Recent Advances in Environmental Science from the Euro-Mediterranean and Surrounding Regions (2nd Edition)

New regulations in environment protection and increasing market demands for “green” companies are forcing the industry to consider finding new and sustainable methods of wastewater treatment. The technological process of wastewater treatment may consist of many processing stages, depending on the characteristics of the raw wastewater and the required quality of the treated wastewater. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the efficiency of hybrid treatment process using coagulation/flocculation, cross-flow ultrafiltration, and/or in dead-end filtration producing a final effluent conforming to regulatory standards with regard to chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon, and turbidity loads. Treatment experiments were conducted using soya oil/in water emulsions. Coagulation/flocculation experiments were conducted using jar test protocol. The cross-flow ultrafiltration experiments were carried out using tubular ceramic membranes with a membrane cut-off of about 150 kDa and under transmembrane pressure equal to 1.25 bars, whereas dead-end filtration experiments were performed using different pore sizes of flat membrane as preliminary work to devote to CFF in terms of screening of the most adequate membrane pore size. The membrane permeability was investigated as a function of operation time and volumetric concentration ratio in order to achieve a cost-effective process. The results showed that ultrafiltration is a convenient technique as a secondary step after coagulation/flocculation, while the removal rates of COD, TOC, and turbidity reached 98%, 99%, and 100%, respectively. The obtained results confirm a promising application of hybrid treatment process combining CF and membrane filtration involving a ceramic ultrafiltration membrane in the treatment of edible oily wastewater.

This study focused on the treatment of an industrial wastewater containing organic pollutants (textile dyes) using the heterogenous Fenton process and using a non-expensive catalyst: an impregnate-based clay. The obtained results showed that the organic pollutants contained in the wastewater solution can be effectively degraded using the iron–clay/H2O2 protocol. It is found that the amount of H2O2 used during the reaction strongly influenced the efficiency of the Fenton process. In fact, increasing the H2O2 concentration from 1 to 3 mM improves the degradation. This is due to the production of •OH radicals necessary for the oxidation of organic pollutants. On the other hand, the excessive increase in the H2O2 dose has a negative effect on the TOC reduction. This phenomenon can be explained by the acceleration of the parasitic reactions that consume the •OH radicals.

Activated carbon (AC) is being developed as a treatment for decontaminating polluted water. In this study, the activated carbon prepared by physical activation of Pinus halepensis cone wastes was applied for iron removal from groundwater. The adsorption process was performed in two steps: batch and fixed-bed column adsorption. The minimum time to reach the adsorption equilibrium was 60 min with maximum of Fe2+ removal equal to 7.35 mg/g. The isotherm models were used to fit the experimental data and the results showed good correlations, with the Langmuir isotherm with good linear correlation coefficients. The effective retention volume of the fixed-bed column is 360 BV for AC. The prepared AC showed promising results, which makes it convenient to serve an effective adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater.

Pinus halepensis cone waste (PHCW) was collected from local seeds—Pinus halepensis processing industry. This study investigated the PHCW use as an adsorbent for wastewater treatment. The synthesis of activated carbon from PHCW was performed as a function of temperature under CO2 and N2 flow. The characterization was performed by adsorption–desorption N2 isotherms, FTIR, the point of zero charge, and SEM. Functional acid or basic groups were detected on the surface of activated carbon. For both physical activation and pyrolysis, the maximum value of surface area was obtained at 800 °C. The adsorption–desorption N2 isotherms of activated carbon under CO2 and N2 flow showed very similar trend characteristics of a mesoporous framework. The present results suggest that PHCW is a potential source for the synthesis of carbon materials with potential novel applications.

The structural evolution of cost-effective organo-clays (Bentonite modified with different loadings of HDTMA (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide)) from 50 to 200% of the CEC is investigated and linked to the adsorption uptake and mechanism of an important industrial dye (Bezathren Red (BzR)) from the aqueous solution. The prepared materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction XRD, infrared spectroscopy measurements FT-IR, and thermal analysis ATG. The intercalation of the surfactant cations in the interlayer spaces of bentonite (BA) was confirmed by the increase of the basal spacing from 1.13 to 1.78 nm. The kinetic data were found to follow the pseudo-first-order model. The equilibrium data were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich models. The Langmuir isotherm model is the most suitable to describe the BzR dye adsorption. The calculated Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities increased from zero to 111.1 mg/g.

This work has two very important axes that are directly involved in the preservation of our environment: First, the treatment of surface water contaminated by toxic pollutants such as dyes using abundant and low-cost mineral materials; and second, the fate of these materials that can be regenerated and reused afterward by removing the pollutant. In this study, we reported the adsorption of Methylene Blue (MB) by bentonite from aqueous solution and its desorption under different operating conditions. The regeneration of the bentonite was carried out as a function of pH, initial dye concentrations, contact time, and temperature. Bentonite is a local clay that contains montmorillonite mineral provided from M’Zila deposit (Mostaganem) in the west of Algeria. Different characterization methods were used such as chemical composition, X-ray diffraction, and specific surface area. The removal efficiency of dye by the bentonite reached 90%. The results showed that the maximum adsorption of bentonite was obtained at pH 8. The maximum adsorption capacity was estimated to be 81.84 mg/g at room temperature. The kinetics study results of methylene blue removal with our solid fit a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption isotherm data follow the Freundlich equation compared to the Langmuir model tested. The desorption of MB is affected by the pH effect of the medium even at low concentrations, whereas the temperature influences the choice when it exceeds 30 °C.

The uses of low-cost adsorbents such as bottom ash have been investigated as a replacement for the current expensive methods of removing dyes from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was obtained from the waste hospital (Mascara, Algeria). The prepared adsorbent was characterized and applied for the removal of synthetic dye, namely, Disperse Yellow 3. The adsorbent was characterized by Fluorescence X, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer, Emmett and Teller (BET) method. The results indicated that this material consisted of silica as major constituents. The adsorption data are fitted with the linear forms of the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Langmuir adsorption isotherm fitted the data better than the Freundlich model. The adsorption reaction follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic.

Coffee waste, subject of this research, is a locally abundant resource. The aim of this study is to illustrate the valorization of this waste and its use for the processing of effluent charged in dyes. The application of coffee waste, as adsorbent to the retention or fixing cationic dyes Rhodamine B (Rh B) in a batch system, led to determine the kinetics where equilibrium is obtained about 30 min. The effects of pH solution, the initial dye concentration, contact time, and dosage adsorbent on kinetic parameters were investigated. The adsorption were also obtained and analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich equations. The latter i.e Freundlich modelshowed the best fit compared to experimental data. The adsorption process was followed by UV-spectrophotometric technique. The results indicate that coffee waste could be used as a low-cost material for the removal of cationic dyes from wastewater.

In this study, the ability of 2-(2-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide to inhibit carbon steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid (1 M) was investigated by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The adsorption parameters of the inhibitor on the metal surface were studied using three isotherm models: Langmuir, Temkin, and Frumkin. The results show that the compound under study exhibits inhibitor properties and may reach an inhibition efficiency of 97.9% at 200 ppm. The adsorption of this compound was found to corroborate with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the obtained value of the free energy (ΔG°ads) suggests a predominant chemisorption of the used Schiff base on the steel surface.

The current study dealt with the preparation and characterization of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The adsorption process of three cyanine dyes with different alkyl chain lengths (named R5, R7, and R10) on GO nanosheets was achieved by the batch method. The impact of the alkyl chain length of the dye molecule on the adsorption process was investigated. It was noticed that the adsorption efficiency increased proportionally with the increase in the chain length. The adsorption obeyed both of pseudo-second-order kinetics and the Langmuir isotherm model. The intraparticle and film diffusions were involved. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. In addition, the Gibbs energy, ΔGads declined as the length of the alkyl chain of the dye, was increased, and a commensuration of more favorable adsorption takes place at longer chain length. The adsorption of these dyes by GO was attributed to the electrostatic and π − π interactions as confirmed by the obtained infrared Fourier transform (FT-IR) results.

The aim of the present study is to prepare the eco-friendly and effective adsorbents for the removal of Cu(II) ions in wastewaters through the trisodium trimetaphosphate (STMP) functionalization of cellulose (CBBAS) and cellulose nanofibers (CBCNFs) beads obtained from the almond shell. The structure and properties of the STMP-functionalized cellulose beads were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), thermal gravimetric (TGA/DTG), and N2 adsorption–desorption. Cu(II) ions were adsorbed at a great extent within the first 2 h, at 30 °C, and pH 6. The experimental isotherms were successfully fitted to the Redlich–Peterson model for the CBBAS/STMP adsorbent and Sips model for the CBCNFs/STMP one, yielding adsorption capacities of 141 mg g−1 and 147 mg g−1, respectively. The adsorption process onto both biosorbents followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that chemisorption is the dominant mechanism of the metal ions onto the modified beads. CBBAS/STMP and CBCNFs/STMP biosorbents are easily regenerated using HCl (0.1 M) solution.

The adsorption process from water solutions containing a ternary system of Cu(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) ions onto buckwheat hulls as a biosorbent was considered in this study. The sorption capacity of the ions was determined in sorption equilibrium batch experiments, and they were 15.13, 5.60 and 5.87 mg/g, respectively. Pseudo-second-order sorption kinetics corresponding to the mechanism of metal ions was assumed. A new method for modelling sorption in a packed column was presented. A system of partial differential equations describing the mass balance, due to the assumption of a properly defined variable, was transformed into a system of ordinary nonlinear equations, which enabled the identification of object parameters: effective diffusion and kinetic coefficients. The sorption capacity of the sorbent, sorption isotherms and kinetic equations were used in dynamics modelling.

This work dealt with a dual environmental aspect: on the one hand, the valorization of natural by-products (sawdust and dune sand), and, on the other hand, the assessment of the purification efficiency of a bilayer of the two by-products. The effectiveness was evaluated through the monitoring of some parameters, namely, paranitrophenol concentration, BOD5, and COD. Promising results were obtained, and hence further works are in progress regarding the application of this process to other pollutants present in wastewater.

In the present work, natural bentonite (B) was modified using hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HDTMAB), as a modifying agent. The organobentonite material obtained (OB) was encapsulated in calcium alginate bead (A–OB) under three proportions (1/1, 2/1, and 3/1 w/w, respectively). The obtained materials were tested on the adsorption of methylene blue. The equilibrium data were also well adjusted to the Langmuir isothermal model in the studied concentration range of MB at room temperature. The obtained results indicate that the calcium alginate–organobentonite composite under 1/1 mixing ratio (w/w) was the most effective adsorbent for the adsorption of the methylene blue dye and the maximum amount of MB per gram of adsorbent (qmax) increases from 344.4 to 972.29 mg/g.

In this study, cryogel beads have been successfully prepared, for the first time, from reed stems dissolved in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BmimCl). Beads diameters were in the 1.8–2 mm range. The adsorption capacity of biomass-based beads was evaluated against cationic (Methylene blue) and anionic (Congo red) dyes. Adsorptive properties of Reed-based beads (BR) were tested as a function of pH (2–10), contact time (30–240 min), adsorbent mass (0.25–1.5 g/L), and initial dye concentrations (50–150 ppm) and characterized with FTIR spectroscopy analyses. The adsorption capacities for Methylene blue and Congo red were 58.3 mg/g and 36.15 mg/g, respectively. The kinetic of successive Methylene blue and Congo red dyes adsorption onto BR was best described by the pseudo-second-order model.

Almond shell a natural, a relatively abundant and low-cost lignocellulosic agricultural by-product in Tunisia was studied, for the first time, for its potential application as a dye adsorbent in its low-temperature alkali-modified form. The FTIR spectroscopy was used so as to investigate the surface properties of raw and NaOH-treated almond shell. The kinetic studies showed that the MG dye adsorption process followed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The best-fitted equilibrium data was obtained with the Temkin isotherm model. The results of this study indicate that low-temperature alkali-modified almond shell is an efficient low-cost adsorbent for Malachite Green elimination from water.

Magnetic composites prepared from magnetite nanoparticles and tea waste were synthesized and applied as adsorbents for the removal of three pollutants (an organic dye, a metal ion, and a pharmaceutical product) from wastewater. These magnetic materials were characterized by several technics as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (WAXD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and zeta potential analysis. The effects of various physicochemical parameters such as contact time, pH, and pollutant concentration on the adsorption capacities of these nanomaterials were studied. Adsorption isotherms and kinetics were determined and discussed by considering various theoretical models.

Antibiotics and heavy metals have been widely used in the livestock industry as feed additives in order to promote animal health and growth performance through antimicrobial activity mechanisms. These toxic pollutants should be removed to promote the environment. In this work, biocomposite beads based on lignocellulosic materials (reed plant) were synthesized for simultaneous removal of oxytetracycline (OTC) and cadmium Cd(II), antibiotic and the heavy metal, respectively, from aqueous solution. The biosorbent was characterized by FTIR-ATR, SEM, TGA analysis, and by determining its isoelectric point. The optimization of such independent variables as adsorbent mass, initial OTC concentration, initial Cd(II) concentration, contact time, and pH affecting binary antibiotic and the heavy metal removal was developed by central composite design under response surface methodology (CCD-RSM). The kinetics data showed that the biosorption of OTC and Cd(II) follows the Weibull model. The Jovanovich and Freundlich models seemed more adequate for OTC biosorption, although the biosorption of Cd(II) follows the Brouers–Gaspard (BG) isotherm model.

Biosorption of toxic pollutants onto raw or treated agro-wastes-based materials has been identified as a good alternative to existing costly processes, such as chemical precipitation, ion exchange, membrane filtration, coagulation, flotation, and electrochemical treatment techniques. This work provides a short review of using raw and modified almond shell-based materials for the removal of metals ions, dyes, and other pollutants from water. Applications of available equilibrium (isotherms) and kinetic models as well as influences of crucial parameters (e.g., pH and contact time) on toxic pollutants uptake by almond shell-based materials have been reviewed. This study is the first mini-review on the use of almond shell-based adsorbents for aquatic toxic pollutants removal.

In this paper, a new kind of cryogel biocomposite was prepared by combining the dissolution of chicken feathers (CF) and cardboard waste (C) without any pretreatment using an ionic liquid as a green solvent via regeneration and in a very simple way by freeze-drying. FTIR results confirmed that keratin (KER) and cellulose (CEL) remain chemically intact and distributed homogeneously in the composite. The CF/C obtained composite was not only found to be biodegradable but also to preserve the unique properties of its components. Moreover, the absorption capacities of the synthesis cryogel were investigated in organic solvents, suggesting that this obtained composite for the first time as oil absorbent.

Water can be polluted with zinc due to the presence of large quantities in wastewater from industrial plants when the wastewater is not treated satisfactorily. This represents a threat to the environment and human health. This work consists in highlighting the effect of certain parameters influencing the elimination of this metal from an aqueous solution by a zeolite Na–Y. The effect of the initial concentration, contact time, pH, and temperature on the zinc removal efficiency was studied. The results show that the zeolite eliminates zinc in all cases with a good yield, around 99%. The optimal time is 60 min; a neutral pH of about 6.8 is favorable for a good elimination, while the increase in temperature is unfavorable to the operation. Adsorption is quite well represented by a pseudo-second-order kinetic model.

Boron is an essential element for plants and living organisms; however, excessive amount of boron may lead to lowering or even destroying the crops and cause nervous system diseases in humans. To meet the need for reducing the amount of boron in the environment, hybrid bio-sorbent beads of chitosan and manganese (Mn–CTS) were prepared by an encapsulation technique and used for the efficient removal of the excess of boron from an aqueous solution. The sorption process was carried out in a batch system. The effect of pH, time and initial boron concentration on the sorption was studied. The results proved that Mn–CTS removed boric acid from aqueous solution efficiently at pH 7 and at the sorption time of 2 h achieving the maximum sorption capacity of 187 ± 10 mg/g. The successful introduction of manganese to the chitosan backbone and boron sorption via a complexation mechanism was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy. Due to its high-performance boron sorption and its convenient form, Mn–CTS hybrid seems to be a promising bio-sorbent for water treatment.

Water reuse and reclamation have emerged as a suitable alternative for extending the available water supply. Wastewater reclamation and reuse are technically feasible. They can be tailored to meet the requirements. Mellitah Plant in the west of Libya has many sources of industrial wastewater, such as boilers and cooling systems that are all discharged in the sea. In this paper, the quantity of wastewater was estimated, microfiltration and reverse osmosis system were used to treat wastewater. The treatment results show a dramatic decrease in suspended and dissolved salts. The treated water can be reused for the cooling system and can be reused for agricultural purposes at the nearby cultivated land.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the performance and treatment efficiency of the natural decentralized wastewater treatment systems in resolving wastewaters problems in the rural areas of developing countries. Three Horizontal Sub-Surface Flow Constructed Wetland treatment systems (HFCW), three Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland treatment systems (VFCW), and three granular filtration (GF) systems were constructed and monitored for approximately 12 months. Each treatment system served a single rural Jordanian home by treating their greywater and recycling it for home garden irrigation. Different media types and orientations were used as filtration media in the systems. The results show that the Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and Total Suspended Solid (TSS) of the effluent were significantly lower as compared to the influent and demonstrated a removal efficiency of 84%, 89%, and 88%, respectively, when using HFCW. The removal efficiency was 90%, 90%, and 92%, respectively, when using VFCW. The removal efficiency was 61%, 58%, and 81%, respectively, when using GF. The study suggests that the studied natural treatment systems adequately treated greywater under arid conditions; however, the GF system was less efficient than the wetland systems.

This study was carried out to investigate the environmental impact of the industrial mining activities in Boukhadra Mine, Algeria. Samples were collected from a washing station of the mine, where the different pollutants are generated by the washing water and oils and greases of the equipment. According to standard protocols the physicochemical parameters analyses were selected to determine the organic pollution such as chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD5), Kjeldahl Nitrogen, temperature (t), pH, suspended solids (SS) and oils and greases. An analysis of total metal concentrations for Fe, Al, AG, AS, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Cn and Ti was also performed. The investigation found that the values of SS = 169 mg/L, COD = 172 mg/L, BOD = 55 mg/L and oils and greases = 343 mg/L and metal concentrations of Fe, AS, Be, CD, Cu, Cn, SN exceeded the maximum contamination limit specified by the Algerian standard industrial waste. This implies significant levels of pollution of these wastewaters, and alert risk of environmental pollution when these waters are directly dumped into nature. The Boukhadra mine team decided to quickly instal API oil–water separator for industrial discharges.

Carried out by human activity, micropollutants are one of the major environmental concerns. Among these micropollutants, heavy metals occupy an important position. Indeed, many micropollutants from human activity, particularly in urban areas, are eliminated in the water masses, degrading their quality and disrupting their good ecological functioning. Their presence in wastewater is one of the main causes of water and soil pollution. The purpose of this study was to evaluate heavy metals content in wastewater at the wastewater treatment plant of AL-HOCEIMA city, located on the Mediterranean coast in the north of Morocco. To this end, two composite samples, 24 h to be representative, were taken (raw water and treated water). Water volumes were collected using refrigerated (4 °C) autosamplers equipped with Teflon bottle hoses to prevent contamination. The content of heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Ba, Cr, Co and Hg in wastewater was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry (ICP-OES). The results showed that the content of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Cd, Pb, As, Ni, Ba, Cr, Co and Hg) at the inlet of the treatment plant is relatively low, because of the low industrial activity in the region. This clearly confirms the domestic nature of the city wastewater. The removal efficiency of heavy metals was directly proportional to their initial values in raw wastewater. The reduction of heavy metals was as follows: Cd < Cu < Fe < Mn < Cu < Pb < Ni < Co < Ba < Zn < Cr < Hg.

In the present work, hydrothermal carbonization of olive pomace was investigated for different conversion media at various temperatures. The produced hydrochars were characterized using different analytical techniques. The experiments show that the use of olive mill wastewater (OMW) as a carbonization media increased hydrochar recovery compared to the distilled water. Such results indicate the possible recovery of the OMW organic matter into hydrochar. However, the proximate analysis shows that hyrochars prepared in OMW media has higher volatile matter contents and low fixed carbon and ash contents compared to the hydrochar prepared in water media. Furthermore, morphological differences were observed with specific formation of carbon micro-spheres detected when using distilled water as reaction medium. These characterizations may guide for suitable applications for both hydrochars.

Currently, a major attention is paid to the development of integrated industrial wastewater treatment methods that ensure sufficient treatment efficiency for use of recycled water supply arrangements and further utilization of the treatment-generated waste. This paper dealt with the ferritization-based treatment of zinc-containing electroplating wastewater. Dependence of efficiency of heavy metal ions (HMIs) removal on aeration rates was determined. The highest efficiency of wastewater treatment was reached at low aeration rates. The influence of oxidant consumption on structure of ferritization treatment sediments was also studied. The sediments are chemically stable, have a dense crystalline structure and ferromagnetic properties. On the basis of experimental research, the optimal aeration rate for the ferritization treatment process was found to reach 0.5–1.5 dm3/min, allowing the reuse of the wastewater treatment effluent for on-site water supply.

The sonophotocatalytic (US/UV/TiO2) degradation of endocrine disrupting compound 4-cumylphenol (4-CP) at low ultrasound frequency in aqueous solution was investigated. A more remarkable synergistic effect was observed on the 4-CP degradation by US/UV/TiO2 process, at low ultrasound frequency reactor equipped with a focalization system, than that observed in the case of individual process such as sonolytic (US), photolytic (UV), and photocatalytic (UV/TiO2). The influence of the operating parameters such as 4-CP initial concentration, ultrasound power and frequency, nano-catalyst concentration, pH and saturating gas on the degradation process was examined. In addition, to assess the potential reaction sites of hydroxyl radical-mediated oxidation of 4-CP, we monitored its degradation in the presence of tert-butyl-alcohol scavengers of OH radicals in the liquid–solid interface. The presence of persulfate ions is able to enhance the degradation efficiency of 4-CP, because its presence enhances the production of more OH radicals quantities. The 4-CP degradation rate was frequency dependent. This rate increased proportionally with the increasing power from 10 for 50 W. The most favorable degradation pH was the acidic media. The degree of 4-CP decay was fast in the presence of argon and slowed down as the gas was replaced by air or nitrogen. At low ultrasound frequency, the results indicated that total chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal was obtained in the tested 4-CP solutions when applying (US/UV/TiO2/S2O8−2) system.

In this work, color removal of a synthesized blue indigo dye using iron electrodes in continuous electrocoagulation process was studied. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize four investigated parameters: pH solution, absorbance solution or concentration, initial flow rate and voltage. The highest color removal efficiency was achieved at neutral pH range (7.5), at low absorbance (2.439 au), low flow rate (2 L/min), and at high voltage level (47 V). The higher correlation coefficient R2 (97.8%) and the ANOVA analysis confirm the high accuracy of the RSM model for the response. Under optimum conditions, the achieved color removal efficiency reached 93.972% which is in good agreement with the predicted model data 94.0834%. The calculated total cost was 0.0927 per m3 of treated effluent.

The effects of solids (impurities) on gas–liquid columns and the respective physical mechanisms have received little attention. Therefore, in this study, the effect of the solids concentration on the mass transfer characteristics in a three-phase electroflotation column was experimentally studied for the systems gas/water/olive stone. Volumetric mass transfer coefficient, kLa, was measured under different solid concentrations (1–3 g/l) and current densities values (60–220 A/m2). The presence of olive stone solids was found to affect negatively kLa. Also, an increase in kLa occurs when the current density increases. The capacity of oxygenation CO and the corrective factor alpha were also studied.

The effects of pH and the current densities on electroflotation columns have not been investigated yet. In this study, we proposed to adopt the effects of pH (4–12) and current density (60–300 A/m2) on the specific interfacial area (a), on volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) and in Liquid-side oxygen transfer coefficient (KL) during the wastewater treatment by the electroflotation process. The measurements aimed to find the best experimental conditions to treat such effluents. Water at different pH concentrations was used as model solutions of some effluents. A rectangular electroflotation column was used.

In this study, several principles of desalination methods like the reverse osmosis, membrane distillation, and pervaporation were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the last as a promising alternative to desalination. The type of membrane and process parameters determines the effects of pervaporation, mainly the membrane affinity for water and the diffusion of the components. The pervaporation experiments were carried out using the laboratory equipment and a flat PERVAP 2210 membrane made of PVA. In these experiments, the feed temperature was changed from 20 to 80 and the salt concentration from 0.8 to 3.5% in solution. Satisfactory permeate fluxes were obtained as well as a rejection coefficients close to 99.9%.

In this study, the decolorization of an azo dye Orange G (OG) by homogeneous advanced oxidation processes was investigated in the presence of persulfate (S2O82−) and periodate (IO4−) under UV irradiation at 254 nm in aqueous solution. The obtained results showed that the decolorization of OG increased in the UV/S2O82− and UV/IO4− systems compared to the UV system alone. In both cases (UV/S2O82− and UV/IO4−), the increase in the oxidant concentration enhanced the dye decolorization rate. However, a higher degradation activity was observed when IO4− was added to the solution.

The high level of NOx in the air of urban areas is a major problem. NO2 is one of the main pollutants found in big cities. Photocatalysis has been proposed as a remediation technology to control the NOx emission. Nevertheless, efforts are focused on the treatment of NO instead of NO2. In this communication, we have analyzed the photocatalytic performance of TiO2-based materials with different textural and chemical properties for the photocatalytic oxidation of NO and NO2. The effect of photocatalyst loading, residence time, and relative humidity was studied in order to achieve the optimum photocatalytic performance. The results presented in this work indicate the importance of these parameters to obtain high photocatalytic efficiencies.

In this study, copper was prepared through a green chemical reduction process using sodium ascorbate under atmospheric conditions. The product was micron sized and mainly formed by metallic copper with a minor presence of Cu2O. The product was used as oxidant in the degradation of methylene blue in a heterogeneous Fenton-like process. The concentration of methylene blue in the solution was determined by the changes in absorbance at 665 nm with UV–VIS spectrometer. The effect of different parameters, such as copper loading, dye concentration, pH of the solution and temperature, was studied. Total oxidation was achieved after 42 min with 30 mg of copper at 60 °C and pH 3. The addition of H2O2 at 0.00116 M reduced the time for total oxidation to 10 min and the application of 40 kHz ultrasounds further reduced the time to 6 min.

This study dealt with the followed methodology and the obtained results of a geotechnical valorization test for the Berhoum zone geological map (ex-Souk Ouled Nedjaa) in order to prepare a geotechnical map for construction using a geographical information system (GIS). The basic document was the existing geological map. The geological units have been characterized from a geotechnical view point. From the existing data, each geological unit was as much as possible represented by a number of average physical and geomechanical parameters. The homogeneity of the response made it possible to highlight the geotechnical units and establish a geotechnical classification of the different terrains. The geotechnical map for construction was the ultimate result of this study.

In order to protect the human health as well as the environment from the solid waste negative impacts, landfill sites should be subjected to adopt the criteria that correspond to landfills international requirements. Fifteen criteria were approved of in an arid area like Babylon Governorate, Iraq for landfill siting. As a result, ten landfill sites were chosen in the governorate. A suitable design was suggested for the selected landfill sites. This design consisted of the base liner system and the final cover system. The results for the suggested landfill design (using the HELP model) showed that there was no leachate percolation from waste mass into groundwater.

Lighting products are essential for our daily life, but also produce heavy negative impact on the environment. To meet the demand of reducing the lighting products’ environmental impact, this research took an industrial lighting product as an example to illustrate the environmental impact assessment through the product life cycle and discovered the key stages which produce high impacts on the environment within the product life cycle. The assessment results are presented with indicators regarding ecosystems, resources, and human health, together with 17 midpoint indicators such as toxicity and urban land occupation. Based on the obtained results, some recommendations on how to reduce the industrial lighting products’ impact on the environment were presented while improving the products’ positive functions.

This paper investigated the effect of the addition of palm tree fiber-based lignin on thermal and mechanical properties of novel cementitious composites. Different mass proportions (2.5, 5, 10, and 20%) of lignin were mixed with cement, water, and sand so as to prepare composite samples. The thermal conductivity, compressive strength, water uptake, and drying kinetic of composites were investigated. The results reveal that the presence of lignin improves the composites’ thermal performance. Thermal measurements have proved that the loading of 10% of lignin in composites decreases the thermal conductivity from 1.38 W m−1 K−1 (for the reference mortar) to 0.38 W m−1 K−1.

Geopolymers, a class of largely amorphous aluminosilicate binder materials, have been extensively studied over the several past decades. New metakaolin-based geopolymer formulations were elaborated by addition of lamp waste glass and with sodium silicate/NaOH activation. The influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of compositional variation with partial replacement of metakaolin by lamp waste glass (0, 25, 50, and 75%) and Si/Al ratio (3.5 and 4) were studied. From 1 to 7 days of curing, the combination of these two amorphous materials (metakaolin and glass) exhibited suitable compressive strength values reaching 17 MPa. At higher Si/Al ratio (3.5–4), these values are largely superior to metakaolin-based one (around 4 MPa). At higher percentage of waste (25% metakaolin, 75% glass), the mechanical resistance tends to decrease due to the higher reactivity of metakaolin with alkaline solution. This behavior is also observed when more curing time is applied to the studied geopolymers (28 days).

Today, the world is facing natural resources and environmental crises. The actual consumption practices in different industries are linear and wasteful, which means that resources are extracted, transformed, consumed, and discarded. The generated waste results in pollution and becomes unmanageable. For this, new concepts have appeared like the circular economy which involves sorting and recycling. Governments have noticed the benefit of the circular economy and this is reflected in laws and policies that have seen the development of eco-material production strategies from industrial waste or natural waste such as dredged sediments. In Algeria, while waste management has evolved in the scientific, technical, and implementation fields, the concept of the circular economy still needs to be enhanced and developed. More comprehensive evaluations need to be carried out, as the United Nations calls it in its sustainable development goals. In this paper, an overview was achieved to shed light on the issues and prospects of optimal waste management and the circular economy development, in Algeria.

As the world’s population has grown, waste generation has increased rapidly. Solid waste management requires a greater knowledge of the composition, generation quantity, physical properties, and impacts of economic aspects. This paper clarified the status of municipal solid waste management across Sulaimaniyah governorate and presented a comprehensive overview and implication of poor solid waste management in the study area. The core aspects covered were the future estimations of the cumulative solid waste amount with population growth by 2040 using brief calculations of the waste generation rate from 2016. The results revealed that the daily per capita waste generation in the Sulaimaniyah governorate is 1.32 kg by 2040, a cumulative solid waste of about 10,445,829 tons, and an estimated volume of 9,146,368 m3 which will be required for the disposal site in the future.

Rock aggregates are major construction materials globally. However, high cost, scarcity, environmental problems, and depletion of natural resources associated with the production of crushed rocks for subbase and base courses have necessitated search for alternative available quality materials for sustainable highway pavement construction. Cement was added to lateritic soils at varying percentages of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%. The soil–cements were subjected to various laboratory tests to establish their potentials for use as pavement layers instead of crushed rocks for economical and environmental sustainability. In addition, CBR, UCS of the soil–cements (cured for 7 and 14 days), and the percentage of cement model were used to establish a second-order polynomial to correlate the soil–cement mix. Compaction results showed a decrease in maximum dry density and an increase in optimum moisture content. California bearing ratio (unsoaked CBR and soaked CBR) and unconfined compressive strength (UCS) values of the cement-stabilized lateritic soils cured for 7 and 14 days increased with higher cement contents up to 8%, after which there were reductions in CBR and UCS. The strength of the soils does not only depend on cement content, but also on the soil curing period. The obtained improved strength indices allow a reduction in the pavement thickness at a low cost of road construction. The polynomial model was found to predict good relationships between strength indices and the percentage of the cement used. 8% by the soil weight of the cement. The stabilized lateritic soils could be used as potential subbase and base materials for highway construction.

Guaranteeing a good quality surface roughness product is one the most important item that must be considered in metal machining process. Surface quality control is a complicated process and requires a reliable technique during the machining operation. In the real current situation, most of the machining is done in trial and error in order to find an appropriate cutting condition. This situation causes an increase in terms of time, energy consumption, and manufacturing cost. Many previous researches studied the factors that influence the surface roughness, but the different machine conditions required different levels of factors to control. In this study, an experimental study was performed to optimize the cutting parameters and determine the factors that are significant to the surface roughness quality. Machining experiment was carried out on a vertical milling machine using square non-coated two flutes HSS Co end mill with selected cutting parameters on Aluminum 6061. The Taguchi design method signal to noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to examine the significant factors influencing the quality of surface roughness. The analysis result revealed that the cutting speed was the most significant influence on the surface roughness, followed by the feed rate and depth of cut.

Today most countries have huge quantities of industrial waste, such as the breaks of ceramics from the ceramic products industry, which represent a promising and very remarkable development potential. The composite materials reinforced by this construction waste, the ceramic breakage, offer a realistic approach to environmental protection and pollution control, optimization of natural resources, as well as important advantages and properties concerning the new composite material, namely chemical and physical, via impermeability, erosion resistance, and a high Young modulus. This article examined and presented the results of the evaluation study of this waste, the white ceramic breakage.

The present study aimed to contribute to the protection of the earth’s environment by reducing the emission of a greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide) in the cement industry. Our experimental plan is based on the verification of some physical parameters of mortar (porosity, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and compressive strength) if the cement component is partially replaced by a waste of glass powder (WGP). The obtained results showed that the partial replacement of 10–20% of cement by WGP increased the performance of the mortar and reduced the CO2 emission by 10–20% which contributes to the reduction of the greenhouse effect and consequently the conservation of our planet.

The aim of this work focuses on the behavior of the masonry bricks incorporating hydroxide sludge wastes (in the calcined state (600 ℃) named CHS). Chromium and copper were the predominant metal oxides in the waste. Brick samples were formed with mixtures of different proportions of CHS and clay (ie: x = 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% of CHS and 100-X of clay) and fired at 950 ℃ for 1 h. Open porosity decreases from 39% to 32% with 0 to 20% of CHS, respectively. Moreover, the incorporation of the CHS into the clay mix clearly decreased the linear shrinkage and the water absorption. The compressive strength decreased by a maximum of 10 wt% of CHS giving a value of 33 MPa. The evaluation of the release of the chemical species (Cr3+, Zn2+, and Cu2+) by a leaching test indicates successful stabilization of the pollutants in the bricks.

This paper aimed at an experimental study carried out in a laboratory on calcite sand in order to characterize the behavior of the granular media using oedometric tests. Enormous quantities of this type of material exist in nature. In addition, it is the most used in various industrial sectors, especially in civil engineering in such fields as the manufacture of railway ballast. In these fields, the mechanical interactions between particles govern the macroscopic behavior of these materials. All grains constituting these materials have very diverse geometric and mechanical characteristics. Similarly, the solicitations interact between them are subjected, during the development phases, to the cycles of transport and storage. These materials often have complex behaviors due to the large number of their constituents, the complex role of local geometry (shape and grain arrangement) as well as the variety of interactions between grains (contact and friction). As a result, this study was devoted to studying the effects of the initial grain size curve, the initial density state, the consolidation stress, and the type of test on the mechanical properties. So, the overall mechanical behavior of these granular materials is strongly dependent on the spreading particle size, in contrast to the tight case. In addition, while the state of density can be influenced by the saturation mode, it is more marked for the dry mode.

The extraction of gold ore generates waste materials called gold mine tailings. These wastes are considered as a major environmental problem for the mining industry since they consist of several heavy metals such as chromium, iron, silver, etc…. At Amesmessa Mine (Tamanrasset, Algeria) where mining has been carried out for over 15 years, about 2 million tons of gold tailings have been accumulated each year. The aim of this work was to study the use of gold mine tailings in the ceramic fields as substitution of feldspar. Three types of porcelain were produced by mixing 50 wt% of kaolin, 20 wt% of sand, and 30 wt% of feldspar. Indeed, feldspar was substituted by the mine gold tailings with a proportion of 5, 10, and 30 wt. %. The mixed powders (were submitted to the furnace at 1100 and 1200 ℃ during 2 h. The results carried out by XRD and XRF show that this tailing is made up of quartz, pyrite, muscovite, and dolomite. The mineralogical characterization of the fired products shows the dominance of mullite and quartz phases. The mechanical properties of porcelain samples during sintering were studied together with the chemical durability. This work highlighted the possibility of using gold tailings in the ceramic field.

The kinetics of thermal decomposition of waste tire WT was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). We used in this study the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) method to calculate the kinetic parameter, the activation energy Ea versus the conversion degree. Analyses were performed at the heating rates 10, 40, and 60 ℃/min. The algorithm developed here allows the calculation and the simulation of the solid temperature at different conversion degrees for various heating rates. The good correlation between experiments and simulations validated the proposed algorithm.

The main objective of this study was to establish the contamination caused by Pb–Zn mining site of Lakhouat (NW Tunisia) and detail its spread. Samples were analyzed and the 3D toxic metals content map showed that the contamination level was relatively superficial. This is due to the transportation phenomenon which is mainly caused by the wind. The same was detected in both the nearby topsoils and the stream sediments. In order to neutralize these heavy metals, sediments containing rejects were used to produce cement. Tests reported that concentrations of leached contaminants (Pb, Zn, and Cu) decreased considerably. Indeed, 75–85% of these toxic elements were immobilized in the obtained mortars. Mining rejects-based geopolymers were also confectioned. The formulations were set by mixing commercial-grade metakaolin with Lakhouat by-products. The activation was achieved using sodium silicate/NaOH prepared solution. Si/Al ratios of 2.5 and 3.5 were studied. It appeared that at higher Si/Al ratio relatively good cohesion and mechanical strength was achieved. These obtained geopolymers could present a good candidate to immobilize the toxic metals contained in the rejects.

Geoelectrical resistivity imaging was integrated with cone penetrating test (CPT) and standard penetrating test (SPT) for a preliminary investigation for building construction in a foreshore environment of Ilubirin Lagos, Nigeria. The two-dimensional electrical imaging revealed two inferred geoelectrical layers of loose silty sand (80.0–400 $$\Omega {\text{m}}$$ Ω m ) and sandy clay (2.66–50.0 $$\Omega {\text{m}}$$ Ω m ). An average CPT value of 10–48 km/cm2 was measured between 0.5 and 7 m. The submerged bearing pressure ranged from 8 to 65 kN/m2. Generally, geotechnical investigations revealed the subsoils characteristics to range from soft to firm clay with low to moderate shear strength. It is recommended that a deeper pile foundation type should be adopted in the construction site so that the building would transmit their loads to a more stable basal subsoil stratum within the subsurface.

Pressure surges seen as wastewater reflux and geyser, overflowing and pipes burst are likely to be related to the solid deposit layer development in closed collectors. However, this danger still needs to be not fully understood. In this work, we evaluated the effect of pipes bottom modification due to the solid deposit on the pressure changes. Exner Saint Venant equations under the hypothesis of uniform and stationary flow were used for the solid deposit layer development effect on pressure changes modeling. Both analytical and numerical solutions in gravity as well as in a pressurized pipe were calculated. Since the solid flow is an important parameter in this calculus, we used the Wang and the Graf formulas as well as several different others proposed in the literature to ensure its estimation. Then, we compared the obtained results in order to select the suitable one that neither underestimates nor overestimates the pressure change. The results showed that the pressurizing of free surface flow pipes are significantly affected and that pressurized conduits are more exposed to this danger due to the solid deposit layer. Thus, to avoid this phenomenon, the pipes bottom and the pressure modification have to be evaluated using the most appropriate solid flow formula.

