A new UC Santa Barbara-based project will investigate contaminants in urban water environments, focusing on identifying threats to surface waters and groundwater. The research aims to determine how to mitigate these issues and develop cost-effective solutions.
Researchers created a jumping robot that mimics the water strider's ability, allowing it to leap over obstacles and move at high speeds. The microrobot's design uses porous nickel foam to fabricate its legs, enabling it to jump more than twice its own length and weigh as much as 1,100 water striders.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train graduate students in water quantity and quality improvement. Students will conduct doctoral-level research on water issues and gain training in interdisciplinary research, project management, and policy-making.
NTU hosts international students, top water experts, and Young Water Talents Symposium to share knowledge on sustainable water management. The university's five-year strategic plan focuses on sustainability research, with S$849 million dedicated to the field.
A binational team of researchers from the University of Arizona monitored conditions in Ciénega de Santa Clara before, during and after the plant's pilot run, finding no significant changes to hydrology, water quality, vegetation, or marsh birds. The wetland appears resilient in the face of short-term disturbances.
Researchers studied the water boatman's hind wings, which exhibit superhydrophobicity, playing a crucial role in its swimming, breathing, and balance. The study reveals that the insect's wing surface contains low surface energy materials, creating a hierarchical structure that enables it to swim freely and escape easily from water.
Mercyhurst research delivers near real-time water quality results, reducing exposure to potentially hazardous bacteria. The new system uses computer predictions and qPCR technology to detect E. coli contamination in two hours.
Scientists create a surface that can display information using water, exploiting the unique behavior of trapped air layers on a lotus-inspired dual-structured surface. The surface is bistable and exhibits striking optical contrast between its two states.
The University of Bristol scientists developed a technique to calibrate six Amazon gauges using ICESat elevation data, correcting large discrepancies in water levels. This method enables researchers to accurately estimate water levels and river slope, crucial for understanding the exchange of water with floodplains and other processes.
Thermoelectric power plants in the US and Europe are vulnerable to climate change due to reduced water supply, leading to increased electricity prices and concerns about future energy security. The study projects a decrease in thermoelectric power generating capacity of 4-19% by 2031-2060, affecting both regions.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully tested a solar-powered desalination system that provides high-quality irrigation water for crops in arid regions. The system uses nanofiltration membranes to treat brackish water, resulting in 25% less irrigation and fertilizer needed compared to traditional practices.
Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages
Researchers found that adding lime juice to water treated with solar disinfection removed detectable levels of E. coli significantly faster than solar disinfection alone. The treatment time was comparable to boiling and other household methods, making it a potential effective solution for improving water quality in low-income regions.
Research finds that hospitals adopting quality process management techniques to reduce errors and meet government mandates often compromise on the quality of individual patients' experiences. This tension arises from prioritizing standardized, data-driven approaches over customized, patient-centered care.
A new assessment reveals large areas in Europe and Africa with insufficient freshwater resources, exacerbating water scarcity issues. The report emphasizes the need for improved water management and forecasting to address future challenges.
The High Level Panel will discuss a 'nexus' approach to water management, planning projects with input from stakeholders in the food, water, and energy sectors. This approach aims to reduce conflicts between these sectors over dwindling water resources as global food and energy production intensify.
Scientists at University of Copenhagen have reconstructed the isotopic composition of 3.8 billion-year-old seawater, revealing that young planet's oceans had proportionately more 'normal water' than 'heavy water'. This discovery suggests Earth has lost less than ¼ of its water budget over the last roughly 4 billion years.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.
The study reveals that water diffusion is unusually fast in nanochannels above 1nm, while below 1nm, fewer hydrogen bonds need to be broken, enabling macroscopic diffusion. This breakthrough may lead to innovative water desalination and filtration methods.
A study by geoscientists found that human pumping of groundwater poses a greater threat to coastal drinking water than climate change. Most coastal aquifers are relatively unaffected by rising sea levels, but human activity is causing concerns.
