Review
Environmental Sciences
Praharsh S. Patel, Dishant M. Pandya, Manan Shah
Summary: Water is essential for drinking, irrigation, and industry. Poor groundwater quality caused by excessive fertilizer application and unhygienic circumstances has a direct impact on human health. To investigate water quality, various statistical methods are used, with Principal Component Analysis and Factor Analysis being the most widely explored techniques. This review paper discusses Multivariate Statistical Techniques and their significance in assessing water quality, providing a comprehensive table that showcases the methods, computational tools, water bodies, and regions involved.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Satendra Kumar, Abu Reza Md Towfiqul Islam, Md Hasanuzzaman, Roquia Salam, Rahat Khan, Md Saiful Islam
Summary: The study analyzed sediment and water samples from the Nakuvadra-Rakiraki River in Fiji, identifying high concentrations of heavy metals in sediment and pollution by lead, manganese, and copper. Sources of heavy metals in the sediment were identified as point, nonpoint, and lithological, while sources in water were geogenic and human-induced. The study provides valuable information for environmental management and pollution assessment in rivers globally.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Handan Aydin, Yalcin Tepe, Fikret Ustaoglu
Summary: Estuarine sediments along the southeast coast of the Black Sea were sampled seasonally to assess the concentrations, sources, distributions, and ecological risks of trace elements. The mean concentrations of trace elements were ranked as Fe>Al>Mn>Zn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni>Co>As>Cd>Hg. Stations S4 and S6 showed high contamination and ecological risks for Pb and Cd, while the rest of the stations had low to moderate contamination levels throughout all seasons. Integrated risk evaluation indices indicated no contamination at stations S3 and S5.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Geography, Physical
Kristen L. Underwood, Donna M. Rizzo, Mandar M. Dewoolkar, Michael Kline
Summary: Given limited resources for managing erosion hazards and water quality along rivers, stakeholders in water resource management could benefit from tools to identify river reaches prone to sediment loading. The Self-Organizing Map (SOM) is a useful tool for clustering multivariate observations and analyzing complex, nonlinear river systems. Through multiple stages of SOM application, we identified seven sediment regimes in river reaches based on stream geomorphic assessment data.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tao Xu, Huan Yu, Xia Qiu, Bo Kong, Qing Xiang, Xiaoyu Xu, Hao Fu
Summary: This study used digital image processing technology, self-organizing map (SOM), and multivariate statistical methods to investigate the spatial distribution and clustering patterns of gravels in the grassland of the northern Tibetan Plateau. The results showed that the morphological characteristics of gravels were similar in the northern and southern regions, with low coverage, small diameter, and elongated shape. The central region had high gravel coverage and larger diameter, mainly distributed in high-altitude plains. The study demonstrated that the combination of digital image processing technology and SOM can effectively analyze the spatial distribution of gravels, offering a new approach for gravel research.
JOURNAL OF ARID LAND
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhi-Min Zhang, Fei Zhang, Jing-Long Du, De-Chao Chen
Summary: This study evaluated the spatiotemporal variations in water quality for the Nanxi River in the Taihu watershed of China and identified potential sources of contamination using a water quality index (WQI) and multivariate statistical techniques. The results showed that most monitoring stations exhibited continuous improvement in water quality, and important parameters affecting spatial variations included pH, petroleum, volatile phenol, and others. Factor analysis identified four potential contamination source types.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shaojie Lv, Zongwen Zhang, Ning Sun, Zheming Shi, Jia Li, Shen Qu
Summary: Groundwater quality assessment is crucial for understanding the suitability of groundwater resources. This study proposed a method combining self-organizing map and entropy-based weight determining method to assess groundwater quality. The study classified sampling points into five clusters, indicating different sources of contamination. The results showed that groundwater affected by domestic sewage discharge sources had better quality compared to other sources in the study area.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sabina Licen, Aleksander Astel, Stefan Tsakovski
Summary: The evaluation of the spatial and temporal distribution of pollutants and the use of Self-Organizing Map (SOM) is crucial for assessing the anthropogenic burden on the environment. The SOM is an artificial neural network that can handle non-linear problems and is used for exploratory data analysis, pattern recognition, and variable relationship assessment. The review provides a description of the SOM operation principle, its application for obtaining pollution patterns, and advice for reporting and extracting valuable information from the model results.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Tariq Javed, Nasir Ahmad, Azhar Mashiatullah, Khalid Khan
Summary: The study found that the sediments of Kallar Kahar Lake contain significant amounts of organic carbon and heavy metals, indicating a high impact of climate change on the lake. The accumulation of heavy metals is mainly from anthropogenic and natural sources, which may have an impact on the lake's ecosystem. The research results present challenges for the protection and management of the lake's ecological environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shangshang Yang, Huiling Yuan, Li Dong
Summary: This study focuses on assessing the dependency of wind resources on weather regimes (WRs) in the South China Sea region by clustering atmospheric circulations. The results show that mesoscale WRs can effectively capture the variability in wind power production and influence different seasons. The study also evaluates wind power intermittency and complementarity under different WRs and suggests that coastal areas exhibit high complementarity during changeable atmosphere conditions.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Eylem Aydemir Cil, Arzu Aydin Uncumusaoglu, Seyda Fikirdesici Ergen, Pinar Gurbuzer
Summary: This study investigates the water and sediment quality, pollution status, and usability for living organisms in 10 stations in the Inalti cave. Concentrations of heavy metals and metalloid were determined and compared to limit values in Sediment Quality Guides. Cd and Ni were found to be of concern. The concentrations of metals in the water were ranked and considered to pose no environmental risk. The enrichment of Cd in the sediment was remarkable. Various statistical analyses were conducted to aid interpretation of the data.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Murat Kodat, Yalcin Tepe
Summary: A seasonal study conducted in Giresun Coast of the Black Sea evaluated the levels, sources, and potential ecological risks of heavy metals in coastal sediments. The results showed low to moderate pollution levels of most heavy metals, except for lead, iron, and copper, indicating low ecological risk.
