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Groundwater represents a vital yet often overlooked source of freshwater, essential for public water supply, agriculture, industry, and maintaining ecosystem functions. In the context of accelerating climate change, overexploitation, and water quality degradation, the sustainable management of groundwater resources is becoming increasingly important. The aim of this study is to analyze current approaches to groundwater governance based on case studies from California, Orange County, the Netherlands, and India, and...

This study examines the influence of cutter geometry on cutting forces and rock destruction efficiency in drilling, with relevance beyond geological applications. We explored optimizing geometric parameters - attack angle (0--45-), cutting edge width, and profile shape (straight, wedge, radial) - to boost efficiency and cut energy use. Numerical simulations via SolidWorks finite element analysis (FEA) used a tetrahedral mesh (0.1-0.5 mm elements) and the Mohr-Coulomb criterion to model cutter interactions with roc...

Catamarans are widely used in marine transport due to their advantages in stability and speed. However, their hydrodynamic performance is affected by the interaction between the two hulls, which creates complex interference phenomena influencing resistance and fuel consumption. Understanding and quantifying these interference effects is essential for optimizing catamaran, a key factor not only for operational efficiency and emissions reduction but also for achieving climate-resilient, energy-efficient marine trans...

The selection of foundation type for photovoltaic (PV) panels depends on several factors, including soil type, geographical location, site topography, groundwater level, and soil corrosion potential. Common foundation solutions for ground-mounted PV panels include ballasted foundations, ground screws, helical piles, and, most frequently, driven steel micropiles. The current study focuses on optimizing the design of foundations using steel micropiles by leveraging Cone Penetration Test (CPT) results to enable more ...

Passive acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment technologies are technically simplified systems that allow easy control, low capital and operational expenditures, and operating regime that is resilient to varying conditions. Classical technologies for the treatment of AMD with high metal content are based on the process of chemical neutralization. The most commonly used materials or reagents to induce passive neutralization are lime (slaked or quicklime), limestone, soda ash, magnesium hydroxide as well as industrial w...

Settlement risk is a critical concern in geotechnical engineering, especially for infrastructure on soft, variable soils. Traditional settlement estimation methods often rely on deterministic parameters, which can lead to overly conservative designs or, conversely, an underestimation of potential risks. While probabilistic approaches have been proposed to account for uncertainty, they often rely on simplified stratigraphic assumptions such as horizontal layering that limit their realism. This study addresses that ...

The impact of abandoned mines on the water environment is a significant concern due to the long-lasting ecological and health effects associated with mining activities. Numerous scientific studies highlight that abandoned mines pose substantial threats to local water quality through the release of toxic substances and heavy metals into adjacent ecosystems. The zones of the 2 mines have been subject to various environmental and hydrological assessments, particularly concerning the effects of mining activities on wa...

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a significant environmental issue especially in countries like Bulgaria that currently has 486 closed and abandoned mining waste facilities including tailings, dumps and heaps. Some of them are thoroughly investigated and known for their low pH levels and high metal and metalloid concentrations. The most conventional active treatment method for AMD involves neutralization through the use of different reagents. However, a significant limitation in the application of this method is the la...