolution Mapping of Shrub Biomass in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments by Integrating Remote Sensing Observations across Multiple Spatial Scales

Wenchao Liu, Jie Wang, Yang Hu, Taiyong Ma, Chunbo Li, Irsa Ejaz, Jilin Yang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Shrub biomass; Machine learning; Muti-platform; UAV; Land cover

Online: 5 March 2024 (07:18:19 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0194.v1

Measuring the Spatial Accessibility of Urban Healthcare Services on the Tibetan Plateau Based on an Improved 3SFCA: A Case Study of Xining City, China

Yousan Li, Wanqiang Qi, Hongkui Yang, Shilin Wang, Mingxin Yang, Zhen Zhang, Maqiang Xu, Wenong Pang, Guangchao Cao, Yanhe Wang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Tibetan Plateau; Spatial accessibility; 3SFCA; healthcare service; Xining city

Online: 5 March 2024 (07:15:07 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0179.v1

Comparison of Cut-to-Length Harvesting Methods in Tree Plantations in Brazil

Teijo Palander, Antti Pasi, Annamari Laurèn, Heikki Ovaskainen

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: time study; productivity study; cut-to-length method; harvester; forwarder; Eucalyptus

Online: 4 March 2024 (19:01:59 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0191.v1

Ecological Safety Assessment and Convergence of Resource-Based Cities in Yellow River Basin

Changju Liu, Xiaowei Zhai, Keyu Ai

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Yellow River Basin; Resource-based city; Ecological safety; Convergence

Online: 4 March 2024 (16:21:59 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0104.v1

Towards a Long-Term UAV Monitoring Framework/Strategy for Post-mining Effects: Prosper-Haniel Case

Marcin Pawlik, Benjamin Haske, Hernan Flores, Bodo Bernsdorf, Tobias Rudolph

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Geomonitoring; Post-Mining; UAV

Online: 4 March 2024 (10:36:43 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0089.v1

Predicting the Occurrence of Forest Fire in the Central-South Region of China

Quansheng Hai, Xiufeng Han, Battsengel Vandansambuu, Yuhai Bao, Byambakhuu Gantumur, Sainbuyan Bayarsaikhan, Narantsetseg Chantsal, Hailian Sun

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: wildfire risk assessment; Central-South China; GIS application; predictive modeling; fire occurrence analytics; seasonal fire patterns; spatial clustering analysis

Online: 4 March 2024 (09:57:46 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint COMMUNICATION | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0090.v1

SERVIR West Africa Land Use and Land Cover Task Force: Building a Collaborative Network to Support Capacity Development in the Harmonization of Land Cover and Land Use Mapping and Monitoring in West Africa

Foster Mensah, Paul Bartel, Jacob Abramowitz, Emil A. Cherrington, Mansour Mahamane, Bako Mamane, Matieu Henry, Fatima Mushtaq, Antonio Di Gregorio, Amadou Moctar Dieye, Patrice Sanou, Glory Enaruvbe, Ndeye Fatou Mar

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: land cover and land use; land cover classification; data harmonization; semantic interoperability; ISO-19144-2; West Africa, geospatial.

Online: 4 March 2024 (09:53:33 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0097.v1

Navigating The Terrain of Digital Transition: Ghana’s Journey of Developing a Digital Land Information System

Rosemond Owusu Ansah, Zaid Abubakari, Benjamin Armah Quaye, Dimo Todorovski, Christiaan Lemmen

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Land Information System; Land Administration; Analogue, Assessment framework

Online: 4 March 2024 (06:02:21 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0085.v1

Enhancing Precision in Crop Residue Cover Estimation: A Comparative Analysis of Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI Data

Jia Du, Yiwei Zhang, Zhengwei Liang, Kaishan Song

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Remote sensing, crop residue cover; partial least squares regression; Sentinel-2 MSI; Landsat 8 OLI

