program hydrology environmental 69 program dryland water resource management department of...

microbiologyhydrology

environmental

69

Program Dryland Water

Resource Management

department of environmental

hydrology and microbiology

Mathematical simulation ofcontaminant concentrationafter 20 years showsspread of contaminant dueto injection, pumping andinfiltration. (see details offigure on page 79).

Clockwise from upper left:

Removing duckweed(Lemna Gibba) fromwastewater treatmentponds in test facility atSede-Boqer.

Azolla caroliniana, a fresh-waterfern grown in symbiosis withthe nitrogen-fixingcyanobacterium Anabaena,provides the cyanobacteriumwith sucrose to support its highrate of nitrogen fixation.

Dairy wastewaterstabilization ponds:Deep reservoirs weredesigned astreatment units.


environmental

70

Department ofEnvironmental Hydrologyand Microbiology

Prof. Shaul Sorek, Head

The application of scientific methods to develop and manage the scarce water resources inthe Negev desert was first undertaken at the Blaustein Institute for Desert Research duringthe midseventies. Today, members of the Department of Environmental Hydrology andMicrobiology combine advanced theoretical/numerical methods with laboratory testing andfield experiments to study optimal exploitation (both quantitatively and qualitatively) ofconventional and nonconventional water sources for agriculture, industry, and domestic use.They also investigate issues of water management and the use of water for specializedpurposes.Departmental research into environmental hydrology incorporates satellite remote-sensingtechnology and water resource management. Activities include detecting and developingnew water sources, including brackish and fossil waters; the treatment, quality-control, andreuse of wastewater; the use of mathematical modeling for predicting the location and flowof groundwater and the transport of pollutants; and the optimal management of differentexploitation scenarios.Research in applied microbiology focuses on aquatic and terrestrial environments that areadversely affected by human activity. Researchers aim at restoring the natural balance inthese ecosystems by studying the biological processes that shape them. Bioremediation andindustrial waste water treatment technologies are being developed to overcome ecologicalerosion. Scientists from Israel and abroad participate in the ongoing research projects.

Phone: 972-7-659-6901 • Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

ACADEMIC STAFFAbeliovich, AharonAdar, Eilon1

Brenner, Asher2

Gitelson, Anatoly3

Issar, Arie1

Kaplan, DroraNejidat, AliOron, Gideon4

Soares, M. Ines M.Sorek, Shaul5

Yakirevich, Alex

Associate StaffBorisov, VyacheslavCarmi, Gennadi6

Katz, Ludmila Krupnik, Anatoly (until 1998)Ronen, Zeev Shandalov, Semion1 Joint appt. with BGU Dept. of Geological and Environmental Sciences2 Joint appt. with BGU Dept. of Chemical Engineering3 Until 1996. Now with BIDR Dept. of Energy and Environmental Physics 4 Joint appt. with BGU Dept. of Industrial Engineering and Management5 Joint appt with BGU Dept. of Mechanical Engineering6 Until 1966. Now with Wyler Dept. of Dryland Agriculture

Example of a quasi-3D problem

Pumping:Q=400m3/day

Injection:Q=1500

m3/day C=0.5

1400

800

x,m0

800y,m

0

30

z,m

Pumping:Q=400m3/day

Infiltration:q=0.003

m/day C=1

1400

Mathematical simulation ofground water level after 20 years

of pumping.


environmental

71

The Alma-Ata basin

in Kazakhstan

Adar, Yakirevich

Satellite sensing of

geomorphic parameters

and vegetation growth

Gitelson, Adar

Study of the Kuruman

eye (spring) in South

Africa

Adar, Issar

Water resources

in South Africa

Issar

Salinization processes

in coastal aquifers

Adar

Distribution of

recharge sources

in the Arava aquifer

Adar, Sorek, Yakirevich

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Natural Water Resources

Kazakhstan and most other Central Asian Republics are experiencing a deterioration ofgroundwater quality due to pollution and over-pumping of local aquifers. In order to findmethods of resolving this problem, we are assessing the pollution and recharge sources ofthe Alma-Ata basin. Researchers are conducting a quantitative elaboration of the sources ofrecharge, hydraulic connections between subaquifers, and the identification of potentialman-caused contamination of water-bearing layers. (Funding: US-AID/CDR/CAD).

Data from the ERS1/SAR and SPOT satellites are being compared with groundmeasurements of several sites in the Avdat watershed in the central Negev highlands. Thisstudy will facilitate the use of remote sensing in order to evaluate the spatial and temporalvariation of geomorphic parameters and of vegetation as the major factors affecting thedevelopment of floods and overland flows. This study is designed to provide improved datafor runoff hydrology modeling. (With Israeli, Moroccan, and Dutch researchers, this projectis funded by the European Community’s AVICENNE Program).

The Kuruman drainage basin in the Kalahari Desert region of South Africa is one of the fewsuch natural systems remaining, and its potential as a water resource for the local area isimmense. We are gathering isotopic and chemical data for quantitative assessment ofgroundwater recharge and the mixing of waters with different chemical and isotopiccharacteristics. This study yielded a quantitative model by which similar investigations couldbe carried out elsewhere, and which improves our understanding of the flows and mixingwithin the Kuruman eye (spring) system. (Funding: South African Ministry of WaterResources and Forestry).

Drilling along regional fault lines in the Table Mountain sandstones and along the doleritedykes of the Karroo region in South Africa has revealed water-bearing structures. In thedolomite provinces, we have identified aquifers containing ancient water stores down to adepth of more than a thousand meters. The quantitative modeling of these resources is nowin progress.

