Researchers at EPFL used lasers to study how specific vibrations in a water molecule affect its ability to dissociate, enabling the optimization of theoretical models for water dissociation. This breakthrough can impact the design of future catalysts for industrial and commercial chemical reactions.
The shale gas industry's high water usage competes with residential and agricultural needs in arid regions, depleting groundwater resources. Researchers suggest using brackish water and recycling wastewater to minimize the industry's water footprint.
Research by hydrologists and scientists found that the death of millions of trees in Rocky Mountain regions due to bark beetles increases groundwater flow and changes water quality. The study used water chemistry to identify the source of streamflow and found a significant increase in late-summer groundwater contributions.
A new study found that most schools in the US meet the USDA drinking water mandate, but additional measures are needed to promote better access and encourage students to drink more water. The study suggests that collaboration among school staff and educational activities can be effective strategies to promote water consumption.
A new study suggests that oyster aquaculture can remove nearly half of the incoming nutrients from the Potomac River estuary if only 15-20% of its bottom is cultivated. This approach could provide a solution to long-term water quality problems and promote ecosystem balance.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that global food trade can alleviate water scarcity in parts of India, Morocco, and Egypt through imports of agricultural goods. However, exports from countries like Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Afghanistan, and the US exacerbate local water stress.
Researchers discover that only 20-30% of water vapor molecules condense on a liquid surface, while the majority bounce away. The study's findings could lead to more efficient desalination membranes and fundamental understanding of fluid flow at the nanoscale.
Researchers at NC State developed a new technique that uses existing technology to collect detailed water quality data more frequently. The approach allows researchers to measure key parameters like organic nitrogen, phosphates, total phosphorus, and salinity, offering insights into nutrient pollution.
A national survey by Indiana University researcher Shahzeen Attari found that nearly 43% of participants cited taking shorter showers, despite toilets using the most water daily. The study highlights the importance of efficiency improvements like replacing toilets and retrofitting washing machines to conserve water.
A team of MIT researchers has discovered that a small piece of sapwood can filter out over 99% of bacteria from contaminated water. The xylem tissue in the sapwood allows water to flow through while blocking most types of bacteria, making it a promising low-cost material for water filtration.
A UC Riverside study suggests that increasing block-rate water budgets can effectively promote water use efficiency by sending a price signal to customers regarding water scarcity. The study found that average household water use decreased by 15% under the new pricing structure, while overall prices only rose 4%.
A study found that magnesium protects against hip fractures for both men and women, but calcium has no independent protective effect. Enriching drinking water with dolomite may also be beneficial, according to the researchers.
The MARSOL project aims to address water shortage in the Mediterranean region by storing excess water in aquifers, reducing crop losses and mitigating droughts. Eight field sites across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy, and Israel are being studied for their specific approaches to water storage.
Researchers found statistically significant reduction in water use only in the month of the workshop, but this impact is short-lived. To sustain reductions, reinforcement of educational messages is required.
A study by University of Texas at Austin researchers found that shifting from coal to natural gas for electricity generation saves significantly more water than the additional consumption required for hydraulic fracturing. Water savings can be up to 25-50 times greater, making Texas less vulnerable to drought.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences finds that climate change will increase global water scarcity, affecting millions of people worldwide. The study estimates that 40% more people will be at risk of absolute water scarcity due to climate change, with significant regional differences in impacts.
Researchers have developed a precision instrument that can determine water loss in agricultural systems, enabling growers to make informed irrigation decisions and reducing water waste. The system provides real-time data on water use by plants versus evaporation, leading to significant water savings.
A study by Griffith University found that smart water meters can reduce post-meter water loss in households by up to 91% by identifying leaks and repairing them. The project identified 4% of households with suspected leaks, leading to cost savings for customers.
Astronomers found a water-rich asteroid orbiting an exhausted star, indicating the presence of Earth-like exoplanets. The discovery suggests that the star GD 61 had the potential to contain habitable planets, with water and rocky surfaces being key ingredients.
The 'Center for Advanced Water Research' will address global problems concerning integrated water resources management jointly. With the foundation of the CAWR, partners aim to overcome the challenges in the water sector using integrated approaches.