Online: 4 March 2024 (05:51:04 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Employing remote sensing techniques to evaluate crop residue cover (CRC) enables rapid mapping of tillage practices over large cropland areas, which has significant practical implications for monitoring the implementation of conservation tillage practices. This research utilized Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat-8 OLI remotely sensed data, various spectral indices were calculated and the datasets were correlated with the field-measured CRC data. Selected spectral indices, highly significantly correlated, were chosen to build a correlation model between the indices and the CRC. Considering Sentinel-2 MSI and Landsat 8 OLI remotely sensed data variations in spectral and spatial scales, the accuracy of CRC models was evaluated using R2 and RMSE values. From the results, it's evident that all six spectral indices, including STI, NDTI, SRNDR, NDI5, NDI7 and NDSVI, registered correlation coefficients with the CRC exceeded 0.3 in the study area. STI and NDTI showed a stronger correlation to CRC, with coefficients of 0.810 and 0.803, respectively. For the Landsat 8 data, the lowest correlation obtained was for NDSVI with the Landsat 8 data with a correlation coefficient of 0.358. Applying the linear regression technique, STI and NDTI obtained higher accuracy compared to other indices in the Sentinel-2 MSI data. For NDTI and STI, The R2 values were 0.650 and 0.665, respectively, while their corresponding RMSE values were 3.96% and 4.03%. The highest model accuracy was obtained for the STI and NDTI constructed from the Landsat 8 OLI data (R2 values 0.41 and 0.40; RMSE values 5.25% and 5.27%, respectively). The CRC model built using partial least squares regression (PLSR) exhibited greater precision when applied to the Sentinel-2 MSI data (R2 value 0.894; RMSE value 2.18%) in comparison to the Landsat 8 OLI data (R2 value 0.695; RMSE value 3.70%). PLSR has the potential to enhance the precision of the model. In addition, the study area shows that the estimation of the CRC is better in the one-dimensional linear regression model and the PLSR model created with the Sentinel-2 MSI optical data compared to the Landsat 8 OLI optical remotely sensed data. The validation suggests that the CRC estimation in the study area is more precise when using the model relying on Sentinel-2 satellite imagery rather than the Landsat 8 OLI imagery.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0044.v1

Prediction and Transition of Vegetation Vulnerability in the Mara River Basin under Different SSP Scenarios

Wanyi Zhu, Zhenke Zhang, Shouming Feng, Hang Ren

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Mara River basin; Vegetation vulnerability; Shared Socio-Economic Pathways (SSPs); Prediction; Stochastic matrix

Online: 4 March 2024 (01:27:41 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1655.v1

A Two-Stage Twisted Blade μ-Vertical Axis Wind Turbine – An Enhanced Savonius Rotor Design

Andrés Pérez-Terrazo, Martin Moreno, Iván Trejo-Zúñiga, J. Alberto López

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: VAWT; Energy Harvesting; Two-Stage Design; Renewable Energy; Wind Technology

Online: 2 March 2024 (17:13:36 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0052.v1

Interactions of Opuntia ficus-indica with Dactylopius coccus and D. opuntiae (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) through the Study of Their Volatile Compounds

Esteban Rodríguez-Leyva, Esperanza García-Pascual, Marco M. González-Chávez, Santiago de J. Méndez-Gallegos, Juan A. Morales-Rueda, Juan C. Posadas-Hurtado, Ángel Bravo-Vinaja, Avelina Franco-Vega

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: Cactus pear; phytophagous insects; terpenes; methyl salicylate; p-vinylguaiacol

Online: 1 March 2024 (14:25:40 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0056.v1

Design of an Ultrasound Sensing System for Estimation of the Porosity of Agricultural Soils

Stuart Bradley, Chandra Ghimire

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Soil Science Keywords: Soil porosity; Ultrasound; Ultrasonic arrays; Reflected ultrasound; Specular and diffuse ultrasound reflections.

Online: 1 March 2024 (14:04:43 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202403.0038.v1

Environmental Factors Affecting Requirements for Wind Power Stations

Olga Orynycz, Paweł Ruchała, Karol Tucki, Andrzej Wasiak

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: wind turbine; efficiency; power, environmental

Online: 1 March 2024 (12:33:10 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202308.0260.v2

Application of Shannon Entropy in Assessing Changes in Precipitation Conditions and Temperature Based on Long-Term Sequences Using the Bootstrap Method

Bernard Stanisław TWARÓG

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Shannon entropy; bootstrap method; GPCC data; NOAA data; monthly precipitation; average temperature; climate trends; Mann Kendall test; Pettitt test

Online: 1 March 2024 (05:45:06 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1761.v1

Guidelines for the Waste Management Development Leading to Mahasarakham University Becoming a Green University

Julalak Phrophayak, Rapeepat Techarungruengsakul, Mathinee Khotdee, Sattawat Thuangchon, Ratsuda Ngamsert, Haris Prasanchum, Ounla Sivanpheng, Anongrit Kangrang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Waste Management And Disposal Keywords: Green University; Sustainability; Waste Management

Online: 29 February 2024 (20:05:40 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1749.v1

Plastics Are Paving the Way for a Greener Future and Accelerating Decarbonization

