Chilean scientists warn environmental costs of water roads
Researchers assess proposals for water roads in Chile, considering impacts on ecosystems and human consumption amid climate change and water scarcity
Search results for “Ground Water”
1,000+ results for "Ground Water"
Water molecules dance in three
Researchers have accurately described the interaction energy among three water molecules for the first time. The study uses advanced spectroscopy and quantum calculations to analyze the intermolecular vibrations of water trimers.
ASU scientists lead study of galaxy's 'water worlds'
A team of international researchers has provided a mineralogy lab study for water-rich exoplanets, revealing an unexpected new solid phase with silicon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The findings suggest that the distinction between water and rock layers in these planets may be 'fuzzy' at high pressure and temperature.
SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 21, 2020
PKU's Zhou Feng and collaborators report the performance of water conservation in China
A new study reveals that China's water use has been decelerating since the 1970s, thanks to the adoption of water-conserving technologies. The study found that irrigation and industrial water recycling drove this reduction, offsetting the increase in water use driven by economic growth.
Planning for future water security in China
A new study found that China's water use has decelerated since the 1980s due to the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques and industrial water recycling technologies. However, uncertainties remain due to land institution transitions, urbanization, and potential increased water use in intensive farming and industrial sectors.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2020
Plant water saving system works like clockwork, it transpires
Researchers discovered that plant circadian clocks play a critical role in water consumption, allowing plants to use resources more efficiently. The study found that altering circadian rhythms can improve water use efficiency without compromising plant growth.
$21.4 million initiative to develop water-energy technologies
The Collaborative Water-Energy Research Center (CoWERC) aims to reduce energy needed for desalination, improve water recovery and support safe water reuse through research, development and commercialization of new technologies. CoWERC will enable the creation of energy-water systems that could be implemented worldwide.
Beef consumption hurting river quality
A new study published in Nature Sustainability shows that irrigation of cattle feed crops is the leading driver of water shortages and fish imperilment in the Western United States. Sixty fish species are at an elevated risk of global extinction due to flow depletion, primarily caused by irrigation of cattle-feed crops.
A better way to detect underground water leaks
A new method has been proposed to swiftly and accurately detect underground water leaks in transmission mains. By assimilating data from pressure sensors into a mathematical model, the researchers claim faster results with higher accuracy than current methods, reducing computational costs and improving speed.
SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·JournalWater Resources Research·DateFeb 27, 2020
Water reuse could be key for future of hydraulic fracturing
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that oil plays produce significantly more water than natural gas plays, posing a challenge for managing produced water. The studies project water demand and produced water volumes for eight major oil-producing areas in the US.
Study: Your home's water quality could vary by the room -- and the season
A study found that drinking water quality in homes differs by room and changes with seasons, raising concerns about water safety. Researchers collected data 58 times at a single house over a year, logging 222,000 hours and 2.4 billion records.
Researchers create new tools to monitor water quality, measure water insecurity
Northwestern University researchers Julius Lucks and Sera Young present innovative solutions for monitoring water quality and addressing household water insecurity. The Household Water Insecurity Experiences Scale (HWISE.org) measures experiences of household-level water access and use globally.
As groundwater depletes, arid American West is moving east
The study reveals that even modest climate warming scenarios can lead to a significant loss of groundwater in the continental US, with the eastern region being more sensitive. As shallow groundwater storage is depleted, it can no longer buffer plant water stress, leading to dramatic changes in vegetation and surface waters.
The shape of water: What water molecules look like on the surface of materials
Researchers used persistent homology and molecular dynamics simulations to study water molecules on graphene surfaces. They found that water molecules form stable polygonal shapes, which evolve into 3D tetrahedral structures after three layers are added. This discovery provides insights into the transition between surface and free water.
Mountain vegetation dries out Alpine water fluxes
During droughts, mountain forests and grasslands at higher elevations release more water into the air than in normal growth periods. This is due to increased metabolism promoting water uptake by vegetation. As a result, evapotranspiration rates are above average, draining rivers and streams of half their usual volume.
