Optimization of Water Quality Monitoring Networks Using Metaheuristic Approaches: Moscow Region Use Case

Currently many countries are struggling to rationalize water quality monitoring stations which is caused by economic demand. Though this process is essential indeed, the exact elements of the system to be optimized without a subsequent quality and accuracy loss still remain obscure. Therefore, accurate historical data on groundwater pollution is required to detect and monitor considerable environmental impacts. To collect such data appropriate sampling and assessment methodologies with an optimum spatial distribution augmented should be exploited. Thus, the configuration of water monitoring sampling points and the number of the points required are now considered as a fundamental optimization challenge. The paper offers and tests metaheuristic approaches for optimization of monitoring procedure and multi-factors assessment of water quality in “New Moscow” area. It is shown that the considered algorithms allow us to reduce the size of the training sample set, so that the number of points for monitoring water quality in the area can be halved. Moreover, reducing the dataset size improved the quality of prediction by 20%. The obtained results convincingly demonstrate that the proposed algorithms dramatically decrease the total cost of analysis without dampening the quality of monitoring and could be recommended for optimization purposes.

Search for new functionality for unused objects of frame architecture

The problem of reconstruction, renovation and revitalisation of unused or abandoned framed architectural objects is one of the cases of modern sustainable development. For several such objects, complex reconstruction projects were developed during the course of four International interdisciplinary student workshops “International Building Challenge” that include the choice of new functionality. Considered Objects for renovation include the equestrian yard of the Kuznetsovs' estate in Dolgoprudny (Moscow Area, Russia), pavilion 24 of the Trekhgornaya Manufactory in Moscow, Russia, the hanging room of the Zhivopisny bridge in Moscow, Russia as well as several water towers in the Central Federal District of the Russian Federation. All mentioned objects are having at least one uniting feature: an interpretation of frame house. For the first time in Russia, mentioned student’s projects reflected the real interaction of urban planners, developers, architects, designers and engineers. Projects consisted of several components: ecological (choice of materials, utilities, ecological zoning of the territory, green design standards), economic (best-use calculation), and social (needs of local residents). Empty or abandoned buildings on a frame construction basis showed functional flexibility and versatility.

INSTALLATION FOR PHYSICAL MODELING OF SALINE SOILS WASHING

Gradients of salts concentrations of the soil solution, rinsing water pressures, filtration coefficients determine the flow intensity of the salt solutions in the aeration zone. There are known a lot of software for calculating the motion of salt solutions in the porous medium. To assess the accuracy of calculations of the salts movement in the soil, the data of gradient measurements are used. The implementation of the known methods of physical modeling on the soil monoliths mounted according to Astapov, lysimetric installations, in experimental leaching of saline soils in the field requires significant material investments, labor and time. Minimum material and labor costs are required for the assembly and use of the proposed design of the installation for physical modeling of saline soil washing. A working prototype of the installation has been developed. It includes piezometers, a case, units of piezometers connection, sampling of soil moisture combined with soil electrodes, equalizing drain, rotating part of the case. Piezometers, drains and connecting hoses, soil moisture sampling unit. The installation case is assembled of separate branch pipes equipped with necks and sealing rings. Filtration investigations and gradient measurements of the salts movement are carried out on the installation. The tests of the installation prototype were fulfilled in the field on the sand pit reclamation map located in the floodplain of the Gzhelka and Moskva rivers of the Ramensk region of the Moscow area. The profile filtration coefficients measured at the installation – 2.33 ± 0.031 m / day and in the field conditions – 2.36 ± 0.041 m / day do not differ significantly.