Zaid Binhazzaa

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Plastic; Polymers; Decarbonization; Sustainability; Sustainable Future; Green Economy; Renewable energy; Material Solutions

Online: 29 February 2024 (17:00:50 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1710.v1

Visualizing the Atmospheric Wind Flow Animation and Optimizing Air Flow Data in Digital Twin Based Environmental Impact Assessments

Sanghee Shin, Hakjoon Kim, Sungdo Son, Dongjin Kang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: digital twin; environmental impact assessments; visualization; Spatio-temporal; 4D

Online: 29 February 2024 (13:02:06 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1713.v1

Navigating the Past through an Interactive Geovisualisation-Driven Methodology: Locating a 15th–19th Century Paddy Field as a Source of Agroecological Knowledge

Dimitris Goussios, Ioannis Faraslis

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: interactive methodology; paddy field; 3D geovisualisation &; public participation; GIS spatial analysis; collective memory

Online: 29 February 2024 (13:01:13 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1707.v1

High-Resolution Mapping of Shrub Biomass in Arid and Semi-Arid Environments by Integrating Remote Sensing Observations across Multiple Spatial Scales

Wenchao Liu, Jie Wang, Yang Hu, Taiyong Ma, Chunbo Li, Irsa Ejaz, Jilin Yang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Shrub biomass; Machine learning; Muti-platform; UAV; Land cover

Online: 29 February 2024 (13:00:27 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1670.v1

Understanding Microplastics Retention Efficiency and Sorption Dynamics in Porous Media

Hande Okutan, Çağdaş Sağır, Bedri Kurtuluş, Hasan Burak Özmen, Emrah Pekkan, Moumtaz Razack, Philippe Le Coustumer

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: microplastics; porous media; retention; transport; polyethylene; retention efficiency; numerical model; MT3DMS; MODFLOW

Online: 29 February 2024 (11:41:01 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1681.v1

Re-inventories at two study sites in the Oberpfalz (Bavaria, Germany): Increase in RWA nests, herb biodiversity and dead wood in sustainably managed forests

Gabriele M. Berberich, Martin B. Berberich

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: re-inventory; red wood ants; dead wood; woodpecker; forest habitat; tree age; tree species; natural restocking, GeoBio-Interactions; Erbendorfer fault line

Online: 29 February 2024 (10:01:33 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1687.v1

Lunar Surface Resources Exploration: Tracing Lithium, 7 Li and Black Ice Using Spectral Libraries and Apollo Missions’ Samples

Susana del Carmen Fernández, Julia María Fernández, Enrique Díez, Javier Rodríguez, Rubén Muñiz, Javier F. Calleja, Francisco Javier de Cos

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Space And Planetary Science Keywords: Lithium; Dirty ice; Lunar surface; Spectral data; Clementine mission

Online: 29 February 2024 (09:56:46 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This is an exercise to explore the concentration of Lithium, Lithium-7 isotope and the possible presence of black dirty ice in the lunar surface using spectral data obtained from the Clementine mission. The main interest in tracing the lithium and presence of dark ice in the lunar surface are closely related to future human settlement missions in the Moon. We investigate the distribution of Lithium and 7 Li isotope on the Lunar surface, employing spectral data from the Clementine images. We utilized Visible (VIS-NIR) imagery at wavelengths of 450, 750, 900, 950, and 1000 nm, along with Near-Infrared (NIR-SWIR) at 1100, 1250, 1500, 2000, 2600, and 2780 nm, encompassing 11 bands in total. This dataset offers a comprehensive coverage of about 80% of the lunar surface, with resolutions ranging from 100 to 500 meters, spanning latitudes from 80°S to 80°N. In order to extract quantitative abundance of Lithium, ground truth sites were used to calibrate the Clementine images. Samples (12045, 15058, 15475, 15555, 62255, 70035, 74220 and 75075) returned from Apollo missions 12, 15, 16 and 17 have been correlated to the Clementine VIS-NIR bands and five spectral ratios. The 5 spectral ratios calculated synthesize the main spectral features of sample spectra that were grouped by their Lithium and 7 Li content using Principal Component Analysis. The ratios spectrally characterize substrates of anorthosite, silica-rich basalts, olivine-rich basalts and High-T mare basalts and Orange soils. Our findings reveal a strong linear correlation between the spectral parameters and the lithium content in the 8 Apollo samples. With the values of the 11 Clementine bands and the 5 spectral ratios for each of the 8 lunar soils we performed linear regression models to estimate the concentration of Lithium and 7 Li. Also, we calculated Digital Terrain Models (DTMs; Altitude, Slope, Aspect, DirectInsolation and WindExposition) from LOLA-DTM to discover relations between relief and spatial distribution of the extended models of lithium and 7 Li. The analysis was conducted in a mask polygon extracted from Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA) and located around the Apollo 15 landing site. This analysis seeks to uncover potential 7 Li enrichment through spallation processes, influenced by varying exposure to solar wind. To explore the possibility of find ice mixed with regolithe (black ice) we used a spectral library (350-2500nm) form ices dirty with different concentration of volcanic particles.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1678.v1

