Network Analysis of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico (America) Region

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Steadman, Shaun Williams, Andrew Eiswerth This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-7077115/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Published Journal Publication published 12 Aug, 2025 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted 10 You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Increasing stress on and dependencies among the food, energy, and water sectors make historic approaches to managing resources from a single-sector perspective unsustainable. Although significant advances have been made in understanding food-energy-water (FEW) nexus dynamics, particularly at the global scale, approaches to regional analysis are needed that provide contextual detail, identify key actors, and help inform selection of the most appropriate strategies for building resilience. Moreover, because negative feedback loops among FEW sectors occur at multiple geographic scales (local, regional, national, global), conveying a holistic picture of FEW nexus concerns and opportunities is challenging. We propose an approach to scan grey literature (e.g., news media) and distill this information into useful insights on regionally important FEW nexus feedback loops and quantitative data for constructing geospatially anchored social networks. Furthermore, we showcase how integrating and embedding this qualitative and quantitative data into an ArcGIS StoryMap allows for interactive and layered communication of FEW tension points, regional hotspots, and key players, facilitating the ability for stakeholders to obtain and build a multi-scale, holistic perspective of FEW nexus dynamics. As a demonstration of this approach, we use the Gulf of Mexico (America) region, which provides critical services in the food and energy sectors amidst dwindling, quality water resources. Physical sciences/Engineering Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental social sciences Scientific community and society/Geography Social science/Geography Physical sciences/Mathematics and computing Gulf of America Gulf of Mexico Food-Energy-Water Nexus Network Analysis Resilience Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 1. Introduction Historic approaches to management in the food, energy, and water (FEW) sectors are not sustainable. This is largely because resources traditionally have been managed from a sectoral perspective, often aimed at maximizing productivity. Focus on a single sector can make the other sectors more vulnerable, resulting in an overall decline in resilience 1 , 2 . Cascading impacts can also result in negative feedback loops, whereby efforts to maximize a sector’s productivity today threaten productivity tomorrow. In addition, population growth and climate change are increasing stress on and exacerbating tensions among each of these sectors, contributing to disruptions and making resilience more difficult to achieve. Since 2011, significant progress has been made in understanding FEW nexus dynamics 3 , including research on concepts, methods, and models and tools relevant for characterizing FEW nexus dependencies 4 – 6 . Recent examples applying this research at the regional level include work by Liang, et al. (2020), who quantified provincial-level interconnections of FEW system economic supply chains in China 7 , as well as Feng, et al. (2019), who quantified FEW flows in the Detroit, Michigan area 8 . These and other studies have focused on characterizing interactions of physical resources (e.g., through input-output models) associated with FEW sectors 5 . For purposes of coordinating efforts to address FEW tensions, such characterizations are a valuable but often insufficient step. Context relating to the social, political, environmental, and economic dimensions surrounding FEW tensions is needed 9 , including an understanding of institutional roles, community-level impacts, and social dynamics 10 , 11 . Moreover, studies can fall short of tracing and articulating the specific negative cascading effects and feedback loops central to regional FEW nexus tensions. Previous studies have noted the failure to implement nexus-based approached in practice 12 . Identification of specific actors—even if incomplete—and contextual information about FEW tensions can assist entities seeking to coordinate and affect positive change with knowing who the right individuals to involve are and tailoring discussions in more productive directions. Toward these ends, incorporating qualitative data—in conjunction with quantitative modeling and network characterization—may enhance the ability to explain the internal mechanisms of FEW nexus dynamics and provide needed detail and context 5 , 13 . In particular, news articles and grey literature may serve as valuable sources. For example, news articles can capture high-profile issues with local context, often mentioning specific stakeholders and stakeholder groups involved in tensions, including decision-makers and those affected by and driving tensions. Analysis of such articles can be used to identify relationships among topics, as well as their evolution 14 . In this paper, we outline an approach to (1) identify and extract relevant contextual information on FEW nexus tensions from news articles and grey literature; (2) translate text-based cues into geospatial coordinates to create a geographically anchored network diagram of FEW dependencies; and (3) integrate both quantitative and qualitative information into a presentation format—ArcGIS StoryMaps. This format allows stakeholders to interactively engage with information about FEW nexus tensions, including the ability to view feedback loops existing at varying geographic scales, which allows for a more holistic picture of the FEW tensions confronting a region. Applying this relatively straightforward approach allows for early-stage identification of key players involved in FEW nexus tensions, assisting in efforts to develop shared contextual understanding and collaborative decision-making toward disrupting negative feedback loops. Applying this approach, we conduct a FEW analysis of Gulf Coast region, consisting of the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas (referred hereafter as the Region) and the Gulf waters. This Region has well-known hubs for food and agriculture and energy production, includes nationally critical natural bodies of water and waterways, and is a key region in current U.S. energy transition efforts 15 . To our knowledge, this study represents the first time such an analysis has been conducted on the Region. 2. Results The final news and grey literature dataset consisted of 42 articles spanning years 2012 to 2024 (Supplementary Table S1 ). All references to sectors, key players, and locations in these documents were tallied. Some articles addressed tensions in more than one theme, with 5, 11, 18, and 12 articles informing biosolids, dead zone, Permian Basin, and water markets themes, respectively. 2.1 Network Summary and Nexus Tension Points Across all themes, a total of 200 links represented primary impacts and 102 links represented secondary impacts. The median number of primary impact links per source and per theme was 2 and 50, respectively; the median number of secondary impact links per source and per theme was 2 and 25.5, respectively (Fig. 1 ). Tables 1 – 3 summarize sectors, key players, and locations, respectively, that drove and were impacted by tensions. While results vary by theme, totals serve to elucidate dominant trends in the Region. Several key players dominated the role of driving tensions, including farmer, rancher ( n = 31); fertilizer industry (n = 26); oil, gas industry ( n = 36); and state ( n = 44) and federal ( n = 22) government. Key players impacted by tensions were dominated by broad stakeholder groups such as community stakeholders (n = 71) and Gulf of Mexico stakeholders ( n = 30). Farmer, rancher ( n = 41) and oil, gas industry (n = 23) were also largely impacted. Table 1 Count of media article references to sectors driving and impacted by Food-Energy-Water nexus tensions. Theme Sectors Sector Driving Tensions (n) Primary Impacts (n) Secondary Impacts (n) Dead Zone Food 16 23 23 Energy 16 0 0 Water 23 32 6 Permian Basin Food 5 3 21 Energy 39 8 1 Water 1 34 0 Water Markets Food 1 0 38 Energy 21 4 1 Water 41 59 2 Biosolids Food 0 37 0 Energy 0 0 0 Water 37 0 10 TOTAL Food 22 63 82 Energy 76 12 2 Water 102 125 18 Table 3 Count of media article references to the top three locations driving and impacted by Food-Energy-Water nexus tensions. Theme Locations (top 3) Location Driving Tensions (n) Primary Impacts (n) Dead Zone D.C. 11 Florida 20 17 Gulf of Mexico 8 23 Louisiana 5 Permian Basin D.C. 3 Gulf of Mexico 2 High Plains 2 International 2 Texas 39 41 Water Markets Alabama 3 Florida 3 Louisiana 7 New Mexico 9 8 Texas 27 38 Biosolids Atlantic Coastline 8 D.C. 5 Florida 28 11 Gulf of Mexico 8 Maryland 2 Texas 2 TOTAL Alabama 0 3 Atlantic Coastline 0 8 D.C. 19 0 Florida 48 31 Gulf of Mexico 8 33 High Plains 2 0 International 0 2 Louisiana 7 5 Maryland 2 0 New Mexico 9 8 Texas 68 79 Florida ( n = 48) and Texas ( n = 68) were locations most frequently referenced driving tensions. Florida and Texas also ranked high for locations impacted by tensions along with the Gulf of Mexico ( n = 31, 79, 33, respectively). Florida’s influence largely stemmed from the fertilizer industry while influence from Texas stemmed from state government and oil, gas industry. The water sector was central to tensions. First, it was the dominant driver of tensions ( n = 102). The water sector also received the most primary impacts from tensions ( n = 125) that largely cascaded to the food sector, which experienced the most secondary impacts ( n = 82). Finally, water plays a role in each of the following negative feedback loops identified in the analysis: Food-Water-Food Overapplying fertilizers in agriculture degrades water quality locally, limiting quality water available for irrigation, reducing agriculture productivity Overapplying fertilizers in agriculture degrades water quality in distant regions, making water uninhabitable for marine life, reducing fishing productivity Fertilizer plants supporting agriculture pollute local water resources, reducing fishing productivity Over-pumping water for irrigation limits water availability and degrades quality of remaining water, limiting quality water available for irrigation, reducing agriculture productivity Farmers selling water rights to the energy sector and not irrigating potential crops reduces agriculture productivity Application of contaminated soil amendments (i.e., biosolids) degrades local water quality, impacting the health of livestock dependent on local water sources and limiting quality water available for irrigation, reducing agriculture productivity Energy-Water-Energy Contaminating water via fracking degrades water quality, limiting quality water available for fracking, reducing energy productivity Overusing water for fracking limits water availability and degrades quality of remaining water, limiting quality water available for fracking, reducing energy productivity Water-Water Over-allocating water limits water availability, desalination plants that mitigate water scarcity degrade water quality Water exports from regions facing water scarcity limit water availability in the exporting region and to stakeholders dependent on the water source (i.e., aquifer) Water trade negotiations among water-scarce regions result in water provision commitments not met and less water available in the receiving region than planned for in the water budget Water exports upstream limit water availability downstream and degrade quality of remaining water 3. Discussion As summarized in this section, examining the history and origins of FEW nexus tensions in the Region provided valuable context for the initial stage data collection and review. Sectoral management has been employed dating back to the 1950s to meet increasing food and energy demands of the growing global population, which catalyzed the Green Revolution and Great Acceleration. In the Green Revolution, agricultural inputs (i.e., irrigation water, fertilizers, and chemicals) were increased to maximize outputs (i.e., yields) 16 . Increased dependence on irrigation water resulted in depletion of water resources, inducing and worsening water scarcity 17 . As water levels decline, contaminants concentrate, degrading the quality of remaining water. Further, nutrients in agriculture contribute to water quality issues. For example, nutrients are applied at high rates (e.g., fertilizers, manure) 18 , 19 , with more than half of those applied regularly unused by crops 20 , 21 and susceptible to entering water resources 22 – 24 causing algal blooms, eutrophication, and loss of habitat 25 – 27 with legacy effects enduring up to 35 years 28 . Important for the Region is that these impacts can be delocalized – choices made outside of the Region can affect resilience of FEW sectors in the Region. In the Great Acceleration, increasing energy demands were largely met by coal, oil, and gas 29 . As the US depleted the most accessible, conventional fossil fuels, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) was implemented to extract unconventional fossil fuels (e.g., oil sands, shale oil, shale gas). Fracking requires significantly more water than extraction of conventional sources 30 , 31 and water demand is climbing year over year with water scarcity impacts in the largest fossil fuel source in the US, the Permian Basin oil field 31 , 32 . Additionally, fracking generates toxic wastewater (produced water), which contributes to groundwater and land contamination. Finally, while interest in alternative energy resources has grown in response to the association of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases 33 , some new technologies, such as biofuels, have higher water footprints than fossil fuels 34 . More recent management approaches also contribute to tensions, such as the use of biosolids – organic materials resulting from treatment of domestic sewage in water treatment plants. Biosolids are rich in nutrients, making them an attractive option for use as fertilizers. Yet, biosolids can pose significant health risks. They are a recognized source of antibiotic-resistant pathogens 35 and contain more than 700 pollutants 36 . Of particular concern are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or “forever chemicals”. These manufactured chemicals break down slowly because they are resistant to water, oil, grease, and heat. They are known to increase risks of certain cancers, modify responses of the immune system, alter liver enzymes, and increase health risks to pregnant women and their babies, among others 37 . PFAS contaminate farms when they are present in applied soil amendments, harming soil and farm animals. Further, they can leach into water resources, contaminating irrigation and drinking water. Finally, they can be present in food commodities because PFAS can be taken up by crops through the water, soil, or air 38 . Table 4 provides a high-level, qualitative summary of dynamics across each theme derived from the analyzed sources (Supplementary Table S1 ). As an example of detailed context generated by this approach, Fig. 2 illustrates the link analysis results for the dead zone accompanied by the following description, which was generated by paraphrasing the content in the original sources. Similarly detailed results and narratives for the remaining three themes are accessible on the publicly-available StoryMap (Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico). Table 4 Qualitative summaries of analyzed themes. Theme Summary Dead Zone The Mississippi River serves as the dominant corridor transporting excess nutrients, largely from agricultural land throughout the Great Plains and Midwest, to the Gulf of Mexico. Once discharged to Gulf waters, the excess nutrients drive harmful algal blooms, affecting local fishing and restaurant industries. Although the Mississippi River Hypoxia Task Force has been tasked to reduce the size of the dead zone, it has grown in size. The fertilizer industry plays a central role, not only through fertilizer sales, but also through contamination of local water resources surrounding fertilizer production plants. Similarly, the oil and gas industry has contaminated Gulf waters through daily wastewater disposal and disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The contamination compounds impacts to the dead zone. For example, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill decimated the Gulf oyster population, leading to the loss of a key ecosystem service (i.e., water filtration). Permian Basin The colocation of energy sources, water resources, and agricultural land use yields widespread tensions in the Permian Basin. This primary source of fossil fuels intersects with the Ogallala Aquifer, which serves as water for hydraulic fracturing, drinking water, and irrigation water in agriculture. Longstanding overallocation is driving water scarcity. Further, because the aquifer extends throughout the Great Plains, water use outside of the Region significantly affects FEW sectors within the Region. Additionally, increasing amounts of wastewater produced from hydraulic fracturing are creating tensions. Injection wells are commonly used for wastewater disposal, contaminating surrounding land and water resources and suffering blowouts. Finally, the oil and gas industry is investing in infrastructure to increase production and exports. Infrastructure development is disrupting communities and agricultural land and increasing water use, particularly in coastal towns, which are over allocating freshwater to meet the demands. Water Markets Water markets are evolving rapidly in the Permian Basin as competition for water increases. Landowners often grapple with contaminated land and insufficient access to quality irrigation water. In lieu of producing agricultural commodities, they increasingly sell their water rights to the oil and gas industry, including across state lines. Because aquifers span political boundaries and differences in water policies exist between Texas and New Mexico, New Mexico argues that Texas is stealing their water only to sell it back to them. Amidst increasingly severe water scarcity, Texas is putting forth great effort, including filing lawsuits, to secure water from each of its neighbors. Tensions extend beyond Texas, including the ongoing Tri-State Water War between Florida, Alabama, and Georgia. Biosolids Biosolids represent an emerging tension. The earliest article included in this analysis was published in 2017 and legal issues in the region were captured in an article published in 2024. Tensions relate to government support of biosolid application on land throughout the US, yet a lack of requirements for biosolids to be labeled on soil amendment products despite the known presence of toxins. Landowners claim that application of biosolid-based soil amendments are contaminating their land and water and harming crops and livestock. The Gulf of Mexico dead zone ranked among the top three largest in the world in 2024 39 (Fig. 2 .A). It results from excess nutrients, which drive harmful algal blooms and lead to hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen) making water uninhabitable. The Mississippi River serves as the dominant corridor transporting nutrients, discharging them into Gulf waters. Excess nutrients from agricultural activity serve as the primary source. While local agriculture plays a role, decisions made in distant agricultural regions of aquifers connected to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, such as the Great Plains and Midwest regions, contribute significantly to the dead zone. Network analysis in Fig. 2 .B depicts interactions among government, the agriculture industry, and the fishing and restaurant industries. The government (1), acting through the Mississippi River / Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force established in 1997, was charged with minimizing the dead zone. However, it is not on track to meet its goals 40 . A major critique of the government’s approach is reliance on voluntary conservation practices in agriculture (2) rather than pursuing enforceable limits on nutrients to minimize those reaching the Gulf to swell the dead zone (3). Importantly, the dead zone leads to contaminated seafood and reductions in quantity and size of catches, which come at great financial cost to local fishing and restaurant industries (4). Figure 2 .C illustrates dynamics related to the fertilizer industry (1), which plays a central role in these tensions as important fertilizer plants are located in the Region. In addition to selling fertilizer products to local and distant farmers (2), of which a portion of applied nutrients leach and return to swell the dead zone (3), fertilizer plants have contaminated local water resources, killing fish, damaging marine life, exacerbating the dead zone, and resulting in legal issues with state and federal governments (4). Florida plays a key role in the fertilizer industry as one of the country’s top producers of soil amendments sourced from biosolids that are applied on land throughout the state and leach to impact water quality. While the government encourages land application, concern of impacts on the community (5) are increasingly common. Further, Florida is home to one of the richest phosphate deposits in the world and the largest ammonia plant in the world is located in Louisiana. Production of these nutrients is water intense and contributes to water scarcity issues. As network analysis illustrates in Fig. 2 .D, the energy sector (1) and government regulations (2) impact Gulf water quality (3) and communities (4) throughout the region. Notably, pollution from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill directly impacted water quality and decimated the oyster population. Not only did this directly impact the food sector (5), but it also indirectly impacted the water sector through loss of a key ecosystem service – oysters filter water, removing algae and excess nutrients. The energy sector also has permission to expel wastewater in the Gulf. In Corpus Christi, a single oil and gas company has permission to expel large quantities of polluted wastewater daily. Results demonstrate that consolidating qualitative data and translating into quantitative data geographically yielded a more holistic understanding of nexus tensions in the Region than could be obtained in a single source or by qualitative or quantitative analysis alone. Analyzing numerous sources comprehensively that address a specific theme reveals abundant (Fig. 1 ), widespread links at various spatial scales (i.e. within and outside the region; Fig. 2 ). This contrasts with analysis of single sources, which tend to include only a small number of links (Fig. 1 ) and, therefore, cannot provide comprehensive insight. The geospatial analysis and visualization facilitate interpretation of the roles of sectors – when they drive and are impacted by tensions – and identification of regional hotspots and key players. Making interpretation more comprehensive, the qualitative data elucidates the broader social, political, environmental, and economic context. Regional hotspots and key players were identified (Tables 2 and 3 ) and were evident in mapping products (Fig. 2 ). For example, in the dead zone, the fertilizer industry in Florida played a significant role driving tensions with primary impacts to farmers, ranchers locally and outside the region as well as cascading impacts to the waters of the gulf, which include environmental – water quality issues – that cascade to economic – the fishing industry. The influence of the Florida fertilizer industry extended to biosolid tensions, with qualitative data in sources identifying Florida as one of the primary producers and distributors of biosolids in the US. The oil, gas industry was frequently identified as a driver of tensions across the qualitative data, often related to impacts on water scarcity and water quality, particularly in the Permian Basin. As investments continue amidst depleting fossil fuel resources, sources highlighted concern over tensions being exacerbated. These dynamics also drove tensions in the water market, particularly between Texas and New Mexico. Table 2 Count of media article references to the top three key player categories driving and impacted by Food-Energy-Water nexus tensions. Theme Key Players (top 3) Key Player Driving Tensions (n) Primary Impacts (n) Dead Zone Community Stakeholder 10 Farmer, Rancher 13 11 Federal Government 11 Fertilizer Industry 12 Gulf of Mexico Stakeholder 22 Permian Basin Community Stakeholder 15 Farmers, Ranchers 4 11 Oil, Gas Industry 25 16 State Government 10 Water Markets Community Stakeholder 46 Farmer, Rancher 5 Federal Government 6 Oil, Gas Industry 11 7 State Government 34 Biosolids Atlantic Coastline Stakeholder 8 Farmer, Rancher 14 14 Federal Government 5 Fertilizer Industry 14 Gulf of Mexico Stakeholder 8 TOTAL Atlantic Coastline Stakeholder 0 8 Community Stakeholder 0 71 Farmer, Rancher 31 41 Federal Government 22 0 Fertilizer Industry 26 0 Gulf of Mexico Stakeholder 0 30 Oil, Gas Industry 36 23 State Government 44 0 Farmers, ranchers were central to tensions with impacts from within and outside of the Region, highlighting the importance of flexibility in the approach related to spatial scale. Management choices of farmers, ranchers within the region impact all four themes. Fertilizer runoff contributes to the dead zone and the application of soil amendment products that contain biosolids (including when the presence of biosolids is unknown to the landowner) exacerbates tensions stemming from contamination. Further, selling water rights in lieu of producing agricultural commodities impacts food and energy sectors in the Permian Basin and contributes to tensions in the water market. Importantly, farmers, ranchers represent one of the most important players driving delocalized impacts. Because of the expansive footprints of the Ogallala Aquifer and Mississippi River basin, management choices throughout the Great Plains and Midwest regions have important implications in the water sector directly and the food and energy sectors indirectly in the Region. Relatedly, adjusting spatial scales facilitates identification of policy implications across different levels of the government, which played an important role across all themes. State- and federal-level guidance played critical roles in the production and distribution of biosolids, energy production, land management, and water use. Importantly, federal-level guidance was critical for the dead zone and Permian Basin, permitting overuse and pollution of water resources via the delocalized influence of management choices by farmers, ranchers mentioned above. Local governments drove impacts related to water scarcity by over allocating water resources, especially to the oil, gas industry in coastal cities where new infrastructure development is concentrated. Regional hotspots and key players impacted by tensions were also identified. Not surprisingly, broad stakeholder groups were most frequently impacted. Interestingly, farmers, ranchers and the oil, gas industry were also frequently impacted. This points to the important dynamic of negative feedback loops. For example, decades of overallocation within the Region and throughout the Great Plains have led to water being consumed from the Ogallala Aquifer 10 times faster than can be naturally recharged 41 . Water scarcity is further exacerbated by rapidly increasing water needs for fracking 42 . Consequently, the food and energy sectors increasingly face limited access to quality water to continue productivity, in addition to impacts to communities in general. Analysis and visualization of the roles of the FEW sectors (Table 1 , Fig. 2 ) also reveal negative feedback loops, in which the water sector played a central role. Feedback loops in the food and energy sectors resulted from cascading impacts, by which management in the food or energy sectors negatively impacted the water sector and, in turn, negatively impacted the food or energy sector. In contrast, feedback loops resulting from management choices in the water sector had direct impacts on the water sector. Importantly, the water sector was most frequently identified as the primary driver. This was largely influenced by tensions related to biosolids, which are sourced from waste at water treatment plants. Additionally, many articles cited the current state of the water sector – widespread water scarcity and degraded quality – as the primary driver of tensions. It is important to note the historic contributions of the food and energy sectors to vulnerabilities in the water sector. Had more articles included these original drivers, an increase in the