A University of Illinois survey found that homeowners are willing to pay for storm-water runoff management to reduce flooding in their basements. The study also showed a strong demand for water quality improvements and environmental benefits, with residents willing to pay for low-impact development approaches.
Agriculture faces increasing competition for water, but integrated water management plans can increase water security by utilizing blue, green, and gray waters. The symposium highlights the importance of protecting these three water sources to meet the world's growing demand for food.
A study found nearly 1 in 10 U.S. watersheds are stressed due to high demand for water exceeding natural supply. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this trend, creating challenges for agriculture, electrical suppliers, and municipalities.
The report identifies substantial opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and conserving scarce water resources by generating renewable energy. It highlights the potential for water sector innovation to increase renewable energy capacity, particularly in states like California.
The new journal publishes its first issue themed on 'Water Footprint Assessment (WFA) for better water governance and sustainable development'. Elsevier aims to bridge the gap between industrial water use practice and scientific research.
Researchers developed plasma-treated carbon nanotube membranes that can remove contaminants and brine from water effectively. These new membranes could be integrated into portable devices the size of a tea pot for efficient and inexpensive water purification.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified four bacteria found in drinking water that can form biofilms on pipes. Combining these bacteria with Methylobacterium produces a biofilm within 72 hours. The study suggests targeting specific bacteria could prevent biofilm formation and reduce chemical treatments.
Researchers at UTSA and SwRI are developing a low-cost method to treat flow-back water from hydraulic fracturing using biochar. The project aims to create an economical and environmentally friendly solution for treating the large volumes of fracking fluid, which contains salts, hydrocarbons, and heavy metals.
Researchers have discovered that protein surface defects, called dehydrons, allow water molecules to become unstable and easily expelled. This finding provides a novel strategy for designing drug candidates that can dislodge these water molecules upon association with the protein.
Researchers at NUS have developed novel water purification methods using apple and tomato peels, showing promise for economically disadvantaged communities. The techniques can remove various pollutants from water, including dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals.
The new journal aims to provide a forum for discussing the economic aspects of water resources, including extraction, pollution, and allocation. The first issue is freely available online on ScienceDirect and features articles on topics such as willingness to pay and water conservation incentives.
A four-year EU-funded project has developed a response programme to rapidly restore drinking water networks following a deliberate contamination event. The SecurEau toolbox includes tools for detecting water quality changes, identifying sources of contamination, and cleaning distribution systems.
A new study by University of Miami researcher Justin Stoler examines the demographics of sachet water usage in Ghana's capital Accra, revealing how poverty and environmental concerns impact urban water security. The research highlights the unintended social and environmental consequences of widespread sachet water use.
A UT Arlington environmental engineer is investigating the best methods to add monochloramine to water in the pipeline to eliminate biological growths and invasive species. The research aims to ensure efficient water delivery and last-long duration for the pipeline, benefiting over 4.4 million people in North Texas.
Researchers have developed a new coupled numerical hydrodynamic water quality model to simulate dynamic changes in river water quantity and quality. The model was validated in the Luan River Basin, showing accuracy requirements were met for both water level and flow data, as well as water quality characteristics.
A new analysis by the USDA Forest Service emphasizes managing forests as consumers of water, reducing risk of water stress. This shift in thinking helps maintain resilience and health in a changing climate.
Increasing crop water productivity could feed an additional 110 million people while meeting domestic water demands of nearly 1.4 billion, according to a new study. The research team analyzed 16 staple crops globally, identifying opportunities for improving trade-off between food and water.
A new study by GW Professor Tianshu Li provides direct computational evidence that nucleation of ice in small droplets is strongly size-dependent. The team's findings demonstrate that water at the nanoscale can no longer be considered bulk water, with implications for climate research and atmospheric science.
Scientists discover that water on the Moon's mantle originated from primitive meteorites, not comets, raising questions about the formation of the Moon. The findings also suggest that most of the water on Earth comes from the same source.
Researchers found that despite voluntary temperature setting standards, hot water temperatures remained dangerously high in 41% of homes, posing a scald hazard to young children and the elderly. The study suggests equipping faucets with anti-scald devices as a potential solution.
