Showing papers on "Saline water published in 2009"

Measurement of streaming potential coupling coefficient in sandstones saturated with high salinity NaCl brine

Abstract: [1] We present measurements of the streaming potential coupling coefficient in intact sandstone samples saturated with NaCl brines at concentrations up to 5.5 molL−1. The values we record at low salinity are consistent with those reported previously. As brine salinity increases, the coupling coefficient decreases in magnitude, but is still measureable up to the saturated concentration limit. The magnitude of the zeta potential also decreases with increasing salinity, but approaches a constant value at high salinity. This behaviour is not captured by current models of the electrical double layer. Our results suggest that streaming potential measurements may be used to monitor flow in saline subsurface environments such as deep saline aquifers and hydrocarbon reservoirs. However, they were obtained at laboratory temperature. Future work will focus on the effect of elevated temperatures at high salinity.

Stability of liquid saline water on present day Mars

Abstract: [1] Perchlorate salts (mostly magnesium and sodium perchlorate) have been detected on Mars' arctic soil by the Phoenix lander, furthermore chloride salts have been found on the Meridiani and Gusev sites and on widespread deposits on the southern Martian hemisphere. The presence of these salts on the surface is not only relevant because of their ability to lower the freezing point of water, but also because they can absorb water vapor and form a liquid solution (deliquesce). We show experimentally that small amounts of sodium perchlorate (∼ 1 mg), at Mars atmospheric conditions, spontaneously absorb moisture and melt into a liquid solution growing into ∼ 1 mm liquid spheroids at temperatures as low as 225 K. Also mixtures of water ice and sodium perchlorate melt into a liquid at this temperature. Our results indicate that salty environments make liquid water to be locally and sporadically stable on present day Mars.

Salt-induced land and water degradation in the Aral Sea basin: A challenge to sustainable agriculture in Central Asia

Abstract: Expansion of irrigated agriculture in the Aral Sea Basin in the second half of the twentieth century led to the conversion of vast tracks of virgin land into productive agricultural systems resulting in significant increases in employment opportunities and income generation. The positive effects of the development of irrigated agriculture were replete with serious environmental implications. Excessive use of irrigation water coupled with inadequate drainage systems has caused large-scale land degradation and water quality deterioration in downstream parts of the basin, which is fed by two main rivers, the Amu-Darya and Syr-Darya. Recent estimates suggest that more than 50% of irrigated soils are salt-affected and/or waterlogged in Central Asia. Considering the availability of natural and human resources in the Aral Sea Basin as well as the recent research addressing soil and water management, there is cause for cautious optimism. Research-based interventions that have shown significant promise in addressing this impasse include: (1) rehabilitation of abandoned salt-affected lands through halophytic plant species; (2) introduction of 35-day-old early maturing rice varieties to withstand ambient soil and irrigation water salinity; (3) productivity enhancement of high-magnesium soils and water resources through calcium-based soil amendments; (4) use of certain tree species as biological pumps to lower elevated groundwater levels in waterlogged areas; (5) optimal use of fertilizers, particularly those supplying nitrogen, to mitigate the adverse effects of soil and irrigation water salinity; (6) mulching of furrows under saline conditions to reduce evaporation and salinity buildup in the root zone; and (7) establishment of multipurpose tree and shrub species for biomass and renewable energy production. Because of water withdrawals for agriculture from two main transboundary rivers in the Aral Sea Basin, there would be a need for policy level interventions conducive for enhancing interstate cooperation to transform salt-affected soil and saline water resources from an environmental and productivity constraint into an economic asset.