roles of food and energy sectors as drivers and in the water sector as experiencing primary impacts may have been observed. This observation highlights the fact that analytic results are limited by the topics subjectively covered in the qualitative data. Because content covered in qualitative data is subjective and biases may exist, this work cannot be considered an exhaustive representation of regional nexus dynamics. Rather, this approach serves as an initial step to understanding the most high-profile dynamics in a region and can provide direction for next steps when conducting additional research and analysis to fill identified gaps. For example, articles gave attention to agriculture impacting the water sector. However, references generally applied to row crops while information specific to animal agriculture was lacking. Similarly, virtual water transfers (tracking water footprints of commodities and regional transfers through the supply chain) were not addressed in the media, though they are recognized as critical in FEW nexus dynamics 34 . Additionally, care must be taken to ensure quality data that captures the most up-to-date state of the nexus. However, not all content can be validated with existing literature and rapidly evolving circumstances may not yet be captured in available sources. Finally, interpreting the quantitative results in the context of qualitative data shortcomings is key. For example, it is important to note that an expansive region of stakeholders was often denoted as a single reference in an article and, therefore, as a single node in analysis. This was observed frequently for farmer, rancher key players in the Great Plains and Midwest regions. The low number of references outside the Region may be an artifact of this accounting. Therefore, the perceived level of influence of key stakeholders and regions may be low relative to others addressed with more specificity in articles. As such, interpreting single nodes as indicators of wider regions is critical. With this context, it is clear that choices made outside the Region impacted resilience within the Region. In conclusion, this work demonstrates an approach for holistic horizon scanning that integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to identify regional aspects of FEW nexus tensions including key players, regional hotspots, and roles of FEW sectors, which elucidate important dynamics and negative feedback loops across all three sectors. The approach is both flexible and reproducible across regions as well as able to move through spatial scales and integrate new insights and local context as the nexus evolves. While this work aimed to improve understanding of tensions, the approach can similarly be applied to improve understanding of the state of solution development. Articles reviewed in the broad scanning phase highlighted several integrated approaches being implemented in the Region by an array of stakeholders. For example, communities are working to support recovery of oyster populations, thereby supporting the fishing industry and improving water quality 43 . Farmers are transitioning to regenerative agricultural practices to mitigate impacts on water quality and scarcity while improving soil health for agricultural production 44 . Ranchers are adopting agrivoltaics, which can have benefits across all three sectors and beyond 45 – 47 . A critical next step will involve engaging regional stakeholders and subject matter experts in an equitable manner 48 to validate findings and continue filling knowledge gaps around tensions as well as to ensure solutions reflect local priorities and maximize potential for successful implementation. Because stakeholder engagement begins with identifying, categorizing, and investigating relationships among key stakeholders 49 , this approach can be leveraged to convene stakeholders important to regional resilience. This is because sources frequently referenced individual stakeholders (e.g., individual people, specific companies, specific government offices). While an exception to this was often observed when referencing groups of stakeholders outside the region, as in the case of farmers, ranchers in the Great Plains and Midwest regions, regional stakeholders were regularly referenced with specificity and our results have identified, categorized, and analyzed relationships among them. Affecting change will require a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Because of delocalized impacts, top-down policies that improve land management and water use outside the Region would enhance resilience in the Region. Further, because the pursuit of integrated solutions in the Region has already begun, it may be an opportune time to unite local stakeholders in a bottom-up approach to build momentum. Supporting the organization of such local communities may benefit from collaborations with organizations such as the Gulf Research Program, which works to improve resilience through the application of science, and which excels at convening stakeholders. Making efforts from both approaches complimentary may improve the success of implementation. For example, creating funding opportunities such as zero- or low-interest loans to install agrivoltaic systems may promote adoption of this nexus approach that benefits all three FEW sectors, while inclusion of a requirement to qualify for the loan program that agricultural management practices transition from conventional to regenerative would multiply positive impacts on the food and water sectors. Because stakeholders local to the Region are currently pursuing both agrivoltaics and regenerative agriculture, this may suggest that these solutions reflect local priorities. Including such local context in the development of top-down solutions may, therefore increase the likelihood of adoption, compliance, and improved resilience. 4. Methods Our approach follows guidelines for conducting an integrative literature review 50 and consists of the following five steps: Step 1: Conduct broad scanning Step 2: Perform thematic analysis Step 3: Supplement select themes with additional scanning Step 4: Extract network data and align data to geospatial coordinates Step 5: Construct the StoryMap Further details on each of these steps is provided in the following paragraphs. Step 1: Conduct broad scanning The initial step involves a broad scan of news articles and grey literature, relying on reputable data sources from established media outlets and government agencies to maximize data quality. We emphasized identification of local news sources in the Region to maximize the inclusion of local context, as supplemented with state and national sources. To ensure more recent dynamics were captured, we set an initial bound of publication dates within 10 years from the time of analysis (2014–2024). The conceptual structure underpinning source collection was the FEW nexus—all articles addressed dynamics related to the nexus that affected resilience in the Region, regardless of topic. Efforts to understand the history and origins of tensions within the region (see Discussion section) helped inform the identification of keywords used in this initial stage of review (Table 5 ). Using the Google search engine, we searched various iterations of keywords independently and in combination, including in combination with Region states and major metropolitan cities. Table 5 Key words searched individual and in combinations in initial broad scanning. Key Words agriculture injection wells agricultural land loss irrigation animal agriculture livestock biosolids liquid natural gas coastal resilience Permian Basin contamination phosphogypsum stack crawfish pipeline construction desalination pipeline hazards drought produced water eminent domain reclaimed water energy refineries energy infrastructure reservoir construction energy security reservoirs energy transition seafood disputes fertilizer seafood economics fertilizer production seafood industry food seafood production food-energy-water nexus wastewater fracking water disputes groundwater conservation water sales dead zone vulnerable population illegal dams Step 2: Perform thematic analysis Thematic analysis was performed on the 84 sources identified in Step 1. Each researcher reviewed all articles, performing an initial round of inductive coding to extract themes related to the FEW nexus. Researchers conferred on the identification of a subset of 12 recurring themes that reflected key FEW tensions. Of these, we selected four to perform an additional round of review based on: 1) amount of coverage; 2) length of time an issue received; 3) breadth of stakeholders involved; 4) impact on regional resilience. All sources not addressing the four selected themes were archived. Step 3: Supplement select themes with additional scanning As identified in Step 2, the four selected themes were as follows: (1) the dead zone, (2) the Permian Basin, (3) water markets and (4) biosolids. We compared regional context from the sources to the current understanding of the history and origins of tensions in the region (see Discussion section) to identify gaps in regional understanding. To capture regional FEW dynamics more comprehensively, we engaged in a second round of data collection by performing targeted searches of key words specific to each gap, including in combination with individual cities mentioned in sources, using the Google search engine. In total, 42 articles, including peer-reviewed sources, were identified for analysis after Step 3, with some articles providing context on more than one theme. For additional details on the final set of articles, see the Results section. Step 4: Extract network data and align data to geospatial coordinates To structure the data for geospatial analysis, we extracted references to sectors, key players, and locations from each source and identified them as driving or being impacted by tensions. For sectors, we identified the primary sector driving tensions and the primary and secondary sectors impacted by tensions. The secondary sectors impacted represent cascading impacts and were included to support identification of negative feedback loops. We standardized locations to the county level. When an article referenced a general location (e.g., the Permian Basin), we assigned a centrally located county as a proxy. When an article referenced a water body, we used a single location within the water body for consistency. To facilitate identification of the roles of groups of key players, we assigned specific key players (e.g., individual farmer) to general categories (as inductively identified during our review)—namely, academia, environmentalist, farmer, rancher, federal government, fertilizer industry, fishing industry, foreign government, Gulf of Mexico stakeholder (i.e., stakeholders dependent on the Gulf of Mexico), (local) community, local government, nonprofit, oil and gas industry, state government, and water services. We joined latitude and longitude coordinates to each county entry to complete the extracted dataset. Step 5: Construct the StoryMap Data were mapped and analyzed in ArcGIS Pro (3.1.2). After validating the geolocated nodes visually, we used the “XY to Line” tool to construct directed interactions between pairs of nodes. Arrows originated at nodes driving tensions and terminated at nodes affected by tensions. Sizing of arrow thicknesses was accomplished using the “Count Overlapping Features” tool, which was based on the number of interactions occurring between each node pair. For each of the four themes, we developed summaries based on the source content reviewed to provide context to the various network interactions displayed. Where possible, we validated statistics cited in each summary with other data sources. Information corresponding to interactions analyzed and tension contexts summarized were consolidated into a publicly-available digital report using ArcGIS StoryMaps on ArcGIS Enterprise (11.3) titled “Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico”. Declarations Competing interests The author(s) declare no competing interests. Author Contribution All authors contributed to development of the approach, data analysis, interpretation of results, and drafting of the manuscript and StoryMap. The main responsible for drafting the manuscript was Casey L. Steadman Corresponding author Correspondence to [email protected] . Data Availability All data is available online. URLs for each data source (e.g., news article) are organized in a supplementary table. References Barnett, J. & O'Neill, S. Maladaptation. (2010). Rasul, G. & Sharma, B. The Nexus Approach to Water–Energy–Food Security: An Option for Adaptation to Climate Change. Clim. Policy . 16 , 682–702 (2016). 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The Anthropocene: Are Humans Now Overwhelming the Great Forces of Nature. Ambio-Journal Hum. Environ. Res. Manage. 36 , 614–621 (2007). Rosa, L., Davis, K. F. & Rulli, M. C. D'Odorico, P. Environmental Consequences of Oil Production from Oil Sands. Earth's Future . 5 , 158–170 (2017). Rosa, L., Rulli, M. C. & Davis, K. F. D'Odorico, P. The Water-Energy Nexus of Hydraulic Fracturing: A Global Hydrologic Analysis for Shale Oil and Gas Extraction. Earth's Future . 6 , 745–756 (2018). Houston, N. A. et al. Estimates of Water Use Associated with Continuous Oil and Gas Development in the Permian Basin, Texas and New Mexico, 2010–19, with Comparisons to the Williston Basin, North Dakota and Montana. Rep. No 2327–6932, (2021). (US Geological Survey. Kammen, D. M. The Rise of Renewable Energy. Sci. Am. 295 , 84–93 (2006). D'Odorico, P. et al. The Global Food-Energy‐Water Nexus. Rev. Geophys. 56 , 456–531 (2018). Law, A. et al. Biosolids as a Source of Antibiotic Resistance Plasmids for Commensal and Pathogenic Bacteria. Front. Microbiol. 12 , 606409 (2021). US Environmental Protection Agency. Basic Information About Biosolids , < (2023). https://www.epa.gov/biosolids/basic-information-about-biosolids Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health - What are the health effects of PFAS? (2024). https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html US Department of Agriculture. Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) , https://www.farmers.gov/protection-recovery/pfas#:~:text=Once%20 PFAS%20are% 20in%20the,grain%20grown%20on%20contaminated %20fields>(. National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science. Above Average Summer 2024 ‘Dead Zone’ Measured in Gulf of Mexico , (2024). https://coastalscience.noaa.gov/news/above-average-summer-2024-dead-zone-measured-in-gulf-of-mexico/ Hypoxia Task Force. in Report to Congress . 