Pre-composting of the Invasive Macrophyte Rugulopteryx okamurae – Terrestrial Isopods to Recycle Their Massive Upwellings?

Daniel Patón, García-Gómez José Carlos

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Waste Management And Disposal Keywords: Porcellio laevis; Rugulopteryx okamurae; bioremediation; biological invasion; algal blooms

Online: 29 February 2024 (09:52:39 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1652.v1

History, Architectural and Technological Characteristics, and Feasibility of Repurposing of Italy’s Ammasso Grain Storage Silos

Víctor Marcelo, Salvatore Faugno, F. Javier López-Díez, Pablo Pastrana, José B. Valenciano

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Wheat; grain store; silo: ammasso; ammassi granari obbligatori; Italy; industrial heritage

Online: 29 February 2024 (08:11:25 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1688.v1

Nature-Based Solutions for Optimizing the Water – Ecosystem – Food Nexus in Mediterranean Countries

Silvia Vanino, Valentina Baratella, Tiziana Pirelli, Donato Ferrari, Antonella Di Fonzo, Fabrizio Pucci, Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis, Maria A. Lilli, Zübeyde Albayram Doğan, Tuncay Topdemir, Sami Awabdeh, Luna Al-Hadidi, Nabeel Bani Hani, Andreas Panagopoulos, Vassilios Pisinaras, Anna Chatzi, Estrella López Moya, Christina Papadaskalopoulou, Dimitris Tassopoulos, Efstathia Chatzitheodorou, Alessandro Pagano, Raffaele Giordano, Ivan Portoghese, Esteban Henao, Anna Osann, Stefano Fabiani

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Nexus, sustainability; biodiversity; resilience; water distribution; food security; ecosystem services

Online: 29 February 2024 (07:05:42 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1637.v1

Characterization of two vineyards in Mexico based on Sentinel-2 and meteorological data

Maria S. Del Rio, Víctor Cicuéndez, Carlos Yagüe

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: NDVI; MSAVI; Thermal indices; vineyard´; s phenology; grape varieties

Online: 28 February 2024 (17:01:29 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1632.v1

Machine Learning and Linear Regression Models for Mapping Soil Properties and Albedo in Periglacial Areas Using Sentinel Imagery (Byers Peninsula, Marine Antarctica)

Susana del Carmen Fernandez, Ruben Muñiz, Juanjo Peón, Ricardo Rodriguez_Cielos, Alfonso Pisabarro, Javier Fernandez Calleja

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Soil Science Keywords: Antarctic periglacial areas; albedo bare soils; Machine Learning; neural networks; Soil properties modeling; Sentinel images

Online: 28 February 2024 (15:04:03 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Byers Peninsula (62°34’-62°40’S-60°54’61°13’W), 60 km2 in size, is considered one of the largest ice-free areas in Antarctica. Since 2006, the Spanish Polar Program has taken part in a large number of environmental studies involving effects of climate changes, limnology and microbiology, live cycles, but not albedo. Surface albedo is one of the key physical parameters in the surface energy budget of polar regions. Most of Antarctica is covered by ice sheets; only about 0.44% of the area is permanently ice-free. However, in maritime Antarctica, the ice-free areas, corresponding to small islands, peninsulas, and coastal beaches, account for about 3% of the territory. To incorporate the contribution of these areas into global albedo models, it is necessary to relate the soil properties of the ice-free areas to the surface albedo response. Also, mapping soil properties and albedo have and special interest in these ice-free areas. Image classification using machine learning methods trained with georeferenced soil data could be useful for mapping soil properties and albedo in multispectral optical satellite images. A shallow neural network implemented using the Keras Python module was used to define and train models of soil properties using 15 explanatory variables corresponding to bands and spectral indices of a Sentinel image and a population of 49 soil samples taken from the top 5 centimeters of the soil profile. The soil samples were analyzed in the laboratory and a spectral library in the Vis-Nir range (350-2500 nm) was created. The albedo of the samples was integrated from the ADS spectra. At the same time, a linear regression model of albedo using the soil properties as explanatory variables was performed. The R2 fit of this new model was about 0.82 and the error of estimation was 4.1. The model was extended to the entire Byers Peninsula using the ML soil property models as explanatory variables. The RMSE of the extended models increased up to 8.2. We think that the main cause of this increase (2.6 points) is related to the error propagation, phenomenon due to the use of models as explanatory variables. However, another important part of the error increase could be due, among other reasons, to the use of an image that, although corrected, is not completely free of clouds.

