Evaluate climate change and anthropogenic activities influencing geochemical variations in sediment between and within the avulsion period in the Lower Yellow River avulsion channels.

The geochemical data from sediments in avulsion channels provide historical evidence of climate change and human-induced alterations in river basin environments. The present study focused on the particle size of sediments in cores and the level of geochemical variation in avulsion channels of the Lower Yellow River Delta (YRD), China. The sediment samples were collected in a depth range of 20-400 cm in avulsion channels. The collected samples were analyzed for sediment particle size and geochemical composition using standard methods. The results demonstrated rapid increases in agriculture practices, rainfall pattern changes, and terrestrial sediment runoff reduction in river basins after the 1960s. The reduced sediment loads in the Sanmenxia Reservoir significantly changed the sediment grain size and geochemical levels in the avulsion channel from August 1960.8 to January -1961.1. In particular, TC, TN, and C/N levels decreased with increasing sediment depth. The C/N values of <12 denoted completely reduced terrestrial sources of organic matter in the channel during the August 1960-January 1961 period compared to the July 1953-August 1960 period. The two-way ANOVA p-values were (p <0.016-p<0.001) strong between the avulsion periods but had no significant variation within the avulsion periods. We emphasize that this study provides a close interplay of different historical periods of geochemical variation in avulsion channel sediments in the alluvial fan YRD, and we argue that the evolution of the middle upstream river basin was subjective by climate change and human developmental actions, which impacted the YRD. In particular, reservoir-interrupted water flow and sediment reduction impacts associated with geochemical fluctuations are documented in the YRD.

Sustainable extraction and conservation of soil resources: New insights through Natural Gamma-ray Spectrometry based Proximal Sensing Method.

Soil is one the most extracted natural raw materials. The vast expanses of fertile alluvial soils of the Indo Gangetic Plains have long remained as abundant soil resource pool for brick manufacturing and construction sectors. Unmonitored continuous removal of soil is reported to cause depletion of soil reserves, loss of soil fertility and affect crop yield. Excavation and removal of soil from isolated patches of land creates low lying and elevated degraded areas which disrupts normal crop cultivation pattern. Natural gamma-ray spectrometry (NGS) can be used as a non-destructive and rapid geophysical sensing method, for identification and delineation of areas with suitable soils. During this work brick kiln areas were visited to understand soil's availability and extraction pattern. NGS measurements of samples from soil profiles were carried out to find if gamma-ray intensities varied with soil clay content. Soil texture and plasticity of the same samples were obtained following standard testing procedures. Winkler and Plasticity charts were used to assess suitability of the soils. A strong linear relationship between gamma-ray potassium (K) intensity and clay contents of soil profile samples (R2 = 0.88) was observed. NGS based devices can be used to scan soil samples rapidly and log shallow depth boreholes in grid sampling design. The gathered spectral gamma-ray data can be then used to predict and generate high resolution 3D models of soil properties, based on which resource areas of suitable soils can be delineated for long term soil extraction without affecting cultivated areas. This will help in delineating areas restricted for soil extraction, which will not only make soil mining sustainable but also address soil conservation by setting aside large cultivated fertile soil areas untouched. Adopting NGS methods will prevent unsystematic removal of fertile soil and creation of degraded lands. This will ultimately result in efficient soil resource management.

Successive bootstrapping deep learning approach and airborne EM-borehole data fusion to understand salt water in the Mississippi River Valley Alluvial Aquifer.

Increasing demands from agriculture and urbanization have decreased groundwater level and increased salinity worldwide. Better aquifer characterization and soil salinity mapping are important for proactive groundwater management. Airborne electromagnetic (AEM) is a powerful tool for aquifer characterization and salinity delineation. However, AEM needs to be interpreted with caution before being used for groundwater quality analysis. This study introduces a framework that utilizes the AEM data for both lithologic modeling and salinity delineation. A resistivity-to-lithology (R2L) model is developed to interpret AEM resistivity to lithology based a depth-dependent multi-resistivity thresholds. Then, a cokriging method is used to integrate AEM data from two different EM systems to predict resistivity at the aquifer. Finally, a resistivity-to-chloride concentration (R2C) model utilizes the resistivity model to estimate chloride concentrations at sand facies. A deep learning artificial neural network (DL-ANN) model is introduced with a successive bootstrapping approach to estimate total dissolved solids first and then use it together with resistivity data to estimate chloride concentration. The methodology was applied to delineating salinity plumes in the Mississippi River Valley alluvial aquifer (MRVA). This study found that the salinity distribution in MRVA is highly correlated with the Jurassic salt basin, salt domes, faulting, seismicity, and river water quality. The result indicates salinity upconing due to excessive pumping.