Acumulação de biomassa e extração de nutrientes por plantas de feijão-de-corda irrigadas com água salina em diferentes estádios de desenvolvimento

Abstract: Due to the limited availability of low salinity waters, the use of water of moderate to high salinity in agriculture is a close reality in the expansion of irrigated farms. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of irrigation with saline water, applied at different development stages of cowpea plants, on growth and nutrient uptake. The experiment was set up in the field during the dry season. A completely randomized block design, with five treatments and five replications was adopted. The treatments studied were: T1 - groundwater with electrical conductivity (ECw) of 0.8dS m-1 during the whole crop cycle; T2 - saline water (ECw = 5.0dS m-1) during the whole crop cycle; T3, T4 and T5 - saline water from 0 to the 22nd day after sowing (DAS), from the 23rd to the 42nd DAS and from the 43rd to 62nd DAS, respectively. The plants subjected to T3, T4 and T5 were irrigated with groundwater in the other stages of the crop cycle. At 8, 23, 43 and 63DAS plants were collected for evaluation of plant growth, Na, Cl, K, Ca, N, P, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn contents and distribution in plant parts. The application of saline water during the whole crop cycle (T2) and during the germination and initial plant development (T3) caused, respectively, inhibition and retardation of plant growth. Cowpea plants removed the minerals in the following decreasing sequence: N > K > Cl > Ca > Na > P > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu, but the continuous use of saline water (T2) reduced the total uptake of all nutrients, except for Na. The minerals Na, Cl, K, Ca, Fe and Mn were distributed preferentially in the vegetative parts of the plant, while most of the N and P were translocated to the pods.

Fertilization and blending alternatives for irrigation with desalinated water.

Abstract: In arid-zone agriculture where available irrigation water is saline, desalination is becoming an attractive method for increasing yields and reducing negative environmental consequences. However, irrigation with desalinated water can be problematic if essential nutrients, including Ca, Mg, and S, removed during reverse osmosis, are not reintroduced. We evaluated two strategies for supplying these nutrients - direct fertilization and blending of desalinated with saline groundwater -experimentally in a greenhouse and in a model for a case study regarding pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) production. Reducing salinity from electrical conductivity (EC) 3.20 to EC 0.40 dS m(-1) by reverse-osmosis desalination increased maximum yields by almost 50% while allowing a reduction of applied irrigation water to half of that with the saline water, but the associated cost of fertilizing with Ca, Mg, and S minerals was high (around $0.50 m(-3)). Blending 30% saline water with 70% desalinated water brought Ca, Mg, and S minerals to satisfactory levels while producing water with salinity of EC = 1.35 dS m(-1). Comparison of relative pepper yields and analysis of simulated results showed that irrigation with blended water maintained yields greater than 90% compared to irrigation with fully desalinated water, but only as irrigation rates were increased by more than 50%. The environmental cost of the increase in irrigation-water salinity from EC 0.40 to EC 1.35 dS m(-1) in the blended water was shown to be substantial as it involved five times greater loading (into the soil) and leaching (beyond the root zone) of salts and other contaminants.

Salinity tolerance of Great Lakes invaders

Abstract: SUMMARY 1. The Laurentian Great Lakes are among the most invaded freshwater ecosystems in the world. Historically, the major vector for the introduction of non-indigenous species (NIS) has been the release of contaminated ballast water via transoceanic ships. Despite regulations implemented in 1993, requiring vessels carrying fresh ballast water to exchange this water with saline ocean water, new reports of invasions have continued. 2. NIS often have a wide environmental tolerance allowing them to adapt to and invade a variety of habitats. It has been hypothesized that NIS with broad salinity tolerance may be able to survive ballast water exchange (BWE) and continue to pose an invasion risk to the Great Lakes. 3. We tested the short-term salinity tolerance of eight recent invaders to the Great Lakes, specifically three cladocera (Bosmina coregoni, Bythotrephes longimanus, Cercopagis pengoi), two molluscs (Dreissena polymorpha, Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), and one species each of the families Gammaridae, Mysidae and Gobidae (Echinogammarus ischnus, Hemimysis anomala, Neogobius melanostomus) to determine if they could have survived salinities associated with BWE. 4. Overall, short-term exposure to highly saline water dramatically reduced survival of all species. Two different methods of BWE tested, simultaneous and sequential, were equally effective in reducing survival. Species that survived the longest in highly saline water either possess behavioural characteristics that reduce exposure to adverse environments (valve closure; both Dreissena species) or are reported to have some degree of salinity tolerance in their native region (Echinogammarus). Given that exposure in our trials lasted a maximum of 48 h, and that species in ballast tanks would typically be exposed to saline water for c. 5 days, it appears that BWE is an effective method to reduce the survival of these NIS. These results provide impetus for tightening policy and monitoring of BWE, in particular for ships entering the Great Lakes from freshwater ports.