The development of dredged sediment (DS) valorization sectors in the port of Oran is a necessity to address the major environmental problem caused by their dumping at sea. This experimental study was conducted to study the influence of DSs on the behavior of concrete under extreme temperature conditions for a precise application: The tunnel concrete lining. To this end, two concretes were manufactured; C1 concrete manufactured with terrestrial granulates and C2 concrete with DSs. The influence of the replacement of the fine sand by DS on the compressive strength under normal conditions at 20 ℃ (Rc20) and the residual compressive strengths (Rrc) after heating at temperatures of 150 ℃, 350 ℃, E and 600 ℃ and cooling in air and in water has been studied. The results showed the beneficial effect of the substitution of 25% fine sand by DS on the compressive strength (Rc20) of C2 concrete as it has been slightly improved at 60 and 90 days (at 90 days: 56.2 MPa instead 49 MPa). The effects of high temperatures on the residual compressive strengths Rrc of the concrete are more pronounced when the concrete is subjected to thermal shock in water than in air.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the environmental impact of the use of harbour dredging sediments (HDS) from active lagooning in the formulation of self-compacting concrete (SCC). Concerning the beneficial use of sediments as alternative granular material in construction, the developed experimental methodology allows to incorporate a more optimized content of sediments in cementitious materials than the current experimental approaches. The studied sediments do not undergo any chemical or thermal treatment. The DMDA (Densified Mixture Design Algorithm) method was used to formulate cementitious materials and optimize the sediment content. The paper focused on mortars equivalent to these “sediments” (SCMs). The experimental program considered three different HDS with three different fines rates at 125 μm. Considering the environmental regulation context, the studied HDSs are classified as non-hazardous waste with reference to the European Directive 1999/31/EC—Decision 2003/33/EC. Heavy metals contained in sediments were stabilized with the cementitious matrix, except nickel. In particular, a notable decrease in barium and chloride concentrations was observed. The different mortars are classified as inert, the clinker hydration producing hydrates that capture and stabilize heavy metals in the cementitious matrix. After a 28-day curing period in water at 20 ℃, a C25/30 mechanical class concrete was obtained. The obtained experimental results show that raw HDS from active lagooning has a real potential to be used as a secondary raw material with the incorporated notable quantity in the SCC formulation.

In this study, we applied a current method following the European guidelines for the demonstration and subtraction of PM10 excess attributable to natural sources under the Directive 2008/50/EC. The calculation of the Saharan dust contribution to the daily PM10 concentration in the considered stations has been obtained in several steps. First, we have determined the daily PM10 concentration measured in each station during the events as well as the regional background represented by 50 percentiles of the PM10 series measured 15 days before and 15 days after the Saharan dust event recommended by the European guidance of the natural source contribution. Then, we have quantified the contribution of Saharan dust to PM10 concentration in the considered sites by the subtraction of these two terms. The anthropogenic daily PM10 concentration in each considered station has been determined by subtracting the Saharan dust contribution from the daily concentration registered during the intrusion

Fugitive methane from municipal solid waste landfills represents a significant amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions daily released in the atmosphere. As part of the global effort to quantify and manage GHG, there is considerable interest in quantifying methane emissions in landfills. A variety of methods exist for this task. In this paper, three different measurement-based approaches are tested and compared. An optimization-based estimation method is combined with surface emission monitoring (SEM), above ground drone-collected methane concentrations, and downwind plume monitoring. These methods are tested for the case of an actual landfill. Results show that the proposed methodologies are cost-effective and appropriate for rapid screening of methane emission in landfills and could be easily adapted for analogous greenhouse gas emission hotspots.

Most of the rural areas lack electric power and the blended-fuel engines can be run for electric generation. In this experimental study, combustion, performance, and emission characteristics of a single-cylinder four strokes variable compression ratio engine fueled with waste cooking methyl ester at 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% blends with diesel oil and fuel economy have been compared to the conventional diesel. The used biodiesel was produced from waste cooking oil by transesterification. Experiments have been performed at a constant speed of 1500 rpm at full load by varying compression ratios from 15:1 to 18:1. The results about cylinder pressure, net heat release, exhaust gas temperature, brake thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions of NOx, CO, CO2 were presented. They showed that the maximum cylinder pressure was higher for all the biodiesel blends and increased with the compression ratio while the net heat release decreased with the compression ratio increase. Exhaust gas temperature was found to be higher for diesel while the biodiesel B40 achieved the highest temperature. Brake thermal efficiency decreased for all the biodiesels compared to the usual diesel. B50 efficiency is 10.68% less than that of the diesel. The biodiesel addition also increased NOx emission up to 35.36% for B50 and CO emission decreased by 17.5%. on average.

In this paper, we proposed to numerically simulate the spatiotemporal evolution of the density of certain nitrogen oxides present in the gaseous mixture (74% N2, 10% O2, 8% H2O, and 8% CO2), which is subject to a crown discharge DC. We were interested in studying the influence of the reduced electric field E/N (E electric field, N the density of the neutrals) on the chemical kinetics of this mixture. The gas chemistry takes into account 17 species (the radicals N, O, H, OH, the ground state molecules N2, O2, H2O, CO2, O3, H2, HNO3, the nitrogen oxides NO, N2O, NO2, NO3, N2O5, metastable species N(2D), and the electrons e−) reacting with one another 80 selected chemical reactions. The obtained results show an evolution closely related to the reduced electric field.

As the impacts of human activities on the environment have become more evident, the endeavors to address and mitigate these impacts are progressing at rapid strides. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) has emerged within this context. This assessment was desired to track EIA activities in the Arab world, a region of harsh environment. Bibliometric techniques and visualization mapping have been used to assess the status of these activities and their trends and to provide insights into the contribution of countries, institutions, authors, and journals toward the advancements of EIA research and to characterize the hot topics. A total of 536 documents (2.0% of global output) were retrieved from this region. Egypt was in the forefront and showed distinctive performance in terms of productivity (135 documents; 25.0%), impact (h-index: 25), and citations (1986). France topped the major partners with the Arab world in EIA research. Life cycle assessment, GIS, remote sensing, and biomarkers were the most used tools in this field. This assessment indicated a strong commitment toward progressing and advancing EIA research in the Arab world, which goes hand in hand with the endeavors combating climate changes.

The purpose of this paper was to study the potential offered by the application of a PV/T water solar collector in Tunisian households. Hence, outdoor experiments were carried out during July 2014 for both passive and active mode to evaluate the thermal and the electric outputs of the PV/T water solar collector under Tunisian climatic conditions. It was found that the thermal efficiency and the electrical efficiency of PV/T solar collector in active mode, about 49.3 and 16%, respectively, are more important than those obtained in the passive mode. An exhaustive exergy analysis was also performed to evaluate the thermal and the electrical exergy efficiencies of the PV/T water solar collector under given operating conditions. The performances of the PV/T water solar collector were compared to a high-quality commercial domestic solar collector and a PV panel available on the Tunisian local market.

The endeavor of this paper was the study of the potential offered by the expenditure of an innovative Solar CombiSystem, SCS, used for space heating load, domestic hot water supply, and electric energy production. The analyses achieved in this work were based on experimental and simulation studies. A TRNSYS simulation program was achieved in order to evaluate the SCS monthly/annual thermal and electric performances. It was observed that the proposed SCS covers between 20 and 45% of the solar heating, SH, energy needs by considering only solar energy. It was also found that the SCS electric production covered between 49 and 125%. An economic analysis was also achieved to appraise the SCS feasibility.

Available in large quantities and easy to produce, wood is probably the unique sustainable natural material, thus perfect to use for the circular economy. To preserve its properties, inspection needs to be done in production, at the worksite and during its useful life. Infrared thermography (IRT) is a noncontact technique capable to show objects’ surfaces temperature based on the radiation emitted. Accurate temperature determination is highly dependent on the material emissivity values. An expedite method to measure the wood emissivity values using active IRT was presented. A wood sample of Pinus pinaster species was used. The results are very promising, identifying the IRT as a promising nondestructive technique in this field.

In this article, the desiccant cooling system was simulated, and the calculation was carried out by an MATLAB code and validated experimentally. This technology of refrigeration behavior including different cycles, ventilation, recirculation, and Duncle under a hot and dry climate of Gabes has been studied. Investigating the simulation results of three cycles of the desiccant cooling system allowed revealing that the coefficient of performance of ventilation, recirculation, and Duncle cycles were 1. 89, 1.13, and 1.76, respectively. Therefore, it was achieved that the Ventilation solar desiccant cooling system is thus the most appropriate cycle to be used under the hot and dry climate of Gabes.

The oxidation of cyclohexane has been the topic of several investigations over recent years. The aim was to increase the selectivity in K/A oil (cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol). In this work, we proposed to study the cyclohexane oxidation reaction under mild conditions. Supported monometallic catalysts based on cobalt and silver as well as bimetallic catalysts were prepared by a simple method of impregnation on TiO2 and SiO2. These materials have been characterized by XRD, nitrogen adsorption and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The catalysts were tested in the oxidation of cyclohexane reaction with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in mild conditions and the products were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC). A very interesting result was reached: the reaction could be oriented toward the exclusive production of cyclohexanone from the beginning (15 min).

In this study, pure and Co substituted nanosized lanthanum ferrite (LaFe1-xCoxO3; x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, and 1) perovskites were synthesized by inorganic sol–gel route, and investigated as catalysts for styrene oxidation environmental reaction using H2O2 as oxidant. The effect of cobalt content on physico-chemical properties of LaFeO3 perovskite was studied by means of XRD, FTIR and N2 physisorption. XRD analyses revealed that a stable perovskite with orthorhombic structure up to x = 0.4 was obtained, whereas for higher cobalt content, the rhombohedral structure was formed. Furthermore, the partial replacement of Fe(III) with Co (III) cations restrained the growth of the large crystallites of LaFeO3 (~74 nm). In the FTIR spectra, the shift of Fe–O bonds position toward higher frequencies proved the incorporation of cobalt in the perovskite structure. BET surface area values were found to be between 7 and 17 m2/g. Through the catalytic tests results, the lowest substituted catalyst exhibited a higher activity than pure LaFeO3 while further increase of cobalt content led to a remarkable decrease in the performance of the catalyst. All catalysts converted styrene to Benzaldehyde selectively. Finally, it should be mentioned that the reaction proceeded with no leaching which confirms its heterogeneous nature.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using zinc acetate dihydrate, ethanol, and oxalic acid as precursor, solvent, and complexing agent, respectively, and urea–hydrogen peroxide (UHP) as, simultaneously, nitrogen precursor and oxygen donor. The structural, morphological, textural, and optical properties of ZnO photocatalysts were investigated using different characterization methods such as XRD, SEM, BET, and UV-Vis-DRS. The XRD patterns showed that the products consisted of ZnO and revealed the presence of nitrogen. SEM images revealed the agglomeration and aggregation of NPs. The photocatalytic activity of ZnO samples was estimated based on the photo-oxidation of 2-propanol under UV irradiation, and ZnO doped with 5%UHP showed higher photocatalytic activity than bare ZnO.

The compatibility between natural rubber (NR) and pineapple leaf microfibers (PALMF) in NR-PALMF composites were improved by two methods. The first was carried out by the addition of nitrile rubber (NBR) during mixing. The other method was achieved by chemically treating PALMF surface with silane. Modulus at low strain of NR-PALMF composites increased in both cases. The composite prepared with silane-modified PALMF has, however, higher modulus than that containing NBR indicating better compatibility between NR and PALMF. The modulus at high strain of NR-PALMF composites has also been increased by addition of carbon black filler. This system has been compared to natural rubber reinforced by aramid fibers and has shown better mechanical properties.

Zeolite membranes are able to separate continuously mixtures of substances on the basis of differences in molecular size and shape and also on the basis of different adsorption properties. Zeolite membranes are also interesting for the use in membrane reactors due to their thermal and chemical resistance. However, reproducibility problems and high cost hinder their industrial application. The one-step and the secondary growth are the two methods used in the preparation of zeolitic membranes. The secondary growth method, decoupling zeolite nucleation from crystal growth, allows the optimization of the operating conditions for each step. Seeding is a critical step that can influence the membrane’s quality. A new procedure for the seeding crystals was designed and used to achieve the selective zeolitic layer on the inner tubular support surface. The membranes prepared for the secondary growth method coupled with the cross-flow seeding procedure were used in different processes. First of all, Faujasite (FAU) zeolite membranes were used in CO selective oxidation (SelOx) in simulated membrane reactors reformate gas. Another example showed the possibility to use mobile-type five (MFI) membranes for water desalination by means of vacuum membrane distillation process.

This study aimed to valorize oasis wastes by the extraction of lignin and its use for polymeric membrane modification. We have extracted lignin from five types of oasis wastes using the Klason method. These wastes are date palm stone, leaflet, pedicel, palm frond, and fibrilium. After extraction, the mass yield of lignin production was in the range of 22–32%. The date palm frond showed the highest lignin production yield. The produced lignin was characterized by using FT-IR spectroscopy. The obtained spectra showed that all samples contain a high concentration of (–OH) group except pedicel and fibrilium samples which present a moderate intensity peak of this group. In this study, we demonstrated that, for all extracted lignins, the hydrophilicity and porosity of polymeric membranes went up with the lignin content rise.

Oil spill and leakage can severely affect the environment, as many recent events testify. Many methods and materials have been developed and tested for oil spill cleanup, with the current research investigation focused on designing eco-friendly, inexpensive, and reliable adsorbents. In the present paper, two materials were tested. A 13X zeolite, produced using low-cost raw materials, and a zeolitic waste provided by a local plant. The selectivity between oil and water adsorption and the oil adsorption capacity were measured on the selected materials, before and after functionalization. The functionalization, via an esterification reaction using palmitic acid, has allowed attributing hydrophobic/oleophillic features to both materials. The water contact angles, after modification, resulted in a value equal to 136 ± 1° for the zeolitic waste and 128 ± 2° for the 13X zeolite. The treated materials segregated in oil region when spread in an oil/water dispersion, and the 13X exhibited an oil sorption capacity of 0.4 gr of oil/gr adsorbent and a selectivity in the oil/water absorption equal to 62%, whereas the zeolitic waste adsorbed 1 gr of oil/gr adsorbent with a selectivity of 73%. The better performance of the zeolitic waste can be ascribed to its heterogeneous nature, which allows the presence of additional mechanisms of clean up, such as oil stabilization. Furthermore, being currently landfilled, this potential application paves the way to its eco-friendly reuse.

This work described the main experimental data related to the elimination of an emergent water pollutant in aqueous solution using an oxidation process mediated by UVA light and titanium dioxide as a catalyst. The target molecule considered in this work is clofibric acid, a water pollutant of major concern due to its persistence in the aquatic environment. Indeed, this molecule is poorly eliminated by the conventional techniques used for the wastewater treatment. The effect of some key process parameters over the pollutant photocatalytic degradation, like the initial pollutant concentration, catalyst load, light intensity, and exposure time, were analyzed by employing the Response Surface Methodology. A custom Central Composite Design was used for the modeling process, to predict the pollutant removal yield in all experimental ranges and determine the optimal experimental conditions to enhance its elimination efficiency.

The objective of the present study was to develop an original polymer inclusion membrane with an extractive agent. For the elaborated membrane, FTIR spectra indicated the inclusion of the extractive agent, while SEM micrographs allowed characterizing the morphology and the porosity. After grafting Direct Red 80 dye molecules on the membrane surface, tests under our conditions indicated that the membrane became impermeable for the grafted dye. Such treated membrane was used to carry oriented processes for the treatment of aqueous discharges loaded with methylene blue (MB) and Direct Red 80 (DR 80) dyes, in order to recover these two dyes widely used in dyeing operations. Oriented processes for methylene blue substrate extraction from mixtures were carried out. The results showed the possibility to quantify processes by determining several parameters, permeability (P) and initial flux (J0) relative to the membrane performance, apparent diffusion coefficient (D*) and association constant (Kass), relative to the interaction of the substrate (S) with the extractive agent (T) forming entities (ST) during the diffusion of the substrate through the membrane phase. Several studies on the influence of initial concentration, acidity and temperature factors, on the evolution of J0, P, Kass, and D* parameters were carried out and the activation parameters (Ea, ΔH≠ and ΔS≠) have been determined. The results indicated that temperature strongly influenced the evolution for almost all the parameters as well as the membrane performance. Further, the results showed that the original membrane pretreatment allowed total and selective separation of dye mixtures (MB/DR 80).

Wastewater treatment has become immensely challenging. Adsorption process has an obvious drawback since it does not lead to dyes degradation in the end. A novel Polypyrrole/Chitosan/exfoliated Grapheneoxide/Montmorillonite (PPy@CS/MMT/GO) nanohybrid was synthesized using in situ polymerization of pyrrole on a high surface area CS/MMT/GO nanocomposite to give multi-functional adsorbent with high ability for removal of neutral, anionic, and cationic dyes. The PPy@CS/MMT/GO surface morphology was characterized by various instrumental techniques such as SEM, TEM, and XRD. The removal efficiency for Biebrich scarlet (99%), Eosin Y (97%), neutral red (95%), Safranin O (66%), and Titan yellow (85%) was estimated. The adsorption trend was rapid in the case of Biebrich scarlet, Eosin Y, and neutral red, consequently. The R2 values for second-order model indicated the high reliability for the developed regression models in explaining experimental data of adsorption of Saf-O and Tit-Y onto PPy@CS/MMT/GO. Langmiur and Freundlich adsorption models were used to describe the equilibrium isotherm for Tit-Y and Saf-O. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the adsorption of Saf-O and Tit-Y onto PPy@CS/MMT/GO was feasible endothermic and spontaneous. The reutilization of the nanohybrid which adsorbed the dyes was examined.

Water is pivotal for human life. The sustainable development of goods and facilities should account for its preservation in terms of both quantity and quality. In this paper, a brief case study on the water consumption and management of construction sites was presented. By means of a methodology developed by the authors, the process, product, and service water exploited in building processes have been analyzed. The results show that the water-loss is spread in the different phases of the processes involving machinery, materials, work organization, and environment. The tool, coupled with a check-list approach, is available for designers and managers in order to lead a new awareness on the issue and improve the sustainability of construction sites.

NH4+ and Cl− ions are present in coke sewage and are suspected of causing devastating concrete destruction of wastewater tanks. The corrosive immersion in NH4Cl water solution of hardened pastes made from 3 different cements was performed. SEM and XRD analyses were used to determine the depth of the attack and trace the microstructural and crystalline phase evolutions. The main effect was revealed to be high porosity near the external surface and at different locations of damage fronts. Thanks to the biggest portlandite content, hardened cement paste of CEM I proved to be the most durable. CEM III underwent the slowest changes, but to the greatest extent.

The present study dealt with the determination of the liquid–liquid equilibrium data of the water/acetic acid/n-hexane, water/acetic acid/n-heptane ternary systems at T = 293.15 K, by liquid–liquid extraction, where a purely experimental procedure has been adopted. The objective was the determination of the physical quantities such as the distribution coefficient, the separation factor, the selectivity as well as the reliability of the experimental data using the Othmer–Tobias and Hand equations. The analysis of the obtained experimental results reveals that Hexane seems to be the best solvent for the extraction of Acetic acid which is confirmed by the high separation factor values as well as the selectivity curves that are determined to help choose the solvent. The results of the Othmer–Tobias and Hand correlations for the studied systems clearly show that the Othmer–Tobias correlation yielded reliable results for the representation of ternary equilibrium data given the values ​​of the R2 correlation coefficients.

Environmental monitoring is the process of sampling and analyzing specific environmental data. In the practical preparation of the data collecting process, we should consider the optimization of two contradictory criteria: On the one hand, we want to gain as much information as possible which would result in big samples. On the other hand, sampling is costly and we often have to minimize these costs which would result in small samples. An optimal experimental design bridges these opposing objectives which results in: get as much information from as small samples as possible! Based on the sampled data the values of interest are estimated for the whole field, in statistical terminology, this is called prediction. The uncertainty of prediction strongly depends on the location and time of the sampled data, in statistical terms the design. In practical data collecting processes, the most frequently used designs still are more or less space-filling, e.g., measurements on a regular grid. These designs are far from being optimal with respect to the quality of prediction. Assuming certain theoretical models for the data generating process yields designs and corresponding predictions that are several times more reliable than those from space-filling designs. The chosen covariance structure crucially influences the validity of the assumed model. We compare different spatiotemporal covariance models by applying them to water quality data from the Management Unit of the North Sea Mathematical Models and the Scheldt estuary (MUMM). The results favor more complex covariance structures and clearly outperform space-filling designs.

Refrigeration by absorption is gaining more and more importance, especially in applications, where the source of energy used in the generator is renewable. Our work aimed at providing a cooling system adequate to the weather conditions in Tunisia as well as other Euro-Mediterranean regions. Furthermore, this cooling system is at the same time environment-friendly and economical. Heat wastes and solar energy were used as the source of energy in the generator. In this context, we were interested in the thermodynamic analysis of the single-effect absorption refrigeration machine operating with the pair ammonia/water. The modeling and simulation of this machine were carried out by the software Engineering Equation Solver (EES) in order to look for the optimal conditions for the work of this machine and study the effect of various operating parameters on the system efficiency.

Our paper investigates the removal efficiency of toxic hexavalent chromium from aqueous solutions by the fungal strain Trichoderma viride, isolated from forest soil and exploited in the form of dead and living biomass. Our findings show that lower pH values ensure maximum removal efficiency (100%) for dead biomass, while nearly neutral pH values are suitable for Cr(VI) removal by the living microorganisms. Data processing by different kinetic models and FTIR analysis is allowed to elucidate the mechanism of Cr(VI) removal by dead T. viride as’adsorption-coupled reduction’, while the intracellular reduction is the dominating mechanism for Cr(VI) removal by living T. viride. An optimization procedure based on SADE-NN-3 alternative of the Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm allowed setting various process parameters and obtaining conditions which ensure 100% removal efficiency.

Humankind existence is tied to groundwater and, as scientists, we need to protect its quality. Alluvial aquifers are very vulnerable to pollutants especially when they are beneath a high agricultural activity as is the case in the alluvial Mateur plain. This study has brought out a correlation between the presence of nitrate in Ras el-Ain region and the resistivity values. To achieve our study, we used the electrical resistivity tomography, the ERT profile was performed on Ras el-Ain area, the center of Mateur plain, on 21 January, during the wet season. The resistivity value of this study was compared with an early resistivity test made on 22 August, dry season, and a previous geochemical study result. This preliminary result indicates that the highest figure of resistivity was spotted in the area where there is less pollution. It was noticed that there is an interaction between resistivity and nitrate (NO3−) in Ras el-Ain region.

Monitoring and a better understanding of the water resources are necessary to anticipate and develop measures to adapt to climate and water use changes. Therefore, we focused on the study of biogeochemical processes in the water body. We simulated the seasonal variability of nutrients, phytoplankton and zooplankton in a Moroccan shallow reservoir (Sidi Abderrahmane, Safi) using a biogeochemical model. The model calibration was studied using field data from January to December 2012. The model reproduces the temporal patterns of phytoplankton and zooplankton biomass, as well as nitrate and detritus distribution. Our results showed that nitrogen is not a limiting factor to the development of phytoplankton biomass at Sidi Abderrahmane Reservoir.

Water pollution o by agricultural and human activities has become a hot topic that must be taken into account. Its qualitative and quantitative evaluation has been well demonstrated by the SWAT model. The proposed research is an important step in the study of the agricultural and human pollution, in the various tributaries of Sidi Salem dam. We envisaged the use of the tool SWAT, for one of the main polluting tributaries, Wadi Beja, and planned a qualitative management of this watershed. The application of this model requires a prior study of the hydrological basin of interest and the calibration of a large number of intrinsic factors specific to the area of study. This model has been mainly tested on several watersheds in the Nordic countries, including Canada and France because the model contains a module specific to the glacial melt. Its adaptation to the Mediterranean context has rarely been carried out. In the case of Tunisia, the absence of a long ongoing series of measurement data and hydrodynamics of the soil hampers the application of the SWAT model. In a first step, we adapted this model to the specific context of the study area, in order to understand the hydrological functioning of this watershed. Subsequently, we studied the sensitivity of the model according to the key hydrological parameters, by performing the continuous simulation for more than 8 years. This allowed us to have a better choice of the shimming parameters, in order to properly shim the model. In a second step, we refined the model calibration settings according to 2 years of deep study: wet and dry, though opting for a seasonal cutting for the sake of better describing the pedoclimatic context of the study area. This approach should have a good match of the simulated and observed data, as confirmed by four accuracy measures. In addition, it has been shown that the contents of nitrate and orthophosphate were of concern because of the poor use of agricultural fertilizers. Of this fact, various scenarios of management have been developed and tested by the model in order to reduce the percolation rate of various forms of nitrogen and t phosphorus leaching. These approaches would enable policymakers to monitor the water pollution in the dam area while reducing the burden of various eutrophying elements.

This study focused on heavy metals (HM) (Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu and Pb) along with Fe and Mn detected in surface sediments from the River Cai—Nha Trang Bay estuarine system (South China Sea). The Adverse Effect Index (AEI) together with Toxic Units (TUs) were used to assess the potential heavy metal toxicity in the sediments. The selective single-step extraction procedure was applied to determine the chemical forms of HM in order to assess their potential bioavailability. Among HM, only Ni and Pb may be associated with considerable adverse effects on biota (AEI > 1) and high potential toxicity (contributing up to 30–40% of the sum of toxic units (∑TUs)). The metal form study revealed that Ni is low-labile and mainly occurs in the residual phase, while the high levels of labile (weak-acid-soluble), amorphous (oxalate-soluble) and organically bound (pyrophosphate-soluble) Pb fractions (30%, 8% and 11% of the total content in sediment, on average, respectively) indicate Pb contamination arising from the Cai River discharge. HMs were arranged in the following decreasing order of their selective (single-step) extractability and, consequently, chemical bioavailability in the studied sediments: Mn ≫Pb ≫Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr.

The presence of trace metals in urban agriculture is considered as a major factor for ecological risk. The aim of this research was to determine the concentrations of metals in market garden soils in the city of Yaoundé, Cameroon, in order to assess the degree of soil pollution and evaluate potential ecological risks. Forty-five composite soil samples were taken from three market garden sites in Yaoundé. Trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The geochemical background threshold values for trace metal contents were determined and the multi-element indices of pollution and ecological risk were calculated. The results showed that concentrations of selected metals in soil varied considerably from one element to another ranging from very high to low levels: Mn > Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cd. The median valuesof Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn were below the geochemical background threshold values. For the Ni and Pb metals, the median values were higher than those of the geochemical background threshold values. The Nemerow Pollution Index (NPI) indicated that 60% of the samples had a significantly high level of pollution. However, the Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI) indicated that only 16% showed a very strong ecological risk. This study can be used as a baseline to develop future long-term risk assessment strategies on the potential of metal migration in agricultural soils.

Some agricultural inputs mainly contain copper and zinc and may accumulate in soils and can cause toxicity for soil and crops. This work aims to study the impact of copper and zinc at concentrations between 0 and 2000 mg/kg of soil on growth and mineral nutrition of tomato plants grown in pots experiments in a greenhouse. No plant could grow at concentrations of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg of Cu and above 400 mg/kg of Zn. Monitoring plants height for 14 weeks showed that after the 9th week, both metals stimulated growth at concentrations between 300 and 400 mg/kg, but a Cu application upper than these levels caused a growth restriction. The two metals at 200 mg/kg, enhanced fresh biomass production of the aerial part. At 500 mg/kg, the effect of Cu application became negative. Moreover, we can also note that the Cu application is always an antagonist for K. In contrast, 200 mg/kg of Zn aimed to improve the K assimilation.

Fecal bacteria are indicator organisms used worldwide to monitor water quality. These bacteria are used in microbial source tracking (MST) studies. Ideally, all strains of a given indicator organism (IO) would experience equal persistence (maintenance of culturable populations) in water; however, some strains may have comparatively extended persistence outside the host, while others may persist very poorly in environmental waters. In our study, we recorded the highest density of fecal bacteria in winter, and the lowest in spring and summer. They are also more in deep regions rather than on the surface, which might be due to the Inhibitory effects of solar radiation, which has been shown to influence the survival of these organisms. The concentrations of fecal bacteria were not only a result of temporal or spatial variability in their sources, but also the fact that various bacteria have different lifespans that vary according to environmental factors, such as temperature, pH, concentration in nutrients, and solar radiation which is responsible for 99% of the mortality of fecal coliforms on the surface.

In this study, the level of bioaccumulation of some trace metals (Cu, Zn, Hg, and Ni) by three demersal fishes of the Algerian coast (the red mullet “Mullus barbatus”, the European hake “Merluccius merluccius”, and the common pandora “Pagellus erythrinus”) in relation to their biochemical composition (proteins, lipids and carbohydrates) was estimated. Thirty individuals of each fish species separated into two size classes were collected at different sites during an oceanographic survey along the Algerian coast in the summer of 2013. The specimens were dissected to obtain fish tissue samples from the muscles, liver, and gonads. A difference in the bioaccumulation of the metals analyzed between the three species of fish in relation to sex, size, and organs was revealed. Therefore, a difference in the biochemical composition of the three organs (muscle, liver, and gonads) of the three fishes has been revealed. In addition, significant correlations between Carbohydrates—Zinc, Proteins—Copper and Proteins—Nickel, respectively, were unveiled. However, the lipid level showed no significant correlation with all analyzed metals. Nevertheless, the three fishes (red mullet, European hake, and common pandora) from Ghazaouet and Bou-Ismail bays showed high concentrations on the trace metals analyzed compared to other areas.

In many countries’ wastes are considered as a source of raw material, and thus, should be re-used as much as possible. In the European Union, 15 different criteria have been defined for this purpose and one of them, called HP14, addresses the question of whether a specific waste could cause ecotoxicological effects. This criterion is usually addressed by chemical characterization of the waste, which focuses on the concentration of (mainly) heavy metals. Ecotoxicological testing is another possible and broader approach using a test battery consisting of three aquatic (i.e., luminescent bacteria, algae, water fleas) and three soil (Arthrobacter bacteria, higher plants, earthworms) tests. Experiences are available for different solid wastes such as incineration ash, waste wood or potentially contaminated soils, and the corresponding eluates. In this contribution, an overview of the current legislative requirements and examples from testing (e.g., waste wood, contaminated soils, incineration ash), as well as a proposal for a testing strategy were presented. In summary, regular ecotoxicological waste testing is recommended in North Africa and other Mediterranean countries.

The ultrastructural changes on the hepatopancreas of Porcellio laevis individuals were investigated after their exposure to a mixture of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) during four weeks. At the end of the experiment, trace element (TE) concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The growth of individuals was calculated and compared among the treatments. From the first week until the end of the experiment, a weight gain was observed in P. laevis individuals. Additionally, the TE concentrations in the hepatopancreas and in the rest of the body were considerable and seem to be dose dependent. Moreover, our results confirmed the role of the hepatopancreas as the main storage organ. Thus, the conducted transmission electron microscopy highlighted remarkable alterations on the hepatopancreas cells resulting from the Cd and Zn bioaccumulation. The displayed alterations are principally the disorganization of the S- and B-cells leading to a destruction of the microvilli border, an increase of the lipid droplets and mitochondria as well as the appearance of trace elements in the form of B-type granules. Based on the obtained results herein, we can conclude that Porcellio laevis might be a good candidate in the prevention of TE pollution in the terrestrial ecosystems.

The hepatopancreas of crustacean species has been recognized as an important target organ for studying the toxic effects of trace metals (TM). This dynamic organ, with its capability of detoxifying trace metals, often indicates distinct pathological disturbances. This study dealt with the evaluation of the histological alterations in the hepatopancreas of the supralittoral amphipod Orchestia montagui Audouin, 1826 exposed to a mixture of copper and zinc. After exposure, the hepatopancreas was dissected and its ultrastructure was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The obtained results showed that the body mass differed from the control organisms depending on the nominal metal concentration to which they were exposed. The hepatopancreas of unexposed and exposed animals were compared for the detection of histological changes. Significant dose-dependent alterations were noted in all the treatment groups. Among these histological changes of the hepatopancreas in O. montagui, we noted the loss of cell structure, especially cell remoteness and border lyses, a reduction in the nuclear volume, an increase in cytoplasm density with trace metals in both nucleus and vacuoles, a disorganization and destruction of microvilli and a condensation of the majority of cell organelles, and mitochondria swelling. Through this study, O. montagui could be a good indicator providing measurable responses. It could be an attractive candidate for the biochemical study of TM toxicity in coastal ecosystems.

Impact of exposure to pollutants on fitness-linked functions in wild animals is a great concern in ecotoxicology. In this study, we aimed to assess how prior exposure to chemical pollution in an industrialized area close to Gabès city in southern Tunisia (the Gabès–Ghannouche factory complex) might affect the T-cell mediated immunocompetence in a common wild bird species, namely the Hybrid sparrow (Passer domesticus x hispaniolensis). Using the phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) test, we compared the strength of T-cell mediated response (CMI) in sparrows living in the factory complex (polluted site) with that in sparrows living far from, in an industry-free area (reference site). Sparrows from the polluted site showed lower levels of CMI compared to those from the reference site, suggesting that chronic exposure to chemical pollution induced a reduced T-cell mediated immunocompetence. This finding is probably due to a trade-off in resource allocation between anti-oxydative and immune functions and/or to the ability of pollutants, notably trace elements, to act as powerful endocrine distributors. Further investigations including additional measures of immune function are needed to better understand this issue.

Fluorine (F) is recognized as one of the most toxic pollutants in the environment and can severely limit plants’ growth and development. In order to evaluate the behavior of the Chemlali variety with respect to fluoride stress, some experimental tests were carried out under natural conditions. This evaluation focused on the monitoring of some ecophysiological, biochemical parameters (the content of soluble sugars, starch, proline, chlorophyll pigments, etc.), some morphological aspects and the role of foliar application of exogenous proline in the improvement of the tolerance of the olive tree to the stress applied.During this study, young olive trees were subjected to different soil treatments with NaF and foliar pulverization with proline.The obtained results show that the roots have the highest levels of fluoride compared to the leaves, suggesting the possible retention mechanism at the roots level in order to protect the aerial parts from the toxic effect of this element.The exogenous application of proline significantly reduced the negative effects of stress. Thus, it improved the growth of vegetative branches and starch contents. Generally, the exogenous application of leaf proline improved the olive tree tolerance to stress.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the environment deserve more attention because of their widespread occurrence, mutagenic, carcinogenic, and tetragenic effects. Surface soils from Ukwuani, Ndokwa, and Isoko areas of the Niger Delta were assessed for their PAH concentrations and ecotoxicity impact on the environment. The PAHs in the soils were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively using Gas Chromatography–Flame Ionization Detector (GC-FID) and the source determined by various molecular diagnostic ratios. The total concentrations of PAHs defined as ∑7 PAHs from the locations ranged from 112.8 to 827.6 ng/g. Of the 16 priority PAHs, only seven were present in the soils. Low molecular weight (two and three rings) PAHs were dominant in the soils. Molecular diagnostic ratios of the PAHs in the soils indicated that they originated from pyrogenic sources such as gas flaring and combustion of biomass etc. The PAH species in the soils have no carcinogenic effects. PAH ecotoxicity indicators in the soils such as ERL (Effective Range Low) and ERM (Effective Range Median) revealed mild toxic effects. Six of the seven individual PAH concentrations were below the ERM, thus indicating mild to negative toxic effects. The soils have moderate pollution of PAHs compared with other studies, international standards, and guidelines. The PAH species from gas flaring and other combustion of biomass has potential health risk if ingested by plants and aquatic animals.

Acute toxicity and sub-lethal developmental aluminum (Al) toxicity on zebrafish embryos were determined in the present work. Four-hour postfertilization zebrafish embryos were randomly divided into three experimental groups and a control. The developing embryos were exposed to 500, 50, and 0.05 mg l−1 Al2(SO4)3 solution for 96 h postfertilization. Exposure to Al resulted in delayed embryonic development and hatching and low levels of survival. The magnitude of the effects increased with increasing concentrations of Al. Compared to post-hatching stages, the magnitude of toxicity was higher in the pre-hatching embryonic stages of development.

Cypermethrin (CYP) and Acetamiprid (AC) are two pesticides widely used in Algeria to eliminate insects that spoil crops and transport disease. In this study, the neurobehavioral effects induced by a mixture of the pesticides (CYP+AC) were tested at doses of 3.14 and 0.32 mg/kg for three months. The evaluation of mitochondrial oxidative stress on striatum tissues was recorded. According to the main results, CYP+AC mixture led to the disruption of mitochondrial parameters evaluated by a significant increase of MDAmit level, of GSTmit and SODmit activities, and a significant decrease of GSHmit level, CATmit and GPxmit activities. Due to disruption of some of mitochondria antioxidant enzymes, which may be the main cause of brain cell degeneration and decrease of learning and memorizing rate, the administration of CYP+AC mixture induced neurotoxicity.

Some heavy metals in higher doses may cause metabolic disorders and growth inhibition. Lead (Pb) is the most common heavy metal contaminant in the environment. It is not an essential element for plants, but plants absorb it once it is in their environment, especially in rural areas when the soil is polluted by automotive exhaust and in fields contaminated with fertilizers containing heavy metal impurities. A study was conducted to determine the effect of different concentrations of lead on seed germination of four cereal species. Seeds were grown under laboratory conditions at 0, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.6 g/l of metal ions of lead. Lead treatment showed toxic effects on various germination indices of the cereals. Increasing the lead concentration to 0.6 g/l, the percentage of germination decreased significantly (p < 0.05) compared to the control in Triticum durum and Triticosecale Wittmack. Also, the dose of 0.6 g/l in Triticum aestivum causes undesirable effects on the germination coefficient of velocity. We can conclude that lead has a negative impact on the germination indices of cereal species. Among the genotypes evaluated, Hordeum vulgare is the most resistant against lead stress.

Concentrations of the most polluting heavy metals (Cd, Cu, and Zn) in seawater, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments were investigated in the spring of 2014 in the coastal city Gabes, Tunisia. The concentrations of these metals were demonstrated to be high in the three phases. High metallic contamination causes serious deterioration of the littoral ecosystem. The similarity of spatial distribution and the significant positive correlation between the selected heavy metals in each phase showed the anthropogenic impact concentrated in the urban area and the influence of hydrodynamic conditions. The lower correlation observed between the heavy metals in the particulate phase suggests the contribution of biological processes to the distribution of heavy metals.