Brewing a better espresso, with a shot of math
A team of researchers from the University of Portsmouth has discovered that using fewer coffee beans ground more coarsely can lead to a stronger, more consistent espresso. This method reduces costs while maintaining quality, with potential savings estimated at over $1.1 billion annually.
How anti-sprawl policies may be harming water quality
Higher-density development with more impervious surfaces causes runoff, leading to increased water pollution. Agriculture also contributes significantly to water pollution, and anti-sprawl policies can prevent much-needed land-use changes that reduce pollution.
Widespread droughts affect southern California water sources six times a century
Research led by University of Arizona found simultaneous droughts in Southern California's main water sources occurred six times per century on average. Perfect droughts lasting two or more years coincide with high pressure off the northwest Pacific Coast and storm tracks shifted north.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association·DateJan 13, 2020
Martian water vapor varies with the seasons
Scientists studied Martian atmospheric water vapor using ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter data, finding seasonal changes were the dominant regulator. The study suggests that warm seasons can lead to increased water loss into space, impacting Mars' continued desiccation.
Koalas climb like apes but bound on the ground like marsupials
Researchers have discovered that koalas move like marsupials on the ground but employ primate-like strategies when climbing through trees. Koalas exhibit a similar gait pattern to primates, with diagonally opposed hand and foot in contact with branches for stability.
How we transport water in our bodies inspires new water filtration method
A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a novel water filtration process that mimics the human body's efficient water transport system. The new membrane technology shows impressive desalination properties, exhibiting selective salt removal with higher efficiency than current processes.
Virtual reality and drones help to predict and protect koala habitat
Researchers used a combination of VR, aerial thermal-imaging, and ground surveys to develop a statistical model for predicting koala locations. The three-pronged approach proved 75% more accurate than ground surveys alone, providing critical information for koala protection.
Asian water towers are world's most important and most threatened
The study ranked Asian Water Towers as the most important and most threatened globally, with the Indus water tower being the most relied-upon and vulnerable. Climate change and geopolitical factors pose significant risks to these systems, threatening the water supply for 1.9 billion people.
Liquid flow is influenced by a quantum effect in water
Researchers found that charged polymers increase viscosity by altering water-water interactions, which is influenced by a nuclear quantum effect. This discovery has fundamental implications for developing new technologies in health, biosciences, materials science, and environmental science.
Water management grows farm profits
Researchers are exploring various water management techniques to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage in water-scarce areas. Advanced irrigation technologies, such as mobile drip and precision application, show promise in reducing applied water by up to 20%.
Studying water quality with satellites and public data
A team from Colorado State University has created a novel dataset, AquaSat, by merging large public datasets of water quality observations with satellite imagery. This 'symphony of data' provides over 6 million water quality observations, unlocking powerful new applications in remote sensing of water quality. The study aims to improve ...
A study compares how water is managed in Spain, California and Australia
A research project at the University of Córdoba and the University of Zaragoza analyzed legislative changes in water management in Spain, California, and the Murray Darling Basin in Australia. The study shows that despite similarities in agriculture and water scarcity, these regions have distinct approaches to managing their watersheds.
Severity of earthquake impact may change with the seasons, study shows
Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer present in winter months can lead to greater ground failure and damage after earthquakes. The study on two historical earthquakes in Kazakhstan shows that the presence of this layer can generate more severe ground fracturing during earthquakes in the winter.
Earthquake impact can be affected by seasonal factors, historical study shows
Researchers found that a shallow frozen ground layer likely caused more ground failure in the 1911 Kemin earthquake due to its ability to inhibit drainage of pore-pressure excess. The study suggests seismologists should consider seasonality in soil characteristics when making probabilistic liquefaction or ground failure assessments.
Ground penetrating radar reveals why ancient Cambodian capital was moved to Angkor
A ground penetrating radar study revealed a 7km-long embankment was inadequate to contain average water flow, questioning Khmer kings' legitimacy. Researchers believe the failure led to the relocation of the capital from Koh Ker to Angkor.