Sources of salinity leading to the deterioration of water quality in the Israel coastal aquifersare under study. Five locations of increasing salinity were identified east of the city ofAshdod. We are using hydrochemistry and environmental isotopic studies to distinguishbetween leakage from deep-seated natural brines and infiltration of salt-containinganthropogenic contaminants. This study is aimed at identifying the origins of this salinity andsuggesting the routes of salt intrusion. (Funding: Israel Water Commission)

Mathematical Modeling and Studies of Water, Mineral,and Pollutant Transport

Dynamic groundwater flow and salinization processes in the Arava aquifer are beingevaluated, based on modeling that includes natural hydrochemical and isotopic tracers. Thegoal of these studies is to determine accurate subsurface flow patterns, and the sources ofsalinization and recharge into an alluvial groundwater reservoir along the Arava valley. Wedeveloped a qualitative mathematical model for identifying the nature of subsurface waterflows. The model identifies and quantifies the components of subsurface water and analyzesthe enrichment of aquifers in remote areas where hydrogeological information is limited. Weimplemented a particular steady-state model in the southern Arava basin which providesdetails on the spatial distribution of fluxes and transmissivities in this aquifer. We then usedthese parameters in a novel quasi 3-D model coupling the unsaturated and saturated zones.


environmental

72

Modeling seawater

intrusion into

groundwater in the Gaza

Strip and Morocco

Sorek, Yakirevich, Borisov

Effect of industrial

effluents on the

hydraulic properties

of chalk

Adar

Pollution of chalk

formations in the

vicinity of Ramat Hovav

Industrial Park

Adar

Effect of floods

on industrial pollution

in the northern Negev

Adar

This allows us to predict groundwater recharge through soil and porous rock layers and thesalinization and contamination of soil and groundwater systems in nonsteady-stateconditions. (Funding: Israel Water Commission; Rashi Foundation).

Decades of excess pumping in the Gaza region have produced a lowering of groundwaterlevels, leading to decreased washing of salt into the sea and increased intrusion of saltwater.We modeled saltwater intrusion in the Gaza Strip in the vicinity of Khan Yunis, with similarstudies taking place in Morocco. We implemented the SUTRA model to predict saltmigration in a vertical section crossing Khan Yunis. Using a second model, based on averagingalong the vertical direction and a specific algorithm to overcome numerical errors due toheterogeneity of the aquifer, we were able to evaluate the evolution of salt in a horizontal,subterranean level. Such models can help predict water quality and suggest ways of avoidingfurther degradation. Water resources management tools are also being developed forseawater contamination of other coastal aquifers. (Funding: US-AID/MERC).

Because water passes through chalk pores with great difficulty, formations of this mineral areclassed as hydrologic ‘aquitards’ i.e., layers of rock that prevent significant amounts of waterpercolation. Because low-pH industrial effluents, rich in solvents, are thought to modify thehydraulic properties of chalk minerals, we investigated the effect of such polluted fluids onchalk cores. Large diameter (40 cm) chalk cores were exposed to fluxes of water and acidicindustrial effluent under Darcy-type experimental control. We found that modifications ofhydrologic conductivities were related to modifications in pore morphology (determined byscanning electron microscopy) and to changes in mineral distribution (identified by X-raydiffraction). (Funding: Ramat Hovav Industrial Municipality; Israel Ministry of theEnvironment).

We are identifying the sources of industrial pollutants leaking into the saturated zone of thefractured chalk aquitard in the vicinity of the Ramat Hovav Industrial Park, south of Beer-Sheva, and evaluating the dynamics of flow and pollutant transport in the aquitard. Ouranalysis takes into account chemical and biological evolution, as well as absorbency andretardation resulting from the interaction of the chalk matrix with the contaminated solutes.The results emphasize the role of fracture systems in establishing preferential flow patterns.Furthermore, a dynamic flow pattern prevails within the fractures; on average, 80% of theflux is transmitted by less than 20% of the fracture volume. Dissolution channels,mineralization, and filling matter control the flow and transport (retardation) of the organiccontaminants. (Funding: Ramat Hovav Industrial Park).

We investigated the effects of erratic floods on the longitudinal distribution of industrialpollution along the Besor River. Due to short overland flows and shallow seepage, pollutedeffluents from the Ramat Hovav Industrial Park and the city of Beer-Sheva have beenaccumulating in nearby stream channels. When erratic floods occur, the level of stream bedcontamination is diluted, and the pollution is carried further downstream toward the coastalaquifer. During small to moderate floods, polluted sediments are trapped in abandonedgravel quarries in the alluvial channel. Hydrological discontinuities were found along thestream channel and indicate the sources of saline groundwater emerging from the Eoceneaquitard that seeps into the shallow alluvial aquifer along the main wash. (Funding: IsraelWater Commission).


environmental

73

Model for numerical

simulation of

evaporation from

bare saline soil

Yakirevich, Sorek

Flow, transport, and

heat transfer through

porous/fractured media

Sorek

transport processes

in porous/fractured

formations

Sorek

Porous/fractured media

mechanics

Sorek

Modeling of

rainfall-runoff events

Yakirevich, Adar

Modeling of nutrient

uptake by plant root

systems

Yakirevich, Sorek

When irrigating crops with brackish water, underground water can be pulled to the surfaceand evaporate. To understand this process, we designed a mathematical model forcomputing the evaporation of water from bare saline soils. Water evaporation from salinesoil depends upon the condition of the atmosphere, the soil and the through-transport ofwater and ions. To test the soil part of the model, we used data on redistribution of waterflow, and movement of dissolved salts in saline soils in sealed soil columns under gradient oftemperature. We used this to calibrate the soil part of this model. When water infiltrationinto dry saline soil was included in the model, we found that osmotic pressure (saltconcentration) gradients had a significant effect on water redistribution and evaporation,following the infiltration period. With: P. Berliner, BIDR

We developed theoretical and numerical models to describe the multiphase flow andmulticomponent transport in porous/fractured media, including the possibility of chemicalinteractions between components. The models can be applied to a very wide range ofsituations including saltwater intrusion into groundwater; nutrient uptake by roots; flowthrough an array of pins in solar heat-exchange units; flow and component transport throughthe brain’s cerebral system; and flow interactions between the cerebrum and the bodysystems.