According to a new study, over 1/3 US counties face 'high' or 'extreme' risk of water shortages due to climate change. The American Chemical Society reports that 412 counties in southern and southwestern states may experience extreme water shortages by 2050.
A University of Alberta researcher is investigating the potential link between long-term exposure to disinfected water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. She will develop new tools to detect toxic DBPs in drinking water, with the goal of eliminating their formation.
The study found significant variability in colonoscopy reporting, but high overall quality. Significant variance between endoscopy departments was also observed. Continuous monitoring and implementation of quality indicators can improve the quality of both reporting and performance.
Experts recommend accounting for water scarcity and pollution in international trade rules to mitigate its impact. The UNESCO-IHE Institute's special report aims to integrate water management into global trade agreements, considering new concepts like virtual water and water footprint.
Researchers found that water changes its molecular structure to form 'intermediate ice' at -55 F, allowing it to remain liquid below the traditional freezing point. The discovery sheds light on atmospheric scientists' need to predict global climate patterns and how much solar radiation is absorbed by atmospheric water and ice.
Scientists discover water's conductivity increases at extremely low temperatures, contradicting expectations for an ordinary liquid. This phenomenon supports the idea of a 'liquid-liquid' phase transition in water.
A study by Spanish researchers found that plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50% more rainwater than flat roofs, resulting in higher quality water. The collected water can be used for various purposes, including watering streets and gardens, washing floors or vehicles, and filling cisterns.
SMU scientists are collecting water samples in UNHCR camps, analyzing them in the lab, and training workers to test water supplies. The team will develop a worldwide database to identify contaminants and track water quality over time, addressing issues such as iodide and fluoride contamination.
Researchers have resolved a long-standing debate over water molecules at the air-water interface, finding strong hydrogen bonding between water pairs at the outermost surface. The study uses theoretical and experimental techniques to pinpoint the origin of water's unique surface properties.
Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute discovered that plants create a water reserve around their roots, which helps them survive short periods of drought. The water reserve is found within a few millimeters from the roots and contains about 30% more water than the rest of the soil.
Scientists develop aquatic microrobot that stands effortlessly on water surfaces, walking and turning freely. The robot incorporates improvements over previous devices, making it a prime candidate for military spy missions and water pollution monitoring.
Astronomers have discovered a massive reservoir of water vapor 30 billion light-years away in a quasar, which is 100,000 times more massive than the sun. The water vapor is distributed around a black hole and provides insights into its environment.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $2.7 million to study seven river basins in the western US, focusing on adaptation strategies for water supply and demand imbalances. Eight water delivery systems will also receive funding to improve water efficiency and operations.
Researchers at the University of East Anglia argue that greater focus on the energy requirements of the water sector is crucial for meeting sustainability goals. The study highlights the need to integrate energy use into water resource management and understand its role in greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study by American Society for Horticultural Science reveals that landscape coefficients can be used to predict seasonal water demand and enhance irrigation information. This approach shows promising results for promoting water savings in mixed-species urban landscapes, supporting regional conservation efforts.
A Japan-based research team studied the phase behavior of confined water in single-walled carbon nanotubes, discovering a wet-dry transition at low temperatures and tubule ice formation. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of nanoconfined water and its potential applications in nanoscience.
Researchers found that only one-quarter of water molecules at the surface exhibit characteristics of both gas and liquid phases, allowing for new understanding of chemical reactions and atmospheric balance. The study provides a framework for investigating other interfaces, such as those in living cells.
A new study published in Environmental Research Letters found that virtual water transfers are unlikely to equalize water use among nations due to existing inequalities. The researchers concluded that the current amount of virtual water is insufficient to overcome these constraints.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) offer a promising solution to the global water crisis by transforming abundant seawater into pure, clean drinking water. CNT-based reverse osmosis membranes can remove salt ions efficiently, reducing costs and energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
A team of scientists from Brown University has detected an Earth-equivalent amount of water within the moon, rivaling the amount found in the Earth's upper mantle. The discovery was made through measurements of lunar melt inclusions and suggests that the Moon's formation theory may need to be reevaluated.