Saline water irrigation effects on fruit development, quality, and phenolic composition of virgin olive oils, cv. Chemlali.

Abstract: Field-grown olive trees (cv. Chemlali) were used over two growing seasons to determine the effect of different saline water irrigation levels on fruit development characteristics, yield, and virgin olive oil (VOO) quality. The plants were irrigated with fresh water (FW; ECe=1.2 dS m(-1)) and saline water (SS; ECe=7.5 dS m(-1)). Fruit weight, olive, and oil content decreased under irrigation with saline water. Total oil contents were 27.85 and 25.7% fresh weight (fw) during 2005 in FW and SS irrigated plants, respectively. However, major phenolic compounds (tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, vanillic,...) and total phenol concentrations in VOO increased under saline water irrigation. In 2005, total phenol contents were 198 and 223 mg/kg of oil in FW and SS treatments, respectively. Furthermore, VOO from SS treated plants showed higher contents of oleic, linoleic, linolenic, and heptadecanoic acids than FW ones, and oil samples of both treatments were classified as "extra virgin".

Geochemical and isotopic constraints on the interaction between saline lakes and groundwater in southeast Australia

Abstract: Major ion and stable isotope geochemistry allow groundwater/surface-water interaction associated with saline to hypersaline lakes from the Willaura region of Australia to be understood. Ephemeral lakes lie above the water table and locally contain saline water (total dissolved solids, TDS, contents up to 119,000 mg/L). Saline lakes that lack halite crusts and which have Cl/Br ratios similar to local surface water and groundwater are throughflow lakes with high relative rates of groundwater outflows. Permanent hypersaline lakes contain brines with TDS contents of up to 280,000 mg/L and low Cl/Br ratios due to the formation of halite in evaporite crusts. These lakes are throughflow lakes with relatively low throughflow rates relative to evaporation or terminal discharge lakes. Variations in stable isotope and major ion geochemistry show that the hypersaline lakes undergo seasonal cycles of mineral dissolution and precipitation driven by the influx of surface water and evaporation. Despite the generation of highly saline brines in these lakes, leakage from the adjacent ephemeral lakes or saline throughflow lakes that lack evaporite crusts is mainly responsible for the high salinity of shallow groundwater in this region.

Salinity and Alkaline pH in Irrigation Water Affect Marigold Plants: I. Growth and Shoot Dry Weight Partitioning

