Research published in PLOS ONE suggests that restricting wildlife access to rivers and floodplains in dryland regions can impact water quality and human health. The study found significant relationships between increased concentrations of E. coli and animal densities, fecal counts, and land characteristics.
A new CSIRO study provides an unprecedented understanding of water resources in Western Australia's Pilbara region, shedding light on local water systems and climate change impacts. The research helps water managers plan for future use in a resource-rich area with environmental assets.
Scientists have found that local structures in liquid water persist for longer than a picosecond, contradicting the general perception of water as a solvent. This discovery was made using ultrafast vibrational spectroscopies and has significant implications for understanding chemical and biological reactions on Earth.
US fracking operations consume nearly 250 billion gallons of water between 2005 and 2014, which is lower than other energy-related extraction methods. However, in drought-stricken areas, local water shortages could limit future use of hydraulic fracturing.
A new Duke University study finds that energy companies used nearly 250 billion gallons of water for US fracking between 2005 and 2014, while generating about 210 billion gallons of wastewater. The study's findings highlight the need for better treatment and disposal methods for chemical-laden flowback water and brine-laden wastewater.
Marc Edwards, a renowned expert on municipal water quality, is studying severe iron and lead corrosion in Flint's water system. The investigation aims to understand the 'perfect storm' of problems affecting residents, including high levels of lead in tap water.
A bioelectronic nose that mimics the human nose can detect traces of bacteria in water by smelling it, without complex equipment. The sensor is sensitive to low levels of contamination, making it more useful than existing methods.
Researchers found that too-pure recycled water can pick up arsenic as it seeps underground, causing temporary spikes in levels. The water's lack of calcium and magnesium ions allows arsenic to be repelled from clay particles, entering the water instead.
The Urban Water Innovation Network will develop technological, institutional, and management solutions to enhance urban water resilience. The network, led by Colorado State University, aims to create an enduring research network for integrated water systems and sustainable cities.
Researchers have created a way to detect ortho-para conversion in water, allowing for the study of spin isomers at the single-molecule level. By confining single water molecules in carbon cages, they can observe the transformation without hindrance.
A recent study found that Florida homeowners waste a significant amount of fresh water on their lawns, with some using as much as 64% or more. The main barriers to conservation are a lack of knowledge and pressure from Home Owner's Associations (HOAs) to maintain perfect lawns.
The current issue of Technology and Innovation highlights the challenges of ensuring water security due to growing concerns over fresh water availability. Advances in analytical techniques, nanobiotechnologies, and monitoring methods are being explored to develop innovative solutions for water conservation and quality improvement.
A team of biologists observed and analyzed the jumping behavior of water striders, revealing two phases: a dimple creation phase and a leg movement phase. Mathematical models were created to understand the surface tension forces involved in the jump, predicting optimal jumping performance.
Researchers created a robot that mimics the jumping ability of water striders by controlling the acceleration of its legs. The robot uses a torque reversal catapult mechanism to generate force without exceeding the maximum force that water surface tension can withstand.
An international team of scientists developed a robotic insect that can jump on water using the natural mechanics of water striders. The robot exerts up to 16 times its own body weight on the water's surface, mimicking the insects' ability to perform extreme maneuvers like jumping and flying with ease.
A 16-year-old scientist has created a solution to remove pharmaceutical drugs from contaminated water, using a plastic adsorbent that can capture the chemicals. The innovative technique, tested over six years, shows promise for scaling up and applying it in real-world water treatment.
A new study by University of Utah researchers shows that two-thirds of the remaining water after rainfall is released by plants, while more than a quarter lands on leaves and evaporates. The study also found that only 38% of water entering groundwater interacts with soil before reaching streams and groundwater.
A study by researchers at University of Illinois found that groundwater from three major aquifers is crucial for food security, with 91% of embodied water staying within the US. Unsustainable usage threatens domestic food supply and global markets.
A recent study from Michigan State University found that perennial biofuel crops use a comparable amount of water as traditional corn crops in the Midwest. This discovery has significant implications for cellulosic biofuel production and understanding the impact of climate change on water balances.
