Science Current Events | Science News | Brightsurf.com
 
Email a Friend Send to a friend
Printer Friendly Print Countering an Approaching Water Crisis

Countering an Approaching Water Crisis

March 24, 2008

As growing demand for clean water stretches even the resources of the world's largest industrialized nations, scientists and engineers are turning to new technology and novel ideas to find solutions.

Mark Shannon of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign joined a slate of world leaders in water resource research to address this crisis in a review paper in the March 20, 2008, issue of Nature.




"As dire as the growing problems are with a lack of enough clean water in the world, I have a great deal of hope that many of these problems can be solved by increasing research into the science and technology of water purification," said Shannon, who also serves as director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Center of Advanced Materials for the Purification of Water with Systems (WaterCAMPWS).

With an emphasis on environmentally friendly tools for killing microbes, membrane bioreactors, nanoscale filtration, and a host of other advanced technologies, the review paper addresses how these systems can be used for disinfection, decontamination, reuse and reclamation, and desalination of water supplies across the globe.

"Clearly, a coordinated, multi-faceted approach is needed to deal with complex water issues," said Geoffrey Prentice, the NSF program director supporting the WaterCAMPWS center and currently on detail to the U.S. Mission to UNESCO in Paris.

"Ours is one of several agencies working to address the water crisis before it grows worse. Working with the U.S. Mission to UNESCO, we are highlighting the international dimensions of inadequate water supplies, which lead to millions of deaths each year, primarily in the developing world," Prentice added.

One example is a June 27 international water forum at the Department of State at which NSF, UNESCO and a number of agencies and international organizations will be joining Shannon and other technical experts to confront some of the most pressing global water needs.

Shannon will lead the Congress for Water Purification Science and Technologies in the 21st Century in New Orleans on April 6-10, 2008, an event that coincides with an NSF public webcast on April 10 called Water in 2025, co-hosted by Popular Mechanics. Part of the larger Bridges to the Future forum (www.nsf.gov/bridges), the event is an opportunity for the public to call-in and ask questions of some of the top water researchers in the United States.

The National Science Foundation (NSF)



Related Water Purification Current Events and Water Purification News Articles Water Purification Current Events and Water Purification News RSS Water Purification Current Events and Water Purification News RSS
What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million per hectare, per year: experts
Experts concluding the global DIVERSITAS biodiversity conference today in Cape Town described preliminary research revealing jaw-dropping dollar values of the "ecosystem services" of biomes like forests and coral reefs - including food, pollution treatment and climate regulation.

World will miss 2010 target to stem biodiversity loss, experts say
The world will miss its agreed target to stem biodiversity loss by next year, according to experts convening in Cape Town for a landmark conference devoted to biodiversity science.

Water quality in orbit
Space is not a fun place to get a stomach bug. To ensure drinking water is adequately disinfected, University of Utah chemists developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that just started six months of tests aboard the International Space Station.

Novel bacterial strains clear algal toxins from drinking water
Novel bacterial strains capable of neutralizing toxins produced by blue-green algae have been identified by researchers at Robert Gordon's University, Aberdeen.

Rapid heating prepares energy-saving zeolite for greater role in industrial separations
Thin-film zeolite membranes with tiny, molecule-sized pores are one step closer to replacing the energy-intensive processes now used in industrial separations, a group of academic researchers is reporting.

Nanotech particles affect brain development in mice
Maternal exposure to nanoparticles of titanium dioxide (TiO2) affects the expression of genes related to the central nervous system in developing mice.

Purer water made possible by Sandia advance
By substituting a single atom in a molecule widely used to purify water, researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have created a far more effective decontaminant with a shelf life superior to products currently on the market.

The bitter side of sweeteners
Sewage treatment plants fail to remove artificial sweeteners completely from waste water.

Adding high doses of sludge to neutralise soil acidity not advisable
A University of the Basque Country PhD thesis has analysed the application of waste sludge from EDAR (Estación Depuradora de Aguas Residuales - Waste Water Purification Plant) to acid soils which have limited capacity for neutralising the acidity.

