Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings

13 pages, 1624 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Granger Causality Analysis of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters

by Wong Yee Ping, Zulkifli Abd Rais, Norazrin Ramli, Norazian Mohamed Noor, Ahmad Zia Ul-Saufie, Hazrul Abdul Hamid and Mohd Khairul Nizam Mahmad

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 33(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025033006 - 6 Mar 2025

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between air pollutants (PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, O₃, CO) and meteorological parameters (wind speed, relative humidity, ambient temperature) across urban, suburban, and industrial areas in Malaysia from 2017 to 2021. Using [...] Read more.

This study investigated the relationships between air pollutants (PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, O₃, CO) and meteorological parameters (wind speed, relative humidity, ambient temperature) across urban, suburban, and industrial areas in Malaysia from 2017 to 2021. Using data from six monitoring stations, this research employed descriptive analysis, trend analysis, and Granger causality testing to uncover complex interactions. The results revealed distinct patterns: suburban areas showed strong ambient temperature-ozone (p-value = 0.0063) and relative humidity–nitrogen dioxide relationships (p-value = 0.0411); industrial zones exhibited bidirectional causality between SO₂ and PM₁₀ and had a strong nitrogen dioxide–PM₁₀ relationship (p-value = 0.0292); urban areas exhibited complex multi-pollutant interactions. Notably, the 2020 Movement Control Order significantly improved air quality. This research provides crucial insights for targeted air quality management strategies, contributing to public health improvements and aligning with global sustainability goals. Full article

10 pages, 236 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Exploration of Forest Resources by Both Humans and Butterflies—A Case Study on Utilization of Medicinal Plants as Larval Resource by Nymphalinae Butterflies

by Panchali Sengupta

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2024, 31(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2024031017 - 4 Mar 2025

Abstract

India is renowned for its rich medico-cultural heritage. The chemical constituents of medicinally significant plants form the basis of host plant identification by butterflies. The documentation of such therapeutically significant food plants of nymphalinae butterflies (Family: Nymphalidae) along with the recognition of their [...] Read more.

India is renowned for its rich medico-cultural heritage. The chemical constituents of medicinally significant plants form the basis of host plant identification by butterflies. The documentation of such therapeutically significant food plants of nymphalinae butterflies (Family: Nymphalidae) along with the recognition of their medicinal potential was undertaken across the Himalayan landscape of West Bengal, India. Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Utilization Value (Uv) and Fidelity levels (F_L) were determined, followed by the calculation of Host Plant Specificity (HPS) and Polyphagy Index (P_i). An ICF value of 1.000 was cited for diseases of the digestive and respiratory system. The maximum F_L was noted for Artemisia vulgaris, Dioscorea deltoides and Mimosa pudica. Urtica dioica and Hygrophila auriculata displayed the maximum Uv. Furthermore, Junonia lemonias, J. orithiya, Hypolimnas bolina and H. misippus possessed the highest HPS. A maximum P_i value was determined for Junonia lemonias. Besides providing an immense benefit to traditional healers, such plants enable the sustenance of butterflies through life history stages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests)

6 pages, 1201 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Potential of Green Roofs to Support Urban Rainwater Management: Hydraulic Experimental Assessment

by Lineker Max Goulart Coelho, Solbritt Christiansen and Jesper Molin

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032010 - 27 Feb 2025

Abstract

Green roofs are one of the most widely used nature-based technologies, but there are no consolidated design standards to estimate their rainwater volume retention at both the national and international levels. So, the goal of this study is to analyze the annual rainwater [...] Read more.

