Arabian Journal of Geosciences最新文献

This study explores the complexity of assessing river water quality, a multifaceted process influenced by various water quality parameters (WQPs), inherent uncertainties, and diverse decision-maker judgments. These uncertainties are effectively modeled using fuzzy sets and soft sets. We introduce a novel weighted water pollution score function (WWPSF) on fuzzy soft sets (FSSs) and propose an innovative fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model (FMCDMM) to derive a weighted water pollution score (WWP-score) for rating river water pollution. We apply this methodology to assess water quality indices for the Manu River, the longest river in Tripura, India, and a crucial drinking water source for North-East Tripura. The FMCDMM and WWP-score are key indicators of the river’s water quality. To assess water quality, we consider ten crucial parameters: pH, calcium, dissolved oxygen, total alkalinity, biochemical oxygen demand, total hardness, total dissolved solids, chloride, total coliform, and fecal coliform, sampled at eight strategic sites along the river during pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon seasons of 2021–2022. Guided by waste discharge points, we integrate meteorological data, land-use patterns, and anthropogenic inputs to reveal significant water quality degradation due to seasonal variations and human activities. Factors such as rainfall intensity, temperature fluctuations, industrial discharges, agricultural runoff, and urban waste contribute substantially to pollution levels. This comprehensive approach aids decision-makers in developing strategies for sustainable river management, emphasizing the need to address seasonal changes and anthropogenic impacts to ensure water security for urban ecosystems and dependent communities. Finally, we conduct comparative analyses with existing methodologies to validate and highlight the advantages of our approach.

Groundwater a crucial freshwater source faces growing contamination risks from land use activities. This study examines the effects of urbanization, agriculture, industrial activity, and landfills on groundwater quality in Muscat, Oman. Wells from varied land use zones were sampled twice a year. The study combines PCA DRASTIC modelling and WQI to assess spatial groundwater quality variations in Muscat, Oman. The data show large variability in groundwater quality across land use. Industrial zone wells show extreme degradation (WQI = 2.02) with hazardous nitrate (70 ppm) and TDS levels. Electrical conductivity ranges from 1.78 to 5.84 mS/cm, and total dissolved solids (TDS) exceed 750 ppm, making water unsuitable for domestic use. Nitrate concentrations range from 24–70 ppm, exceeding permissible limits due to agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge. The majority of wells exhibit low-quality water, with the industrial zone exhibiting the worst degradation (WQI = 2.02). Contamination is indicated by high levels of TDS (> 750 ppm), nitrate (24–70 ppm), and sulfate. High groundwater vulnerability is revealed by the DRASTIC model, and significant disparities among land uses are confirmed by PCA and NMDS. Statistical analyses (PERMANOVA p < 0.0001) confirm land use type drives significant quality differences. This study emphasizes the complex relationship between land use and groundwater quality, as well as the critical importance of sustainable practices. Urgent measures like pollution controls and land-use zoning are needed to safeguard groundwater sustainability. In order to preserve groundwater and guarantee its sustainability for future generations, this study emphasizes the necessity of prudent land management.

The crude oil sector in Nigeria continues to be a significant source of income and foreign currency. However, operations related to oil exploration and production have the potential to seriously alter the environment, having an impact on ecosystems, water bodies, and human life. In many cases, pollution indices are viewed as a useful instrument for thoroughly evaluating contamination levels. Additionally, they may have a significant impact when evaluating soil quality and the forecast of long-term ecosystem viability, in the case of farmlands in particular. Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was used to examine the heavy metal contents. Potential ecological risk index, geoaccumulation index, Nemerow pollution, pollution load index, contamination index (CI), and metal pollution index were the seven indicators employed in the study. The concentration of heavy metals such as manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and arsenic (As) ranges from 11.9 to 184.1, 920 to 8870, 1.1 to 9.9, 9.7 to 60.4, 0.001 to 0.001, 2.4 to 34.7, 2.2 to 11.5, and 0.001 to 0.001 mg/kg, respectively. The correlation matrix showed that there were positive correlations between Mn and Ni, Fe and Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu and Cr, Zn and Pb, Cr, and Pb and Cr, while a negative correlation exists between Cu and Ar. PCA showed that 75% of the samples in PC1 have loadings; in PC2, 50% of the parameters have loadings; in PC3, 25% of the parameters have loadings; and in PC4, 12.5% of the entire parameter has loadings. Findings from the aforementioned indices revealed that the analyzed soil samples are polluted.