New lab experiments reveal that sulfur dioxide molecules are captured by the top-most surface water molecules when approaching a water surface at low temperatures, forming reactive aqueous particulates. The findings have important implications for understanding airborne pollutants and their role in global warming.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a material that can bind and trap radioactive iodide in drinking water, making it safe for human consumption. The material, which combines hemicellulose and chitosan, can also extract heavy metals from water, providing a sustainable solution for desalination.
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
Researchers discovered that individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds consumed more bottled water but were not less exposed to cancer-causing contaminants in public drinking supplies. High levels of trihalomethanes (THM) can be ingested through public water or absorbed through the skin in baths, showers, and swimming pools.
As global freshwater demand is projected to surpass supply by 40% by 2030, Canada's expertise in water management is being sought to help countries address drought, flood, and unsafe water issues. The country's relatively abundant water supply will be an asset, but careful management is crucial for sustainability.
Researchers have discovered a new role for Tonoplast Intrinsic Proteins (TIPs) in regulating water uptake during seed germination, contradicting previous focus on Plasma Membrane Intrinsic Proteins (PIP). The study provides the first complete map of TIP expression in maturing and germinating seeds.
Parasitic protozoons like Cryptosporidium and Giardia can survive water treatment systems, posing a significant risk to human and animal health. The study highlights the need for better preventive measures, including protecting water sources, monitoring water quality, and implementing control plans.
A study published in the Annals of Surgery found that high-quality trauma hospitals have significantly lower death rates and spending compared to average-quality hospitals. The research suggests that achieving better quality may be less expensive in the long run, with fewer patient complications translating into cost savings.
Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.
Scientists in China have created a more eco-friendly and cost-effective way to produce deuterium-depleted drinking water, which may be beneficial for human health. The new technique uses a platinum catalyst to efficiently remove deuterium from water, reducing levels from 150 ppm to 125 ppm.
Researchers investigated the salt tolerance of 10 common bedding plant species and cultivars irrigated with reclaimed water. The study found that some plants became more compact when grown in low to moderate salinity conditions, suggesting a potential use for recycled water in landscape irrigation.
Researchers found that both the Southwest and Southeast have insufficient water resources to support human needs, leading to a reliance on imported virtual water. The study highlights the need for new strategies in water storage and conservation across the US, particularly in regions with inland metropolitan areas.
A new technology using tiny protozoa to detect toxins in water sources may provide unprecedented assessment of the world's water supplies. The Swimming Behavioral Spectrophotometer (SBS) can detect chemicals, pesticides, and biological warfare agents with near-instant feedback.
A USGS study reveals that growing corn for biofuels production has significant effects on water quality and quantity in northwestern Mississippi. Increased irrigation withdrawals from the MRVA aquifer contribute to declining water levels, while nitrogen fertilizer use can lead to low dissolved oxygen conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
Virginia Tech receives a $2.7 million grant to study integrated management of zoosporic pathogens and irrigation water quality for a more sustainable green industry. The project aims to develop biologically based control methods and best management practices to recycle irrigation water safely.
The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.
Researchers found declining levels of nitrogen and phosphorus since the 1970s, indicating improved water quality in Everglades National Park. The study's findings suggest that the park's restoration methods have effectively reduced waste and improved ecosystem health.
Researchers are using analytics to identify patterns in the Dutch water system, enabling improvements in overall water management. Advanced algorithms and software will provide real-time insight into the water system, aiding decision-making for water boards and municipalities.
Researchers will investigate how climate change affects Great Lakes water quality, focusing on extreme weather events and their impact on nutrient, pesticide, and sediment levels. The study aims to develop strategies for watershed councils and government entities to reduce water quality impacts.
The study found that Miscanthus uses more water than other crops like switchgrass and corn, but reduces the potential for nitrogen pollution. This could lead to a decrease in runoff and surface water supplies, particularly during late summer and early fall.