Improving nitrogen content in soil and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) yield by purple nonsulfur bacteria Rhodopseudomonas palustris in two consecutive seasons.

The study was conducted to assess the effects of nitrogen (N)-fixing purple nonsulfur bacteria (PNSB) Rhodopseudomonas palustris TLS06, VNW02, VNW64, and VNS89 on soil fertility, N uptake, essential oil (EO) content, growth, and yield of lemon balm. The experiment followed a completely randomized block design with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments consisted of (i) applying 100% N as the recommended fertilizer rate (RFR), (ii) applying 85% N as RFR, (iii) applying 70% N as RFR, (iv) applying 55% N as RFR, (v) the treatment ii combined with N-PNSB, (vi) the treatment iii combined with N-PNSB, (vii) the treatment iv combined with N-PNSB, (viii) 0% as RFR combined with N-PNSB, and (ix) 0% N as RFR. The results showed that applying N-PNSB increased the plant height, and the number of primary branches in both seasons. In addition, the treatment without N fertilizer combined with N-PNSB increased stem leaf biomass by 41.2 and 50.3% in both seasons as compared with the treatment without neither N fertilizer nor N-PNSB. For soil properties, among treatments without N fertilizer, the treatment with N-PNSB increased concentrations of NH4+, soluble P, and exchangeable K+ by 41.3, 41.4, and 26.8%, respectively, as compared with the treatment without N-PNSB at the end of the second season. Applying 85% N as RFR combined with N-PNSB had a greater yield by 5.78-11.8% as compared with the treatment with 100% N as RFR, and a greater EO content by 23% as compared with the treatment with 85% N as RFR.

Declining groundwater and its impacts along Ganga riverfronts using combined Sentinel-1, GRACE, water levels, and rainfall data.

The Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) in northern India are vast alluvial tracts with huge shallow aquifers, densely populated and agriculturally productive regions. In the last few decades, IGP has been facing water scarcity driven by erratic monsoon dynamics, anthropogenic activity, and hydroclimatic variability. In urban centers, continuous groundwater withdrawal leads to high stress, affecting surface deformation and a threat to buildings and infrastructures. An attempt has been made to explore the possible linkage and coupling between groundwater level, hydroclimatic variables, and subsidence in the Central Ganga Plains (CGP), in Varanasi metropolis using the combined multisensory multitemporal data, Sentinel-1 (2017-2023), GRACE (2003-2023), groundwater levels (1998-2023), and precipitation (2002-2023). Long-term hydrological response in the CGP shows continuous depletion (14.6 ± 5.6 mm/yr) in response to precipitation variability. Results show spatiotemporal variations between GWS, and precipitation estimate with nonlinear trend response due to associated inter-annual/inter-seasonal climate variability and anthropogenic water withdrawal, specifically during the observed drought years. The significant storage response in the urban center compared to a regional extent suggests the potential impact of exponentially increasing urbanization and building hydrological stress in the cities. The implications of reducing storage capacity show measured land subsidence (∼2-8 mm/yr) patterns developed along the meandering stretch of the Ganga riverfronts in Varanasi. The groundwater level data from the piezometric supports the hydroclimatic variables and subsidence coupling. Considering the vital link between water storage, food security, and socioeconomic growth, the results of this study require systematic inclusion in water management strategies as climate change seriously impacts water resources in the future.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Prediction of soil seed bank of piedmont and alluvial environments of Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Pakistan / Predição do banco de sementes do solo do piemonte e ambientes aluviais de Dera Ghazi Khan, Punjab, Paquistão

Abstract The current focus is on the overall pattern of seed storage present in the fragments of the soil of piedmont and alluvial landscapes of the environment. The present study predicted the seed banks of both soils of alluvial and piedmont zones in different ecological conditions and evaluate the potential of seeds in the restoration of both environments. The composition of the seed bank of soil is mainly affected by the alluvial environment and the structure of cleared area shows that more species of germinating annual grasses and growable seeds with the higher total number. Extant vegetation structures have an important role in the diversity of soil seed reservoirs, whose composition corresponded with the openness of the site. When in situ soil seed bank is recruited, it helps to restore only some components of the plant community in an alluvial environment. In our current research, it was confirmed that seed richness was higher in number at lower elevation (alluvial) than that at high elevation (piedmont). Seed richness showed a significant negative correlation with anions, cations, while significantly positive with altitude that suggests the richness pattern of the overall seed bank of the area is influenced by various environmental factors.

