Articles tagged with Plumbing
Engineers at Purdue University have developed a patent-pending method to estimate the location, orientation, and radius of underground utility pipes using ground-penetrating radar. This innovation could help prevent hazardous strikes during construction projects, reducing financial losses and service disruptions.
A new study from UMass Amherst found significant variability between at-home water testing kit abilities to detect contaminants. Single-parameter tests generally had more accurate results than multi-parameter ones, but users should interpret the results with skepticism, especially if testing for high levels of metals.
A study mapped US counties with high rates of water system violations and inequalities in access to safe drinking water. Counties in West Virginia, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania ranked among the top 10 for violations, while Mississippi, South Dakota, and Texas topped the list for water injustice.
Research reveals more American cities are struggling with people living without running water due to unaffordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis. The study found that households of color were disproportionately affected, with 40% of Philadelphia's population but 66% of those without access to running water in 2021.
Researchers at Drexel University model the potential extent of flooding and combined sewer overflows in Camden, New Jersey, as climate change exacerbates the problem. The team's 'all-pipes' model simulates stormwater flows through every surface and pipe in the area, providing a unique solution to mitigate environmental and health risks.
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
A recent study by Drexel University shows that sound waves can reveal the composition of buried water lines, allowing for the speedy removal of lead service lines. The technique uses ultrasonic stress wave propagation to detect unique acoustic signatures for each type of pipe, making it a promising alternative to invasive testing methods.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that rubber plumbing seals can release additives into drinking water, including 1,3 diphenylguanidine and N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-benzenediamine. The leaked compounds can form unwanted byproducts, which may pose a human health risk.
A new study from the University of Missouri found that poverty, low health literacy, cultural beliefs, lack of infrastructure, and political issues hinder diabetes self-management for Haitian migrants. The researchers suggest targeted interventions, such as community gardens and healthcare education through local priests.
A new study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health estimates that regulations reducing lead and copper contamination in drinking water generate $9.2 billion in health benefits annually, exceeding the EPA's public estimates by an order of magnitude. The analysis also reveals at least $2 billion in infrastructure benefits, bringi...
A study found that a commercial water purifier may have caused Mycobacterium abscessus infections in 4 cardiac surgery patients due to chlorine depletion. The hospital's water system was contaminated via municipal water, emphasizing the importance of monitoring and preventing mycobacteria.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
Researchers used bright green lasers and camera equipment to directly visualize aerosol plumes and measure the speed and spread of particles in a toilet flush. The study found that airborne particles shoot out quickly, reaching speeds of 6.6 feet per second and remaining suspended in the air for minutes or longer.
A study published in PLOS Water found that office buildings with low-consumption plumbing may experience chemical and microbiological safety issues due to weekend stagnation. The research highlights the need for regular water testing in commercial buildings, even those designed as 'green' to reduce water consumption.
A new study found that children who drank well water with lead have a 21% higher risk of delinquency and 38% increased risk of serious complaints. Researchers analyzed a 20-year dataset linking blood lead measurements to reported juvenile delinquency records after age 14.
A study found frequent rates of respiratory infections and wheezing in young First Nations children due to poor housing conditions, including inadequate ventilation, mold, and wood smoke contaminants. The researchers urge action on improving housing and infrastructure in communities to benefit the overall health of First Nations peoples.
Researchers analyzed 47,727 lead measurements from 1,094 schools in Massachusetts to identify schools with high lead levels. They found that 12% of fixtures had lead levels above 15 parts per billion, with most problematic fixtures concentrated in just 34% of schools.
Scientists at the University of Reading found that handwashing shapes communities of bacteria in sink drains, with dominant families differing by location and plumbing system type. The study suggests that even thorough cleaning may not eliminate all bacteria, highlighting the need for thorough disinfection of sinks.
A study by Physicians for a National Health Program found that nearly 25% of US dwellings are unsuitable for isolation or quarantine due to lack of space and plumbing facilities. This is particularly concerning among minority and low-income households, which have faced high rates of COVID-19 illness and death.
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.
A University of Queensland-led study reveals how quickly magma moves to the surface, providing a better understanding of volcanic systems. The research also sheds light on the internal 'plumbing' of volcanoes, improving frameworks for monitoring eruptions and unrest.