Simulations help explain fast water transport in nanotubes
By discovering the physical mechanism behind the rapid transport of water in carbon nanotubes, scientists at the University of Illinois have moved a step closer to ultra-efficient, next-generation nanofluidic devices for drug delivery, water purification and nano-manufacturing.
More Water Purification Current Events and Water Purification News Articles
Polar Pure Water Disinfectant

Polar Pure Water Disinfectant
by Polar Pure

Polar Pure Water Disinfectant uses pure crystallized iodine in a unique delivery system to destroy water-borne pathogens including giardia cysts and micro-organisms (viruses) that pass through filters. Simply add water to your Polar Pure bottle. Is safe and fully effective to use as long as you can see iodine crystals at the bottom of the bottle. Dosage chart is printed on the bottle. Small size and light weight makes it convenient for backpacking and travel. Essential for emergency preparedness.

Potable Aqua Water Purification Iodine Tablets (50 Tablets)

Potable Aqua Water Purification Iodine Tablets (50 Tablets)
by WPC

Potable Aqua Tablets are intended for emergency disinfection of drinking water. When used as directed, they make most water bacteriologically suitable for drinking.

Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System

Aquamira Frontier Emergency Water Filter System
by McNett

The ultra-light and compact Aquamira Frontier Filter easily slips into a day pack, shirt pocket or travel luggage and is always ready when you need it. Use the Frontier Filter to drink from any bottle, cup or directly from water sources. McNett customer care @ 1-800-221-7325 (or) www.mcnett.com

Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets

Potable Aqua Water Treatment Tablets
by Potable Aqua

When drinking water is of questionable quality, use Potable Aqua Germicidal Tablets to make most water bacteriologically suitable for drinking. Confidently trusted by those who have to know - militaries, relief organizations, and campers everywhere. Safe, Drinkable water. Anytime. Anywhere. Bullet Items: An iodine based tablet that works on all bacteriologically impure water One bottle contains 50 tablets and will purify 25 to 50 quarts of warter, depending on source of water.

SteriPEN Water Purification System Pack

SteriPEN Water Purification System Pack
by SteriPEN

The SteriPEN handheld water purification System, contains all the tools you will need to optimize your water purification: The SteriPEN Classic handheld water purifier, 32 oz. Water Bottle, Water Bottle Pre-Filter, user's guide and case. Add your choice of 4 AA batteries (we strongly recommend Lithium or NiMH) and you are ready to provide safe drinking water anywhere. This convenient solution has been well received by people who want a good value and a full range of options for pre-filtering situations like leaves or glacial silt preventing clear water. (See Product Demonstration Video)

US Military Water Purification Tablets

US Military Water Purification Tablets
by 4 Star Military Surplus

Military water purification tablets. Currently used by the U.S. Military. Eliminates giardia, bacteria, viruses. Removes sediment 30 tablets per box.

The Drinking Water Book: How to Eliminate Harmful Toxins from Your Water

The Drinking Water Book: How to Eliminate Harmful Toxins from Your Water
by Colin Ingram (Author)

THE DRINKING WATER BOOK takes a level-headed look at the serious issues surrounding America’s drinking water supply. Unlike water purifier manufacturers and public health officials, Ingram presents unbiased reporting on what’s in your water and how to drink safely. Featuring all the latest scientific research, the book evaluates the different kinds of filters and bottled waters and rates specific products on the market.

Potable Aqua Plus Iodine & Taste Neutralizing Tablets (50 Tablets of Each)

Potable Aqua Plus Iodine & Taste Neutralizing Tablets (50 Tablets of Each)
by Atwater Carey

A revolutionary two stage process that makes water bacteriologically safe to drink and taste good. After treating water with Potable Aqua, simply drop 1-2 tablets of the neutralizer into the water and wait 3-5 minutes for clear, great tasting water. It greatly reduces the iodine taste and the discoloration caused by the iodine.

Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets

Potable Aqua Water Purification Tablets
by edisastersystems.com

Made In USA. 50 Tablets Per Bottle. Great For Campers. Effective Against Giardia.

Clear2GO Water Bottle with Filter, Silver

Clear2GO Water Bottle with Filter, Silver
by Clear2GO

Save money from expensive bottled water and reduce up to 757 in plastic bottle waste. Improves taste and smell by reducing aesthetic chlorine. Removes 99.9% of microbial cysts (cryptosporidium & giardia). Filters 100 gallons of water, equal to 757 of store bought 16.9 oz water bottles. Take it anywhere: office, home, car or gym

© 2009 BrightSurf.com