To maintain their economic activities, inland ports, rivers, and canals have to be dredged. In the French legislation, dredged sediments have to be managed onshore when their environmental characteristics, i.e., trace elements and organic concentrations, are of major concern. In this case, dredged sediments are considered as waste and their reuse as secondary aggregates is allowed under some conditions. These conditions include checking the sediment is not hazardous and the new product will not cause environmental and sanitary risks. In this context, the European Union Ecolabel framework established environmental, technical, and economic criteria for waste reuse as growing media for plants. In this research, dredged sediments from French waterways were reused as aggregates in the preparation of plant growing media according to the rules of E.U ECOLABEL. Given their organic matter and nutrient contents, dredged sediments are relevant for manufacturing this kind of products. The addition of composted green waste residues followed by sufficient tillage time allowed obtaining growing media in compliance with ecolabel for storage facilities reclamation. Also, besides the agronomic parameters, environmental characteristics of final products were studied through leaching tests in order to check their conformity.

To estimate trace element bioaccumulation in Armadillo officinalis, specimens were collected then exposed to contaminated sediments with copper and zinc for three weeks.At the beginning of the experiment, the individuals were weighted and their masses were monitored every 7 days during 3 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the body metal concentrations were measured using flame atomic emission spectrometry. A mass gain was highlighted after trace elements exposure. The bioaccumulation factor results showed that the species could be considered as a macroconcentrator of copper (BAF > 2) and a deconcentrator of zinc (BAF < 2).Microscopy observations of hepatopancreas cells showed morphological and histological changes even at the lowest concentration. Through these results, the isopod A. officinalis could be used as relevant monitor organisms for soil metal contamination.

Heavy metals are among the pollutants that threaten living organisms including human beings. Heavy metals in water are of great concern due to their toxicity and ability to bio-accumulate in aquatic organisms. There is a need to regularly monitor their concentration in an aquatic medium. The present study was conducted to evaluate the level of heavy metals in lake Kivu. Water samples from lake Kivu were taken from three sites, namely: Rusizi, Karongi, and Rubavu. Heavy metals were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Copper, lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, mercury, and arsenic were analyzed in the water samples. The concentration of copper ranged from 3.240 to 10.011 µg/L, the concentration of lead varied from 8.81 to 37.44 µg/L, cadmium ranged from 5.014 to 14.012 µg/L. Chromium concentration was between 139.5 and 226.6 µg/L, and that of manganese was between 598.3 and 795.7 µg/L, mercury concentration ranged from 0 to 0.047 µg/L while Arsenic was not detected. Thus, except for arsenic, the concentrations of heavy metals in Kivu lake waters were above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maximum permissible limit for class III surface water intended for fish consumption, recreation, propagation, and maintenance of a healthy population of fish and wildlife. There is a need to further establish the sources of lake water pollution and limit the amounts of heavy metals entering lake Kivu to avoid the excess heavy metals beyond the maximum tolerable limit.

The problem of pollution in the Arctic has been discussed for more than a decade, and it has become obvious that the economic activity of countries around the world leads to man-made pollution of the Arctic ecosystems. The Arctic nature is extremely vulnerable to contamination, which may lead to irreversible worldwide ecological processes in the future. The problem of environmental assessment in the Arctic and protecting this region from pollution and other negative impacts has become a priority for all neighboring countries of the Arctic. To assess the degree of environmental accumulated damage, studies have been conducted for the investigation of pollutants distribution in the Arctic region of Russia.

A study was undertaken to determine the level of biochemical contents and the activity concentrations of the radionuclides in Algerian mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis). The determination of biochemical contents (lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins) allowed us to evaluate the benefits of mussel consumption. The mussels used at the same time as bioindicator of naturally occurring radionuclides (210Pb, 214Pb, 226Ra, 214Bi), telluric (40K), and artificial radionuclides (137Cs) from seawater. The biochemical contents were measured by (UV–Visible) Colorimetric assays, and the activity concentrations of radionuclides were measured by gamma spectrometry. The mussels were taken from three study areas on the Algerian coast: Kristel (Oran), Sercouf (Alger), and Collo (Skikda); and transplanted from each study areas into the tampon site (common site of Sercouf). The choice of sexual dormancy period and tampon site was a means of minimizing the effect of biological and environmental conditions on the bioaccumulation of radionuclides by mussels. The results show that the carbohydrates were the most abundant biochemical components (40–60%) compared to proteins (20–40%), and lipids (15–20%) of the total composition of the mussels. Not all treated mussels were contaminated with 137Cs, the high activity of 40K was the result of its high availability in the marine environment and its bioaccumulation in the mussel flesh. However, low 226Ra activity was measured compared to 40K, while 210Pb activity was measured between 40K and 226Ra. The Kristel site was the most impacted area.

The present research was conducted on fish mesocosms using a non-lethal cadmium concentration as a trace metal pollutant to verify, respectively, whether post-remediation by Ulva lactuca reduces the need for activation of cellular antioxidative defenses and DNA repair mechanisms. Spectrophotometric evaluation of the antioxidant Glutathione S-Transferase and total soluble and fat-soluble antioxidant capacity, molecular detection of genotoxicity by mobility shift tests, and radio detection of DNA repair by PolyADP-ribosilation (PARP) were performed on the Lates calcarifer liver. Cadmium represents an environmental risk but its toxic effect seems mitigated by the bioaccumulation properties of Ulva lactuca. We detected high total soluble antioxidant capacity, low Glutathione S-Transferase levels as well as low levels of PARP and undamaged DNA in the fish liver when seaweeds were added as compared to standard feeding. These results suggest a safe and sustainable implementation of Lates calcarifer sea farming using Ulva lactuca.

Bioindicators are of fundamental importance in environmental monitoring of contaminants produced and spread by men’s activities. Honeybees are cheap and flexible test organisms for passive biomonitoring and bioaccumulation of a large variety of pollutants. Bees can collect on their bodies or include in beehive products the chemicals diffused in the air, on plant surfaces, and dissolved in water allowing an effective screening of possible hazards for human and ecosystem health. We carried out monitoring activities on the environmental distribution of agrochemicals, heavy metals, radionuclides, and phytopathogenic organisms. We placed the “monitoring stations” in selected areas. These consist of a couple of beehives equipped with baskets to collect the dead bees, which are enumerated to evaluate the mortality and analyzed to identify the pollutants. Palynological analyses were combined with analytical results and data processing. Currently, monitoring plans are ongoing in different municipalities. The increasing interest in environmental protection has led us to develop the “BIOAPI-OER” (Open access Educational Resource) project, a short online, free access course on the theme of bees as environmental bioindicators. It targets different target groups such as scholars, Ph.D. students, beekeepers, and professionals interested in environmental biomonitoring.

This work studied the valorization of algal biomass into potential materials for wastewater treatment. A novel sorbent based on Fucus vesiculosus alga, polyethylenimine, and calcium alginate was manufactured for the efficient recovery of Praseodymium ions form an aqueous solution. The addition of alga into the composite contributes to reinforce the mechanical and sorption properties of the resulting beads. The material surface was characterized by SEM-EDX analyses. The isotherms data were described with the Langmuir model, and the maximum sorption capacity was found to be as 0.86 mmol g−1 at pH 4. The kinetics data were fitted with the pseudo-second-order rate equation (PSORE). The regeneration of the sorbent was performed using a dilute solution of HCl (0.1 M); two hours is the required elution time for recovering >90% of the total sorbed metal.

Nowadays the industrialization activities are still a major problem for the environment as industrial discharges present a source of harmful products and chemical toxic products used for industrial processes. Among the main pollutants, heavy metals (Copper, Zinc, Lead, Iron…) are of particular concern by their non-biodegradable nature. Many techniques have been developed to reduce heavy metal levels in the environment, but most of them, are expensive and non-ecological. Therefore, the increasing need for the remediation of contaminated sites has led to cost-effective and eco-friendly biotechnologies as phytoremediation, which use plants to eliminate or transform pollutants into less toxic compounds. It can be used against both organic and inorganic pollutants in wastewater. The main objective of the present study was to highlight the potential of macrophytes to purify industrial wastewater and eliminate heavy metals. The results obtained showed that use of planted filters by macrophytes ensures good removal of pollutants present in wastewater. These results confirm the interest in using planted filters in the framework of industrial wastewater treatment.

Heavy metal pollution of the soil is a relevant environmental problem. Plant growth promoting and tolerance heavy metal bacteria are a promising technique for phytoremediation. The aim of this study was to isolate heavy metal-tolerant rhizobia from Calobota saharae. Tolerance to a range of heavy metal ions was determined by minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) for Rhizobia which was isolated from Calobota saharae. The Rhizobium leguminosarum GM01 strain exhibited strong tolerance to a range of heavy metals including lead (Pb), Cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn). R. leguminosarum GM01 have great potentials for plant growth promotion and phytoremediation of contaminated soils.

Rhizobia and mycorrhizal fungi promote non-Legumes growth. This study investigated the ability of Rhizobium leguminosarum GM01 and Glomus spp. A01 isolates on the growth and uptake of lead (Pb) by date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) grown in heavy metal-polluted soils. The combination of A01 with GM01 increases the mycorrhizal colonization of date palm by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) with frequency (F%) of 86.67%. The selected isolates GM01 and A01 increased all plant growth parameters of date palm. The initial results indicate that the AMF and Rhizobium as a promising agent for promoting growth of plants. The metal tolerance trait exhibited by A01 and GM01 strains indicates their potentials as effective agents for phytoremediation of heavy metals in polluted environments. This ability may be of particular importance during restoration practices into habitats with a history of heavy metal pollution.

The present study was undertaken in order to determine the chemical composition of the leaf Essential Oils (EOs) of five plants (Ocimum basilicum, Lavandula dentata, Mentha piperita, Mentha pulegium, and Laurus nobilis) cultivated in Tebessa (Algeria) and to assess their potential larvicidal activity against the most abundant and investigated mosquito species, Culex pipiens L., 1758 (Diptera, Culicidae). The Essential Oils (EOs) were tested at different concentrations on newly molted 4th instar larvae. The effects of the activities of Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Glutathione-S-Transferases (GSTs) on mortality were examined. Their chemical compositions were investigated by GC/MS. The major components of M. pulegium, L. dentata, M. piperita, O. basilicum, and L. nobilis were Pulegone (72.50%), α-Terpinolene (51.13%), Carvone (30.27%), Linalyl acetate (53.89%), and Eucalyptol (47.35%), respectively. The larval mortality was observed after 24 h of exposure. Dose-response relationship was determined for all tested plants EOs. L. nobilis EO was the most effective against C. pipiens, comparatively to the other tested oils. The enzymatic measurements performed in LC50 treated larvae revealed a neurotoxic activity and a stimulation of the detoxification system with evidenced by the inhibition of AChE and an increase in GST activity, respectively. The EOs from tested plants could be an alternative measure for the control of C. pipiens as they contain an efficient source of bioactive compounds, which are generally free from health hazards and environmental pollution.

Due to the active development of oil and gas resources in the Arctic region, the issue of cleaning oil-contaminated areas in conditions of low annual temperatures, permafrost, and ecosystem vulnerability remains topical. At the same time, the development of the chemical reagents market, including surfactants, expands the possibilities of widespread use of Surfactant-Enhanced Washing soil as one of the soil remediation Best Available Techniques. The purpose of the study was to assess the applicability of this method to the Arctic soils. The results showed that this method has a high potential for use in Arctic conditions; however, only under the condition of careful study of ecotoxicological and environmental indicators.

Many pharmaceutical drugs and their metabolites are either partially or not removed by conventional wastewater treatment technologies, resulting in their accumulation in soils and agricultural products. The treatment of mice by metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and iodine adduct caused positive dynamics in the development of septicopyemia; however, it led to the formation of resistant S. aureus to metronidazole. It was shown that the ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and iodine adduct biotransformation products are found in the urine and feces of rats with their course application during 7 days. The highest concentrations of ciprofloxacin and metronidazole were found in the urine and feces—iodides. Several studies required to include biotransformed pharmaceutical drugs (metabolites) in open water sources program monitoring of Kazakhstan.

Cutaneous Leishmaniasis is an infectious disease caused by leishmenia protozoan and pollution. This is why most developing countries such as India and South Africa suffer from its expansion. Even in Tunisia, an endemic situation was noticed. In this context, the aim of this study was to elaborate a suitable hydrogel to be used as drug carrier of Amphotericin B for antileishmanial treatment. Therefore, a radiation crosslinked Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) hydrogel was synthesized depending on the composition, with varying concentration of PVP, agar, and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) used as a plasticizer as a function of irradiation dose. The polymers were characterized using Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and rheological measurements. Based on Elastic modulus, sample with 3% PEG was found to be fitter for wound dressing application. The putative antileishmanial and cytotoxic activity of this hydrogel was investigated. It has been shown that in the presence of hydrogel, the activity of Amphotericin on Leishmania promastigotes is markedly improved with an increase of selectivity index from 10.54 to 56.8.

The main aim of the present work was the investigation of the adhesion abilities of selected native microorganisms with phosphate ore particles—natural components of raw material form Djebel Onk, Kef Essnoun region, Algeria. The adhesion/sedimentation level was assessed based on optical density (OD). Microorganisms were marked with quantum dots (CdTe QD; PlasmaChem GmbH), incubated with phosphate ore, and then the particle surface was analyzed using a confocal laser scanning microscope. The highest adhesion onto ore was found for: HK2 3K strain at pH 7, B. subtilis at pH 4, and HKR2G1D(a) strain at a wide range of pH. The use of quantum dots for imaging microorganisms revealed their selectivity in adhesion to particles included in phosphate ore from Djebel Onk. Native bacteria with high adhesion properties (HK2 3K) have priority in settling particle surfaces. This is an effect of a long-lasting selection of microorganisms to these specific conditions in the Kef Essnoun region. The assessment of microorganism-particle complexes stability and their floatability will be continued.

The mutated sapB-N99Y from Bacillus pumilus CBS keratinase (SAPB) was cloned and expressed in the protease-deficient B. subtilis DB430 using an Escherichia coli-Bacillus shuttle vector pBSMuL2. The SAPB-N99Y enzyme was purified from the culture supernatant of B. subtilis and biochemically characterized. The purified enzyme showed the same biochemical properties of that expressed in E. coli. Further investigations demonstrated that SAPB-N99Y had the highest catalytic efficiency and the best degree of hydrolysis. The mutant enzyme was also noted to exhibit a number of newly explored properties that are highly valued on the marketplace, namely, the potent soaking ability of hides and skins in the leather processing industry. Interestingly, and at the semi-industrial scale, SAPB-N99Y efficiently removed hair from the hides and skins of cow, goat, and sheep within a short time interval of 4 h, thus, offering a promising opportunity for the attainment of a lime-free soaking process. Overall, the findings indicated that SAPB-N99Y is a promising candidate to use in the leather industry.

In the present study, fermentative production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) by using Komagataeibacter xylinus SGP8 and characterization of nanocellulose is presented. The bacterium was able to produce 1.82 gL−1 of BNC in the form of pellicle under standard Hestrin-Schramm (HS) medium. The morpho-structural characterization of the BNC using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, respectively, revealed nanofibrillar structure and high crystallinity Index (~80%) of nanocellulose. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed stability of BNC up to 280 °C, a further rise in temperature to 350 °C results in the depolymerization of the sample. In order to show the applicability of produced BNC, it was first modified separately using CaCO3 and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) followed by usage in removal of heavy metal Cd from an aqueous solution. The BNC-CaCO3 composite resulted in >99% removal of initial 10 mg L−1 of Cd (II) at pH 5, 7, and 9, respectively, after 12 h of treatment. On the other hand, CMC-modified BNC showed 30, 86, and 88% removal of the same level of Cd at pH 5, 7, and 9, respectively. Overall, the above results suggest that cellulose produced by K. xylinus SGP8 showed good material properties, and modified BNC could effectively be used for remediation of toxic levels of Cd from the contaminated system.

Worldwide, orange is one of the most widely used products in the food industry. Waste recycling of these industries could be a good source as raw material for pectin extraction. The latter has largely demonstrated its potential use in various fields, in particular pharmaceuticals. Its bioactive capacity encourages the development of various transformation processes to increase the bioavailability of pectic oligosaccharides and increase their effectiveness. In the present study, we were particularly interested in the valorization of an agricultural by-product commonly available in Algeria, orange peels, to extract pectin and study its anti-proliferative effect on cancerous cells. The extraction procedure of pectin using different protocols and several modifying parameters was investigated. Pectin was extracted by acid hydrolysis from the orange peels after removal of essential oil by hydrodistillation. Protocols for modifying pectin (chemical by pH and physical by gamma irradiation) were developed. Physicochemical characterization of different forms of pectin was carried out by determining esterification degree by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) and solubility of pectin in water. The anti-proliferative effect of pectin on laryngeal cancer cells (HEp2) was demonstrated in vitro by cytotoxicity test of sulforhodamine B (SRB). Induced cell death was observed by fluorescence microscopy after staining cells with Acridine Orange (AO). The obtained results show that the highest pro-apoptotic activity on HEp2 cells was observed after a 72 h contact time of orange modified and irradiated pectin. The mortality rate of cancerous cells reached 95% with an IC50 of 3.18 mg/ml compared to healthy cells which have shown a lower mortality rate.

The first aim of our study was to extract sericin powder from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons. Secondly, we have applied this biopolymer as a finishing agent for the treatment of different textiles surfaces. The Cocoons of Bombyx mori silkworm were supplied by the Tunisian-Korean Project of Sericiculture (Tabarka, Tunisia). Differently to the industrial process, the extraction of sericin was carried out only by water, without chemicals, at different temperatures, bath ratios, and times. The maximum extraction yield (23.10%) was obtained at a temperature of 110 °C during 2 h and with a bath ratio of 1/100. The sericin solution was freeze-dried in order to obtain the sericin powder. Next, the extracted sericin has been applied on wool, cotton, and polyester fabrics as a bio-treatment agent to enhance textile surface properties.

This study reports on the production, purification, and characterization of a new extracellular lignin and humic acid peroxidases which are MnP TP55, LiP BA45, LiP-SN, MnP BA30, and HaP1-4 purified from strains isolated from different Tunisian and Algerian sites. The biochemical and biochemical characterization of the pure peroxidases were investigated through physico-chemical determination as well as spectroscopy analysis. The MnP TP55 was produced by Trametes pubescens strain i8. The HaP4 was purified from Streptomyces albidoflavus strain TN644. LiP BA45 and the MnP BA30 were secreted by Bjerkandera adusta strain CX-9, while the LiP-SN was produced by Streptomyces griseosporeus strain SN9. We have also explored their promising potential as tools for lignin and humic acid biodegradation, and other environmental applications.

Worldwide, substantial quantities of food waste are produced daily causing several environmental issues, such as the need for large landfills and significant spending for them to be well-managed. So, the development of novel processes to handle this alarming organic waste problem seems to be urgent. Its conversion into value-added products is ensured by aerobic digestion. That kind of process decreases the need for chemical fertilizers and the degradation of the soil by biofertilizer production. This work aims to evaluate the effect of cooked and uncooked food waste when it is co-composted with sewage sludge and green waste. Two windrows (A1 and A2) were conducted during 14 weeks, in which sewage sludge (SS) and green waste (GW) were mixed at the same ratio of 25% with uncooked food waste (UFW) and cooked food waste (CFW) to form A1 and A2, respectively. Several parameters, such as temperature, pH, Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), and C:N ratio, were monitored to evaluate the co-composting experiments and its evolution during the whole process. Results show that windrow containing CFW reached 62 °C only two days after its setting-up and the thermophilic phase lasted 15 days. However, for the windrow containing UFW, the maximum temperature reached was 59 °C after four days, and the thermophilic phase lasted 14 days. During the thermophilic phase of A1 and A2, temperature was above 50 °C. Temperature and C:N ratios acted as a detector of the stability and the maturity of the obtained end-product.

Digital textile printing is a rapidly spreading technology in the textile finishing industry due to the great advantages in making printing much more flexible. On the other hand, wastewater originating from rinsing baths are rich in nitrogen (up to 600 mg/L of ammonium nitrogen) due to the massive use of urea in conditioning the textile before printing. Such high concentration prevents the direct discharge into water bodies or even in public sewers and specific dedicated on-site pre-treatment is necessary. PN/anammox processes can offer an economically feasible alternative to conventional nitrogen removal processes, as these require a COD/N ratio of at least 8. The first results of the EU-LIFE DeNTreat project, consisting in the start-up of PN/anammox lab and pilot scale reactors are promising in spite of the variability of the characteristics of the wastewater originating from rinsing digitally printed textiles.

The present research focused on the role of fishbone hydroxyapatite (FB-HAP) in stabilizing heavy metals in municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) Fly ash (FA) particularly Pb and Zn. Bones from a variety of fish species as well as a commercial apatite (Apatite IITM) were used. The effect of both substances was studied under different liquid/solid (L/S) and settling periods. Batch tests were conducted under the fishbone/FA ratios of 0.0 and 1:10 by weight and various contact times of 6, 12, 24, and 672 h (28 days) with two different L/S ratios of 1.0 and 1.5 ml/g. The highest Pb and Zn removal efficiency reached 86.39 and 62.67%, respectively, after 672 h when fishbone dosage was 10% at L/S 1.5. Apatite IITM was also effective for Pb stabilization; however, FB-HAP was more efficient (about 1.5–2 times). The results indicated that both contact time and L/S ratio were the most important factors for enhanced metal stabilization.

Tannin materials have been reported as efficient adsorbents toward several compounds. Here, an iron-loaded maritime pine tannin resin was produced and applied for arsenic removal from water. The production of the adsorbent started with tannin extraction in alkaline aqueous solution (optimal conditions: 60 min, 90 °C, and 7.5% w/w NaOH), yielding 143 ± 7 mg of formaldehyde-condensable phenols per g of bark used. After gelification (maximum efficiency of 80%), the resin was oxidized in nitric acid solution at 50 °C and loaded with iron (1250 mg-Fe L−1 at pH 2). This chemical modification was done to enhance the affinity to As. The resultant product had an iron content of approximately 20 mg-Fe g−1. Samples of this resin with different particle sizes were evaluated for As(III) and As(V) uptake. Within the conditions studied, the removal efficiencies were quite modest but potentially improvable. Both Langmuir and Freundlich models described well the adsorption data of As(V). The maximum adsorption capacity, predicted by the Langmuir model, was 0.3 ± 0.1 mg g−1.

This work suggested a new alternative for the acceleration of pollutants removal by adopting alternating current (AC) in the treatment of phenol. A comparative study between the electrocoagulation (EC) using two aluminum electrodes and coupling AC with biosorption was achieved. Tunisian Luffa Cylindrica (L.C) and hybrid material (Luffa Cylindrica (L.C) +4% Zn2+) synthesized by precipitation method under AC were chosen for the biosorption. A series of assays were undertaken to assess the effect of the experimental parameters such as pH, initial concentration, inter-distance, electrodes material, voltage, current density, and salts. The evolution of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC), and phenol removal was performed. The biosorption kinetic tests were performed based on the fractal Brouers–Sotolongo (B.S) model. The results demonstrated the effect of coupling AC with biosorption on the pollutants removals compared to the EC process. An increase in the % phenol COD and TOC removals was observed. The percentages of COD removal by the EC and the coupling processes reached respectively 66.4, 77, and 86.6% when using pure the L.C and L.C + 4% Zn2+. While the percentages of TOC removals reached respectively 81.6, 90.1, and 93.9% when adopting the same processes and using the same biosorbents after a required time of 180, 120, and 90 min. The evaluation of the quality of the treated water was carried out based on COD, TOC removals, and the germination index. The phytotoxicity test confirmed the possibility of the treated water reuse.

The present study is focused on the removal of copper(II) ions on date palm “Bouhattam” seeds (DS), bleached date seed (BDS) and cellulose nanofibers from date seed (CNFs) biosorbents. The synthesized materials were characterized by several techniques, including FT-IR, SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption-desorption, and TGA/DTG. The effects of solution pH, temperature, heavy metal concentration, and contact time on adsorption capacities were presented. Thus, at 30 °C and pH 5, the adsorption capacity of DS, BDS, and CNFs was 22, 23, and 34 mg g−1, respectively. This study has proved the interesting properties of CNFs to be used as an effective adsorbent in the wastewater treatment. The adsorption isotherms were better fitted to the Freundlich model, whereas the kinetic data were successfully correlated to the pseudo-second order model, which suggested that chemisorption is involved in the adsorption process. The adsorption of copper(II) was a spontaneous, entropy-increasing, and endothermic process. In addition, the adsorbed copper was effectively desorbed by 0.1 mol L−1 HCl solution. These adsorbents have important potential for the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solution.

This paper focuses on Phragmites australis pretreated fibers which were used to improve their adsorption capacities of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylben-zene sulfonate (SDBS) in batch system. The pretreatment of the biomass was performed using NaOH, C2H6O, and H3PO4. The obtained fibers were charac-terized and reaction mechanisms were suggested. The functional groups of the pretreated fibers were identified with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The preliminary results of the research show that fibers treated with H3 PO4 present the biggest amount of SDBS, adsorbed up to 72.7%, and show that the highest surfactant removal was attained at pH2. The kinetic rate of pseudo-second-order and Brouers–Sotolongo isotherm modeling is the most appropriate to describe the present biosorption phenomenon.

This paper is a study of azo structure dye: direct yellow 106 decolourization by a Fenton process. The effect of operating parameters affecting decolourization efficiency, such as H2O2, Fe2+, and dye concentrations were studied and optimized using Taguchi factorial design. Also, removal yields were achieved as 98.14% at DY106 concentration of 50 mg/L, hydrogen peroxide of 8 mM and ferrous of 3 mM at pH 2. The three factors on which removal depends interact with one another, and the study showed that interaction depends on the type and concentration of both studied factors. After optimization of the parameters, products were analyzed by the spectrophotometer UV-vis, FT-IR and HPLC methods.

The extraction and recovery of vanadium through polymer inclusion membrane, based on β-cyclodextrin or c-methyl resorcin[4]arene as a carrier, with polyvinyl alcohol as polymeric matrix and Tributylphosphate as plasticizer from acidic medium has been carried out. Different kinetic and thermodynamic parameters for correspondence to the mathematical model was studied. Macroscopic parameters, vis. the permeability and the initial flow, which indicate the performance of the membrane, have been investigated, as well as the microscopic parameters, expressed by the association constant; relating to the substrate-carrier interaction, and the diffusion coefficient which belongs to the movement of VO2+ ions through the membrane have been determined. The temperature parameter has been studied and it presents a significant effect on the extraction rate (activation energy is 19.58, 15.24 kJ · mol−1 for β-cyclodextrin and c-methyl resorcin[4]arene, respectively), improving the diffusion rate of reactants. The analysis of all the studied parameters allowed us to confirm the mechanism by jumping on semi-mobilized sites of the carrier in the organic phase. Moreover, this study opens a new way for the use of facilitated transport and manipulates the efficiency of the carrier in order to develop an ecologic membrane with high performance for the recovery of metals from wastewater, in order to reduce the environmental impact due to their toxicity with high concentrations in the ecological system.

The main aim of present work was the investigation of biosorption abilities of selected native microorganisms, isolated from Djebel Onk ore (Kef Essnoun region, Algeria). The native microorganisms differed in the efficiency of metal accumulation. In the vast majority of microorganisms examined, the content of Cd or Mg found was higher than in B. subtilis—used as the reference strain. Rinsing (incubation) of the phosphate ore with selected strains of microorganisms (for about 20 min and at neutral pH) significantly increase the recovery of Mg and Cd. It is an eco-friendly way to clean ore and post-flotation wastes. The promising HK4N 4L strain can be used to remove various metals over a wide pH range.

Rosmarinus officinalis biowaste (ROB) is obtained as a by-product from local extraction industries of essential oils. It contains a high percentage of lignin and cellulose. Therefore, in this study, the use of ROB in the removal of heavy metal ions from electroplating wastewater was investigated. The biosorption experiments were carried out batch-wise where the influence of physicochemical key parameters such as initial pH solution, contact time, initial adsorbate concentration, amount of biosorbent, and biosorbent particle size were evaluated. The results of the study indicated that with the increased adsorbent doses the adsorption capacity values decreased while the removal percentage of adsorbate increased, whereas, no influence of particles’ size was evidenced. Heavy metal biosorption is highly pH-dependent, and the maximum biosorption occurred at pH 5. An application study using industrial waste for heavy metal removal was also carried out at pH 7. It was concluded that ROB can be used as a cost-effective and efficient adsorbent for the removal of heavy metals and cationic dyes from contaminated waters.

The production of antibiotics in Algeria generates huge quantities of biomass that should be considered as a valuable biosorbent. This work is a contribution to the valorization of this biomass for the removal of hexavalent chromium Cr(VI). Therefore, the biosorption by Pleurotus mutilus biomass was studied in batch. Optimal conditions were determined by varying the initial Cr(VI) concentration and contact time. The maximum uptake capacity was found to be 15 mg/g of Cr(VI) at 50 mg/L of Cr(VI) initial concentration and biomass dose of 2 g/L. Equilibrium isotherm data was best described by the Langmuir model than Freundlich. The biosorption kinetics of Cr(VI) removal using pleurotus mutilus was better described by the pseudo-first-order. Globally, this work demonstrates that Pleurotus mutilus was a good biosorbent for hexavalent chromium treatment in contaminated water.

New composites based on microcellular polymers with interconnected controlled porosity and functionalized magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4-triazole) were developed. These compounds were prepared by polymerization of the internal phase of highly concentrated Pickering emulsions (HIPE). A study of the effect of magnetic nanoparticle charge on the stability of the highly concentrated emulsions was conducted. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to identify the morphologies and particle sizes, whereas Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to identify the presence or absence of functional groups related to polymer matrix and incorporated functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The crystalline nature of the composite was determined using X-ray diffraction studies. The thermogravimetric analysis gave the thermal stability of the composites. Other characterization techniques such as BET, magnetization, and Zeta potential measurement were also considered. The adsorption properties of these materials for three ion metals Pb2+ , Cu2+, and Zn2+ were evaluated by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Rapid adsorption kinetics were observed for all the ions studied with a 25 min equilibrium time for copper and zinc, and 60 min for lead, at pH = 5.5. The adsorption process was perfectly correlated with the pseudo-order kinetic model and the Langmuir-type isotherm with maximum adsorption capacities of 303.03, 149.25, and 135.93 mg.g−1 for Pb (II), Cu (II)), and Zn (II), respectively.

This work deals with the elaboration of a novel adsorbent based on polyaniline and pectin for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. Pectin and aniline are used to synthesize polyaniline/pectin (PAPEC) biosorbents. The different materials are characterized by FTIR and UV-VIS spectroscopy and their points of zero charge are also determined. The ability of pectin and the synthesized polymers (PANI and PAPEC) to remove the cationic dye (methylene blue) (MB) from aqueous solutions was investigated using the UV-VIS spectroscopy at different values of pH and contact time. The FTIR spectra of pectin and polyaniline showed the characteristic bands of each polymer while the polyaniline/pectin spectrum revealed the presence of the band characteristics of both polymers. Furthermore, the obtained results indicated an optimum adsorption pH for all materials at about 10; however, the contact time required to obtain the maximum adsorption was found to be 15 minutes for pectin and 45 min for polyaniline and polyaniline/pectin. In addition, the comparison of the maximum amounts of methylene blue adsorbed on the various adsorbents shows that the highest value is obtained with polyaniline/pectin biosorbent.

In our study, we prepared three adsorbents to extract the emergent drug (ibuprofen) from an aqueous solution, such as cellulose nanocrystalline (CNC), magnetic cellulose nano-crystalline (MNC), and silver cellulose nanocrystalline (AgNC)). The cellulose was con-verted into CNC and then it was converted to MNCs and AgNCs. However, the NCs and AgNCs showed excellent extraction efficiency toward ibuprofen (IBP) compared to MNCs. Five variables were monitored and evaluated during the extraction process: time, pH, temperature, dosage, and IBP concentrations. The adsorption process followed Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-second order. The negative ∆G° values indicate that the adsorption is favorable and spontaneous at different temperatures.

In human and veterinary medicine, antibiotics are among the most widely used therapeutic classes in the world. Many concerns have been expressed about the toxic effects of these drugs on aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In particular, norfloxacin (NRF) is one of the most frequently used antibiotics, hence, its high detection frequency in wastewater effluents. Membrane technology is considered among the most appropriate techniques to address this environmental problem. In this approach, a polymer inclusion membrane (PIM), consisting of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether (2-NPOE) as a plasticizer, and Tween 20 amphiphilic molecule as a carrier, has been developed and adopted for the extraction and recovery of NRF. UV-Visible spectrophotometer was adapted to determine the extracted NRF concentrations. Two factors were studied: the effect of initial NRF concentration C0 and the effect of temperature on the evolution of macroscopic parameters (permeability P and initial flux J0), microscopic (association constant Kass and apparent diffusion coefficient D*), and activation parameters (activation energy Ea, enthalpy ∆H♯, and entropy ∆S♯). All parameters make it possible to elucidate the diffusion movement of the substrate through the membrane phase and to specify the kinetic or energetic aspect that controls the mechanism of these studied oriented processes.

The extraction behaviors for inorganic arsenic removal under batch system using food additives at actual pH with other conditions, concentration, extraction volume, and extraction time were studied. In batch extraction, 100 rpm orbital shaker speed at room temperature was held constant. The results showed that EDTA was the most effective extractant for inorganic arsenic removal. Afterward, with the increase of EDTA concentration, at 0.10 M, inorganic arsenic removal increased to reach 100% extraction efficiency. Batch extraction using 0.10 M EDTA at the volume of 75 mL for 120 min shaking was optimal giving the highest extraction efficiency, up to 98%. Under optimized conditions, the amounts of arsenic in real seaweed samples were reduced from 4.60 ± 0.15 to 0.09 ± 0.01 mg kg−1-dry weight, lower than that of standard levels of community seaweed product. Therefore, these results provided strong evidence of the promising procedure for arsenic removal from Gracilaria fisheri seaweed by batch extraction.

Hepatovirus A is known as a waterborne and foodborne virus that can be transferred from one individual to another through contaminated water and nutrients. A total of 242 wastewater were sampled at the scale of the two adopted Tunisian Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs), namely El Menzeh I and Charguia I. The main physico-chemical and the bacteriological parameters were tested for all collected wastewater samples. Hepatovirus A was detected using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The hepatovirus A detection rates increased from upstream to downstream of the natural oxidizing lagoons and at the exit of the rotating biodisks procedures. However, there is a moderate decrease of hepatovirus A frequencies from the first to last basins types of the activated sludge procedure and at the exit of the two successive passages by UV-C254 monolamp prototype. The found data showed a poor virological quality of the treated wastewater by the adopted biological and tertiary wastewater treatment procedures. These findings corroborated the need for the UV-C254 treatment improvement in the two adopted wastewater treatment plants to upgrade the Tunisian virological quality.

This work proposes an innovative wastewater treatment system that consists of a constructed up-flow wetland where Alfa grass (stippaTenacima) is used as substrate media. Experiments were carried with a laboratory scale up-flow constructed wetlands planted with Typha latifolia. A secondary effluent from urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) was used as an influent. Several water quality parameters were assessed at the inlet and outlet of a laboratory-scaled system. Mean mass removal rates of 0.66, 0.76, 0.08, 0.51, 2.49 g/m2d were achieved for ammoniacal nitrogen (NH4-N), total inorganic nitrogen (TIN), phosphorus (P), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD), respectively, by the tested system. The average overall removal of fecal coliform and total coliform were 40% and the system has the ability of removing high amounts of heavy metals (Cr, Cd).

Paracetamol remains the most frequently used analgesic, and consequently, it has often been detected in aquatic environments. The recovery and extraction of this compound from pharmaceutical liquid discharges, as an important active ingredient, is a beneficial operation for the modern industry. This study reports on the selective extraction of paracetamol from a liquid solution using two affinity polymer membrane types: Polymer Inclusion Membrane (PIM) and Grafted Polymer Membrane (GPM) with Gluconic acid (GA) as an extractive agent. After the characterization by SEM and FTIR techniques of the developed membranes, they were used to perform the extraction processes of paracetamol substrate with good results (J0 = 35 g. m−2.h−1 and, D* = 42.81 10−7 (cm2 s−1)). Previously published kinetic and thermodynamic models were adopted to determine values of parameters: macroscopic, permeability (P), initial flux (J0) for the membrane’s performance and microscopic association constant (Kass), and apparent diffusion coefficient (D*) relating to interactions between substrate and extractive agent, necessary for the diffusion of Paracetamol through the membrane phase. Similarly, the temperature factor’s influence was examined and activation parameters were determined to explain the results and confirm the mechanism related to the used extraction processes.

Salinity is an important stress factor that limits plant growth and productivity. In order to better improve the effects of salinity on the growth state of plants, we decided to perform recovering experiments by following both chemical and physiological parameters in NaCl pre-stressed Lepidium sativum seedlings after NaCl had been removed from the nutrient solution. The work shows that NaCl suppression results in the resumption of growth activity. The increase in leaf biomass is more important than that of the roots. The results indicated that a significant increase in protein, sugar, and proline contents is needed to reach the level obtained with unstressed controls. Additionally, the high endogenous accumulation of Na+ ion decreased significantly after NaCl suppression, especially in roots. Salt ions provoked an increase in the NH4+ concentrations in the leaves and roots, parallel to the high increase of proteolytic enzymes activities involved in the protein degradation. This was in accordance with the pronounced decrease of dry weight by salt in leaves and roots. Also, proteolysis activity decreased during the recovering time. According to the obtained results, we will discuss the ability of the plant to dilute the effects of NaCl toxicity during the recovering period. An important conclusion of this work is that a transient salt accumulation in the culture medium is not necessarily followed by a significant depreciation in product yield and tolerance.

Our calculation program based on the Iqbal formula integrates the solar irradiance during all the hours of the day, taking into account the position of the sun, the latitude of the studied site and total optical thicknesses (TOT) extracted from the AErosol RObotic NETwork database AERONET, to find the attenuation of the solar irradiance by the atmosphere. The cloudless atmosphere reduces the incident solar irradiance in the equatorial zone, characterized by a more regular meteorology, by about 30%. In temperate zones, the attenuation is variable, up to 50% in regions subject to desert dust and anthropogenic emissions (Delhi case). We can also observe weak attenuations of about 22% due to the low aerosol load (La_Laguna case).

The spatio-temporal variability of precipitation in the Wadi Cheliff Basin (Algeria) has been evaluated by means of annual time series of precipitation observed on 150 rain gauges in the period 1970–2018. First, in order to identify the natural year-to-year variability of precipitation, for each series, the Coefficient of Variation (CV) has been evaluated and spatially distributed. Then, the precipitation trends at an annual scale have been analyzed using two nonparametric tests. Finally, the presence of possible change points in the data has been investigated. Results showed a similar spatial pattern between CV and the annual rainfall, with a spatial gradient between the southern and the northern sides of the basin. Results of the trend analysis evidenced a marked negative trend of the annual rainfall (22% of the rain gauges for a significant level equal to 95%), involving mainly the northern and the western-central area of the basin. Finally, possible year changes have been identified between 1980 and 1985.