It takes two -- a two-atom catalyst, that is -- to make oxygen from water
Researchers discovered a two-atom catalyst that enables efficient oxygen production from water under low-light conditions. The study's findings mimic the activation of photosystem II during photosynthesis, suggesting that similar two-atom catalytic cores might be suitable for achieving efficient water splitting.
Replacing coal with gas or renewables saves billions of gallons of water
A new study by Duke University predicts that switching to natural gas will save 12,000 billion gallons a year by 2030, while solar and wind power yield even greater savings. These reductions come despite increased water use from fracking and shale gas production.
Reclamation awards $8.9 million for innovative solutions in water and power management
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing funding for 27 new research projects to address technical challenges in managing water and generating power. The projects focus on areas such as water infrastructure, environmental issues, and developing water supplies.
New tool provides critical information for addressing the global water crisis
A new tool, HWISE Scale, measures household water insecurity in low- and middle-income countries. It provides actionable information to address the global water crisis, strongly associated with food insecurity, stress, and economic productivity.
Water contamination and bottled water sales
A study found that water contamination violations associated with immediate health risks led to a 14% increase in bottled water sales. However, low-income rural communities did not show a significant response to nitrate violations, which pose a risk to infants.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019
UMD CONSERVE Center leading effort to advance water and food security
The UMD CONSERVE Center develops safe, alternative irrigation strategies to sustain food production in a changing climate. Non-traditional water sources like reclaimed water, brackish water, and return flows hold promise, but require additional treatments to reduce microbial and chemical contaminants.
Quantum destabilization of a water sandwich
KAUST researchers find that water molecules become less stable when squeezed between two hydrophobic surfaces due to quantum effects. This discovery has practical implications for the development of nanofluidic platforms for molecular separation.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateSep 24, 2019
Rice to play critical role in $100 million DOE desalination hub
Pedro Alvarez and Rice's NEWT Center will focus on resilient transport and storage, one of six areas of research for the NAWI alliance. The goal is to advance technologies that make nontraditional water sources cost-competitive within 10 years.
ORNL to develop clean water solutions in new DOE $100M innovation hub
The new Energy-Water Desalination Hub will focus on early-stage research and development for energy-efficient and low-cost desalination solutions. NAWI aims to recycle 90% of nontraditional water sources, promoting a circular water economy. The hub will advance novel technologies and prioritize high-impact projects.
Study estimates more than 100,000 cancer cases could stem from contaminants in tap water
A new study estimates that toxic chemicals in tap water could cause more than 100,000 cancer cases nationwide. The Environmental Working Group analyzed 48,363 community water systems and found increased cancer risk due to contaminants such as arsenic and radioactive elements.
'Flying fish' robot can propel itself out of water and glide through the air
The 'Flying Fish' robot uses a water-reactive chemical reaction to create gas, which propels it out of the water and into a glide of up to 26 meters. The robot can travel long distances without additional power, making it suitable for collecting water samples in hazardous environments.
Source water key to bacterial water safety in remote Northern Australia
Researchers found high levels of bacterial DNA and opportunistic pathogens in source water from remote bores in Northern Australia. The study suggests that managing groundwater quality is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water supplies in these communities.
Building water-efficient cities
A study led by the University of Arizona found that city design factors such as housing density, lot size, and vegetated land cover significantly impact residential water use. Researchers estimated models for annual and summer water use in four cities, including Austin, Phoenix, Portland, and Salt Lake City.
Location matters for home-based female entrepreneurs says new study
A study of 1800 working-aged residents in a Colombian public apartment complex found that women on the ground floor earned twice as much as those on other floors, narrowing the gender earnings gap. Ground-floor female entrepreneurs also earned triple what their neighbors made in other occupations.
SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalSociology of Development·DateSep 4, 2019
Fetching water increases risk of childhood death
A new study reveals that adults fetching water is associated with an increased risk of child death and children collecting water with increased odds of childhood diarrheal disease. Improving access to clean drinking water and sanitation reduces maternal and child health risks, including lower child mortality rates.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateSep 3, 2019
UT Dallas engineer earns Young Investigator Award for water-harvesting work
Dr. Simon Dai's research aims to advance a passive technology that can attract and capture water droplets from fog and moisture in the air, providing a sustainable solution to global water scarcity. The new funding will help create a more durable lubricant for water harvesting.
