Sorption Behaviour of Phenols on Natural Sandy Aquifer Material during Flow‐through Column Experiments: The Effect of pH

Flow‐through column experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of pH on the sorption of three phenols (2‐methyl‐4, 6‐dinitrophenol, 2, 4, 6‐trichlorophenol, pentachlorophenol) onto a natural sandy aquifer material collected from a bank filtration site of River Elbe, Germany. For the phenols investigated, an increase in sorption (retardation) with decreasing pH is observed indicating a stronger sorption of the neutral species in comparison to that of the anions formed by dissociation. The anions of 2‐methyl‐4, 6‐dinitrophenol and 2, 4, 6‐trichlorophenol do not show significant sorption. On the contrary, pentachlorophenol showed sorption not only in neutral form but also in ionic form significantly which should be taken into account while assessing the fate and transport of such compound. A linear model based on the degree of protonation (calculated from pH and pK_a) can be used to resolve the apparent (observed) sorption coefficient (K_{d, app}) into its neutral (K_{d, n}) and ionised (K_{d, i}) components. Knowing pK_a, K_{d, n}, and K_{d, i} the apparent sorption coefficient for pH values other than experimentally investigated can be predicted.     

Simulation of diffraction of ocean waves by a submerged sphere in finite depth

Based on the linear diffraction theory, an investigation is made on the interaction of water waves with a completely submerged sphere in water of finite depth in this paper. The method of multipole expansions is used to obtain the fluid velocity potential in the form of double series of the associated Legendre functions with the unknown coefficients of the infinite set of infinite matrix equations. The truncation property of the matrices and the convergence of the multipole series coefficients are investigated for various wavelengths and depths. The systematic numerical simulation, based on our analytical solution, is carried out and the fields of the hydrodynamic diffraction pressure and fluid velocity around the sphere, the three-dimensional free surface elevation, and total exciting forces acting on the sphere are graphically presented for a wide range of the body submergences, ocean depths and wavelengths.     

Application of artificial intelligence techniques in automatic hull form generation

The paper describes a methodology for automatic hull form generation of ships with some desired performances using artificial intelligence techniques. The whole implementation process is divided into three main components. First of all the half-breadth weight matrices are generated that would provide population with pre-fitness by examining the relationship of the hull form with the principal dimensions of a number of existing vessels. Secondly, breadth and draft are adjusted using Neural Network Concepts. Breadth, draft, length, displacement and speed of the ship are very related terms and relations among them create some constraints. Neural Networks solve these constraints and adjust the parameters. Finally, Genetic Algorithm is used for searching the exact solution by examining several generations. For this, the algorithms need to measure fitness for every population in every generation. Unfortunately, GA doesn't guarantee fairness of the surface of the hull form, which can't be ignored. So, for every population especially for newborn population fairing techniques would be used. However, being complex geometric shape, hull form surface can't be faired using least-square or other single equation fitting techniques. Fairness is done taking pair-wise points using B-spline functions [CAD 20(1988)].     

Approximate wave force analysis on rectangular caissons

An approximate analytical analysis is demonstrated in this research note to obtain the approximate wave forces on rectangular caissons fixed vertically on the sea-bed. A data plot has been depicted to show the effect of linear forces for the case of rectangular caissons and that for the case of square caissons.     

Prediction of the Rock Mass Diggability Index by Using Fuzzy Clustering-Based,ANN and Multiple Regression Methods

Rock mass classification systems are one of the most common ways of determining rock mass excavatability and related equipment assessment. However, the strength and weak points of such rating-based classifications have always been questionable. Such classification systems assign quantifiable values to predefined classified geotechnical parameters of rock mass. This causes particular ambiguities, leading to the misuse of such classifications in practical applications. Recently, intelligence system approaches such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and neuro-fuzzy methods, along with multiple regression models, have been used successfully to overcome such uncertainties. The purpose of the present study is the construction of several models by using an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) method with two data clustering approaches, including fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering and subtractive clustering, an ANN and non-linear multiple regression to estimate the basic rock mass diggability index. A set of data from several case studies was used to obtain the real rock mass diggability index and compared to the predicted values by the constructed models. In conclusion, it was observed that ANFIS based on the FCM model shows higher accuracy and correlation with actual data compared to that of the ANN and multiple regression. As a result, one can use the assimilation of ANNs with fuzzy clustering-based models to construct such rigorous predictor tools.     

Partnership approach to disaster management in Bangladesh: a critical policy assessment

The geographic location of Bangladesh at the confluence of the three mighty river systems of the world renders her one of the most vulnerable places to natural disasters. Human-induced climate change exacerbates the problem. This study shows that the Government of Bangladesh has already established a multi-layered institutional mechanism for disaster management, with formal recognition of the role of various stakeholders. Historically, NGOs and other informal support mechanisms in the country also have made significant contributions during and after disaster recovery. Despite the presence of some strengths, such as long experience in disaster response and recovery, the people’s resilience, and donor support, the current management strategies suffer from a host of policy and institutional weaknesses. Most prominent is the absence of a functioning partnership among the stakeholders within these formal set-ups. What is lacking is the development and embodiment of a culture of collective decision-making in planning, in resource sharing, and in implementing disaster management policies and programs in an integrated and transparent way. The paper suggests a partnership framework to implement prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases of disaster management.     

