Article
Environmental Sciences
Marie Collard, Louise Camenzuli, Delina Lyon, David Saunders, Nathalie Vallotton, Pippa Curtis-Jackson
Summary: The Chemical Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) aims to protect drinking water resources from chemical pollution. The German Environment Agency (UBA) proposed the Persistent and Mobile (PM) concept to identify potential pollutants based on their degradation potential and transport velocity. However, the reassessment of experimental data showed that the PM concept does not accurately predict the presence or level of contamination in surface or groundwater. Regulations based on the PM concept may not effectively identify substances of concern for drinking water sources. The development of specific exposure models would be more beneficial for the protection of drinking water resources and consumers.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lin Zhang, Guan-Qi Zheng, Xue-Lian Chen, Shuai-Qi Guo, Fu-Rong Zeng, Bo-Wen Liu, Xiao-Liang Zeng, Xin-Sheng Lan, Yu-Zhong Wang, Hai-Bo Zhao
Summary: This study demonstrates a smart-puffing transparent flexible phosphite-protonated siloxane (PSiP) material that exhibits excellent fire protection, high-temperature insulation, antibacterial, antimold, and self-healing properties. A one-step method is developed to create microporous PSiP using (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane and phosphite via hydrophilic-hydrophobic interaction-driven self-assembly. PSiP employs an intelligent thermal-responsive self-puffing behavior to achieve high-temperature insulation, effectively blocking 87.8% of 1400°C heat. The unique dynamic phosphite-protonated siloxane network in PSiP with high transparency affords self-healing ability as well as potent defense against fire and bacteria. This finding opens up a new avenue for developing transparent, flexible, and high-performance multihazard protective materials with potential applications in buildings, windshields, electronics, and beyond.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Kezhen Rong, Minglei Fu, Yangyang Huang, Ming Zhang, Lejin Zheng, Jianfeng Zheng, Miklas Scholz, Zaher Mundher Yaseen
Summary: This study proposes an unsupervised clustering method based on a graph neural network for partitioning a water distribution network. The method uses graph attention technology to update node features and a neural network to cluster nodes. The proposed method optimizes the similarity between nodes in each area, balances the total water demand between areas, and calculates the importance of boundary pipes. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms traditional clustering methods, reducing location differences (LocDiffs) by 6% and total demand differences (DemDiffs) by 55%.
APPLIED WATER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Federico Spizzo, Giovanni Venaruzzo, Matteo Nicolini, Daniele Goi
Summary: Water Distribution Network Partitioning (WDNP) is an effective strategy to improve network management by dividing the existing water distribution network (WDN) into smaller and more homogeneous District Metered Areas (DMAs). The partitioning can be achieved physically by closing pipes or virtually by installing flow meters. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages in terms of network performance and investment cost. This study presents an optimization approach using complex network theory and genetic algorithms (GA) to determine the optimal DMA configuration in terms of cost and network performance.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Diana Fiorillo, Zoran Kapelan, Maria Xenochristou, Francesco De Paola, Maurizio Giugni
Summary: This paper introduces a novel methodology to quantify the impact of climate change on water demand by establishing a link between weather variables and water demand. The study shows that total district water demand in Naples may increase by 9-10% during the weeks with the highest temperatures, with employed users with high education experiencing a larger increase of 13-15%.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Huibin Jia, Chuan Liu, Yonghe Gai, Jing Ma
Summary: This study aims to optimize the partitioning and optical CL placement of WAPS in order to minimize construction costs and ensure reliable real-time data transmission. The optical CL scheme is a crucial factor that significantly influences the partitioning of WAPS.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER DELIVERY
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xuan Khoa Bui, Doosun Kang
Summary: The functionality of water distribution networks (WDNs) is crucial for the sustainable development of cities and society. This study proposes a new approach that combines the optimal booster pump installation and the design of district metered area (DMA) configuration to optimize operation cost and hydraulic performance. The results show improved hydraulic performance and reduced operation costs compared to traditional pump configurations. This methodology provides a way to select suitable pumping configurations for DMA design and operation in WDNs.
SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Iolanda Borzi
Summary: This study proposes an approach based on sustainability indices to evaluate the improvement of water distribution network (WDN) pressure performances after network partitioning. The results show that pressure sustainability has improved through partitioning into district zones and the introduction of pressure regulating valves (PRV), with districts having greater altitude differences benefiting more.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hua Zhou, Youfei Liu, Huaqi Yao, Tingchao Yu, Yu Shao
Summary: In recent years, District Metered Area (DMA) has become a major development trend in water leakage control for its significant value in active leakage control and pressure management. This study evaluates two DMA partitioning methods (Scheme A and B) and compares their performances in terms of economy, water quality, and leakage control. It finds that Scheme A is more economical, while Scheme B performs better in terms of water quality and leakage control.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiao Zhou, Shuming Liu, Weirong Xu, Kunlun Xin, Yipeng Wu, Fanlin Meng
Summary: This paper proposes a graph-based head reconstruction method for estimating unknown nodal heads in water distribution networks (WDNs). By quantifying the similarity of adjacent nodal heads, the method enhances the accuracy of reconstruction. Experimental results show that the method has lower parameter requirements and better accuracy compared to traditional data interpolation methods.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Jeremy D. Wendt, Richard Field, Cynthia Phillips, Arvind Prasadan, Tegan Wilson, Sucheta Soundarajan, Sanjukta Bhowmick
Summary: EASEE is a method for partitioning streaming communication data into static graph snapshots. It uses combinatorial statistical models to adaptively find stable snapshots and detects significant data shifts for new snapshots. We demonstrate the effectiveness of EASEE on multiple real-world and synthetic datasets.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NETWORK SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Tianwei Mu, Manhong Huang, Shi Tang, Rui Zhang, Gang Chen, Baiyi Jiang
Summary: A novel sensor placement model is proposed to evenly distribute sensors in water distribution systems for leakages and contamination monitoring. The model utilizes random walk community detection to divide the systems into different partitions, and employs extended period leakage detection and extended period water quality detection models to optimize the sensor placement. Experimental results show that the model achieves a leakage and intrusion detection rate of up to 85% and an average clean water percentage of 0.9 in the tested networks.
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Rachad Atat, Muhammad Ismail, Erchin Serpedin
Summary: In this paper, the concept of joint partitioning is used to mitigate the risk of large-scale cascading failure in the power grid and communication network. By identifying the most vulnerable typed-graphlets and creating higher-order partitions, the propagation of cascading failures is prevented. The problem of partitioning the interdependent system is formulated as a large-scale optimization problem, which is solved using Benders' method. Simulations show that optimal partitioning results in an average decrease of 62% in damage.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON SMART GRID
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Francesco Santonastaso, Armando Di Nardo, Enrico Creaco, Dino Musmarra, Roberto Greco
Summary: The paper explores three different approaches to locate quality detection points in a water distribution network (WDN): empiricism, optimization, and topology. While the empirical approach commonly used is found to be unsatisfactory, the optimization-based approach, though more effective, is challenging due to its requirement of a calibrated hydraulic model. The topological approach, on the other hand, proves to be effective and easy to adopt for water utilities, as it does not require hydraulic information and simulation, making it a simpler alternative to the optimization-based approach.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maha Driss, Wadii Boulila, Haithem Mezni, Mokhtar Sellami, Safa Ben Atitallah, Nouf Alharbi
Summary: Accessing safe water and using it properly are crucial for human well-being, sustainable development, and environmental conservation. However, the increasing gap between human demands and available freshwater resources has led to water scarcity, impacting agricultural and industrial efficiency and causing social and economic issues. To address the uncertainty issues in water measurements, we propose combining network representation learning with uncertainty handling methods to ensure rigorous and efficient modeling management of water resources.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Pasquale Marino, Giovanni Francesco Santonastaso, Xuanmei Fan, Roberto Greco
Summary: The study focuses on the triggering mechanism of shallow landslides on slopes covered with unsaturated shallow pyroclastic deposits in the mountains around Naples. It suggests that the temporary storage of water in a perched aquifer in the fractured bedrock may affect slope drainage, leading to landslide predisposing conditions. Physically based modeling indicates that different responses of soil and aquifer to precipitation, influenced by antecedent conditions, can play a key role in landslide triggering.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giovanni Francesco Santonastaso, Armando Di Nardo, Enrico Creaco, Dino Musmarra, Roberto Greco
Summary: The paper explores three different approaches to locate quality detection points in a water distribution network (WDN): empiricism, optimization, and topology. While the empirical approach commonly used is found to be unsatisfactory, the optimization-based approach, though more effective, is challenging due to its requirement of a calibrated hydraulic model. The topological approach, on the other hand, proves to be effective and easy to adopt for water utilities, as it does not require hydraulic information and simulation, making it a simpler alternative to the optimization-based approach.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ali Ghamari, Seyed Majid Amini, Carmen De Crescenzo, Dino Musmarra
Summary: This paper investigates extended end-plate connections equipped with shape memory alloy bolts. A hybrid connection, using shape memory alloy bolts for the outer rows and conventional HSS bolts for the remaining rows, improves the energy absorption capability. Conventional and hybrid connections have better energy absorption capabilities compared to shape memory alloy connections. Increasing pre-stressing over 50% f(y) has no significant effect on the cyclic performance of connections.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INSTITUTION OF CIVIL ENGINEERS-STRUCTURES AND BUILDINGS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Industrial
Carlo Giudicianni, Manuel Herrera, Armando Di Nardo, Gabriele Oliva, Antonio Scala
Summary: Real-time monitoring and control of critical infrastructure is crucial for cities today, with shortest paths playing a pivotal role in decision making for public services. This study proposes a method to speed up the computation of shortest paths in a water distribution system, showing a significant reduction in computational time.
