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1. Developing a Multicriteria Decision Analysis Framework to Evaluate Reclaimed Wastewater Use for Agricultural Irrigation: The Case Study of Maryland

   https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology8010004  

   Paul, Manashi; Negahban-Azar, Masoud; Shirmohammadi, Adel; Montas, Hubert (March 2021, Hydrology)

   null (Ed.)

   Groundwater is the main source of irrigation and residential use in the Eastern Shore Maryland, which is experiencing challenges regarding overuse, saltwater intrusion, and diminishing productivity. The Chesapeake Bay is also facing the problem of water pollution due to pollutant loading from agricultural fields and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Using recycled water for irrigation has the potential to alleviate the pressure on groundwater and reduce pollutant loading. The objective of this study was to develop a decision tool to explore the use of recycled water for agricultural irrigation in Maryland using Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) integrated with Geographical Information Systems (GIS). Four main evaluation criteria were included in the GIS-MCDA framework: agricultural land cover, climate, groundwater vulnerability, and characteristics of the WWTPs as sources of recycled water. Groundwater vulnerability zones were developed using the groundwater well density, water extraction data, and the aquifer information. Then, the most suitable areas for irrigation using recycled water were identified. About 13.5% and 32.9% of agricultural land was, respectively, found to be “highly” and “moderately” suitable for irrigation with recycled water when WWTPs were categorized based on their treatment process information. The results provide a useful decision tool to promote the use of recycled water for agricultural irrigation. 

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2. Groundwater in Crisis? Addressing Groundwater Challenges in Michigan (USA) as a Template for the Great Lakes

   https://doi.org/10.3390/su14053008  

   Steinman, Alan D.; Uzarski, Donald G.; Lusch, David P.; Miller, Carol; Doran, Patrick; Zimnicki, Tom; Chu, Philip; Allan, Jon; Asher, Jeremiah; Bratton, John; et al (March 2022, Sustainability)

   Groundwater historically has been a critical but understudied, underfunded, and underappreciated natural resource, although recent challenges associated with both groundwater quantity and quality have raised its profile. This is particularly true in the Laurentian Great Lakes (LGL) region, where the rich abundance of surface water results in the perception of an unlimited water supply but limited attention on groundwater resources. As a consequence, groundwater management recommendations in the LGL have been severely constrained by our lack of information. To address this information gap, a virtual summit was held in June 2021 that included invited participants from local, state, and federal government entities, universities, non-governmental organizations, and private firms in the region. Both technical (e.g., hydrologists, geologists, ecologists) and policy experts were included, and participants were assigned to an agricultural, urban, or coastal wetland breakout group in advance, based on their expertise. The overall goals of this groundwater summit were fourfold: (1) inventory the key (grand) challenges facing groundwater in Michigan; (2) identify the knowledge gaps and scientific needs, as well as policy recommendations, associated with these challenges; (3) construct a set of conceptual models that elucidate these challenges; and (4) develop a list of (tractable) next steps that can be taken to address these challenges. Absent this type of information, the sustainability of this critical resource is imperiled. 

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3. Gordon Research Conference on photosynthesis: photosynthetic plasticity from the environment to synthetic systems

   https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1007/s11120-017-0472-x  

   Gisreil, C.; Saroussi, S.; Ramundo, S.; Fromme, P.; Govindjee, G. (January 2018, Photosynthesis research)

   Here, we provide a summary of the 2017 Gordon Research Conference on Photosynthesis: “Photosynthetic plasticity: from the environment to synthetic systems”. This conference was held at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel at Sunday River, Newry, Maine, USA, from July 16 to 21, 2017. We have also included here a brief description of the Gordon Research Seminar (for students and post-docs) held during 2 days preceding this conference. Following the conclusion of the conference’s scientific program, four young scientists (Han Bao, Vivek Tiwari, Setsuko Wakao, and Usha Lingappa) were recognized for their research presentations, each of whom received a book as a gift from one of us (Govindjee). Having chaired the 2015 Gordon Research Conference on Photosynthesis in 2015, Fabrice Rappaport, who lost his fight against cancer in January 2016, was remembered for his profound impact on the field of photosynthesis research. 

