Sedimentary cover and structural trends affecting the groundwater flow in the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System: Inferences from geophysical, field and geochemical data

This study combined gravity data from the Earth Gravitational Model (EGM2008) with other data to better understand the spatial variations of the sedimentary cover and the structural trends that affect groundwater flow in the Nubian Sandstone Aquifer System. Our findings were verified and evidenced by geological, geochronological, geochemical data, and earthquake records: 1) The Uweinat-Aswan basement uplift, which runs east-west, partially isolates the Dakhla subbasin from the shallower northern Sudan subbasin, and thereby impeding the south-to-north groundwater flow from northern Sudan platform to the Dakhla subbasin; 2) A thickening of the sedimentary cover in the NE-SW direction from the southern Kufra through the northern Kufra to the Dakhla subbasin; 3) The sedimentary cover was found to increase from less than 500 m in the south (Northern Sudan and Uweinat region) to more than 6 km in the north (Mediterranean coast); 4) A number of structural trends (NE-SW, N-S, E-W, and NW-SE) affecting the region; 5) A large Pelusium megashear system that runs northeast to southwest makes it easier for groundwater to flow from the Kufra subbasin to the Dakhla subbasin; 6) Along the paths that groundwater takes, like from Siwa to Qattara and from northwest Farafra to north Bahariya, and along structures that run in the same direction as the flow, a progressive increase in 36Cl groundwater ages were observed; 7) It is a better way to learn about the hydrogeological context of large aquifers and figure out how to best manage these underground water sources

Application of GIS-based machine learning algorithms for prediction of irrigational groundwater quality indices

Agriculture is considered one of the primary elements for socioeconomic stability in most parts of Sudan. Consequently, the irrigation water should be properly managed to achieve sustainable crop yield and soil fertility. This research aims to predict the irrigation indices of sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), permeability index (PI), and potential salinity (PS) using innovative machine learning (ML) techniques, including K-nearest neighbor (KNN), random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and Gaussian process regression (GPR). Thirty-seven groundwater samples are collected and analyzed for twelve physiochemical parameters (TDS, pH, EC, TH, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+, HCO3−, Cl, SO4−2, and NO3−) to assess the hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater and its suitability for irrigation purposes. The primary investigation indicated that the samples are dominated by Ca-Mg-HCO3 and Na-HCO3 water types resulted from groundwater recharge and ion exchange reactions. The observed irrigation indices of SAR, Na%, PI, and PS showed average values of 7, 42.5%, 64.7%, and 0.5, respectively. The ML modeling is based on the ion’s concentration as input and the observed values of the indices as output. The data is divided into two sets for training (70%) and validation (30%), and the models are validated using a 10-fold cross-validation technique. The models are tested with three statistical criteria, including mean square error (MSE), root means square error (RMSE), and correlation coefficient (R2). The SVR algorithm showed the best performance in predicting the irrigation indices, with the lowest RMSE value of 1.45 for SAR. The RMSE values for the other indices, Na%, PI, and PS, were 6.70, 7.10, and 0.55, respectively. The models were applied to digital predictive data in the Nile River area of Khartoum state, and the uncertainty of the maps was estimated by running the models 10 times iteratively. The standard deviation maps were generated to assess the model’s sensitivity to the data, and the uncertainty of the model can be used to identify areas where a denser sampling is needed to improve the accuracy of the irrigation indices estimates

Mechanistic Insights, Treatment Paradigms, and Clinical Progress in Neurological Disorders: Current and Future Prospects

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are a major cause of disability and are related to brain development. The neurological signs of brain lesions can vary from mild clinical shortfalls to more delicate and severe neurological/behavioral symptoms and learning disabilities, which are progressive. In this paper, we have tried to summarize a collective view of various NDs and their possible therapeutic outcomes. These diseases often occur as a consequence of the misfolding of proteins post-translation, as well as the dysfunctional trafficking of proteins. In the treatment of neurological disorders, a challenging hurdle to cross regarding drug delivery is the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB plays a unique role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS) by exchanging components between the circulations and shielding the brain from neurotoxic pathogens and detrimental compounds. Here, we outline the current knowledge about BBB deterioration in the evolving brain, its origin, and therapeutic interventions. Additionally, we summarize the physiological scenarios of the BBB and its role in various cerebrovascular diseases. Overall, this information provides a detailed account of BBB functioning and the development of relevant treatments for neurological disorders. This paper will definitely help readers working in the field of neurological scientific communities

Geophysical monitoring of the groundwater resources in the Southern Arabian Peninsula using satellite gravity data