2015 – 2010. Yamazaki, F. & Pierce, J. A. S. Impacts to the Ogallala Aquifer: How Changes in Long-term Weather Patterns and Shifts in Climate Regions Affect the Aquifer–An Overview of Selected Papers. (2024). Kondash, A. J., Lauer, N. E. & Vengosh, A. The intensification of the water footprint of hydraulic fracturing. Sci. Adv. 4 , eaar5982 (2018). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Gulf Coast: Oyster Shell Recycling Key to Sustainable Seafood and Coastal Protection , < (2024). https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/feature-story/gulf-coast-oyster-shell-recycling-key-sustainable-seafood-and-coastal-protection Carver, J. L. Texas farmers are worried one of the state’s most precious water resources is running dry. You should be, too. , (2023). https://www.texastribune.org/2023/06/20/texas-ogallala-aquifer-farming-climate-change/ Barron-Gafford, G. A. et al. Agrivoltaics Provide Mutual Benefits Across the Food–Energy–Water Nexus in Drylands. Nat. Sustain. 2 , 848–855 (2019). Gilbert, S. Under a Texas sun, agrivoltaics offer farmers a new way to make money , (2024). https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/interactive/2024/solar-farms-agriculture-agrivoltaics/?pwapi_token=eyJ0eXAiOiJKV1QiLCJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJyZWFzb24iOiJnaWZ0IiwibmJmIjoxNzI3MTUwNDAwLCJpc 3MiOiJzdWJzY3JpcHRpb25zIiwiZXhwIjoxNzI4NTMyNzk5LCJpYXQiOjE3 MjcxNTA0MDAsImp0aSI6ImVjZDcyZWExLW UwZTYtNGNlNy05 YjQ1LTFkZWYyY2YxYjViYSIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lndhc2hpbmd0b25wb3N0LmNvbS9id XNpbmVzcy9pbn RlcmFjdGl2ZS8yMDI0L3NvbGFyLWZhcm1zLWFncmljdWx0dXJlLWFncml2b2x0YWljcy8ifQ.dLCap U1otYfe4_tKKmQN7QeBI8C1vbb3krpCk151yU0 > Proctor, K. W., Murthy, G. S. & Higgins, C. W. Agrivoltaics Align with Green New Deal Goals While Supporting Investment in the US’ Rural Economy. Sustainability 13 , 137 (2020). Koulouri, A. & Mouraviev, N. Policy and governance in the water-energy-food nexus: A relational equity approach (Routledge, 2019). Freeman, R. E. & McVea, J. A stakeholder approach to strategic management. The Blackwell Handb. strategic management , 183–201 (2005). Torraco, R. J. Writing integrative literature reviews: Guidelines and examples. Hum. Resour. Dev. Rev. 4 , 356–367 (2005). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Supplementary Files SupplementarySteadmanC20250708.xlsx Cite Share Download PDF Status: Published Journal Publication published 12 Aug, 2025 Read the published version in Scientific Reports → Version 1 posted Editorial decision: Revision requested 22 Jul, 2025 Reviews received at journal 19 Jul, 2025 Reviews received at journal 17 Jul, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Jul, 2025 Reviewers agreed at journal 15 Jul, 2025 Reviewers invited by journal 15 Jul, 2025 Editor invited by journal 11 Jul, 2025 Editor assigned by journal 10 Jul, 2025 Submission checks completed at journal 09 Jul, 2025 First submitted to journal 08 Jul, 2025 You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. 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Steadman","email":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAZAAAAAyAQMAAABI0h/eAAAABlBMVEX///8AAABVwtN+AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAAyklEQVRIiWNgGAWjYLACHhDB3kCscjaYFp4DJGuRSCBSh/z85oMf3ubY5fHPfPzswQ8Gm3x5BwJaDI6xJUvO3ZZcLHE7zdywhyHNciMhBxqw8RhI825jTtwgncMmwcNw2MCwgZDD2vg//+bdVp+4QfIMm+QfYrQwHONhA9pyOHGDBJABskWekA6DY2lmlnO3HU+ccSbNTFrGIM3AgJAW+ebDj2+83Vad2N9++JnkmwobA3mCDkOzFIgOkKYFZC+JtoyCUTAKRsHwBwC6jDqbVLY0ggAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==","orcid":"","institution":"Center for Naval Analyses","correspondingAuthor":true,"prefix":"","firstName":"Casey","middleName":"L.","lastName":"Steadman","suffix":""},{"id":485876375,"identity":"14144e99-1206-4ca0-abab-b60461dc05e4","order_by":1,"name":"Shaun Williams","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Center for Naval Analyses","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Shaun","middleName":"","lastName":"Williams","suffix":""},{"id":485876376,"identity":"32d747b3-2930-4ce8-95c9-133eca574982","order_by":2,"name":"Andrew Eiswerth","email":"","orcid":"","institution":"Center for Naval Analyses","correspondingAuthor":false,"prefix":"","firstName":"Andrew","middleName":"","lastName":"Eiswerth","suffix":""}],"badges":[],"createdAt":"2025-07-08 17:23:14","currentVersionCode":1,"declarations":"","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7077115/v1","doiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7077115/v1","draftVersion":[],"editorialEvents":[{"content":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14099-5","type":"published","date":"2025-08-12T15:57:40+00:00"}],"editorialNote":"","failedWorkflow":false,"files":[{"id":87273008,"identity":"63079d78-c8dc-4c96-b94a-8d15a6444f7f","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-22 08:34:44","extension":"png","order_by":1,"title":"Figure 1","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":32206,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eNumber of links by impact and individual source or theme.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7077115/v1/b90911ed51c3af5eb7e7487c.png"},{"id":87272404,"identity":"24dc1ed8-ad35-4ee9-bee4-6e47bd3f1751","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-22 08:26:45","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":1283271,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFood-Energy-Water nexus tensions related to the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. Geospatial layers pertinent to dynamics driving tensions are represented in panel A). Remaining panels reflect network analysis of tensions largely related to B) agricultural practices; C) the fertilizer industry; and D) the energy sector. Circular nodes represent drivers of tensions. Square nodes represent direct and cascading impacts of tensions. Blue, green, and orange arrows and icons represent the water, food, and energy sectors driving tensions, respectively. Blue, green, and orange outlines of square nodes represent the water, food, and energy sectors impacted by tensions, respectively. Numerals sequence dynamics and cascading impacts across stakeholders and regions according to the narrative.\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7077115/v1/d3befe9a508dfc40772de775.jpeg"},{"id":89310552,"identity":"388af790-670a-4abd-be2a-48fc1cc4872c","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-08-18 16:07:49","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":2099936,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7077115/v1/198ff2b1-7d94-4b07-aeaf-5722873bbc66.pdf"},{"id":87272401,"identity":"5d8d7773-d399-48f0-af9a-8de9e055583b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-07-22 08:26:44","extension":"xlsx","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"supplement","size":18456,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"SupplementarySteadmanC20250708.xlsx","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-7077115/v1/61f51fcc0f34ed3aa0944108.xlsx"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Network Analysis of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico (America) Region","fulltext":[{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eHistoric approaches to management in the food, energy, and water (FEW) sectors are not sustainable. This is largely because resources traditionally have been managed from a sectoral perspective, often aimed at maximizing productivity. Focus on a single sector can make the other sectors more vulnerable, resulting in an overall decline in resilience \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Cascading impacts can also result in negative feedback loops, whereby efforts to maximize a sector\u0026rsquo;s productivity today threaten productivity tomorrow. In addition, population growth and climate change are increasing stress on and exacerbating tensions among each of these sectors, contributing to disruptions and making resilience more difficult to achieve.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSince 2011, significant progress has been made in understanding FEW nexus dynamics \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, including research on concepts, methods, and models and tools relevant for characterizing FEW nexus dependencies \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR5\" citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Recent examples applying this research at the regional level include work by Liang, et al. (2020), who quantified provincial-level interconnections of FEW system economic supply chains in China \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, as well as Feng, et al. (2019), who quantified FEW flows in the Detroit, Michigan area \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. These and other studies have focused on characterizing interactions of physical resources (e.g., through input-output models) associated with FEW sectors \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. For purposes of coordinating efforts to address FEW tensions, such characterizations are a valuable but often insufficient step. Context relating to the social, political, environmental, and economic dimensions surrounding FEW tensions is needed \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, including an understanding of institutional roles, community-level impacts, and social dynamics \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Moreover, studies can fall short of tracing and articulating the specific negative cascading effects and feedback loops central to regional FEW nexus tensions. Previous studies have noted the failure to implement nexus-based approached in practice \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Identification of specific actors\u0026mdash;even if incomplete\u0026mdash;and contextual information about FEW tensions can assist entities seeking to coordinate and affect positive change with knowing who the right individuals to involve are and tailoring discussions in more productive directions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eToward these ends, incorporating qualitative data\u0026mdash;in conjunction with quantitative modeling and network characterization\u0026mdash;may enhance the ability to explain the internal mechanisms of FEW nexus dynamics and provide needed detail and context \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. In particular, news articles and grey literature may serve as valuable sources. For example, news articles can capture high-profile issues with local context, often mentioning specific stakeholders and stakeholder groups involved in tensions, including decision-makers and those affected by and driving tensions. Analysis of such articles can be used to identify relationships among topics, as well as their evolution \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this paper, we outline an approach to (1) identify and extract relevant contextual information on FEW nexus tensions from news articles and grey literature; (2) translate text-based cues into geospatial coordinates to create a geographically anchored network diagram of FEW dependencies; and (3) integrate both quantitative and qualitative information into a presentation format\u0026mdash;ArcGIS StoryMaps. This format allows stakeholders to interactively engage with information about FEW nexus tensions, including the ability to view feedback loops existing at varying geographic scales, which allows for a more holistic picture of the FEW tensions confronting a region. Applying this relatively straightforward approach allows for early-stage identification of key players involved in FEW nexus tensions, assisting in efforts to develop shared contextual understanding and collaborative decision-making toward disrupting negative feedback loops. Applying this approach, we conduct a FEW analysis of Gulf Coast region, consisting of the states of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas (referred hereafter as the Region) and the Gulf waters. This Region has well-known hubs for food and agriculture and energy production, includes nationally critical natural bodies of water and waterways, and is a key region in current U.S. energy transition efforts \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. To our knowledge, this study represents the first time such an analysis has been conducted on the Region.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Results","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe final news and grey literature dataset consisted of 42 articles spanning years 2012 to 2024 (Supplementary Table \u003cspan refid=\"MOESM1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003eS1\u003c/span\u003e). All references to sectors, key players, and locations in these documents were tallied. Some articles addressed tensions in more than one theme, with 5, 11, 18, and 12 articles informing biosolids, dead zone, Permian Basin, and water markets themes, respectively.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e\u003ch2\u003e2.1 Network Summary and Nexus Tension Points\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAcross all themes, a total of 200 links represented primary impacts and 102 links represented secondary impacts. The median number of primary impact links per source and per theme was 2 and 50, respectively; the median number of secondary impact links per source and per theme was 2 and 25.5, respectively (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e summarize sectors, key players, and locations, respectively, that drove and were impacted by tensions. While results vary by theme, totals serve to elucidate dominant trends in the Region. Several key players dominated the role of driving tensions, including farmer, rancher (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;31); fertilizer industry (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;26); oil, gas industry (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;36); and state (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;44) and federal (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;22) government. Key players impacted by tensions were dominated by broad stakeholder groups such as community stakeholders (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;71) and Gulf of Mexico stakeholders (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;30). Farmer, rancher (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;41) and oil, gas industry (n\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;23) were also largely impacted.