Current Issue : April-June Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 2 Articles : 5 Articles
In recent years, non-conventional water (NCW) has been providing a promising alternative against increasing water scarcity in the Mediterranean. However, little work is available regarding the socioeconomic effects of its use. The purpose of this study is to present the effects of different levels of availability of irrigation water on four different Mediterranean areas relevant to the valorization of NCW. The analysis is based on technical and economic data from four Mediterranean Living Labs (LLs): one in Italy, one in Spain, one in Egypt and one transboundary between Tunisia and Algeria. The methodological approach is based on different versions of mathematical programming (linear programming, parametric programming, multi-objective programming). The results of the analysis showed that future scenarios of water deficiencies will have serious implications on the cropping pattern and will severely affect certain farm types, equally affecting employment, incomes and input use....
Thirteen genotypes of durum wheat were grown in two different environments in Portugal. Grain and ash mineral profile, as well as protein content, test weight, and grain ash content were evaluated. Genotype, environment, and their interaction explains the variation in the quality traits, with the environment having the highest influence. Mineral profile analysis was performed by the μ-EDXRF system: macroelements (K, P, Ca, Cl, and S) represented 99% of the total concentration detected in the grain samples, while microelements represented up to 2% of the total concentration when analyzing the ash samples (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Si, Rb, Sr, and Ti). Almost every element found in the grain and ash analysis was affected by the environment. Only K and Ca in the grain had higher concentrations in the environment with water scarcity, while the concentrations of all the detected elements except for Si and Sr were higher in the ashes in this environment. Regarding the genotype, P, S, and Cu grain concentrations were not affected by the environment. The highest grain mineral concentration was found for Gingão, suggesting a better mineral uptake and/or translocation-to-grain capacity. However, regarding the technological quality, most of the genotypes presented ash content values above the maximum specified threshold....
Treatment of polymeric solid waste, such as used membranes, is vital for environmental sustainability. Cellulose-based membranes are widely utilized in the water industry due to their resistance to biodegradation. These non-biodegradable membranes can persist in landfills and aquatic environments for extended periods. Our study assessed the biodegradation potential of Trametes versicolor on a newly fabricated cellulose acetate (CA) membrane and a commercially produced membrane under various conditions, including oxidative stress. Additionally, we employed T. versicolor encapsulated in a small bioreactor platform (SBP) for media inoculation and biomass augmentation. Treatment of the commercially produced CA membrane within a timeframe of 30 days was unsuccessful. This was primarily attributed to the structural stability of the membrane over time and the limited ability of the culture to attach to the membrane surface. These results underscore the necessity of exploring alternative biopolymer cellulose-based materials for ultrafiltration (UF) and microfiltration (MF) membrane applications. The custom-made UF membrane, treated by ozonation as a pretreatment, emerged as an effective approach for enhancing biodegradation. Combining these factors, we expect to achieve over 27.75 ± 1.5% weight loss in membrane solids by 30 days of treatment. This study represents the first inquiry into the biodegradation capabilities of T. versicolor on CA-based membranes....
Round scad (Decapterus maruadsi) and jack mackerel (Trachurus japonicus) are economically significant pelagic species widely distributed in the northern South China Sea (SCS), with overlapping habitats and life history stages. To examine the distribution patterns of round scad and jack mackerel and their responses to environmental variables, we conducted a preliminary analysis using catch and environmental data from four seasonal surveys around Hainan Island. Three species distribution models—generalized linear models (GLM), generalized additive models (GAM), and random forests (RF)—were applied to quantify species–environment relationships. Explanatory variables included both biotic and abiotic factors: temperature, salinity, water depth, sea surface chlorophyll a concentration (SSC), phytoplankton abundance, and zooplankton abundance. The results revealed pronounced spatial heterogeneity in the high-density areas of both species. Among the models, GAM consistently explained a higher proportion of deviance in the observed distributions. Further analysis showed that round scad and jack mackerel responded differently to environmental gradients such as water depth and temperature, although their responses to varying plankton concentrations were largely consistent. Specifically, round scad are typically found in waters at depths ranging from 0 to 50 m, whereas jack mackerel tend to inhabit depths exceeding 100 m. In response to high plankton abundance, both species exhibit a notable increase in resource availability when plankton levels surpass 3. These findings indicate distinct spatial niches and suggest potential competition in feeding ecology between the two species. Overall, the study enhances understanding of the spatial dynamics of key commercial species in the northern SCS and provides valuable insights for sustainable fisheries management and conservation planning....
Water quality is a critical determinant of public health, livelihoods, and sustainable development, particularly in communities dependent on natural water sources. This study assessed the main water sources, water quality, community perceptions, and the implications for health and livelihoods in the Tana Delta, southeastern Kenya. Household surveys, focus group discussions, and environmental assessments were conducted to evaluate water use, safety perceptions, and health outcomes. Findings indicate that households rely on rivers (42.1%), boreholes (21.7%), shallow wells (15.3%), piped systems (12.5%), and seasonal streams or oxbow lakes (20.9%). River water was widely used but perceived as unsafe due to turbidity, faecal contamination, and agrochemical runoff, while boreholes and piped water were considered safer but they faced challenges of accessibility, reliability, and occasional salinity. Waterborne diseases, particularly diarrhea, were significantly associated with unsafe sources and inadequate treatment practices. Environmental assessments further revealed wetland degradation (27%) and vegetation loss (18%), which increase contamination risks and undermine ecosystem services. Groundwater salinity combined with pollution risks from agricultural and domestic activities, limits the availability of safe drinking water, threatening both public health and livelihoods. These findings underscore the compounded vulnerability of Tana Delta communities and highlight the need for integrated interventions, including expanded access to safe water, household-level treatment, wetland conservation, climate-adaptive water management, and community education to safeguard health and sustain livelihoods....
Loading....