Abstract: Marigolds are one of the most popular annual ornamental plants; both, the short-staturecultivars(TagetespatulaL.)andthetallercultivars(T.erectaL.)areusedas container plants in landscape and garden settings. Tagetes erecta varieties can also make excellent cut and dried flowers for the florists' market. The present study was conducted to evaluate the response of T. patula 'French Vanilla' and T. erecta 'Flagstaff' and 'Yellow Climax' to irrigation with saline water with and without pH control. Marigold plugs were transplanted into greenhouse sand tanks and established for 1 week under nonsaline conditions. Ten treatments were then applied with electrical conductivities of irrigation water (ECw )o f 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 dSm -1 and pH levels of 6.4 and 7.8. Growth of all three cultivars decreased in response to irrigation with saline waters at pH 6.4. Compared with the nonsaline controls, 'French Vanilla' exhibited a 20% to 25% decrease in plant height, leaf dry weight (DW), and shoot DW when irrigated with 4d Sm -1 water. However, the number of flowering shoots and the diameter and number of flowers were not significantly affected until the ECw exceeded 8 dSm -1 . Growth of 'Flagstaff' and 'Yellow Climax' also decreased as ECw increased. Shoot DW of the tall cultivars decreased by 30% and 24%, respectively, in response to the 4 dSm -1 treatment, but additional salt stress had no further effect on DW production. Marigolds were highly sensitive to high pH. Plants irrigated with nonsaline water with pH at 7.8 exhibited a 50%, 89%, and 84% reduction in shoot DW in 'French Vanilla', 'Flagstaff', and 'Yellow Climax', respectively, compared with plants irrigated with water with pH 6.4. Marigold cultivars were rated as moderately tolerant to salinity because growth was affected when water ECw exceeded 8 dSm -1 . Salinity tended to reduce internode elongation, resulting in attractive plants. Compactness was not increased as a result of a decrease in DW, resultingin attractive plants,whichshowgreat promiseasbeddingor landscapeplants in salt-affected sites provided that the pH of the soil solutions remains acidic. Under our experimental conditions in the sand tank system, the ECw was essentially equivalent to those of the sand soil solution; however, considering that the EC of the sand soil solution is '2.2 times the EC of the saturated soil extract (ECe), our salinity treatments may be estimated as 0.91, 1.82. 2.73, 3.64, and 4.55 dSm -1 . Thus, the threshold ECw at which marigold cultivars exhibited acceptable growth, 8 dSm -1 , would be equivalent to ECe of 3.64 dSm -1 .

Salinity-linked growth in anguillid eels and the paradox of temperate-zone catadromy.

Abstract: Temperate-zone anguillid eels use both saline (marine or brackish) and fresh waters during their continental phase, but use of fresh waters is paradoxical because on average these fishes grow more rapidly in saline than in fresh waters. Based on data from anguillid eels whose habitat-residency histories had been determined by Sr:Ca otolithometry, superiority of growth rates in saline water is much greater in American eels Anguilla rostrata in north-eastern North America (mean saline:fresh growth rate ratio 2.07) than in European Anguilla anguilla, Japanese Anguilla japonica and shortfinned Anguilla australis eels (range of mean ratios 1.12-1.14). Data from A. rostrata in the Hudson Estuary, U.S.A., and Prince Edward Island, Canada, were used to test adaptive explanations of catadromous migrations. The hypothesis that lower mortality in fresh water offsets faster growth in saline water was not supported because loss (mortality + emigration ) rates did not vary between saline and fresh zones of the Hudson Estuary. Hypotheses that anguillid eels move to fresh water to escape from larger anguillid eels in saline water or to evaluate habitat quality were not supported by size and age distributions. Catadromy in temperate-zone anguillid eels increases the diversity of occupied habitats and therefore lowers fitness variance caused by environmental fluctuations. Catadromy in temperate-zone anguillid eels could be due to natural selection for maximum geometric mean fitness which is sensitive to fitness variance. Temperate-zone catadromy might also be maladaptive, at least in local areas, due to shifts over time in selective pressures or to inability of panmictic genetic systems to adapt to local conditions.

Dynamic freshwater–saline water interaction in the coastal zone of Jeju Island, South Korea

Abstract: Freshwater–saline water interactions were evaluated in a coastal region influenced by external forces including tidal fluctuations and seasonal rainfall variations. Five different coastal zones were considered on Jeju Island, South Korea, and electrical conductivity (EC) profiles from the monitoring wells were examined to identify the configuration of the freshwater–saline water interface. There appeared to be discrepancies among EC profiles measured at different points in time. To analyze the dynamic behavior of freshwater–saline water interactions, groundwater level measurements and multi-depth EC and temperature probes were used to obtain time-series data; the data showed that water level, EC and temperature were influenced by both tidal fluctuations and heavy rainfall. The effects of oceanic tide on EC and temperature differed with depth due to hydraulic properties of geologic formations. A spectral filter was used to eliminate the effects of tidal forces and provide information on the influence of heavy rainfall on water level, EC and temperature. Heavy rainfall events caused different patterns and degrees of variation in EC and temperature with depth. The time-series data of EC and temperature in the subsurface at various depths enable greater understanding of the interaction processes between fresh and saline water.

