Applied Sciences

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15 pages, 9356 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioremediation of Oil Contaminated Soil and Restoration of Land Historically Polluted with Oil Products in the Agricultural Circuit in the Plain and Western Hills, Romania

by Radu Brejea, Mădălina Boroș, Sanda Roșca, Jude Eugen Traian, Ruben Budău, Ioana Maria Borza and Ioan Păcurar

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(18), 10245; https://doi.org/10.3390/app131810245 - 12 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1625

Abstract

Oil contamination in soil from a variety of sources, including accidental leaks, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal, involves disrupting ecosystems, contaminating water, harming human health, and diminishing agricultural productivity. Bioremediation is becoming the most important method accepted as a treatment for hydrocarbon-polluted [...] Read more.

Oil contamination in soil from a variety of sources, including accidental leaks, industrial activities, and improper waste disposal, involves disrupting ecosystems, contaminating water, harming human health, and diminishing agricultural productivity. Bioremediation is becoming the most important method accepted as a treatment for hydrocarbon-polluted soil using indigenous microbial flora, which aims to restore soils to their pre-hydrocarbon pollution characteristics. We will follow in our article to give some examples of good practices for bioremediation of oil-polluted soils in some sites in NE Romania. In a first step, all the oil extraction wells in NW Romania were mapped, both those in operation and those abandoned, reaching 695 wells. For 7 case studies, soil profiles were taken from the vicinity of the well column and from points close to it located in the well casing, for which the concentration of total petroleum hydrocarbons was determined. Using GIS spatial interpolation techniques, the theoretical concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in the soil was determined. The polluted soil was transported to the bioremediation station, where it was exposed to bioremediation procedures, and the period and duration until the soil was brought to the accepted parameters in terms of allowable concentrations were analysed. The time required varies between 17 and 36 weeks needed for bioremediation. Following practical applications, it can be concluded that the time required for bioremediation is directly dependent on the initial concentration of pollutants and the number of chemical and physical interventions applied to the soil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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34 pages, 29278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Modeling through GIS Analysis of Flood Risk and Related Financial Vulnerability: Case Study: Turcu River, Romania

by Septimius Trif, Ștefan Bilașco, Dănuț Petrea, Sanda Roșca, Ioan Fodorean and Iuliu Vescan

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(17), 9869; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13179869 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1163

Abstract

The present study is part of the context in which Romania adopted the European Parliament Directive 2007/60/EC on flood risk assessment and management. Therefore, the aim of this research is to assess the risk induced by a hydrological hazard, expressed by a financial [...] Read more.

The present study is part of the context in which Romania adopted the European Parliament Directive 2007/60/EC on flood risk assessment and management. Therefore, the aim of this research is to assess the risk induced by a hydrological hazard, expressed by a financial value estimation, for the Turcu River in the northern sector of the Bran–Dragoslavele transcarpathian corridor (Romania), an important tourist axis where the pressure on land has increased considerably. As a result, the intra-village areas of Moieciu de Sus, Cheia, Moieciu de Jos, Bran and Tohanu Nou have also expanded into areas vulnerable to flooding. There are currently no studies on the areas potentially affected as well as the extent of the possible damage. For this reason, we proceeded to model the water level corresponding to the maximum flow value with a probability exceeding 1%, using HEC-RAS and ArcGIS software. The results of the implementation of the spatial analysis model resulted in the delineation of the floodplain and the assessment of the potential financial loss related to the minimum market value of the land with the related real estate infrastructures. The research reveals that in the 1% band area (78.7841 ha) with water depth > 0.5 m, more than 433 infrastructures are at high risk of flooding, most of them with high real estate value, i.e., 5.61 km of roads for which a cost of EUR 3,402,666.90 was calculated for restoration. A knowledge of financial vulnerability to flooding becomes important for the community; local authorities involved in making decisions for insuring real estate at risk and planning/managing investments work to prevent/combat the effects of flooding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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19 pages, 4408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Erosion Assessment Using the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow Model by Estimating Sediment Yield: Case Study in River Basins with Different Characteristics from Cluj County, Romania

by Paul Sestras, Sevastel Mircea, Sorin M. Cîmpeanu, Razvan Teodorescu, Sanda Roșca, Ștefan Bilașco, Teodor Rusu, Tudor Salagean, Lucian Octavian Dragomir, Rastko Marković and Velibor Spalević

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(16), 9481; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13169481 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1234

Abstract

As the fertile topsoil is constantly washed away and agricultural production is decreased, soil erosion is a serious environmental issue that affects the entire planet. All river basins experience changes in land use that affect sediment dynamics, soil erodibility, and hydrologic response. The [...] Read more.