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4. Water Table Fluctuations Control Nitrate and Ammonium Fate in Coastal Aquifers

   https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR038087  

   Roumelis, Christian; Willert, Fabian; Scaccia, Maria; Welch, Susan; Gabor, Rachel; Carrera, Jesús; Folch, Albert; Salgot, Miquel; Sawyer, Audrey H (January 2025, Water Resources Research)

   Coastal aquifers experience water table fluctuations that push and pull water and air through organic‐rich soils. This exchange affects the supply of oxygen, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and nitrogen (N) to shallow aquifers and influences groundwater quality. To investigate the fate of N species, we used a meter‐long column containing a sequence of natural organic topsoil and aquifer sediments. A fluctuating head was imposed at the column bottom with local, nitrate‐rich groundwater (16.5 mg/L NO₃‐N). We monitored in‐situ redox potential and collected pore water samples for analysis of inorganic N species and DOC over 16 days. Reactive processes were more complex than anticipated. The organic‐rich topsoil remained anaerobic, while mineral sediments beneath alternated between aerobic, when the water table dropped and sucked air across preferential flow paths, and anaerobic conditions, when the water table was high. A fluid flow and reactive transport model shows that when the water table rises into organic‐rich soils, it limits the flow of oxygen, while the soils release DOC, which stimulates the removal of nitrate from groundwater by denitrification. At the end of the experiment, we introduced seawater to the column to mimic a storm surge. Seawater mobilized N and DOC from shallow soil horizons, which could reach the aquifer if the surge is long enough. These processes are relevant for groundwater quality in developed coastal areas with anthropogenic N sources, as climate change and rising seas will drive changes in water table and flood dynamics. 

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5. Designing and Executing a Computational Petrology Research Project using Rhyolite-MELTS & Magma Chamber Simulator (MCS)

   Bohrson, WA; Antoshechkina, P; Distefano, M; Strasser, V; Spera, FJ; Heinonen, J; Iles, K (August 2024, Geochemical Society)

   This workshop will provide strategies and techniques for designing and executing computational petrology research projects and will engage participants in using software called Rhyolite-MELTS and the Magma Chamber Simulator (MCS) to address questions about open system magma evolution. Participants will: Be introduced to petrologic and geochemical questions that can be addressed by computational tools such as Rhyolite-MELTS and MCS. Be presented with case studies that utilize these computational tools to address petrologic questions. Be introduced to computational research design strategies and data management techniques. Learn the limits of thermodynamic databases and the functionality of computational methods when applied to natural systems. Collaborate and discuss strategies to apply these techniques to petrologic scenarios provided by the conveners. Have the opportunity to pose questions to MCS and Rhyolite-MELTS experts that will aid in the set-up of their computational projects. Network and benefit from the experiences and expertise of other scientists. Petrologists of all levels are encouraged to join the workshop! If you need training on the use of these tools, we will provide Zoom sessions prior to the workshop, with dates to be determined. If you have already taken an MCS workshop or attended a MELTS short course, please consider joining us again for additional training on research project design and execution. MCS and rhyolite-MELTS can also be used as teaching tools for those interested in integration into petrology/geochemistry classes, so please sign up if you would like to use these tools in your classes. The workshop will take place Tuesday, 1st October and Wednesday, 2 October, 08:00-13:30 MST/UTC-7 on both days. Registration is done through the Goldschmidt2024 conference registration form. If you are registering for the workshop only and not participating in the conference, on the Registration Options page of the form, under "Conference Options", please select "Science Workshop Only Remote (no conference attendance)", then choose this workshop in the section "Post-Conference Science Workshop: Remote (October 2024)" before proceeding to payment. 

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