A new study proposes a novel nanotechnology-based strategy to enhance water diffusion through sanitation filters using phonon oscillations, resulting in three times the efficiency of water transport. Crowdsourced computing played a crucial role in this project, with over 150,000 volunteers contributing their computing power.
A study of travertine deposits in the Anio Novus aqueduct revealed an actual estimate of its flow rate, significantly lower than previous estimates. The aqueduct's average water level indicates it was almost always full of water, supplying Rome with a reliable water supply that enabled urbanization during the first century AD.
New research finds that pH lowering of municipal water supplies can increase particulate lead levels due to corrosion of cast iron mains. The study suggests that future strategies to reduce lead in drinking water may require infrastructure upgrades or iron control measures.
A promising new solution for improving water quality is the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF), a systematic approach to identifying best options for reducing nutrient losses and erosion within a watershed. The framework provides an inventory of conservation possibilities, allowing farmers and stakeholders to choose th...
A recent study reveals that supercooled water does not become completely unstable before turning into ice crystals, thanks to an energy barrier for crystal formation. As temperature drops, liquid water becomes easier to compress, unlike other substances.
Researchers at UC Riverside's Bourns College of Engineering will work with three Southern California water districts to deploy customized smart systems and controls. The project aims to cut electricity use by 10% and save millions of dollars.
Biologists from KU Leuven found that water flea populations can rapidly adapt to rising temperatures and increased heat wave frequencies. The study, using 'resurrected' eggs, showed a 3.6°C increase in critical temperature for activity.
New research published by the University of Warwick finds evidence that water-rich asteroids or comets are common around other stars than the Sun. The study suggests that water can be delivered to planets like Earth via these bodies, potentially creating a suitable environment for life to form.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev are developing a new urban water program, focusing on water-sensitive cities and innovative technologies to deliver water security. The program aims to improve urban climates, reduce carbon footprints and enhance quality of life.
A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that almost one in four high school seniors try smoking hookah, with over 78,200 youth current water pipe users. The study warns that water pipes carry similar toxins as cigarettes and can lead to increased cancer risk.
Scientists have estimated that Mars once had a massive ocean covering 19% of its surface, which would have made the planet habitable for longer. The new research uses detailed observations of water in Mars' atmosphere to determine the amount of water lost over time.
A satellite study has identified critical water bodies on the Swan Coastal Plain in Western Australia that support aquatic species survival, with many facing decline due to climate change and human factors.
A study found that organizational forgetting affects 16% of quality gains from autonomous learning and 13% of targeted quality improvement efforts. Firms must continually improve while also acknowledging the erosion of knowledge over time.
A new study recalculates global progress in household water access, highlighting deficits in sanitation. The findings suggest that prioritizing both water and sanitation equally could improve human health outcomes.
The new version of Argonne's WATER tool predicts water consumption associated with use of cellulosic feedstocks. The tool provides analysis down to the county level for the first time, supporting biofuel industry development and planning.
A new study by international researchers highlights China's booming economy is exacerbating water stress for poorer regions through virtual water transfers. The efforts only partially alleviate water stress and are likely to be insufficient to offset increased demand due to economic growth.
A recent study published in HortScience suggests that nitrogen from reclaimed water can support optimal turfgrass growth. The researchers found that turfgrass responded positively to higher concentrations of nitrogen in the irrigation water, but the concentration needed was at least 5 mg·L−1.
Researchers at Ohio State University propose that the Earth's mantle contains entire oceans of water, which are continuously cycled to the surface via plate tectonics. This process could have supplied water to the oceans for billions of years, making Earth habitable.
Researchers found that Bougainvillea can tolerate moderate deficit irrigation, reducing water consumption while improving plant quality. The study tested three varieties of potted Bougainvillea under full and deficit irrigation treatments.
Researchers at the University of Houston are developing new nanofiltration methods to remove salt from brackish waters, a potentially cheaper alternative to existing desalination techniques. The methods could help alleviate drought-stricken regions' water scarcity issues.
