Investigation on the effective remediation of quinoline at solid/solution interface using modified agricultural waste: an inclusive study

This research work explores the potential of modified agricultural waste for the sorption of quinoline from aqueous media. A quinoline removal efficiency of around 97 % and sorption capacities of ~20 (batch) and ~35 mg g^?1 (fixed-bed) were achieved. Pseudo-second-order kinetics and Temkin isotherm best represented the equilibrium sorption data. The sorption of quinoline is exothermic and spontaneous in nature with a slight increase in the system entropy. The quinoline sorption mechanism is controlled by H-bonding, π–π dispersive interactions, boundary layer, and intraparticle diffusion. Microwave–chemical integrated regeneration technique retrieves the sorption capacity of the exhausted sorbent with 99.15, 97.64, and 95.55 % of the original, in three sorption–regeneration cycles. Energy recovery (19.365 MJ kg^?1) from the quinoline-loaded sorbent and the potential utilization of left-over ash materials enhanced the prospective of the sorbent for the remediation of pollutants for a clean and green environment.     

Implementation of a Petrographical and Petrophysical Workflow Protocol for Studying the Impact of Heterogeneity on the Rock Typing and Reservoir Quality of Reefal Limestone: A Case Study on the Nullipore Carbonates in the Gulf of Suez

This study focuses on the heterogeneity of the middle Miocene syn-rift Belayim nullipore (reefal) marine sequences in the Gulf of Suez and its impacts on reservoir quality. The sequences consist of coralline algal reef limestones with a highly complex dual-porosity system of primary and secondary porosities of widely varying percentages. To achieve a precise mathematical modeling of these reservoir sequences, a workflow protocol was applied to separate these sequences into a number of hydraulic flow units (HFUs) and reservoir rock types (RRTs). This has been achieved by conducting a conventional core analysis on the nullipore marine sequence. To illustrate the heterogeneity of the nullipore reservoir, the Dykstra-Parsons coefficient (V) has been estimated (V = 0.91), indicating an extremely heterogeneous reservoir. A slight to high anisotropy (λk) has been assigned for the studied nullipore sequences. A stratigraphic modified Lorenz plot (SMLP) was applied to define the optimum number of HFUs and barriers/baffles in each of the studied wells. Integrating the permeability-porosity, reservoir quality index-normalized porosity index (RQI-NPI) and the RQI-flow zone indicator (RQI-FZI) plots, the discrete rock types (DRT) and the R35 techniques enable the discrimination of the reservoir sequences into 4 RRTs/HFUs. The RRT4 packstone samples are characterized by the best reservoir properties (moderate permeability anisotropy, with a good-to-fair reservoir quality index), whereas the RRT1 mudstone samples have the lowest flow and storage capacities, as well as the tightest reservoir quality.     

Advanced differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar techniques for deformation monitoring: a review on sensors and recent research development

This paper reviews the advanced differential interferometry synthetic aperture radar (A-DInSAR) techniques, with two major components in focus. First is the basic concepts, synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data sources and the different algorithms documented in the literature, primarily focusing on persistent scatterers. In the second part, the techniques are compared in order to establish more linkage in terms of the variability of their applications, strength and validation of the interpreted results. Also, current issues in sensor and algorithm development are discussed. The study identified six existing A-DInSAR algorithms used for monitoring various deformation types. Generally, reports of their performance indicate that all the techniques are capable of measuring deformation phenomena at varying spatial resolution with high level of accuracy. However, their usability in suburban and vegetated areas yields poor results, compared to urbanized areas, due to inadequate permanent features that could provide sufficient coherent point targets. Meanwhile, there is continuous development in sensors and algorithms to expand the applicability domain of the technology for a wide range of deformable surfaces and displacement patterns with higher precision. On the sensor side, most of the latest SAR sensors employ longer wavelength (X and P bands) to increase the penetrating power of the signal and two other sensors (ALOS-2 PALSA-2 and SENTINEL-1) are scheduled to be launched in 2013. Researchers are investigating the possibility of using single-pass sensors with different look angles for SAR data collection. With these, it is expected that more data will be available for various applications. Algorithms such as corner reflector interferometry SAR, along track interferometry, liqui-InSAR, and squeeSAR are emerging to increase reliable estimation of deformation from different surfaces.     

