USGS scientists investigated pesticide occurrence in ground water at four US sites. Herbicides triazines and chloroacetanilides were most frequently detected, with degradation products often exceeding parent compounds. Redox conditions, residence times, oxygen levels, and nitrogen gas influenced pesticide concentrations.
The new strategy focuses on reducing per capita consumption from 150 litres to 130 litres per day, emphasizing the need for a sociological perspective to understand water usage habits. The report explores the role of metering and price signals in encouraging water efficiency, as well as the development of rising block tariffs.
Researchers propose using oil and gas flare-off energy to release water from gypsum deposits, creating a vast source of clean drinking water. The process has been successfully tested and could solve the water shortage problem in dry areas, enabling irrigation and fertility improvement.
Researchers develop data mining approach using Fuzzy Inference System to analyze river water quality, revealing high pollution levels despite individual parameter analysis. The method combines disparate parameters for a broader understanding of overall quality, potentially improving the lives of people relying on freshwater sources.
A literature review found no clear evidence of benefit or harm from increased water intake in healthy individuals. However, studies suggest that people with certain diseases and athletes may benefit from increased fluid intake. No single study indicates a need to drink the recommended '8x8' amount of water daily.
Scientists evaluate the impact of grain-based ethanol production on water quality in the US. The study recommends advanced conservation measures to minimize nutrient losses from corn production, but a viable cellulosic ethanol industry could provide water quality benefits.
Researchers are turning to advanced technologies like membrane bioreactors, nanoscale filtration, and desalination to provide clean water globally. A coordinated approach is needed to tackle complex water issues, with international cooperation key to addressing the crisis before it worsens.
Waters Corporation is offering complimentary drinking water analysis to US water authorities to assess regional exposure and develop solutions for pharmaceutical residues. The program aims to provide a baseline understanding of exposure levels to facilitate long-term monitoring and action plans.
Global climate models project significant changes in water availability due to anthropogenic warming, with regions like high latitudes and Mediterranean basin expected to experience substantial decreases. Non-stationarity must be accounted for in water resources planning to ensure effective management.
Researchers at Princeton University found a highly simplified model molecule that behaves in much the same way as water, challenging conventional wisdom. The discovery may have implications for industrial or pharmaceutical research.
The United Water Senior Design and University Marketing Program was developed in conjunction with Stevens Institute of Technology, resulting in improved water quality for customers. The program also addresses staffing needs, identifying future hires, and fostering community relationships.
Researchers found that reusing water in produce washing processes compromises sanitizer efficacy and affects product quality. The study provides specific information on how wash operation variables impact water quality and product quality, offering new tools for enhancing food safety and quality.
Researchers found that older sand filters with established biofilms effectively remove geosmin and MIB, reducing the earthy taste in tap water. The study suggests using biologically active sand filters can improve water purification, making water safer for consumption.
The Aquatest project aims to provide individuals and communities with the information they need to identify unsafe water and take action. The test, which can detect E. coli contamination, will be available in developing countries within 10 years, leading to improved water management and a potential decline in water-borne diseases.
A new study from Ohio State University suggests that climate change could diminish drinking water resources by up to 50 percent more than previously thought. As sea levels rise, coastal communities may lose fresh water supplies, with vulnerable areas including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and northern Europe.
Researchers used NASA satellites to monitor water quality in Tampa Bay, finding accurate measurements of turbidity and clarity. The method can resolve questions about events leading to decreased water quality and inform resource management decisions.
A study by Andrea Dietrich at the American Chemical Society meeting found that cPVC has a low odor potential, while HDPE had the highest odor production. The researchers also discovered that certain types of plastic piping can leach organic compounds into drinking water.
A study found that shifting to water-efficient crops like cotton and soybean can decrease irrigation water use by nearly 66% on rice fields. Implementing irrigation water pricing also improves environmental conditions, but its impact on farm income is modest.
Researchers at UCL have detected water vapor in the atmosphere of an extrasolar planet, HD 189733b. The discovery was made using NASA's Spitzer telescope and confirms that water might be more common than previously thought outside our Solar System.
Researchers found that water quality is highest when beaches are busiest with swimmers, stirring up pathogens in the sediment. The studies recommend testing water for microorganisms like C. parvum and G. lamblia during peak usage hours to ensure safe recreational use.