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1643.v1

Gene-Edited Medicinal ‘Superplants’: Advancements for Prolonged Space Travel

Shreya Nair

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: Medicinal plants, long-duration space flight, gene-editing, radiation-induced cardiovascular disease, gut microbiome, microgravity ;

Online: 28 February 2024 (14:01:24 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1641.v1

Assessment of the Coupled WRF-Hydro Model on Streamflow Simulations over the Source Region of the Yellow River

Yaling Chen, Jun Wen, Xianhong Meng, Qiang Zhang, Xiaoyue Li, Ge Zhang, Run Chen

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science And Meteorology Keywords: the Source Region of the Yellow River; WRF-Hydro; the atmosphere-land-hydrology coupling processes; streamflow

Online: 28 February 2024 (13:50:42 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1590.v1

Possible Interrelations of Space Weather and Seismic Activity: An Implication for Short-term Earthquake Prediction

Valery Sorokin, Victor Novikov

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Space And Planetary Science Keywords: solar flare; geomagnetic field variations; geomagnetically induced currents; electromagnetic earthquake triggering; aerosol emission; short-term earthquake prediction

Online: 28 February 2024 (09:39:18 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1588.v1

Hydrogen and Other Bioenergy Fuels for Australia’s Net-Zero Strategy: A Critical Review

Anirudh Singh, Dhrishna Charan

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: hydrogen; Australia’ s net-zero strategy; energy transition; energy storage; hydrogen fuel cell; lithium-ion rechargeable battery

Online: 28 February 2024 (08:18:04 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1564.v1

Spatial Differentiation and Dynamic Evolution of Carbon Emis-Sions from Animal Husbandry: A Case Study of Shandong Province, China

Chunbo Wei, Yanyu Sha, Yongwei Hou, Jiaqi Li, Yongli Qu

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: animal husbandry; carbon emission; spatial differentiation; dynamic evolution

Online: 28 February 2024 (04:42:36 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1582.v1

Evaluation of VIIRS Thermal Emissive Bands Long-Term Calibration Stability and Inter-sensor Consistency Using Radiative Transfer Modeling

Feng Zhang, Xi Shao, Changyong Cao, Yong Chen, Wenhui Wang, Tung-Chang Liu, Xin Jing

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS); NOAA-21; NOAA-20; S-NPP; radiative transfer modeling; community radiative transfer model (CRTM); thermal emissive band (TEB); calibration; observation minus background difference (O-B); double-difference method.

Online: 27 February 2024 (17:18:19 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

This study investigates the long-term stability of the Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) moderate-resolution Thermal Emissive Bands (M TEBs; M12 – M16) covering a period from February 2012 to August 2020. It also assesses inter-sensor consistency of the VIIRS M TEBs among three satellites-S-NPP, NOAA-20, and NOAA-21 over eight months spanning from March 18 to November 30, 2023. The field of interesting is limited to the ocean surface between 60°S and 60°N, specifically under clear-sky conditions. Taking radiative transfer modeling (RTM) as the transfer reference, we employed the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) to simulate VIIRS TEB brightness temperature (BTs), incorporating European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalysis data as inputs. Our results reveal two key findings. Firstly, the reprocessed S-NPP VIIRS TEBs exhibit a robust long-term stability, as demonstrated through analyses of the observation minus background BT differences (O-B ∆BTs) between VIIRS measurements (O) and CRTM simulations (B). The drifts of the O-B BT differences are consistently less than 0.105 K/Decade across all S-NPP VIIRS M TEB bands. Notably, observations from VIIRS M14 and M16 stand out with drifts well within 0.04 K/Decade, reinforcing their exceptional reliability for climate change studies. Secondly, excellent inter-sensor consistency among these three VIIRS instruments is confirmed through the double-difference analysis method (O-O). This method relies on the O-B BT differences obtained from daily data. The mean inter-VIIRS O-O BT differences remain within 0.08 K for all M TEBs, except for M13. Even in the case of M13, the O-O BT differences between NOAA-21 and NOAA-20/S-NPP have values of 0.312 K and 0.234 K, respectively, which are comparable to the 0.2 K difference between some TEBs among VIIRS and MODIS. These disparities are primarily attributed to the significant differences in the Spectral Response Function (SRF) of NOAA-21 compared to NOAA-20 and S-NPP. Our study confirms the RTM-based TEB quality evaluation method’s versatility and effectiveness in assessing long-term sensor stability and inter-sensor consistency. The double-difference approach effectively mitigates uncertainties and biases inherent to CRTM simulations, establishing itself a robust mechanism for assessing inter-sensor consistency. In addition, we’ve observed that, except for M13, M12 always exhibits larger spatial variations of O-O BT differences with greater uncertainties compared to the other M TEBs. The influence of solar contribution through sea surface reflection on the Top of Atmosphere (TOA) radiance measurements during daytime in M12 should not be underestimated.