Green roofs are one of the most widely used nature-based technologies, but there are no consolidated design standards to estimate their rainwater volume retention at both the national and international levels. So, the goal of this study is to analyze the annual rainwater retention capacity of different types of green roofs based on experimental real-time monitoring data collected for 12 months. The experimental setup was installed at Ballerup in Denmark and consisted of three pitched roofs, each one with 25 m² of surface area. The green roofs presented variations in their annual rainwater retention capacity, ranging from 20% to 50%. Peak flow attenuation varied from 10% to 90% in both green roofs, depending on rain intensity and the duration of dry periods. These findings can be used as a baseline to support future studies addressing the definition of design standards and guidelines. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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9 pages, 1933 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Sugar Industry Wastewater Treatment Through Photosynthetic Microbial Desalination Cells: A Sustainable Approach

by Syeda Safina Ali and Zeshan Sheikh

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032009 - 26 Feb 2025

Abstract

The expansion of the sugar industry has resulted in large amounts of untreated effluent, necessitating the development of energy-efficient treatment technologies, like microbial desalination cells (MDCs). However, the high cost and potential toxicity of chemical cathode catalysts limit MDC performance, making biocathodes a [...] Read more.

The expansion of the sugar industry has resulted in large amounts of untreated effluent, necessitating the development of energy-efficient treatment technologies, like microbial desalination cells (MDCs). However, the high cost and potential toxicity of chemical cathode catalysts limit MDC performance, making biocathodes a promising alternative. This study investigates the efficiency of a Scenedesmus obliquus-inoculated photosynthetic microbial desalination cell (PMDC) in the cathode chamber to treat sugar industry effluent, desalinate water, and generate electricity. The performance of the PMDC is compared to that of traditional MDCs. The results showed that the PMDC achieved 21.6% desalination, 73.8% anode COD removal, and a maximum power density of 6.8 mW/m², outperforming MDC by 6.43%, 18.5%, and 112.5%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the PMDC offers an effective, energy-efficient alternative to MDCs with added benefits of nutrient removal and algal biomass production at the cathode, making it a promising solution for water and wastewater treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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11 pages, 933 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Alleviating Health Risks for Water Safety: A Systematic Review on Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Modelling of Proximity-Dependent Emerging Pollutants in Aquatic Systems

by Marc Deo Jeremiah Victorio Rupin, Kylle Gabriel Cruz Mendoza and Rugi Vicente Rubi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 7; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032007 - 21 Feb 2025

Abstract

Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics are a growing ecological risk affecting water and soil resources. Another challenge in current wastewater treatments includes tracking and treating these pollutants, which can be costly. As a growing concern, emerging pollutants [...] Read more.

Emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, heavy metals, and microplastics are a growing ecological risk affecting water and soil resources. Another challenge in current wastewater treatments includes tracking and treating these pollutants, which can be costly. As a growing concern, emerging pollutants do not have lower limit levels and can be detrimental to aquatic resources in minuscule amounts. Thus, the assessment of multiple emerging water pollutants in community-based water sources such as surface water and groundwater is a prioritized area of study for water resource management. It provides a basis for the ecological health management of arising diseases such as cancer and dengue caused by unsafe water sources. Accordingly, by utilizing artificial intelligence, wide-range and data-driven insights can be synthesized to assist in water resource management and propose solution pathways without the need for exhaustive experimentation. This systematic review examines the artificial intelligence-assisted modelling of water resource management for emerging water pollutants, notably machine learning and deep learning models, with proximity dependence and correlated synergistic health effects for both humans and aquatic life. This study underscores the increasing accumulation of these emerging pollutants and their toxicological effects on the community and how data-driven modelling can be utilized to assist in addressing research gaps related to water treatment methods for these pollutants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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11 pages, 918 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Ecological Impact of Invasive Fish Species on Species and Ichthyocenotic Associations in Freshwater Aquatic Ecosystems of Romania

by Nicolai Crăciun, Lucian-Dorin Hanganu, Isabela Sadîca, George Cucu, Sorin Stegărescu, Ionut-Petrache Gheorghe and Marius Raischi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 33(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025033004 - 18 Feb 2025

Abstract

The authors provide a list of the alien fish species that have entered the Romanian ichthyofauna fauna and specify the year, place of signaling and the ecological impact of the respective species. Further on, the authors describe some behavioral aspects of the following [...] Read more.