Resumo O foco atual está no padrão geral de armazenamento de sementes presente nos fragmentos de solo do Piemonte e nas paisagens aluviais do meio ambiente. O presente estudo previu os bancos de sementes de ambos os solos das zonas aluvial e piemontesa em diferentes condições ecológicas e avaliou o potencial das sementes na restauração de ambos os ambientes. A composição do banco de sementes do solo é afetada principalmente pelo ambiente aluvial e a estrutura da área desmatada mostra que mais espécies de gramíneas anuais em germinação e sementes cultiváveis ​​apresentam o maior número total. As estruturas da vegetação existente têm um papel importante na diversidade dos reservatórios de sementes do solo, cuja composição correspondeu à abertura do local. Quando o banco de sementes do solo in situ é recrutado, o mesmo ajuda a restaurar apenas alguns componentes da comunidade de plantas em um ambiente aluvial. Em nossa pesquisa atual, foi confirmado que a riqueza de sementes era maior em número em altitudes mais baixas (aluviais) do que em altitudes elevadas (Piemonte). A riqueza de sementes mostrou uma correlação negativa significativa com ânions, cátions, enquanto significativamente positiva com a altitude, o que sugere que o padrão de riqueza do banco geral de sementes da área é influenciado por vários fatores ambientais.

Active-distributed temperature sensing dataset beneath a braided river.

Braided rivers play a significant role in replenishing groundwater, but our understanding of how these recharge rates fluctuate over time remains limited. Traditional techniques for gauging groundwater recharge are ineffective for studying complex braided river systems due to their insufficient spatiotemporal resolution. To address this gap, active-distributed temperature sensing (A-DTS) was used. This method combines fiber optic temperature measurements with an active heat source, enabling quantification of groundwater fluxes. In this study, twelve consecutive A-DTS surveys were conducted on a 100 m long hybrid fiber optic cable to a depth of 5 m beneath the Waikirikiri Selwyn River. This experiment was conducted during a period of relatively stable river stage and flow, highlighting the effectiveness of using A-DTS to measure temporal changes in groundwater recharge.

Effects of farmland abandonment on anthropogenic-alluvial soil microbiota and contaminant residues in Lycium barbarum fields.

AIMS: There has been an increasing tendency to abandon crop cultivation and farming in old Lycium barbarum (wolfberry) stands to allow for natural restoration. However, little research has been dedicated to deciphering how soil quality changes in L. barbarum fields following abandonment from a physicochemical and microbiological perspective. Here we assessed the effects of farmland abandonment on anthropogenic-alluvial soil microbiota and contaminant residues in L. barbarum fields in Ningxia, China. METHODS AND RESULTS: Soil microbiota, heavy metal, and neonicotinoid pesticide profiles in L. barbarum fields abandoned for one to four years were characterized. Microbial community analysis was performed by high-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA genes and the fungal nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region. Soil bacterial diversity increased from before abandonment to year three after abandonment, and fungal diversity peaked in year one after abandonment. Enrichment of potentially beneficial taxa (e.g. Limnobacter, Cavicella) as well as pathogenic taxa (e.g. Ilyonectria) was observed in the abandoned field soils, along with depletion of other taxa (e.g. Planococcus, Bipolaris). Soil copper, zinc, cadmium, imidacloprid, and acetamiprid concentrations all decreased with increasing time since abandonment and had varied correlations with soil quality, microbial diversity, and the relative abundances of major phyla. Soil available phosphorus, nitrate-nitrogen, and pH were the key factors shaping bacterial communities. The structuring of fungal communities was strongly influenced by soil pH, available phosphorus, and available nitrogen contents. CONCLUSIONS: There were positive consequences of farmland abandonment in L. barbarum fields, such as optimized microbial community structure, reduced heavy metal accumulation, and enhanced pesticide degradation.