Fighting child diarrhea
A simple, electricity-independent device has been proven effective in reducing child diarrhea rates by up to 23% in developing countries. The Aquatabs Flo technology uses precise chlorine dosing to purify water without compromising taste, offering a promising solution to control the second-leading cause of death for children globally.
Previously unknown mechanism causes increased forest water use, new study says
A new study by Indiana University researchers reveals that acid deposition causes plants to intensify their water use, leading to a decrease in soil water availability and increasing the risk of drought-related mortality. The mechanism works by washing out soil calcium, causing calcium deficiency in plants.
Global warming will accelerate water cycle over global land monsoon regions
A study published in Journal of Climate reveals that global warming will accelerate the water cycle over global land monsoon regions, enlarging the wet-dry season contrast. This could lead to increased crop yields in some areas and food security threats due to depleted soil water.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Climate·DateJul 23, 2019
Water solutions without a grain of salt
A solar steam generation system has been developed to produce clean water from salty ocean water with almost 100 per cent salt removal, providing a solution to water shortages in regional areas. The technology uses photothermal materials and the power of the sun, achieving efficient and continuous clean water production.
Solar power with a free side of drinking water
A multifunctional device captures heat from photovoltaic solar panels to produce fresh water, exceeding traditional solar stills' output. The device's electricity output remains unaffected, demonstrating a promising solution for sustainable global development.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 10, 2019
Does limited underground water storage make plants less susceptible to drought?
Plant communities in Mediterranean climates with limited underground water storage can thrive in both low-water and rainy years. They do well because the soil stores little water relative to rainfall, replenishing the supply even during dry years.
Ancient intervention could boost dwindling water reserves in coastal Peru
Researchers studied an ancient water system in Huamantanga, Peru, and found it could reroute 35% of wet season water, equivalent to 99 million cubic meters per year. The method could extend the wet season, providing more drinking water and longer crop-growing periods for local farmers.
Overlooked: How pumping groundwater impacts streams and vegetation
Pumping groundwater for irrigation has decreased streamflow and plant water availability in the US. Groundwater declines have led to a more than 50% decline in some streams, with evapotranspiration also declining in response.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 19, 2019
Our water cycle diagrams give a false sense of water security
Experts argue that current water cycle diagrams are misleading due to lack of human interaction representation, leading to a false sense of water security. A new set of diagrams shows human influence on nearly all parts of the cycle, highlighting the need for better understanding and global solutions to the world's water crisis.
WVU researchers thirsty for reducing fresh water use by power plants
Researchers at West Virginia University have developed a unique solution to reduce the water used by thermoelectric power plants. By combining blowdown water with produced water from Marcellus gas wells, they can create clean enough water for reuse. This process also produces two valuable products: chlorine and 10-pound brine.
Water management helped by mathematical model of fresh water lenses
A mathematical model of fresh water lenses was developed to understand the interaction between physical factors and water storage, circulation, and resilience. The research has practical applications in managing water resources around the world, particularly in arid deserts.
Improvements in water quality could reduce ecological impact of climate change on rivers
A new study by Cardiff University and the University of Vermont found that efforts to improve water quality can counteract the effects of climate warming on river invertebrates. Over a 20-year period, average water temperatures increased, but improvements in water quality offset the biological effects of warming.
Progress in hunt for unknown compounds in drinking water
Swedish water treatment plants have unique combinations of by-products, making it difficult to reduce health risks. Advanced technology detects new compounds, highlighting the need to discover effective ways to use chlorination while reducing exposure to unwanted by-products.
Storm water banking could help Texas manage floods and droughts
Researchers found that Texas' major rivers produce enough water to store almost two-thirds of the state's flow capacity. Capturing this water could partially mitigate floods and droughts. The study's discovery fills a niche in understanding the potential for aquifer storage projects across the state.