Episodes of extremely strong, northerly winds, known as Etesians and observed during summer, can cause hazardous conditions over the Eastern Mediterranean (EMED). We used an ensemble of six GCM-RCM model chains from EURO-CORDEX at a 12 km resolution to estimate future changes of Etesians over the twenty-first century, under the two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) scenarios: RCP4.5 and RCP8.5. We analyze the ensemble mean response regarding changes in Etesians’ frequency, intensity, and the associated large-scale atmospheric circulation. The mean model ensemble projects a strengthening of the Etesians under both RCPs. Changes are associated with an amplification of the large-scale sea-level pressure dipole that controls the pressure gradient over the Aegean Sea. The European sector exhibits a reinforced westerly flow, accelerating the eastward progression of synoptic systems that amplify the high-pressure system over the Balkans. In addition, the EMED sector exhibits a stronger 200 hPa zonal flow and an intensified subtropical jet stream, which shifts poleward by the end of the twenty-first century in both RCPs. The projected changes will have important societal implications in the wake of concerns over the preservation of wildfire and pollution. Finally, the current estimate of future wind power potential for the Aegean Sea will be significantly increased by the end of the century.

At the southeastern European part of Russia (SEER), large areas of drylands with rainfed agriculture are affected by the depletion of soil water resources (SWR) in root zones. This depletion of SWR caused by climate change and extreme weather events (heat waves, droughts, water shortages) threatens food security. Climate observation analyses of this territory show that there are progressive and substantial drying land surfaces due to the increasing air temperature and diminishing precipitations. Actual evapotranspiration (ETa) is one of the major indicators of the agro-hydrological changes in dryland areas. In this paper, trends of ET a w of warm time periods (2003-2017) were calculated using remote sensing data for the territory of the Marksovsky District of the Saratov Region, situated at the left bank, down part of the Volga River. For this purpose, we used multiyear datasets, derived from the MOD16 product, inside the administrative border of the study site (2003–2017). These datasets were used to develop time series of aggregated evapotranspiration ET a w rates for all pixels within the study site. The result of the time series trend computed by the Mann–Kendall test code indicates that ET a w for the rainfed part of this study site decreased during 2003–2010 and increased during 2010–2017. For a territory with artificial crop irrigation, positive and negative trends were noted during 2003–2010, as well as positive trends during 2010–2017. Spatial distribution analyses of obtained trends of ETa over the study region showed that it was affected by precipitations as well as by air humidity and temperature fluctuations.

Understanding the spatiotemporal variability of climate variables is beneficial to design climate change adaptation strategies. However, such a study is lacking in many areas at local scales. The objective of this study was to analyze the past and future temperature and rainfall trends for the Dhidhessa River basin. Quality-checked satellite datasets were used for the study. Mann–Kendall test and the Sen’s slope method were used for the trend analysis. Past and future climate trend analysis generally showed wetting and warming for the Dhidhessa River Basin, where the degree of trends varies for different time and spatial scales. A seasonal shift in rainfall was also observed for the basin. These findings informed that there will be negative impacts on rain-fed agriculture and water resources availability in the river basin. Furthermore, the climate change observed in the river basin will further influence the biophysical terrestrial processes like the hydrologic responses of a basin. This study provides helpful information to devise climate change adaptation strategies at local scales.

Rainfall waters in Buenos Aires city are drained directly to the Río de la Plata river, carrying along pollution from the streets. Understanding the behaviour of precipitations during the last decades is of huge importance in order to prevent increasing damages to natural ecosystems. In this work, cluster analysis was applied for seasonal rainfall data, in order to group years in conglomerates with similar distribution patterns. An increasing variability of seasonal rainfall distribution was observed. For the decade 1960–1969, 80% of the years corresponded to the same distribution pattern and the remaining 20% to another one, while for the period 2000–2018, six different patterns occurred. Also, a general increasing tendency in the average daily rainfalls was observed, tending to favour flooding. Unpredictability of rainfall occurrence and increasing precipitations should be considered as additional reasons to make efforts in reducing urban contamination and developing systems to lessen flooding.

The construction of dams on the Ichkeul Lake rivers, along with drought, has increased the sedimentation problem and caused the decrease of its storage capacity. Therefore, this work aims to highlight the factors responsible for water clarity deterioration. Through the multi-date MODIS imagery analysis, a Water Turbidity Index (WTI) was used to assess the turbidity of the lake and a Delft3D-FLOW hydrodynamic model was used to determine the effect of wind, water level, temperature, and salinity on the turbidity of the lake’s waters. The effect of prevailing wind was analyzed for the two hydrological years 2014–2015 (R2 = 0.3989) and 2015–2016 (R2 = 0.4219). It was found that the water transparency decreases with the increase of wind speed. Besides, the model calibration showed the sensitivity of water temperature and salinity to the lake’s bed roughness. Contrariwise, the water level was not significantly influenced. Consequently, the use of roughness n = 0.018 decreases the errors between observed and simulated data. Altogether, the methodology used in this work allows decision makers to monitor the temporary and spatial water turbidity fluctuations in the Ichkeul Lake.

The mapping of the intrinsic vulnerability of the shallow aquifer of El Oued, carried out following the DRASTIC method, shows a medium to high vulnerability to pollution. Up to 78.7% of the aquifer’s surface area is highly vulnerable, while 21.3% has a medium vulnerability. The comparison of the DRASTIC maps with land-use map shows that the urban and areas irrigated by wells of the deep aquifers (CT and CI) are the most vulnerable areas to pollution. Depth to water parameter inflicted the largest impact on the vulnerability index followed by the recharge. The superposition of the DRASTIC map with nitrates map shows permitted the validation of the DRASTIC vulnerability map of the shallow aquifer of El Oued is valid. The coincidence rate between the medium concentration of nitrates and the moderate vulnerability class is 92%, and the coincidence rate between the high concentration of nitrates and high vulnerability class is 71%.

The catchment area and the formation zone of most of Central Asia rivers are located in the high Pamir mountains; their water content depends on the irrigation state of large agricultural areas and the functioning of hydropower. Planning the development of agriculture and the hydropower industry in the region is largely dependent on the current state and prospects of the water resources of the formation zone. The research object is the climatic zones of the Southern, Western, Central, and Eastern Pamir. The data of atmospheric precipitation and snow depth from meteorological stations in the relevant climatic zones of the Pamir—Darvaz (Southern), Khorog and Rushan (Western), Irkht and Bulunkul (Central), and Shaimak (Eastern)—were used. To estimate the meteorological conditions of the Gunt river basin, mean monthly temperatures and precipitation data were used according to the meteorological stations Khorog and Bulunkul for the period 1944–2014. The atmospheric precipitation, the depth of snow cover heterogeneity spatial distribution on the Pamir climatic zones due to the orography of the mountainous terrain, and the peculiarity of air masses promotion were observed. Comparison of the Gunt river hydrograph for the periods 1940–1970 and 1986–2016 established the seasonal distribution of the river water flow. Comparison of the river water flow values for the periods 1940–1970 and 1986–2016 revealed an increase during the latter period, which is associated with the degradation of the ice sheet on the Vanch river upstream.

This study investigates the effects of tillage tools on the structural changes and CO2 emissions of a sandy loam soil, in the region of Sousse, Central East of Tunisia. Four treatments were tested: no-tillage, minimum tillage (0–10 cm), medium tillage (10–20 cm), and conventional deep plowing (20–30 cm). Under each tillage treatment, soil bulk density and carbon dioxide emissions were monitored for a period of 40 days. Experimental results have shown that conventional tillage leads to high CO2 emissions and a low soil compaction, indicated by low bulk density values. On the other hand, reduced tillage techniques are characterized by a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and a more compact soil, indicated by high soil bulk density values.

The global warming effect has long been a question of great interest since it encompasses not only rising average temperature, but also extreme weather events: rainfall and droughts of unusual duration. As a consequence, soils undergo excessive swelling and shrinkage cycles, which lead to irreversible deformations, such as cracks, causing considerable damage in earth structures. In this context, the aim of this paper is to study the effect of the shrinkage phenomena in the desiccation term and simulate the crack propagation in a thin clayey soil layer by developing a model that relates porosity resolution with suction and tensile strength. To address this issue, many numerical methods were developed in previous studies, especially the Finite Element Method (FEM), widely used in geotechnical applications. Owing to the limitation of this method in re-meshing and dealing with large deformations, the authors were prompted to couple FEM with a mesh-free method, the Material Point Method (MPM) in order to overcome the individual drawbacks of each method. As a consequence, a clear and connected crack pattern was observed, and the problem of mesh dependency was clearly overcome.

Climate change may contribute to the degradation of agroecosystems, and particularly the olive trees sector. The aim of this study was to investigate the biochemical response and oil quality of olive trees (Olea europaea L., cv Chetoui) grown in two different climatic sites (Sfax-Taoues, semi-arid climate; Kebelli-Rjim Maatoog, hot desert climate). High temperatures caused a decrease in chlorophyll content in leaf tissues, associated with an increase in proline content. Olive oil content was reduced in trees grown in a desert climate. Fatty acid compositions of “chetoui” olive oils were also assessed. Oil from trees grown in the warmest region (Kebelli-Rjim Maatoog) had higher levels of stearic and linoleic acids. However, the rate of oleic acid was reduced. High temperatures negatively impacted the chlorophyll content, the fruit’s oil content, and the fatty acids’ composition in leaves.

Climate changes reflect an increase in temperature and a decrease in annual rainfall, with high variability between regions, which will generate hotter, drier environments. Under these conditions, it is projected that forest ecosystems will be severely affected, and recent studies have accumulated evidence for drought-induced tree mortality, especially in North Africa (Tunisia). Consequently, many studies have attempted to explain mechanisms of survival and mortality in forest species. However, the physiological mechanisms that underlie drought-induced mortality are not completely understood. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effect of an extremely dry year on the cause of mortality and decline of cork oak forest in the northwest of Tunisia, during the period 1988–1995. Extreme-drought years with significant effects on tree growth were registered. Cork oak mortality was recorded for up to 63,622 trees.

Climate variability on natural processes such as rainfall patterns, surface water levels and vegetation cover can have devastating effects on the economies, livelihoods and health of people. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between the vegetation cover in the Mockes dam area, and the area covered by surface water in the summer and winter seasons over a 3 year period (2017–2019). The Mockes dam is located along the middle of the Modder River catchment. The methodology involves the analysis of satellite images of the Mockes dam area obtained on the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS). The results from the study show that the surface area covered by water around the Mockes dam increased in the winter season whilst the vegetation cover in the winter season was extremely sparse. On the other hand, the water surface area in the Mockes dam area was very low in summer with moderate vegetation. It is important for environmentalists and water managers to critically monitor the variations and trends that the climate has on vegetation in relation to important water sources such as dams, lakes and rivers.

Our study investigates the mitigation potential of tree-crop cultivations in the Mediterranean. We analyze the CO2 balance of tree crops in different regions of the Mediterranean, taking into account the yearly growth of the biomass, the soil absorption affected by the climatological conditions and the cultivation patterns, as well as the use of fertilizers, pesticides, electricity, and fuels during the production process. An algorithm describing the CO2 balance and the CO2 sequestration processes has been developed on the basis of state-of-the-art scientific knowledge, reports, and estimates of the LULUCF framework as well as extensive experiments and surveys in Greece, Italy, and Spain. Different cultivation practices are evaluated, and their mitigation potentials are ranked accordingly. Our study identifies certain mitigation potentials of the agricultural sector, and hence, contributes to the development of climatic policies coupling agricultural, economic, and climatic objectives. Furthermore, our study may contribute to improved national CO2 emission estimations on the LULUCF sector, reducing the current uncertainty level which is estimated at ≈70%.

The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in the Tunisian economy, particularly in low-income, rural areas. Resilience and adaptation to climate change are the main challenges for this sector. This paper aims to analyze the climate change resilience of agricultural production systems in Tunisian semi-arid areas. A path Structural Equation Model (SEM) was estimated to predict the resilience of an agricultural production system. The Partial Least Squares method (PLS) was used to estimate the SEM with SmartPLS software. Results show that farming systems in Tunisian semi-arid areas remain threatened by the negative impact of climate change since 80% of farms have resilience levels below 0.7. The most important pillars of agricultural production systems’ resilience are income and food access, adaptive capacity, and access to productive and non-productive assets. Significant correlation of proxy variables with resilience, such as income diversity and cooperation, combined with a negative correlation with the conflict proxy variable, indicate that integrated systems, diversified income, cooperation and collective action can enhance resilience of rural households and farming systems. It is required to increase the awareness of stakeholders and decision-makers about climate change challenges and to improve an integrated approach for engaging local stakeholders and institutions in adaptation programmers and development strategies.

In recent decades, close relations between economic development and environmental degradation have become increasingly evident. As part of the transition toward sustainable development with a particular focus on effective environmental management and the maintenance of steady-state ecosystems, the activities of all economic and political actors should be reconsidered in order to conserve biodiversity and mitigate the effects of global warming. In this regard, the economic assessment of forest ecosystems is gaining increasing attention. This paper presents the review of methods for estimating the economic value of ecosystem services for forest biomes. While methods for determining use value of forest ecosystem services are well-discussed, the monetary estimation of non-use value is more complex as there are no traditional markets for them.

This work carried out the first investigations on the chickpea leaf miner (Liriomyza cicerina) population dynamics and the assessment of its damage on both winter and spring chickpea crops (Cicerarietinum L.) in the North of Tunisia. The study was conducted, according to a Split Plot Design, during the cropping seasons 2015 and 2016 in Beja (Northwest of Tunisia). Five chickpea varieties were used: three winter varieties (cv. Beja1, cv. Nour and cv. Nayer) and two spring varieties (cv. Amdoun1 and an advanced line X07TH106-A3). Results showed that L. cicerina accomplished three annual generations with a clear, significant impact of the environmental conditions, especially the climatic data, on the abundance and distribution of the pest for both winter and spring varieties. This insect pest was very abundant during flowering/pods setting stages, reaching mean values of 40 adults/trap.

The genus Amphistegina foraminifera are the most successful invaders as proved by their abundance, ubiquity, and wide extension in the eastern part of the Mediterranean Sea, including the coasts of southern Tunisia, Libya, and Egypt. This study presents the first record of Amphistegina lobifera species, which is invading the Monastir bay. The repartition of this non-native species can be intimately linked and ultimately lead to the displacement of native taxa.

The marginal populations of the Sahara Blue-eyed pond turtle, Mauremys leprosa saharica (Testudines: Geoemydidae) in the pre-Saharan area in the Lower Draa valley, are facing extreme environmental conditions of arid climate and anthropogenic activities, including overuse of water and land salinization. In this study, we investigated a small isolated population of the Blue-eyed pond turtle at Sidi El Mehdaoui oasis, Lower Draa valley, to determine its population structure and morphometric characteristics. Water salinity was about 24% of seawater and dissolved oxygen concentration was less than 3 mg · L−1 (sub-hypoxia). Turtles were captured, sexed, weighed, and measured for the carapace dimensions before being released. The average body size of adults (carapace length) was much smaller than those in other Moroccan populations. Among adult individuals, the mean carapace lengths were 103 ± 21 mm and 104.4 ± 35 mm for males and females, respectively. The corresponding mean body masses were 173 ± 92.4 g and 135 ± 52 g. There were no significant differences between sexes for size or weight (P > 0.05). The studied population is small with a predominance of adults (75%). Sexual dimorphism was found to be significant in shape but not in size. In fact, the Sexual Dimorphism Index for size had the lowest level ever described for the species, possibly because of the low productivity of this marginal isolated habitat. The increased drought and salinization are great threats to the long-term persistence of the vulnerable populations of the Saharan blue-eyed pond turtle and their habitats. Therefore, conservation measures of these populations through the protection of their habitats are very urgent.

This study examines the spatio-temporal structure of rotifer assemblages in a lacustrine ecosystem (Ghrib Lake, Algeria). Monthly surveys were conducted, from June 2014 to May 2015, at six sampling sites. The relationship of rotifer assemblages and environmental variables was analyzed using the STATICO method. This method allowed the examination of the stable part of the environment-rotifer relationship, and also, of the variations of this relationship through time and space. The inter-structure factor map obtained by the STATICO method showed that the relationship between the 9 environmental variables and the abundance of the 45 considered rotifer species was strongest in spring, and moderately strong in winter and summer. The pollution gradient (resulting from nutrient salts) was stronger during these seasons, which is linked to a resistant and very sensitive species gradient.

Today, many marine organisms are highly sensitive to environmental and climatic changes. The PCO2/reduced pH scenario is widely considered as the ultimate threat to modern biodiversity. Recently, the increase of PCO2 and ocean acidification have been significantly reducing the growth and fertilization rates of animals, as well as their reproduction capacity, which raises the question of how marine systems of the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) reacted to the rapid release of several thousand gigatons of isotopically light carbon into the oceans and the atmosphere. The answer to this question may help to investigate the fate of modern and future marine ecosystems in times of sharply rising acidification and CO2 levels. During the PETM, the marine sediments of the Roman Bridge section (Central Tunisia, southern Tethyan margin) experienced abrupt and sustained acidification advocated by the sharp decrease of Ca concentrations, the near absence of calcite, and the very bad preservation state of foraminifera. The carbonate chemistry changes had significantly influenced the calcifiers. Consequently, the foraminifera population, being sensitive to abrupt acidification, exhibited disruptions during the PETM, including the extinction of species, dwarfism, decrease in abundance and diversity and occurrence of dissolved and fragmented shells.

The high-resolution geochemical investigation across the K-T transition of the Tamerza region (Gafsa Basin) allowed to recognize the environmental conditions of the upper Maastrichtian-lower Danian interval. Anoxic conditions were testified by the increase of redox trace elements, Zn, Mo, and V, associated with the decrease of Ca concentrations and the CaCO3. The marine ecosystem has been hardly disrupted by the environmental changes recorded within this interval. As a result, the anoxic conditions induced noticeable changes in terms of fauna assemblages, test preservation, shape, size, and abundance. The benthic foraminifera were severely influenced by the poor oxygenation and the heavy metal enrichments. The abundance and the diversity of these microfossils sharply decreased and showed bad preservation. Moreover, the benthic foraminifera exhibited fragmented and dissolved shells.

The strategic goal of the Russian environmental policy is to meet the challenges of ensuring environmentally-oriented growth of the economy, the preservation of natural resources, and the strengthening of the rule of law in the field of environmental protection. Important areas of environmental safety include the implementation of the Climate Doctrine of the Russian Federation—a comprehensive plan approved by 2020, for industry, including the oil and gas sector. The oil and gas sector is not the main supplier of greenhouse gasses, but it plays an important role in the extraction and use of carbon fuels. The study of statistical data on the results of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions by industrial facilities and the identification of the most promising technological solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the oil and gas industry was the aim of our study.

The objective of this study was to model the relationship between environmental variables and the spatial distribution of the Burmese Python across Florida. MaxEnt model was utilized to understand the relative preference of pythons based on environmental variables. The presence of Burmese Python is high along roads and canals, our study moves beyond these human-made paths to identify other environmental variables which determine their distribution. The distribution is mostly restricted to south Florida, and the probability of presence is high in areas where elevation is 0–1 feet and mean temperature ranges between 24–25 ℃. The most suitable habitats were located throughout wetlands where the soil is shallow and sits atop limestone. There was also a seasonal shift in distribution.

Nowadays, humic substances, the main organic components of soils and many fossil sediments, are becoming a material of wide application in agriculture and many technologies. Elemental, functional and spectral (UV, fluorescence, FTIR, 13C NMR spectra) analysis of industrially produced, as well as reference humic substances demonstrate significant differences in properties of humic substances depending on their origin, and thus, their potential application in agriculture. For authentication of humic substances’ origin, their elemental composition, as well as stable isotope (δC, δN, δO) ratios can be used.

Agricultural and forestry lands are natural goods that should be protected as an indispensable element of a sustainable economy. In global trends, there is a noticeable increase in the allocation of agricultural and forest land for other purposes. The purpose of this article is to analyze the scale and trends associated with the designation of agricultural and forest areas for nonagricultural purposes in the context of Poland, as well as individual provinces. Analyzed data obtained from the Central Statistical Office concerns the period from 2003 to 2017. After carrying out an analysis, a significant decrease can be noted in the amount of agricultural land in Poland, precisely 3747 km2, which is 1.2% of the entire area of the country. Most often, agricultural areas were transformed into residential areas.

Fungicides used in agriculture contaminate the environment and promote the spreading of fungicide-resistant strains. Enhancement of pathogen sensitivity to pesticides using the so-called biosensitizers allows reducing of fungicide dosages with no negative effect on their efficiency. A microbial metabolite 6-demethylmevinolin (6-DMM) already proved its sensitizing activity in Bipolaris sorokiniana towards triazole fungicides. Using Petri dish bioassay and microplate assay combined with the probit analysis, non- or marginally toxic concentrations of this compound, which are used for sensitizing effect, were determined for four Fusarium fungi (F. avenaceum, F. culmorum, F. oxysporum, F. graminearum) forming a wheat root rot complex together with B. sorokiniana. The range of the determined concentrations confirmed a principal possibility to use 6-DMM as a putative sensitizer for the whole of this complex of pathogens.

The over-supply of nitrogen and phosphorus as a mineral fertilizer can lead to decreased soil organic matter (OM). The objective of this study is to evaluate the temporal evolution of the quantities of nitrogen and phosphorus mineralized in an agricultural soil to demonstrate the impact of the physicochemical properties related to ammonium (NH4+) and phosphorus (PO43+) applied on their availability in low-limestone soil of vertical character. A short-term incubation experiment of six weeks was carried out under controlled conditions of the laboratory, on a Tunisian agricultural soil (Xerofluvents Vertic) (Siliana-North Tunisia). The soil was subjected to two inorganic inputs, ammonium (NH4+) and phosphorus (PO43+). These two products are provided at a rate of 0.5 and 1 N in the soil and incubated at a temperature of 25 and 30 ± 1 °C. These treatments are compared to samples from the same soil without input.The main results, during the incubation experiment, following the addition of (NH4) and (PO4), on the soil studied, show an increase in the availability of ammonium and phosphorus, at the beginning of the experiment, and there was also an increase in salinity (electrical conductivity, EC) and instead a decrease in pH. This “in situ” study proves that it is essential to choose fertilizers and the appropriate contents according to the soil components to obtain appropriately reasoned mineral fertilization respecting the environment and precisely the physicochemical properties of soils and groundwater.

Olive mill wastes in the Mediterranean continue to be a management challenge due to the large volumes produced. Their recycling in agricultural systems may be improved, with multiple benefits for the environment and soil protection, while promoting the circular economy. Information on amounts and physicochemical properties of olive mill wastes will help the development of sustainable strategies to convert them into fertilizers or soil amendments in the Mediterranean Basin. To this end, we obtained up-to-date data on olive production and generation of wastes in Spain, Tunisia, and Greece and characterized representative samples in the laboratory in terms of their agronomic properties. We then made calculations of the total quantities of nutrients and matter which may be recycled in agriculture. More particularly, annual mineral ash contained in the waste streams of the three countries amounts to 137 thousand tons per year. Solid waste properties were more homogenous than wastewater properties, indicating that local management and production conditions in three-phase mills is more diverse, so standardization of conversion technologies is likely to be easier for two-phase mills.

The aim of this work was to first, study the chemical characteristics of virgin olive oils produced by two varieties grown in southern Tunisia, and second to compare with the olive oil of their pollinator. The sterols and triterpenic dialcohols compositions of all the samples lay within the established regulatory limits. The main sterols found were β-sitosterol, Δ5-avenasterol, and campesterol. The amounts of minor sterols (24-methylene cholesterol, Δ7-avenasterol, and Δ7-stigmastenol) varied widely according to the varieties. The levels of erythrodiol and uvaol were below the upper legal limit of 4.5% in all analyzed samples. The lipoxygenase products were the major components in only some varieties. The results showed that the pollinator has no effect on the chemical composition of the olive oil of the autochthonous varieties.

Sterols, which comprise a major portion of the unsaponifiable matter, are found in almost all fats and oils and are also characteristic of the purity of vegetable oils. Recently, some works have proposed that sterol profiles can be used to classify virgin olive oils according to their fruit variety. Throughout this work, the mean values of each sterol compound of olive oils extracted from several cultivars were submitted to Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) in a discriminatory fashion. Results confirm that phytosterols can differentiate between varieties, hybrids and oleasters. Always the two first principal components were sufficient to explain the variability between olive cultivars. The PCA shows a clear discrimination between all studied samples. Therefore, the composition of sterols was found to be sufficient for the olive oil discrimination, characterization and adulteration with lower priced oils.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the differences in the radical scavenging activity (RSA) of the total, lipidic, and polar fractions of the refined oils (Sunflower, corn, and soya oils), extra virgin olive oils (EVOOs), and blended oils, during 10 h of heating treatment (180°C). The RSA was determined by measuring the disappearance of 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical [DPPH•] at 515 nm. Oxidative stability and polar phenols were also studied. The unheated EVOOs showed the highest level of phenol compounds and as a consequence the highest oxidative stability and RSA of total and polar fractions. Refined samples showed a high RSA of lipidic fraction. After heating at 180°C, all the studied parameters showed a reduction due to the degradation of the antioxidant components. During heating at frying temperature, the type of oil is a determinant factor.

The objective of this experimental study was to determine the viability of recycling industrial olive wastes by means of composting with poultry manures. The evolution of the physic-chemicals composting parameters was studied. The quality of the obtained compost was evaluated. The results showed that during the composting process, a high microbial activity was translated by a quick increase in temperature (65 °C) in 9 days. At the end of the composting process, the nutrient content of the compost was high, thus benefiting plant growth. Also, the increase of nitrogen contents indicated a high-quality soil amendment. The final compost has a C/N ratio close to 10, and the abundance of the agrochemical elements. Finally, the germination index test revealed that the obtained compost induced germination indexes of approximately 88%, indicating that the current compost can be used as soil and crop biofertilizers.

The present paper provides a process description of the separation and exploitation of a high-value by-product from the extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) mill waste. The olive pomace is a by-product that can potentially improve the EVOO value chain by providing a natural primary matter for the agro-food industry. Furthermore, such exploitation of pomace would reduce the environmental and economic problems related to the management and disposal of mill wastes. The modern two-phase milling technique reduces the wastewater but produces a relevant quantity of wet pomace. Two-phase mills in Italy account for about 11% of the total, thus producing a relevant amount of wet olive cakes. In Colli Orvietani area, the residual olive cake most often retains very high nutritional properties, owing to the persistence of effective management of the olive orchards within the frame of a traditional small farming system. The reduction of mill wastewater and the exploitation of the wet olive cake for innovative and high-added value, agro-food products are effective in reinforcing the local processes of sustainable development.

Olive mill wastewater (OMW), a by-product from the olive oil extraction process, is annually produced in huge amounts in olive-growing areas and represents a significant environmental problem in Mediterranean areas. OMW is characterized by high pollutant loads, such as salinity and phytotoxic polyphenols, but it includes relatively high organic compounds and plant mineral nutrients. This study aims to investigate the effects of olive mill wastewater, applied at different rates (50, 100, and 200 m3 ha−1 year−1) of productivity under natural field conditions, namely olive, pear, apple, and tomato crops. These findings suggest that OMW land spreading requires the use of suitable doses, especially in the Mediterranean area where this practice has been extended.

The value chain of sweet cherry in Lebanon is affected by several constraints with a negative influence on the local economy and socioecology. The main aim was to analyze relevant phases of the value chain, possibly suggesting solutions toward a Quality Management System. We especially focused on agricultural practices and socioeconomic characteristics of different farming systems. Stable isotope compositions (δ13C and δ15N) were analyzed on leaf and soil samples from different farms, in order to get eco-physiological insights into water use efficiency and nitrogen plant dynamics. Agronomic and socioeconomic data were acquired by administering surveys to a selected pool of farmers. Soils rich in organic matters are fertile and support efficient resources use and plant productivity. Some Lebanese areas showed higher socioeconomic sustainability. This was associated with higher socioecological resilience, especially in terms of reduced farming costs, sustainable use of environmental resources, and increased local capacity building.

Egypt, as one of the countries in the MENA region, is facing water scarcity, which is one of the challenges affecting the productivity of agricultural crops. The integration of solar water desalination systems in greenhouses to overcome water shortages in some areas like Egypt is, therefore, one of the favored technologies in crop-growing areas. Crop growth control is done by adequately manipulating climatic variables of the environment as well as the quantity of water and fertilizers applied through irrigation. Numerous crops can be grown under greenhouse circumstances with water produced from desalinated units. Cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, strawberries, flowers, herbs anything that can be grown in traditional greenhouses, can also be grown in a greenhouse. This paper presents the state-of-the-art in the use of solar energy in water desalination to irrigate crops, the feasibility of greenhouse systems in agriculture, the feasibility of water desalination for agriculture in Arab countries and Egypt and the future outlook.

The agriculture’s consistent request for irrigation water exerts pressure on the availability of water already in crisis. The adaptation of new economic irrigation techniques is a major and urgent goal. In this context, this work aims to estimate and to compare the Regulated Deficit Irrigation (RDI) effects on greenhouse’s tomato crop under three tomato growth stages. The water regimes applied were (i) “FI” Full Irrigation which ensures 100% of water requirements of the culture, (ii) “RDI1-25” and “RDI1-50” consists in giving 75% and 50% respectively of water requirements of the culture applied under “FI” until first truss blossom, (iii) “RDI2-25” and “RDI2-50” consists in giving 75% and 50%, respectively, of water requirements of the culture applied under “FI” from first truss blossom until the first harvest, and (iv) “RDI3-25” and “RDI3-50” consists in giving 75% and 50%, respectively, of water requirements of the culture applied under “FI” during the harvest period. The Soil Water Content (SWC) measures highlighted more comfortable soil moisture under FI compared to RDI treatment. Results also showed that RDI2 saved yield and fruit quality. Indeed, an irrigation amount reduction by 20% under RDI2-50% generated only 3% yield reduction. Although RDI2-50 and RDI3-50 received the same irrigation amount, RDI2-50 regime saved fruit yield and number with an improvement on fruit skin color, firmness, and refractometry index (Brix). RDI-2 proved that the second tomato growth stage was the best period which helps to reach the challenge “more crop per drop.”

Meyerozyma guilliermondii is yeast considered as a biocontrol agent for its large spectrum of plant pathogens. After the molecular identification of this yeast, we evaluated the antifungal activity in vitro against Botrytis cinerea (36.8%) and Fusarium oxysporum radis lycopersicum (FORL) (40.2%). Furthermore, the application of M. guilliermondii on the hydroponic medium might promote planting by directly inducing growth or indirectly by inducing defense. The treatments by M. guilliermondii and the culture filtrate (CF) increase the length of the roots, shoots length, and dry matter over untreated control. Besides, induced biochemical defensive enzymes (peroxidase, β-1,3-glucanase, and phenolic compounds) were measured after 3, 6, and 9 days posttreatments, all of which were correlated with the induced defense. This result reported that M. guilliermondii and the culture filtrate promote plant growth and induce the production of defense enzymes.

Sprouting is a green tool that improves cereals nutritional properties. However, the increase in moisture content of sprouts may lead to a microbial proliferation, and consequently raises risks related to raw sprouts consumption. This research investigated the influence of sprouting temperature on sprouts hygienic quality and the potential use of zinc to improve it. Durum wheat seeds (Triticum durum) were sprouted at 18 and 25 °C for 48 h. In the second part, wheat seeds were soaked in zinc sulfate solution (400 mg. L−1) and then sprouted. Hygienic quality was assessed through enumeration of Total Mesophilic Aerobic Plate, Molds and Yeasts, and Coliforms. Results showed that sprouting increased bacterial growth significantly, regardless of the temperature. Soaking wheat seeds in zinc sulfate solution decreased microbial proliferation. Results suggested that seeds’ treatment with zinc could improve the sprouts’ microbiological properties for the safe use of raw sprouts.

In many Mediterranean countries, climate change issues, namely the scarcity of water resources, are essential for overcoming the obstacles to sustainable food production. In Morocco, cereal growing is a strategic sector that contributes significantly to food security. In order to improve socio-economic conditions in rural areas, the purpose of this study is to develop models for estimating wheat grain yield based on the cost of production. Based on a sample of 100 farms in Tadla, central Morocco, a model for estimating wheat yield in terms of agricultural inputs’ costs, was developed using stepwise regression approach. To evaluate its accuracy, this model was validated subsequently through k-fold cross validation (K-fold CV). This research provides a model to examine the contribution of the cost of each agricultural input to wheat grain yield, with the objective of understanding the types of actions that farmers can take to reduce production costs and ensure their resilience. This is useful in controlling the use of agricultural inputs that have the greatest impact on yields such as irrigation, fertilizers and soil cultivation practices.

Agriculture is facing many challenges such as climate change, drought, and salinity. This calls for urgent interventions to induce fast adaptation and diversification. In this context, the introduction of crops with a high value and a high tolerance to stress such as quinoa would help address two interrelated challenges simultaneously: abiotic stresses that undermine crop production and poverty that impacts the rural poor. The quinoa Rehamna project funded by IDRC and implemented by ICBA and UM6P University in Morocco aims to develop the quinoa value chain toward achieving food and nutritional security of poor rural communities. Several high-yielding quinoa cultivars developed in ICBA have been introduced. Obtained results from the experimental station and on-farm trials show clearly that ICBA cultivars recorded higher yields than local cultivated seeds. Irrigation had a great effect on quinoa productivity as it was increasing for most cultivars by more than three times compared to rainfed conditions. Irrigation along with organic amendment increased yield four times for most of the tested cultivars. Production cost analysis showed that using mechanized production and processing practices combined with irrigation and organic amendment can reduce the cost of quinoa seed production and processing from 2.8 to 1.1 USD/kg compared to manual production system under rainfed conditions. It was concluded that to be more competitive, using mechanized production and processing along with irrigation, organic amendment, and high-yielding cultivars is the key solution to increase productivity, reduce cost and thus reduce the market price.

Agriculture has many challenges such as climate changes, droughts, and salinities. Which require urgent interventions to fast adaptation and diversification. In this context, the introduction of crops with a high value and a high tolerance to stress such as quinoa would enable to address simultaneously two interrelated challenges: abiotic stresses that undermine crop production and poverty that impacts the rural poorness. The quinoa Rehamna project funded by IDRC and implemented by ICBA and UM6P University in Morocco aims to develop the quinoa value chain toward achieving food and nutritional security of rural poor communities. The obtained results from the farmer’s survey show that 19b% of surveyed farmers already grow quinoa and 2/3 never heard about quinoa, among them 95% are interested to grow quinoa. The marketing study reveals that the psychological price that satisfies most of the consumers is ranging between 2 and 2.6 USD/500 gr of processed quinoa grains. The findings indicate that quinoa has great potential for both producers and consumers in Morocco and can be a judicious solution toward achieving food and nutritional security.

Durum wheat is an important crop, whose grain is used for the production of pasta, bread, couscous, bulgur, and other products. The end-use of wheat is heavily determined by the grain’s characteristics, which depend on the wheat variety, the environmental effects, and genotype–environment interactions. In Tunisia, ancient durum wheat varieties disappeared and they were replaced by other new breeding programs. Modern Tunisian durum wheat varieties were collected from different zones throughout the country. The wheat varieties were evaluated for various chemical and technological quality parameters. Results of quality characteristics of the examined wheat grains showed a strong influence of the growing zone on almost all analytical parameters. These differences between wheat varieties may be ascribed to the differences between the genotype–environment interaction such as soil, climate, and the use of fertilizers, etc.

The “Trois Rivières” natural forest reserves is one of the largest and strongly threatened rainforest ecosystems in Benin. That is mainly caused by extensive agriculture, which is mostly practised by smallholder farmers, aggravated by yields dropping linked to climate change. This research aims at analysing ecological practices that will enable smallholder farmers to increase yields on marginal lands and avoiding extensive agriculture towards forest ecosystems conservation. So, the conservation agriculture experimentation fields, using maize as basis crop, were installed, within agroforestry series on three sites chosen according to farmer’s land use duration practices (Early fallow: after 6 years of cultivation, Under cultivation: after 3 years of cultivation and Late fallow: first year of cultivation after 6 years of fallow) according to a complete randomized block design with split plot arrangement involving two factors: soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies with three levels and type of fertilization with five levels including improved fertilization called “microdose”. Data were analysed by suitable tools and model in R software. Results revealed that the Large ploughing perpendicular to the slope (GB) favours better the development of maize (Leaf Area Index) on early fallow (low fertile lands). Look at the grain yield, the fertilization type Recommended Dose (RD), consuming two more times fertilizer than Microdose with manure (MDB), gives similar grain yields as MBD under GB. Thus, an application of microdoses combined with manure (cow dung) under the GB might be the solution to increase the yield on low fertile or marginal land and allow settling farmers and limiting extensive agriculture in “Trois Rivières” natural reserve.

An experiment was carried out in southern Morocco to investigate the response of pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to an increment phosphorus application under different level of salinity. It consists on the effects of optimal and suboptimal P fertilizer levels (150, 180, and 210 kg ha−1) in combination with three levels of salt added (NaCl) irrigation water leading to variable electrical conductivity (EC) (ECiw = 1.8, 4, and 6 dS m−1) on growth and nutrient content of pepper cultivation. Results showed a negative correlation between saline levels of irrigation water and most of the measured growth parameters. Plants grown under salinity stress treatment produce less fruit yield compared to the control (1.8 dS m−1). The number of marketable fruits was strongly reduced under high salinity. Increasing P application improves the plant growth and reduced the fruit blossom end rot which was significantly correlated with better yield under saline conditions. This response induced a low accumulated salt.

Due to the multi-target effect of biostimulants, an efficient, low-cost, and rapid approach for tracking their mode of action is required. In this paper, the effect of seed coating with thyme essential oil and the bacterium Paraburkholderia phytofirmans on plant growth as well as water stress tolerance was investigated using MultispeQ device in wheat seedling grown under controlled conditions. Both treatments enhanced photosynthesis efficiency and tolerance to water stress through reducing plant damage. Plants coated with P. phytofirmans tend to maintain photosynthesis rate, while plants coated with thyme oil tend to maintain water content and reduce energy-demanding processes. All results correlated with previous biochemical, isotopic, and molecular analysis results highlighting MultispeQ reliability.

In order to minimize the aggressive effect of salinity on the durum wheat culture of the Boussalem variety, we applied three levels of saline irrigation water: S1 = 5 dS/m, S2 = 9 dS/m, and S3 = 13 dS/m. We used three organic matter amounts of “manure of poultry” F0 = 0 t/ha, F1 = 30 t/ha, and F2 = 60 t/ha in vegetation pots. These results are especially illustrated in the saline water in the presence of the organic matter compared to the treatments less saline without organic matter. This indicates that the used poultry manure has a positive effect on alleviating the aggressive effect of salinity and consequently improving the tolerance and the growth of the plant.

Peri-urban agricultural land is the place where urban and rural areas meet physically and culturally. The resulting landscape mixes urban and agricultural patterns. In Sahline, Tunisia, peri-urban landscape is characterized by the coexistence of two different farm models, an intensive irrigated market gardening, and a dry cultivation of olive trees. Moreover, this city located in the Tunisian Sahel is affected by urban sprawl and touristic development. In this paper, we examine the diversity of peri-urban farmers, their relations to the city, and how they contribute to the sustainable development of this region.