We are applying mathematical analysis and numerical implementation of the modifiedEulerian-Langrangian method to the solution of coupled systems of partial differentialequations associated with transport phenomena through porous/fractured formations.These mathematical methods are also relevant to the development of methods forestimating hydrological parameters, using groundwater isotopes and environmental tracers.

A microscopic balance expression modeling transport phenomena in porous/fracturedmedia was developed on the theoretical and analytical levels. This model may also be appliedto the theoretical, numerical, and experimental investigation of nonlinear shock wavepropagation in multifluids or in a saturated deformable porous matrix, as well as solutetransport through such media. This model enables us to test the idea of covering shelterswith porous plates to attenuate shocks generated by explosions or to examine the possibilityof achieving local remediation of the soil-groundwater by inducing abrupt, intensive fluxes ina borehole.

As rainwater runs through a rocky watershed, the compositions of the stable oxygen andhydrogen isotopes in the runoff water are modified. Because these changes depend on themixing of the rainwater with surface and subterranean waters of previous precipitationevents, study of the evolution of water isotope compositions during rainfall and runoff areinstructive of the quantities of water present in the geologic structure. We designed amathematical model based on double-component kinematic wave flow and transport topredict the changes in isotopic distributions in runoff. The model was applied to adescription of transport of oxygen-18 by overland flow in a rocky watershed in the NegevDesert. Studied mechanisms improve our understanding of runoff generation, solutetransport, and storage in a rocky desert.

We designed multicomponent models of the transport of fertilizer and salts to a plant rootsystem. The models take into account development of the roots and their competition. Anumerical solution of the solute-transport equation was developed in order to estimate thesensitivity and parameters of this model. In this regard, we developed a model to simulatepotassium ion uptake in saline soil. Soil- and root-uptake parameters were estimated fromthe numerical model using experimental data.With: M. Silberbush, BIDR


environmental

74

Managing water

resources in arid regions

Oron

Wastewater treatment

and reuse

Oron

Filtration of secondary

effluents for

agricultural reuse

Brenner, Oron, Shandalov

Evaluating the

biological treatability

of source streams

entering a complex

chemical wastewater

Brenner, Abeliovich,

Ronen

Biological treatment of

explosive-contaminated

wastes

Brenner, Abeliovich,

Nejidat, Ronen

Processing

dairy wastewater

Abeliovich, Brenner

Use of Marginal Water Supplies

Models for optimal, gradual development of marginal water sources in arid zones are beingdeveloped. Our investigations include the optimal operation of multiquality water supplysystems and management modeling of the optimal mixing of various qualities of water inthese systems. A user-friendly computerized database for optimal management ofcommunity irrigation systems is being developed for a water users’ association in Thailand.

In field experiments with treated wastewater, we examined the environmental and technicalaspects of this form of water recycling. In one study, we followed poliovirus penetration intotomato plants using subsurface drip irrigation with secondary-level treated domesticwastewater. Treated water with high poliovirus content showed only limited penetrationinto the plant root system, with no virus being detected in the leaves. Processing ofwastewater and its post-treatment with floating plants (duckweed) is under study.

Our group is investigating deep granular filtration of secondary effluents followingactivated-sludge treatment in a sequencing batch reactor. This technique should aid indeveloping guidelines for the design and operation of improved wastewater reclamationplants for producing irrigation water. (Funding: Israel Water Commission).

Biological Treatment of Wastewater

Although biological treatment of wastewater is accepted technology, specific industriescould be more efficiently served if tailor-made treatment systems were designed for theparticular waste products being produced. We have therefore investigated processes fortreating problematic effluents of dairy and explosives plants by analyzing the potential forremoving various pollutants through biodegradation, carbon adsorption, or volatilization.Techniques for evaluating the quality of treated waters were also examined. The aim of thisresearch is to develop a comprehensive treatment-management program that will includewastewater segregation, biological treatment, and in-plant control. (Funding: BromineCompounds Ltd.).

A biological treatment process for wastes contaminated with the explosive RDX (cyclonite)is under investigation in the laboratory using wastewater of a munitions factory in Israel. Thisstudy is designed to find solutions for the removal of both RDX and nitrate residues in thesewastes, materials that can contribute to groundwater contamination. (Funding: IsraelMinistry of Science; German BMBF).With: Y. Tekoah, BIDR

Wastewater from the cheese manufacturing and processing industries is characterized byextremely high organic load (BOD up to 10 g/l) and high fat content (up to 1.0 g/l), which isemulsified and difficult to separate. The high fat content, on the one hand, and the expenseof aerobic treatment of high organic loads, on the other, caused us to examine the possibilityof using deep reservoirs as treatment units. Since the effluents will have to be stored anyway,either for seasonal irrigation or for the purpose of controlling their discharge into theenvironment, deep reservoirs would be required for any treatment scheme. Therefore, wedesigned deep reservoirs as reactors for removing the organic load. Following field piloting,treatment systems combining storage and biodegradation were built, based on suchreservoirs. They are currently operating for the Tel Yosef and Tene Noga dairies, as well asfor the Pesadim plant at Migdal Haemek, which manufactures bone and meat meal.