Reproductive compensation of cotton after salt stress relief at different growth stages.

Abstract: Differential salt sensitivity during growth stages and reproductive compensation of plants after salt stress relief are important factors for adopting appropriate irrigation strategies with saline waters. Consequently, recovery of cotton after exposure to different levels of salt stress was evaluated. An outdoor, sand culture experiment was conducted with cotton. Water salinities were 2, 10 and 20 dS m ―1 , and the growth phases were vegetative (G1), reproductive (G2) and boll development (G3). G1 and G3 were the least and the most salt tolerant phases, respectively. The significant yield reduction in all of the saline water treatments as compared to control was mainly due to the reduction in number of bolls per plants. In general, cotton plants were capable of producing seed cotton under salt stress, as well as, after salt stress relief. However, as the salt stress severity increased the ability of cotton to compensate yield loss decreased. Irrigation of cotton at G1 stage with either moderate (10 dS m ―1 ) or high (20 dS m ―1 ) salinity waters should be avoided. Moderate saline water could be applied either at G2 or G3 stage. High salinity water can be used for irrigation only at G3 stage to produce acceptable cotton seed yield.

Inland saline aquaculture.

Abstract: Increasing demand for aquaculture has led to the development of new production systems. Inland saline aquaculture, defined here as land-based aquaculture using saline groundwater, occurs in several countries including Israel, the USA, India and Australia. A number of species are cultured, or are being evaluated for their potential, including finfish such as tilapia, Asian sea bass and trout, shrimp and oysters. Sources of saline groundwater include ephemeral and permanent saline lakes, saline water extracted with coal seam gas and saline groundwater extracted from aquifers. Saline groundwater is extracted in some areas to protect the root zone of plants. Characteristics of saline-affected land are described, with particular focus on Australia and India. Another emerging source of saline groundwater is the coal bed methane gas industry. Saline water accompanies extraction of the gas and, while it can be a major environmental problem for the gas industry, it presents an opportunity for aquaculture. Saline groundwater can differ in chemistry compared with coastal seawater and adjusting the chemistry or choosing species that are tolerant to the differences is one of the major challenges for expansion of inland saline aquaculture. The chemistry of different sources of water is described and common methods of adjusting the chemistry described. Finally, case studies of inland saline aquaculture are presented for Australia, India, Israel and the USA. Novel food production methods, such as inland saline aquaculture, are needed to increase aquaculture production and meet increasing demands for seafood.

Impact of climate change on the Hii River basin and salinity in Lake Shinji: a case study using the SWAT model and a regression curve

Abstract: The impacts of climate change on water resources were analysed for the Hii River basin and downstream Lake Shinji. The variation between saline and fresh water within these systems means that they encompass diverse ecosystems. Changes in evapotranspiration (ET), snow water equivalent, discharge into the basin, and lake salinity were determined for different climate scenarios. The impact of climate change on a brackish water clam found in the lake was then examined using simulated monthly variations of lake salinity and information from prior studies of the clam. ET increased and snow water equivalent decreased for all scenarios incorporating temperature rise, particularly during the winter season. Furthermore, ET and snow water equivalent were not as sensitive to variations in precipitation and thus temperature rise was considered to be a major factor for these variables. Nevertheless, monthly discharge volume was more influenced by variation in precipitation than variations in temperature. Discharge increased during both the summer and winter season, since precipitation contributed to river discharge instead of being stored as snow pack during the winter season. The magnitudes of salinity dilutions and concentrations predicted under the climate change scenarios would not be lethal for adult clams. However, the egg-laying season of the clam would coincide with periods of strong salinity dilution in the lake. Since juveniles are less tolerant to changes in salinity, future generations of the clam may be affected and reproduction of the clam may be reduced by increasing precipitation in the future. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Saline water irrigation effects on antioxidant defense system and proline accumulation in leaves and roots of field-grown olive.