A Georgia Tech research team discovered that water exhibits layered properties when confined to channels less than two nanometers wide. The study found that the viscosity of water increases dramatically as it approaches one nanometer in thickness, potentially making it a more suitable lubricant for applications.
A team of researchers led by Susan Cozzens is working to improve water supply and sanitation in developing countries. They aim to create new approaches to water supply and sanitation, focusing on storing, treating, and disinfecting water, as well as developing sanitation systems that minimize pathogen release.
Floods and aging infrastructure threaten the nation's drinking water safety, with inadequate monitoring and poor watershed protection being major concerns. According to MSU expert Joan Rose, combining sewer systems and climate change increase the risk of waterborne illnesses, especially in vulnerable communities.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a method to precisely control the movement of water through carbon nanotube membranes. By applying low-voltage electricity, they can switch between repelling and pumping water, paving the way for technologies like instant drinking water purification and DNA separation.
A team of researchers from the University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory has confirmed a long-standing theoretical prediction about water's behavior on hydrophobic surfaces. They found a thin layer of depleted water at the interface, contradicting previous findings of nanobubbles.
The study found that naked carp respond to increased lake salinity by taking a 'metabolic holiday', drastically reducing oxygen consumption and kidney function. They also adjust their feeding behavior and store more fat, but if the lake continues to dehydrate, these benefits may change to pathology.
A team of scientists used high-energy X-rays to study the hydrophobic water gap, revealing its size and characteristics. The study provides new insights into protein folding and stability, which are crucial in biological systems.
Researchers identified 142 candidate indicators of quality care for colorectal cancer surgery, including surgical credentials, preoperative evaluation, and postoperative management. The expert panel rated 92 indicators as valid, suggesting these can be used to measure care quality and create improvement programs.
Researchers discovered that releasing reservoir water to recharge natural aquifers can help cities survive droughts with full production from municipal wells. This technique may become crucial for areas experiencing reduced inflow due to changing water uses or climate change, such as the city of Las Vegas, NM, and parts of California.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.
Researchers developed a novel approach to assessing the risk of water-borne diseases, including leptospirosis, by measuring bacterial DNA in environmental waters. The method provides a quantitative risk assessment for human disease and has implications for health departments monitoring water safety.
The Comprehensive Assessment reveals that one-third of the world's population lives in areas where water is either over-used or cannot be accessed due to lack of infrastructure. The study calls for radical changes in water management to address the growing water crisis.
Bioengineers Teresa Head-Gordon and Margaret Johnson analyzed x-ray data to determine the static structural organization of liquid water. Their study found that, on average, liquid water molecules form a tetrahedral network, contradicting previous claims of a 'rings and chains' model.
Cold-water corals are vulnerable to ocean acidification, which can harm their ability to build skeletons. By 2100, only 30% of cold-water reefs may still be in waters supersaturated with aragonite, a form of calcium carbonate.
A tiny packet containing a grayish powder has been shown to dramatically reduce diarrheal deaths caused by contaminated water. The system, called PUR Purifier of Water, can kill deadly pathogens and remove toxic metals, and is now being distributed globally for free
Researchers found that anthrax spores can tolerate water treatment and attach to pipes, potentially allowing them to pass through the system. Higher chlorine concentrations were more effective in killing the spores, but at high levels could make water undrinkable.
The workshop aims to identify national and regional needs, issues, and gaps in technology, policy, and regulations related to the interdependency of energy and water. Participants will discuss region-specific concerns, fresh water impacts on energy production, and science and cost issues.
A Scripps-led study finds that climate warming will shrink key water supplies around the world, affecting millions. Glacier-dependent regions like China, India, and parts of South America are particularly vulnerable to vanishing glaciers, which will lead to costly disruptions in water supply and resource management systems.
Climate models project significant changes in global water availability by 2050, with varying trends across regions. The study highlights the complex relationship between climate and water resources, noting that warmer temperatures can lead to both increased and decreased water supply in different parts of the world.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are using stream fish to assess water quality, finding that different species respond to pollution in unique ways. This study aims to improve the accuracy of water quality assessments by incorporating fish movement patterns and diversity.