environmental

75

models for designing

sequencing batch-

reactor systems for

activated sludge

Brenner, Shandalov

Causes of nitrite build-up

in treated wastewater

reservoirs

Kaplan, Abeliovich

Overcoming metal

toxicity in algae

growing in wastewater

plants

Kaplan

Biodegradation of

brominated phenols in

contaminated soil,

water, and sediments

Ronen, Abeliovich,

Nejidat

Adhesion of bacteria

to chalk from a

contaminated

fractured aquifer

Ronen, Nejidat, Adar

Advanced mathematical models are being calibrated for activated-sludge systems, based onthe operation of a pilot plant system serving as a sequencing batch reactor for treatingmunicipal wastewater. The calibrated models will be applied to the design, analysis, andcontrol of wastewater treatment plants. (Funding: Israel Ministry of Science; German BMFT).

Due to limited water supplies and increased demand for agricultural water in Israel, domesticwastewater is commonly recycled and stored for use during the dry season. Because of thegradual build-up of nitrite in these reservoirs, which interferes with the efficient chlorinationof the water, we carried out a field study of the environmental causes of nitrite accumulation.The investigation shows that despite the presence of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria in thereservoirs, the strong sunlight bathing the waters was the major factor in curtailing theoperation of these nitrite-clearing organisms.

Algae and other plants with increased tolerance to heavy metals are of interest forapplications to the bioremediation of contaminated natural and man-made water systems.We investigated the effects and inhibitory concentrations of copper, nickel, and zinc ions onthe relatively tolerant Chlorella alga. We found that glutathion, a peptide involved inchemoprotective mechanisms operating in cells, was able to reverse the toxicity of theseions. Glutathion also enabled the cells to absorb greater concentrations of metals from theexternal medium, while allowing them to continue to function and reproduce. Acadmium-tolerant mutant of Chlorella was also isolated, and the mechanisms responsible forits cadmium tolerance were studied.With: Y. Heimer, BIDR

Industrial activity resulted in contamination of a large area in the Ramat Hovav Industrial Parkin the Negev. We evaluated the possibility of using biological methods for the treatment ofthe polluted area. Findings show that the main factors governing the biodegradation ofpollutants in the contaminated soil are: 1) water content; 2) nutrient availability; and 3) thepresence of an appropriate microbial population. Introducing halo-phenol degrading bacteriainto the contaminated soil, combined with adjusting soil water content, resulted in rapiddegradation of pollutants. In contaminated sediments we found that degradation ofmultibrominated phenols depends on the redox potential of the environment. The studysuggested that the complete degradation of pollutants occurs in two stages: In the first step,anaerobic microorganisms remove the halogen atoms by reductive dehalogenation. In thesecond step, aerobic bacteria mineralize the remaining carbon skeleton of themultibrominated phenols. The study suggests practical methods for the clean-up ofcontaminated sites. With: L. Vasiluk, Ben-Gurion University

We are investigating the possibility of using bacteria for bioremedation of a fractured chalkaquifer. The aim of the study is to evaluate the behavior of halophenol-degrading bacteria incontaminated subsurface environment. Findings indicate that the bacteria strongly adhere tothe chalk matrix. Adhered bacteria have been able to reproduce and degrade contaminantsunder experimental conditions. Factors that govern the adhesion of the bacteria to thematrix were evaluated. The results of the study will be used for the investigation of themovement of bacteria in fractured cores from the polluted site. With: I. Sadi, and S. Arnon, Ben-Gurion University


environmental

76

Effect of ammonia

starvation on the

activity of

ammonia-oxidizing

bacteria Nitrosomonas

europaea

Nejidat, Abeliovich

Isolation and

characterization of

genetic elements from

Nitrosomonas europaea

Nejidat, Abeliovich

Sugar formation and

distribution in Azolla

caroliniana growing in

symbiosis with Anabaena

Kaplan

Cellulose as an

energy source for

denitrification of

drinking water

Soares, Abeliovich

Hydrogen-dependent

denitrification of

drinking water

Soares

Ammonia-utilizing and Nitrogen-fixing Bacteria

Despite nearly a year of ammonia starvation, cultures of the ammonia-oxidizing bacteriumNitrosomonas europaea retain their ability to respond to and oxidize ammonia. Obviously thisbacterium does not significantly recycle its vital ammonia-metabolizing enzymes, despitetheir serving no purpose during periods of ammonia starvation. Apparently, the twoenzymes involved in ammonia metabolism – ammonia monooxygenase (AMO) andhydroxylamine oxidoreductase (HAO) – are fairly stable, long-lived proteins, though thelatter significantly less so than the former. This study helps explain the great environmentalstability of N. europaea.

Because genetic engineering requires the use of promoters – segments of DNA that providestarting and control points for gene activation – any attempt to genetically engineer theammonia-metabolizing bacteria Nitrosomonas europaea will require promoters recognized bythis organism. We identified and isolated a novel functional promoter of an N. europaea geneand found that the promoter structure at the initiation site was distinct and did not resemblethose in known bacterial promoters. Further elucidation of N. europaea promoters will berequired before genetic engineering of this bacteria will become possible.

The Azolla caroliniana/Anabaena symbiotic association was grown using nitrogen gasmetabolized by the cyanobacterium as the fern’s only source of nitrogen nutrient. We foundthat the association had lower percentages of total sugars than did Azolla raised in theabsence of the nitrogen-fixing cyanobacterium. Analysis of the soluble sugars in theAzolla/Anabaena association and in the free-grown Azolla indicates that the fern provides thecyanobacterium with sucrose to support its high rates of nitrogen fixation.

