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.
A study by Bertram Skibinski and colleagues compared seven water treatment strategies to reduce disinfection byproducts in pool water. They found that coagulation and sand filtration combined with granular activated carbon filtration was the most effective approach, but new strategies are needed to completely remove DBPs.
Researchers developed a portable technology to detect four common types of cyanotoxins, including microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin, which meet EPA's recreational water quality criteria. The device can be used to assess recreational water quality but not yet viable for drinking water safety.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have discovered a mechanism for how water forms on the Moon, releasing silver hydroxide molecules that react with hydrogen to form water and silver. This discovery suggests that water can be present in near-surface lunar soil, challenging the long-held assumption that it is brought from outside.
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.
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.
Researchers at Arizona State University have detected water in samples from the asteroid Itokawa, which suggests that impacts early in Earth's history may have delivered as much as half of our planet's ocean water. The team used ASU's NanoSIMS technology to analyze tiny mineral grains and found they were enriched in water compared to o...
A novel method assesses combined risk of multiple tap water pollutants in California, estimating over 15,000 cancer cases. The study uses a cumulative approach to calculate health impacts of carcinogens and toxic contaminants in public water systems.
Researchers at Utah State University have discovered a new mode of water surface skipping termed 'water walking', which involves elastic spheres gaining significant speed to maintain a deformed shape. The team's findings provide new insights into water impact physics and lay the foundation for future design of water-walking drones.
A novel plasma water treatment method by electrical discharge has been developed, producing drinking water as suitable for consumption as ozonation, without carcinogens or high costs.
Research led by The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science found that China and India's rapid urbanization, especially in China, and rural development in India were major enablers of the success in achieving MDG Target 7C-Water. Economic development was also found to be imperative in expanding drinking water coverage.
A global review of water reallocation from rural to urban regions found that 69 cities receive significant amounts of reallocated water, mainly driven by North America and Asia's growing populations. The practice is expected to rise further, with 2.5 billion more urban dwellers projected by 2050.
Researchers at ETH Zurich have identified a novel way to prevent water from forming ice crystals by creating a new class of lipids that form a 'soft' biological matter. This material confines water in narrow channels, preventing it from freezing even at extreme sub-zero temperatures.
Researchers will assess and monitor changes in microbial ecology, water chemistry and nutrient availability in Pittsburgh's water system after adding orthophosphate. The study aims to understand the impact of orthophosphate on aquatic ecosystems and provide insights for other cities implementing this treatment.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed a new molecular model of water using machine learning, achieving high accuracy and reducing computational cost. The coarse-grained model replicates the behavior of water at the atomic scale, with applications in fields like materials science and climate modeling.
Researchers have found that water accelerates the conversion rate of furfural by a factor of two to three. The presence of water enables hydrogenation to occur in the liquid phase instead of on the catalyst surface.
A team of researchers has revealed the molecular structure of membranes used in reverse osmosis, a leading method of purifying brackish water into drinking water. The study found that the perpendicular packing motif is better correlated with optimal filtration properties and may be related to how water pathways are oriented.
A study by Hisahiro Naito and Annie Mwayi Mapulanga found that deforestation in Malawi is associated with lower safe drinking water usage, despite increased runoff. The authors estimate a 9% decrease in precipitation equivalent to a 14% loss of forest area, highlighting the importance of preserving forests for water source protection.
Researchers found that emphasizing peer group norms and social identities can encourage people to conserve water. In studies across Norfolk, 'ingroup norms appeal' messages increased water savings by 7-14 litres per shower and boosted sign-ups for a free retrofitting service.
Researchers detected Cryptosporidium parasites in 40% of surveyed wells in Minnesota's public water systems, even those not influenced by surface water. The findings suggest soil may not completely filter out the parasite, prompting consideration for monitoring and treatment measures.
Researchers at Purdue University have created a new technology to clean and purify produced water, a byproduct of the oil refinery industry, which is deemed unusable due to contaminants. The process uses activated charcoal foam and solar light to remove nearly all traces of oil from the water, meeting EPA standards for clean water.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a solar-powered moisture harvester that captures and cleans water from the air using hydrogels. The system can produce up to 50 liters of clean water per kilogram of hydrogel, making it a promising solution for disaster situations, water crises, or poverty-stricken areas.
Chronic exposure to poor water quality limits coral recovery rates across the Great Barrier Reef. Improving water quality can enhance recovery rates, but it won't suffice to rescue the reef from threats like climate change and pollution.
Scientists employed complementary techniques to investigate the reactivity of isoprene at the water interface, finding that oligomers formed exclusively in electrosprays. Computer simulations confirmed these results, highlighting the importance of surface-specific techniques when studying interfacial processes.
The ECOSTRESS mission aims to provide critical data for irrigation, enabling farmers to optimize water usage and reduce drought vulnerability. By measuring surface temperature, scientists can calculate evapotranspiration and identify which plants are using water most efficiently.
Researchers discovered that resurrection plants control their water structure to survive dehydration by accumulating water molecular dimers and molecules with 4 hydrogen bonds. This regulation allows them to preserve tissues against dehydration-induced damages, enabling survival in dry states.
Researchers found that reducing carbon emissions through biofuels or increasing domestic food production can increase nitrogen runoff into US waterways, causing water quality problems. However, scenarios involving sustainable growth and conservation proved to be the most successful in minimizing water quality risks.