Sources of deep groundwater salinity in the southwestern zone of Bangladesh

Twenty groundwater samples were collected from two different areas in Satkhira Sadar Upazila to identify the source of salinity in deep groundwater aquifer. Most of the analyzed groundwater is of Na–Cl–HCO₃ type water. The trends of anion and cation are Cl⁻ > HCO₃ ⁻ > NO₃ ⁻ > SO₄ ²⁻ and Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺, respectively. Groundwater chemistry in the study area is mainly governed by rock dissolution and ion exchange. The dissolved minerals in groundwater mainly come from silicate weathering. The salinity of groundwater samples varies from ~1 to ~5%, and its source is possibly the paleo-brackish water which may be entrapped during past geologic periods.     

Geophysical data integration,stochastic simulation and significance analysis of groundwater responses using ANOVA in the Chicot Aquifer system,Louisiana, USA

Data integration is challenging where there are different levels of support between primary and secondary data that need to be correlated in various ways. A geostatistical method is described, which integrates the hydraulic conductivity (K) measurements and electrical resistivity data to better estimate the K distribution in the Upper Chicot Aquifer of southwestern Louisiana, USA. The K measurements were obtained from pumping tests and represent the primary (hard) data. Borehole electrical resistivity data from electrical logs were regarded as the secondary (soft) data, and were used to infer K values through Archie’s law and the Kozeny-Carman equation. A pseudo cross-semivariogram was developed to cope with the resistivity data non-collocation. Uncertainties in the auto-semivariograms and pseudo cross-semivariogram were quantified. The groundwater flow model responses by the regionalized and coregionalized models of K were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results indicate that non-collocated secondary data may improve estimates of K and affect groundwater flow responses of practical interest, including specific capacity and drawdown.

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Résumé  L’intégration de données entre en jeu lorsque plusieurs niveaux intermédiaires d’assistance sont nécessaires pour corréler données primaires et secondaires de diverses manières. Le présent article décrit une méthode géostatistique qui intègre les mesures de conductivité hydraulique (K) et les données de résistivité électrique, afin d’estimer plus efficacement la distribution de K dans l’Aquifère Supérieur de Chicot, au sud-ouest de la Louisiane (Etats-Unis). Les mesures de K sont issues des pompages d’essai et représentent les données primaires (“dures”). Les données des diagraphies de résistivité électrique ont été considérées comme des données secondaires (“molles”), à partir desquelles les valeurs de K ont été déduites, par la loi d’Archie et l’équation de Kozeny-Carman. Un pseudo semi-variogramme croisé a été développé afin de pallier à l’absence de colocalisation des données de résistivité. Les incertitudes sur les semi-variogrammes automatiques et sur les pseudo semi-variogrammes croisés ont été quantifiées. Les réponses du modèle d’écoulement des eaux souterraines aux modèles régionalisés et co-régionalisés de K ont été comparés, par les analyses de variance (ANOVA). Les résultats montrent que les données secondaires non-colocalisées peuvent améliorer les estimations de K, et affecter efficacement les réponses des écoulements souterrains, y compris les débits spécifiques et les rabattements.

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Resumen  La integración de datos es un gran desafío cuando existen diferentes niveles de apoyo entre datos primarios y secundarios que es necesario correlacionar de varias maneras. Se describe un método geoestadístico el cual integra mediciones de conductividad hidráulica (K) y datos de resistividad eléctrica para tener una mejor estimación de la distribución de K en el Acuífero Chicot Superior del suroeste de Luisiana, Estados Unidos de América. Las mediciones de K se obtuvieron de pruebas de bombeo y representan los datos primarios (duros). Los datos de sondeos de resistividad eléctrica se consideraron como datos secundarios (suaves) y se usaron para inferir valores de K a través de la ley de Archie y la ecuación de Carman-Kozeny. Se desarrolló un pseudo semivariograma cruzado para enfrentar la falta de colocación de datos de resistividad. Se cuantificaron las incertidumbres en los auto-semivariogramas y en los semivariogramas cruzados. Las respuestas del modelo de flujo de agua subterránea por los modelos coregionalizados y regionalizados de K se compararon usando el análisis de varianza (ANOVA). Los resultados indican que los datos secundarios no colocados pueden mejorar los estimados de K y afectar las respuestas de flujo de agua subterránea de interés práctico, incluyendo capacidad específica y descenso.

     

A numerical study on the long term thermo-poroelastic effects of cold water injection into naturally fractured geothermal reservoirs

The residing fracture system and the prevailing in situ stresses have a significant impact on fluid flow and heat transfer in crystalline rocks. The long term response of fracture systems to changes in effective stresses, in particular the long term geo-mechanical effects of thermal stresses on reservoir characteristics is of particular interest to the geothermal industry.