Denitrification of Drinking Water

Industrial and agricultural activities often result in the heavy contamination of groundwaterwith nitrates. Removal of nitrate can be carried out by certain microorganisms that, in theabsence of oxygen, have the capacity to transform nitrate into nitrogen gas. Differentsources of carbon and energy can be supplied to bacteria carrying out denitrification, and inrecent years we have been studying the above-ground systems described below.

Cellulose-rich substrates were investigated as inexpensive alternatives to the refined energysources such as sucrose, acetate, and ethanol that are commonly used for waterdenitrification. Shredded newspaper, raw cotton and wheat straw were tested in laboratoryreactors. Cotton was the most efficient substrate and was tried in a pilot plant. The overallquality of the treated water was good, with microbial counts of the same order of magnitudeas that found with conventional treatment methods. Bacteria isolated from the reactors arebeing studied in order to clarify the complex metabolic processes occurring in the reactors.(Funding: US-AID/CDR; BMBF/MOSA).

Hydrogen gas is an ideal substrate for the biological denitrification of drinking water, as it iscompletely harmless to potable water, and no further steps are required to remove eitherexcess substrate or its derivatives. However, the use of hydrogen gas is limited by two of itsinherent properties: it forms flammable and explosive mixtures with oxygen, and its solubilityin water is extremely low. In this study, these disadvantages were overcome by producingthe hydrogen gas by hydrolyses of the water to be treated, enabling the hydrogen to beimmediately taken up by the denitrifying bacteria. (Funding: US-AID/CDR).


environmental

77

We designed a method using bacterial species that can utilize elemental sulfur as an energysource; during the process, sulfur is oxidized to sulfate. The denitrified water was ofexcellent quality, and the final concentration of sulfate was below the recommendedstandard for drinking water. (Funding: Israel Water Commission).

Biodiversity and Stress-Resistant Microorganisms

Desertification is a process associated with salt and drought stresses which causeconsiderable depletion of plant flora and soil microflora. The selection, isolation andpropagation of stress-resistant microorganisms may constitute a major tool for: 1)preserving life in areas suffering progressive desertification; 2) reclaiming areas lost throughdesertification; and 3) cultivating crops in areas affected by salinity and drought.Stress-tolerant nitrogen-fixing symbiotic associations are being identified and characterized.We are analyzing those showing the highest tolerance, the mechanisms by which symbioticorganisms enhance mineral nutrition and the effects of symbiotic organisms on theadaptation processes of plants to salinity and drought. (Funding: EU and US-AID/CDR).

Microorganisms found in leaves of salt-excreting plants in the Negev desert experience largefluctuations in salinity and can tolerate repeated desiccation. We isolated various yeaststrains and studied their physiological adaptations. Some of these organisms can degradepollutants and have the potential for use in bioremediation.With: R.A. Zvyagilskaya, Mosow Institute of Biochemistry.

Climatic Studies

Investigations carried out on a global scale have shown that natural climatic warming hasoccurred several times since the last ice age. Past global heating was found to produce aridityin areas with Mediterranean climates, and increased rain in countries with monsoon climates.If greenhouse warming continues, the Middle East should become drier, leading to greaterscarcity of water resources. Thus a quantitative evaluation of the climatic impact of futuregreenhouse warming is underway, along with the design of conceptual models for makingpossible underground water storage during years of plenty and for filtering and storingreclaimed sewage.

Removal of nitrate from

groundwater with

elemental sulfur

Soares

Biotechnology for the

improved adaptation

of plants to conditions

of stress

Soares

Physiology of

yeasts from the

phylloplane (leaves) of

salt-excreting plants

Soares

Greenhouse warming

and the necessity of

storing water for arid

times

Issar

Scan-electron-micrographof YH1 - RDX

(explosive - degrading bacteria).


environmental

78

Aharon Abeliovich

Eilon M. Adar

Asher Brenner

Arie Shimshon Issar

Drora Kaplan

Ludmila Katz

Ali Nejidat

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Ph.D. Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1972; ProfessorIncumbent of the Claire and Harold Oshry Chair in Aquatic MicrobiologyPhysiology, biochemistry and genetics of nitrifying bacteria; Biology of wastewaterreservoirs; Bioremediation of nitrate polluted aquifers; Biological treatment of industrialwastewater; Ecophysiology of desert microbial crusts.Phone: 972-7-659-6830 • Fax: 972-7-659-6831 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. University of Arizona, 1992; Senior LecturerModeling of subsurface flow patterns in arid and semiarid aquifers; Quantitative evaluation ofrecharge and subsurface flow systems with environmental isotopes and hydrochemistry;Flow and transport of industrial contaminants in fractured chalk aquitards in aridenvironments.Phone: 972-7-659-6904, 972-50-362590• Fax: 972-7-659-6909 •E-mail:[email protected]

