The study investigates the potential of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for acquiring phenotypic trait parameters of Victoria amazonica in an open pond environment. Sequential 2D images using UAVs were acquired from multiple views on a weekly basis. The structure from motion (SfM) technique was then used to build high-resolution orthomosaic and 3D models of the mapping area. Measurements corresponding to typical leaf, petiole, and flower growth were made using digital models. It was observed that the digital models could represent the actual ground truth values for all the traits with a ground sample distance ranging between 0.25 and 0.4 cm/pixel. A comparison of digital and manually measured phenotypic trait data revealed that the UAV-based measurements could predict on par with the conventional manual measurements. Additionally, linear regression fits generated for digital and manual trait data resulted in adjusted coefficients of determination (Adj. R2) of atleast 0.98 for all parameters. The trait data were also statistically analyzed to assess the growth rates of various parameters during the monitoring period. It is observed that the leaf rim height and petiole parameters are the highly sensitive and varying traits (COV range: 53–78%) for Victoria amazonica species. Besides addressing the problems with manual phenotyping, the proposed methodology provides an easy, flexible, frequent, accurate, contactless, non-destructive and cost-effective solution for aquatic plant research.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a prominent tool in the modern day. The utilization of AI and advanced language models such as chat generative pre-trained transformer (ChatGPT) and Bard is not only innovative but also crucial for handling challenges related to water research. ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that uses natural language processing to create humanlike conversations. ChatGPT has recently gained considerable public interest, owing to its unique ability to simplify tasks from various backgrounds. Similarly, Google introduced Bard, an AI-powered chatbot to simulate human conversations. Herein, we investigated how ChatGPT and Bard (AI powdered chatbots) tools can impact water research through interactive sessions. Typically, ChatGPT and Bard offer significant benefits to various fields, including research, education, scientific publications, and outreach. ChatGPT and Bard simplify complex and challenging tasks. For instance, 50 important questions about water treatment/desalination techniques and 50 questions about water harvesting techniques were provided to both chatbots. Time analytics was performed by ChatGPT 3.5, and Bard was used to generate full responses. In particular, the effectiveness of this emerging tool for research purposes in the field of conventional water treatment techniques, advanced water treatment techniques, membrane technology and seawater desalination has been thoroughly demonstrated. Moreover, potential pitfalls and challenges were also highlighted. Thus, sharing these experiences may encourage the effective and responsible use of Bard and ChatGPT in research purposes. Finally, the responses were compared from the perspective of an expert. Although ChatGPT and Bard possess huge benefits, there are several issues, which are discussed in this study. Based on this study, we can compare the abilities of artificial intelligence and human intelligence in water sector research. © 2023

As global concerns over sustainable infrastructure continue to rise, there is an increasing interest in looking into alternative materials for pavement construction. Zinc slag (ZS) has attracted interest because it has the potential to be a more affordable alternative to conventional pavement materials. This paper delves into the physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of ZS, discussing its composition and grain size distribution relevant to pavement applications. Previous studies and case studies that have utilized ZS in pavement applications were discussed. It then highlights the potential of ZS as a viable alternative by providing the opportunity for waste diversion. The utilization of ZS as a sustainable pavement material offers the potential for waste reduction, resource conservation, carbon footprint reduction and energy savings. The illustrations made in this manuscript would aid the transportation industry's efforts toward sustainable and economical construction of roads across the globe. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The commencement of the green revolution has carved the path toward more sustainable approaches in the construction industry. Extraction of conventional coarse aggregates disrupts the ecological and environmental balance from production, transportation, and disposal point of view. In this experimental investigation, an attempt has been made to evaluate lightweight expanded clay aggregates (LECAs) as a coarse aggregate substitute. The study has been conducted in two sections. The first portion investigates the influence of partial and full replacement of conventional coarse aggregates by LECA on the mechanical properties of concrete paver blocks for light and medium traffic conditions. Compressive strength, flexural strength, and abrasion resistance of M35 grade paver block of 60mm thickness and M40 grade paver block of 80mm thickness have been evaluated and examined at varying percentages of LECA (0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%). The selected grade met with light and medium traffic conditions as per IS-15658 (2006). Partial and full replacement of conventional coarse aggregate by LECA exhibited considerable alteration in the mechanical behavior of the paver blocks for both light traffic and medium traffic applications. The second portion of the study assesses the mechanical response of lightweight concrete of M25 grade produced by full replacement of LECA as a coarse aggregate and partial replacement of cement by fly ash. Performance parameters such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and abrasion resistance of the lightweight concrete were determined and analyzed. Cost analysis was also carried out to evaluate the economic repercussions asserted due to the use of LECA in concrete production. Henceforth, further investigations on interactions at the microlevel, formation of long-term secondary cementations compound and use of superplasticizers were recommended to prepare sustainable concrete. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Aerial inspection of solar PV plants using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is gaining traction due to benefits such as no downtime and cost-effectiveness. This technology is proven to be the low-cost alternative to conventional approaches involving visual inspection and I-V curve tracing to identify physical damages and underperforming strings, respectively. Though the use of UAVs for thermographic solar PV inspection is a popular alternative in developed countries, its use in developing economies experience various challenges. Studies emphasizing these challenges especially in the context of rapid evolution of drones are limited. To overcome this limitation, literature scoping, a one-on-one survey, focus group discussion, and a flight campaign using a UAV with a thermal payload is conducted in India to identify the limitations. These are further categorized into Technical, Behavioural, Implementation, Pre-deployment, Deployment, and Post-deployment categories. The relevance and significance of each challenge are analysed using a hybrid multi-criteria framework developed in this study. Findings of this study highlight the importance of drone regulations, technology readiness, and workshops for drone pilots, industry professionals, and solar developers in India. This study aid developing economies in devising strategies that can promote the use of UAVs for solar PV plant commissioning activities.

Rooftop rainwater harvesting systems (RRWHS) effectively provide water access by storing precipitated water. The amount of water harvestable using these systems is proportional to the availability of rooftop areas in the region. The use of satellite imagery has gained traction in recent times considering the challenges in conducting a manual survey to determine the rooftop area. However, the limitations on spatial resolution impaired stakeholders from conducting similar assessments in areas with small residential units. In this regard, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) providing high-resolution spatial imagery for the delineation of rooftops of all scales has become popular. The present study is an attempt to utilize UAV-generated orthomosaics to estimate the harvestable quantity of rainwater for setting up an RRWHS. A study area in the Gurgaon district, India, is selected, and the steps involved in estimating the quantity of water harvestable using UAVs are demonstrated. In addition to these computations, a suitable site for constructing the storage unit is identified with the aid of a weighted overlay technique implemented using a Geographic Information System. The results from the study show that nearly 11,229 m of water can be harvested per year in the study site using the RRWHS.

Pavement monitoring involves periodic damage detection and condition assessment of pavements for efficient pavement management. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based pavement monitoring requires multidisciplinary knowledge of pavement distress, drone type, payload, flight parameters, drone deployment, and image processing. Owing to the availability of various UAVs, data sensing devices, operating ecosystems, and post-processing tools, selecting an appropriate combination of these systems is crucial. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to provide essential knowledge on the prevalent challenges of existing monitoring techniques and discuss the potential advantages of UAVs over conventional pavement monitoring practice. A state-of-the-art review emphasizing UAV technicalities in the context of image-based pavement monitoring is presented. A detailed workflow and checklist for drone deployment is drafted for novice users to ensure safe and high-quality data acquisition. Finally, the present challenges and future scope of UAV-based pavement monitoring is discussed. Overall, this study aims to provide inclusive and comprehensive information on UAV-based pavement monitoring to beginner researchers.