Assessing and Improving Land Surface Model Outputs Over Africa Using GRACE,Field, and Remote Sensing Data

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), along with other relevant field and remote sensing datasets, was used to assess the performance of two land surface models (LSMs: CLM4.5-SP and GLDAS-Noah) over the African continent and improve the outputs of the CLM4.5-SP model. Spatial and temporal analysis of monthly (January 2003–December 2010) Terrestrial Water Storage (TWS) estimates extracted from GRACE (TWS_GRACE), CLM4.5-SP (TWS_CLM4.5), and GLDAS-Noah (TWS_GLDAS) indicates the following: (1) compared to GRACE, LSMs overestimate TWS in winter months and underestimate them in summer months; (2) the amplitude of annual cycle (AAC) of TWS_GRACE is higher than that of TWS_LSM (AAC: TWS_GRACE > TWS_GLDAS > TWS_CLM4.5); (3) higher, and statistically significant correlations were observed between TWS_GRACE and TWS_GLDAS compared to those between TWS_GRACE and TWS_CLM4.5; (4) differences in forcing precipitation and temperature datasets for GLDAS-Noah and CLM4.5-SP models are unlikely to be the main cause for the observed discrepancies between TWS_GRACE and TWS_LSM; and (5) the CLM4.5-SP model overestimates evapotranspiration (ET) values in summer months and underestimates them in winter months compared to ET estimates extracted from field-based (FLUXNET-MTE) and satellite-based (MOD16 and GLEAM) ET measurements. A first-order correction was developed and applied to correct the CLM4.5-derived ET, soil moisture, groundwater, and TWS. The corrections improved the correspondence (i.e., higher correlation and comparable AAC) between TWS_CLM4.5 and TWS_GRACE over various climatic settings. Our findings suggest that similar straightforward correction approaches could potentially be developed and used to assess and improve the performance of a wide range of LSMs.     

Contribution of the geomagnetism to the region of the massif Jbel Saghro geology,Eastern Anti-Atlas,Morocco

Our investigation relates to the interpretation of the magnetic data of Jbel Saghro, by aeromagnetic processing using Geosoft and ArcGis software. The data were obtained from digitizing the preexisting maps. From the magnetic field anomaly maps, different anomalies were identified with differences in intensities, sizes, and shapes and in being isolated or interfered. The directions are in general ENE-WSW, NNW-SSE, W-E, and NW-SE which are in good agreement with the general tectonic structure of the region. In order to correspond the anomalies to their natural sources and their geometrical configuration, it was necessary to calculate the residual polar. This avoids the presence of two lobes for the same source, what makes it possible to delimit the geological sources laterally. Thus, the attribution of each magnetic anomaly to its geological source becomes possible. Indeed, generally magnetic anomaly of strong intensities and big wavelengths is associated to very magnetized structures related to the Precambrian basement, and the negative a.m. is connected to structures of weak magnetization located in general in the cover. The application of the tilt angle filter allowed the localization of the outcrops of the inliers and new geophysical lineaments. On the other hand, the local maxima of the horizontal gradient made it possible to reveal the large structural features concerning the main tectonic events of the area.     

High pressure deformation in two-phase aggregates

We investigate the rheological behavior of multi-phase aggregates at high pressure and high temperature. Using synchrotron X-ray radiation as the probing tool, we are able to quantify the stress state of individual phases within the aggregates. This method provides fundamental information in interpreting the behavior of two phase/multi-phase mixtures, which contribute to our understanding of the deformation process at deep earth conditions. We choose MgAl₂O₄ spinel and MgO periclase as our model materials. Mixtures of various volume proportions were deformed in a multi-anvil high pressure deformation apparatus at pressure of 5 GPa and elevated temperatures. Stress is determined from X-ray diffraction, providing a measure of stress in each individual phase of the mixture in situ during the deformation. Macroscopic strain is determined from X-ray imaging. We compare the steady state strength of various mixtures at 1000 °C and 800 °C and at the strain rate in the range of 1.8 to 8.8 × 10^− 5 s^− 1. Our data indicate that the weak phase (MgO) is responsible for most of the accumulated strains while the strong phase (spinel) is supporting most of the stress when the volume proportion is 75% spinel and 25% MgO. The intermediate compositions (40/60) are much weaker than either of the end members, while the grain sizes for the intermediate compositions (submicrons) are much smaller than the end members (5–10 μm). We conclude that a change in flow mechanism resulting from these smaller grains is responsible for the low strength of the intermediate composition mixtures. This study demonstrates an approach of using synchrotron X-rays to study the deformation behaviors of multi-phase aggregates at high pressure and high temperature.     