Ph.D. Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 1986; Senior LecturerWater and wastewater treatment; Biological treatment; Sequencing batch reactor; Modelingof treatment processes; Detoxification of hazardous wastes; Remediation of contaminatedsoils and groundwater; Deep-bed filtration.Phone: 972-7-659-6905• Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1961; Professor EmeritusIncumbent of the Alan Poher Chair in Hydrogeology in Arid ZonesImpact of climate change on the hydrological cycle and socio-economic systems; Developingconceptual models in order to mitigate the negative impact of global change on the waterresources of the Middle East; Developing new water resources for the Republic of SouthAfrica.Phone: 972-7-659-6903; 659-6901 • Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. Ben-Gurion University and Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1979; Senior LecturerNitrification in wastewater reservoirs; Fate of heavy metals in the environment;Plant-microbe interactions; Symbiosis between plants and cyanobacteria; Interactionsbetween nitrogen and carbon metabolism in plants.Phone: 972-7-659-6835 • Fax: 972-7-659-6831 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. Moscow University, 1977; Researcher Analytical methods and techniques in environmental protection; Methods for examination ofwater and wastewater; Analytical support for research and development in water andwastewater use and treatment.Phone: 972-7-659-6792 • Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. Ben-Gurion University, 1988; Senior LecturerIncumbent of the Sonnenfeldt-Goldman Career Development Chair in Desert ResearchEnvironmental microbiology; Genetic engineering; Metabolic engineering; Biodegradation;Bioremediation. Phone: 972-7-659-6832 • Fax: 972-7-659-6831 • E-mail: [email protected]


environmental

79

Gideon Oron

Zeev Ronen

Semion Shandalov

M. Ines M. Soares

Shaul Sorek

Alex Yakirevich

Ph.D. Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 1975; Professor Water and wastewater treatment and reuse for various purposes; Use of macrophytes forwastewater treatment and renovation; Optimal marginal water use for irrigation of variouscrops; Environmental and health aspects of effluent reuse and disposal; Application ofoperations research for water and environmental systems optimization; Effluent filtrationand reuse; Optimal saline and runoff water use; Water use for recreation; Remote-sensingfor water quality monitoring; The use of membranes for water treatment and quality control;Organic amendment of soils, including the use of duckweed as a fertilizer.Phone: 972-7-659-6900 • Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University, 1992; Researcher Grade CEnvironmental and microbial ecology; Bioremediation of contaminated soil and groundwater;Industrial wastewater treatment; Desert soil microbiology; Biocycling of nitrogen containingorganic compounds.Phone: 972-7-659-6832 • Fax: 972-7-659-6831 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D. Civil Engineering Institute, Russia, 1976; Researcher Grade BBiological treatment of wastewater; Sequencing batch reactors; Deepbed filtration;Mathematical modeling of granual filtration; Removal of hydrogen sulphide.Phone: 972-7-659-6907 • Fax: 659-6909 • [email protected]

Ph.D. University of the Witwatersrand, RSA, 1982; Researcher, Grade ADenitrification of drinking water; Cellulose degradation; Bioremediation; Use of symbioticbiodiversity to enhance plant tolerance to environmental stresses. Phone: 972-7-659-6834 • Fax: 972-7-659-6931 • E-mail: [email protected]

D.Sc., Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, 1980; Associate ProfessorMass momentum and energy transport through porous/fractured media and biomedicalsystems, of multiphase and multicomponent together with chemical reactions; Developmentof numerical methods, sensitivity analysis and inverse; Shock wave propagation throughporous media; Transport through biomedical systems.Phone: 972-7-659-6902 • Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

Ph.D, All-Union Research Institute of Hydraulic Engineering and Land Reclamation, Moscow, 1981;Researcher, Grade BFlow and transport problems in porous media; Sensitivity and parameter estimation;Saturated and unsaturated flow regimes; Modeling of rainfall-runoff events.Phone: 972-7-659-6902 • Fax: 972-7-659-6909 • E-mail: [email protected]

Mathematical simulation ofcontaminant concentration after

20 years shows spread ofcontaminant due to injection,

pumping and infiltration.


environmental

80

PUBLICATIONS

Adar, E.M., I. Gev, P. Berliner, and A.S. Issar. The effect of forestation on a shallow groundwater reservoir in an arid sand dune terrain. Journal of AridLand Studies 5S:259-262 (1995)

Adar, E.M., I. Gev, J. Lipp, D. Yakir, J. Gat, and Y. Cohen. Utilization of oxygen-18 and deuterium in stem flow for the identification of transpirationsources: soil water versus groundwater in sand dune terrain. In: Application of Tracers in Arid Zone Hydrology (eds. E.M. Adar, and Ch.Leibundgut), IAHS Pub. No. 232:329-338 (1995)

Adar, E.M., A. Dodi, M. Geyh, A. Yair, A. Yakirevich, and A. Issar. Distribution of stable isotopes in arid storms: I. Relation between the distributionof isotopic composition in rainfall and in the consequent runoff. Hydrogeology Journal 6:50-65 (1998)

Andreishcheva, E.N., M.I.M. Soares, and R.A. Zvyagilskaya. Energy metabolism of Candida (Yarrowia) lipolytica yeast under nonstress and salinity stressconditions. Russian Journal of Plant Physiology 44:568-574 (1997)

Angelakis, A.N., and A.S. Issar, Eds. Diachronic Climatic Impacts on Water Resources (with emphasis on the Mediterranean region). NATO ASI Series,Springer-Verlag, Berlin (1996)

Barak, S., A. Nejidat, and M. Volokita. Promoter activity of the 5’ flanking region of a tobacco glycolate oxidase gene in transgenic tobacco plants.Biochimica et Biophysica Acta 1399:105-110 (1998)

Bear, J., S. Sorek, and V. Borisov. On the Eulerian-Lagrangian formation of balance equations in porous media. Numerical Methods for Partial DifferentialEquations 13:505-530 (1997)

Ben-Dor, G., A. Levy, and S. Sorek. Numerical investigation of the propagation of shock waves in rigid porous materials: solution of the Riemannproblem. Numerical Methods for Heat and Fluid Flow 8:801-813 (1997)

Brenner, A., S. Shandalov, G. Oron, and M. Rebhun. Deep-bed filtration of SBR effluent for agriculture reuse: pilot plant screening of advancedsecondary and tertiary treatment for domestic wastewater. Water Science Technology 30:219-227 (1995)