UCF researchers have developed a portable method for producing safe drinking water from any source, including contaminated wastewater. The system uses naturally created nanoparticles to kill bacteria that foul membranes used in traditional water treatment methods.
Researchers found a single layer of water on a platinum surface is hydrophobic, repelling subsequent layers, contrary to previous assumptions about water molecule attachment points. The discovery challenges current theories and has implications for technological applications such as catalysis and corrosion.
Acidic water from the Ijen Crater Lake in East Java poses a significant threat to both human health and local ecosystems, with high levels of aluminum and fluoride found in river water and groundwater. Researchers suggest channelling acidic water into the sea as a possible solution to mitigate this issue.
Researchers detected high concentrations of MTBE in ground water throughout the Northeast US, particularly in urban areas. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with low levels of MTBE in drinking water.
A retrospective study comparing hospitals participating and non-participating in the QIO program found no significant improvement in quality indicators for participating hospitals. Despite initial improvements in one area, the overall impact of the program on quality of care remains uncertain.
A new study analyzing Medicare data from four quality improvement organizations found no significant improvements in most clinical areas, despite a larger investment. However, participating hospitals showed better results in screening and administering pneumonia vaccinations.
The Johannesburg Sustainable Development Summit identified halving water deprivation by 2015 as a priority; today, 300 million Africans lack access to drinking water. Investments in science and technology are seen as key solutions.
Professor Menachem Elimelech of Yale University has been awarded the prestigious Athalie Richardson Irvine Clarke Prize for outstanding achievement in water science and technology. The award recognizes his significant contributions to understanding water quality, quantity, and public policy.
Researchers found that exercising in cold water led to a 44% higher caloric intake compared to warm water or resting periods. The study suggests that environmental conditions during exercise may influence post-exercise appetite, and individuals should consider the kinds of foods they eat after exercise.
Researchers at VCU have created a unique polymer coating that switches from being hydrophilic to hydrophobic when exposed to water, offering potential applications in medical testing and fluid control. The coating's reversible properties make it suitable for various industries.
Forecasts project Illinois water use to grow faster than population, with increased demand for energy production. The Midwest region will need almost 17 billion gallons of water per day by 2025, mostly for electricity generation.
Agriculture can provide food and energy security while sustaining soil and water resources, says Kansas State University professor Charles W. Rice. Properly managed agricultural systems can conserve soil and water, but excessive tillage, low productivity, and residue removal result in loss of biodiversity and environmental degradation.
The study models seasonal distribution of BOD and DIN to identify areas at greatest risk for low water quality. Unmanaged shrimp mariculture development leads to increased BOD and DIN, causing oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.
Researchers analyzed over 100 water samples in the Sierra Nevada and found that more than half had no water quality issues. E. coli and other bacteria pose a greater risk of waterborne illnesses than Giardia in this region.
Scientists have found evidence of sulfates, cross-bedding, and blueberry mineral deposits that indicate liquid water was present on Mars. The discovery suggests the possibility of life existing on Mars in some form.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab found that most liquid water molecules interact with only two other water molecules, contrary to the traditional picture of four hydrogen bonds per molecule. The study used a unique experimental technique and measured the energy required to distort hydrogen bonds in solid and liquid water.
Scientists used two water dating methods, radiocarbon and helium-4, to determine the age of water in wells in Baldwin County, Alabama. The results showed that the ages ranged from 50 to 7,500 years, suggesting that saltwater intrusion could become a bigger issue in the future with global climate change.
Researchers at Yale University confirm the formation of dodecahedral water cages but find no evidence of the Eigen species. The study uses experimental techniques and supercomputers to determine how water molecules interconnect to form these cages, which play a crucial role in biological processes.
A study found that California's beach warning system incorrectly notifies the public about coastal water quality up to 41% of the time. The research identified tidal outlets as major contributors to pollution along the shore, suggesting a need for improved warning systems and approaches to managing storm runoff.
A recent NASA study verified that water vapor in the atmosphere increases with rising temperatures, contradicting some climate scientists' claims of a decrease. The researchers found the positive water vapor feedback to be weaker than expected, which may impact global climate predictions.