In recent decades, geophysical and remote sensing monitoring techniques have advanced to the point where they can be utilized. It is possible to investigate the spatiotemporal mass fluctuations induced by groundwater changes over the Southern Arabian Peninsula (SAP) by combining time-variable gravity data with land surface model outputs and rainfall data. Here are the findings: The average annual precipitation rates for the whole study region were 91.11, 87.6, and 96.61 mm yr−1 during the entire period (2002–2021), period before 2013, and period after 2012, respectively. The southern and eastern parts (Zone I) of the investigated region show modest rainfall rates of 109.6, 105, and 117 mm yr−1 during the whole period, period before 2013, and period after 2012, respectively. The Rub El Khali region (Zone II) is receiving lower precipitation rates of 54.6, 53.3, and 56.5 mm yr−1 throughout the whole period, period before 2013, and period after 2012, respectively. Based on the three distinct gravity solutions, the average Terrestrial Water Storage (ΔTWS) values are computed through the entire period to be − 0.21 ± 0.011, − 0.15 ± 0.013, and − 0.32 ± 0.0107 cm yr−1 for the whole study region, Zone of the southern and eastern regions, and Zone of Rub El Khali, respectively. The whole study region, Zone of the southern and eastern parts, and Zone of Rub El Khali are showing highly negative ΔTWS in the period before 2013, in comparison to slightly negative to slightly positive ΔTWS trends in period after 2012. The average annual change in groundwater storage for the entire study area was calculated at − 0.21 ± 0.011, − 0.29 ± 0.024, and − 0.091 ± 0.038 cm yr−1 throughout the investigated period, period before 2013, and period after 2012, respectively. Zone of Rub El Khali is showing higher negative groundwater storage trend (ΔGWS) averaged at − 0.32 ± 0.104 cm yr−1 throughout the investigated period, whereas Zone of southern and eastern regions is showing lower negative groundwater storage trend of − 0.15 ± 0.013 cm yr−1. Most of the recharge rate occurs in Zone of the southern and eastern regions reaching up to + 0.77 ± 0.092 cm yr−1 by taking the average groundwater withdrawal rate of + 0.92 ± 0.092 cm yr−1 during the whole period. This integrated approach is a valuable and economical method for more effectively assessing the variations of groundwater resources across wide areas

Geophysical and Remote Sensing Assessment of Chad’s Groundwater Resources

Because of climate change and human activity, North and Central Africa are experiencing a significant water shortage. Recent advancements in earth observation technologies have made widespread groundwater monitoring possible. To examine spatial and temporal mass fluctuations caused by groundwater variations in Chad, gravity solutions from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE), climatic model outputs, and precipitation data are integrated. The results are as follows: (1) The investigated region experienced average annual precipitation (AAP) rates of 351.6, 336.22, and 377.8 mm yr−1, throughout the overall investigation period (04/2002–12/2021), Period I (04/2002–12/2011), and Period II (01/2012–12/2021), respectively. (2) Using the three gravity solutions, the average Terrestrial Water Storage Variations (ΔTWS) values are estimated to be +0.26 ± 0.04, +0.006 ± 0.10, and +0.64 ± 0.12 cm yr−1, for the overall study period, periods I, and II, respectively. (3) Throughout the full period, periods I, and II, the groundwater storage fluctuations (ΔGWS) are calculated to be +0.25 ± 0.04, +0.0001 ± 0.099, and +0.62 ± 0.12 cm yr−1, respectively after removing the soil moisture (ΔSMS) and Lake Chad water level trend values. (4) The country receives an average natural recharge rate of +0.32 ± 0.04, +0.068 ± 0.099, and +0.69 ± 0.12 cm yr−1, throughout the whole period, Periods I, and II, respectively. (5) The southern mountainous regions of Erdi, Ennedi, Tibesti, and Darfur are receiving higher rainfall rates that may recharge the northern part of Chad through the stream networks; in addition to the Lake Chad and the higher rainfall over southern Chad might help recharge the central and southern parts of the country. (6) A preferred groundwater flow path from the Kufra (Chad and Libya) to the Dakhla basin (Egypt) appears to be the Pelusium mega shear system, which trends north-east. The findings suggest that GRACE is useful for monitoring changes in groundwater storage and recharge rates across large areas. Our observation-based methodology provides a unique understanding of monthly ground-water patterns at the state level, which is essential for successful interstate resource allocation, future development, and policy initiatives, as well as having broad scientific implications for arid and semiarid countries

Flash Flood Hazard Mapping Using Remote Sensing and GIS Techniques in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