Brenner, A. Use of computers for process design analysis and control sequencing batch reactor application. Water Science Technology 35:121-128 (1997) Brenner, A., N. Ben-Shushan, M.H. Siegel, and J.C. Merchuck. Pilot plant performance and model calibration of a sequencing batch air-lift reactor. Water

Science Technology 35:95-104 (1997) Brimberg, J., A. Mehrez, and G. Oron. An integrated model for the development of marginal water sources in the Negev desert. European Journal of

Operations Research 81:35-49 (1995)Brimberg, J., G. Oron, and A. Mehrez. An operational model for utilizing water resources of varying qualities in an agricultural enterprise. Geography

Research Forum 29:66-77 (1997)Clark, W.G., J. Fitchen, A. Nejidat, C.M. Deom, and R.N. Beachy. Studies of coat protein-mediated resistance to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). II.

Challenge by a mutant with altered virion surface does not overcome resistance conferred by TMV coat protein. Journal of General Virology76:2613-2617 (1995)

Dahan, O., R. Nativ, E. Adar, and B. Berkowitz. A measurement system to determine water flux and solute transport through fractures in unsaturatedzone. Groundwater 36:444-449 (1998)

Fridman, V., E. Mazor, A. Backer, D. Avraham, and E.M. Adar. Stagnant aquifer concept Part 3. Stagnant mini-aquifers in the stage of formation, MakhteshRamon, Israel. Journal of Hydrology 173:263-282 (1995)

Issar, A.S., with Robert G. Colodny. From Primeval Chaos to Infinite Intelligence, Avebury, Aldershot (1995)Issar, A.S., and D. Makover-Levin. Evidence for climatic changes during the time of the Bible in Israel. In: Deserts Tropicaux et Changements Globaux,

Memories de la Societé Geologique de France, 167:67-71 (1995) Issar, A.S. Climate change and the history of the Middle East. American Scientist 83:350-355 (1995)Issar, A.S. Impacts of climate variations on water management and related socio-economic systems. Technical Documents in Hydrology, IHP-UNESCO Paris

pp. 97 (1995)Issar, A.S. La Bible et la science, font-elles bon menage? La Recherche 286:48-53 (1996) Issar, A.S. Conflicts and covenants in the Middle East: A review of the contemporary literature on regional water problems. In: Israel Studies (ed. S.I.

Troen), Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel 1:267-277 (1996)Issar, A.S., and S.D. Resnick, Eds. Runoff, Infiltration and Subsurface Flow of Water in Arid and semiarid Regions, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, the

Netherlands (1996)Issar, A.S., and D. Yakir. The Roman period’s colder climate. Biblical Archeologist 60:2 (1997) Issar, A.S., and N. Brown, Eds. Water Environment and Society in Times of Climate Change, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht, the Netherlands (1998)Issar, A.S. A geologist looks at the stones of Jerusalem. American Scientist 86:408-409 (1998)Jiracheewee, N., G. Oron, V.N. Murty, and V. Wuwongse. Computerized database of information use in optimal management of community Irrigation

systems in Thailand. Agricultural Water Management 31:237-251 (1996) Kaplan, D., Y.M. Heimer, A. Abeliovich, and P.B. Goldsbrough. Cadmium toxicity and resistance in Chlorella sp. Plant Science 109:129-137 (1995)


environmental

81

Kaplan, D., and G.A. Peters. The Azolla-Anabaena azollae relationship XIV: Chemical composition of the association and soluble carbohydrates of theassociation, endophyte-free Azolla, and the freshly isolated endophyte IV. Symbiosis 24:35-50 (1998)

Kaplan, D., N.T. Prakash, and A. Abeliovich. Glutathione-induced recovery in Chlorella cells from metal toxicity. Fresenius Environment Bulletin 7:153-159(1998)

Khandka, D.K., A. Nejidat, and A. Golan-Goldhirsh. Polymorphism and DNA markers for asparagus cultivars identified by random amplified polymorphicDNA. Euphytica 87:39-44 (1996)

Krylov, A., S. Sorek, A. Levy, and G. Ben-Dor. Simple waves in saturated porous media: 1. The isothermal case. JSME International Journal, Series B,39:294-298 (1996)

Levy, A., S. Sorek, G. Ben-Dor, and J. Bear. Evolution of the balance equations in saturated thermoelastic porous media following abrupt simultaneouschanges in pressure and temperature. Transport in Porous Media 21:241-268 (1995)

Levy, A., G. Ben-Dor, and S. Sorek. Numerical investigations of the propagation of shock waves in rigid materials: development of the computer codeand comparison with experimental results. Journal of Fluid Mechanics 324:163-179 (1996)

Nejidat, A.. Possible involvement of calmodulin in the regulation of ATPase activity in guard cells. Physiologia Plantarum 94:411-414 (1995) Nejidat, A., O. Spector, and A. Abeliovich. Isolation of a functional promoter from Nitrosomonas europaea. FEMS Microbiology Letters 137:9-12 (1996) Nejidat, A., G. Zhang, M. Grinberg, and Y. Heimer. Increased protein content in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana over-expressing nitrate reductase activity.

Plant Science 130:41-49 (1997) Nejidat, A., H. Shmuely, and A. Abeliovich. Effect of ammonia starvation on hydroxylamine oxidoreductase activity in Nitrosomonas europaea. Journal of

Biochemistry 121:957-960 (1997) Oron, G. Water resources management in arid zones. Journal of Arid Lands Studies 5S:287-290 (1995) Oron, G., M. Goemans, Y. Manor, and J. Feyen. Poliovirus distribution in the soil-plant system under subsurface drip irrigation of secondary wastewater.