A new membrane developed by researchers at Wits University can effectively separate waste from water, making it suitable for treating pollutants in various processes. The technology has the potential to filter pure water from wastewater produced during mining, oil and gas exploration, and nuclear activities.
Current quality measures for outpatient settings neglect critical areas of high-quality care, including safety and effectiveness. Dr. Tara Bishop suggests revisiting quality measurement to include these neglected areas, which could improve patient care and safety.
A team of researchers studied water under extreme conditions, discovering its structure transforms from ordered to disordered at supercritical temperatures. This knowledge provides an improved estimate of water's behavior during geochemical and geological processes.
A new study highlights the lack of availability and accessibility of water in child care centers, which can hinder the development of health habits. The researchers emphasize the need for policy change and support to help centers meet existing water policies and promote healthy beverage practices.
The symposium aims to find solutions to the increasing gap between food production and water availability. Experts will discuss ways to optimize water use in crop production, protect freshwater resources, and reuse gray water to ensure both adequate food and abundant water supplies for future generations.
The Global Institute for Water Security at the University of Saskatchewan is generating science to address water security challenges in North America. Howard Wheater's research focuses on large-scale water monitoring and modelling to support better forecasting and prediction models for land and water systems.
The project aims to optimise the process of reducing lead in tap water by identifying the least soluble minerals. Researchers will investigate water from various sources and work on-site at Yorkshire Water treatment plants.
The Desert Research Institute will provide information and technical capacity to develop effective clean water solutions and improve the quality of drinking water in developing countries. The research aims to address water scarcity, diseases, and climate change challenges.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology developed coated cotton that absorbs exceptional amounts of water from foggy air, releasing it as temperature rises. The material, inspired by nature, can provide water for agricultural purposes and potentially be used in desert regions.
Researchers discovered pygmy mole crickets use oar-like paddles to jump from water, exploiting water's stickiness to their advantage. The crickets' resilient protein-filled paddles fan out as they penetrate the water, allowing them to 'grab' a ball of water and propel themselves to safety.
A new framework developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota provides a tool for assessing and valuing the services clean water provides, including recreation, beauty, navigation, and hydropower. The framework can be applied to on-the-ground decisions around water issues, yielding a more accurate picture of costs and benefits.
Researchers have discovered the mechanism behind pond skaters' ability to walk on water. They use their middle leg to create swirling vortices, similar to those made by oars in a rowing boat, allowing them to move forward without sinking. The waxy hairs covering their legs also repel water and help generate an upward force.
The UFZ has established a Project Office at the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation to develop an implementation strategy for decentralised wastewater treatment in rural and peri-urban areas. The initiative aims to alleviate water scarcity and groundwater protection issues in Jordan by reclaiming and reusing wastewater locally.
University of Arizona environmental engineering professor Shane Snyder will present on emerging contaminants in drinking water and treatment levels required around the world. He also shares his global water quality experiences from countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
A recent study found that 61 of 181 North Carolina migrant farmworker camps failed to meet state water quality standards, with high levels of total coliform bacteria and E. coli detected in the water.
A new analysis by ACS researchers suggests that up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness may be caused by contaminated drinking water distribution systems in the US. Aging infrastructure and lack of funding pose significant health risks, particularly for small systems.
A recent study published in Respirology reveals that water pipe smoking can have severe respiratory effects, comparable to those of cigarette smoking. The research, led by Mohammad Hossein Boskabady, found profound impacts on lung function among water pipe smokers and deep inhalation cigarette smokers.
China's water crisis is characterized by severe pollution, eutrophication, and lack of access to safe drinking water, with two-thirds of cities experiencing shortages. To achieve sustainability, experts suggest adopting a systems approach that considers multiple perspectives and values.
A UCI-led review reveals creative methods for capturing liquid sewage, highway runoff, and household water to supplement drinking water. The study concludes that transforming individual habits and adopting sustainable practices are crucial to breaking the cycle of waste and over-reliance on freshwater resources.
Researchers discovered that certain types of bacteria form biofilms on filters, breaking off into drinking water due to pH levels. Simple changes to filter cleaning and water pH can shift the balance towards beneficial bacteria, potentially improving water quality.