Source identification and potential health risks of fluoride and nitrate in groundwater of a typical alluvial plain.

A comprehensive understanding of the role of natural and anthropogenic factors in groundwater pollution is essential for sustainable groundwater resource management, especially in alluvial plains with intensive anthropogenic activities. Numerous studies have focused on the contribution of individual factors on groundwater pollution in alluvial aquifers, but distinguishing the effects of natural and anthropogenic factors is limited. In this study, 64 wells were sampled in different seasons from the Yellow River alluvial plain in China for hydrochemical and isotopic analysis to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution, sources and health risks of fluoride and nitrate in alluvial aquifers. Results showed that fluoride contamination was widely distributed without significant seasonal variation, and 78.1 % of the dry season samples and 65.6 % of the wet season samples showed fluoride concentrations above the permissible limit (1.5 mg/L). High-F- groundwater was generally accompanied by Na-HCO3 and Na-HCO3·SO4 water types. Fluoride was from a natural origin mainly associated with mineral dissolution, competitive adsorption, cation exchange, and evaporation. Groundwater nitrate contamination was spatially sporadic and showed significant seasonal differences. Only 13.6 % of the dry season samples and 3.2 % of the wet season samples had NO3- concentrations exceeded the permissible limit of 50 mg/L. The hydrochemical phase evolved from bicarbonate or sulfate type to chloride type with increasing nitrate concentration. Manure and sewage attributed to agricultural activities contributed the most nitrogen to groundwater, followed by soil organic nitrogen and chemical fertilizers, revealing the anthropogenic origin of nitrate. Nitrification was the dominant nitrogen transformation process in the wet season, and denitrification was prevalent in the dry season. Oral ingestion of high fluoride groundwater was a major threat to human health, especially for infants. This study provided a significant reference for water resources management in alluvial aquifers.

Combining spectral analysis and geochemical tracers to investigate surface water-groundwater interactions: A case study in an intensive agricultural setting (southern Guatemala).

An increase in the frequency of severe hydrological events has highlighted the importance of sustainable water management in intensive agricultural regions. In a warming climate, improved understanding and stewardship of water resources are needed to guarantee water supply, ensure food security, and build resilience against extreme events. In this study, we evaluate a framework that combines spectral analysis and geochemical tracers as a potential tool for (1) gaining valuable insights into surface water (SW)-groundwater (GW) interactions, and (2) providing guidance for improved water management in an intensive agricultural basin in southern Guatemala. The framework proves to be useful in revealing important water dynamics, exposing key feedback mechanisms for water availability and quality. With the use of power density functions and hydrochemistry (T, pH, EC, and major ions), two specific interaction regimes (influent and effluent) were identified and delimited for the main watercourse. These segments are estimated to interact at high rates with the shallow aquifer in the river channel proximities and would lose influence towards the basin flanks. Furthermore, the δ2H and δ18O values indicate that regional groundwater flow systems play an essential role in the basin groundwater recharge. Lastly, we established three influence zones that depict the spatial extent of the SW-GW interactions within the basin. With these zones, we provide recommendations that will allow for further investigation and application into better water management strategies regulating groundwater development and land use activities within the agricultural context of the area.

Human health risk assessment of nitrate in private well waters of shallow quaternary alluvial aquifer.

Excessive nitrate intake via ingestion pathway and dermal absorption exposures has adverse health impacts on human health. This study evaluated groundwater (GW) nitrate concentrations and health risks which focused on ingestion and dermal exposures to residents in Bachok District, Kelantan, Malaysia. Three hundred (300) samples of private wells were collected and it is found that the nitrate concentrations ranging between 0.11 and 64.01 mg/L NO3-N with a mean value of 10.45 ± 12.67 mg/L NO3-N. The possible health hazards of nitrate by ingestion and dermal contact were assessed using USEPA human health risk assessment model for adult males and females. It is observed that the mean Hazard Quotient (HQ) values of adult males and females were 0.305 ± 0.364 and 0.261 ± 0.330, respectively. About 7.3% (n = 10) and 4.9% (n = 8) of adult males and females had HQ values more than 1, respectively. It was also observed that the mean of HQderm was lesser than HQoral for males and females. The spatial distribution of HQ by interpolation method showed high nitrate concentrations (> 10 mg/L NO3-N) were distributed from the centre to the southern part of the study location, which identified as an agricultural area, indicating the used of nitrogenous fertilizers as the main source of GW nitrate contamination in this area. The findings of this study are valuable for establishing private well water protection measures to stop further deterioration of GW quality caused by nitrate.