Isostasy of the Northern Bay of Biscay Continental Margin

Summary. Spectral analysis of eight marine gravity profiles and seven SEASAT profiles, combined with corresponding bathymetric data over the Northern Bay of Biscay origin, yield identical admittance functions for wavelengths greater than 120 km. the resulting admittance function has been interpreted in terms of an Airy model of compensation for wavelengths greater than 250 km and in terms of an elastic plate model of compensation for shorter wavelengths. the Airy model corresponds to a crustal thickness variation across the margin. the plate model with an elastic thickness of 8 km is associated with the regional compensation of a sedimentary load which was probably emplaced during and just after rifting.     

Hydrochemical evolution and variation of groundwater and its environmental impact at Sohag, Egypt

Groundwater resources of Sohag, Egypt are currently threatened by contamination from agricultural and urbanization activities. Groundwater in Sohag area has a special significance where it is the second source for fresh water used for agricultural, domestic, and industrial purposes. Due to growing population, agriculture expansion, and urbanization, groundwater quality assessment needs more attention to cope with the increasing water demand in this arid zones and limited water resources. The aim of this paper is to address the integrated role of geochemical processes, agriculture and urbanization in evolution of groundwater composition, and their impact on groundwater quality to help in management and protection of groundwater resources of study area using geochemical modeling techniques and geographical information systems. Spatial variation of groundwater hydrochemical properties, rock–water interaction, ion exchange, and assessment of groundwater quality were investigated. Results indicated that groundwater properties are varied spatially and its evolution in the study area is generally controlled by the prevailed geochemical processes represented by leaching, dissolution, and precipitation of salts and minerals, ion exchange, in addition to human activities represented by agriculture and urbanization as well as climatic and poor drainage conditions. Management alternatives should be followed in the study area to avoid degradation of groundwater quality and provide sustainable development.     

Flood susceptibility mapping using a geomorphometric approach in South Australian basins

Natural Hazards - Watershed characteristics and their hydrological responses can have severe effects on the occurrence and extent of floods. Therefore, this study focuses on the integration of...     

The impact of subsurface geological structure on the groundwater occurrence using geophysical techniques in wadi El Kallabiyyah and wadi As Sabil,East Esna,Eastern Desert,Egypt

The present study aims to explain some hydrogeological problems that are related to geological setting in two wadis: El Kallabiyyah and As Sabil East Esna. For this purpose, land magnetic, vertical electrical soundings, and two-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging profiles were measured. The lithological succession comprises Upper Cretaceous to Quaternary deposits that rest on a Precambrian basement rock. The results of the interpretation of the land magnetic measurements in wadi El Kallabiyyah represent the depth to the basement rock which ranges from 260 to 660 m and increases towards the northeast trend, but in wadi As Sabil, there is a large basin at the center of the wadi with the recorded depth to the basement reaching 1,300 m due to the effect of two normal faults (F1 and F2). The results of the interpretation of the vertical electrical sounding and two-dimensional imaging confirmed the presence of these faults in wadi As Sabil. The results of the geoelectrical measurements in wadi El Kallabiyyah represented the water-bearing layer at the third unit that consists of sands, gravels, boulders, and clays. The presence of clay will affect the potentiality of a drilled well. For wadi As Sabil, the results of geoelectrical measurements led to the lower part of the second unit which acts as a water-bearing layer that consists of sands, boulders, gravels, and clays. It can be concluded that the best site for drilling wells in wadi El Kallabiyyah is at vertical electrical sounding no.5 with a total depth of not less than 230 m. In wadi As Sabil, the drilled wells must be concentrated at the center and the downstream.