As the fertile topsoil is constantly washed away and agricultural production is decreased, soil erosion is a serious environmental issue that affects the entire planet. All river basins experience changes in land use that affect sediment dynamics, soil erodibility, and hydrologic response. The main reason for the faster erosion rates is frequently attributed to those alterations. In the current study, the Intensity of Erosion and Outflow (IntErO) model was used to estimate the sediment yield and maximum outflow from three river basins in Cluj County, Transylvania, Romania. Because the county is hilly and has significant erosion issues, it is essential to have a solid understanding of how soil erosion occurs in river basins. This will allow for more precise planning of soil conservation projects and will allow for more effective management of the severity of the erosion processes. The IntErO model offers quick, efficient, and feasible insight into how changing land use affects soil erosion processes. The testing of the procedures that have been put into place is an essential component of the ongoing development of watershed management strategies at the regional level. The relief characteristics and predominant land use of the three selected prototype river basins significantly influenced the resulting real soil losses. The application of the IntErO model in assessing soil erosion rates in the Transylvanian hills represents a novel approach. The findings of this study hold potential for informing policymakers in the formulation of more robust regulations pertaining to soil and water conservation. Consequently, the implementation of such measures is expected to contribute to the safeguarding of river basin soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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16 pages, 15895 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Method for Turning a Single Low-Cost Cube into a Reference Target for Point Cloud Registration

by Ting On Chan, Linyuan Xia, Derek D. Lichti, Xuanqi Wang, Xiong Peng, Yuezhen Cai and Ming Ho Li

Appl. Sci. 2023, 13(3), 1306; https://doi.org/10.3390/app13031306 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1165

Abstract

Target-based point cloud registration methods are still widely used by many laser scanning professionals due to their direct and manipulable nature. However, placing and moving multiple targets such as spheres for registration is a time-consuming and tactical process. When the number of scans [...] Read more.

Target-based point cloud registration methods are still widely used by many laser scanning professionals due to their direct and manipulable nature. However, placing and moving multiple targets such as spheres for registration is a time-consuming and tactical process. When the number of scans gets large, the time and labor costs will accumulate to a high level. In this paper, we propose a flexible registration method that requires the installation of only a low-cost cubical target: a die-like object. The method includes virtual coordinate system construction and two error compensation techniques, in which the non-orthogonality of the scanned facets, along with the unknown sizes of the dice are estimated based on projection geometry and cubical constraints so that three pairs of conjugate points can be accurately identified along the axes of the constructed coordinate systems for the registration. No scan overlap of the facet is needed. Two different low-cost dice (with a volume of 0.125 m³ and 0.027 m³) were used for verifying the proposed method, which shows that the proposed method delivers registration accuracy (with an RMSE discrepancy of less than 0.5 mm for check planes) comparable to the traditional sphere- based method using four to six spherical targets spanning the scene. Therefore, the proposed method is particularly useful for registering point clouds in harsh scanning environments with limited target-setting space and high chances of target interruption. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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24 pages, 3852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Integrated Assessment of Degraded Tourist Geomorphosites to Develop Sustainable Tourism: A Case Study of Grădina Zmeilor Geomorphosite, North-West Region, Romania

by Paula Minerva Codrea, Ștefan Bilașco, Sanda Roșca, Ioan-Aurel Irimuș, Vescan Iuliu, Raularian Rusu, Ioan Fodorean and Paul Sestras

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(19), 9816; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12199816 - 29 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1279

Abstract

Most of the natural geomorphosites represent main attractions that have a high tourism potential and need great care in terms of their capitalization. The irrational tourism capitalization of the geomorphosites may lead to their degradation because of the lack of proper tourism infrastructure [...] Read more.

Most of the natural geomorphosites represent main attractions that have a high tourism potential and need great care in terms of their capitalization. The irrational tourism capitalization of the geomorphosites may lead to their degradation because of the lack of proper tourism infrastructure and the practice of random and uncontrolled tourism. The reintroduction in the tourism circuit of such geomorphological structures that have a high landscape and scientific value claims, first of all, the assessment of the current state of degradation and the drawing up of sustainable development proposals from a geomorphological point of view. This study deals mainly with the assessment of a geomorphosite (Grădina Zmeilor Geomorphosite, North-West Region, Romania), using a complex methodology, which is based on the identification of criteria influencing the tourism development of the geomorphosite, and their analysis by means of qualitative points given according to the impact of each criterion. A total of 17 criteria have been therefore identified. They are structured along four levels of analysis which are integrated in the form of spatial analysis based on weighted average, and highlight the overall value of the analysed geomorphosite. By implementing the methodology in the proposed research, a total value of 0.29 has been obtained in an interval between 0 and 1. This value underlines the high degree of degradation of the geomorphosite. The planning proposals have the main purpose of increasing the overall value of the geomorphosite by providing sustainability in its capitalization. To achieve this, proposals have been made to mitigate the shortcomings for a total of four criteria. The overall value of the geomorphosite has been recalculated, resulting a significant increase of the value (0.33), highlighting the impact of the implementation of these proposals in practice for the development of the geomorphosite and the increase of its level of tourism attractiveness. The introduction of this objective on the tourist map, following the application of the suggestions proposed in this paper, can lead to favorable economic development both at the local and regional level. This analysis model can also be applied to other geomorphists facing the problem of degradation and involution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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21 pages, 6140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

User-Centered Design as a Method for Engaging Users in the Development of Geovisualization: A Use Case of Temperature Visualization

by Jelena Nakić, Ivana Nižetić Kosović and Ana Franić

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8754; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12178754 - 31 Aug 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1806

Abstract

Visualization of geographic data is part of many widely used solutions that aim to communicate the information to the end user. Effective visualizations are those that are tailored to a specific group of users and their tasks, as well as to specific properties [...] Read more.