The authors provide a list of the alien fish species that have entered the Romanian ichthyofauna fauna and specify the year, place of signaling and the ecological impact of the respective species. Further on, the authors describe some behavioral aspects of the following species: Lepomis gibbosus (pumpkin seed sunfish), Carassius auratus gibelio (silver crucian carp) and Pseudorasbora parva (topmouth gudgeon). Full article

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9 pages, 1545 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

The Influence of Mechanochemical Synthesis Method on Photodegradability Characteristics of Hydroxyapatite/Zinc Oxide Composite

by Cristina Rodica Dumitrescu, Florina-Diana Gheorghe, Monica Matei, Larisa-Mădălina Ștefan and Elena Holban

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 33(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025033003 - 18 Feb 2025

Abstract

The ZnO/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite was prepared by attrition in a planetary mill from hydroxyapatite (HA) and ZnO nanopowders. The photocatalytic degradation of synthetic dye, methyl orange (MO), was evaluated under stirring and UV irradiations by measuring the spectroscopically UV-VIS absorbance of the solution in [...] Read more.

The ZnO/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite was prepared by attrition in a planetary mill from hydroxyapatite (HA) and ZnO nanopowders. The photocatalytic degradation of synthetic dye, methyl orange (MO), was evaluated under stirring and UV irradiations by measuring the spectroscopically UV-VIS absorbance of the solution in order to determine the remanent dye concentration. The samples CZH3 (75% ZnO) and CZH4 (25% ZnO) highlighted the best MO retention from aqueous solution by adsorption and photodegradation effects. The high absorbance of the proposed nanocomposites showed their potential to be used as photocatalysts for wastewater treatment to enable the retention of organic pollutants. Full article

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7 pages, 1892 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Assessing the Environmental and Economic Footprint of Leakages in Water Distribution Networks

by Athanasios V. Serafeim, Anastasios Perdios, Nikolaos Th. Fourniotis, George Kokosalakis and Andreas Langousis

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 6; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032006 - 14 Feb 2025

Abstract

All urban and agricultural water distribution networks (WDNs), irrespective of their physical and operational characteristics, encounter substantial leakages which result in significant water losses, environmental degradation through increased carbon emissions, and noteworthy economic burdens. The current work aims to quantify both the environmental [...] Read more.

All urban and agricultural water distribution networks (WDNs), irrespective of their physical and operational characteristics, encounter substantial leakages which result in significant water losses, environmental degradation through increased carbon emissions, and noteworthy economic burdens. The current work aims to quantify both the environmental impact, estimated in terms of CO₂ emissions, and the economic implications associated with leakages and evaluate the effect of the most widely used leakage reduction strategies. The current approach is applied to the water distribution network of the city of Patras in Western Greece. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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7 pages, 2422 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Comparative Study Between Chloroquine Sulphate and Copper Sulfate in Aquaculture at Low Dosages

by György Deák, Abdulhusein Jawdhari, Elena Holban, Isabela Sadîca, George Cucu, Sorin Stegărescu, Grigore Gheorghe and Bodor Zsolt

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 33(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025033002 - 13 Feb 2025

Abstract

Aquaculture water was exposed to very low dosages of copper sulfate and chloroquine sulphate in order to observe their purgative effects at minimal concentrations, where both substances are commonly employed for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties in fish farming. It was observed that [...] Read more.

Aquaculture water was exposed to very low dosages of copper sulfate and chloroquine sulphate in order to observe their purgative effects at minimal concentrations, where both substances are commonly employed for their antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties in fish farming. It was observed that the well-known treatment using cooper sulphate is effective even at a low dosage, while the proposed novel treatment using chloroquine was not. The present study highlights the need of effective treatment while avoiding compromising medicine misusage which greatly leads to host resistance. Full article

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9 pages, 1595 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Innovative Solutions for Smart Water Grids: Insights from Patent Analysis

by Ahmed Fatimi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032005 - 11 Feb 2025

Abstract

The “Smart Water Grid” integrates the internet of things, information, and communications technologies for efficient, sustainable water management, using sensors and controls to tackle issues like leaks and overuse. Patent analysis aids this technology monitoring, revealing trends and solutions and enabling innovation to [...] Read more.