This paper deals with unpublished results of monetary estimation of forest natural habitats in Central European lowland landscape based on the application of original expert methods. The main aim of this paper is to highlight the significance of the monetary valuation of biodiversity for the environmental assessment of landscape. These examined habitats can be damaged by a building of water management infrastructure, and information related to monetary value of habitats will be important for environmental impact assessment. The total monetary value of the forest natural habitats in the study area was remarkably high. The awareness of the high monetary value of forest natural habitats in a specific river catchment based on monetary units can be an important impetus for regional environmental decision- and policy-makers. These results in the study area are wider portable to other regions, where precise information about delimitation of natural habitats in landscape is available.

Agricultural land has many uses besides providing traditional products of food and fiber. Together with natural and other working lands (sometimes called open space), these lands provide products such as biofuels and lands as sites for solar and wind energy and water supply and for open space uses, such as carbon sequestration, flood control, recreation, and habitat restoration. Climate change and multiple demands regarding land use provide uncertainty for future planning. It is important that scientists and policymakers consider the effects of projects on the surrounding areas and communities they are changing where open space lands are involved. One way to do this is an Agriculture and Land Stewardship (ALS) approach which calls for a comprehensive and integrated multidisciplinary and collaborative process that integrates the planning for a specific project with regional and landscape planning to provide a sustainable and resilient future. Critical to the success of this process is an inclusive and open dialogue with landowners and local representatives.

For centuries, water and soil conservation techniques have been developed by southern Tunisian society to valorize arid lands under harsh and irregular climatic conditions and to maintain a sustainable agriculture in these regions. A Jesser is a small earth dam, sometimes consolidated by a dry stone wall. The Jesser closes the thalwegs of the gullies in which they are located (Fig. 1). They form flat topsoil, concentrating on flows and preserving water and soil. They usually contain a central or lateral weir, sometimes several, whose function is to evacuate the overflow towards the plots downstream and to protect the system from destruction [1–3]. The study aims to establish the percentage of organic matter and texture of soils in three Jessours through chemical and physical analyses in various depths: 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm and to see the role of this technique in the maintenance of a sustainable agriculture. The physical analyses showed that the texture of soils is loam-sandy for Jessours 1, 2, while it is sandy-loam for the Jesser 3 (Fig. 1). Chemical analyses illustrated that the rate of organic matter is lower than 1% for the three hydraulic units.

In the Aures cedar forest, the surface strongly declined. This decrease would be probably greater due to the droughts that occurred at the end of the last century. In forest soil, the water availability is the best mean to improve the forests’ resilience to drought and to the new climatic conditions. Using the hydric balance, it is possible to estimate periodically the hydric deficit and the available hydric reserve in the soil. The aim of this work is to analyze the role of soil characteristics on the useful soil water reserve and its influence on the water balance. The results show that water retention at the wilting point is very well correlated with soil CEC. The high potential of water retention correlated well with the bulk density. However, useful reserve (UR) depends on the nature of the soil constituents but also their organization. Thus, the water content is positively correlated with the water potential, clay content and organic matter content, and bulk density. Referring to the water balance obtained with potential evapotranspiration, the results indicate that the soil is dry between April–May–June–July and October–November between 4 and 7 months according to the relevant useful reserve of soil, altitude, and weather conditions. The water supply is involved in all quantification of water deficit indicators (earliness, duration, and intensity). The advantage of considering the useful water reserve (UR) in the water balance is to approach the real conditions of the water supply of forest stands.

Soil erosion processes remain the principal environmental issue in the arid regions, such as the southern part of Tunisia. Erosion is a real threat not only for soil conservation but also for the sustainability of water harvesting techniques (cisterns, check dams). The quantification of soil loss in Koutine watershed depends on many factors such as human activities, climate variability, topography (slope), and soil resources. The objective of this study is to examine the influence of topography (slope), short-term exceptional rainstorm intensity, and soil texture on erosion at field scale (less than 1 ha). The data used are from field measurements and a survey of sedimentation in 25 cisterns (6 Fesguia and 19 Majel) and erosion simulation in 37 individual sites. Data were collected over a four (04) year period from 2015 to 2018. By combining the two sources of data, we aim to improve the understanding of the erosion processes and to delineate important links between field rainfall (less than 200 mm), topography and soil characteristics, and sediments deposited in the small sediment settlement basins. The results are based on local and spatially distributed observations. The standard deviation values of soil loss/sediment yield (SY) was about 6%.

The present research was conducted to evaluate metal potentially toxic contamination of soils in the vicinity of rehabilitated dump (Oued Smar) of northern Algeria. Soil samples were collected from three surrounding sites and one rural site in Béjaïa, as a reference site and analyzed for six metals (cadmium, chrome, nickel, copper, lead, and zinc). Metal concentrations and distributions in different road verge zones (border, verge, and reference) were determined. Chrome concentration was the highest in the soil and ranged from 03.67 to 53.91 μg/g. Zinc concentration ranged from 13.78 to 14.88 μg/g, and lead concentration ranged from 13.96 to 20.62 μg/g. Nickel concentration was the lowest in the soil and varied from 9.06 to 10.74 μg/g. Though the levels of metals in soils were higher as compared to their natural background levels in Algerian soils as reference, the results of the analysis of metals extracted from the three soils showed that their concentrations were below the “critical trigger concentrations” of the contaminated soils. Several environmental parameters namely the pollution index, the geo-accumulation index, and the enrichment factor have been determined. These parameters show that the soils studied are exempt from any contamination by metals.

A field study for the soil of Date Palm trees farm in Al-Uja area was carried out in order to determine nutrients composition and concentrations of the soils from different four points along the farm. Soil samples were collected from two depths of each point (0–40, 40–80 cm). Soils nutrients were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS) in to determine K+, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, Fe+3, Mn+2, Cu+, and, Zn+2. Total N was determined using Kjeldahl method and total P was determined using Olsen method. The results of soil analysis showed that there is a deficiency of micro-nutrients and for macro-nutrients in all points of soil. They also showed that the total content of nitrogen in both soil types is considered medium, that the total phosphorous (TP) decreases eastward, that the potassium content of both soil depths is considered high, and that magnesium and calcium contents are low. In general there is no significant difference for macro-nutrients content when depth increases. It is recommended not only to add adequate weight of micro-nutrients, but also to find methods to mobilize Ca+2 and Mg+2. Following the results on the study area, it was clear that the applied fertilizers are not site-specific and not finely tuned to local soil chemical conditions. Therefore information needs to be collected on soil nutrients on the one hand and soil fertility needs to be improved using agro forestry techniques.

Three types of sands were mixed with manure and used as a soil amendment in oasis systems to compare their effect on the chemical properties (e.g. C, N, P and K content). Two of these sands were no-gypsum sands (NGS1, NGS2) while the other type was typical gypsum sand (GS). The results showed that all sands combined with manure improved soil C, N, P, and K compared to unamended control (U). However, NGS1 and NGS2 sands were found to be more effective than GS because, in the latter, soluble gypsum particles lead to a more rapid irrigation loss of OM and other nutrients. The positive effects of both no-gypsum amendments lasted for 3 years.

This work of mathematical modelling of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) fluxes between microorganisms and plants in pure and associated cultures of durum wheat and faba bean demonstrates the close link between the C and N cycles in agroecosystems, including differences between flows of these two elements originated from atmosphere for C and soil and atmosphere for N. Based on the parameters and functions previously defined on microbial ecology by the MOMOS model, the method provided an optimal set of new parameters of exchange between plant organs and microbes in accordance with the literature. It allows proposing agronomic solutions to improve the system studied and more generally a methodology to optimize the plant production using the ecological mechanisms. It will adjust the root demand for mineral N linked to photo-synthesized C with the microbial production of inorganic nitrogen linked to the availability of plant substrates, soil organic reserves and fixation of atmospheric N2. This study highlights the importance of combining microbial mechanisms and plant production. The model emerges as the mathematical tool of a new ecological intensification, which additionally will improve global change prediction and mitigation.

Industrial activities annually produce millions of tons of hazardous waste which are disposed eventually on landfills. In this study, the effect of saline industrial hazardous landfill leachate (SIHLL) contamination on the engineering properties of natural and contaminated silty clay soil was investigated in a laboratory program to assess the potentials of using this soil as a barrier for the lining of the saline hazardous industrial waste landfill. The contaminated specimens were prepared by mixing the natural soil with SIHLL at different concentrations (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). The results revealed that the permeability coefficient (K) and total pore volume of soil contaminated with SIHLL decreased as the SIHLL concentration increased from 0 to 50%. This was mainly due to the presence of high concentration of salts in SIHLL. The angle of internal friction (φ) of SIHLL-contaminated soil dropped from 24.95° (for 0% SIHLL) to 20.24° for 100% SIHLL, whereas this was not the case for the cohesion (C), where the value increased from 1.161 t/m2 for 0% SIHLL to 3.705 t/m2 for 100% SIHLL. A considerable decrease in consistency limits was observed for the contaminated soil at different SIHLL concentrations. Based on these findings, the studied silty clay soil can be feasible for construction of new hazardous solid waste landfill liner thanks to its low permeability and widespread availability in Egypt. The study recommends to carefully line the landfill with fully impervious liner materials to protect the soil and the groundwater from the leachate hazards.

The study discusses the relationship between the intensity of weathering and trace metals concentrations in soil horizons. Weathering intensity was calculated with indices such as Ruxton ration (RR), chemical index of alteration (CIA), chemical index of weathering (CIW), plagioclase index of alteration (PIA), volgt weathering indices (V) and weathering index of parker (WIP) on three igneous and meta-igneous rocks: porphyritic biotite granite, porphyroblastic gneiss and migmatite gneiss. Soil samples were analysed for major oxides and trace elements. The results of the weathering intensity were compared to trace metals in soil profiles. Results show that soil profile with the highest trace elements exhibit the least intensity of weathering while soil profile with the least metal enrichment shows the highest weathering intensity. This study demonstrates the correlation between the rate of the chemical weathering and the release/leaching of metals from rock or soil. The leached metals are deposited into the environment.

The absence of control on the plants diseases has dramatic consequences on production and product quality. The control of plants diseases has been mainly carried out by the massive use of pesticides which had proven to be toxic not only for the pathogens and the plants, but also for the consumers. The major goal of current control plant diseases is the use biological control agents. This environmentally friendly alternative has therefore attracted a lot of interest and is increasingly being used. Rhizobacteria are considered as effective biological control agents. Among rhizobacteria that promote plant growth (PGPR), actinobacteria have strong capability in biocontrol against plant diseases. In this study, two strains of actinobacteria isolated from Algerian rhizospheric soils were identified and characterized. The isolates were tested against phytopathogenic fungi. They were examined for their ability to produce indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) with different concentrations of l-Trp. The in planta antagonism was carried out with radish seedlings and Streptomyces scabiei as pathogen. The results of polyphasic identification assigned the two strains to the genus Nocardiopsis. It was found that the Vic8 strain inhibited all the tested fungi (P ˂ 0.0001). The results of the in planta antagonism showed that the root length of infected seedlings increased significantly (P ˂ 0.0001) with the inoculation of the strain Vic8. Both strains produce IAA, its production by Vic8 was significantly and positively (P = 0.0014) correlated with l-Trp concentration. This study showed that the strain vic8 is promising and it exhibits antifungal activity, in planta antagonism against S. scabiei and IAA production.

Environmental deterioration, which includes climate change, deforestation, sea-level rise, expanding deserts and catastrophic weather events, stands as a significant threat to the present and future generations. The protected area plays a crucial role in tackling environmental deterioration and helps in adaptation to climate change. Proper planning of the protected area is vital. Planning of a protected area requires the collaboration of people from the interdisciplinary area. For a Geotechnical engineer, the planning includes controlling erosion, which hinders the growth of trees, stabilizing the slopes, which cause problems, and making sure that the soil has adequate water holding capacity and does not allow water to travel through them quickly. All these problems are proposed to be tackled by a single novel technique known as Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP), which has been proved capable of overcoming all the shortcomings of the conventional techniques. This paper sheds light on the use of the MICP in and its applicability in controlling the factors that lead to degradation of protected areas to help researchers working in the same area.

Groundwater is an important resource around the world, even more so in semiarid countries. Some ecosystems are entirely dependent on groundwater for their sustainability. Droughts and intensive pumping have a detrimental effect on their welfare. In spite of some corrective actions and efforts applied to the wetland conservation, the facts show that awareness is a must to establish an efficient and accurate protection. A better understanding of the wetland-aquifer relationships is possible in the long term. This paper examines the hydrogeological data that explains the long-term dynamic of the water table and the interaction with the El Taray wetland. The results show the notable impact of the groundwater extraction on wetlands inputs. This kind of characterization allows managers to select a set of strategies to implement the hydrological, environmental, agricultural, political, and social initiatives necessary to improve the deteriorated nature heritage.

The ovarian echophysiology of matured female camels from extreme arid conditions was studied by investigations on two hundred eighty eight reproductive tracts. The proportions of females with inactive ovaries was, respectively, 31.25%, 25%, and 50% for the winter, the spring, and the summer. The mean number of active follicular structures per ovary and the proportion of females with active ovaries were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the winter (0.75 ± 0.36, 68.75%) and spring (0.7 ± 0.41, 75%) compared to the summer (0.33 ± 0.28, 50%). Furthermore, the proportion of active ovaries presenting active corpus lutea was also significantly higher (p < 0.05) in spring season (45.83%). These physiological changes influenced significantly the ovarian weight and mass. The overall mean of females with active ovaries depends significantly on the body condition score (BCS) (p < 0.05). It was concluded that the Sahraoui female camels from the Algerian extreme arid conditions showed high ovarian activity during the cold and rainy months (December–February) that remained rather high in the spring (March–May) and then dropped significantly in the summer without stopping entirely. The favorable reproductive period corresponds to optimal seasonal food availability in pasture and the remarkable improvement of the BCS of female camels.

Livestock production is being questioned for its greenhouse gas emissions. However, production systems influence multiple environmental variables and, in some cases, contribute to very valuable environmental services. This work summarizes information collected at 30 livestock commercial farms and four experimental fields of the Instituto Nacional de Investigación Agropecuaria (INIA) allocated throughout the Uruguayan territory. A total of 231 bird species were recorded, 42 of them identified as priority conservation species. Of these priority species, 10 are included in UICN lists and 19 in the Uruguayan Red List. We concluded that livestock commercial systems based on natural grasslands are ecosystems in terms of richness of bird species. Traditional management of livestock farms provides suitable habitat for several priority conservation species. However, several species, mainly tall-grass dependents, need special management measures.

Nematophagous fungi such as Trichoderma viride show promising potential in the biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes. Furthermore, Meloidogyne spp., root-knot nematodes, has a great impact on the economy. The current study aimed to evaluate the parasitism ability of this fungus and to predict possible mechanisms involved in controlling the root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne javanica. In vitro bio-assays of direct parasitism, SEM observation, pot experiment testing the effect of soil treatment by T. viride, and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) methodology were employed to characterize the biological and molecular features of this fungus. The high nematicidal activity was observed with the presence of Trichoderma species. The SEM observation of nematode parasitized juvenile suggests the production of lytic enzymes degrading the cell wall and penetrating fungal hyphae into M. javanica juveniles. The soil treatment by T. viride showed a significant boost of the tomato plant growth, a decrease of the root-knot nematode development in terms of galls number, gall index and multiplication rate and induction of defense responses by activating several ROS enzymes. A total of 1344 unique proteins were identified from the T. viride mycelium. These proteins were mainly related to signaling stress response, bio-energy, metabolism and protein synthesis and degradation. Our results provide a comprehensive dataset of several proteins involved in the biocontrol mechanisms of T. viride. The combination of several mechanisms allowed this filamentous fungus to be a successful candidate in controlling sustainably the root-knot nematodes, in particular, in Mediterranean ecosystems.

The paper presents the model of interannual dynamics of the phytomass of plant communities, which was realized as an artificial neural network. The neural network was trained by the sequence of data based on NDVI indices and environmental climate factors. The plant communities of the tundra biome were taken as a specific modeling object (Kolguyev Island, Russia). The modeling results are presented and the influence of separate factors on the validity of the model is analyzed. The technique of solving the problem—modeling the phytomass dynamics of plant communities using ANN and NDVI—has quite a general character and can be employed for different natural climatic biomes.

Seaweed surfaces harbor diverse epibiotic bacterial communities. These bacteria play a crucial role in the morphogenesis and growth of seaweeds. In the present study, epiphytic culturable bacteria from brown algae (Padina pavonica) and red alga (Jania rubens) were isolated and identified. A total of 37 different bacterial strains were isolated by cultivation-based methods, 18 from P. pavonica surface and 19 from J. rubens. Antibacterial potential of these isolates was also tested against 19 fish and human pathogenic bacteria. Isolates were identified according to 16Sr RNA gene sequence similarities as Proteobacteria (Gamma and Alpha subclasses), Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes groups were represented on both algae surfaces. Actinobacteria phylum, however, was only isolated from P. pavonica while Bacteroidetes phylum was only represented on J. rubens surface. Besides, 27% and 36% of the P. pavonica and J. rubens isolates, respectively, demonstrated antibacterial potential. This study demonstrated differences between P. pavonica and J. rubens (harvested in the same geographic site and the same period) isolates communities. Moreover, bacterial isolates of both seaweeds may be of biotechnological interest.

The study aims to determine the epidemiological characteristics of pesticide poisoning and associated risk factors in Moroccan children. A retrospective study of pesticide poisoning in children under the age of 14 years, reported from 2008 to 2014 to the Moroccan Poison Control Centre, was conducted. During the period of study, 1,745 cases of pesticide poisoning among children were recorded, 21 of them fatal. The average age of the patients was 4.9 ± 4.3 years with a male–female ratio of 1.3 (p < 0.000). The majority of exposures (91.3%) were unintentional. About 68% of poisoning accidents happened in urban areas. Insecticides were incriminated in 51.8% of cases. According to the results, intentional poisoning cases increase their risk of dying by six times (OR = 6.3; 95% CI: 2.8–14.4). Pesticide poisoning remains a significant public health problem. Organizing campaigns for parental guidance by government authorities are needed.

According to WHO, osteoporosis is the second most important public health problem after cardiovascular disease. About 200 million women in the world have osteoporosis; it is the second leading cause of death in women after breast cancer. In Algeria, 4 million people suffer from osteoarthritic diseases and 40% of those are women. The ultimate objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of dietary fiber from carrots and wheat bran on biochemical markers of bone remodeling in postmenopausal hemodialysis women. The study population consisted of 30 postmenopausal women (61.39 ± 8.44 years) receiving hemodialysis treatment as well as diets high in dietary fiber to assess the state of their bones. Biochemical markers of osteoresorption: pyridinoline LP and hydroxypyridinoline HP in urine were measured by the HPLC method, as well as the biochemical markers of osteoformation: total alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and calcium balance. This population was divided into four groups, T-controls who followed a regular diet, GC group: a high-carrot diet, GS group: hard wheat bran (100 g/day), and the GCS group: a mixture of these two foods (50/50 g/day). And the three groups GC, GS, and GCS receive a calcium intake (800 g/day) of calcium carbonate orally for 1 month. Urine and blood samples were taken weekly: T0, T7, T15, T21, T30, and T45. Our results show that women under carrot diet excreted significantly (p < 0.05) the highest values of hydroxypyridinolines (HP) and pyridinolines (LP), in their different forms, as well as calciuria and PAL. While the wheat diet shows lower levels of HP and no effect on other markers of osteoresorption and osteoformation.

This work is carried out in the Chrea National Park, located 50 km southwest of Algiers, classified as a biosphere reserve in 2002 as part of the UNESCO program. The coprological study is carried out by the analysis of the excrements (48 samples) of the red fox, the African golden wolf and, for the first time in Algeria, the striped hyena. The excreta collection was done in several stations (Oued el Marja, Tiberkent, Bni-selmen, Tamesguida). The faecal samples were collected between February and the end of May 2018. The faeces are brought back to the laboratory, measured, weighed, and decorticated for prey identification and parasitological analysis. Parasitological diagnosis revealed the presence of helminth eggs and oocysts of coccidia or even protozoan cysts in the samples. Overall, 7 genera of parasitic species were identified infesting both red fox and the African golden wolf faeces while only 5 were recovered from the faeces of the striped hyena. The results showed that the nematodes (Ankylostoma spp., Toxocara Canis, Strongylus spp.) were the most commonly found parasites in these mammals. The diet composition of the three species was mainly composed of micromammals, invertebrates, birds, and plants.

The present work studied the ecobiological distribution of earthworms of Chrea National Park of Algeria. Three stations were investigated: Foret Noire, Hakou ferraoune, and Sidi Rabeh. Their separation is based on vegetation and soil characteristics. The determination of species is based on the morphology of the samples preserved in the 4% formalin. The morphological criteria considered are dimension, tegument, and segmentation regions of the body, silks, external sexual characters, pores, general anatomical plan, nephridia, digestive tract, and reproductive organs. 1628 earthworms were sampled and represented by three families: Acanthodrilidae, Megascolecidae, and Lumbricidae. Five genera represented by eight species were discovered. The individuals were identified as the following species: Nicodrilus caliginosa, Allolobophora rosea, Allolobophora cholorotica, Amynthas sp., Microscolex phosphoreus, Octodrilus complanatus, Octodrilus maghrebinus triginta, Dendrobaena pantaleonis. Dendrobaena pantaleonis is a new record for Algeria. High densities of earthworms have been recorded under the cork oak, where the soil is rich in organic matter, followed by cedar soils with less organic matter. Both species Nicodrilus caliginosus and Octodrilus complanatus are absent in a poor soil in organic matter and under Quercus canariensis.

Mesofauna and soil macrofauna in the forest of National Park of Theniet El Had were studied by two different methods: Direct manual sorting (TSBF) and trapping by Barber pots. Seasonal sampling was undertaken in three selected stations in the canton nursery according to vegetation. The diverse fauna sampled was represented by 57 families, varies in the three stations. For the first station (Sub cedars), a density of 5086 ind/m2 followed by the station III (Assistant holm oak) with a density of 3870 ind/m2 and Station II (Sub cedar anthropized) with a density of 3780 ind/m2. The highest density was observed in spring and summer. The physicochemical factors play a major role in their vertical distributions in particular pH. Environmental conditions, compactness, and low quality of available organic resources to determine the density, diversity, and spatial distribution of soil invertebrates in the Park.

Intensive use of pesticides results in environmental pollution and food contamination. Use of microbial elicitors, enhancing plant immunity, is a promising alternative to fungicidal treatments. MF3, an elicitor protein from Pseudomonas fluorescens, has a strong protective action toward a range of plant pathogens, but can be degraded by UV radiation and plant proteases under field conditions. MF3 encapsulation in biodegradable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) protects it against the adverse external factors. Using a model plant-pathogen system, we demonstrated that the treatment of wheat leaf fragments with a MF3-PHB complex prior artificial inoculation with Parastagonospora nodorum, a major wheat pathogen, provides a higher suppression of the infection (41.5%) than the treatment with MF3 alone (28.9%) or PHB (2.5%). Thus, encapsulating this protein elicitor may provide prolonged and more efficient activity under field conditions and is able to promote the development of MF3-based biopesticides as an efficient alternative to commercial fungicides.

The efficiency of alkaloids crude extract of Cinnamomum zeylanicum in the inhibition of corrosion of mild steel is evaluated in sulfuric acid solution. The results show that the inhibitory efficacity of the extract increases with the increase of the inhibitor concentration to reach a value of 97.82% at 400 ppm. The potentiodynamic polarization measurements reveal that the presence of the crude alkaloids reduces significantly the current and shifts the corrosion potential to higher values. The electrochemical impedance measurements show an increase in the charge transfer resistance with the increase of the inhibitor concentration. It was also found that the adsorption process of the active molecules on the surface of the metal is a physisorption and follows the Langmuir isotherm model, which confirms the efficiency of the crude alkaloids extracted from Cinnamomum zeylanicum in the protection of mild steel in H2SO4 solution.

This work focuses on the chemical analysis and the study of the metal chelation capacities of three medicinal plants widely used in Algeria: Rosmarinus officinalis, Cistus creticus, and Cinnamomum zeylanicum. Flowers and leaves were subjected to adequate extraction and chemical analysis to evaluate the contents of polyphenols and alkaloids. We determined the capacities of polyphenols and alkaloids to form complexes with copper ions. The results obtained show that these plants contain variable amounts of polyphenols, flavonoids, and condensed tannins. For total polyphenols, the highest level obtained was for Cinnamomum zeylanicum while the lowest was for Cistus creticus. Regarding the chelating capacity of the secondary metabolites studied, the results revealed that both classes have high capacities to bind copper ions, however, alkaloids exhibited greater efficiencies in forming chelates with copper ions than polyphenols.

The chemical composition and phenolic compounds of eight herbals (Alpinia officinarum, Artemisia absinthium, Cuminumcyminum, Dittrichia viscosa, Mentha rotundifolia L., Nigella sativa, Rosmarinus officinalis L., and Zingiber officinale) were evaluated. Feed components were determined by proximate analysis, whereas phenolic and tannin compounds were analyzed by colorimetric procedures. The crude protein content of the herbal samples varied widely, being particularly high for Nigella sativa and low for Alpinia officinarum and Rosmarinus officinalis. The highest contents of total extractable phenols (TEP) and total extractable tannins (TET) were observed in the Cuminumcyminum and Dittrichiaviscose whereas herbals, Nigella sativa and Zingiber officinale showed lower concentrations. The tannin concentration varied considerably between species, but in general, the plants investigated in this study had low tannin contents (except for Alpinia officinarum). Based on the results above, it could be concluded that a large reserve of herbal species in the local flora is available that could be potentially used as additives for livestock feeding. These herbs appear to be promising alternatives to antibiotics in altering rumen fermentation and reducing methane production in ruminants.

This work investigates the influence of the condition elaboration of activated carbon (AC) from the Agave Americana fibers (AGF). The best AC is synthesized by impregnating phosphoric acid H3PO4 ratio 40/1 for 6 h at a temperature of 400 °C. Although it has a weak specific surface area, the synthesized AC showed an adsorption capacity toward textile dye Alpacide yellow AY (5.71 mg/g). The latter was higher than that for the commercial AC (CC) (5.27 mg/g). The adsorption process was fast, fractal, and stochastic and follows the kinetic model of Brouers–Sotolongo fractal (BSf) and isotherm model of General Brouers–Sotolongo (GBS).

Water, Ethanolic, Methanolic, Ethyl acetate, Chloroform, and Petroleum ether extracts from leaves of Artimesia sahariensis found in the Algerian Sahara, traditionally used for the treatment of fever, diarrhea, gut infection, and other infectious diseases, were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using agar disk diffusion and agar dilution method. All the extracted products showed antimicrobial activity against the tested strains. Petroleum ether and Ethyl acetate extracts of A. sahariensis leaves showed high inhibitory activity against the majority of strains tested, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 30–32 µg/ml. The largest inhibition zone was obtained with chloroform extract against Pseudomonas syringae pv. Tomato ATCC 1086 (18,33 ± 0,58 mm) and the MIC value of 40 µg/ml was obtained. The results showed that Methanolic and Ethyl acetate extracts have potent antifungal activity against Fusarium spp. CLMAS 11 with a MIC value of 80 µg/ml and an inhibition zone ranging from 17, 0 ± 1, 0 to 17, 33 ± 0, 58, respectively. This study reveals clearly that A. sahariensis can serve as a potential source of antimicrobial compounds.

Pomegranate Peel Powder (PPP) was used as a low-cost natural inhibitor of corrosion of the steel rebar embedded in cement paste. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy methods were used to evaluate its inhibition efficiency. The results revealed that PPP acts as a corrosion inhibitor. The performance of the electrochemical impedance spectra over time revealed that the PPP extract forms a barrier which prevents the penetration of chloride ions. Actually, this plant extract delays the diffusion of these aggressive ions. The inhibition action was mainly linked to the adsorption of the bioactive phenolic compounds present in the extract solution, on the steel rebar’s surface.

Recently, carbon and graphite foams were reported to be excellent for numerous thermal, mechanical and electrical applications such as high-temperature insulation, fuel cell electrodes, heat exchangers, brake discs, engine parts and bone surgery materials. In this study, the effect of surfactant amount was studied to examine the adjustability of the structure of the carbon foams with hard and less porous structure produced by the liquefaction of spruce tree sawdust in the presence of pyrolytic oil. When the phenol + pyrolytic oil mixture was added instead of the phenol in the synthesis step, the foaming agents could not abandon the structure, consequently, the hard polymeric structure was produced. Because of the gas molecules that cannot overcome the increasing surface tension on the polymer surface, the formation of pores on the surface is restricted during the synthesis with the addition of a standard amount of surfactant. When the surfactant amount was increased, foaming was successfully carried out due to the dissociation of gas molecules from the structure by overcoming the surface tension in the polymer matrix. As a result, it was proved that by changing the synthesis conditions, the surface area, porosity (%), compressive strength, elemental carbon content and crystalline structure of carbon foams can be adjusted due to the application area and desired properties.

The pear Pyrus communis crop has been safe from any threat against the fire blight disease. The surprising destruction of the national plantations recorded since 2013, led specialists to give reasonable explanations: pear fruit growers had never experienced such a problem. The north of Tunisia hosts the majority of commercial pear orchards with up to 75% of harvested areas. Fifteen commercially grown varieties were inventoried. The majority (10) are European or American. After the fire blight outbreak, approximately 65% of pear crop areas were lost. All genotypes were sensitive to the disease. However, the response of the tree to Erwinia amylovora differs from one cultivar to another. “Alexandrine” was the most susceptible cultivar, while “Williams” was the most tolerant one. Time and duration of blossom seem crucial to make a decision about which cultivar to choose for one specific area. Local varieties, with their precocious flower set, could escape firing blight disease if removing the last wave of blossom. Grafting pear scion on other than BA29 rootstock (OHF333) may be promising. The use of organic fertilizer enriched by seaweed extract and microorganisms, starting from the early growth period promotes the natural defense and regenerative forces of the plant against bacterial virulence. Ex-situ conservation of pear resources is highly recommended to make easier access to plant material, systematic safeguard, and gene pool dissemination. In this case, it will be necessary to proceed to the sanitation of young plants starting in-vitro and continuing in the nursery.

Lichens have played an important role in air pollution studies as a bioindicator. The lichen Evernia prunastri was transplanted from a relatively unpolluted site in Serbia to six more polluted sites for a period of six months. The total proline contents, peroxidase activity, and content of secondary metabolites were determined before and after transplantation. Our findings show that relative high concentration of sulfur dioxide and other pollutants in the habitat of the above lichen cause oxidative stress, which promoted an increase in proline contents and changes peroxidase activity of thalli. The accumulation of proline was increased several times for lichen species. Atmospheric pollution caused a decrease in the activity of peroxidase in this lichen. HPLC analysis showed that the quantity of secondary metabolites was increased in the samples after transplantation to more polluted sites. Our results show that secondary metabolites might have an important role in the protection against atmospheric pollutants.

Greenhouse vegetable crops in Zyban region have grown significantly in recent years, and the results still far away from expectations considering the resources put in place. This low technical and economic performance is mainly due to the combination of several obstacles, these constraints are mainly technical. The phytosanitary situation is one of the major technical constraints for almost all farmers who practice greenhouse production system in the region of Biskra because it is very far from the standards recommended by plant protection institutions, this situation is encouraged through a particular microclimate, favorable to the pests and diseases development. These cause both quality and quantity losses in production. So, through this work, we tried to use field surveys to demonstrate the phytosanitary status of farms in the study area, the causes of this situation, and the effectiveness level of different control means used by the farmers.

Red seaweeds contain high amounts of fiber, proteins and minerals; they are also a great source of vitamins. Several bioactive properties have been described for this group such as antimicrobial activity, antioxidant and antiproliferative activity, antifouling activity and anticancer activity. This study screens the antioxidant and antibacterial proprieties of twelve red macroalgae collected from the Tunisian coast. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins contents were estimated in methanolic extracts. The DPPH antiradical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity highlighted four species with significant activity: Hypnea musciformis, Asparagopsis armata, Sphaerococcus coronopifolius and Pterocladiella capillacea. Antimicrobial activity was obtained for five species. This study confirms the potential use of species collected from Tunisian coast as a source of bioactive compounds.

This study aims to assess the effect of partial substitution of sucrose by natural sweeteners strawberry low sugar jams on appetite, palatability and consumers’ acceptance. The study design was a randomized, single-blind, cross-over study. After overnight fasting, 14 recruited healthy subjects consumed low sugar jams containing no sweetener (control), stevia or fructose. Sensory hedonic attributes and appetite responses, including hunger, fullness, desire and satisfaction were determined. Partial substitution of sucrose by stevia or fructose did not impair jam palatability and consumers’ acceptance. Interestingly consumption of stevia jams significantly affected hunger and fullness compared to control and fructose. Thus stevia could not only be a natural food sweetener but also an appetite regulator.

In this study, the conventional coagulation-flocculation method was applied to treat a synthetic disperse blue 1 solution using safe and eco-friendly flocculants taken from cacti under three formulations namely cactus juice (CJ), a lyophilized powder (LP) and an oven-dried powder at 60°C (DP). The removal efficiency was evaluated in terms of colour abatement. All cactus formulations revealed an effective flocculating activity. The highest colour removal rate (97%) was achieved using the lyophilized powder (LP) followed by the oven-dried powder (88.43%) then, comes the cactus juice with 85.13%. Furthermore, these natural flocculants (CJ, LP and DP) showed similar performance compared to that of polyacrylamide. Research suggests that cactus extracts and chiefly the lyophilized powder are viable products and can be effective alternates to chemical flocculants to establish a new path toward green technology.

In this study, activated carbon was produced from the residue of prickly pear seeds after oil extraction by chemical activation. The effects of four factors controlling the activation process such as carbonization temperature (500 or 600° C), activation temperature (400 or 500° C), activation time (1 or 2 h), and impregnation ratio (g H3PO4/g activated carbon) (1:1 or 2:1) were established. Moreover, a full factorial experimental design at two levels (24) was carried out in order to accomplish concurrently optimal preparation conditions and high removal efficiency of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions. The experimental results showed that carbonization temperature is the most influential factor on the iodine number and cadmium ions removal. For methylene blue index, the most influential factor is the impregnation ratio with a negative impact.

In this study, 13X zeolite was successfully synthesized from natural local kaolin DD1, DD2 and DD3 via alkali fusion followed by hydrothermal treatment. Fusion with NaOH, followed by hydrothermal reaction, kaolinite and halloysitein kaolin sample were converted into 13X zeolite. The Three kaolins DD1, DD2 and DD3 issued zeolite 13X were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (MEB). The adsorption experiments were done using the real textile effluent. The results show that the adsorption is efficient and feasible at ambient temperature on DD1 kaolin issued 13X compared to 13X zeolite synthesised by DD2 and DD3 with good discolouration efficiency. Experiments with real textile wastewater showed an improvement of chemical physical characteristics (COD, SM, PO43−,NO2−) compared to the untreated effluent.

The 2-(2-methoxybenzylidene) hydrazine-1-carbothioamide (MBHCA), a Schiff base, is tested as a corrosion inhibitor of mild steel in a hydrochloric acid medium (1 M). The addition effect of this compound on the metal behaviour is monitored using potentiodynamic polarization tests and gravimetric method. The results show the significant reduction in the corrosion rate of steel with the increase of the concentration of the Schiff base; the inhibition efficiency of MBHCA reaches a maximum value of 97.9% at 200 ppm. Polarization measurements reveal that the presence of MBHCA decreases the current and shifts the corrosion potential to higher values considerably indicating that this Schiff base acts as a mixed inhibitor with cathodic predominance.

The inhibition performance of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) extract on the corrosion of carbon steel was examined using electrochemical and analytical techniques. Investigations were carried out in HCL 1 M solution at different temperatures. Results showed that the extract acted as a mixed-type inhibitor, and inhibition efficiency increased with increasing inhibitor concentration. The adsorption of the extract molecules onto the carbon steel surface followed the Langmuir adsorption model. To confirm these results, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), was applied.

In this work, a composite containing clay, cement and wood fibers has been prepared and used in several applications such as ceramic, adsorption and catalysis. Different commercial titania (PC500, P90, and C-TiO2) were immobilized on as-prepared composite. The prepared materials have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), gas sorption analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDX confirmed the dispersion of titania in the composite. The photocatalytic activity of the composite materials was investigated towards degradation of phenol in aqueous solution. The FTIR results show that particles of clay are modified to get inserted in the composite. The XRD results reveal the identification of crystalline phase of TiO2 as anatase. The degradation results demonstrate that the composite with 3% P90 shows the highest photocatalytic activity of 41.65% in comparison with 3% PC500 and 3% C-TiO2 which are 29.88% and 22.64%, respectively.

In this study, the chemical composition of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil (EO) has been determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Then, we have evaluated the fumigant toxicity, the repellent and antifeedant properties of this EO on the adult of Rhyzopertha dominica. GC-MS analysis showed that this oil contains 56 compounds of linalool (20.42%) and linalyl acetate (13.24%) as the major components. This essential oil was found to exhibit insecticidal activity depending on the concentration and exposure period. In addition, the obtained results revealed an increase in the percent repellency. EO was investigated in the digestive enzymes activity. Results showed a decrease in α-amylase and protease activities in treated series (LC50) compared to control. Lastly, EO was investigated on food intake. Results showed a potential antifeedant in treated series compared to control. This study has highlighted a bioinsecticide activity of L. angustifolia against insect pests of stored product (R. dominica). The Lavandula essential oil offers an interesting potential insecticide that could be studied more deeply to isolate and identify the active substances.

Pyrolysis of biomass is a promising technology of bio-chemicals’ production. In this study, pyrolysis of rapeseed cake to produce valuable bio-alcohols has been carried out in an integrated pyrolysis-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry system (Py-GC/MS). The physicochemical properties were determined by ASTM methods, elemental analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy. Physicochemical analysis results showed that rapeseed cake has high volatile matter content which is suitable for the pyrolysis process. According to the pyrolysis experiment results, various valuable bio-alcohols are present in the degradation products at 10 min pyrolysis time. All the results would help further perceive thermal decomposition and thermo-chemical application for bio-alcohols and of rapeseed cake.

Trees have a fundamental role in the balance of ecosystems. It is, therefore, crucial to find effective methods to study and preserve it. After visual inspection, invasive or even destructive techniques are often applied. New less aggressive technics for inspection and analysis are essential. Infrared Thermography (IRT) registers as a promising technique in the inspection of trees because the tissue of the sap is practically on the surface of the living structure. Thermal images allow for the identification non-healthy tissue and making an observation of the tree as a whole system. This study illustrates a qualitative analysis of the health status of an arboreal Quercus pyrenaica Willd species. Results show the IRT as an expeditious, non-invasive and promising technique for trees’ inspection. This technology provides data that are not possible to get by other methods or by a visual inspection.

