Articles tagged with Water Conservation
Rising temperatures caused by climate change will impact southern Africa's remaining black and white rhinoceros populations, scientists report. The region's diverse national parks will struggle to adapt to increasing heat, with some species facing extinction due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
An international study classifies groundwater as a keystone ecosystem, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining both humanity and biodiversity. The researchers propose eight key themes for improved groundwater conservation to reduce biodiversity loss and counterbalance climate change.
A new study reveals that mountains amplify and obstruct winter precipitation during El Niño events, with increased rainfall on the western side of mountains. This analysis enables more accurate water predictions for the Colorado River in western North America, helping cities, farmers, and water managers prepare for droughts.
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 published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
The study found that England's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins has declined to just 48 individuals due to various human impacts. The researchers call for urgent measures to protect the population and its habitats.
A new study published in Conservation Physiology identifies the critical limits of plant function under stress, enabling more effective conservation strategies. By understanding these limits, conservationists can identify vulnerable species and allocate resources more wisely.
A recent study reveals 15%-18% of the Brazilian Amazon is at high risk of ecological disruption by 2050. The regions, often near 'deforestation arc', exhibit low research frequencies and are threatened by climate change.
The ancient Maya built and maintained reservoirs that filtered and cleaned the water using aquatic plants, providing potable water for thousands of people. The Maya's approach to managing water quality could serve as a model for addressing today's water crises.
Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.
Researchers are creating digital 3D models of freshwater mussels using photogrammetry, allowing biologists and conservationists to identify species and teach field biologists how to distinguish characteristics. The online course will also educate the public about these essential creatures that filter algae and stabilize streambeds.
A decade-long study in Tanzania's Eastern Arc Mountains reveals that biodiversity conservation benefits vary widely among groups, with local rural communities bearing substantial costs. International funding could help smallholder farmers boost yields on their existing land to incentivize long-term forest protection.
Restoration of longleaf pine woodlands enhances stream flow while conserving an endangered ecosystem, addressing two pressing conservation issues. This approach promotes 17% more streamflow on average and 92% higher streamflow during droughts.
A study highlights the importance of wild plants in fallow land and other ecosystems in Madagascar, revealing a wide range of plant species used for various purposes. Fallow land is found to be a valuable contributor to rural households' health, food and energy supply.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona is launching a $7 million consortium to improve water security and water reuse methods in the arid southwestern United States. The project aims to advance water treatment technologies and make systems more efficient, driving sustainable practices.
A national study in Canada found that snowmaking requires 17,000 homes' worth of annual energy and 43.4 million cubic meters of water to produce 42 million cubic meters of machine-made snow. Collaboration between ski operators, policymakers, and environmental organizations is needed to develop sustainable practices.
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.
Researchers developed algorithms to analyze acoustic signals from fire hydrant-mounted hydrophones, pinpointing leaks in aging water distribution networks. This technology supports water conservation efforts, especially in the Western US where leaks are a significant issue.
A study analyzing the affordability of water services for 28.3 million people in the US found that 15% of households, or one in seven, face financial hardship in paying for access to water and wastewater services. The researchers suggest that solutions require comprehensive strategies at local, state, and federal levels.
A study found that California's mandatory water-use cuts in 2015 and 2016 resulted in ongoing water efficiencies, with higher-end water users adopting technology and achieving smaller rebound effects. Lower-end users, however, resumed watering their lawns after the mandate was lifted, contributing to a modest increase in water use.
The IUCN Species Survival Commission has recognized two iconic Chicago institutions as Centers for Species Survival, elevating the region's role in biodiversity conservation. Shedd Aquarium and The Morton Arboretum will collaborate on projects highlighting aquatic and terrestrial linkages in Central American biodiversity hotspots.
Researchers found a significant gap between when private wells were sampled and when they were likely to become contaminated, with higher levels of bacteria detected in summer months. The study has implications for national and global water sources, highlighting the need for more guidance on seasonal timing for testing.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels increase water use efficiency in trees by adjusting stomata opening and closing. The 'g1 number' tool helps predict tree responses under future atmospheric conditions.
Research from Virginia Tech reveals that shark populations are recovering in northern Atlantic waters where regulations have been put in place. This is a promising conservation success story for vulnerable species.
The UN reports that roughly 50,000 large dams worldwide will lose an estimated 23% to 28% of their combined original storage capacity by 2050, resulting in a loss of around 1.65 trillion cubic meters of water. This loss will undermine water security, irrigation, power generation, and other essential services.
A new UC Riverside-led study reveals that drought-tolerant trees in urban areas use significantly more water than their natural counterparts. The research found that even 'drought-tolerant' species like eucalyptus and ficus increase their water intake when irrigated.
Researchers found that riparian buffers can increase stream flow during low-flow events and maintain water levels in areas with high future development. However, the effectiveness of buffers was limited, and they were not enough to mitigate extreme changes in stream flow.
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 ...
A University of Maryland study found that stakeholders agree on the need for a decentralized approach to stormwater management but diverge on responsibility. Two groups believe stormwater poses a public threat, while the third sees it as an underutilized resource that can be managed with technology.
A new study by UTA hydrologist Ricardo Sánchez-Murillo has created detailed maps of Tegucigalpa's water sources, charting areas critical to recharge. These maps could help Honduras implement stricter urbanization and agriculture regulations to conserve water and protect vital landscapes.
A study by Duke University researchers found that rooftop solar cells can save a significant amount of water, with households saving an average of 16,200 gallons per year. Converting to solar in homes reduces the use of grid electricity and therefore also the volume of water used.
Researchers developed a wireless system called Contactless Moisture Estimation (CoMEt) that estimates soil moisture in agricultural fields at multiple depths using radio signals. CoMEt can assess soil moisture without requiring in-ground sensors, making it more cost-effective and convenient for farmers.