The “Smart Water Grid” integrates the internet of things, information, and communications technologies for efficient, sustainable water management, using sensors and controls to tackle issues like leaks and overuse. Patent analysis aids this technology monitoring, revealing trends and solutions and enabling innovation to overcome challenges in smart water distribution systems. This study highlights the global distribution of patent filings, and the leading companies and technologies involved in smart water grid innovation. Patent data reveals a focus on communication and control technologies, as well as data transmission and processing (as reflected by the dominant patent classifications) within the smart water grid space, highlighting the importance of communication technologies in this field. In summary, smart water grid innovation is driven by the integration of efficient water management, with a global focus led by the United States and China. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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9 pages, 2367 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Effective Microorganism (EM) Technology for Lake Conservation and Water Quality Restoration

by Irnis Azura Zakarya, Nursyazarena Azwa Mazwin, Tengku Nuraiti Tengku Izhar, Nur Adlina Mohd Hilmi and Muna’amirah Mohamad

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 33(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025033001 - 11 Feb 2025

Abstract

Water quality is a crucial determinant in decision-making processes aimed at optimizing resource allocation across various industries. Pollutant impurities that hinder the sufficient supply of water have a deleterious impact on the quality and are damaging to living species, especially aquatic life. Various [...] Read more.

Water quality is a crucial determinant in decision-making processes aimed at optimizing resource allocation across various industries. Pollutant impurities that hinder the sufficient supply of water have a deleterious impact on the quality and are damaging to living species, especially aquatic life. Various chemical and biological treatments are used to reduce water pollution levels. A technology involving a mixture of anaerobic and aerobic beneficial microbes is becoming popular for its eco-friendly characteristics. Effective Microorganism (EM) technology utilizes naturally existing microorganisms that can purify and restore the environment. The study investigated the application of Effective Microorganism-Activated Solution (EMAS), TeMo Decomposer (TeMo), and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) to enhance water quality. Additionally, microbial testing will be carried out to identify bacteria present in each EM. EM-based rehabilitation of polluted and degraded water bodies significantly contributes to the restoration of aquatic habitats and ecosystems. This study aimed to assess the water quality at Tasik Alumni, Kampus Pauh, Perlis, Malaysia. Four sampling points in Tasik Alumni were chosen to reflect the water quality status of the lake. The sampling was conducted once at four points locations in Tasik Alumni. Seven water quality measures, including pH, dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammoniacal nitrogen (NH₃-N), total suspended solid (TSS), and turbidity, were analysed ex-situ and categorised according to Water Quality Index (WQI) and National Water Quality Standard (NWQS) classifications. The Tasik Alumni was categorised as mildly contaminated. The results clearly showed the efficiency of this technique in restoring and conserving water quality in a degraded or polluted lake. Full article

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9 pages, 1915 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Rainwater Harvesting in Social Housing: An Analysis Across Twelve Cities in Brazil

by Maria Clara Sampaio Rosa e Silva, Igor Catão Martins Vaz and Enedir Ghisi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032004 - 7 Feb 2025

Abstract

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has emerged as a promising technique to improve water security amid the escalating effects of climate change. However, a comprehensive evaluation of various rainwater harvesting solutions is needed to promote sustainable practices in the building sector. This study aims to [...] Read more.