Visualization of geographic data is part of many widely used solutions that aim to communicate the information to the end user. Effective visualizations are those that are tailored to a specific group of users and their tasks, as well as to specific properties of the data. Usability is a key concept for such solutions, and the most effective way to achieve high usability is to incorporate user-centered design (UCD) into the development process. In visualization, data are often coded by colors, so the choice of color schemes and color range is critical to enable the reverse mapping of colors to data. In this paper, we present a method for integrating the principles of UCD into the development process. In doing so, we use a case involving the selection of the most appropriate color scheme and associated parameters for representing temperature values on geographic maps. The method described is suitable for use in UCD-based research related to the visualization of various types of data and is useful for researchers and developers of geovisualizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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19 pages, 9397 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Land Cover Mapping Using GIS and Remote Sensing Databases for Al Baha Region Saudi Arabia

by Raid Yahia Shrahily, Mohammad Ambarak Alsharif, Babikir Ahmed Mobarak and Abdulrhman Ali Alzandi

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(16), 8115; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12168115 - 13 Aug 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2596

Abstract

Land cover assessment plays a vital role in both current and future planning and use of natural resources for sustainable development for any country. For the good practice of the vision 2030 in Al Baha region (south-western Saudi Arabia), land cover was assessed, [...] Read more.

Land cover assessment plays a vital role in both current and future planning and use of natural resources for sustainable development for any country. For the good practice of the vision 2030 in Al Baha region (south-western Saudi Arabia), land cover was assessed, classified, and analyzed using remote sensing databases and time series analysis combined with spatial analysis in geographic information system (GIS) based on high-resolution Landsat 8 OLI, Sentinel-2 satellite imagery between the period of study 2017/2018 and 2021/2022. Based on both an accuracy assessment and kappa test, the results indicate that Esri Sentinel-2 imagery gives the highest performance compared to Landsat 8 OLI with accuracy and kappa test equal to 87% and 84%, respectively. On the other hand, the land cover classification revealed that the large area of water bodies is localized on Alaqiq (1.45 km²), Baljurish (0.94 km²), and Elmelkhwah (1.57 km²). Furthermore, the built area of the Al Baha region between 2017 and 2021 was estimated to increase by 144 km² (from 516.5 to 661.07 km²), which is especially significant for the Qelwah district (from 16.97 to 44.16 km²) which demonstrated a decrease in bare ground area of approximately 320 km². The crop lands have been increased by 162.74% in the 2017–2021 period from 10.39 km² to 16.90 km², particularly at Qelwah and Elmelkhwah. Finally, the results obtained by this research can help decision-makers and managers for better natural resources management in the Al Baha region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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15 pages, 719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interactive Visualization of Geographic Vector Big Data Based on Viewport Generalization Model

by Luo Chen, Zebang Liu and Mengyu Ma

Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(15), 7710; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12157710 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1373

Abstract

The visualization of geographic vector data is an important premise for spatial analysis and spatial cognition. Traditional geographic vector data visualization methods are data-driven, and their computational costs have increased rapidly with the growth of the scale of data used. Even if the [...] Read more.

The visualization of geographic vector data is an important premise for spatial analysis and spatial cognition. Traditional geographic vector data visualization methods are data-driven, and their computational costs have increased rapidly with the growth of the scale of data used. Even if the distributed parallel strategy is used, it is still difficult to achieve a real-time response when dealing with big geographic vector data (BGVD). To solve this problem, this paper proposes a viewport generalization model and a visualization method for the online interactive visualization of BGVD. The method takes the viewport display pixel as the analysis unit and synthesizes the existence or quantity results of geographic vector data in the corresponding spatial range of each viewport display pixel into the display value of this display pixel; thus, it converts traditional computational complexity, dependent on the data scale, into computational complexity dependent on the number of pixels in the viewport. When the number of pixels in the viewport is much smaller than that of the geographic vector data, the visualization efficiency is greatly improved. In order to realize the above conversion, the pixel quadtree index (VPQ) structure and the real-time visualization algorithm of geographic vector data based on VPQ are proposed. Experiments show that the proposed method can achieve the near-real-time interactive visualization of BGVD, and provides more than a tenfold performance improvement over the best existing methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Geospatial Data Acquisition, Tools and Applications in Interdisciplinary Research)

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