Responses from plants species to air pollutants varies with certain species being very sensitive to such pollutants, ending up with well visible and measurable symptoms. The morphological damage is generally visible through lesions on the aerial parts, while the biochemical and physiological changes are invisible but can be measured and quantified. This study was designed to investigate the biochemical and physiological biomarkers in apricot leaves (Prunus armeniaca L.) exposed to air pollution. It was observed that, in comparison to unpolluted sites, lipid peroxidation level has increased in the leaves of apricot trees, grown in polluted areas, whereas photosynthetic capacity (Net photosynthesis, transpiration rate and chlorophyll) has declined. In P. armeniaca leaves, these symptoms can be used as indicators of air pollution stress for its early diagnosis, making them a reliable markers for a particular physiological disorder.

Trees are a fundamental living being, crucial in nature, and climate behavior. They are also important resources for wealth and employment. To analyze and support decision making about trees, it is crucial to monitor their health condition, viability, cost-effectiveness, and associated risks. Most inspection techniques of trees condition are invasive and destructive. New expedite, and sustainable technologies for inspection represent a fundamental challenge. This study presented a short review of the literature about Infrared thermography (IRT) applied to trees health inspection. IRT is a non-invasive and non-contact method that can recognize healthy tissues from deteriorated ones. The technology revealed to be efficient, fast, economical, and sustainable. Therefore, it very promising for the analysis and monitoring of tree health condition. However, more studies are still needed to test and consolidate this technology.

Seawater is a natural capital and a driver of countries’ innovation, economy, and sustainability. Coherence and coordination enable innovative management approaches, good regulation, and ability to respond to challenges. Climate-related changes in the environment need to reflect on a flexible management framework that addresses risks and impacts. A survey on water environment in the 10-mile Black Sea area on the Bulgarian coast along Galata transect was performed throughout 2015–2018, incorporating principal hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics needed for proactive risk management. Unified methods for marine waters were used. The study identified a relationship to climate change about 2015–2018 SST. The biggest fluctuations of SSS were at 1 mile in front of Cape Galata. In most cases, oxygen saturation was near-normal. Equal maximum concentration of nitrite nitrogen was determined at 1, 3, and 5 miles in front of Cape Galata. A considerable increase in nitrate nitrogen, phosphate phosphorus, and in organic matter was discovered in June 2018. The maximum of phosphate phosphorus was ascertained in April 2017.

Many factors influence bay waters, including a greater concentration of people in cities, industrial production, the use of lands, the dynamics of flow in water systems, and climate change. Water management remains one of the most difficult human challenges. Scientists continue to respond to water-related challenges through research to improve both human and environmental health. A study in the Varna Bay, providing key knowledge on hydrological and hydrochemical characteristics, was conducted during 2015–2018. Unified methods for marine waters were used. An increase in SST was ascertained. The range of SSS monthly fluctuations almost doubled compared to a long-term range. The nitrate nitrogen range was bigger than the phosphate phosphorus range. A sharp increase in organic matter was ascertained, but generally, the range decreased compared to a long-term range.

The objective of this paper is to test the feasibility of using the SWAT model with limited availability of data. We also aim to estimate the water balance in two adjacent watersheds, Mazer is gauged and El Himer is ungauged, measuring an area of 179.2 km2 and 177.7 km2, respectively. The SWAT model was calibrated and validated at the gauged watershed and all calibrated parameters were adopted for the ungauged watershed. The obtained values for NSE and R2 show the presence of a significant correlation and results of calibration and validation period can be considered acceptable. Water balance results show a significant contribution of surface runoff in water yield and demonstrate that evapotranspiration causes significant losses in this type of climate.

In Morocco, irrigated agriculture is a major component of the economy and for more than 20 years, the government has been moving toward the development of irrigation infrastructure to achieve agricultural and economic development objectives. However, issues related to climate change and irrigation water management continue to threaten water security in many regions of the country. Therefore, several policies and measures have been introduced to ensure optimal management of irrigation water. This article aims to evaluate the appropriation of the participatory management policy by a community of farmers, through the analysis of the transition from community management to participatory management of irrigation in a village in Souss-Massa region. To bring out all the information on our research, we opted for a qualitative study based on individual interviews and then we proceeded to a descriptive analysis of the content of qualitative data. The results of this study showed that there is an ineffective appropriation of the participatory management of irrigation since the collective action seems to be absent in the association created as part of this policy, while many forms of collective action are carried out daily between the villagers.

The main goal of this paper is to study the water quality of the Beni Haroun (BH) Dam for different purposes using the Canadian Council Ministers Environment (CMME) index, which included 22 physicochemical parameters observed during 11 years. A principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to reduce the number of dimensions. To identify the sources of possible pollution, data from two other stations, Ain Smara (ST1) and Menia (ST2), situated upstream of the dam are also used. The results show that the calculated values of CCME indices at BH dam for drinking, irrigation, industry, and aquatic life purposes were 17, 40, 42, and 32, respectively, during the period from 2000 to 2010. These indices indicate a poor water quality according to CCME categorization scheme. In this context, Richards Diagram identified two kinds of irrigation water quality in the studied sites, including C3S1 (poor quality) and C4S1 (bad quality). Time series plots and Mann–Kendall test showed a positive trend in the water quality of the BH Dam. This study demonstrates the advantage of CCME index for interpreting spatial and temporal variations in surface water quality.

The water quality status of the Kebir–Rhumel watershed was evaluated in terms of its physical, chemical, and biological parameters. Samples were collected monthly over a period of 2 years, from January 2016 to December 2017. Thirteen physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrate fauna were recorded from 15 sites located along the catchment area in the two principal rivers: El Kebir and Rhumel. The standard global biological index (IBGN) was calculated from faunal data collected to establish the biological quality of the two wadis. The main component analysis showed that the stations of the Rhumel wadi located in the city center of Constantine are the most polluted, the NO2-, NO3-, PO4−3, Ca2+, Mg2+ and SM contents are the consequences of human and industrial anthropogenic actions. The cluster analysis (CA) result indicates that the sampling sites are grouped into three distinct groups. According to the IBGN index, these stations range from average to poor quality during the entire study period and for the majority of the stations. The stations located on wadi El Kebir have a good to poor water quality except for station K10, which has poor to very poor water quality throughout the study period. Results indicated congruence between both approaches (physicochemical and IBGN index). The physicochemical and biological approaches remain useful for assessing the health of aquatic environments.

This work aims to deduce the state of surface water in the Bakhadda Dam according to rotifers and physicochemical parameters. The sampling was carried out monthly for 2 years from December 2015 to November 2017. Nineteen physical and chemical parameters were recorded. To determine the trophic status of our dam several indices have been calculated, namely: Carlson’s index, the quotient QB/T and TSIROT. A total of 39 species of rotifers belonging to 20 genera have been identified. All calculated eutrophication index gave the same result and classified our dam as eutrophic. The canonical analysis of the correspondences showed that the distribution of Rotifers species is under the influence of physicochemical parameters.

This study aims to assess the spatial water quality variation and to determine the main contamination Sources of west-central Algeria. The water quality data were monitored using 12 parameters at 9 different sites. The results have demonstrated that in Hammam Boughrara Dam, nutrients had high concentrations in all stations of the dam, unlike the Taksebt Dam that recorded low concentrations of nutrients. This suggests that the variations in the concentration of water compounds are either related to point source contamination (domestic wastewater) or non-point sources such as natural processes (weathering of soil and rock). The PCA allowed the formation of three groups between the sampling sites, reflecting differences between water qualities of different locations. S. Yakoub and Bakhada dams were characterized by strong mineralization with a high concentration of suspended solids, reflecting the geological and tropical status of the watershed.

This research aims to explore the effects of magnetized waters on spinach matador (Spinacia oleracea L) growth and soil characteristics. Under the pot experiment, two levels of salinity were applied; 0.2 (tap water) and 2.2 g/L (tap water + NaCl). The irrigation waters were treated thanks to a magnetic treatment device of 13.5 mT. The relative growth rate (RGR) was enhanced in response to irrigation with magnetized water reaching 6.9% and 28.8% higher than the control of 0.2 g/L and 2.2 g/L salinity levels, respectively. As for soil characteristics after the harvest, the irrigation with magnetized waters reduced pH but increased EC and moisture compared to control. All major elements concentrations (Ca, Na, Mg, K, Cl…) showed a higher concentration in pots irrigated with magnetically treated waters compared to soil at T0. The magnetic treatment boosted the substitution of calcium with sodium in the soil for salty water of 2.2 g/L.

The National Park of El Kala (NPEK) is illustrative of a natural heritage, recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve comprising important ecosystems unique in the Mediterranean basin, threatened by anthropogenic activities which deteriorate the environment in particular water resources. This study aims to assess the water quality in NPEK and to identify the concentration levels in organic pollutants of anthropic origin. The water samples (superficial and groundwater) are collected and analyzed in the laboratory for the measurement of some major ions and some nutrient parameters. The results show that the major ion concentrations, in the majority of analyzed samples, are below the standards recommended by WHO. The concentrations of some organic parameters, such as ammonium, biological oxygen demand and phosphates, are higher than the WHO required norms. Under the anthropogenic impact, organic and toxic substances accumulate in the water causing imbalances and disturbances in the functioning of the physical environment with the appearance of phenomena like ammonia toxicity and eutrophication. Overall, this study provides a good benchmark for integrated management of water resources, including perspectives to take into account in the protection of the environment with the recognition of contaminated points and the need to install protective perimeters and to reduce or even stop undesirable activities exercised by Man.

Volcanic rocks consist primarily of pyroxenes, hornblendes, sphenes, biotites, fluorites, fluorapatites, and glassy groundmass as potential fluorine carriers. This fluorine-bearing groundmass is an essential reason for the high fluorine contents of drinking waters of the province capital Isparta with about 250.000 inhabitants. In shallow aqueous systems within the volcanic rocks of the Gölcük area in Isparta, high fluorine contents up to 6.0 mg/l were detected which are higher than those of sedimentary rocks. Fluorine ions are leached mainly from glassy groundmass of the Na and K alkaline volcanic rocks, lesser from fluorine carriers such as pyroxenes, hornblendes, biotites, phlogopites, and fluorapatites. Fluorine contents in groundwaters within these volcanic rocks of Gölcük area are limited by the solubility of fluorite, i. e., also by Ca2+ values. Due to low pCO2 in the barren soils of pyroclastic tuffs such as friable tuffs, pumice tuffs, and ignimbrites, calcite dissolution is limited. Low Ca2+ concentrations are enhanced by Na+ versus Ca2+ ion exchanges. Moreover, F− versus OH− ion exchange is at high pH values due to calcite dissolution with low pCO2. Finally, it can be deduced that not one single reason is responsible for the high fluorine contents in shallow aqueous systems of the Gölcük area, but a concurrence of several natural factors.

This research investigates the effect of discharged raw wastewater on the spring water in Wadi Sarida Catchment—Palestine. Two sampling campaigns for seven spring water were carried on in wet and dry seasons. The spring water samples were analyzed for physical, hydrochemical, and microbiological characteristics and pollution aspects. The hydrochemical results of wastewater samples exceeded the standards of the BOD5 and COD as well as Total Soluble Solids (TSS) in the dry season. Physical parameters of the spring water showed acceptable results according to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards. Chemical composition of all spring water samples showed that Ca2+ is playing a dominant concentration. The samples of the dry season exceeded the permissible limits for HCO3− and the acceptable limits for Cl− values. Al-Matwi spring showed high nitrate values and exceeded the WHO standards of 45 mg/l limit. The microbial results of the spring water showed an increasing limit of Fecal Coliforms (FC) which proves the wastewater contamination. The analyzed trace elements did not exceed the WHO standards for fresh water, but the abnormal value for B in Al-Shalal spring is referred to as wastewater contamination. Durov diagram revealed that 92% of all samples are falling in the domain of Ca–Mg–HCO3, which indicates the limestone and dolomite origin aquifers. However, all spring water samples are falling in the earth alkaline water type and showed suitable good water quality for different agricultural activities.

Substantial scientific progress was registered in Tunisia for addressing Contaminants of Emerging Concerns (CECs) in (waste) water. However, the state of knowledge among decision-makers and stakeholders remained overlooked. The objective of this pioneering study, undertaken under the flagship of UNESCO-IHP International Initiative on Water Quality (IIWQ), aims to evaluate knowledge status and gaps, and awareness level among stakeholders and decision-makers, about CECs in water resources. A survey including 70 questions, covering various aspects, was performed in nine of the governmental institutions in charge of (waste) water sector and three NGOs, gathering in total 41 interviewees. Even though 35% were working for institutions holding analytical equipment for CEC analysis, more than 75% either could hardly define or had no idea about CECs. Actually, 32% of the interviewees heard about CECs for the first time, and out of these 32, 58% recognized CECs in a list of substances, obviously after having looked for the information; this a valuable achievement for raising awareness and spreading information. As the topic was likely still emerging, 57% of interviewees had no idea about on-going CECs-related scientific research in Tunisia. For more than 60%, there is no national policy/strategy dealing with CECs in (waste) water and the environment. Surprisingly, for 38%, protecting the environment against CECs was not a national priority. Lack of collaboration within institutions was among the obstacles. Raising awareness, carrying scientific studies, capitalizing human and analytical capacities, and knowledge dissemination were set as priority actions.

The objective of this work is to study the effectiveness of the infiltration–percolation process on sand, as a complementary treatment of a secondary effluent, to improve the physicochemical and bacteriological quality of the treated wastewater from the purification station of Zarat. A comparative study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of the double filtration (50 cm) on pollutant removal efficiencies, compared to the simple filtration (1 m). Experiments evaluate the purifying power of the double filtration. Indeed, our results show that at the level of the first 50 cm, most of the COD is removed and about 70% of the organic nitrogen and ammonium have been oxidized in a sand filter. The elimination of microorganisms has been observed largely in the superficial layers. This leads us to deduce that a filtration of 50 cm of sand is sufficient for the filtrate to be discharged into the sea with reduced nitrate content and a minimum residence time, while the reuse of wastewater in agriculture requires filtration over a greater thickness of sand to remove most pollutants that can cause health risks and affect plants. This is explained by the increase in purification performance after double filtration in terms of COD, with a reduction of 71%, as well as for total nitrogen and ammonia which evolve with a treatment efficiency of 97% and 96%, respectively. The microbiological results showed that the double filtration ensures a better elimination of fecal contamination germs than a simple filtration, thus contributing to a significant improvement of the quality of the purified water of the Zarat wastewater treatment plant.

Large volumes of Produced Water (PW) are being generated to surface facilities from underground reservoirs during the process of oil and gas extraction. PW is a mixture containing a complex composition of organic and inorganic pollutants threatening the environment. A huge load of salt in PW is mainly depending on the geological framework of the reservoir. In this study, we investigated a lab-scale evaporation-crystallization process coupled with ventilation for the recovery of valuables salt from PW treated by sand filtration. The results show two successive crystallizations of 96,62% and 92,25% Sodium chloride (NaCl), respectively. The effect of ventilation on the acceleration of the crystallization is noticeable.

The Italian Apennines represent the most important source of freshwater for the Campania region (Southern Italy), as well as a perfect landscape to carry out studies on innovative topics regarding environmental sciences. This paper deals with the study of the hydrochemistry of 28 fresh springs located in the Matese ridge, North of Caserta Province, and provides the identification of different geochemical processes occurring in the above-mentioned area. Using the Ion chromatography and the statistical approach with the Factor Analysis allowed separating two different geochemical dynamics: (i) a deeper dynamic typical of Karst system and probably influenced by deep fluids (Factor 1) and (ii) a shallower dynamic influenced both by human activity and local lithology (Factor 2). The factor distribution maps allow validating this conceptual model: in fact, Factor 1 is more emphasized in the western sector of the study area, where other authors have already highlighted important chemical, isotopic and physical anomalies in the last few years, while Factor 2 is distributed in the southern plain of the study area where human activity increases. Future investigations considering more samples and more analytes (trace elements, water and carbon isotopes and dissolved gas) will help to assess the level of quality of the resource in relation to its final use, but will also help to understand the main dynamics occurring in the Southern Apennine.

Fifty-nine (59) boreholes and twelve (12) hand-dug wells were collected for quality assessment to delineate the soil–water–rock interactions responsible for the chemical evolution of groundwater within the Amansie and Adansi Districts. Results show that silicate weathering and ion-exchange reactions are the major processes influencing groundwater chemistry within the Districts. Groundwater within the districts is acidic as 62% of groundwaters had pH which ranged from 3.6 to 6.0 pH units, attributable predominantly to natural processes than mining activities. The study also show that about 98% of groundwater is fresh (EC < 500μS/cm) with EC values which ranged from 22.8 to715 μS/cm, and a mean value of 179.8 μS/cm. Groundwater TDS ranged between 14.9 and 393.9 mg/L with a mean value of 110.4 mg/L. The relative abundance of cations and anions are in the order of: Ca2+ > Na+ > Mg2+ > K+ and HCO3− > Cl− > SO42−, respectively. Two principal hydrochemical water types: Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na–Cl have been delineated, with Ca-Mg-SO4, Na-Mg-Ca-HCO3 and Na-Cl-SO4 as minor water types. The study further shows that the surface waters are chemically the least evolved of the waters investigated since they are principally Ca–Mg–HCO3 type waters. The surface waters thus could be serving potentially as recharge reservoirs to groundwater within the districts. Groundwater within the districts principally evolves from fresh Ca–Mg–HCO3 type water into Na–HCO3 type water into Ca–Mg–Cl type water into Na–Cl type water along its flow-path due to ion-exchange reactions.

Well-drilling for groundwater exploration is often costly, thus it is imperative to avoid drilling dry borehole and low-yield borehole. Geoelectrical soundings were conducted in the new Canaan-City residential estate of Canaan land Ota, Ogun state. The results of VESs from the study area revealed five to six layers of five geoelectrical units which consist of the Topsoil, Sandy clay, Lateritic clay, confining bed (clay) and Main aquifer (sand). The depth to the top of the main aquifer is in the range of 40–112.4 m. The research has further revealed that the aquifer architecture in this area is complex with undulating topography of the depth to the main aquifer. Geophysical investigations are therefore recommended in this area for groundwater exploration to be able to drill into the actual main aquifer in the area.

Hard rock aquifers that are of prime interest for water supply lie within the weathered and fissured/fractured layers in crystalline bedrock. Their poor knowledge leads to difficulties in boreholes implementation in the central region of Côte d’Ivoire. The thrust of this study is to evaluate the properties of the fissured layers in crystalline bedrock aquifers of Gbêkê region using a statistical analysis of the borehole database. The thickness of the most productive part of the fissured layer varies from 20 to 21 m. The values of the mean productivity of this zone range from 7.78 to 9.93 m3 · h−1. These properties could be of particular interest in the planning and financial evaluation of drilling campaigns.

The objective of this work is the assessment of the impact of the installed recharge structures on the piezometric evolution of Grombalia groundwater. To reach this purpose, we have established eight piezometric maps of the highest waters. We have also approached the piezometric section. This approach made it possible to draw curves of the piezometric evolution over the entire surface of groundwater. The interpretation of the piezometric maps and the sections show that the The Grombalia groundwater is fed on all the surface by different structures The source of the Grombalia groundwater supply comes, respectively, from Irrigated areas (Zaouet Edjdidi, Béni khalled, sidi Alaya and Chammas). Oueds Recharge sites: (very positive impact of the artificial recharge at the Sidi Alaya site and Bou Argoub site)

The Los Arenales region in the Duero river basin (Spain) is an extensive area which today is formed by three adjoining groundwater bodies. The traditional conceptual model for this area assumes three different hydrostratigraphic units: Quaternary (unconfined aquifer), and Upper (unconfined and semi/confined aquifers) and Lower Miocene (deep semi/confined aquifer) formations. The Medina del Campo groundwater body (GWB) occupies the central part of the Los Arenales region. Within this GWB, the La Moraña region is perhaps the most important groundwater irrigated area. An experimental project by the Castile-Leon regional government for the period 1999–2013 recorded data from a set of eight groundwater monitoring wells. In this paper, we analyze the records of groundwater levels and Electrical Conductivity (EC) at the monthly scale and compare the records between the observed wells. Our interpretation highlights a transition from the Upper Miocene leaky aquifer (in the east) to the Lower Miocene semi/confined aquifer (in the west). If this hypothesis is confirmed with further research, it should be checked at the entire GWB.

The assessment of the groundwater quality is an important way to ensure its sustainability for various uses. In this study, the suitability of groundwater for irrigation and drinking uses was assessed by determining the water quality index, sodium adsorption ratio, electrical conductivity, Kelly’s ratio, and sodium percentage values of water samples. The results show that not all the groundwater in Hajeb Layoun-Jelma Basin can be used for irrigation. According to World Health Organization guidelines and the national standards, the major parameter data of drinking water indicate that the majority of the analyzed samples of groundwater in the area are suitable for drinking.

To depict hydrogeological variables and understand the physical processes taking place in a complex hydrogeological system, artificial neural networks (ANN) are widely used as a good alternative approach to tedious numerical models. This study devises the dynamic fluctuation of the piezometric level in Nebhana aquifers using ANN. A correlation analysis was first carried out. It revealed that piezometric levels were influenced with monthly rainfall, evapotranspiration, and initial water table level. These informative variables were used as inputs to train the ANN demonstrating that they were convenient. In fact, the maximal error reached was about 19%. It was observed only one time in Ouled Slimen piezometer. To test the generalization capacity of the developed ANN models, monthly piezometric levels were forecasted in the medium term: September 2016-September 2018. The obtained results were satisfactory for all piezometers.

The analytical probabilistic models are promising hydrological tools for urban stormwater management. These innovative and robust models were developed based on the derived probability distribution theory which enables the derivation of the probability distributions of runoff-event characteristics based on the probability distributions of rainfall-event characteristics and the rainfall-runoff transformation equations. Rainfall-event characteristics were widely assumed to follow exponential distributions. The purpose of this paper was to develop a new analytical probabilistic model to be used for the planning and design of emerging green stormwater management practices known as low-impact development practices. Both infiltration-excess and saturation-excess runoffs are considered in order to determine the probability distribution function of runoff-event volume. These models can be used as tools to estimate the percentage of runoff volume that is reduced or treated by the low-impact development practices (LIDs). When incorporating LIDs, the impervious areas serviced by LIDs may be modeled as pervious areas which may generate saturation-excess runoff when the LIDs’ storages are filled. Because of their mathematical closed form, the analytical probabilistic models are easy to apply and capable of providing accurate estimates. Therefore, they can be used as an alternative tool for the planning and design of low-impact development practices.

For understanding and prediction of transport in different groundwater aquifers media, the groundwater flow velocity (magnitude and direction) has to be considered. Halabja Saidsadiq Basin is located in the northeast part of Iraq, which covers an area of 1278 square kilometers with population of more than 200,000 inhabitants. The climate of this area is hot in the summers and cold in the winters. Groundwater aquifers in this area provide approximately 90% of whole water requirements. Therefore, it is important to understand some groundwater features in the area such as groundwater flow velocity, to prevent contaminant transport toward the groundwater aquifers. The main aim of this study was to apply geographic information system technique to estimate the magnitude and direction of the groundwater seepage velocity based on several hydrological and hydrogeological data in the region. The results revealed that the seepage velocity magnitude ranged from (0 to 51) m/d, while the flow direction is from the eastern to the western part of the study area.

Groundwater flows from high to low hydraulic head regions. This flow is controlled by Darcy velocity equation. Darcy velocity represents the flow velocity within the cross-sectional area of the soil. Actually, however, groundwater flows at a higher velocity than that of Darcy’s, called seepage velocity. Seepage velocity considers the real area (pores area) that is available for groundwater flow in calculations. There are many applications which are affected by the seepage/Darcy velocity, e.g., underground thermal energy storage systems and contaminants transfer in soil. In spite of the importance of Darcy/seepage velocity in many applications, there is no specific method to depict these velocities on a large-scale map. This paper proposed a tool that can be used to depict the seepage velocity on a large scale. The considered tool is offered by ArcMap/GIS software. To explain how this tool works, Babylon (Iraq) was considered as a study area.

The water budget of wetland areas and floodplains has been altered due to human intervention and water regulation works. To protect agricultural productivity, ecosystem services, and wetland habitats on the Hungarian side of the Drava River floodplain, this research developed a unified management approach for floodplain rehabilitation through natural water retention. The interaction of a natural water reservoir with the groundwater system was assessed numerically using MODFLOW-NWT. The model was calibrated (correlation coefficient 0.93) with a mean error of 0.04 m and a mean absolute error of 0.05 m. The natural water reservoir for the Korcsina subarea was simulated for +2 m surplus water level and 2 m3 s−1 filling rate (172,800 m3 days−1). The first 1-m water level rise increases the saturation of soil pores, while the second meter works as open excess water, surface water body (intermittent lake). The total upfilling (+2 m relative water level) at the Korcsina subarea requires 33 days and 6,625,675 m3 of water. The discharge (seepage) period lasted 14 days.

The objective of this study was to seek faster and cost-effective ways to assess groundwater potential in both bedrock and mixed bedrock and structurally deformed alluvial environments in an area located in the Piedmont of High Atlas Mountains (Morocco). Two data-mining techniques, namely, the Weights of Evidence (WofE) and Logistic Regression (LR) were implemented based on the spatial association between productive well/spring locations and effective factors governing the regional groundwater recharge. Prior to building these binary classification models, a variable screening and exploratory data analysis through Information Value (IV) and WofE were performed to quickly rate all the variables according to their predictive power. This step allows us to weed out 2 out of 10 variables that simply contain no additional information that will help predict GWP areas. Making use of the link that exists between WofE and LR, we then refitted the LR model using the WofE scale for recoding predictors. The predictive capability of each model was determined by the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and Area Under the Curve (AUC). The obtained AUC values were 0.80, 0.83, and 0.88 for LR, WofE, and (WofE- LR), respectively. This result indicates that the integrated LR-WofE model is a relatively good estimator of groundwater potential mapping in comparison with the single application of these models. The produced groundwater potential maps can serve for better planning and management of groundwater resources.

In this work, the torrefaction process of low-cost agricultural wastes (e.g., wheat straw and sunflower shells) was studied for manufacturing high-calorific materials for energy co-generation. The renewable bio-coal materials were manufactured using a continuous multiple-hearth torrefaction furnace (so-called CENTORRE by CMI group technology). The possibility of using this type of reactor allows a better control of the process and a better monitoring of the operating temperature. Two different conditions were evaluated under nitrogen atmosphere at an average flow rate of 100 kg h−1: (i) 250 °C; (ii) 280 °C. An increase on the torrefaction severities involves a greater loss of mass (at 250 °C: 23% w/w for wheat straw and 17% for sunflower shells; at 280 °C: 52% w/w for wheat straw and 56% w/w for sunflower shells). As expected, the carbon/oxygen ratio also increases as a consequence of the decomposition of the main polymeric chains (i.e., hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin). The raw and torrefied biomasses have been characterized using SEM-EDX, TGA, and elemental analysis (C, H, N, S, O). The energy content increases with the temperature, the higher heating values were determined as 20.4 MJ kg−1 and 25.8 MJ kg−1 at 280 °C, for wheat straw and sunflower shells, respectively. Torrefaction enhances the valorization of low-cost wastes into solid fuels for local energy production.

A research aiming at reusing waste CO2 through a prototype methanation reactor (ProGeo) producing carbon–neutral methane by renewable energies was carried out. Preliminary determinations of methane yields by ProGeo have been performed using CO2 either by commercial bottles as well as from grapes fermentation. The obtained results show a complete compatibility with the used commercial catalyser. The ProGeo reactor was designed to produce a CH4 flux of 1 Nm3/h by the Sabatier reaction at a high pressure (2–3 atm) and temperature (200–300 °C). The main goal of our research is to use either low cost or renewable energy to reuse waste CO2 to produce methane in a circular economy scheme. To this end, we have also undertaken the investigation of a new methanation pathway aimed at avoiding the use of the solid catalyst, by exploring mechanisms involving a plasma generation by electrical discharges or by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photons on CO2 + H2 gas mixtures. Our research aims to provide a better scientific understanding and a guide to zero-emission technologies to allow industry and regional authorities’ future strategies for energy innovation and sustainable development.

The effects of the substrate to inoculum ratio, the distance between the two electrodes and the applied voltage on bio-hydrogen and bio-methane by an integrated process of dark fermentation, microbial electrolysis cell and biomethanisation were investigated in this study. The determination of optimal conditions was performed using full factorial design. The effect of the substrate to inoculum ratio, the distance between the two electrodes and the applied voltage were chosen as independent variables while hydrogen and methane were selected as dependent variables. The optimum substrate to inoculum ratio, distance, and voltage resulting in the highest bio-hydrogen (1492.23 ml) and methane volume (1775.4 ml) were 1.5, 3 cm and 0.6 V, respectively.

In this study, the inclusion of polymer membrane based on polyvinyl alcohol and tributyl phosphate (TBP/PVA) was prepared. The membrane is characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. This characterization revealed a good interaction between the base polymer PVA and the modifier TBP, and an adequate thermal stability, which is essential for fuel cell applications. Then, several physicochemical tests were carried out to study the possibility of its use as an electrolyte membrane in direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC). The water uptake, methanol permeability and Ion exchange capacity are investigated and compared to that of Nafion 117. The TBP/PVA membrane shows better methanol barrier property and appropriate ion exchange capacity which makes it attractive for use in a DMFC system.

The present work explores the production of biogas from fruit and vegetable wastes obtained from the wholesale market of Bir El Kasaa (Tunis) under anaerobic conditions. The experiments were carried under mesophilic temperatures (35 ± 2 °C) for 25 days. Total solids, volatile solids, moisture content, and chemical oxygen demand content of the wastes were determined before the experiment to characterize both the substrate and the inoculum. Four laboratory-scale batch digesters were used (T, D1, D2, D3) with the Inoculum to substrate ratio (ISR) in the reactors of (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75), respectively. The volatile solids degradation in each of the reactors (T, D1, D2, D3) was 17%, 15%, 28.3%, and 55%, respectively. To evaluate the production of biogas, the cumulative volume of biogas after 25 days and the methane yields were measured. In the four reactors (T, D1, D2, D3), the cumulative volume and the methane yields were (0.9 L/days, 1.5 L/days, 1.2 L/days, 1.1 L/days) and (6%, 15%, 21%, 27%). Thus, it was shown that among all the reactors, optimum results were given in the reactor D3.

Biodiesel or methyl esters (ME), originated from Waste Frying oil (WFO), was prepared by aiming at the maximum ME conversion. The biodiesel was synthesized via transesterification using a homogeneous catalyst. A statistical experimental design, response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented to optimize the experimental conditions and to understand the interactions among the process variables. The optimum conditions inferred from the RSM were temperature, 58.30 °C; catalyst loading, 0.51 wt%; and ratio molar alcohol/oil, 7.3:1. At this optimum condition maximum yield of methyl esters was found to be 96.33 wt%. Esters conversion were confirmed and supported by nuclear magnetic resonance spectral technique (1H) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Physico-chemical properties of WFO and their biodiesel were determined by standard methods and compared. The thermo-analytical technique, such as thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), was applied to the thermal stability analysis of petroleum fuels, biodiesel, and WFO. Physic-chemical characteristics of biodiesel were evaluated and the results suggested that the qualities of biodiesel were feasible.

Undoped and Cd-doped ZnO (CZO) thin films have been deposited by the magnetic spin coating method which is used for the first time in the literature, and the transparent electrode properties of thin films have been investigated. The microstructural properties of CZO thin films have also been investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). In the undoped and 1% Cd-doped ZnO films, the XRD diffraction pattern of the pure hexagonal ZnO was formed. In the films, with 3% Cd dopant, (010) peak of hexagonal CdZn structure in a very small intensity in the XRD pattern has started to be observed. In the films, with 5% Cd dopant, the (010) and (011) peaks of the same structure have been formed, respectively. The morphological properties and elemental composition of CZO thin films have been investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX). FESEM images indicated that the films have been deposited homogeneously. In the undoped ZnO film, a hexagonal ZnO structure has been seen. With the increase of the dopant ratio, it has appeared that the Cd grains have increased on the surface. The optical properties of CZO thin films have been investigated using ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis.) spectroscopy. An increase in the optical transmittance spectra has been observed with increasing Cd dopant ratio. The absorption edge changed and the optical energy bandgap value decreased with Cd doping.

The main function of the SRUs is to treat a sour gas from the gas processing plant, which contains CO2, H2S, and H2O. Mellitah complex is the case study where two nitrogen plants were designed to process 3500 nm3/h of air for each train to produce pure N2; the idea of this work is the utilization of exhausted oxygen via nitrogen plants to improve SRUs performance, by simulating (steady state) the existing operating parameters using ProMax® software to compare between the performance of SRU with and without enriched oxygen. Results showed an improvement of the current situation of SRU efficiency in Mellitah complex, by using the exhausted oxygen from nitrogen plants. The enrichment of oxygen can increase the capacity of SRU in Mellitah complex up to 40%, and this enhancement can also increase the productivity of the unit itself. Furthermore, it decreases the tail gas from Claus which contains H2S and SO2. Finally, the enrichment can be implemented in Euro Mid region to improve the air quality.

The Free State province in South Africa is persistently affected by droughts leading to severe impacts on water bodies. In this study, remote sensing images from Landsat 8 were used to monitor the area covered with water and the density of vegetation around the Mockes dam area during the 2016 drought year in the Free State, South Africa. Short Wave InfraRed images (SWIR), together with Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) on the EOS (Earth Observation Satellite) hydrological models, were used to estimate the surface water in the Mockes dam over the four seasons of summer, autumn, winter and spring in 2016. The results indicated a decline in surface water in the Mockes dam between the seasons, as the year progressed and the drought intensified. Additional water was given to the Mockes dam from the Rustfontein dam in winter but the volumes also declined in spring. Throughout the summer, autumn and winter seasons, the vegetation surrounding the Mockes dam was severely stressed due to the unavailability of moisture from the soil.

Due to an increase in population and agricultural activities in coastal areas, seawater intrusion is a major threat to the rapidly depleting groundwater resources around these areas. This research was refined with local inputs to study one of the most sensitive Tunisian coastlines, Monastir. With the aim of tackling the groundwater degradation problem, an approach combining a survey of some dissolved ions and the Geographical Information System (GIS)-based hydrogeological index, named the GALDIT method, was applied to evaluate the aquifer’s vulnerability, as a technique for assessing seawater intrusion potential. This allowed to prepare thematic maps for seawater indicators and to develop a final vulnerability map. The derived map illustrates that the most affected areas in our case are the coastal zones of the aquifer and the northeastern part in the proximity of the Moknine sabkha, having the highest GALDIT Index, between 70 and 90. This study aims to propose some agricultural policies to conserve groundwater resources and groundwater management alternatives for this coastal aquifer. It could also serve as a scientific basis for sustainable groundwater planning and management in Monastir.

In remote rural areas, the standard methodology utilized to target sites for ground water exploration and aquifer recharge is very expensive. Remote Sensing techniques, GIS, and a new multi-criteria analysis, permit to produce low-cost and time-saving Ground Water Potential maps, for ground water exploration and aquifer recharge sites, in five remote Woredas of the Afar Region in Ethiopia. The Ground Water Potential Map and related thematic maps, coupled with a socio-economic analysis, are the key documents helpful in involving local communities and local authorities in surface and ground water management for the mitigation of hydric stress related to climate change, as well as to solve the water-related conflict mitigation.

Finding a robust groundwater vulnerability assessment framework for accurate identification of sustainable zones may provide more efficient policies and plans. This study proposes two hybrid modification of DRASTIC model using brand-new Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method, i.e., Step-wise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis (SWARA) for modifying the ranges of rating besides Entropy (Ent) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) methods for changing relative weights of DRASTIC parameters. The nitrate concentration obtained from 50 observation wells in the agricultural study area is employed to DRASTIC index improvement. The overall performance of the models is evaluated using the appropriate datasets of new nitrate observation wells and by employing of Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the ROC curve (AUC). The methodology is implemented in Qazvin aquifer Iran and the results illustrated the better performance of DRASTIC model after modifying as AUC value increases from 0.58 for generic DRASTIC to 0.68 and 0.74 for SWARA-Ent and SWARA-GA, respectively.

The present study represents a coupling between the geographic information system (GIS) and the multicriteria analysis, leading to the selection of an artificial recharge site with reclaimed water for the Ariana Governorate, Tunisia. Based on the regional characteristics, bibliography, and available data on artificial recharge, 13 constraints and 5 factors were hierarchically structured for the adequacy of artificial recharge. The factors are subdivided into two main groups: environmental factors and economic factors. The adopted methodology allows a preliminary assessment of a recharge site, by combining the weighted linear combination (WLC) and the Analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in a GIS. The results of this study show three potential candidate sites that are based on environmental factors, which in turn are more important than the economic factors. These sites are ranked in descending order using the ELECTRE III method.

The legislation and the natural trends of use are some of the most relevant points to be considered during the planning process. In Brazil, the Law n°4297/2002 consists of an instrument that instructs the elaboration of an Ecologic-Economic Zoning in order to manage micro- and macroregions. The Chácara Creek Basin is located in the catchment basin of Vacaria, southern Brazil, where the need for a specific zoning was identified. The Institute of Environmental Sanitation, based on the legislation, mapping, and field research, elaborated the zoning for the Chácara Creek basin. The classes that were considered, refer to its agricultural profile, urban and industrial needs, touristic potential, and protection areas. The major areas correspond to the classes of consolidated agricultural forestry pastoral use zones (54% of the basin area), and water resources, wetland permanent protection zones, grasslands, and native forests in the remaining protection zone (26%). Nine programs were developed encompassing, for instance, the recovery of protected areas and water resources monitoring. The results provided a macrovision of the area, allowing the municipality to decide how to use the area while respecting the legislation and the natural limitation of the basin, in order to keep using its resources.

Detailed geological mapping, petrographic description, and geochemical analysis were carried out to delineate variations in the rock types and their relationship with soil compositions in Dorowa, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, Nigeria. The common rock types include hornblende-biotite-granite, biotite granite (medium to fine-grained), and pyroxene granite. The essential minerals identified by petrographic studies are quartz, plagioclase, biotite, hornblende, and pyroxene while zircon, magnetite, and ilmenite form part of the accessory minerals. The relative concentrations of heavy metals analyzed in the soils are in the order Fe > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Zn > Br. The results show that soils near mineralized areas have anomalous concentrations of heavy metals. The implication of this is the increase of bio-availability and toxicity, which may lead to serious health and environmental consequences.

The Governorate of Sulaymaniyah is located in the north of Iraq with a population of 856 990 in 2016. The process of selecting a landfill site is considered as a complicated task with several factors and regulations to take into account. Currently, there are no landfill sites in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate that Governorate that respect the prerequisites of the scientific and environmental criteria. Therefore, in this study, thirteen suitable criteria were selected. These criteria are: groundwater depth, urban area, rivers, villages, soil types, elevation, roads, slope, land use, archaeological sites, power lines, oil and gas field, and geology. These criteria were used in the GIS (Geographic Information System), due to its high ability to manage and analyze various data. In addition, the AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) method was used to derive the weightings of criteria, through a matrix of pairwise comparison. In this work, the study site was classified into four different areas according to the Suitability Index for landfill sites, where they all satisfied the scientific and environmental criteria.