This study examines the influence of clear-sky weather conditions on temperature variability in Chefchaouen, a mountainous region in Northern Morocco characterized by a complex interplay of Mediterranean and semi-arid climatic features. Using daily meteorological observations (2015–2020) and upper-air datasets, the research investigates atmospheric circulation patterns at Mean Sea Level Pressure (MSLP) and 500 hPa Geopotential Height (GPH) levels to assess their role in shaping local thermal dynamics under clear skies. To classify synoptic configurations, the study applies Cluster Analysis and Factor Analysis to daily MSLP and GPH data. The Elbow Method identified four distinct atmospheric clusters, which were statistically validated through an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), confirming significant temperature differences among clusters (F = 131.83, p < 0.001). Factor loadings revealed two key drivers of thermal variability: surface pressure systems (MSLP) and upper-level ridges (500 hPa GPH). Results show that atmospheric ridges and Southerly flows at 500 hPa, along with high-pressure systems and barometric marshes at sea level, stabilize weather conditions and enhance diurnal and seasonal temperature ranges. These findings contribute to understanding localized climatic processes under radiatively dominant conditions and support the refinement of regional climate models and adaptation strategies in Mediterranean mountain regions.

Oke-Ere, part of Isanlu Sheet 225 SW, is known for occurrence of pegmatite veins, quartz schist, talc schist, and marble out crops. Consequently, weathered soil (top soil (pedolith) and saprolite) and these fresh rock samples were collected from different areas within the study area and subjected to geochemical analyses to possibly understand rare-metal concentration trend associated with the weathered soils and overlying rocks. Geochemically, the trace metal distribution shows similar patterns for the top soil zone (pedolith) and saprolite units with bedrocks. This suggest a positive link between the trace metals in the weathered units and the respective bedrocks. This is possibly due to a lithogenic release of the respective trace metals through the weathering process. This is confirmed by the Enrichment Ratio > 1 for the trace elements (Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, Sr, Ta, Sc, Nb, and Ba) obtained for pedolith and saprolite samples. The high concentration of Zn (avg. 93 ppm) Nb (avg. 36), Sn (avg. 145 ppm), and Li (avg. 142 ppm) in the pegmatite samples compared to the pedolith and saprolite also confirms this assertion. Plots of A = Al-(K + Na + 2Ca) vs. B = Fe + Mg + Ti, and Ta vs. Ga revealed that the investigated pegmatite and schistose samples are associated with magmatic differentiation of peraluminous melts with all the investigated samples barren in Ta. Tectonically, all the representative samples plot within the field of WPG (Within Plate Granite), implying their origin from a plume or a hotspot and probable genetic relationship between them. The study shows significant enrichment of Zn, Nb, and Sn in Oke-Ere pegmatites, pedolite and saprolite, highlighting promising economic potential thus proving saprolith and pedolith with associated host rock in any given area can supply an exploration guide for rare-metal mineralization.

To elucidate the instability mechanisms of surrounding rock in water-rich tunnels under construction disturbances, this study conducted triaxial graded cyclic loading–unloading seepage coupling tests to systematically investigate the mechanical response and permeability evolution characteristics of saturated sandstone. The results demonstrate that cyclic loading induces multi-crack failure patterns, distinct from the conventional single shear plane failure. Increasing confining pressure promotes a transition from tensile cracking to shear-dominated failure, while elevated seepage pressure induces tension-shear composite failure. The morphological evolution of hysteresis loops characterizes the damage transition from primary fracture closure to new crack propagation. Under cyclic loading–unloading, the post-peak permeability increases by one order of magnitude on average compared to the initial permeability. The crack volumetric strain transitions continuously from compression to dilation during loading, with its critical zero-crossing point under high confining pressure synchronously corresponding to the peak total volumetric strain and the inflection point of accelerated permeability increase. Elevated confining pressure transforms the loading permeability curve from “spoon-shaped” to “U-shaped” and delays the permeability inflection point. Under rapid loading rates, permeability is comprehensively reduced due to delayed seepage response. Increased seepage pressure enhances permeability by reducing effective stress and intensifying hydraulic gradients, resulting in significant permeability enhancement and accelerated post-peak fracture propagation. This research reveals the synergistic evolution mechanism of damage and permeability in sandstone under coupled graded cyclic loading-seepage effects, providing a theoretical basis for stability control of surrounding rock in water-rich tunnels.