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCount of media article references to sectors driving and impacted by Food-Energy-Water nexus tensions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheme\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"4\" nameend=\"c5\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSectors\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSector\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDriving Tensions (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary Impacts (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSecondary Impacts (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDead Zone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnergy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e32\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePermian Basin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnergy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater Markets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnergy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e21\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e59\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiosolids\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnergy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e37\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"2\" rowspan=\"3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTOTAL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e63\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e82\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnergy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e76\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e102\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e125\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e18\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCount of media article references to the top three locations driving and impacted by Food-Energy-Water nexus tensions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheme\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLocations (top 3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLocation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDriving Tensions (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary Impacts (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDead Zone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eD.C.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlorida\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e17\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLouisiana\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePermian Basin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eD.C.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh Plains\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInternational\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTexas\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e39\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater Markets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlabama\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlorida\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLouisiana\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNew Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTexas\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e27\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e38\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"5\" rowspan=\"6\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiosolids\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAtlantic Coastline\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eD.C.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlorida\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e28\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaryland\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTexas\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"10\" rowspan=\"11\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTOTAL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAlabama\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAtlantic Coastline\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eD.C.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e19\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlorida\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e48\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e33\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eHigh Plains\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eInternational\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eLouisiana\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaryland\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eNew Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e9\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTexas\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e68\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e79\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlorida (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;48) and Texas (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;68) were locations most frequently referenced driving tensions. Florida and Texas also ranked high for locations impacted by tensions along with the Gulf of Mexico (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;31, 79, 33, respectively). Florida\u0026rsquo;s influence largely stemmed from the fertilizer industry while influence from Texas stemmed from state government and oil, gas industry.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe water sector was central to tensions. First, it was the dominant driver of tensions (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;102). The water sector also received the most primary impacts from tensions (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;125) that largely cascaded to the food sector, which experienced the most secondary impacts (\u003cem\u003en\u003c/em\u003e\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;82). Finally, water plays a role in each of the following negative feedback loops identified in the analysis:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFood-Water-Food\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverapplying fertilizers in agriculture degrades water quality locally, limiting quality water available for irrigation, reducing agriculture productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverapplying fertilizers in agriculture degrades water quality in distant regions, making water uninhabitable for marine life, reducing fishing productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFertilizer plants supporting agriculture pollute local water resources, reducing fishing productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver-pumping water for irrigation limits water availability and degrades quality of remaining water, limiting quality water available for irrigation, reducing agriculture productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmers selling water rights to the energy sector and not irrigating potential crops reduces agriculture productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eApplication of contaminated soil amendments (i.e., biosolids) degrades local water quality, impacting the health of livestock dependent on local water sources and limiting quality water available for irrigation, reducing agriculture productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEnergy-Water-Energy\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eContaminating water via fracking degrades water quality, limiting quality water available for fracking, reducing energy productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOverusing water for fracking limits water availability and degrades quality of remaining water, limiting quality water available for fracking, reducing energy productivity\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater-Water\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eOver-allocating water limits water availability, desalination plants that mitigate water scarcity degrade water quality\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater exports from regions facing water scarcity limit water availability in the exporting region and to stakeholders dependent on the water source (i.e., aquifer)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater trade negotiations among water-scarce regions result in water provision commitments not met and less water available in the receiving region than planned for in the water budget\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater exports upstream limit water availability downstream and degrade quality of remaining water\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eAs summarized in this section, examining the history and origins of FEW nexus tensions in the Region provided valuable context for the initial stage data collection and review.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSectoral management has been employed dating back to the 1950s to meet increasing food and energy demands of the growing global population, which catalyzed the Green Revolution and Great Acceleration. In the Green Revolution, agricultural inputs (i.e., irrigation water, fertilizers, and chemicals) were increased to maximize outputs (i.e., yields) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Increased dependence on irrigation water resulted in depletion of water resources, inducing and worsening water scarcity \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. As water levels decline, contaminants concentrate, degrading the quality of remaining water. Further, nutrients in agriculture contribute to water quality issues. For example, nutrients are applied at high rates (e.g., fertilizers, manure) \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, with more than half of those applied regularly unused by crops \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and susceptible to entering water resources \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR23\" citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e causing algal blooms, eutrophication, and loss of habitat \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR26\" citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e with legacy effects enduring up to 35 years \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Important for the Region is that these impacts can be delocalized \u0026ndash; choices made outside of the Region can affect resilience of FEW sectors in the Region.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the Great Acceleration, increasing energy demands were largely met by coal, oil, and gas \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. As the US depleted the most accessible, conventional fossil fuels, hydraulic fracturing (fracking) was implemented to extract unconventional fossil fuels (e.g., oil sands, shale oil, shale gas). Fracking requires significantly more water than extraction of conventional sources \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and water demand is climbing year over year with water scarcity impacts in the largest fossil fuel source in the US, the Permian Basin oil field \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e,\u003cspan citationid=\"CR32\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e32\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Additionally, fracking generates toxic wastewater (produced water), which contributes to groundwater and land contamination. Finally, while interest in alternative energy resources has grown in response to the association of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR33\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e33\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, some new technologies, such as biofuels, have higher water footprints than fossil fuels \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore recent management approaches also contribute to tensions, such as the use of biosolids \u0026ndash; organic materials resulting from treatment of domestic sewage in water treatment plants. Biosolids are rich in nutrients, making them an attractive option for use as fertilizers. Yet, biosolids can pose significant health risks. They are a recognized source of antibiotic-resistant pathogens \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR35\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e35\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and contain more than 700 pollutants \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR36\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e36\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Of particular concern are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) or \u0026ldquo;forever chemicals\u0026rdquo;. These manufactured chemicals break down slowly because they are resistant to water, oil, grease, and heat. They are known to increase risks of certain cancers, modify responses of the immune system, alter liver enzymes, and increase health risks to pregnant women and their babies, among others \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR37\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e37\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. PFAS contaminate farms when they are present in applied soil amendments, harming soil and farm animals. Further, they can leach into water resources, contaminating irrigation and drinking water. Finally, they can be present in food commodities because PFAS can be taken up by crops through the water, soil, or air \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR38\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e38\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e provides a high-level, qualitative summary of dynamics across each theme derived from the analyzed sources (Supplementary Table \u003cspan refid=\"MOESM1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003eS1\u003c/span\u003e). As an example of detailed context generated by this approach, Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the link analysis results for the dead zone accompanied by the following description, which was generated by paraphrasing the content in the original sources. Similarly detailed results and narratives for the remaining three themes are accessible on the publicly-available StoryMap (Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eQualitative summaries of analyzed themes.