A new study reveals how large-scale groundwater exploitation by local farmers led to the desiccation of sandy soils and decimation of wildlife populations in Spain's Doñana National Park. The lack of effective oversight created an economically and environmentally unsustainable situation, destroying a protected natural space.
A new UTSC study analyzed Statistics Canada data to examine environmental behaviors and attitudes across Canada. The research found that Canadians are not deeply divided on many important environmental issues, with some common ground potential in drafting national policies.
The study found that stream gauges are disproportionately located in large rivers and human-occupied watersheds, but sparsely distributed in protected areas and non-perennial rivers. This is critical information for freshwater conservation and water security concerns.
A new framework will help conservation agencies forecast climate change impacts and identify target areas for protection. The project aims to create adaptable portfolios of target sites for biodiversity conservation over time.
A new study found that restoring diverse native forests delivers greater climate and environmental benefits than simple tree plantations, but plantations outperform native forests in wood production. The research synthesized data from over 26,000 records to assess the relative performance of different forest restoration approaches.
A study of 264 studies in 53 countries found that natural forests better support biodiversity and ecosystem services like carbon storage and water conservation. In contrast, plantations excel in wood production, highlighting a trade-off between environmental and economic goals in forest restoration.
Researchers found that big trees provide a doughnut-shaped zone surrounding them where snowpack can endure, benefiting forests with sparse precipitation. The study suggests conserving healthy and large tree species can help retain snow on the ground.
A study from the University of California, Davis, found that reducing leaks in urban water systems can be a highly effective and cost-competitive method for saving water. The research suggests that leak reduction is the most cost-effective tool in an urban water manager's toolkit, with estimated savings of $277 per acre-foot.
Higher elevation mountain forests are using more water on average during droughts, reducing water availability downstream for cities and wildlife. Researchers found that these forests tend to be located above 3,280 feet and have increased water use due to rising temperatures and changes in tree species composition.
A study published in AGU Advances found that water depletion from rivers and lakes accelerates near urban centers due to factors like increased evaporation and groundwater exploitation. Researchers analyzed satellite imagery of the US from 1984 to 2018 and developed a model predicting surface water loss proximity to cities.
Native fish populations are declining due to lack of natural flow, making conservation efforts challenging. The study highlights the importance of protecting rivers with natural flow regimes to sustain native fish and their habitats.
Researchers will develop game theoretic models to optimize financial incentives for water conservation, exploring socio-spatial dynamics of water sustainability. The project aims to understand how water users' propensities for cooperative behavior vary over time across river networks.
A team of scientists found that technology adoption as a water-saving method for improving irrigation efficiency is ineffective and can worsen water scarcity. The study suggests that modern irrigation technologies may only achieve a 10-20% saving under ideal conditions.
A study has identified 20 consistent indicators to support sustainability on U.S. ranches, focusing on ecological, social, and economic aspects. The indicators aim to help ranchers track progress toward sustainability goals and communicate improvements to their operations.
A new five-year research project led by Thomas Neeson aims to model the impacts of conservation incentives on farmers in the Red River basin. The study will help understand how voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs can be effectively designed to promote sustainable water use.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $3.1 million in grants to develop improved water data, modeling and forecasting capabilities for water managers in western states. The selected projects will provide accurate and reliable information to support informed decision-making in a changing climate.
A new study by Portland State University assesses strategies for the Hood River watershed to adapt to climate change. The researchers found that a combination of water banking, infrastructure improvements, and reflexive feedback mechanisms can achieve overall resilience.
Managing 30% of land for conservation could safeguard 70% of terrestrial plant and vertebrate animal species while conserving over 62% of the world's above-ground vulnerable carbon. The study also suggests this approach could safeguard 68% of all clean water resources.
A study published in Human Dimensions of Wildlife found that 96% of shark films portray sharks as a threat to humans. Dr Briana Le Busque and Associate Professor Carla Litchfield warn that sensationalized depictions can harm conservation efforts by perpetuating misconceptions about shark behavior and risk.
The release of the European water vole genome provides a comprehensive set of genetic tools to support conservation efforts, helping to understand genetic diversity and structure of water vole populations. The reference genome will aid in reintroduction efforts and inform management strategies for sustainable species survival.
Research led by University of Bristol scientists has shed light on the camel's kidneys, revealing a key role in helping it cope with dehydration and rapid rehydration stresses. The study suggests that cholesterol levels play a crucial role in water conservation, allowing camels to produce highly concentrated urine and minimize water loss.
Researchers suggest covering California's public water delivery canals with solar panels to reduce evaporation and increase renewable energy production. The study found that cable-supported installations showed a 20-50% higher net present value, indicating greater financial return on investment.
A recent study synthesizes global dryland aridity changes, revealing a complex interplay between atmospheric drying and ecosystem greening. Despite rising aridity, lusher drylands are observed due to the physiological response of plants to increasing CO2 concentrations, which conserves water and promotes plant growth.
A new study from Michigan State University suggests that Midwest corn farmers may not need to rely on more water due to climate change. Instead, adapting through regenerative soil practices and technology can make crops more resilient and adaptable to changing weather patterns.
A new study reveals that humans use 30% to 50% less water per day than chimpanzees and gorillas. This finding suggests an ancient shift in the human body's ability to conserve water, enabling early humans to venture farther from streams in search of food.
A new study found that biophysical and species-linked ecosystem services often occur simultaneously, especially on larger spatial scales. The researchers discovered that regions where species conservation and ecosystem services play a role coincide more frequently than previously assumed.
Researchers propose a framework to evaluate climate change impacts on California's water-energy nexus. The framework identifies key stressors and adaptations, revealing potential synergies in mitigating climate change.