Rainwater harvesting (RWH) has emerged as a promising technique to improve water security amid the escalating effects of climate change. However, a comprehensive evaluation of various rainwater harvesting solutions is needed to promote sustainable practices in the building sector. This study aims to evaluate the water saving potential in multi- and single-family social housing buildings in twelve cities in Brazil. Computer simulations were performed for 60 scenarios, comprising five social housing reference models and using rainfall data from twelve representative cities of Brazil’s bioclimatic zones. The results show that single-family houses presented a higher potential for potable water savings (20 to 22%) than multi-family housing models (2 to 3%), mainly due to their higher roof-area-to-resident ratio. Single-family buildings exhibit more significant variability in absolute savings (standard deviation), while multi-family buildings are more sensitive to variability relative to their means (higher CVs). Furthermore, due to uneven rainfall distribution and storage limitations, water savings potential does not correlate linearly with total annual rainfall. Normalised results reveal that buildings with a lower population density achieve higher water savings per area and inhabitant. This study demonstrated that building and climate characteristics influence rainwater harvesting, offering valuable insights for promoting sustainable water management practices in social housing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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14 pages, 3202 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Optimizing Silvicultural Interventions to Reduce Combustion Energy Load in Forest Ecosystems

by Valerio Prosseda

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2024, 31(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2024031016 - 6 Feb 2025

Abstract

Wildfires increasingly threaten forest ecosystems, particularly in arid Mediterranean regions impacted by climate change. This study presents a novel quantitative framework for optimizing silvicultural interventions to reduce combustion energy loads and enhance resource conservation. Using dendrometric equations, biomass removal calculations, and geospatial modeling [...] Read more.

Wildfires increasingly threaten forest ecosystems, particularly in arid Mediterranean regions impacted by climate change. This study presents a novel quantitative framework for optimizing silvicultural interventions to reduce combustion energy loads and enhance resource conservation. Using dendrometric equations, biomass removal calculations, and geospatial modeling (Ordinary Kriging, SAGA-GIS and Q-GIS), the methodology evaluates the spatial distribution of calorific energy before and after thinning interventions. The results show that a 20% thinning intervention reduced calorific energy by 13.45% and water demand by 8.38%, while thinning at 30% and 40% intensities achieved even greater reductions. Specifically, thinning reduced the higher calorific potential by 14,000 kJ/m² and saved approximately 861,390 L of water across the study area. These findings provide actionable insights for forest managers to balance ecological health, optimize thinning practices, and mitigate wildfire risks in vulnerable ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests)

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3740 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Mitigating the Global Potable Water Crisis: A Systematic Review of Emerging Urban Stormwater Conversion Technologies

by Kylle Gabriel Cruz Mendoza, Marc Deo Jeremiah Victorio Rupin and Rugi Vicente Rubi

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032008 - 25 Jan 2025

Abstract

The wide-scale management and treatment of urban stormwater is a promising technological advancement to address the ongoing global potable water crisis. About 26% of the global population have unsafe drinking water and 46% have no safely managed water for sanitation. However, the lack [...] Read more.

The wide-scale management and treatment of urban stormwater is a promising technological advancement to address the ongoing global potable water crisis. About 26% of the global population have unsafe drinking water and 46% have no safely managed water for sanitation. However, the lack of a regulatory framework for urban stormwater usage and uncertainty in water quality pose significant threats to its wide-scale application. A total of 76 articles were gathered through the Scopus database, 63 of which were screened individually for their eligibility, and only 35 articles were selected as the most compatible with the study. Emerging conversion technologies provide a more efficient and cost-effective means to convert urban stormwater to potable water. Urban stormwater management, such as capture in large cisterns and run-off capture, provides the necessary means to properly collect and manage stormwater, while engineered stormwater treatment systems, such as stormwater biofilters, provide high reliability and performance while having zero energy consumption. By utilizing an efficient urban stormwater management system and appropriate treatment technologies, urban stormwater can be used to alleviate the problem of potable water scarcity. This study delves into utilizing urban stormwater for the generation of potable water, evaluates conversion technologies and presents its applications to mitigate the global potable water crisis. Urban stormwater management systems are thoroughly examined and treatment processes are investigated, highlighting the importance of using appropriate technologies in potable water generation. Through conversion technologies, high-volume urban stormwater can be transformed into potable drinking water, addressing water resource management problems and the ongoing global potable water crisis. This systematic review will identify existing conversion technologies and research gaps and pave the way for more efficient and cost-effective conversion technologies that will use high-volume urban stormwater for the production of water. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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8 pages, 4076 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Regional Frequency Analysis of Annual Maximum Rainfall and Sampling Uncertainty Quantification

by Marios Billios and Lampros Vasiliades

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032003 - 24 Jan 2025

Abstract

Accurate quantile estimation of extreme precipitation is crucial for hydraulic infrastructure design but is often hindered by limited data records, leading to uncertainties. This study applies regional frequency analysis (RFA) using L-moments, comparing classical and Bayesian approaches to quantify uncertainties. Data from 55 [...] Read more.