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1571.v1

Digital Traceability in Agri-Food Supply Chains: A Comparative Analysis of OECD Member Countries

Sylvain Charlebois, Noor Latif, Ibrahim Ilahi

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: digital traceability; food safety; oecd; technology; blockchain

Online: 27 February 2024 (16:04:34 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1553.v1

Balance of Anthropogenic and Natural Greenhouse Gas Fluxes Over the Territory of the Russian Federation and the Contribution of Sequestration in Forests

Anna Romanovskaya, Vladimir Korotkov

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: GHG fluxes; carbon balance; ecosystems; managed land; anthropogenic emissions and removals; total net-emissions; Russia

Online: 27 February 2024 (14:03:09 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1522.v1

Mapping Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Organic Iron by Comparing Deep Learning and Linear Regression Techniques Using Sentinel 2 and WorldView 2 Imagery (Byers Peninsula, Marine Antarctica)

Susana del Carmen Fernández, Rubén Muñiz, Juanjo Peón, Ricardo Rodríguez-Cielos, Jesús Ruíz, Javier F. Calleja

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Ecology Keywords: maritime antarctica; dissolved organic carbon; organic iron; soil mapping; linear regression; deep learning; Sentinel2 images; WordView 2 imagery

Online: 27 February 2024 (13:28:44 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1541.v1

Geoheritage of a Mountain Tourist Route (High Atlas, Morocco): Digital Promotion and Visitor Typology

Nisrine Kchikach, Hassan Ibouh, Abderrahim Benali, Anas Charbaoui, Abdelhafid El Alaoui El Fels

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geography Keywords: Geomorphology; Geotourism; Digital promotion; Visitor typology; Local development; Central High Atlas; Morocco

Online: 27 February 2024 (11:54:42 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1544.v1

The Impact of AI in Sdg Implementation: A Delphi Study

Simon Ofori Ametepey, Clinton Aigbavboa, Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Hutton Addy

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Sustainable Science And Technology Keywords: Artificial intelligence; Sustainable Development Goals; Delphi Study; Global Sustainability; Consensus

Online: 27 February 2024 (11:51:00 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1513.v1

Agricultural Disaster Prevention System: A Review of the Strategies in Taiwan

Ming-Hwi Yao, Yung-Heng Hsu, Ting-Yi Li, Yung-Ming Chen

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Atmospheric Science And Meteorology Keywords: weather forecast; early warning system; disaster prevention; crop; information and communication technology (ICT)

Online: 27 February 2024 (10:29:37 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1528.v1

Construction of a Crop Flood Damage Assessment Index to Rapidly Assess the Extent of Postdisaster Impact

Yaoshuai Dang, Leiku Yang, Jinling Song

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: flooding; crop damage assessment; analytic hierarchy process

Online: 27 February 2024 (10:28:48 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1516.v1

Concept of a Satellite Cross-Calibration Radiometer for in-orbit Calibration of Commercial Optical Satellites

Medhavy Thankappan, Jon Christopherson, Simon Cantrell, Robert Ryan, Mary Pagnutti, Courtney Bright, Denis Naughton, Kathryn Ruslander, Lan-Wei Wang, David Hudson, Jerad Shaw, Shankar Nag Ramaseri Chandra, Cody Anderson

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: Keywords Cross-calibration; hyperspectral; multi-sensor interoperability; radiometric calibration

Online: 27 February 2024 (09:31:50 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1514.v1

Unlocking Heavy Metal Remediation Potential: A Review of Cellulose-Silica Composites