Structural and geomorphological study of Bradost, Chinara, Shireen and Sare Musa anticlines, Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

The Bradost and Chinara mountains are two well-known geomorphic features in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR), forming two anticlines, besides Shireen and Sare Musa anticlines, which are located north of the Bradost anticline, all four anticlines trend NW - SE. The four anticlines are dissected by the Greater Zab River that swings along its course within the anticlines due to tens of very old landslides and/or plunges. The four studied anticlines are dissected by different thrust faults, which extend for a few kilometers. The thrust faults trend NW - SE; however, locally they deflect from the main trend. The Lower Jurassic rocks are the oldest exposed rocks in the studied area, whereas the rocks of the Bekhme Formation form the carapace of the Bradost and Chinara anticlines. Different structural and geomorphological features were interpreted from satellite images and those which are accessible were checked in the field, all of them indicate the four anticlines exhibit lateral growth. We have measured different aspects to elucidate the type of folds. The four anticlines are Detachment folds, with shallow decollement, which ranges in depth between (100-250) m.

Hydrogeochemical and isotopic assessment for characterizing groundwater quality in the Mitidja plain (northern Algeria).

Coastal aquifer overexploitation represents a concerning trigger for water salinization around the world and especially in arid and semi-arid regions along with urban growth and urbanization, as well as land use human-induced changes. This study aims to assess the groundwater quality in the Mitidja alluvial aquifer (northern Algeria) along with its suitability for domestic and agricultural utilizations. A hydrogeochemical approach, based on the interpretation of groundwater physiochemical parameters (EC, pH, dry residue, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, Cl-, SO42-, HCO3-, and NO3-) collected during the wet and dry periods for the years 2005 and 2017 along with an isotopic characterization, including stable isotopes to identify the recharge sources for the samples collected in October 2017, has been proposed. The results show the presence of three dominant hydrochemical facies: (i) calcium chloride, (ii) sodium chloride, and (iii) calcium bicarbonate. Groundwater mineralization and salinization are so ascribable carbonates and evaporitic dissolution, especially during the dry periods, and to the presence of seawater. Ion exchange significantly affects groundwater chemistry along with human activities which directly or indirectly contribute in raising groundwater salts concentration. Specifically, NO3- concentrations are very high in the eastern portion of the study area which is exposed to fertilizers pollution where also the Richards classification pointed out the necessity of limit water utilization for agricultural use. The δ2H = f(δ18O) diagram indicates that the recharge origin for this aquifer is mainly due to the oceanic meteoric rainwater from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. The methodology proposed in this study can be applied in the similar worldwide coastal areas in order to contribute and sustainable water resource management in these regions.

Deciphering the fertilizing and disease suppression potential of phytofabricated zinc oxide nanoparticles on Brassicajuncea.

Every year 30-50% of crops suffer from fungal and bacterial diseases. Use of various chemically synthesized fungicides and bactericides make the soil environment more toxic and harmful to the plant health. Therefore, there is need to find non-toxic and cost effective alternative against plant pathogen. In recent years, nanotechnology has got attention because of its wide application in different areas of agriculture. Various nanoparticles have been used in agriculture for their fertilizing and antimicrobial potential. Among them zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have gained the attention of agriculturists as zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants. Antifungal activity of Tb-ZnO NPs (Terminalia bellerica synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles) against Alternaria brassicae causative agent of blight disease in Brassica juncea has been reported in our previous study. To use Tb-ZnO NPs as nanofungicides and simultaneously as nanofertilizers, the doses of Tb-ZnO NPs beneficial to the Brassica juncea crop is need to be known. Therefore, experiment has been designed to see the protective and curative potential of Tb-ZnO NPs in alluvial and calcareous soil. Biochemical constituents and stress enzymes analysis has shown significant potential of Tb-ZnO NPs at 200 ppm concentration in alleviating the stress caused by A. brassicae by modulating the photosynthetic, biochemical and enzymatic characteristics. Growth parameter analysis confirmed the role of Tb-ZnO NPs in increasing root and shoot length of B. juncea. Yield component such as seed number, seed weight and oil content of B. juncea crop also has been increased. There was one-fold increase in oil content of B. juncea as compared to control. Maximum percent disease control was found to be 70% in alluvial soil (protective method) grown plants. Therefore, present study supports the hypothesis of a relationship between nutrients and disease suppression.