The Finnish opera scene is experiencing a surge in diversity and creativity, thanks to its emphasis on equality and inclusivity. Over 300 operas have been composed in Finland between 1990 and 2017, with the number of new works increasing significantly in the 21st century.
A team of University of Illinois engineers has developed a model to understand how bacteria multiply in plumbing systems. The model uses samples collected from taps before and after stagnation and combines them with city biofilm data and building blueprints, allowing for the assessment of drinking-water quality.
Researchers at UNH used scientific sleuthing to better understand magma movement in Mount Etna, finding that ancient and present-day magma sources are similar. The study also revealed that crystals formed beneath the volcano were virtually chemically identical to erupted lavas, suggesting short crystal storage times.
A new study mapping Japan's Sakurajima volcano's 'plumbing system' reveals a substantial growing magma reserve, threatening the safety of nearby residents. The team believes their pioneering techniques could help improve eruption forecasting and hazard assessment globally.
Researchers found significant bacterial contamination in buildings with storage tanks and altered plumbing, which can lead to chlorine resistance. To mitigate this risk, precautions should be taken to prevent bacterial introduction into the system.
Researchers have imaged the continuous volcanic plumbing system under Yellowstone, revealing a reservoir of hot, partly molten rock 12-28 miles beneath the surface. The new discovery is 4.4 times larger than the previously known magma chamber.
A recent study by UC Berkeley professor Michael Manga found that geysers erupt periodically due to underground loops and side-chambers that trap steam bubbles. The study suggests that these underground features heat the water column above, eventually leading to sudden boiling and pressure release.
Scientists have created a detailed picture of Mount Rainier's deep volcanic plumbing, revealing a partly molten rock reservoir approximately 30 percent molten. The study used both seismic imaging and magnetotelluric measurements to capture the melting process that feeds magma into the crustal reservoir.
Researchers at the University of Rochester have created a 3D image of the structure beneath Sierra Negra volcano, shedding light on the subterranean plumbing system that feeds the Galápagos volcanoes. This new understanding may help predict earthquakes and eruptions, mitigating hazards associated with them.
Researchers propose harnessing beneficial microbes to control opportunistic pathogens in household plumbing, which can harbor deadly germs like Legionella and M. avium complex. This approach aims to improve water-borne disease control by leveraging the microbiome's potential for competition.
Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding volcanic plumbing systems, which could lead to improved predictions of eruptions. The team's study reveals that ground uplift occurred four months before an eruption due to increased pressure in one of the underground chambers.
Researchers from the University of Leeds and international teams studied magma chambers on mid-ocean ridges, revealing new information about their location and behavior. The findings can help scientists identify early warning signs of impending eruptions, which is crucial for predicting large volcanic events.
Scientists at the University of Trieste discovered a massive 280-million-year-old fossil supervolcano in northern Italy's Sesia Valley, exposing magmatic plumbing system to unprecedented depth. The discovery provides a model for understanding active calderas and may help predict future eruptions.
A team led by James E. Quick discovered a fossil supervolcano in the Sesia Valley, revealing unprecedented depth of magmatic plumbing. This find advances scientific understanding of active supervolcanoes like Yellowstone and may help predict future eruptions.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers has found that some products passing the National Sanitation Foundation Section 8 standard may have a greater capacity to leach lead into water, exceeding previously believed limits. The study's findings highlight the need for updated standards and regulations to address this complex issue.
Researchers will conduct detailed measurements and analysis of contaminants in building plumbing systems to inform effective responses to contamination incidents. The study's findings will support the development of EPA guidelines for protecting drinking water supplies within buildings.
Researchers have developed a new method to non-destructively detect moisture within wall construction using ultra wide-band radio waves. Laboratory experiments demonstrated the ability to locate moisture pockets to within one centimeter, producing detailed three-dimensional maps of wet areas.
The Illinois team developed a new technique to create three-dimensional microchannel networks that improve fluid mixing efficiency compared to traditional two-dimensional channels. The technology also enables the creation of self-healing materials with integrated 'circulatory systems' for transporting repair chemicals.
A new NSF grant aims to evaluate the costly impacts of corrosion on water quality, drinking water tastes and odors, and home plumbing. Researchers will focus on economic, consumer, and biochemical dimensions of potable water infrastructure corrosion.