Abstract: Field-grown olive trees (Olea europaea L. cv. Chemlali) were used over two growing seasons to determine the effects of different saline water irrigation levels on levels of proline and chlorophyll contents and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT). The plants were irrigated with fresh water (FW; ECe = 1.2 dS m−1) and saline water (SW; ECe = 7.5 dS m−1). Leaf water relations (relative water content, water potential), photosynthetic activity, and leaf chlorophyll content decreased under irrigation with saline water. In spring 2005, net photosynthesis of young leaves was 24.5 and 14.9 μmol m−2 s−1 in FW- and SW-treated plants, respectively. In old leaves, these rates were 20.2 and 12.2 μmol m−2 s−1, respectively. The relative reduction of net photosynthesis in SW-treated plants varied from 39 to 46% and from 39 to 61%, compared to FW-treated plants during the first and second crop seasons, respectively. The relative reduction of lea...

Effects of Rootstocks on Some Growth Parameters, Phosphorous and Nitrogen Uptake Watermelon under Salt Stress

Abstract: The uptake of phosphorous (P) and nitrogen (N) and some growth parameters of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] cultivar ‘Crimson Tide’, grafted on gourd rootstock (Lagenaria siceraria) landraces and Cucurbita maxima, grown under five different saline conditions for 30 days were investigated. Salinity stress was induced by continuous irrigation with saline water having electrical conductivity (EC) of 0.5, 4, 8, 12, and 16 dS/m. Grafted watermelons showed better growth performance than non-grafted ones. Nutrient uptake was significantly affected by rootstocks and salinity levels. Salinity stress has resulted in an increase in P content of shoots as much as two fold. Total N uptake by shoots of both non-grafted and grafted watermelon on gourds gradually decreased above 8 dS/m salinity. This investigation showed that grafted plants had a better performance than the non-grafted watermelon cultivar. Therefore, gourds, especially those of Lagenaria type, may be used as a rootstock...

Response of pea (Pisum sativum) to salinity and irrigation water regime.

Abstract: DUZDEMIR, O., A. KURUNC and A. UNLUKARA, 2009. Response of pea (Pisum sativum) to salinity and irrigation water regime. Bulg. J. Agric. Sci., 15: 400-409 The aim of this study was to determine the effects of different salinity and irrigation water regime on yield, plant growth and water consumption of pea (Pisum sativum). Commercial variety of Rona was used as plant material. Salinity and irrigation water regime experiments were set up in pots as randomized plot experimantel designs with five replications. The first experiment focused on pea responses to irrigation water salinity by irrigating the crops using five different levels of saline water (0.7, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0 and 7.0 dS m -1 ) with a constant leaching fraction (LF = 0.30). The other experiment was conducted to determine pea responses to irrigation regime. For the second experiment, four different amounts of water (1.43, 1.0, 0.75 and 0.50 times of required water) were applied to pea plants throughout the study period. It was determined that seed yield of pea decreased 13.3% for per unit increase in soil salinity after 0.6 dS m -1 which is the threshold value of pea. As soil salinity increases due to saline water applications, water consumption of pea decreased. Pea yield response factor to irrigation regime and salinity experiments was determined as 2.2 and 2.5, respectively. According to these results, it can be concluded that pea is very sensitive to water stress either due to irrigation regime or salinity. Since water stress and/or salinity causes high yield losses on pea, cultivation of this crop under limited irrigation water and/or saline conditions should not be suggested. In addition, because of sensitivity of pea to excess water, it should not be cultivated on soil with infiltration problem unless this problem is maintained.