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheme\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eSummary\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDead Zone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Mississippi River serves as the dominant corridor transporting excess nutrients, largely from agricultural land throughout the Great Plains and Midwest, to the Gulf of Mexico. Once discharged to Gulf waters, the excess nutrients drive harmful algal blooms, affecting local fishing and restaurant industries. Although the Mississippi River Hypoxia Task Force has been tasked to reduce the size of the dead zone, it has grown in size. The fertilizer industry plays a central role, not only through fertilizer sales, but also through contamination of local water resources surrounding fertilizer production plants. Similarly, the oil and gas industry has contaminated Gulf waters through daily wastewater disposal and disasters such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The contamination compounds impacts to the dead zone. For example, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill decimated the Gulf oyster population, leading to the loss of a key ecosystem service (i.e., water filtration).\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePermian Basin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe colocation of energy sources, water resources, and agricultural land use yields widespread tensions in the Permian Basin. This primary source of fossil fuels intersects with the Ogallala Aquifer, which serves as water for hydraulic fracturing, drinking water, and irrigation water in agriculture. Longstanding overallocation is driving water scarcity. Further, because the aquifer extends throughout the Great Plains, water use outside of the Region significantly affects FEW sectors within the Region. Additionally, increasing amounts of wastewater produced from hydraulic fracturing are creating tensions. Injection wells are commonly used for wastewater disposal, contaminating surrounding land and water resources and suffering blowouts. Finally, the oil and gas industry is investing in infrastructure to increase production and exports. Infrastructure development is disrupting communities and agricultural land and increasing water use, particularly in coastal towns, which are over allocating freshwater to meet the demands.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater Markets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater markets are evolving rapidly in the Permian Basin as competition for water increases. Landowners often grapple with contaminated land and insufficient access to quality irrigation water. In lieu of producing agricultural commodities, they increasingly sell their water rights to the oil and gas industry, including across state lines. Because aquifers span political boundaries and differences in water policies exist between Texas and New Mexico, New Mexico argues that Texas is stealing their water only to sell it back to them. Amidst increasingly severe water scarcity, Texas is putting forth great effort, including filing lawsuits, to secure water from each of its neighbors. Tensions extend beyond Texas, including the ongoing Tri-State Water War between Florida, Alabama, and Georgia.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiosolids\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiosolids represent an emerging tension. The earliest article included in this analysis was published in 2017 and legal issues in the region were captured in an article published in 2024. Tensions relate to government support of biosolid application on land throughout the US, yet a lack of requirements for biosolids to be labeled on soil amendment products despite the known presence of toxins. Landowners claim that application of biosolid-based soil amendments are contaminating their land and water and harming crops and livestock.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Gulf of Mexico dead zone ranked among the top three largest in the world in 2024 \u003csup\u003e39\u003c/sup\u003e (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.A). It results from excess nutrients, which drive harmful algal blooms and lead to hypoxia (low dissolved oxygen) making water uninhabitable. The Mississippi River serves as the dominant corridor transporting nutrients, discharging them into Gulf waters. Excess nutrients from agricultural activity serve as the primary source. While local agriculture plays a role, decisions made in distant agricultural regions of aquifers connected to the Mississippi River and its tributaries, such as the Great Plains and Midwest regions, contribute significantly to the dead zone.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNetwork analysis in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.B depicts interactions among government, the agriculture industry, and the fishing and restaurant industries. The government (1), acting through the Mississippi River / Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force established in 1997, was charged with minimizing the dead zone. However, it is not on track to meet its goals \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR40\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e40\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. A major critique of the government\u0026rsquo;s approach is reliance on voluntary conservation practices in agriculture (2) rather than pursuing enforceable limits on nutrients to minimize those reaching the Gulf to swell the dead zone (3). Importantly, the dead zone leads to contaminated seafood and reductions in quantity and size of catches, which come at great financial cost to local fishing and restaurant industries (4).\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.C illustrates dynamics related to the fertilizer industry (1), which plays a central role in these tensions as important fertilizer plants are located in the Region. In addition to selling fertilizer products to local and distant farmers (2), of which a portion of applied nutrients leach and return to swell the dead zone (3), fertilizer plants have contaminated local water resources, killing fish, damaging marine life, exacerbating the dead zone, and resulting in legal issues with state and federal governments (4). Florida plays a key role in the fertilizer industry as one of the country\u0026rsquo;s top producers of soil amendments sourced from biosolids that are applied on land throughout the state and leach to impact water quality. While the government encourages land application, concern of impacts on the community (5) are increasingly common. Further, Florida is home to one of the richest phosphate deposits in the world and the largest ammonia plant in the world is located in Louisiana. Production of these nutrients is water intense and contributes to water scarcity issues.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs network analysis illustrates in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e.D, the energy sector (1) and government regulations (2) impact Gulf water quality (3) and communities (4) throughout the region. Notably, pollution from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill directly impacted water quality and decimated the oyster population. Not only did this directly impact the food sector (5), but it also indirectly impacted the water sector through loss of a key ecosystem service \u0026ndash; oysters filter water, removing algae and excess nutrients. The energy sector also has permission to expel wastewater in the Gulf. In Corpus Christi, a single oil and gas company has permission to expel large quantities of polluted wastewater daily.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eResults demonstrate that consolidating qualitative data and translating into quantitative data geographically yielded a more holistic understanding of nexus tensions in the Region than could be obtained in a single source or by qualitative or quantitative analysis alone. Analyzing numerous sources comprehensively that address a specific theme reveals abundant (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e), widespread links at various spatial scales (i.e. within and outside the region; Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). This contrasts with analysis of single sources, which tend to include only a small number of links (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e) and, therefore, cannot provide comprehensive insight. The geospatial analysis and visualization facilitate interpretation of the roles of sectors \u0026ndash; when they drive and are impacted by tensions \u0026ndash; and identification of regional hotspots and key players. Making interpretation more comprehensive, the qualitative data elucidates the broader social, political, environmental, and economic context.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegional hotspots and key players were identified (Tables\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e and \u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e) and were evident in mapping products (Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e). For example, in the dead zone, the fertilizer industry in Florida played a significant role driving tensions with primary impacts to farmers, ranchers locally and outside the region as well as cascading impacts to the waters of the gulf, which include environmental \u0026ndash; water quality issues \u0026ndash; that cascade to economic \u0026ndash; the fishing industry. The influence of the Florida fertilizer industry extended to biosolid tensions, with qualitative data in sources identifying Florida as one of the primary producers and distributors of biosolids in the US. The oil, gas industry was frequently identified as a driver of tensions across the qualitative data, often related to impacts on water scarcity and water quality, particularly in the Permian Basin. As investments continue amidst depleting fossil fuel resources, sources highlighted concern over tensions being exacerbated. These dynamics also drove tensions in the water market, particularly between Texas and New Mexico.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCount of media article references to the top three key player categories driving and impacted by Food-Energy-Water nexus tensions.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"4\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"1\" rowspan=\"2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTheme\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colspan=\"3\" nameend=\"c4\" namest=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey Players (top 3)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey Player\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDriving Tensions (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePrimary Impacts (n)\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eDead Zone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunity Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmer, Rancher\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e13\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFederal Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFertilizer Industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e12\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"3\" rowspan=\"4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePermian Basin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunity Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e15\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmers, Ranchers\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOil, Gas Industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e25\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e16\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eWater Markets\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunity Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e46\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmer, Rancher\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFederal Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e6\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOil, Gas Industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e11\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e7\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e34\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"4\" rowspan=\"5\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eBiosolids\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAtlantic Coastline Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmer, Rancher\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFederal Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFertilizer Industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e14\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\" morerows=\"7\" rowspan=\"8\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eTOTAL\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eAtlantic Coastline Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e8\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eCommunity Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e71\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmer, Rancher\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e31\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e41\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFederal Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e22\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eFertilizer Industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e26\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eGulf of Mexico Stakeholder\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eOil, Gas Industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e36\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e23\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eState Government\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e44\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e\u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFarmers, ranchers were central to tensions with impacts from within and outside of the Region, highlighting the importance of flexibility in the approach related to spatial scale. Management choices of farmers, ranchers within the region impact all four themes. Fertilizer runoff contributes to the dead zone and the application of soil amendment products that contain biosolids (including when the presence of biosolids is unknown to the landowner) exacerbates tensions stemming from contamination. Further, selling water rights in lieu of producing agricultural commodities impacts food and energy sectors in the Permian Basin and contributes to tensions in the water market. Importantly, farmers, ranchers represent one of the most important players driving delocalized impacts. Because of the expansive footprints of the Ogallala Aquifer and Mississippi River basin, management choices throughout the Great Plains and Midwest regions have important implications in the water sector directly and the food and energy sectors indirectly in the Region. Relatedly, adjusting spatial scales facilitates identification of policy implications across different levels of the government, which played an important role across all themes. State- and federal-level guidance played critical roles in the production and distribution of biosolids, energy production, land management, and water use. Importantly, federal-level guidance was critical for the dead zone and Permian Basin, permitting overuse and pollution of water resources via the delocalized influence of management choices by farmers, ranchers mentioned above. Local governments drove impacts related to water scarcity by over allocating water resources, especially to the oil, gas industry in coastal cities where new infrastructure development is concentrated.