Under the effect of global warming, urban temperatures are notably getting higher and higher. However, anthropogenic heat emissions do significantly alter the magnitude of the urban heat as highlighted by the Land Surface Temperature (LST) deducted from the Landsat 8 OLI imagery. This paper’s objective is to assess the urban resilience capacity face to the anthropogenic heat in order to enhance the urban cooling strategy. The assessment methodology is developed in four steps. The first step is to identify the municipal territory’s climatic zones based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) approach. The second step is to characterize the resilience capacity as being the sum of the absorptive capacity and the adaptation potential referring to a set of morphological indicators, the socio-spatial organization and the urban fabric typology. The third step is to analyze the linear relationship between the morphological indicators and the Land surface temperature (LST) using the Pearson linear correlation method. The classification and prioritization of those indicators constitute the last step of this assessment methodology. The municipality of Bab Ezzouar from Algiers (Algeria) is formulated as a demonstrative case study.

Land Degradation Neutrality (LDN) is a new approach, which is receiving considerable interest worldwide, in assessing current land condition. An LDN assessment was undertaken for the Dhahar-Jeffara transect in southeastern Tunisia. The assessment was performed following the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) method in terms of three indicators: land cover, land productivity and soil organic carbon. Over a 20-year period (1999–2018), satellite data, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and Open Source applications were used to assess the changes in these indicators. As a result, the LDN baseline status was evaluated across the region to better understand its distribution, to evaluate trends as well as drivers of land degradation, and eventually identify “hot-spots”, targeted for restoration options and used to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG15.3) by 2030 in the studied area. The Trends.Earth tool under the QGIS software has been explored to support UNCCD-LDN indicators. Based on the three derived indicators, the majority of the study area (89%) showed clear stability toward the land degradation process. Only 3% (7330 ha) of the Dhahar-Jeffara transect were identified as degraded land areas; however, 8% (17860 ha) are identified as improved (not degraded) land. This study recommends the implementation of an LDN target setting at a regional level, in addition to targeting land degradation drivers behind the land degradation process by implementing different sustainable land practices to tackle this phenomenon.

The main objective of this study is to create a land cover/land use (LC/LU) map of a part in the Izmir metropolitan city in Turkey, based on an enhanced Urban Atlas nomenclature, using geographic object-based image analysis (GEOBIA) techniques. For this purpose, high-resolution SPOT 7 images from different seasons with a 1.5 m spatial resolution were used as the main earth observation (EO) data, and then rule-based object-oriented classification methods were applied to create the LC/LU map. Open-source geospatial data such as Open Street Map (OSM) and Wikimapia were also integrated into the classification to better identify some LC/LU classes such as Discontinuous Medium Density Urban Fabric, Fast Transit Roads and Associated Land, Airport as well as increase the total accuracy of the classification. In total, 23 LC/LU classes are determined in the study area with different accuracy values. An area-based accuracy assessment for random areas was performed to determine the classification accuracy of the obtained LC/LU map. The overall accuracy and kappa values were found as 88.84% and 0.882, respectively.

Deforestation presents multiple environmental problems in our society today. The present and long-term effects of human activities contribute to deforestation, which is almost certain to jeopardize our lives on earth. Research was conducted using remote sensing, GIS, and a questionnaire to collect the required data for the purpose of fulfilling the objectives of this study. The study made use of satellite imageries of Landsat (MSS) images of 1972–1986 (TM) and Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mappings (ETM+) of 2002–2015. We used a supervised maximum likelihood classification method based on ILWIS 3.2 and ArcGIS 10.3a software to classify the forest reserve into water bodies, bare soil, built-up areas, cultivated land and tempered vegetation, semi-natural vegetation, and forest. The questionnaire was used to elicit information on the socio-economic factors responsible for the depletion of the forest reserve. The result of the study revealed the decrease of forest reserves due to the increase in cultivation, built-up areas, and overgrazing. The findings also showed that the built-up areas have been growing rapidly over the 1972–2015 period, while the cultivated land, tempered vegetation, and bare soil have continued to increase during the same periods. Based on GIS analysis, future predictions/trends of Akure forest reserve and its environs were modeled between 2015 and 2030 using the Markov cellular automata operation. To reduce the rate of forest depletion, recommended policy measures include laws and regulations that will encourage local people and institutions to participate in forestry management and conservation.

In this study, the vegetation cover in the Ajloun forest reserve was assessed using moderate spatial resolution satellite images. It was possible to construct maps of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the study area, during the period 2000–2018 using the special QGIS software. Statistical analysis of the minimum NDVI values indicated an increasing trend in the vegetative cover of the study area, where NDVI values were increased from 0.05 to 0.18 during the period 2000–2018. Using satellite images in assessing the vegetation cover is a robust method that saves time and efforts. The results allow conducting a predictive analysis of the dynamics of the state of forest ecosystems based on actual data and will be useful as a tool for decision-makers to make informed decisions for inventory, remote control of logging, assessment of the consequences of fires, forest pathological monitoring, and scientific research.

Agricultural monitoring is essential to improve crop health, productivity, and energy efficiency, particularly for precision agriculture. Real-time monitoring enables the early detection and correction of unfavorable environmental conditions. This results in the optimization of agricultural supplies consumption and crop diseases prevention. This paper describes an automated agricultural monitoring system (iAgriMon) to increase production efficiency and improve quality. It is based on a hybrid Internet of Things and Wireless Sensor Networks architecture. The system uses a low-cost sensors network. The collected data can be consulted using a Web portal for enhanced agricultural environments. The temperature and humidity parameters of a greenhouse environment are on-site monitoring. Other sensors can be added to monitor specific parameters according to the requirements of the environment. The results showed that conditions within greenhouses might be very different from those expected. The proposed system provides effective parameters’ measurement for enhanced agricultural environment productivity.

In this paper, the trends in non-stationary Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Time Series (TS) over different areas in Tunisia are analyzed by applying wavelet transform and statistical tests. In the first step, the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) was applied on three different time series in order to detect changes. Therefore, the different parameters of DWT were tested. In fact, the level of decomposition was calculated. The Maximum Energy to Shannon Entropy Ratio Criterion (MEER) was then investigated to choose the more suitable mother wavelet. Finally, the Mann-Kendall test (MK) was calculated for the last approximation of components to identify the variation in trend. In fact, the Daubechies 7 gives the best MEER for two case studies (6.0218, 2.5892) and Daubechies has better results for the other region (0.2226).

High records of road accidents due to bad roads and failure of other engineering structures globally have necessitated this study. Geophysical investigation was carried out on six failed sections and two stable ones along the Ibadan-Iwo-Osogbo highway to examine the geological factors responsible for the highway failure in the area. A Landsat ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) imagery of the study area and its environs was acquired and processed for lineament analyses. Magnetic and Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLF-EM) measurements were taken at a 5 m interval along each traverse established parallel to road pavements. The electrical resistivity method involving Schlumberger Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) and 2-D imaging using the dipole–dipole array were utilized. Lineaments were identified across failed localities. Lateral magnetic variations in the near-surface, geologic materials characterized the study area. The generated 2-D VLF-EM models showed conductive zones corresponding to the fractured zones or conductive clay materials within the basement rocks. Subgrade soils below the highway pavement along the failed sections are typical of incompetent clayey and sandy clay/clayey sand formation with resistivity values between 20 and 475 Ωm, while subgrade soils beneath the stable sections have moderate to high resistivity values of 196–616 Ωm. The 2-D subsurface resistivity structures across the failed sections identified low resistivity, water absorbing clay, and lithological contacts. Water absorbing clay-enriched subgrade soils, identified in near-surface linear features, are major geologic factors, along with a poor drainage network, causing the highway failure. Remote sensing and geophysical investigations of highways should be carried out before construction to effectively complement routine geotechnical studies.

The seasonal cycles of aerosol optical depth measurements, volume size distribution, aerosol radiative forcing, and single scattering albedo obtained from the AERONET network in Beijing city (China) for the period 2008–2018 were studied, showing the variation of aerosol optical depth in the interval (0.55–0.87) which represents permanent high values that exceed the air quality threshold defined by the World Health Organization. The maximum value was recorded in 2011. Aerosol radiative forcing is relatively variable and registers a mean value of −78.1 W/m2 at the surface, and close to −32.55 W/m2 at the top of the atmosphere. This implies a warming tendency of the atmospheric corresponding column. The anthropogenic aerosol is a part of the combustion process and contributes significantly to absorbing visible solar radiation and affecting the thermal structure of the atmosphere.

The study of air pollution in the Algiers region was carried out using the IAP method (Index of Atmospheric Purity). As early as 2003, we monitored sixty-two sites as part of the city air quality biomonitoring, within an area of approximately 120 km2. At the investigated sites, thirty-four lichen taxa were found. The values of the IAP ranged between 0 and 33.8, delimiting the area into five iso-pollution zones corresponding to different pollution levels giving at the end the global air pollution map of the Algiers region. The zones are categorized as zone I (IAP: 0–7), zone II (IAP: >7–14), zone III (IAP: >14–21), zone IV (IAP: >21–28), zone V (IAP: >28–35). The results of our study revealed an increase in atmospheric pollution, mainly related to road traffic, over the last decades. Air pollutants from motor vehicle exhausts are partly responsible for the degradation and decline of lichen diversity.

In arid and semi-arid countries, drought monitoring is a difficult issue to deal with, mainly due to the low density of precipitation measurement stations. The present study aims to evaluate the ability of the Tropical Rainfall Monitoring Mission (TRMM) 3B42 (v7) to monitor annual precipitation in Morocco. The accuracy of TRMM data to estimate annual rainfall was evaluated. Annual precipitations derived from 5113 daily TRMM 3B42 V7 data were compared to the corresponding in situ rainfall measurements from 23 rain gauges, between 1998 and 2012. The results showed a general, good linear relationship between TRMM and rain gauges data. When considering annual records, the Pearson correlation coefficient, R2, was equal to 0.73 and the Root Mean Square Error, RMSE, was equal to 159.8 mm/year. The correlation between rain gauge measurements and TRMM rainfall has been clearly improved when working with long-term annual average precipitation. The R2 increased to 0.79 and the RMSE decreased to 115.2 mm.

Soil maps constitute a key factor in managing agricultural and forest plots. Their importance has increased with the implementation of innovative methods, such as precision agriculture, which are targeting the resilience to regional climate changes. Having up-to-date information on the soil current status is of extreme importance for updating the existing soil map. In this paper, a case study will be presented on the combined use of spectral data from in-situ and satellite measurements focused at producing information with regard to the soil composition and its physicochemical parameters. The most important result achieved in this research is the creation of a regional soil spectral library comprised of soil spectral signatures. Another important result is the update of the existing soil map for the studied region—Struma river valley located in the southwestern part of Bulgaria. As a result, a procedure for its regular modification will be outlined. This modern soil map can be valuable for a large number of stakeholders in the mentioned region—farmers, forest managers, and local authorities to name a few.

On the basis of zooplanktonic materials collected during the sampling period at Ghrib Lake (June 2014–May 2015), two species belonging to the genus Diaphanosoma were identified; D. brachyurum Liévin and D. orghidani Negrea. This later (D. orghidani) was harvested for the first time in Algeria. Some physicochemical parameters such as the temperature of surface water, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity, and nutrients were also evaluated. The distribution of the abundance of both species in the lake is not even and varies from season to season, it depends mainly on the environmental factors, and the originality of its composition depends on water quality. The abundance of D. orghidani presented higher values mainly in the summer (71% in the cladoceran community) and lower in late autumn. On the contrary, the abundance of D. orghidani increased in autumn.

This study investigated the effect of the main physicochemical factors in structuring aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages of three streams in northern Tunisia. Aquatic macroinvertebrate and water physicochemical surveys were carried out seasonally in 2013, at three pristine sites and three altered sites located, respectively, in the upstream and downstream parts of the streams investigated. Macroinvertebrates were sampled using a kick net and a Surber net, and eight physicochemical factors were measured at the same time. Both biotic and abiotic data were analyzed using STATICO method. A total of 41 macroinvertebrate taxa were collected during the sampling period, and the most dominant taxa were Diptera (Culicidae) and Oligochaeta (Tubificidae). STATICO identified the dissolved oxygen, COD, and BOD5 as the major abiotic factors shaping macroinvertebrate assemblages. This study highlighted the impacts of anthropogenic land-based activities such as urban runoff on the distribution and diversity of macrobenthic invertebrates at the three downstream sites.

Boukourdane dam in northern Algeria plays a fundamental role in local society, as a source of irrigation and drinking water. To characterize the temporal variability of water quality in the dam lake, monitoring was conducted monthly for 2 years (January 2013–January 2015) at four sites. The relationship between the physicochemical parameters was evaluated by the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the seasonal-variation evaluation of the environmental factors was conducted by principal component analysis (PCA). The water in the dam tended to be alkaline, with the highest pH = 9.95 recorded in the spring of 2013. The dissolved oxygen levels varied between 2.58 and 11.61 mg L−1, the nitrates were low. The overall water quality in the Boukourdane dam is medium to good according to SEQ-EAU standard.

To study the spatial variation of the water quality of the Wadi Mazafran river network and to identify the sources of pollution, multivariate statistical techniques, such as cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied. Seasonal sampling was conducted from May 2018 to May 2019. Twelve (12) sites were selected. The temperature of the water and air, hydrogen potential, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, water speed, chlorides, sulphates, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, bicarbonates, nitrates, nitrites, phosphates, and BOD5 are measured. The hierarchical CA has grouped 12 sampling sites into three groups. The PCA resulted in three factors explaining 81.04% of the total variance. The first factor obtained represents mineral and organic pollutions. Factor 2 represents the phosphate pollution. The third factor represents the effects of flow velocity.

Tunisia, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, is projected to experience most predominant droughts. However, detailed drought assessments at the regional scale of Tunisia are limited to date, with most studies only focusing on a specific region and/or making use of one drought index. This study identifies both vegetation and agricultural region-specific drought indices over the country. Tunisia was divided into three main vegetation zones: the northern forest, central steppe, and southern desert. Monthly meteorological (Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI)) and soil moisture (Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) and soil moisture percentiles, Wp) drought indices were used to analyze drought characteristics using gridded-meteorological and ground-measured soil data, and compared with the weekly Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the winter wheat yield data to assess vegetation and agriculture responses to drought, respectively. We found that short-term meteorological droughts were frequent, triggering soil moisture droughts that were more persistent and severe. The most important finding of this study was that SPI is the best indicator for assessing a drought impact on both vegetation and agriculture in the northern forest, while PDSI in the central steppe for vegetation and agriculture and in the southern desert for vegetation (no agricultural data on southern desert). The results of this study highlight the importance of region-specific drought indices which are most likely to provide a very useful measure for drought monitoring and mitigation in Tunisia.

The use of CA allowed us to group the six study stations into two groups: Group 1, consisting of selected stations at the lake level and at the two watercourses; Group 2, consisting of the two source stations that represent the cleanest stations. The PCA resulted in two factors accounting for 85.96% of the total variance. The first factor obtained is the mineral and organic pollution, from the geological nature of the land crossed, from domestic, agricultural, and industrial activities (the large industrial area of Rouïba‒Réghaïa). The second factor represents the effect of the seasonal variation in temperature.

One of the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate is the irregularity of its intra-annual precipitation. Thus, very intense and short rain events can have a serious impact due to the sudden increase of the water level in drainage basins, with the subsequent risk of pluvial and riverine floods. This study analyses the evolution––and the return periods––of maximum daily precipitation in the San Fernando Observatory (SW Iberian Peninsula) for the period of 1861–2016. From this temporal series, we analysed the tendency, the variability, and SQRT-ETmax. These data allowed establishing the return periods associated with daily precipitation and their risk thresholds. The most relevant characteristic of the temporal series analysed, and regarding the length of torrential rain events, is the irregularity in the inter-annual intensity and distribution of precipitation. Of the 156 years analysed, 61 years (39%) reached Moderate Risk, and 22 years (14%) reached High Risk due to daily torrential rainfall.

Drought is a natural hazard that could inflict significant damage to agriculture, society, economy, and ecosystems. The study of drought persistence assists in understanding that droughts could be predictable by constructing the appropriate general climate circulation models. Using the daily precipitation data of 44 synoptic stations in Iran, the relationship between the frequency of drought and the persistence of its risk has been determined with the application of the Hurst Exponent and standardized precipitation index. The results showed that the average drought persistence in Iran is 0.78, but its severity varies because of different climates due to geographical diversification. In regions where the frequency of mild and moderate droughts is more severe, and the intensity of drought persistence has increased in the climate. Also, although the frequency of severe and extreme droughts and the coefficient of rainfall variation is higher, drought persistence is lower in the mountainous areas of the watersheds. However, climate change could be a threat that increases drought persistence in mountainous areas. Drought persistence in non-mountainous regions of Iran has increased the severity of aridity.

It is useful to evaluate the risk associated with coastal hazards such as coastal flooding and erosion, considering the extreme events a coastal area could be subjected to. In the context of increased coastal hazards due to climate change and to the variability in storminess patterns, this risk is related to the sum of sea-level conditions, storm surges and maximum wave heights. In this study, a new statistical inference based on the use of an envelope approach is proposed. The methodology of extreme identification is based on the envelopes of real-valued signals from the signal processing perspective by the use of an Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) algorithm. The interpolative envelope used for demodulating non-stationary surges contains the lower chirp signal component with the fault characteristic frequency and its harmonic interferences. The demodulated surges, obtained from the envelope approach, cover a series of frequencies with different time-periods able to reconstruct the most variability of the original signal. This part of the work is performed in view of a subsequent non-stationary analysis to characterize extreme sea levels with a stationary and a non-stationary time-varying Generalized Extreme Value (GEV) Distribution. Climate indices have also been incorporated within the GEV parameters with the aim to link the local variability of surges to the global atmospheric circulation.

A tsunami is a series of wave trains caused by brutal and widespread mechanical actions at a lake, a sea, or an ocean. It generally has a tectonic origin or landslide causing catastrophic impacts. Within the framework of risk assessment, this study investigates the exposure of the Tunisian coasts to tsunamis. It aims to identify the potential tsunamigenic sources by simulations of tsunamis of seismic origin using a suitable numerical code.

The present paper sheds light on the main sea level characteristics and the sea level return periods at Port Said Harbour of Egypt. This type of analysis is important for coastal structure designing, development and mitigation. The work is based on hourly sea level records at Port Said Harbour over eight years (2003–2010). Tidal analysis showed that tides at Port Said Harbour are of mixed mainly semidiurnal type, with 13 cm amplitude for the principal lunar constituent (M2). Results also revealed a mean sea level of 67 cm, a ratio of 1.5 between spring and neap tidal ranges and an annual rate of sea level rise of 4.8 mm/yr. Return periods of 100 and 112 years were calculated for the sea levels of 25 cm and 100 cm, respectively.

The delineation of flood zones is a recurrent problem for which modelling is very useful to guide preventive decision-making. However, this is a complex problem due to the assessment uncertainty (multiplication of techniques). Here, three flood flows assessment categories are compared: hydrometeorological, empirical and statistical frequency analysis of peak flows. Then, the flood zones were assessed based on the Hec-Ras hydraulic modelling software. The results show higher flood flows in the High Nekor sub-watershed and their increase with return periods still with different flow values for each technique. The hydraulic modelling shows an extended flood area which includes already built constructions. Hence the need to take immediate preventive measures and prepare a flood mitigation and early evacuation management plan.

It is useful to examine the safety of a strategic facility based on a multi-hazard approach, considering the extreme events the facility in question could be subjected to during its lifetime. This paper introduces a probabilistic model, based on the algebra of events, for a multi-hazard risk associated with extreme events (e.g., natural, climatological, environmental, and biological, etc.). The probabilistic multi-hazard assessment (PMHA) of the risk is a key issue in structural and environmental safety. A basic characteristic of a probability-based multi-hazard model is that it does not generate a single point estimate, but it rather produces a hazard curve. In the present paper, the annual risk is calculated using a probability-based multi-hazard model totally constructed with the algebra of events and with the aggregation of the multi-hazard curves. The PMHA model is based on the total probability theorem. It grants a more reliable practice by allowing key stakeholders to make risk-informed choices rather than simply relying on traditional deterministic single hazard estimates of risk, with a brief description of uncertainty. Two illustrative applications were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of the PMHA approach: (1) a strategic structure subjected to three independent events: “flooding”, “earthquake”, and “blast”; (2) the earthquake risk of a nuclear site subjected to two dependent events: “long duration” and “high magnitude” earthquake loads. The hazards fragilities are computed for the two examples and implemented in the framework of a multi-hazard approach leading to the estimation of the annual risk of failure.

Flooding has recently emerged as one of the most devastating threats to life, property, and environment in most cities in developing countries requiring attention. This study evaluates land use vulnerability to floods in Ikirun, Osun State with a view to generating GIS-based vulnerability maps for effective urban management. A total of 157 questionnaires were administered randomly on respondents within a 100 m radius buffer along natural drainage channels. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) data 90 m Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of the study area was used to create flood vulnerability maps. Result of cross-tabulation of the nature of the terrain and the incidence of flood reveals that 88% of respondents in areas with flat terrain experienced serious flooding, 68.2% in areas with steep slope also experienced flooding while 40% of those living on higher grounds experienced some degree of flooding. The result corroborates with the flood vulnerability map produced categorizing the area into high (311–329 m), medium (329–347 m), and low (>348 m) risk zones. Similarly, results show that 59.2% of the buildings were less than the standard 15 m from natural drainage channels which fall within the flood plains prone to disasters while 40.8% were above and have building permits. The study identified anthropogenic activities such as unapproved development on flood plains, residential development, and indiscriminate waste disposal as factors responsible for flooding. The study recommended environmental education, proper waste disposal, channelization, and stronger development of control measures as a way forward to better environmental management.

An effective system for forecasting coastal flooding due to wind waves is essential to prevent coastal risks. The forecast data provided by national and international agencies (i.e., ECMWF, NOAA, etc.) represent only the offshore condition and therefore additional numerical models, which take into account the several phenomena occurring in the nearshore area, must be implemented to correctly assess the risk of coastal flooding. Unfortunately, such models require high computational costs, which are often too demanding and not viable for large scale forecasting system. In this context, this paper presents the development of an Artificial Intelligence approach which allows for a fast prediction of the coastal flooding due to waves. Here, Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) are proposed. The ANNs are fed with the offshore wave data and provide the wave setup and the wave runup on the beach. The application is conducted for the village of Santa Maria del Focallo, which belongs to the municipality of Ispica, in the Southeast side of Sicily. The preliminary validation of the adopted approach is promising although further tests must be conducted.

Many coastal areas need to be protected from both rain and coastal flooding as their proximity to the sea is a necessity. In the framework of the development of a Probabilistic Flood Hazard Assessment (PFHA) approach, several flood phenomena should be considered to estimate the joint contribution of each of them. Coastal floods are mainly generated by storms that raise the sea level over the tide. In addition, coastal floods may be more severe when a marine submersion is combined with fluvial or pluvial floods. In addition, global warming has a direct effect on flood phenomena. It can induce a strong rise in sea level and a marked evolution of the characteristics of storms and more extreme coastal floods will occur more frequently. The combination of the flooding phenomena and their dependence is also likely to change as a result of climate change. This work aims to develop a new probabilistic approach taking into account the outcome of the combined action of several flood phenomena. The epistemic and random uncertainties, as well as the impact of climate change, are also considered and integrated through the theory of belief functions. The proposed PFHA approach is applied to the city of Le Havre, a French city located on the Channel coast which is likely to be flooded by rain and sea level.

In Morocco, it is a challenge to mitigate the socio-economic and environmental impacts of soil erosion by improving management and planning decisions. The country is economically dependent on agriculture, which contributes around 20% of gross domestic product. Agriculture is subject to many constraints such as irregular rainfall and drought periods, limited water resources, land abandonment and degradation of water and soil conservation infrastructure. Here, a comprehensive soil erosion study is realized in the Rif basin: Morphometric analysis and RUSLE soil loss modelling in five divergent watersheds, erosion features evaluation through a combination of Sentinel high-resolution imagery and field monitoring, and surveys to assess farmers’ perception and practices. The results show that the interaction between natural and anthropogenic factors provokes abundant high erosion rates (up to 50 t/ha/y). Contrariwise, farmers generally do not perceive the lack of adapted labour actions as a determinant factor. The whole basin is of increased erosion risk, thence, shortcoming, conservative and corrective actions are strongly recommended.

The study was conducted to provide baseline information on nine trace elements in three commercially significant fish species (Pampus argenteus, Sardinella longiceps, and Tenualosa ilisha) collected from four stations of coastal areas and five rivers of Bangladesh. The concentrations of Pb and Cd in most of the stations exceeded the maximum recommended limits proposed by different recognized organizations. High trace element contamination was observed in coastal areas, mainly in Kuakata, more than in rivers. The estimated daily intake (EDI), target hazard quotient (THQ), and hazard index (HI) indicated potential human health risk due to elevated concentrations of Pb exposure. The target cancer risk (TR) values of Cd suggested cancer risk to the inhabitants of coastal areas (especially Kuakata), thus becoming an issue of concern on public health of Bangladesh.

This paper is a concept model for exposure-happenstance linking the traders through the road networks (originally horse trails) leading to abaca farm lots, and interconnecting the urban centers or “población” to isolated rural settlements called the “barrios” or “sittios” in the 1800s. The exposure-happenstance reveals the growth over time through analyzing the OSM building footprints and road map layers with the disaster risk patterns, categorized as follows: disaster risk-prone areas; near disaster risk-prone areas; somewhat risky areas; random values, somewhat safe area; near the resilient area; and resilient areas, in the ArcGIS platform. With OSM, this work discloses roads providing access and interconnectivity of settlements, but traverses disaster-prone areas at different levels making residents exposed and vulnerable. This exposure-happenstance modeling advances DRA modeling in ashfall-affected areas, extreme rainfall-induced lahar-affected areas, lahar-devastated areas, or any hazards near Mayon Volcano. This work concludes that the exposure-happenstance is real and will continue to increase as road access or ROW developers tend to traverse areas unsuitable for settlements or those highly prone to disaster can instill complexities in Disaster Risk Reduction. The exposure-happenstance GIS model reveals that the increasing exposed settlements in the local government units sharing the meets and bounds of Mayon Volcano will continue to rely on repetitive evacuation practices which have become the norm. The trend of evacuation and return will remain unless exposed communities will be relocated to safer site.

We analyzed the influence of variables associated with socioeconomic vulnerability over some factors related to wildfires. We employed panel data techniques in order to capture the dynamics of wildfires and socioeconomic vulnerability over fifteen years (2001–2015) in the municipalities of Galicia, which is the most historically affected region by wildfires in Spain. We used meteorological variables together with socioeconomic variables in order to show the relation with vulnerability aspects. The results show an existing relationship between these variables and the number of wildfires, the burned hectares, and the virulence of forest fires. Socioeconomic factors like aged population and livestock farms or rustic hectares, linked with temperature, humidity, and wind velocity, affect the number of occurrences of wildfires and their destructive capacities. The study raises awareness about all those aspects that cause this kind of disasters in order to reduce risks.

Estimating and quantifying in an accurate way, the distribution of pollutant concentrations plays a crucial role in the emergency response management in major nuclear accidents. As in many areas of the environmental studies, air quality models are used to simulate atmospheric dispersion phenomena, although they lack accuracy due to the uncertainty in source term and meteorological fields. Even though the ability of a mesoscale meteorological model to assimilate observational data is an efficient way to improve operational air quality model forecasts, errors still occur in the flux-adjusting surface data assimilation system (FASDAS) algorithm when predicting the wind components, a factor that influences directly the plume shape, concentration distribution, and ground deposition of radionuclides. Thus, operational models should carefully handle this meteorological parameter with both accuracy and efficiency. In response to this problem, our newly proposed combined data assimilation scheme is used to combine deep learning and meteorological data assimilation. In particular, a correction of FASDAS real-time wind predictions method is proposed using an artificial neural network (ANN). This alternative wind forecast method aims to train the ANN in a manner that it can predict wind speed and direction efficiently, correcting, therefore, the errors introduced with the relaxation assimilation methods. The combined system rapidly corrects the errors in the wind data, thereby significantly improves the Gaussian dispersion model results.

One of the most seismic damaging events in earth dams is a phenomenon called Liquefaction. In this research, a Feed-forward Back-propagation Neural Network (FBNN) model as a classification tool, with one output parameter which represents the occurrence and non-occurrence of earthquake-induced liquefaction state in embankment dams, was developed. A total of 152 embankment dam datasets were considered: 42 dams that liquefied and 110 dams that did not liquefy. The accuracy of the (7-10-1) developed FBNN model is more than 94% for this problem. Finally, the developed model has an adequate accuracy in prediction of the liquefaction state of embankment dams under earthquake loading, and this might prove to be a useful alternative, with distinct advantages over the conventional methods.

This paper presents and analyzes the main results of a series of calculations of the static and seismic bearing capacity factors for shallow strip foundations. The calculations were performed using the Discontinuity Layout Optimization numerical analysis procedure based on the upper bound limit analysis theory on a strip footing embedded in a dry homogeneous soil mass which is subjected to different horizontal seismic coefficients. The results obtained show that the values of the surface, depth, and cohesion static factors are in good agreement with those provided by known benchmark solutions of the bearing capacity calculation for shallow strip foundations. They also highlight the influence of seismic action on the values of these parameters which seem to decrease rapidly as the seismic acceleration increases. They also justify the importance of choosing adequate calculation parameters.

The availability of verified information concerning hazardous geo-processes is of prime importance in monitoring active or potential landslides since they largely affect human lives, infrastructure, and ecological status. Based on data from the Bulgarian national authority in charge of inventories, the landslides number has been constantly increasing since the past decade due to natural phenomena and human activities. Hence, it is necessary to establish a reliable procedure for operational monitoring. In this paper, a procedure is proposed for tracking landslide dynamics based on combining the advantages offered by Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements and the information derived from interferometric images produced from Synthesized Aperture Radar (SAR) processing. The latter provides the possibility to register the earth’s crust deformations with a magnitude of centimeters. This study covers the landslide area named Trifon Zarezan situated at the Bulgarian Northeast Black Sea Coast. The obtained results can be used as an additional source of information on ground deformations in active ground zones by a large number of local stakeholders, e.g. construction or utility companies.

The programmatic guidelines provided by the European Community encourage Member States to invest more and more in the energy infrastructure sector in order to promote sustainable development. These are projects characterized not only by high complexity profiles but also above all by multiple risk rates, including extra-financial ones. Thus, the aim of this paper is to characterize an innovative risk assessment protocol that overcomes the limits of the economic evaluation techniques generally used in practice. This can be done by characterizing a decisional protocol that allows providing objective criteria for the acceptability of the investment risk, considering also the social and environmental implications that the initiatives of the energy sector generate on the community. The innovative idea is based on the integration of the logic “As Low As Reasonably Practicable” (ALARP) in the procedural schemes of Cost‒Benefit Analysis (CBA). In accordance with the ALARP principle, widely applied to problems concerning health and safety in high-risk sectors such as industrial engineering, a risk is tolerable when the costs to reduce it further are disproportionate to the benefits obtainable. The attempt to use the ALARP logic in the management of investment risk leads to defining a useful tool for informing on the financial, economic and social sustainability of the project initiative. This with consequent repercussions on the entire process of resource allocation is to be earmarked for the environmental sector and, specifically, for the energy.

The aim of this research is to supply vital information for decision-making on the use of natural resources such as forestry and agricultural products and also to help take compulsory and sufficient measures for protected areas of Belek, Patara, and Kekova in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, Turkey. The study area is between Manavgat and Eşen Çay at the eastern Mediterranean Sea which is located in the western and central parts of the Taurides. It is necessary to get a sustainable amount of data by the measurements of various parameters for 12 locations in these areas on surface and seawaters. Within the study, (i) in-situ measurements and sampling for hydrogeochemical and microbiological analyses in 12 locations of the area of surface and seawaters and (ii) hydrogeochemical and microbiological analyses were realized monthly. These measurements and analyses were evaluated and interpreted in comparison to “Water Pollution Control Rules”, dated September 4, 1998, and under the number 19919 in official Turkish Government newspaper.

Microplastics (MPs) (<5 mm) are emerging pollutants that have attracted widespread environmental concerns about their negative effects on the marine ecosystems. The harbor area of Sidi Youssef in Kerkennah Islands is threatened by the abandoned plastic fishing gears or their leftovers which affect fish stocks and consequently pose a serious threat to the marine environment. In this study, microplastic pollution in surface sediments from 20 stations was investigated. The average abundance of (MPs) was 611 ± 514 items/m2. Fibers and fragments were dominant in most sites (94%), followed by granules, foams, and tubes. MPs < 500 μm accounted for more than half of the total MPs while small MPs < 1 mm accounted for 97%. White and transparent MPs were more common with 87.8% than of other colors. Based on the identification by FTIR-ATR, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE) were the main polymer types found in sediments. These results highlighted the widespread distribution of MPs and will provide our understanding of the environmental risks posed by MPs to marine ecosystems.

A huge amount of crude oil associated water is produced from the Upper Assam oil field which contains contaminants and is harmful to the environment on direct disposal. From the analysis, we have observed the high presence of turbidity, salinity, Oil and Grease (O&G), Total Suspended Solid (TSS), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), organic and inorganic constituents. These water samples were not considered safe for disposal according to the rules and regulations provided by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) of India and have to be treated. Initially, they were treated in a sand filter which proves to be cost-effective but the turbidity, O&G, and potassium ion parameters were not within limits. On further treatment in Hollow Fiber Membrane Module setup (HFMS) with microfiltration (MF) and Ultra Filtration (UF) membranes, the previous parameters were brought within range. The decrease in absorbance showed the reduction of contaminants on treatment.

Microbial communities in marine deep-sea sediments represent highly productive and bioactive living organism potential despite the extremely oligotrophic feature of the Mediterranean Sea. Else, the characterization of natural microbial communities from deep-sea sediments is still important for marine microbial ecological studies in relation with environmental conditions. Therefore, we assessed the microbial communities (bacteria and diatoms) in sediments obtained from three deep Mediterranean sites (an oceanic Atlantic site and two Western and Eastern sites), using Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM), culturing viable forms of bacteria and their biochemical characterization besides hydrobiological and chemical characteristics of the three sites

In order to maintain the navigation, a continuous stream of polluted sediments is dredged in Tunisia every 10 years. Due to the increased amounts of marine dredged sediments, their environmental and wider reuse is urgently needed. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility of recycling sediments collected from Zarzis harbor in the southeast of Tunisia in agricultural amended soil. Sediment before (SS) and after desalination (DS), pristine and amended soil were explored for their physicochemical properties. Further, in order to investigate which rate would be able to improve plant growth and to preserve invertebrates’ habitat function, amended soil with 5, 10 15, 20, and 25% w/w of DS was tested in microcosm bioassays. Germination and growth of Avena sativa and avoidance behavior of Eisenia andrei earthworms were tested in the presence of the different matrices. Compared to control soil, calcium content increased with the DS-soil mixture. The C/N ratio was found to be in the range 10–15 which is supposed to be the best with regard to nutrient release and utilization. The seed germination was mostly affected at 25% DS-amended soil. The DS application rate at 15% tended to have positive effect on fresh and dry matter production of the monocotyledons. Overall, results of plant and animal tests showed that the amendment with the marine DS in an agricultural soil had no substantial ecotoxicological impacts. Indeed, plant growth with medium percentages was improved correlatively to the good conservation of worms’ habitat.

The Mediterranean Sea is oligotrophic due to its paucity in nutrients especially phosphorus. As a consequence, riverine fluxes at its boundaries and the controlling processes at the river–sea connection are of prime importance to understand P cycling in this oligotrophic sea. The Rhône River delta is characterized by intense loads of terrestrial and marine particulate organic carbon and nutrients (N, P), leading to important burial and mineralization. The organic matter mineralization in sediments and induced fluxes to the water column allows internal recycling of phosphorus by biogeochemical processes. A reactive transport model was constrained by carbon, oxygen, and nutrient measurements, to quantify the role of sediments in organic matter degradation in benthic P retention and regeneration. At the selected station located in the Rhône River prodelta near the river outlet, pore water (dissolved oxygen, nitrate, sulfate, Dissolved Inorganic Carbon, Oxygen Demand Units and Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus (DIP)) and solid data (organic carbon, Fe-bound P, Ca-bound P and organic phosphorus) were in good agreement with the model simulations. The organic C flux to sediments (43 mmol m−2 d−1) was characteristic of organic-rich ecosystems. Organic P mineralization (348 µmol m−2 d−1) represented 99% of internally produced DIP, compared to net Fe-bound P release (1%). The calculated P budgets showed that 92% of DIP released in sediments was recycled to the overlying waters, while Ca-bound P precipitation was a minor sink of reactive P (8%). The modeling approach highlighted the sediment role in P cycle as a source of regenerated DIP.

The shoreline of the bay of Bou Ismail (Algeria) has been subjected to several anthropic pressures during the last 15 years, including discharges of pollutant loads carried by the Mazafran River. For evaluating this pollution, a sampling campaign on the bed of Mazafran River and in the coastal zone in front of its mouth was conducted during August 2016. The Riverbed was sampled at three different points in order to evaluate their pollution levels, whereas the coastal stations are located along semicircles centred at the river mouth with a radius of 300, 1000, and 1800 m. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed for identifying pollution flux direction and importance. The results from the river show excess of pollution load with different origin sources. The upstream station (MS1) is dominated by biodegradable effluents, which are gradually diluted along the River, until the second sampling station (MS2). However, the water quality is altered, between MS2 and MS3 down-stream stations, by the release of nitrogen-rich industrial wastewater. The coastal zone in front of the river mouth is characterized by seasonal temperatures (21.1–21.8 °C), normal pH (8.14–8.19), and good oxygenation of water despite high levels of suspended solids (up to 111 mg/l), which can be related to phytoplankton production (chlorophyll a of 0.40 and 0.80 μg/l). Nutrients show a horizontal east–west and inshore–offshore gradient resulting from Mazafran Riverine inputs. Overall, this study highlighted the high degree of contamination of Mazafran River leading to nutrient enrichment of the coastal zone.

Fishing is predominantly recognized as one of the activities vigorously impacting ecosystems. Our marine protected area (MPA) Mogador is located between Safi and Essaouira on the Moroccan Atlantic coast. This MPA represents one of the tools for regulation and management of fisheries. The aim of this work is to better identify the MPA role in management through an assessment of the effects of protected areas on the fishermen’s socioeconomic status, on the ecosystems, and stocks, based on a survey taking into account the needs and perceptions of fisherman to the MPA establishment. The overexploitation of resources and the use of illegal gear are always accompanied by a decrease in the biomass and abundance of exploited species leading to stagnation or, worse still, regression of catches.

The aim of this study was to explore the research trends and the evolution of publication literature covering the scientific work published in the the Moroccan Atlantic coast during the period 1941–2018. We presented the findings of a study which provides a systematic analysis of the content of 9 books, 10 reviews, 28 conference papers, 67 reports, 73 theses, 85 bulletins, and 571 research articles published in 244 different scientific journals. From each study, seven elements are determined: (1) Author(s); (2) year of publication; (3) discipline of study; (4) title; (5) document type (journal articles, reports…); (6) source (journal title); and (7) keywords. The majority of these publications have a hydrobiological focus (17.42%), more concentrated in the northern coast (54.24%). A phenomenal advancement in the literature has been observed during the last seven decades, characterized by an increase in the publications’ number, a diversification of the study fields, a wide geographical extension, improved quality, and extensive topical coverage. Some guidelines for potential future research are provided.