Water Research 29:1069-1078 (1995)Oron, G. Management modeling of integrative wastewater treatment and reuse systems. Water Science Technology 33:95-105 (1996)Oron, G. The soil as a complementary treatment component for simultaneous wastewater disposal and reuse. Water Science Technology 34:243-252

(1996) Oron, G., and A. Gitelson. Real-time quality monitoring by remote-sensing of contaminated water-bodies: waste stabilization pond effluent. Water

Research 30:3106-3114 (1996) Persia, C., G. Oron, and A. Mehrez. Optimal operation of regional system with diverse water quality sources. Journal of Water Resources Planning and

Management, ACSE, 123:105-115 (1997)Ronen, Z., A. Abeliovich, and A. Nejidat. Biodegradation of alkylpyridines by bacteria isolated from a polluted subsurface. Biodegradation 8:357-361

(1998) Shandalov, S., A. Yakirevich, A. Brenner, G. Oron, and M. Rebhun. Model calibration of deep-bed filtration based on pilot-scale treatment of

secondary effluent. Water Science Technology 36:231-237 (1997)Soares, M.I.M., and A. Abeliovich. Wheat straw as substrate for water denitrification. Water Research 32:3790-3794 (1998)Sorek, S., A. Yakirevich, and M. Feinsod. A compartmental brain model for chemical transport and CO2-controlled blood flow. Frontiers of Medical and

Biological Engineering 7:45-70 (1995)Sorek, S. A model for solute transport following an abrupt pressure impact in saturated porous media. Transport in Porous Media 22:271-285 (1996)Sorek, S., A. Krylov., A. Levy, and G. Ben-Dor. Simple waves in saturated porous media: 2. The nonisothermal case. JSME International Journal, Series B,

39:299-304 (1996)Van-der Steen, P., A. Brenner, and G. Oron. An integrative duckweed and algae pond system for renovation of nitrogen from wastewater. Water Science

Technology 37:243-252 (1998)Volokita, M., A. Abeliovich, and M.I.M. Soares. Denitrification of ground water using cotton as energy source. Water Science and Technology 34:379-385

(1996) Volokita, M., S. Belkin, A. Abeliovich, and M.I.M. Soares. Biological denitrification of drinking water using newspaper. Water Research 30:965-971 (1996) Wilhelm, R., A. Abeliovich, and A. Nejidat. Effect of long-term ammonia starvation on the oxidation of ammonia and hydroxylamine by Nitrosomonas

europaea. Journal of Biochemistry 124:811-815 (1998)Yakirevich, A., P. Berliner, and S. Sorek. A model for numerical simulations of evaporation from bare saline soil. Water Resources Research 33:1021-1033

(1997)Yakirevich, A., V. Borisov, and S. Sorek. A quasi three-dimensional model for flow and solute transport in unsaturated and saturated zones:

implementation of the quasi two-dimensional case. Advances in Water Resources 21:679-689 (1998)Yakirevich, A., A. Dody, E. Adar, M. Geyh, and V. Borisov. Distribution of stable isotopes in arid storms: II. A double-component kinematics wave

flow and transport model. Hydrogeology Journal 6:66-76 (1998) Yakirevich, A., A. Melloul, S. Sorek, S. Shaath, and V. Borisov. Simulation of seawater intrusion into Khan Yunis area of the Gaza Strip. Hydrogeology

Journal 6:577-584 (1998)


environmental

82

Academic staff

Research Associates

Technical staff

Secretarial staff

Visiting Scientists

Graduate Students

Department of Environmental Hydrologyand Microbiology

Prof. Shaul Sorek, HeadProf. Aharon AbeliovichDr. Eilon AdarDr. Asher BrennerProf. Arie IssarDr. Drora KaplanDr. Ali NejidatProf. Gideon OronDr. M. Ines M. SoaresDr. Alexander Yakirevich

Dr. Vyacheslav BorisovDr. Ludmila KatzDr. Zeev RonenDr. Semion Shandalov

Nili Ben-ShushanLeonid GillermanAntonina GlazerGalia Keidan GitelsonLeonid Landesman – retiredValentina LeizarovichLarissa ShemtovAhuva VonshakMorel Wolff

Dorit ElimelechMarcia Chertok

Menachem Elimelech, University of California, USAJohnny Frederica, Technical University, DenmarkMichail Kouznetsov, Agrophysical Institute Petersburg, RussiaAnne-Marie Lezine, University of Paris, FranceGunnar Nuetzman, University of Berlin, GermanyTakashi Ogachi, JapanElisha Orr, University of Leicester, UK Bela Polyak, Institute of Biotechnology, HungaryMiquel Salgot, University of Barcelona, SpainRobert Simon, University of Geneseo, USA Ralf Wilhelm, Forschungs Centrum Jülich, GermanyAnatoli Zeiliguer, Moscow Hydromelioratif Institute, RussiaRenata Zvyagilskaya, Moscow Institute of Biochemistry, Russia

Shai Arnon Christophe KuellsYohanan Artzi Avraham LeviLeor Asaf David Levi-HevroniAmit Bachar Yacov LivshitsLilach Ben-David Svetlana LumelskyAmos Bick Yael RosenRoni Bril Sharon RozenshienRavital Cohen Yoram TakoaOfer Dahan Simon TzukArie Gilboa Peter Van der SteenLeonid Gillerman Michal VolokitaNimrod Halamish Noam WeisbrodIris Hermoni Yoav ZivIstvan Kiss Shimon Zuk