Accurate quantile estimation of extreme precipitation is crucial for hydraulic infrastructure design but is often hindered by limited data records, leading to uncertainties. This study applies regional frequency analysis (RFA) using L-moments, comparing classical and Bayesian approaches to quantify uncertainties. Data from 55 rainfall stations in Thessaly, Greece, are analyzed through clustering using PCA and k-means. The Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) distribution is fitted to delineated clusters, and uncertainties are assessed via bootstrap and MCMC methods. Results highlight consistency in location and scale estimates, with Bayesian methods offering narrower uncertainty bounds, demonstrating improved reliability for long-term rainfall prediction and design. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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8 pages, 3405 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Nature-Based Solutions Applied in Urban Drainage Systems: A Case Study Using GIS-Based Hydrological Modeling

by Lineker Max Goulart Coelho

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032002 - 24 Jan 2025

Abstract

This work aims to show a streamlined framework to assess Nature-based Solution (NbS) scenarios in stormwater management. Different scenarios for NbS were assessed using computational modeling to estimate the extension of flooded areas. Scenario 1 represents the current situation with no NbS implemented, [...] Read more.

This work aims to show a streamlined framework to assess Nature-based Solution (NbS) scenarios in stormwater management. Different scenarios for NbS were assessed using computational modeling to estimate the extension of flooded areas. Scenario 1 represents the current situation with no NbS implemented, Scenario 2 increased vegetation cover, Scenario 3 used linear gardens, and Scenario 4 rain gardens. Hydrological modeling combined Georeferenced Information System (GIS) and flooding spot analysis. Scenarios 3 and 4 were able to avoid flooding, with almost no flooding spots. The results indicate that the proposed assessment framework was an efficient way to compare different scenarios for stormwater management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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8 pages, 1000 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Extreme Rainfall Analysis Including Seasonality in Athens, Greece

by Konstantinos Vantas and Athanasios Loukas

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2025, 32(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2025032001 - 15 Jan 2025

Abstract

Extreme rainfall analysis is essential for accurate flood hazard assessment. Traditional approaches, such as the use of annual maxima, may overlook seasonal variations and lead to underestimated precipitation extremes, compromising effective flood risk management strategies. This study applies a point process model to [...] Read more.

Extreme rainfall analysis is essential for accurate flood hazard assessment. Traditional approaches, such as the use of annual maxima, may overlook seasonal variations and lead to underestimated precipitation extremes, compromising effective flood risk management strategies. This study applies a point process model to uninterrupted daily rainfall records (1901–2023) from the National Observatory of Athens meteorological station in Thiseion. This method analyzes both the frequency of exceedances above a given threshold and the values of those exceedances, incorporating seasonality into the modeling process. Preliminary analysis using annual maxima revealed no statistically significant trend but indicated clear monthly seasonality in precipitation extremes. By incorporating seasonality, the point process method yielded estimates up to 22% higher than those obtained using traditional annual maxima approaches, such as those employed in Greece’s National Flood Risk Management Plans. These findings highlight the need for a revision of current methodologies, which could significantly impact flood risk assessments and management strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 8th International Electronic Conference on Water Sciences)

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6 pages, 1461 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

A Study of the Best Conditions for the Acetylation of P. taeda from Uruguay

by María Eugenia Cardozo, Pablo Raimonda and Claudia Marcela Ibáñez

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2024, 31(1), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2024031015 - 10 Jan 2025

Abstract

Chemical modification is an environmentally friendly option for wood preservation. It can improve the performance and dimensional stability of wood, increase its resistance to deterioration and ensure safe disposal once out of service. Wood acetylation is the esterification of accessible hydroxyl groups in [...] Read more.