Mayenzeke Trueman Mazibuko, Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu, Mokhothu Hendrica Thabang, Phumlane Selby Mdluli

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Heavy metal remediation, cellulose-silica composites, surface modification, adsorption kinetics, environmental sustainability, surface chemistry

Online: 27 February 2024 (09:27:12 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1490.v1

Experimental Research on Residual Chlorine Removal from Stormwater

Marina Valentukeviciene, Ieva Andriulaityte, Ramune Zurauskiene, Agnieszka Karczmarczyk

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: micropollutants; residual chlorine; stormwater treatment; remediation technologies

Online: 26 February 2024 (16:53:34 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1482.v1

Different Approaches of Forest Type Classifications for Argentina Based on Functional Forests and Canopy-Cover Composition by Tree Species

Guillermo José Martínez Pastur, Dante Loto, Julián Rodríguez-Souilla, Eduarda Martiniano de Oliveira Silveira, Juan Manuel Cellini, Pablo Luis Peri

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: native forests; forest resources; phenoclusters; forest structure and function; sustainable forest management

Online: 26 February 2024 (15:52:39 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1475.v1

Agronomic Traits of Seven Accessions of Cenchrus purpureus under Rainfed Conditions in the Tropic Region of Veracruz, México

Armando Arrieta-Gonzalez, Karla Lissette Silva-Martínez, Manuel Barrientos-Morales, Claudio Vite-Cristóbal, Araceli Rodríguez-Andrade, Antonio Hernández-Beltrán, Patricia Cervantes-Acosta, Belisario Dominguez Domínguez

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Mathematical models; Fodder; Yield; drought; Tropic

Online: 26 February 2024 (15:13:32 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1481.v1

The Ballynoe Stratiform Barite Deposit, Silvermines, County Tipperary, Ireland

Colin J. Andrew

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geophysics And Geology Keywords: Stratiform, Lower Carboniferous, barite, Silvermines District, exhalation.

Online: 26 February 2024 (14:54:51 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1449.v1

Soil Mercury Pollution of the Hainan Island, China: Pattern, Influencing factors and Health Risk

Yan Sun, Canchao Yang

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Hainan Island; soil mercury; pollution characteristics; health risk assessment

Online: 26 February 2024 (14:08:47 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1465.v1

A Strategic Approach to the Identification and Durable Valuation of Endogenous Resources in the Mountainous Region of Romania

Romulus Iagaru, Anca Sipos, Pompilica Iagaru

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: strategical approach; durable development; rural economy; strategic options; rural space

Online: 26 February 2024 (14:07:58 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.0589.v2

Revisiting the use of the Gumbel distribution: A Frequency Analysis Perspective

Cristian-Gabriel Anghel

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Gumbel; parameter estimation; variability; theoretical bias; frequency analysis.

Online: 26 February 2024 (12:31:09 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1418.v1

Trends in Mercury Contamination Distribution among Human and Animal Populations in the Amazon

Irvin Martoredjo, Lenize Batista Calvão Santos, Jéssica Caroline Evangelista Vilhena, Alex Bruno Lobato Rodrigues, Andréia de Almeida, Carlos José Sousa Passos, Alexandro Cezar Florentino

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Pollution Keywords: Human Health Risks; Environmental Impact; Mining Impact; Spatial Distribution; Aquatic Ecosystems; Riverside Communities; Ecotoxicology; Ecoregion; Biosphere; Dietary Habits

Online: 26 February 2024 (11:56:35 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1415.v1

Carbonization Activity in the Rural Area of Lubumbashi (DR Congo): Quantification and Yield Determinants

Nathan Mukendi Kasanda, Khoji Muteya Héritier, Dieu-donné Nghonda N'tambwe, Fabio Berti, Yannick Useni Sikuzani, Laurent Ndjibu Ngoy, Jean-Paul Mbay Katond, Jules Mwine Fyama Nkulu, Philippe Lebailly, Jan BOGAERT

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Environmental Science Keywords: Pyrolysis; Deforestation; Charcoal; Miombo woodland; Environment

Online: 26 February 2024 (11:50:25 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1438.v1

Convolutional Neural Networks Applied to Antimony Quantification via Reflectance Spectroscopy Using Soils from Northern Portugal: Opportunities and Challenges

Morgana Carvalho, Joana Cardoso-Fernandes, Alexandre Lima, Ana Caudia Teodoro

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Geophysics And Geology Keywords: Antimony; exploration; reflectance spectroscopy; soil analysis; critical raw materials; deep learning; geology

Online: 26 February 2024 (11:43:43 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Preprint REVIEW | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1413.v1