Petrophysical and petrothermal dataset of the sedimentary succession in the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees).

The petrophysical and petrothermal characterization of the sedimentary succession of the Oliana anticline in the Southern Pyrenees has been performed on the basis of mineral density, connected porosity, permeability, P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity measurements of rock samples distributed along this anticline. This dataset was used to explain: (I) the variability of petrophysical rock properties along the Oliana anticline, (II) the distribution of thermal conductivity along the sedimentary units of the anticline, (III) the relationships between the fold and petrology concerning the mineral density, connected porosity, permeability, P-wave velocity and thermal conductivity of rocks and (IV) the tectonic and diagenetic controls underlying the observed relationships, as described in the research article: "Petrological, petrophysical and petrothermal study of a folded sedimentary succession: the Oliana anticline (Southern Pyrenees), outcrop analogue of a geothermal reservoir - Global and Planetary Change Journal (2023)". This contribution presents here the raw and statistical datasets used to discuss the potential of the Oliana anticline as a geothermal reservoir analogue and also includes an extended methodological section that proposes a new procedure to measure the thermal conductivity of highly heterogeneous coarse-grained sedimentary rocks using the Modified Transient Source Plane (MTPS) method on a TCi C-Therm thermal analyzer. These complete datasets can be used to better discuss and understand the principal limitations of outcrop analogue studies applied to unconventional geothermal reservoirs in foreland basins on the basis of the analysis of rock petrophysical and petrothermal properties. Furthermore, the data obtained in the Oliana anticline can be used to understand the structural, diagenetic and petrological factors that can modify the petrophysical and petrothermal properties of rocks and to discuss the potential of foreland basin margins to be used as geothermal reservoirs, comparing the data obtained in Oliana with studies developed in similar geological settings worldwide.

Pollution Vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor Alluvial Aquifer in Al-Hoceima (Morocco), Using GIS-Based DRASTIC Model.

Groundwater resources of the alluvial aquifer Ghiss Nekkor, which covers an area of 100 km2, are the main source of domestic and agricultural freshwater supply in the region of Al Hoceima in Morocco. Due to human activities (overexploitation, increase in agricultural activity), this alluvial aquifer has become very sensitive to chemical pollution. The principal objective of this current study is to develop and implement a calibration method to assess, map, and estimate the vulnerability of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer to pollution risk. In this work, the GIS-based DRASTIC model was used to estimate the inherent vulnerability to contamination of the Ghiss Nekkor alluvial aquifer with seven standard hydrogeological parameters. Nitrate (NO3) and electrical conductivity (EC) data were used to validate the DRASTIC map. The results of the vulnerability map analysis show that the vulnerability to contaminants varies from non-existent in the southwestern part of the plain (7.3% of the total area), to very high (14.5%). The vulnerability is moderate in the central and northeastern areas (26.9%), while it is high in the other areas (17.5%). Furthermore, the most sensitive areas are mainly concentrated near the coastal strip and the central plain on both sides of the Nekkor River. In these areas, the NO3 and EC values are above the maximum allowable limit of the World Health Organization. The results suggest that the DRASTIC model can be an effective tool for decision-makers concerned about managing groundwater sustainability.

The distribution characteristics and geological control factors of shallow high-arsenic groundwater in the Hetao Plain, Inner Mongolia, from the perspective of Late Pleistocene-Holocene depositional environments.