Chemical modification is an environmentally friendly option for wood preservation. It can improve the performance and dimensional stability of wood, increase its resistance to deterioration and ensure safe disposal once out of service. Wood acetylation is the esterification of accessible hydroxyl groups in the cell wall with acetic anhydride, which reduces the hygroscopicity of wood. Acetic acid is obtained as a byproduct of the reaction. The aim of this work is to determine the best reaction conditions for the acetylation of Pinus taeda wood with acetic anhydride. The experimental design used was a 2² factorial design with three repetitions in the midpoints. Reaction temperature and reaction time were taken as independent variables, each at two levels. The weight gain percentage of wood (WPG) and its chemical changes were used as response variables. The durability of the wood acetylated under the best treatment conditions as determined before was tested against decay fungi (Gloeophyllum separium and Trametes versicolor). The results show that temperature was the most impactful variable on the WPG results. Higher WPGs were obtained at temperatures above 100 °C. The acetylated wood was highly resistant to fungal attack, with very low mass losses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests)

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10 pages, 4403 KiB

Open AccessProceeding Paper

Genetic Variability Assessment of Azadirachta indica A. Juss in Eastern India: Implications for Tree Improvement

by Ayushman Malakar and Animesh Sinha

Environ. Earth Sci. Proc. 2024, 31(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/eesp2024031013 - 3 Jan 2025

Abstract

Azadirachta indica was designated the “Tree of the 21st century” by the United Nations, as it is believed to be the largest natural depository of bioactive phytochemicals. This study investigates genetic variability among 152 Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs) of A. indica selected from [...] Read more.

Azadirachta indica was designated the “Tree of the 21st century” by the United Nations, as it is believed to be the largest natural depository of bioactive phytochemicals. This study investigates genetic variability among 152 Candidate Plus Trees (CPTs) of A. indica selected from three agro-climatic zones (ACZs) in eastern India: the Lower Gangetic Plains (ACZ III), Middle Gangetic Plains (ACZ IV), and the Eastern Plateau and Hills region (ACZ VII). Phenotypic characters, fruit and seed morphology, kernel oil content (KOC), and Azadirachtin concentration (AC) were assessed to characterize the genetic diversity. Significant variation was observed across all parameters among individual CPTs. Girth at breast height ranged from 0.9 to 2.8 m, tree height from 6 to 16 m, and crown volume from 146.95 to 2339.86 m³. Fruit length varied from 13.55 to 21.55 mm and seed length from 9.21 to 17.37 mm. KOC ranged from 36.51 to 58.86%, with a mean of 47.22% (±0.4), while AC showed extreme variability (19.46–1823.45 μg/g seed). KOC exhibited strong positive correlations with crown diameter (R = 0.57, p ≤ 0.001) and crown volume (R = 0.45, p ≤ 0.001). Interestingly, AC did not correlate significantly with any studied parameter. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between ACZs, but only for some traits. All of the parameters demonstrated high heritability and moderate to high genetic advance. Cluster analysis using Ward’s minimum variance criterion based on Euclidean square (D²) distances performed in RStudio grouped the CPTs into five clusters as per pooled effects of all parameters. The highest inter-cluster distance was observed between Clusters III and V (7.703), indicating a potential for heterosis in hybridization between these groups. Each cluster contained CPTs from all three ACZs, suggesting uniformly distributed variation across the study area rather than zone-specific patterns. This study provides valuable insights for improvement programs of the species and emphasizes the need for further research, including progeny trials, to comprehensively understand the genetic variability of A. indica in eastern India. Full article

(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 4th International Electronic Conference on Forests)

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Environmental and Earth Sciences Proceedings

Vol. 32

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Vol. 31

IECF 2024

Vol. 30

Stand Alone Papers 2024

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