Article
Engineering, Marine
Xinxing You, Taisei Kumazawa, Sho Ito, Ren Hattori, Hongyuan Yu, Daisuke Shiode, Fuxiang Hu
Summary: Experimental study on the impact of bottom sediment on warp tension in a bottom trawl net system reveals significant oscillation dependence on sediment type, leading to successful establishment of a neural network model for sediment classification.
Article
Automation & Control Systems
Dominik Olszewski
Summary: The study introduces an enhanced adaptive version of SOM that preserves input data structure and captures data scattering, which has been empirically proven to be superior to other data visualization techniques.
ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Snigdha Pundir, Vikash Kandari, Prashant Singh, Rakesh Singh, M. Aslam Siddique
Summary: This research assesses the groundwater quality in the Dehradun Valley of Uttarakhand, India, using geographical information system and multivariate statistical tools. The study found that the groundwater in the area is dominated by calcium-magnesium-bicarbonate hydro-chemical facies, influenced by the presence of limestone, dolomite, magnesite, and talc rock types. Some water sources showed signs of anthropogenic pollution and were deemed unfit for consumption. The study also discovered higher turbidity and iron concentration in certain sources, exceeding drinking water specifications.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Araceli Rodriguez-Romero, Javier R. Viguri, Piero Calosi
Summary: The marine environment is constantly being polluted by tens of thousands of anthropogenic chemicals and wastes, leading to a need for a deeper understanding of the effects on natural ecosystems. Current research often focuses on short-term responses to stressors, lacking an evolutionary perspective through multigenerational studies. Addressing whether marine organisms can acclimate or adapt to a rapidly changing chemical environment is crucial for accurately predicting the risks of pollution in the ocean.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
M. Baquero, E. Cifrian, L. Perez-Gandarillas, A. Andres
Summary: It is necessary to implement the separated collection and management of biowaste in European countries in the coming years. This study aims to develop a methodology to estimate biowaste generation at municipal level, taking into account regional characteristics, waste management practices, and socio-economic variables that define the level of rurality. Significant influence of socio-economic variables on biowaste generation is observed for rural municipalities, highlighting the importance of using models that can adapt to socio-economic changes in waste generation estimation.
WASTE AND BIOMASS VALORIZATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katty Coral Carrillo, Araceli Rodriguez-Romero, Antonio Tovar-Sanchez, Gema Ruiz-Gutierrez, Javier R. Viguri Fuente
Summary: This study estimates the baseline of heavy metal pollution in sediments of Limoncocha lagoon and applies single and integrated pollution indices to assess contamination levels and ecological risks. Nickel, zinc, and copper are identified as priority pollutants with a moderate pollution level and medium-low risk level.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guillermo Diaz-Sainz, Manuel Alvarez-Guerra, Angel Irabien
Summary: This study investigates a novel configuration using a filter press reactor in a continuous mode for the electroreduction of CO2 to formate. By using a Sustainion anion exchange membrane, the configuration can operate at current densities up to 600 mA cm(-2). Although a more diluted product is obtained, excellent Faradaic Efficiency can be achieved at high current densities.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ivan Salas, Eva Cifrian, Ana Andres, Javier R. Viguri
Summary: Circular economy promotes the use of waste materials in new production processes to improve resource efficiency. The construction sector, especially the fired clay industry, can incorporate large amounts of waste without altering product properties significantly. Studies show that the key parameters affecting the properties of ceramic products with industrial waste incorporation are the type of clay and firing temperature.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Juan Dacuba, Tamara Llano, Eva Cifrian, Ana Andres
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of using coal fly-ash/clay-based geopolymers for the solidification/stabilization (S/S) of acid waste prior to landfill disposal. Different variables and activators were studied, and the technical and environmental assessments of the S/S process were monitored. By optimizing the parameters, high immobilization efficiencies for Cd and Zn were achieved, but the leaching of As increased.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juan Dacuba, Eva Cifrian, Maximina Romero, Tamara Llano, Ana Andres
Summary: The incorporation of fly ash in fired clay bricks contributes to cleaner production practices. This study investigates the impact of two types of fly ash with different unburned carbon content on the technical and environmental aspects of clay bricks. The results show that the properties of the bricks are acceptable when certain percentages of fly ash are used.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Araceli Rodriguez-Romero, Gema Ruiz-Gutierrez, Amandine Gaudron, Berta Galan Corta, Antonio Tovar-Sanchez, Javier R. Viguri Fuente