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRegional hotspots and key players impacted by tensions were also identified. Not surprisingly, broad stakeholder groups were most frequently impacted. Interestingly, farmers, ranchers and the oil, gas industry were also frequently impacted. This points to the important dynamic of negative feedback loops. For example, decades of overallocation within the Region and throughout the Great Plains have led to water being consumed from the Ogallala Aquifer 10 times faster than can be naturally recharged \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR41\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e41\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Water scarcity is further exacerbated by rapidly increasing water needs for fracking \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR42\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e42\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Consequently, the food and energy sectors increasingly face limited access to quality water to continue productivity, in addition to impacts to communities in general.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAnalysis and visualization of the roles of the FEW sectors (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e) also reveal negative feedback loops, in which the water sector played a central role. Feedback loops in the food and energy sectors resulted from cascading impacts, by which management in the food or energy sectors negatively impacted the water sector and, in turn, negatively impacted the food or energy sector. In contrast, feedback loops resulting from management choices in the water sector had direct impacts on the water sector. Importantly, the water sector was most frequently identified as the primary driver. This was largely influenced by tensions related to biosolids, which are sourced from waste at water treatment plants. Additionally, many articles cited the current state of the water sector \u0026ndash; widespread water scarcity and degraded quality \u0026ndash; as the primary driver of tensions. It is important to note the historic contributions of the food and energy sectors to vulnerabilities in the water sector. Had more articles included these original drivers, an increase in the roles of food and energy sectors as drivers and in the water sector as experiencing primary impacts may have been observed. This observation highlights the fact that analytic results are limited by the topics subjectively covered in the qualitative data.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause content covered in qualitative data is subjective and biases may exist, this work cannot be considered an exhaustive representation of regional nexus dynamics. Rather, this approach serves as an initial step to understanding the most high-profile dynamics in a region and can provide direction for next steps when conducting additional research and analysis to fill identified gaps. For example, articles gave attention to agriculture impacting the water sector. However, references generally applied to row crops while information specific to animal agriculture was lacking. Similarly, virtual water transfers (tracking water footprints of commodities and regional transfers through the supply chain) were not addressed in the media, though they are recognized as critical in FEW nexus dynamics \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR34\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e34\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Additionally, care must be taken to ensure quality data that captures the most up-to-date state of the nexus. However, not all content can be validated with existing literature and rapidly evolving circumstances may not yet be captured in available sources. Finally, interpreting the quantitative results in the context of qualitative data shortcomings is key. For example, it is important to note that an expansive region of stakeholders was often denoted as a single reference in an article and, therefore, as a single node in analysis. This was observed frequently for farmer, rancher key players in the Great Plains and Midwest regions. The low number of references outside the Region may be an artifact of this accounting. Therefore, the perceived level of influence of key stakeholders and regions may be low relative to others addressed with more specificity in articles. As such, interpreting single nodes as indicators of wider regions is critical. With this context, it is clear that choices made outside the Region impacted resilience within the Region.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn conclusion, this work demonstrates an approach for holistic horizon scanning that integrates qualitative and quantitative methods to identify regional aspects of FEW nexus tensions including key players, regional hotspots, and roles of FEW sectors, which elucidate important dynamics and negative feedback loops across all three sectors. The approach is both flexible and reproducible across regions as well as able to move through spatial scales and integrate new insights and local context as the nexus evolves.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile this work aimed to improve understanding of tensions, the approach can similarly be applied to improve understanding of the state of solution development. Articles reviewed in the broad scanning phase highlighted several integrated approaches being implemented in the Region by an array of stakeholders. For example, communities are working to support recovery of oyster populations, thereby supporting the fishing industry and improving water quality \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR43\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e43\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Farmers are transitioning to regenerative agricultural practices to mitigate impacts on water quality and scarcity while improving soil health for agricultural production \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR44\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e44\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e. Ranchers are adopting agrivoltaics, which can have benefits across all three sectors and beyond \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan additionalcitationids=\"CR46\" citationid=\"CR45\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e45\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan citationid=\"CR47\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e47\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA critical next step will involve engaging regional stakeholders and subject matter experts in an equitable manner \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR48\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e48\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e to validate findings and continue filling knowledge gaps around tensions as well as to ensure solutions reflect local priorities and maximize potential for successful implementation. Because stakeholder engagement begins with identifying, categorizing, and investigating relationships among key stakeholders \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR49\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e49\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e, this approach can be leveraged to convene stakeholders important to regional resilience. This is because sources frequently referenced individual stakeholders (e.g., individual people, specific companies, specific government offices). While an exception to this was often observed when referencing groups of stakeholders outside the region, as in the case of farmers, ranchers in the Great Plains and Midwest regions, regional stakeholders were regularly referenced with specificity and our results have identified, categorized, and analyzed relationships among them.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAffecting change will require a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches. Because of delocalized impacts, top-down policies that improve land management and water use outside the Region would enhance resilience in the Region. Further, because the pursuit of integrated solutions in the Region has already begun, it may be an opportune time to unite local stakeholders in a bottom-up approach to build momentum. Supporting the organization of such local communities may benefit from collaborations with organizations such as the Gulf Research Program, which works to improve resilience through the application of science, and which excels at convening stakeholders.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaking efforts from both approaches complimentary may improve the success of implementation. For example, creating funding opportunities such as zero- or low-interest loans to install agrivoltaic systems may promote adoption of this nexus approach that benefits all three FEW sectors, while inclusion of a requirement to qualify for the loan program that agricultural management practices transition from conventional to regenerative would multiply positive impacts on the food and water sectors. Because stakeholders local to the Region are currently pursuing both agrivoltaics and regenerative agriculture, this may suggest that these solutions reflect local priorities. Including such local context in the development of top-down solutions may, therefore increase the likelihood of adoption, compliance, and improved resilience.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"4. Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eOur approach follows guidelines for conducting an integrative literature review \u003csup\u003e\u003cspan citationid=\"CR50\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e50\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/sup\u003e and consists of the following five steps:\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep 1: Conduct broad scanning\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep 2: Perform thematic analysis\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep 3: Supplement select themes with additional scanning\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep 4: Extract network data and align data to geospatial coordinates\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cp\u003eStep 5: Construct the StoryMap\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFurther details on each of these steps is provided in the following paragraphs.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 1: Conduct broad scanning\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe initial step involves a broad scan of news articles and grey literature, relying on reputable data sources from established media outlets and government agencies to maximize data quality. We emphasized identification of local news sources in the Region to maximize the inclusion of local context, as supplemented with state and national sources. To ensure more recent dynamics were captured, we set an initial bound of publication dates within 10 years from the time of analysis (2014\u0026ndash;2024). The conceptual structure underpinning source collection was the FEW nexus\u0026mdash;all articles addressed dynamics related to the nexus that affected resilience in the Region, regardless of topic. Efforts to understand the history and origins of tensions within the region (see Discussion section) helped inform the identification of keywords used in this initial stage of review (Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e). Using the Google search engine, we searched various iterations of keywords independently and in combination, including in combination with Region states and major metropolitan cities.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab5\" border=\"1\"\u003e\u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 5\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey words searched individual and in combinations in initial broad scanning.