A team of researchers led by D.J. Seo will integrate data from advanced weather radar systems, wireless sensors, and crowdsourced cell phone data to create high-resolution models of urban water systems. The project aims to produce a suite of products for flash flood forecasting, water quality monitoring, and storm management.
A new study has shown that the water found on Earth originated before the Sun formed, suggesting that many exoplanets may also have access to abundant water. This discovery has important implications for the potential for life elsewhere in the galaxy.
A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that water-quality trading programs can significantly lower costs of achieving Clean Water Act goals. By allowing polluters to buy, sell or trade credits, these programs can reduce pollution in river basins and estuaries faster and at a lower cost than requiring facilities to meet com...
A new study reveals that consumers assume high or low levels of quality in price ranges where quality is more variable. Consistency in quality within a price range leads to incorrect predictions about product quality.
New research by Penn State scientists suggests that hydraulic fracturing water is not a significant risk to groundwater, as it is sequestered in the rock formation. The study found that capillary and osmotic forces prevent upward migration of residual treatment water into overlying groundwater.
Researchers have developed a method to isolate and separate para and ortho water molecules, which differ in their nuclear spin states. This breakthrough could provide new insights into various phenomena, including the study of interstellar ice and protein structures.
Researchers at Virginia Tech find that 50% of the population can't detect high levels of manganese in water, leading to potential health risks. The study's findings highlight the importance of considering water safety not only in tap water but also in humidified air.
Researchers from McGill and Utrecht University outline six strategies to reduce water stress, including improving irrigation techniques, increasing water-recycling facilities, and limiting population growth. By applying these strategies simultaneously, significant reductions in water-stressed populations are possible by 2050.
Researchers at Aalto University found that shifting to vegetarian diets can reduce green water use by up to 21% and blue water use by up to 14%. This could secure food supply for an additional 1.8 billion people without increasing water resources.
Researchers have observed an ordered water monolayer on various solid surfaces at room temperature, contradicting the classical understanding of water's behavior. This phenomenon exhibits novel properties and affects surface characteristics, such as electrochemical property, wetting behavior, and friction.
New research reveals that developed regions in China contribute to water depletion in other water-scarce regions through imports of food and water-intensive goods. This study accounts for water scarcity using the concept of virtual water, tracking water flows through trade and agricultural products.
A new study by Monash University found that implementing efficiency measures addressing climate change can reduce water consumption. Energy efficiency measures, such as wind power and solar photovoltaics, were identified as key options for saving water while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Australian researchers advise incorporating water use into climate change policies, as energy-efficient technologies can also reduce water consumption. The study analyzed 74 options and found that renewable options and energy efficiency measures can help save nearly 100 Mmᶾ of water in Australia annually.
Researchers have made the first structural observations of liquid water at temperatures as low as minus 51 degrees Fahrenheit, revealing new insights into its molecular structure and behavior. This study opens a new window for exploring liquid water in extreme conditions, which is relevant to global ocean currents, climate, and biology.
Researchers at Princeton University used a computer model to explore water as it freezes, finding that it can exist in two liquid phases of different densities. The dual nature of water could lead to better understanding of how it behaves at cold temperatures found in high-altitude clouds.
The Urban Water Management Workshop, held at UC Riverside, stressed the need for a portfolio approach to water management, including information campaigns, pricing options, supply reuse, and technology-based rebate programs. The workshop aimed to improve communication and collaboration between academics and water agency officials.
Researchers discover water bound in rock deep in the Earth's mantle, potentially representing the planet's largest water reservoir. This finding may aid scientists in understanding how the Earth formed and what its current composition is.
New analysis of Moon rocks indicates regional variations in water content, providing insights into lunar formation and crust cooling processes. The study suggests that the Moon's water may have originated from both Earth and comets/asteroids, with implications for understanding the source of Earth's water.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to create air-stable water droplet networks that can simulate cell membranes. The technique, which uses a superhydrophobic surface infused with oil, enables the formation of interconnected water droplets without coalescing.
A comprehensive review found that improved water sources in low- and middle-income countries often contain fecal contamination. The study's findings suggest a large proportion of the world's population uses unsafe water, highlighting the need for alternative indicators of safe water.