In connection to the intensive development of the oil shelves of the Caspian Sea by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the search for indicator species used to determine the impact of oil hydrocarbons, including sublethal concentrations, is relevant. Besides, other organisms involved in the system of biocenological relationships, which are known to consist of different taxonomic groups of marine biota, can be judged by the state of biomarkers. The present study substantiates the use of Atherina boyeri caspia in the biomonitoring of pollution of the Caspian Sea and aims to the forecasting of commercial species. The heart serves as an indicator of oil pollution.

The integration of architecture and landscape is a specific record of humanity in relation to the surrounding natural and cultural environment; it is an expression of maturity to manage space in a sustainable manner and to participate in planning and managing the space. The Baltic coast is distinguished by a unique natural, landscape and cultural resources, attracting both tourists and investors. Unfortunately, these areas, particularly attractive for investments, are exposed to planning decisions, the consequence of which is often the devastation of both natural and cultural landscape. The aim of this study was to analyse selected new investments located in the coastal areas of the Western Pomerania and to assess their relationship with the landscape. The authors conducted an assessment based on determinants, which they defined, of architectural and landscape integration. Our findings have shown, among other things, that seemingly attractive investments, attracting tourists or raising the prestige of a locality, may negatively influence the landscape in the long run, thereby blurring the harmony and identity of the place. A pre-design analysis of the possibilities of integrating architecture and landscape of planned investments with the existing landscape forms may be one of the determinants of good design decisions and properly conducted investment process complying with sustainable development approach. Accounting for the degree of architecture and landscape integration early in the assessment of planned investments may effectively contribute to the protection of existing natural and cultural resources.

The monitoring of the earth surface and the atmosphere on a global, regional, and even local scale has become very accessible, thanks to the new and powerful techniques of remote sensing. Thus, it has become easy to access important coverage, mapping, and classification of the land covering features, including soil, vegetation, as well as water. Monitoring the coastal environment using remote sensing and GIS techniques has been undertaken in this study, with a particular focus on the comparison between the classical and object-oriented image classifications of remote sensing imagery in coastal areas. In fact, the investigation was based on the testing of a coastal zone image classification, pixel-based image classifiers such as SVM classifier and an object-oriented image classifier. The method was later compared using a Pleiades image. The use of reference data sets that were taken from high-resolution satellite images, aerial photographs, and field investigation was considered as an effective way to assess the accuracy of this method. Overall accuracy of 88% with a kappa coefficient of 0.74, compared with 79% (0.71) that was concluded from the conventional pixel-based method, was the result of this object-oriented method.

The WETNET project (2016–2019), co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund through the Interreg Med Programme, aims at ensuring higher coordination between different levels of spatial planning and stakeholders engaged into wetland management processes, whilst limiting conflicts between conservation issues and economic activities. In order to achieve these goals, WETNET has tested in nine EU-Mediterranean wetlands a voluntary-based multi-stakeholder agreement (“Wetland Contract”) as governance tools for the sustainable management of protected wetlands. This paper presents the final outputs and outcome of the project, in order to foster the capitalization and dissemination at Pan Mediterranean level.

The indiscriminate use of the internal territory and the equally questionable of the coasts that have created the conditions for the current erosion phenomena, has progressively eroded the raw material of tourism and the environment, considered as a natural good, but also and increasingly as good progressively more scarce, and therefore worthy of conservation and protection precisely because of its incidence in the process of economic and tourist development. It has long been known that the Mediterranean coastline is subject to significant erosion and recession of the coastline, especially due to the “uncontrolled” anthropization of the coasts with consequent immobilization of the dunes and the sediment traps owing to the presence of dams along the rivers. With the deterioration of the coastal environment, the search for suitable management of marine and coastal environments and the related material to be used to recharge the beaches in order to protect stretches of coastline affected by significant erosion phenomena becomes increasingly important.

Sampling, separation, detection, and characterization of micro- and nanoplastics dispersed in natural water bodies and other ecosystems is a challenging and critical issue for a better understanding of the hazards for the environment posed by such ubiquitous and still poorly known form of pollution. There is still the need for cost-efficient, exhaustive, reliable and accurate analytical protocols allowing the quantification of these pollutants and of the toxic pollutants that they are known to act as concentrators for. The first results of broader research aiming at setting up new and effective methodologies and analytical protocols for the accurate determination of different polymeric pollutants in marine and freshwater sediments will be presented. Among them, preliminary results of a follow-up investigation on the low molecular weight volatile organic compounds released upon photo-oxidative degradation of microplastics will also be presented. Their significance for a better understanding of the fate of floating or stranded plastic debris will be discussed.

Discovering the capability of seaweed communities to cope with the human impact is among the environmental problem-solving approaches which aim to restore the quality of coastal habitats. Usually, it involves carrying out complex investigations, a large volume of data and process modeling. This paper introduces a simplified algorithm for calculating the seaweeds water purification capacity, which connected with the absorption of the inorganic nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fed into the coastal waters by sewage and that of recreational sources. The algorithm involves the collection of data on species composition and stocks of macrophytes, calculating the value of N and P inflow into the coastal waters, the daily value of these elements potential extraction by seaweeds and calculating the self-purification index (SPI) suggested by us. At SPI < 1 the seaweeds are potentially capable to fully extract N and P from the incoming sources, and at SPI > 1 a partial purification of coastal waters from the above-mentioned nutrients takes place. The results of applying the algorithm in the coastal waters affected by recreational load near Sevastopol (southwestern Crimea) demonstrate that the bottom vegetation is capable of fully removing of the inorganic nitrogen (SPIN = 0.026) and phosphorus (SPIP = 0.044) during the period of maximum recreational pressure (3000 people/day). The suggested algorithm can be used for the water quality monitoring and management of the coastal areas with a high anthropogenic and recreational load.

There are six marine protected areas (MPAs) in the coastal zone of the southwestern Crimea created for the conservation of bottom communities including those of the red alga Phyllophora crispa (the Black Sea Red Data Book, the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation, the European Red List of Habitats). The aim of this paper was to evaluate the condition of Ph. crispa within the four MPAs and in nine other areas, in order to make a case for the measures to be taken to improve the effectiveness of its protection. It is shown that the Phyllophora biomass in the studied aquatic areas declined five-fold from 1967 to 2015–2017, with its population density being on average 2.7 times lower in the MPAs than in the other areas. Due to the low effectiveness of the conservation efforts, it is being recommended to raise the status of the MPA from natural monuments to natural preserves, to extend their areas and create buffer zones. The suggested optimization measures will lead to increasing the protected area size in the coastal zone of the southwestern Crimea by 7.6 times.

In the last decades, human and industrial activities in the coastal areas have increased and that resulted in different types of contamination, including trace elements. Therefore, investigations of the southeastern Adriatic marine environment quality are intensified following seawater, biota, and sediment quality related to metals pollution. Since standard chemical analysis methods cannot provide accurate information about concentrations of trace elements in seawater, the seagrass Posidoniaoceanica (L.) Delile and the mussel Mytilusgalloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819, were used as water pollution bioindicators for identifying, especially, toxic trace elements in the Mediterranean. Surface sediment, seawater, seagrass (P. oceanica), and mussel (M. galloprovincialis) samples were collected in different seasons from the coastal area of Boka Kotorska Bay in the last 10 years (2006–2016), and analyzed in order to determine the seawater quality mainly related to Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Co, Cd, As, Pb, and Hg. Based on the analysis of the metal pollution index values (MPIs) in both species the highest metal concentrations were measured in winters for most of the studied trace elements. The Hg accumulation in both investigated organisms was the lowest and almost the same.

Climate change in the last decades has become an undisputed event with visible effects in many fields of research. One of the most striking effects with high-impact consequences is the one linked to biodiversity. In this study, the relationships between temperature variations and variations in marine fauna in the Gulf of Gaeta are investigated. Sea temperature from 1986 to 2009 were collected, this is a period in which the AVHRR sensor installed on NOAA satellite is available. It has estimated changes in the Sea Surface Temperature (SST) from satellite using GIS software. In addition, research on native species was carried out using the barcoding technique. The first sightings are related to Fistularia commersonii and Sphoeroides pachygaster identified since 2009 and well reported in our previous publication. They have penetrated the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez Canal, respectively, and are still sporadic. These tests were linked for the first time to water heating, which increased by about 0.4 °C between 1989–1999 and 1999–2009. In addition, there are other sightings, such as that of Pomadasys incisus penetrating from Gibraltar, which until 2009 was previously isolated and is now sighted in groups and is well integrated in recent years; or even the Arothron diadematus from the Suez Canal although still sporadically sighted, has a tetrodotoxin in its fillet. These phenomena could lead to radical and sudden upheavals in the Mediterranean marine ecosystem.

The present study is part of a project funded by the Greek Ministry of Agriculture in order to update the historical scientific data available for Messara Bay and propose measures for the protection and sustainable exploitation of its marine biological resources as this area used to be one of the most important fishing grounds in the Cretan continental shelf. Sampling was carried out over a grid of stations during three field surveys. In each survey, abiotic (e.g. nutrients, chloroplastic pigments, organic carbon) and biotic (e.g. macrobenthic flora and fauna, zooplankton, demersal fish) variables were measured and analysed. Results of the present study revealed that Messara Bay is an oligotrophic ecosystem invaded by the green macroalga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea which has covered a large part of the seabed (30–80 m). Despite that fish diversity remains relatively high, fish abundance and biomass have dramatically decreased in comparison with similar data recorded 20 years ago. Based on the results of the present study, fishing effort should be reduced by 20% in order to protect and sustainably exploit the living resources of this oligotrophic fishing ground.

The red seaweed, Kappaphycus sp. is cultivated extensively as a source of carrageenans which have been used for decades in food applications and are generally regarded as safe. A deep chemical investigation has been performed on carrageenans from two species of Kappaphycus, K. alvarezii and K. striatum, by means of NMR spectroscopy technique. The NMR spectra study suggested the presence for both samples of a mixture of prevailing κ- and τ-carrageenans. Results confirmed that NMR spectroscopy represents actually the preferred technique to determine and quantify the composition of carrageenan from different algae sources. Moreover, the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity of different extracts of K. alvarezii and K. striatus has have been evaluated by using two different assays, thin layer chromatography (TLC) assay with Fast Blue B salt as a reagent and a multiwell plate assay based on Ellman’s method. Chloroform/methanol extracts of both samples showed the best AChE inhibition activity starting from 0.01 mg ml−1.

The long “life” of investments aimed at the sustainable development of the urban and built environment generates benefits, costs, and risks over a longer period than that of the generations that evaluate them. In this regard, reference should be made to environmental externalities, such as greenhouse gas emissions, which must be taken into account in the studies. This requires the use of logic that allows attributing the right weight to inter-generational effects in economic analyses. For this reason, the paper focuses on the choice of the Social Discount Rate (SDR) to be used in Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA) of projects with long-term implications. In fact, social discounting is generally carried out using time-constant discount rates. Nevertheless, the resulting excessive contraction for Cash Flows (CFs) progressively more distant in time, leads to employing time-declining discount rates. Thus, the aim of this work is to propose an innovative model for the estimation of Declining Discount Rates (DDRs) based on probabilistic logic algorithms. The model, which is easy to implement in practice but always anchored to the theoretical principles of the reference literature, can become a determining tool for decision-making purposes since it leads to a good dimensioning of the long-term effects that sustainable urban development projects determine.

Land contamination is found in many countries and can cause widespread problems as chemicals (Petroleum Hydrocarbon (PHC)) or heavy metals can be easily leached into the environment. As such, adverse impacts can occur on human health, ecosystems, or soil and water resources. Also, these contaminants might cause severe problems for a national or regional economy. Therefore, several contaminated land management approaches have been developed in the past that have proven beneficial to the restoration of contaminated sites. However, not all countries have managed such progress. While contaminated site management approaches now exist in many developed countries, Libya still lacks such a management system and it is important to develop and implement an effective regulatory system in a systematic manner to improve conditions in the affected areas. In recent years, sustainability also has become an integral part of many remediation studies. The idea behind sustainable remediation (SuR) is to perform contaminated site management in a sustainable manner (i.e., a balanced outcome in terms of the environmental, social, and economic elements of sustainability) by taking into account risk-based land management, stakeholder participation, and ensure sufficient transparency in the decision-making process. In Libya, environmental problems resulting from PHC-contamination can ultimately be linked to the oil industry. Although Libya desires to solve such environmental problems in an adequate and sustainable manner, no environmental management procedure to handle contaminated sites has been put into place. Here, we propose a management approach applicable to Libya that takes into account specific local social, environmental, and economic conditions.

Upgrading was done at Ararat urban landfill in order to reduce releases of such unintentionally produced (UP) persistent organic pollutants (POPs) as Dioxins/Furans. Best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP) were introduced and an appropriate capacity was created. The assessment of dumpsites was carried out, in particular, sampling of air and subsequent laboratory analyses for the content of POPs were performed in 2016–2018. For the analysis of ambient air samples SOP-LSA-031 (US EPA 1613B) method was used. A gas chromatograph coupled to a high-resolution mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific dual GC Trace 1310 and HRMS DFS) was used for the separation and quantification of the analytes. Former Ararat urban dumpsite was earlier characterized by open burning routine practice and considered to be a source of Dioxins/Furans emissions. Modernization, infrastructure development, and BAT/BEP was implemented at the site to reduce Dioxins/Furans releases.

Distribution of electricity requires the implementation of appropriate transmission infrastructure, ensuring the possibility of delivery from the place of production to the collection points. Considering the nature of electricity, its transmission over long distances is most often carried out by ground devices in the form of power lines. This causes the necessity of significant interference in the natural environment and the landscape. In addition, around power lines there are produced electromagnetic fields. Their impact may limit or prevent the free and effective use of the neighboring area. The purpose of this article is to indicate the factors characterizing the impact of construction and operation of transmission equipment on the natural environment. The analysis mainly concerns Polish conditions, but many problems have a universal dimension.

The objectives of this study are to give an overview of how landscape architects and designers integrate plants, shrubs, and trees in the design of urban parks in the city of Marseille. A survey was carried out using interviews that covered the major factors explaining the choice, structuring, and combination of plants over space in regard to the creation and management planning of the site. An analysis of those factors will then help the landscape designer in the choice of creation of sample groups. Social uses, plant management, and availability of plants in nurseries and expected landscape types are the major criteria for a better distribution of plants selected for the landscape project. This paper also emphasizes on the professional skills and expertise in plant science and more precisely the know-how influenced by the rhetorics of both scientific and political environmentalists.

Facing the growing impacts of climate change, adaptation is no longer a choice but a necessity particulary in vulnerable countries. This is the case for cities with warm Mediterranean climate. Architects and urban planners’ challenge is to rethink the cities in order to achieve the transition to local resilience. The energy efficiency of the indoor environment is the main adaptation measure. Indeed, the use of a bioclimatic architectural design has a big role assuring energy efficiency. But the urban morphology can deeply influence the solar availability on façades and, therefore, the solar gains. This article is part of a research project that aims to assess the environmental quality of the current collective habitat in the city of Tunis and to identify the gaps in order to guide the designers in their future ecological approach. For that, this article presents a comparison of two collective residential complexes as part of our representative sample: The districts are Ennour—Jaafer and Les Pins—Lac II. The calculations and simulations are done using Revit Architecture and the plugin Insight 360°. The results confirm that the urban density, the roughness but also the shape of the buildings can have a big role assuring the energy efficiency and enhance the interior thermal comfort helping the cities with warm Mediterranean climate facing the heat waves during the summer.

Cities must be pleasant and healthy spaces able to contribute to ecosystems regeneration and to bring closer Humans and Nature. Contemporary social and environmental issues present big challenges to promoting sustainable and resilient cities. The potential of ecosystem services of the urban green spaces is visible in the regeneration of urban environment, namely in the improvement of environmental and public health and social dimensions. This work presents the development and validation of a grid to evaluate ecosystem services of public urban green spaces. The grid was applied in 25 public urban green spaces in the city of Porto. Statistical tests were performed to evaluate the reliability and consistency of the tool. Results show that the grid is robust and reliable, thus its application is acceptable and could result in potential gains. These include the monitoring of ecosystem services of public urban green spaces to adjust them to citizen’s social and environmental needs, namely if the tool will be adopted by the municipal department of green spaces and infrastructure management of the city of Porto, Portugal.

Road traffic noise is an environmental nuisance which has a direct effect, especially, in the urban areas with high population density. This problem can cause discomfort among inhabitants living close to roadway infrastructure. Therefore, the aim of the present paper is to investigate the road traffic noise dispersion in nearby areas. The current formulation is based on the coupling between the first-order traffic model known as Lighthill–Whitham–Richards model (LWR) and a noise prediction method based on the French model (NMPB 2008). The mains results, obtained by the simulation step, indicate that the long-term sound level (in dB(A)), at a receiver point, depends greatly on vehicular flow rate, heavy vehicles percentage and/or average occurrence probability of downward-refraction conditions.

The present article summarizes the experience of application of the ultrasonic sounding method for appraisal of the preservation state of stone sculptural monuments in the urban environment (Saint-Petersburg). Essential information on the internal density inhomogeneities of the monument materials has been obtained. With the application of the Qualimetric approach, the extent stress–strain destruction of stone in the monuments under examination (from 5 to 73%) has been estimated and its dependence on the hardness of material and the shape of the object has been determined. The use of ultrasonic sounding provides new information about the mechanical destruction of the stone material of the urban monument.

Crushing stations generate fine wastes from the processes of washing units in quarries and recycling water by using a filter press or decantation basin. Every day, a large amount of fine wastes is generated and thrown by crushing units in the Marrakesh region. These wastes have many negative effects on the environment. In an intervention by the local population, a part of wastes has been recycled by the local population using traditional techniques for soil fertilization. Despite this, a little part only out of the total produced is recycled, a large amount remaining unreached. Hence, it is for interest to find new recycling methods of the crushing station’s wastes, thus limiting their side effects. On the light of this statement, we thought that the reuse of these wastes as an alternative raw material in craft pottery as well as in producing bricks for the construction field would be a promising environmental solution. The aim of this work was to recycle these wastes to develop new raw material used in construction and pottery. The physico-chemical characterization, mineralogy, grain size, and plasticity index of fine wastes were the first steps to evaluate their possible reuse. The use of sludges as a temper during the handcraft pottery has several advantages, among which the reduction of the content of the added sand is one. The physical, mechanical, and environmental proprieties are evaluated for the synthetic bricks.

This study aims to produce renewable biofuels (bio-oil, syngas) and nutrient-rich biofertilizers (pyrochar or biochar) from Municipal Sewage Sludge (MSS) via the innovative pyrolyis process. The pre-dried MSS was analyzed using proximate and ultimate analyses, FTIR spectroscopy, and DTA-TGA thermogravimetry to evaluate their suitability as a feedstock for thermochemical conversion and biofuels production. The optimization of the pyrolysis reactions was performed using a laboratory-scale fixed-bed reactor and the investigation of the influence of some key operational parameters (final temperature and heating rate) on the pyrolysis products distribution shows that 600 °C and 10 °C/min are the optimal conditions to obtain a maximum bio-oil yield (44.31 wt.%). The characterization of the obtained pyrolysis products indicates (i) a high aliphatic character of the bio-oil, with the occurrence of several organic compounds (n-alkanes, n-alkenes, carboxylic acids and aromatic compounds); (ii) good fuel properties of the pyrolytic oil comparable to those of fossil fuels, promoting its application as liquid biofuel; (iii) a high calorific value of the obtained syngas (HHV around 16.68 MJ/m3) encouraging its use as a source of renewable energy or for pyrolysis reactor heating (iv) a highly porous biochar with good carbon and nitrogen contents which could be investigated as a biofertilizer.

Unqualified display materials are harmful to cultural objects due to the emitting of volatile matters. The Oddy test is a commonly adopted method for judging the reliability level of uncertain materials. As a classical art museum with world-class influence, Shanghai Museum holds both permanent and special exhibitions every year. Since the showcases for special exhibitions are usually decorated using new materials, the reliability level of these materials is evaluated using the Oddy test to reduce the risk of cultural object damage. Over 100 uncertain materials have been evaluated in the past three years. The judgment results are briefly introduced and analyzed in this paper. The deposited metal film method, as an option for getting the judgment results in less time, is also summarized. Shanghai Museum conservators are working on a deeper understanding of the phenomena occurring in the Oddy test in order to advance the development of several museum-related industries.

Camphor wood is welcomed by many museums for its insect-repelling effect, yet the smell indicates a potential risk to the collections. In order to judge the suitability of camphor wood as a museum storage material, camphor wood samples of different ages were evaluated by using the Oddy test. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to identify the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by the materials and the corrosion products, respectively. The results showed that the camphor wood samples led to visible corrosion on copper and lead coupons. GC-MS indicated that the major VOCs emitted were terpenes and their derivatives. Pb10(CO3)6(OH)6O was identified as the corrosion product of lead coupons. The study provides conservators with abundant information to reassess the application of camphor wood to museums as well as a different way to understand the mechanism of metallic corrosion caused by camphor wood.

The wood structures are prone to biological attacks, such as fungi and wood insects. In addition, the wooden structures also suffer the natural degradation of ageing. A periodic plan of inspections and maintenance is therefore mandatory and crucial. However, most of the methods of inspection and evaluation are intrusive, lengthy and expensive. Several are even destructive and dangerous. Safer and environmentally friendly methods are needed. As a non-destructive, non-contact and expedite technique, Infrared Thermography (IRT) can be a highly useful tool for wood inspection. This experimental study intends to evaluate the potential of IRT applied to the wood damages inspection. For this goal, three holes were induced in a wood sample. The sample was analyzed using IRT in active mode. The results show the efficiency of this technology to identify defects or gaps in wooden parts. However, there is a need for further studies to endorse the practicality and effectiveness of the technique.

The proposed topic of “sustainable management of the indoor and built environment,” in the specific case of historic centres may be condensed to the concept of “conservation of the existent.” The architecture of the historic centre of Oporto in Portugal, Unesco’s World heritage, is a remarkable testimony of sustainability. Local materials and local resources were naturally used over more than 300 in construction which has withstood the test of time. Traditional building materials and techniques should be a priority when selecting rehabilitation strategies for historic centres. The performance of these buildings within their original constructive system should be examined prior to intervention, resulting in a more conscious rehabilitation focusing on the principle of least interference. The main purpose of this paper is to highlight both the thermal and energy outcomes of minor interventions in historic centres, respecting the heritage values of buildings and cities while focusing on improving air infiltration rates linked to repeated use of the vernacular shading system, comprising internal wooden shutters. Using dynamic simulation analysis, the case study assesses energy performance in winter of a dwelling in a typical building kept in its original condition, in the historic heritage centre of Oporto. Also, a minor intervention is simulated to improve the ventilation and energy potential of these emblematic internal wooden shutters. The results obtained reinforce the idea of an inherent energy value within this vernacular constructive system, in addition to the heritage values.

This study assessed the relationship between temperature and carbon dioxide concentration and ventilation requirements in classrooms. This assessment has been used to design by modeling proper natural ventilation procedures for ventilation and cooling in educational buildings assisted by Nature-Based Solutions implementation. LIFE my BUILDING is GREEN aims to contribute to increasing the resilience of these buildings by implementing in them Nature-Based Solutions as prototypes of climate adaptation and improved well-being. Previous studies have suggested that high temperatures and poor indoor ventilation can result in higher levels of indoor pollutants, which may affect student and teacher health. The study is still ongoing and will be completed with the assessment of the NBS implementation and measures proposed in the school using carbon dioxide concentration and building users well-being and health through questionnaires.

The use of copper for reducing nosocomial infections has been carried out in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) by replacing some objects generally made of stainless steel or other materials with solid pieces of copper. The authors’ proposal consists of introducing copper in a “lamina + adhesive” format. This proposal has been tested in an ICU at the Ceuta Hospital. It has been found to provide an equally efficient solution than the usual “solid” format, but with sustainable use of copper, which is a high-cost and limited resource. After that intervention, some improvements are also proposed: a standardization of the pieces chosen to cover with a lamina of copper for saving material; and another method of replacement aiming to lower the time that the ICU cannot be used. To ensure that the proposed bonding method is harmless to human health and the adhesive does not interfere with the indoor environment by releasing toxic chemicals, the “lamina + adhesive” sheet has been further tested. The results and proposals are briefly shown.

Off-grid water supply systems are considered as an integral part of water management for their economic advantages over centralized ones. However, water quality control in these decentralized systems is a challenge due to the lack of professionals and proper technology. To overcome this problem, an IoT/M2M using LTE/3G-network-based monitoring system was proposed allowing distant monitoring. However, conventional sensing elements are costly and require maintenance by qualified staff. This paper reported on an Internet-based water quality monitoring supported by newly developed, low-cost, maintenance-free sensors. A single-sensor chip for EC, pH and the bacterial count was developed for multi parameters’ monitoring based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The measured parameters were transferred by a low-cost IoT/M2M using LTE/3G network to the cloud server and accessed via a distant PC for monitoring and control.

In this paper, we proposed a study on a ratio-dependent model which describes the evolution of tilapia and pelican population in the Salton Sea. This largest lake of California is now facing problems due to its massive fish and bird mortality. The model is defined by three non-linear differential equations consisting of susceptible Tilapia fish, infected Tilapia fish and their predator, the Pelican. The aim of this paper was to present a parametric analysis of the stability and global dynamics near the origin of a ratio-dependant predator–prey system arising in halieutic, using the Optimal Derivative. This method was introduced by Arino–Benouaz and can be applied when the classical linearization cannot be used at the origin. We also studied the stability of this model in the vicinity of the positive interior equilibrium E* using the same method of the optimal derivative. Some computer simulations were presented to illustrate the possibilities given by this method.

The provision of safe drinking water has been one of humanity’s most successful public health interventions and is a defining aspect of a developed country. The pathogens that may be transmitted through contaminated drinking water are diverse. The contamination of drinking water by pathogens causing diarrheal diseases is the most important aspect of drinking water quality. In this paper, the bacterial pollution was assessed to predict the risk of contamination of the drinking water. Several samples were collected at different timepoints and analyzed in the distribution system. The study area is part of the main distribution of the City of Souk Ahras called “Faubourg”. Based on the results an urgent strategy is needed to protect the drinking water quality and avoid the consequences of contamination.

This article presents the Biometeorological Aspect of Thermal environment and Health (BeAT Heat) project, an integrated framework for the assessment of thermal perception that could assist in developing successful public health measures by local authorities and policymakers. BeAT Heat is conducted in Cyprus, a country of the eastern Mediterranean region. The study focuses on identifying models that best simulate thermal sensation, evaluating the spatial distribution of the state of the thermal environment and by means of this the thermal burden using satellite remote sensing methods, and determining the impact of thermal environment on the health of general and vulnerable populations.

The use of chlorinated solvents in dry cleaning poses risks to human health. The current study is the first in Tunisia and Sfax city that aims to assess the occupational exposure and health risks of perchloroethylene (PCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) in the dry cleaning industry. Forty-seven dry cleaning facilities were identified by door-to-door canvassing within a 5 km radius from the city centre, but only 33 accepted to join this study. The exposure assessment was conducted by indoor air measurements for 16 randomly selected facilities. The exposure levels were compared to occupational exposure limit values (OELV). Hazard quotient (HQ) method was used and cancer risks were evaluated. Hazard quotients for both solvents are enormously above 1, with an order of magnitude equal or higher than 103. Corresponding risks are developmental and immune effects for TCE and neurotoxicity for PCE. These results showed that inhalation exposure levels might induce many adverse effects that are probably threatening the occupationally exposed population and even the general one, because of the location of all facilities in residential settings. As for carcinogenic effects, high kidney, hematologic or liver cancer risks were noticed if the lifetime exposure would have these average levels. This study is significant for a better understanding of the dry cleaning industrial sector in Tunisia. Indeed, it responded to many interrogations and suspicions about the qualitative and quantitative exposure conditions, and thus the health status of dry cleaning workers in Sfax.

Contamination of groundwater by trace elements causes unacceptable human health problems both in short- and long-term. In order to examine the concentration of nine trace elements (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Hg, As, Cr, Cd, and Se), shallow groundwater samples were collected from twenty wells along Guenniche plain, which is one of the most important regions of farming at Bizerte governorate (Northern Tunisia). The analysis’ results show that the Mercury and Cadmium concentrations ranging between 0.04 and 1.91 µg L−1 and 0.06 and 5.43 µg L−1, respectively, exceed the national and/or international standards in some wells. All the Mercury samples’ results respect the international standard (WHO) set at 6 µg L−1, and seven samples exceed the national standard (NT) set at 1 µg L−1. For the Cadmium, two samples exceed the NT standard (5 µg L−1), and five samples exceed the WHO standard (3 µg L−1). The intense chemical pesticides used in agriculture and the uncontrolled disposal of domestic wastes are probably the cause behind the pollution in some wells. This region’s inhabitants are the most vulnerable population to carcinogenic risk because the results are higher than the acceptable risk level (between 10–6 and 10–4 set by the USEPA). The Arsenic, Chromium, and Cadmium risk level ranges from 2.5 × 10–6 to 4.3 × 10–4, 1.7 × 10–8 to 1.10 × 10–4, and 3.1 × 10–5 to 2.7 × 10–3, respectively. The findings in this research will inspire the decision makers to be more vigilant about the human health risk and to move forward with taking urgent and effective solutions to protect the Guenniche plain humans from trace elements contamination.

In developing countries such as Morocco, the concentration of air pollutants has been steadily increasing since the Industrial Revolution in the 1970s; this level has reached a very large-scale in big cities. Therefore, it is extremely important to describe the problem, especially its toxic effects on human health. The study identified the sources of air pollutants in Mohammedia, which is one of the leading industrial cities in Morocco, it analyzed the weather and clinical data through a mathematical and geographical model and presented their various toxicological impacts. As a result, each pollutant affects part or parts of the body’s functions at the human organ systems. We point out that the study is based, in particular, on data of 2014, 2015, and 2016.

The physicochemical properties of glycol ethers (EG) make them attractive products for many applications. Given the toxicity of certain ethylenic derivatives (EGEs) and the absence of relative studies in our country, the evaluation of the extent of the use of these EG in the Tunisian market is of great importance. The EG subjects of this study are eight: Six EGEs, known by their reproductive, teratogenic, and hematological effects in humans and two of the propylene series (PGEs), recent studies confirm their innocuity. Our study is focused on 73 products for professional and domestic use: paint, glue, dye, ink, window cleaner, and oven cleaner. A newly developed method applying static headspace injector coupled to a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass detector (HS/GC/MS) was used. The obtained recoveries of GEs ranged from 97.5 to 100.8%. The precision of the method, as indicated by the relative standard deviations (RSDs), was within the range of 4–5%. The detection limits of GEs ranged between 0.24 and 1.1 µg/kg. The determined results show that most of the products analyzed do not contain PGEs. Their concentration is often, when used, is very low compared to that of the EGEs. The latter elements are found less in paint dyes and scarcely used in oven cleaners and furniture glues. Whereas they are found in greater amounts in paints and window cleaners, very high concentrations of ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) have been found in addition to other EGEs.

The effect of climate change on autochthonous malaria, in countries where it is still endemic, and the risk of re-emergence in those where it had already been eradicated, is a widely discussed topic nowadays. The role that the increase in temperatures can play is especially relevant in the biological cycle of both the vector and the parasite that causes the disease. In this study, we analysed the seasonal distribution of autochthonous malaria in Spain and the effect of the thermal variables on its intra-annual distribution. The obtained results showed that, throughout the period of 1949–1961, almost 90% of the malaria morbidity variability in Spain is explained by thermal variables (R2 = 0.882).

Background: In Tunisia, leishmaniasis is a serious public health problem. Climate changes, geographical extension of this zoonosis, high incidence and especially harms: functional, aesthetic, social, psychological are issues that question the Environmental and health education in schools. Methods: This study was conducted in two stages: First, a cross-sectional survey, which included Tunisian school students residing in different regions of the country. Second, a curricula analysis of Life Sciences related to infectious diseases prevention. Results: The results of the cross-sectional survey show low literacy scores toward leishmaniasis. The risk perception depends on geographical proximity, gender, media coverage, and didactic choices. Leishmaniasis was in the penultimate position in the classification of infectious diseases feared by secondary school students (2.6%). This disease interested more school students in the south of Tunisia than those in the north (7.5% vs. 4.2%, p < 0.05). Female students generally had a more acute perception of risk. They were more likely to perceive the possibility of contracting an infectious disease in everyday situations (24.8% vs. 8.6%, p < 0.05). Only 33% of students surveyed knew that the disease is parasitic. They had no specific knowledge on leishmaniasis or its transmission modes: cough (23%), sexual intercourse (19.3%), skin (37.3%), and food (29.8%). (26%) have reported that there is an effective treatment for leishmaniasis, whereas (12%) believed the opposite and more than half (62%) had no idea. Conclusion: Poor literacy is correlated with the absence of leishmaniasis in the Tunisian health education curriculum. Informing and mobilizing youth through promotional interventions adapted to the local situations and aiming to anticipate eco-health risks is essential.

Heat stress adversely affects elderly women in terms of morbidity and mortality. The paper identified perceived causes, predisposing factors, physiological effects and coping strategies related to heat stress among elderly women in three residential density areas in Ibadan, Nigeria. A questionnaire survey of 180 elderly women was conducted. One-way ANOVA was employed to determine intra-urban variations. Hot weather conditions were the leading perceived cause of heat stress while dry season was identified as the major predisposing factor. Body rashes and fungal infections were the most prominent physiological effect while the opening of doors and windows for fresh air was the most common coping strategy adopted. There were slight but statistically insignificant intra-urban variations in responses. The public perception of heat stress is consistent across the residential density areas. In conclusion, the paper suggests public health education for the elderly in general, and strict compliance with building code so as to minimize heat stress.

Past research has described positive correlations between exposure to green urban areas and people’s physical activity. However, this connection is not always true because green space characteristics have a variety of effects on physical activity. This study aims to assess the influence of green urban areas and main characteristics such as size, tree cover, and the quantity and quality of vegetation development on people’s physical activity. The study combines a survey of 2,067 respondents across Spain and data related to vegetation indices such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), tree cover density, or leaf area index from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite. The study also evaluates the main drivers of physical activity that influence the association between exposure to green urban areas and physical activity. A Poisson regression model was used across zip code areas in Spain in order to evaluate the association between exposure to green urban areas and physical activity as well as the effect of main socioeconomic determinants. Apart from exposure to green urban areas, physical activity was primarily driven by household income, environmental concern, energy conservation attitudes, lifestyles, having children and living in cities and rural areas. The results also show that exposure to green spaces in rural areas had a considerably weaker effect than in urban areas. The results suggest that interventions could aim to foster physical activity by increasing accessible green spaces in densely populated areas.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer diagnosed in Algeria. Incidence and mortality rate of CRC has increased to rank Algeria in third place on the African scale. Environmental and genetic factors have an important role in CRC pathogenesis; for this reason, this study aimed to clarify the role of some risk factors (RF) of CRC in the east of Algeria region. We performed a case–control study in five Medical Oncology Services in the Algerian East: Tebessa, Batna, Annaba, Setif, and Constantine, between 2016 and 2019. A total of 200 patients diagnosed with CRC and 200 age-matched controls were included in this study. They were interviewed about environmental, dietary, and genetic RF (family history of cancer) using a questionnaire. Results showed a significant link between high educational level and an increased risk of CRC (OR = 0.39; CI: 0.24–0.64; p < 0.001). Cancer and CRC in 1st degree (mother, father, brother, sister, or child) relatives were significantly associated with CRC risk (OR = 2.23; CI: 1.35–3.69; p = 0.002 and OR = 4.94; CI: 1.39–17.47; p = 0.013, respectively). Occupational exposures showed a significant connection to an increased risk of CRC (OR = 3.37; CI: 1.73–6.55; p < 0.001); also obesity and alcohol consumption were significantly associated (p = 0.038; p < 0.001, respectively). Yogurt (OR = 0.63; CI: 10.41–0.96) and cereals (OR = 0.34; CI: 0.22–0.51) consumption were significant protective factors, while red meat and fizzy drink were associated with an increased risk; OR of 1.67 (CI: 1.11–2.51) and 2.66 (CI: 1.78–3.99), respectively. This study suggests enhancing the awareness about CRC, adopting healthy dietary choices, and avoiding exposure to risk factors.

Background—Obesity and Overweight are frequently associated with high blood pressure (HBP). The aim of our study was to analyze the associations between anthropometric measures and HBP in Algerian patients. Methods—A cross-sectional study was conducted among 785 adults with normal BMI (248), overweight (253), and obese (284), who were assessed with measurement of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, weight, height, and waist circumference (WC). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference-to-height ratio (WHtR) were calculated. We released ROC curves for each anthropometric parameter to assess its discriminant power predictive of HBP in patients. Results—Obese had a higher mean weight, WC, WHtR, SBP, DBP, FG, TC, and TG than overweight and normoponderal. The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes was higher in obese than overweight and normoponderal. Results showed that obesity increased the risk of hypertension by a factor of 1.54 (95% CI [1.15, 2.06], p = 0.004). Pearson’s correlation data analysis showed that there was no relationship between systolic blood pressure and anthropometric parameters (BMI, WC, and WHtR). Only DBP was negatively associated with WHtR in the overweight group. All these parameters had areas under the curve between 0.409 and 0.618. Their contributions were thus low. The Cutoff value of anthropometric WHtR parameters associated with the risk of hypertension was higher among women than men regardless of the BMI group considered. Conclusion—Contrary to the data of the literature, the discriminating power of anthropometry in the prediction of the HTA seemed to be limited or absent whatever the value of the BMI.

Wood, being an organic and renewable resource, is the most commonly used sustainable material for the construction of surfaces in hygienically sensitive places and has been proven to improve the psychological health and well-being of inhabitants. Still, there exists a misconception regarding the organic and porous nature of this material, which is blamed for the retention of microbes. The aim of this investigation was to study the in vitro hygienic properties of wood against nosocomial pathogens of human and animal origins. The round discs having a diameter of 9 mm with 2.5 mm thickness were prepared from the outer heartwood part of oak wood. These discs were conditioned in a climatic chamber and then packed and gamma sterilized. The four isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii, of animal and human origin (zoonotic and nosocomial), were pre-cultured. The method of direct antibiogram testing was employed. The bacterial suspension at 0.5 McFarland was inoculated on Mueller–Hinton agar plates by swab streaking method. Later, the wooden discs were directly placed on inoculated agar. After incubation for 24 h at 37 °C, the zone of inhibition on agar around the discs was noted manually. All the tests were performed in triplicates. The results showed that t wood has antimicrobial properties against nosocomial A. baumannii bacteria. Additionally, the direct antibiogram method can be used to quickly screen the antibacterial nature of wood. These properties can counter the growth of pathogens originated from multiple sources, including humans, animals, and indoor environment.