The alluvial-lacustrine strata that were formed by the evolution of rivers and lakes in the Hetao Plain during the Late Quaternary have an important influence on the formation and distribution of shallow high-arsenic groundwater. This study analyzed the distribution characteristics and depositional environments of shallow high-arsenic groundwater in study area using 1179 groundwater samples and more than 1100 pieces of drilling data. The indicator kriging statistics and the study results of the Quaternary lithofacies paleogeography show that the study area can be divided into three high-arsenic probabilistic distribution areas, namely, the Houtao Plain (HTP), the Yellow River Channel Belt (YRCB), and the Eastern Hubao Plain (EHBP). The depositional environment of the HTP was shaped by the alluviation of the Yellow River during the Late Pleistocene-Holocene. The YRCB is still affected by the alluviation of the Yellow River presently, and the EHBP was almost unaffected by the Yellow River. The high-arsenic groundwater in the EHBP is mostly distributed in the relatively continuous alluvial-lacustrine strata and has a typical hydrochemical type of HCO3, with the highest Meq(HCO3-/SO42-) and the highest reduction degree of SO42-. By contrast, the high-arsenic groundwater in the alluvial-lacustrine environments of the HTP and the YRCB accounts for only 14.77% and 20.13%, respectively, and has only less than 40% of HCO3 dominant type water. The high-arsenic groundwater in these two areas is generally located in the alluvial or alternating fluvial-lacustrine strata. However, the two areas exist more than three alluvial-lacustrine layers with a thickness of over 2 m each, which play a critical role in the formation of high-arsenic groundwater. Moreover, affected by alluvial aquifers in the same system, the high-arsenic groundwater in both the HTP and the YRCB is not intensively distributed and does not represent a typical HCO3 dominant type. The S2- produced by the massive reduction of SO42- might co-precipitate with Fe and As, which may explain why the EHBP has lower arsenic concentration than the HTP and the YRCB, both of which have a lower reduction degree of SO42-.

Profile Distributions of Potentially Toxic Metal(loid)s in Soils of the Middle Odra Floodplain (SW Poland).

Floodplain soils are often contaminated with potentially toxic elements of geogenic and anthropogenic origin. This also applies to a valley of the Odra river, which in its upper reach flows through areas of historical and contemporary mining and heavy industry. This study examined the distribution of typically anthropogenic metal(loid)s, i.e., Pb, Zn, Cu, As and Cd, and geogenic metals, i.e., Mn and Fe, in soil profiles of the middle Odra valley, and analyzed factors that determine their concentrations. Thirteen soil profiles, located inter the embankment area and outside the embankments, were examined. Most of profiles indicated stratification typical for alluvial soils. Topsoil layers in the inter-embankment zone showed considerable enrichment in Pb, Zn and Cd, and to a lesser extent in Cu and As. Low soil pH is an important factor of environmental risk; therefore, acidic soils definitely require liming. The soils located out of embankments did not show any considerable enrichment in the elements examined. Based on significant correlations between the concentrations of metal(loid)s in deep soil layers and soil texture, the values of local geochemical background were derived. Outliers, particularly in the case of As, were explained by possible redistribution under reducing conditions.

Environmental risk associated with accumulation of toxic metalloids in soils of the Odra River floodplain-case study of the assessment based on total concentrations, fractionation and geochemical indices.

The floodplain soils are often heavily enriched in metal(loid)s released from the industrial areas. A related environmental risk depends on their total concentrations and the forms and conditions conducive to mobilization. This study was aimed to examine the concentrations of metal(loid)s in the Odra floodplain soils and to assess the risk associated with their possible contamination. In this study, topsoil and deeper soil layer samples were collected from the inter- and out-of-embankment zones. Total concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Mn and Fe, and their extractable fractions were determined in 1 M NH4NO3 (actual solubility) and by BCR sequential extraction. The environmental risk was assessed based on total concentrations, according to legal regulations, geochemical enrichment indices and extractability of elements, with considering soil morphological features. Some topsoil samples from the inter-embankment zone turned out considerably enriched in Pb, Zn, Cu, and As, as confirmed by geochemical indices. Zn and As concentrations in some samples exceeded the permissible values defined by Polish law. Zn and Mn showed a high actual solubility, but a simple experiment proved that it can be efficiently reduced by liming. BCR fractionation showed that all the elements occurred mainly in reducible forms. Therefore, the risk of their release from the layers that do not indicate redoximorphic features was assessed as negligible. The study showed that such a complementary approach is needed to assess the real environmental risk in the case of soils considerably enriched in potentially toxic elements.