\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/caption\u003e\u003ccolgroup cols=\"2\"\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003cth align=\"left\" colspan=\"2\" nameend=\"c2\" namest=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eKey Words\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/th\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/thead\u003e\u003ctbody\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eagriculture\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003einjection wells\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eagricultural land loss\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eirrigation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eanimal agriculture\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003elivestock\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ebiosolids\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eliquid natural gas\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ecoastal resilience\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ePermian Basin\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003econtamination\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ephosphogypsum stack\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ecrawfish\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003epipeline construction\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edesalination\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003epipeline hazards\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edrought\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eproduced water\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eeminent domain\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ereclaimed water\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eenergy\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003erefineries\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eenergy infrastructure\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ereservoir construction\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eenergy security\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ereservoirs\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eenergy transition\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eseafood disputes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003efertilizer\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eseafood economics\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003efertilizer production\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eseafood industry\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003efood\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eseafood production\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003efood-energy-water nexus\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ewastewater\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003efracking\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ewater disputes\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003egroundwater conservation\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003ewater sales\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003edead zone\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u003cp\u003evulnerable population\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e\u003cp\u003eillegal dams\u003c/p\u003e\u003c/td\u003e\u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u003c/td\u003e\u003c/tr\u003e\u003c/tbody\u003e\u003c/colgroup\u003e\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 2: Perform thematic analysis\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThematic analysis was performed on the 84 sources identified in Step 1. Each researcher reviewed all articles, performing an initial round of inductive coding to extract themes related to the FEW nexus. Researchers conferred on the identification of a subset of 12 recurring themes that reflected key FEW tensions. Of these, we selected four to perform an additional round of review based on: 1) amount of coverage; 2) length of time an issue received; 3) breadth of stakeholders involved; 4) impact on regional resilience. All sources not addressing the four selected themes were archived.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 3: Supplement select themes with additional scanning\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs identified in Step 2, the four selected themes were as follows: (1) the dead zone, (2) the Permian Basin, (3) water markets and (4) biosolids. We compared regional context from the sources to the current understanding of the history and origins of tensions in the region (see Discussion section) to identify gaps in regional understanding. To capture regional FEW dynamics more comprehensively, we engaged in a second round of data collection by performing targeted searches of key words specific to each gap, including in combination with individual cities mentioned in sources, using the Google search engine. In total, 42 articles, including peer-reviewed sources, were identified for analysis after Step 3, with some articles providing context on more than one theme. For additional details on the final set of articles, see the Results section.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 4: Extract network data and align data to geospatial coordinates\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTo structure the data for geospatial analysis, we extracted references to sectors, key players, and locations from each source and identified them as driving or being impacted by tensions. For sectors, we identified the primary sector driving tensions and the primary and secondary sectors impacted by tensions. The secondary sectors impacted represent cascading impacts and were included to support identification of negative feedback loops.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe standardized locations to the county level. When an article referenced a general location (e.g., the Permian Basin), we assigned a centrally located county as a proxy. When an article referenced a water body, we used a single location within the water body for consistency. To facilitate identification of the roles of groups of key players, we assigned specific key players (e.g., individual farmer) to general categories (as inductively identified during our review)\u0026mdash;namely, academia, environmentalist, farmer, rancher, federal government, fertilizer industry, fishing industry, foreign government, Gulf of Mexico\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003estakeholder (i.e., stakeholders dependent on the Gulf of Mexico), (local) community, local government, nonprofit, oil and gas industry, state government, and water services. We joined latitude and longitude coordinates to each county entry to complete the extracted dataset.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eStep 5: Construct the StoryMap\u003c/b\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eData were mapped and analyzed in ArcGIS Pro (3.1.2). After validating the geolocated nodes visually, we used the \u0026ldquo;XY to Line\u0026rdquo; tool to construct directed interactions between pairs of nodes. Arrows originated at nodes driving tensions and terminated at nodes affected by tensions. Sizing of arrow thicknesses was accomplished using the \u0026ldquo;Count Overlapping Features\u0026rdquo; tool, which was based on the number of interactions occurring between each node pair.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor each of the four themes, we developed summaries based on the source content reviewed to provide context to the various network interactions displayed. Where possible, we validated statistics cited in each summary with other data sources. Information corresponding to interactions analyzed and tension contexts summarized were consolidated into a publicly-available digital report using ArcGIS StoryMaps on ArcGIS Enterprise (11.3) titled \u0026ldquo;Food-Energy-Water (FEW) Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico\u0026rdquo;.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eCompeting interests\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe author(s) declare no competing interests.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll authors contributed to development of the approach, data analysis, interpretation of results, and drafting of the manuscript and StoryMap. The main responsible for drafting the manuscript was Casey L. Steadman\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCorresponding author\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCorrespondence to [email protected].\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eData Availability\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll data is available online. URLs for each data source (e.g., news article) are organized in a supplementary table.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBarnett, J. \u0026amp; O'Neill, S. Maladaptation. (2010).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRasul, G. \u0026amp; Sharma, B. The Nexus Approach to Water\u0026ndash;Energy\u0026ndash;Food Security: An Option for Adaptation to Climate Change. \u003cem\u003eClim. Policy\u003c/em\u003e. \u003cb\u003e16\u003c/b\u003e, 682\u0026ndash;702 (2016).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLv, Y., Yuan, M., Zhou, X., Wang, Y. \u0026amp; Qu, X. The water-energy-food nexus: a systematic bibliometric analysis. \u003cem\u003eEnviron. Sci. Pollut. Res.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e30\u003c/b\u003e, 121354\u0026ndash;121369 (2023).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eZhang, C., Chen, X., Li, Y., Ding, W. \u0026amp; Fu, G. 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Rev.\u003c/em\u003e \u003cb\u003e4\u003c/b\u003e, 356\u0026ndash;367 (2005).\u003c/span\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":false,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":true,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Gulf of America, Gulf of Mexico, Food-Energy-Water Nexus, Network Analysis, Resilience","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7077115/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-7077115/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eIncreasing stress on and dependencies among the food, energy, and water sectors make historic approaches to managing resources from a single-sector perspective unsustainable. Although significant advances have been made in understanding food-energy-water (FEW) nexus dynamics, particularly at the global scale, approaches to regional analysis are needed that provide contextual detail, identify key actors, and help inform selection of the most appropriate strategies for building resilience. Moreover, because negative feedback loops among FEW sectors occur at multiple geographic scales (local, regional, national, global), conveying a holistic picture of FEW nexus concerns and opportunities is challenging. We propose an approach to scan grey literature (e.g., news media) and distill this information into useful insights on regionally important FEW nexus feedback loops and quantitative data for constructing geospatially anchored social networks. Furthermore, we showcase how integrating and embedding this qualitative and quantitative data into an ArcGIS StoryMap allows for interactive and layered communication of FEW tension points, regional hotspots, and key players, facilitating the ability for stakeholders to obtain and build a multi-scale, holistic perspective of FEW nexus dynamics. As a demonstration of this approach, we use the Gulf of Mexico (America) region, which provides critical services in the food and energy sectors amidst dwindling, quality water resources.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Network Analysis of the Food-Energy-Water Nexus in the Gulf of Mexico (America) Region","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-07-22 08:26:40","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-7077115/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0},{"type":"decision","content":"Revision requested","date":"2025-07-22T14:34:40+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-07-19T11:54:13+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvitedReview","content":"","date":"2025-07-17T20:41:05+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"189454161955549053212376555212708626822","date":"2025-07-15T15:44:37+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewerAgreed","content":"279126284503491389283272988778056695986","date":"2025-07-15T08:30:14+00:00","index":"hide","fulltext":""},{"type":"reviewersInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-15T08:25:19+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorInvited","content":"","date":"2025-07-11T19:57:58+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"editorAssigned","content":"","date":"2025-07-10T06:32:09+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"checksComplete","content":"","date":"2025-07-10T01:38:33+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""},{"type":"submitted","content":"Scientific Reports","date":"2025-07-08T17:13:10+00:00","index":"","fulltext":""}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"scientific-reports","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":false,"externalIdentity":"scirep","sideBox":"Learn more about [Scientific Reports](http://www.nature.com/srep/)","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"","title":"Scientific Reports","twitterHandle":"","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":true,"editorialSystem":"stoa","reportingPortfolio":"Scientific Reports","inReviewEnabled":true,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"0573141a-8626-433a-81bd-94943287ca92","owner":[],"postedDate":"July 22nd, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"published-in-journal","subjectAreas":[{"id":51581307,"name":"Physical sciences/Engineering"},{"id":51581308,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental sciences"},{"id":51581309,"name":"Earth and environmental sciences/Environmental social sciences"},{"id":51581310,"name":"Scientific community and society/Geography"},{"id":51581311,"name":"Social science/Geography"},{"id":51581312,"name":"Physical sciences/Mathematics and computing"}],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-08-18T16:02:05+00:00","versionOfRecord":{"articleIdentity":"rs-7077115","link":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14099-5","journal":{"identity":"scientific-reports","isVorOnly":false,"title":"Scientific Reports"},"publishedOn":"2025-08-12 15:57:40","publishedOnDateReadable":"August 12th, 2025"},"versionCreatedAt":"2025-07-22 08:26:40","video":"","vorDoi":"10.1038/s41598-025-14099-5","vorDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-14099-5","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-7077115","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-7077115","identity":"rs-7077115","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}