Measuring Community Response to Noise - Factors Affecting the Results of Annoyance Surveys

Truls Gjestland

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: annoyance; survey; exposure-response function; response scales

Online: 26 February 2024 (11:39:51 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1414.v1

Combining Hydroacoustics Data with Landsat Images to Map Seagrass Cover and to Identify Spatial Pattern Predictors (Historically Low Rainfall, Benthic Topography and Hurricanes) of Long-Term Change (1984 to 2021) in a Jamaican Marine Protected Area

Kurt McLaren, Jasmine Sedman, Karen McIntyre, Kurt Prospere

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Remote Sensing Keywords: climate change; storms; submerged aquatic vegetation; random forest

Online: 26 February 2024 (11:35:43 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Supplementary Files| Share

Despite increased protection globally, climate change and other anthropogenic factors have caused a significant decline in seagrass cover. Identifying the specific causes of this decline is paramount if they are to be addressed. Therefore, we identified the causes of long-term change in seagrass/submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) percentage cover and extent in the Bluefields Bay Special Fish Conservation Area (BBSFCA), a marine protected area on Jamaica’s southern coast. We used two random forest regression (RFr) models that included 2013 hydroacoustic survey SAV percentage cover data (dependent variable), and auxiliary data, reflectance data from level 2 processed 2013 Landsat 7 and 8 images and image band texture statistics maps (mean and variance) as predictors to generate 24 SAV percentage cover maps for the period 1984 – 2021 (37 years) using data from Landsat 4-5, 7 and 8 images., from which benthic features maps (SAV present, absent and coral reef) were created. Rainfall and map data were used to determine if SAV extent/area (km2) and average percentage cover and annual rainfall changed significantly over time and to evaluate the influence of rainfall. Rainfall impact on the overall spatial patterns of SAV loss, gain, and percentage cover change was assessed using a pixel-based regression. Finally, the most important spatial pattern predictors (two rainfall proxies (distance and direction from river mouth), benthic topography, depth, and hurricane exposure (a measure of hurricane disturbance)) of SAV loss, gain, and percentage cover change during 23 successive 1-to-4-year periods were identified using spatial Bayesian INLA generalized linear mixed models. SAV area/extent was largely stable with > 70% mean percentage cover for multiple years. However, Hurricane Ivan (in 2004) caused a significant decline in SAV area/extent (by 1.62 km2, or a 13%) during 2002 – 2006 and a second hurricane (Dean) in 2007 delayed recovery until 2015. Additionally, rainfall declined significantly by >1000 mm since 1901, and mean monthly rainfall positively influenced SAV percentage cover change. The pixel-based regression highlighted areas where mean monthly rainfall had a positive overall effect on SAV cover percentage change (across the entire bay) and gain (closer to the mouth of a river). The most frequently selected important spatial pattern predictors were the two rainfall proxies (areas closer to the river mouth were more likely to experience SAV loss and gain) and depth, with shallow areas generally having a higher probability of SAV loss and gain. Three hurricanes had significant but different impacts depending on their distance from the southern coastline. Hurricane Gilbert, which made landfall in 1988, resulted in higher SAV percentage cover loss in 1987 - 1988. Benthic locations with a northwestern/northern facing aspect (the predominant direction of Ivan’s leading edge wind bands) experienced higher SAV losses during 2002 – 2006. Although some locations impacted by Ivan and not by Dean recovered during 2006 – 2008, exposure to Ivan explained percentage cover loss during 2006 – 2008 and average exposure to (the cumulative impact of) Ivan and Dean (both with tracks close to the southern coastline) explained SAV loss during 2013 – 2015. Therefore, despite historic lows in annual rainfall, overall, higher rainfall was beneficial, multiple hurricanes impacted the site, and despite two hurricanes in three years SAV recovered within a decade. Hurricanes and a further reduction in rainfall may pose a serious threat to SAV persistence in the future.

Preprint ARTICLE | doi:10.20944/preprints202402.1374.v1

Groundwater Potential Mapping in Semi-arid Region of Northern Nigeria by Integrating Analytic Hierarchy Process and GIS

Abdulmutallib Ahmad Saidu, Ali Aldrees, Salisu Danazumi, Sani Isah Abba

Subject: Environmental And Earth Sciences, Other Keywords: groundwater exploration; AHP; GIS; semi-arid environment; Kano; Nigeria

Online: 25 February 2024 (23:33:03 CET)

Show abstract| Download PDF| Share

Environmental and Earth Sciences