Summary: This study proposes a mathematical model to explain the kinetic pattern and bioaccumulation of Zn in clams caused by sunscreen colloidal residues. The results show that sunscreen has adverse effects in the marine environment.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Catia Azenha, Cecilia Mateos-Pedrero, Manuel Alvarez-Guerra, Angel Irabien, Adelio Mendes
Summary: A series of CuBi catalysts with different Bi loadings were prepared and tested for the electrochemical reduction of CO2. Two catalysts showed remarkable selectivity, one for formate production and the other for propane production. The superior catalytic behavior can be attributed to the presence of different CO2 adsorption sites on the catalyst surface.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jorge Santos, Eva Cifrian, Araceli Rodriguez-Romero, Adrian I. Yoris-Nobile, Elena Blanco-Fernandez, Daniel Castro-Fresno, Ana Andres
Summary: This study assessed the environmental impact of alternative mortars proposed as artificial reef materials. The results showed low environmental acceptability for mortars containing shell sand in both bioassays, possibly due to the degradation of organic matter on the shells. In contrast, cement mortars performed better than geopolymer mortars, regardless of the aggregate used, showing consistency with leaching behavior and presenting the lowest mobility of trace chemical elements. Therefore, the results support the environmental acceptability of using these mortars as alternative materials in artificial reef production.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Katty Coral-Carrillo, Gema Ruiz-Gutierrez, Jose Gomez-Arozamena, Javier R. Viguri
Summary: The aim of this study is to analyze the recent sedimentation rate in the center of the Limoncocha lagoon, a Ramsar site in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and identify potentially toxic elements using the Pb-210 dating method. The study reveals slight pollution of trace elements, mainly As and Mo, and Cu, Ba, Cd, Ni, and Pb to a lesser extent. The integrated indices classify the sediment core as without potential risk, despite the mixture of potential contamination sources.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
M. Baquero, E. Cifrian, J. R. Viguri, A. Andres
Summary: The methodology for calculating food waste (FW) is of great importance in Europe. The European Commission has established a common methodology and minimum quality requirements for measurement. While these guidelines represent a significant advancement, there are still unresolved issues regarding the definition of flows, the stages of the Food Supply Chain (FSC) considered, and the measurement methodology based on resource availability. This study aims to analyze the implications of these approaches on FW ratios, using 109 ratios from different European frameworks obtained through a literature review. Among these factors, the stages of the FSC considered and the measurement methodology are highlighted as factors influencing the results. Direct methods provide more accurate values, while indirect methods tend to overestimate the generation. A significant result is the creation of a superstructure that collects the different approaches used in FW generation ratios, serving as a benchmarking tool.
RESOURCES CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kevin Fernandez-Caso, Ailen Pena-Rodriquez, Jose Solla-Gullon, Vicente Montiel, Guillermo Diaz-Sainz, Manuel Alvarez-Guerra, Angel Irabien
Summary: CO2 electroreduction is a promising way to reduce CO2 emissions and produce valuable products. This study explores the coupling of CO2 electroreduction to formate with glycerol electrooxidation to high-added value products. The results show significant progress in both cathodic formate production and anodic dihydroxyacetone production.
JOURNAL OF CO2 UTILIZATION
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Kevin Fernandez-Caso, Guillermo Diaz-Sainz, Manuel Alvarez-Guerra, Angel Irabien
Summary: The study of electrochemical CO2 reduction for obtaining formate (HCOO-) or formic acid (HCOOH) has gained significant attention as a promising technology. Recent years have seen an increase in research approaches focusing on continuous-mode operation for practical implementation. This Focus Review provides a comprehensive discussion of studies on continuous electroreduction of CO2 to HCOO-/HCOOH, considering different process design features and assessing their performance, including energy consumption.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
J. Santos, A. Rodriguez-Romero, E. Cifrian, J. M. Chimenos, A. Maldonado-Alameda, A. Andres
Summary: New cement-based materials, such as alkali-activated binders or geopolymers, allow the inclusion of waste or industrial by-products, offering an interesting method of valorization. However, their potential environmental and health impacts on marine ecosystems have not been adequately assessed.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)