Flash flooding is one of the most significant natural disasters in arid/hyperarid regions and causes vast property damage and a large number of deaths. For mitigating and reducing flood risks, data from several remote sensing satellite images—Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) Digital Elevation Model (DEM), Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (OLI), and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM)—were prepared and combined through a GIS-based multicriteria decision-making technique to test and delineate the flash flood vulnerable areas of Wadi Hali in southwestern Saudi Arabia. Several flash flood thematic layers representing topographic, geomorphic, climatic, and hydrological conditions were prepared, normalized, and combined through a GIS- based analytic hierarchy process (AHP) technique to obtain flash flood hazard zones (FFHs). This method successfully presented a satisfactory output map that revealed six zones of flood risk, and areas of extreme hazard covered about 13% of the entire basin. Landsat 8 band composite 7, 5, and 3 and field data validated the FFHs. This map considered a key requirement for sustaining safe settlements downstream of Wadi Hali. Overall, the integration of remote sensing and GIS techniques revealed significant areas of flash flood zones in an arid region

Contamination and Environmental Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soils of Palm Farms in Northwest Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Thirty-four surface soil samples were collected from the palm farms of the Al-Ammariah area, northwest Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to assess the contamination and environmental risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs). Aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), strontium (Sr), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP–AES). Several pollution indices were employed to assess contamination and to evaluate the environmental risks of these PTEs. Average values (mg/kg) for Cr (19.97), Pb (5.08), Cu (11.36), Zn (52.16), Ni (26.94), Co (3.89), and V (18.94) were under the values recorded for soils globally, while the average values of Hg (0.50) and U (8.06) were greater than the average values of worldwide soils. Pollution indices indicated that the studied soils exhibited indications of severe enrichment and significant contamination with Hg, and moderately severe enrichment with U and As. The potential ecological (RI) findings indicated a moderate level of risk posed by PTEs in the study area. The potentially toxic elements originated from both natural and human sources, largely due to chemical weathering of the neighboring mountains, in addition to the widespread utilization of insecticides and fertilizers

Green Platinum Nanoparticles Interaction With HEK293 Cells: Cellular Toxicity, Apoptosis, and Genetic Damage

Metal nanoparticles are widely used in industry, agriculture, textiles, drugs, and so on. The adverse effect of green platinum nanoparticles on human embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells is not well established. In the current study, green platinum nanoparticles were synthesized using leaf extract of Azadirachta indica L. Green platinum nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscope. The cytotoxicity of green platinum nanoparticle was observed in HEK293 cells by applying 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) and Neutral red uptake (NRU) assays. Cell viability of the cells was decreased in a concentration and duration-dependent manner. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HEK293 cells due to green platinum nanoparticles was examined using fluorescent dye 2,7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFDA), and ROS was increased according to exposure pattern. The cytotoxicity of HEK293 cells was correlated with increased caspase 3, depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential, and DNA fragmentation. The abovementioned finding confirmed that mitochondria play an important role in genotoxicity and cytotoxicity induced by nanoparticles in HEK293 cells. Further, we determined other oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxide (LPO) and glutathione (GSH); LPO was increased and GSH was decreased in HEK293 cells. It is also important to indicate that HEK293 cells appear to be more susceptible to green platinum nanoparticles exposure after 24 hours. This result provides a dose- and time-dependent apoptosis and genotoxicity of green nanoparticles on HEK293 cells

Simulation of Surface and Subsurface Water Quality in Hyper-Arid Environments

Forty-eight water samples (30 groundwater and 18 surface water samples) were collected from the study region. Physical and chemical examinations were performed on the water samples to determine the values of various variables. Several graphs, sheets, and statistical measures, including the sodium solubility percentage (SSP), the sodium absorption ratio (SAR), and Piper’s diagram, were used to plot the concentration of the principal ions and the chloride mass balance (CMB). The contents of the variables were compared with the contents in other local areas and the standard allowable safe limits as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Water pH values were neutral for all water samples. Electric conductivity (EC) readings revealed that water samples vacillated from slightly mineralized to excessively mineralized. Water salinities were fresh and very fresh according to the total dissolved solids (TDS) amounts. The hardness of water ranged from medium to hard in the surface water and from medium to very hard in the groundwater samples. Bicarbonate, sodium, and calcium made up the highest amounts in the surface water samples. The highest concentrations of bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride, and sodium were found in the groundwater. Diagrams show the major ion relationships as well as the type and origin of the water. According to Piper’s plots, most of the water samples under investigation were Ca-HCO3 type, Mg water types, followed by SO4.Ca-Cl water types. This highlighted the elemental preponderance of bicarbonate and alkaline earth (Ca2+ + Mg2+). This dominance is caused by evaporite and carbonate minerals dissolving in water because of anthropogenic activities and interaction processes. The groundwater recharge was estimated to be 0.89–1.6 mm/yr based on Chloride Mass Balance. The examined water samples can also be used for cattle, poultry, and irrigation. Additionally, the groundwater is of poorer quality than the surface water, although both types of water are adequate for various industries, with a range of 14 to 94 percent. With the exception of a few groundwater samples, the tested water samples are suitable for a number of applications