RELIABILITY ENGINEERING & SYSTEM SAFETY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Armando Di Nardo, Dominic L. Boccelli, Manuel Herrera, Enrico Creaco, Andrea Cominola, Robert Sitzenfrei, Riccardo Taormina
Article
Environmental Sciences
I Bortone, G. Santonastaso, A. Erto, S. Chianese, A. Di Nardo, D. Musmarra
Summary: The removal of groundwater contamination is a complex process due to various factors, and recent efforts have been focusing on more sustainable treatment methods. A new remediation technology called In-DRAIN-TREAT, which combines advanced drainage systems with adsorption processes, has shown high efficiency in treating contaminated groundwater.
Editorial Material
Environmental Sciences
Armando Di Nardo, Enrico Creaco, Vasiliki Manakou, Dino Musmarra, Michele Prevost
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Roberto Greco, Luca Comegna, Emilia Damiano, Pasquale Marino, Lucio Olivares, Giovanni Francesco Santonastaso
Summary: This study analyzes the predisposing factors of rainfall-induced shallow landslides occurring along slopes of mountains around the city of Naples, comparing the impacts of two intense storms in 1999 and 2019. By simulating the response of the slopes to rainfall with a mathematical model, it is found that storm duration and antecedent precipitation are the main reasons for the different responses of slopes. The results provide insights for the interpretation of landslides in the area during late autumn to early winter.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Giuseppe Mazziotti di Celso, Marina Prisciandaro, Despina Karatza, Dino Musmarra, Amedeo Lancia
Summary: This study investigates the impact of leucine on the crystallization of calcium carbonate. The experimental results show that leucine promotes the precipitation of calcium carbonate, especially at higher concentrations. Additionally, the measured interfacial tension values support these findings.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
C. Giudicianni, M. Herrera, A. Di Nardo, E. Creaco, R. Greco
Summary: This paper aims to address three issues in the optimal placement of water quality sensors for protecting water distribution systems. The proposed method restricts optimization to important pipes, introduces dummy nodes, and uses a multi-criteria decision-making tool to select effective sensor locations. The method is tested on the water distribution system of Parete, Italy, showing positive results.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Enrico Creaco, Armando Di Nardo, Michele Iervolino, Giovanni Santonastaso
Summary: This paper presents a novel algorithm that improves the modeling of water distribution networks, with enhanced convergence and robustness. The algorithm increases the order of convergence by evaluating system matrices in a more refined way. Application on case studies shows that the algorithm reduces the number of iterations and computation times.
JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pasquale Iovino, Angelo Fenti, Simona Galoppo, Mohammad Saleh Najafinejad, Simeone Chianese, Dino Musmarra
Summary: In recent years, various industries have been releasing large amounts of saline wastewater into the environment. This study investigated the electrochemical removal of nitrogen compounds from synthetic saline wastewater using a laboratory-scale experimental reactor. The experiments examined the effects of operational parameters, such as electrolyte composition and concentration, applied current intensity, and initial ammoniacal nitrogen concentration, on the efficiency of total nitrogen removal. The results showed that using NaCl as the electrolyte resulted in higher total nitrogen removal than Na2SO4 and NaClO4, but increasing the initial NaCl concentration above 250 mg/L did not improve the removal efficiency. Increasing the current intensity from 0.05 A to 0.15 A improved the removal efficiency, but further increasing it to 0.25 A did not enhance the efficiency. Lower initial ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations led to higher removal efficiency. The highest total nitrogen removal (approximately 75%) was achieved after 90 minutes of treatment with a NaCl concentration of 250 mg/L, an applied current intensity of 0.15 A, and an initial ammoniacal nitrogen concentration of 13 mg/L. The proposed nitrogen degradation mechanism assumed a series-parallel reaction system with NH4+ in equilibrium with NH3 as the first step. The nitrogen molar balance showed that the main product of nitrogen oxidation was N-2, but NO3- was also detected. Overall, electrochemical treatment shows promise for the removal of nitrogen compounds from saline wastewater.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammad Saleh Najafinejad, Simeone Chianese, Angelo Fenti, Pasquale Iovino, Dino Musmarra
Summary: In recent years, the discharge of emerging pollutants in water and wastewater has become a significant human problem. Water pollution poses potential risks to human health and the environment, and efficient methods are needed to remove contaminants. Electrochemical oxidation (EO) is a commonly used method for removing persistent pollutants from wastewater, but there are still gaps in knowledge regarding the process and costs. This paper discusses the impact of operational parameters on EO performance, compares different electrochemical reactor configurations, analyzes cost and energy consumption, and explores the combination of EO with photocatalysis. The study highlights the importance of optimizing operating conditions and developing innovative approaches to address water pollution.