This study integrates organic and inorganic geochemical analyses to evaluate the hydrocarbon generative potential of Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous (UJLC) sediments in the Senegalo-Mauritanian (SM) Basin. Representative limestone and shale have been characterized using Rock-Eval pyrolysis and LECO, as well as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) values of Jurassic, Neocomian, Aptian, and Albian sediments range, respectively, between 0.11 and 0.438 wt%; 0.10 and 0.76 wt%; 0.12 and 0.86 wt%; and 0.2 and 2.43 wt%. Based on the HI values, the UJLC samples of the SM Basin suggest a higher terrigenous contribution, indicating type III kerogen. However, 15.38% of the Albian samples and 33% of Neocomian samples show the presence of type II/type I kerogen. Cross plots of Hydrogen Index (HI) versus Tmax show that the majority of Albian samples are within the mature zone with the potential to generate oil and little gas. The Aptian sediments are present in equal proportion between immature and mature zones, while Neocomian and Jurassic sediments are partly within the immature zone. Additionally, the calculated Vitrinite Reflectance (Ro) values indicate that the majority of Jurassic and Neocomian samples are immature, whereas Albian and Aptian samples have Ro values exceeding 0.6% or even 0.8%. The Production Index (PI) observed in the samples increased with lithology and depth with high value in limestones of the Neocomian and Upper Jurassic sequence. Compared to the Jurassic and Neocomian samples, Albian and Aptian samples present fair hydrocarbon generative potential. The Low HC generative potential of the UJLC sequence may be related to the moderate-to-low primary productivity observed from Ba/Al, Cu/Al, and Ni/Al proxies, or to the oxic environment of deposition, which does not favor organic matter preservation. Incorporating organic matter proxies into source rock evaluation is highly beneficial to the assessment of the petroleum potential of the studied basin. It reduces exploration uncertainty and provides guidance for future resource development in this underexplored margin.

The Gulf of Aqaba coast is witnessing an increase in constructing tourism development facilities, especially focused on South Sinai governorate. The need to protect these investments and ensure sustainable tourism development has led to the investigation of associated risks with geological processes in and around the study area. The current manuscript focused on applying near-surface geophysical techniques for evaluating the subsurface geologic setting of the Napq area for construction purposes, to provide an ample foundation for future planning. The geological mapping was utilized, as well as geophysical techniques (geoelectric resistivity, ground penetrating radar GPR, and seismic hazard analysis), which were applied for optimal land-use planning. The findings of the geophysical survey revealed a subsurface model consisting of four distinctive layers: the first layer ranged in resistivity from 133 to 3600 Ohm.m and was 0.5–1.3 m thick, which was represented by weathered alluvial deposits; the second layer had a resistivity ranging from 36 to 744 Ohm.m and was 3.1–8.2 m thick, equivalent to gravelly sand deposits; the third layer had a resistivity ranging from 10 to 24 Ohm.m and a thickness of 7.2–22.3 m, equivalent to saline saturated gravelly sand deposits, and ended with the fourth layer of fractured basement granite rocks with a resistivity > 200 Ohm.m. The GPR survey supported and confirmed the gained results of geoelectric resistivity. The seismic hazard analysis indicated the levels of peak ground acceleration (PGA) that ranged between 0.15 and 0.17 g for an exposure period of 50 years, and as normally expected, PGA values increase to a value between 0.2 and 0.25 g for an exposure period of 100 years. Finally, all the acquired geophysical surveys were integrated and fitted together to generate an optimal land use plan for the Napq area for construction purposes. The study area can be classified into four distinctive main units: the first unit that can be the most suitable unit for construction and engineering purposes, which is represented by Quaternary wadi-fill deposits of sand and gravel horizontal layers; the second unit that can be suitable for construction purposes after checking the possibility of the presence of subsurface cavities; the third unit, which is avoided for any constructions, is bounded by the tracks of the flood plains and active faults, which can be used as open areas such as gardens and playgrounds; and the fourth unit, which is avoided for any engineering purposes, is represented by the western mountainous areas of the study area.

The long-term performance of infrastructure, such as bridges, buildings, and dams, depends on the durability of the materials used in construction. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) play a critical role in enhancing material resilience, particularly against corrosion, a significant factor in structural degradation. This review attempts to systematically evaluate recent studies that assess the integration of MOFs with traditional materials under varying environmental stressors, including temperature extremes, chemical exposure, and soil conditions. The review combines exploratory information gained through referenced experimental and computational findings on MOF-based coatings applied to construction substrates, such as steel and concrete. Key parameters analyzed include porosity, thermal stability, ion-exchange capacity, and corrosion inhibition efficiency. Comparative studies with traditional anti-corrosive systems have reported cases where electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed an approximately threefold increase in charge transfer resistance, indicating superior barrier properties. Additionally, surface analysis studies demonstrated up to 50% less mass loss and improved morphological stability after thermal cycling and chemical exposure. Research has proven that structures built with MOF-enhanced materials demonstrate up to 65% increased resistance to corrosion in adverse conditions, such as chloride-rich environments. Reports on electrochemical tests revealed a 40–60% reduction in corrosion rate, while surface analysis showed improved retention of the morphological features under thermal cycling. Further, qualitative findings suggest that the mode of protection offered by MOFs is mainly mediated through selective adsorption and barrier formation. These results highlight the potential of MOFs as sustainable additives for extending the lifespan of infrastructure in the modern construction industry.