A study by Joep Schyns et al. estimates limits to green water availability due to limited annual rainfall, affecting global food and production systems. The analysis reveals that green water scarcity is a significant concern, particularly in regions with low rainfall.
A new study found that over 5.6 million Americans are at risk of health problems due to high nitrate levels in their drinking water. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable, with higher proportions serving water systems with elevated nitrate levels.
Research at Cornell University found that green tea brewed with bottled water contains double the amount of antioxidant EGCG as tap water, making it more bitter. In contrast, consumers prefer the sweeter taste of tea brewed with tap water.
The study developed three water sector development scenarios to compare costs and impacts of achieving SDG6 goals and meeting climate targets. The analysis shows that combining clean water and climate policies can increase implementation costs, but these increases are relatively small compared to the cost for implementing each policy o...
Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered ways to gather water from nighttime fog and condensation using surfaces with conical shapes and grooved patterns. These designs can efficiently collect water droplets, similar to how cacti and desert grasses do in nature.
A new peanut variety has been discovered to conserve water during droughts, allowing it to maintain a high yield as the soil dries out. By reducing transpiration earlier in the drought cycle, the plant saves water for later use, resulting in increased productivity.
A team at Cal Tech developed a novel approach to building a water force field, demonstrating its accuracy in predicting various properties of water. The new force field shows promise in improving drug design and understanding anomalous characteristics of water.
The Japanese infrared satellite AKARI has detected hydrated minerals containing water in a number of asteroids, providing insight into the distribution of water in our solar system. The study reveals that C-type asteroids were formed by the agglomeration of rocks and water ice, followed by aqueous alteration and dehydration.
A new study reveals a widespread decline in water storage in global endorheic basins, resulting in increased local water stress and potential sea level rise. The researchers found a net water loss of approximately 100 billion tons per year, equivalent to five Great Salt Lakes or three Lake Meads.
Researchers at KAUST developed a device that can capture its own weight in water from fresh air and release it when warmed by sunlight. The device uses deliquescent salt and a polymer hydrogel to absorb moisture from the air, which is then released continuously with the help of carbon nanotubes.
A team of Yale researchers has developed a novel, highly stable nanocoagulant that removes both suspended and dissolved contaminants from water in a single step. This breakthrough promises to significantly improve on centuries-old coagulant-based water treatment methods, addressing global water scarcity.
Researchers at RCSI are developing six prototypes to remove Contaminants of Emerging Concerns from drinking water and wastewater in rural India. The project aims to provide clean drinking water to 2.1 billion people without access to safe sources.
A new study found that US tap water contains a mixture of contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and lead, which can harm public health. The researchers detected high levels of lead in 23 samples, exceeding the EPA's zero-lead goal.
Researchers design robotic system inspired by jumping copepods and frogs, revealing the importance of body size and entrained water mass in achieving maximum jumping heights. The robot's limitations highlight the challenges of entering or exiting air-water interfaces.
A new study reveals that dams and reservoirs can have unintended consequences, including exacerbating droughts and water shortages. The research team found that increasing storage capacity can lead to a vicious cycle of higher demand and decreased sustainability.
The Water Scarcity Atlas provides an interactive map visualizing water scarcity around the globe, highlighting its evolution over the past century. The tool enables users to explore how their daily choices, such as diet and food waste, affect water resources worldwide.
A new study published at the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition found that young athletes with good sleep quality after a sport-related concussion recover quicker, with symptoms resolving within two weeks. Those with poor sleep quality often take longer to recover, sometimes greater than 30 days.
Scientists are working on technologies to collect water from the air, which could help alleviate global water shortages. Researchers have developed various approaches, including fog-harvesting systems and liquid desiccants, that can reduce costs and scale up production.
A new study by Oregon State University economists found that watershed groups in the US have a positive impact on local water quality. The researchers analyzed data from 2,150 watersheds and found that increased group activity was associated with improved water quality.
Ben-Gurion University researchers have partnered with the University of Chicago and Northwestern University to tackle some of the world's most pressing water-related challenges. The trilateral collaboration aims to develop innovative solutions using an interdisciplinary approach.
A comprehensive study found significant improvements in US water quality since the 1972 Clean Water Act took effect. However, recent economic analyses estimate that the costs of the legislation consistently outweigh its benefits.
A team of Penn State researchers analyzed the water footprint of 65 mid- to large-sized U.S. cities and found that larger cities consume less water per capita. This shift is attributed to changing economic activities, with larger cities becoming more service-oriented and shifting water-intensive industries to less populated regions.
A research team led by the University of Nevada, Reno will investigate how changes in mountain snowpack affect available water and agricultural production in the West. The project aims to inform decision-makers on adapting to long-term changes in runoff timing and develop more effective water management practices.
A research team led by University of Nevada, Reno is investigating how changes in mountain snowpack affect available water and agricultural production in the arid West. The project aims to improve decision-making for water allocation and understand its impact on the economic well-being of various groups.
Researchers at CSU will develop an economic model to identify how different groups may gain or lose water access due to changing water availability and allocation rules. The goal is to inform decisions by modeling various scenarios of water supply and allocation.
A team of researchers from five institutions will study the effects of changing mountain snowpack on water availability, agricultural risks, and economic impacts. The project aims to inform policymakers and farmers about adapting to fluctuating water availability and creating more resilient food systems.
Researchers find switching from coal to natural gas reduces air pollution, carbon emissions, but may increase water stress in some regions. A transition from coal to natural gas can have co-benefits for air quality and carbon mitigation, but trade-offs exist depending on the sector and location.