Articles tagged with Water Conservation
Increasing crop water productivity could feed an additional 110 million people while meeting domestic water demands of nearly 1.4 billion, according to a new study. The research team analyzed 16 staple crops globally, identifying opportunities for improving trade-off between food and water.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have discovered how ancient Maya populations in remote areas built reservoirs to conserve water and used natural methods to purify their water supply. The findings, presented by doctoral student Jeffrey Brewer, show that these techniques were crucial for survival during extreme dry spells and...
A team of researchers has found that climate models are too conservative in forecasting tropical changes, as a giant pool of warm water four million years ago suggests. The study, published in Nature, analyzed sea surface temperature records and found that none of the proposed mechanisms can explain the Pliocene era's unique conditions.
The symposium aims to find solutions to the increasing gap between food production and water availability. Experts will discuss ways to optimize water use in crop production, protect freshwater resources, and reuse gray water to ensure both adequate food and abundant water supplies for future generations.
Researchers will analyze water chemistry and pipe materials under controlled conditions to determine the effects of pipe material, water flow, and chemistry on building plumbing microbiomes. The study aims to improve public health by identifying factors that control microbe growth in water systems.
The Bureau of Reclamation has awarded $1.2 million to 12 applied science projects in the Desert and Southern Rockies Landscape Conservation Cooperatives, with a focus on addressing climate change and improving water management. The funding will be matched by federal agencies and partners, providing over $3.5 million for these projects.
A study suggests that environmental groups can collaborate to inform the public about environmental concerns, leading to improved efficiency and targeted messaging. By leveraging existing connections and seizing strategic opportunities, organizations can build public knowledge and empowerment in environmental decision-making.
A new study analyzing public basking shark sightings suggests an increase in the number of animals recorded in British waters since the 1980s. The researchers found a rise in medium and large-sized sharks, indicating an aging population, and identified three hotspots off South West England, Western Scotland, and the Isle of Man.
A binational team of researchers from the University of Arizona monitored conditions in Ciénega de Santa Clara before, during and after the plant's pilot run, finding no significant changes to hydrology, water quality, vegetation, or marsh birds. The wetland appears resilient in the face of short-term disturbances.
The National Geographic Society has launched a new Air and Water Conservation Fund to support cutting-edge projects in China. Grants ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 will be awarded to on-the-ground projects exploring innovative approaches to conserving China's water and air resources.
A NASA expert has developed a method to detect detrimental changes in coral reefs using Landsat data, allowing for targeted conservation efforts. The 'temporal texture' approach analyzes reflectance information over time to identify areas of significant change, enabling scientists to pinpoint 'hotspots' for intervention.
The deliberate flooding of the Mississippi River resulted in extensive agricultural damage due to strong currents and sweeping waters. The US Army Corps of Engineers' plan to breach levees was put into action after a court decision, but the initial force of the floodwater caused more damage than predicted.
A study by Spanish researchers found that plain, sloping roofs can collect up to 50% more rainwater than flat roofs, resulting in higher quality water. The collected water can be used for various purposes, including watering streets and gardens, washing floors or vehicles, and filling cisterns.
A Yale University study argues that seawater desalination can help combat worldwide fresh water shortages once conservation methods are exhausted. Researchers suggest making pre- and post-treatment stages more efficient for substantial energy and cost savings.
A new paper reviews the state-of-the-art desalination technologies and their potential to improve energy demand reductions. The authors also explore advanced materials and innovative technologies for improving performance and sustainability.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $2.7 million to study seven river basins in the western US, focusing on adaptation strategies for water supply and demand imbalances. Eight water delivery systems will also receive funding to improve water efficiency and operations.
Despite a decentralized system, some California water agencies are taking on groundwater protection without state leadership. Innovations include conservation strategies and increased transparency through partnerships with environmental organizations. However, critical overdraft issues remain due to over-pumping and subsidence concerns.
A new study by American Society for Horticultural Science reveals that landscape coefficients can be used to predict seasonal water demand and enhance irrigation information. This approach shows promising results for promoting water savings in mixed-species urban landscapes, supporting regional conservation efforts.
Researchers discovered that ancient plants like spikemosses had stomata that could open and close in response to light, carbon dioxide, and abscisic acid, a key plant hormone. This finding suggests that water-conserving innovations occurred early in plant evolution.
Researchers studied stormwater runoff and riparian vegetation to understand water usage patterns. They found mesquite woodlands use significantly more water than native desert grasses, providing a tool for land managers to estimate water savings.
A study led by University of Miami scientists successfully tracked a great hammerhead shark for 62 days, revealing its northeast journey from South Florida to the Atlantic Ocean. The shark's movement provides new insight into its migratory patterns and habitat use, shedding light on conservation efforts.
Researchers found a genetic mutation in Arabidopsis thaliana that reduces stomata, conserving water while maintaining carbon dioxide intake. The mutant plant exhibits 20% reduced transpiration and increased drought tolerance.
Researchers investigated the salt tolerance of 10 common bedding plant species and cultivars irrigated with reclaimed water. The study found that some plants became more compact when grown in low to moderate salinity conditions, suggesting a potential use for recycled water in landscape irrigation.
Researchers found that both the Southwest and Southeast have insufficient water resources to support human needs, leading to a reliance on imported virtual water. The study highlights the need for new strategies in water storage and conservation across the US, particularly in regions with inland metropolitan areas.
The southeastern United States is home to a diverse array of fish species, but poor stream health poses a significant threat to their survival. The region's growing population and increasing demands on water resources have led to widespread degradation of aquatic habitats.
Researchers found declining levels of nitrogen and phosphorus since the 1970s, indicating improved water quality in Everglades National Park. The study's findings suggest that the park's restoration methods have effectively reduced waste and improved ecosystem health.
Researchers reveal starry smooth-hounds grow twice as slowly and only reproduce every two years, sparking concern over slow reproductive rate and potential impact on population. The findings provide a unique opportunity to conserve the enigmatic species.
According to a recent study by New Mexico State University, Santa Fe residents prefer high desert plants in their landscapes due to their ability to conserve water. The survey found that nearly all respondents would adopt these plants for front yard landscaping and were satisfied with their existing desert plant choices.
A new Pacific Institute report identifies key actions for California to conserve a million acre-feet of water through improved efficiency in the urban and agricultural sectors. The analysis finds that upfront investments of less than $1.9 billion can yield significant savings, while also conserving energy and reducing costs.
A binational team is monitoring the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant on the cienega, which could affect endangered species and bird populations. The researchers are tracking water quality, water level, and vegetation to assess the impact of the plant's operation.
A new study finds that trinexapac-ethyl reduces water depletion, evapotranspiration rates, and improves turf quality in creeping bentgrass during drought stress. The treatment maintains higher leaf relative water content and osmotic adjustment under drought conditions.
A comprehensive study documents American industry's water usage, revealing that most water is used indirectly in processing such as packaging and shipping food crops. The study estimates water use among over 400 industry sectors, with surprising amounts required for common products like sugar, dog and cat food, and milk.
A study by C. Rhett Jackson and Catherine M. Pringle found that reducing water flow rates can create ecological benefits, such as protecting endangered species and mitigating pollution effects. However, restoring natural flows can also lead to detrimental changes in vegetation that harm animals.
A comprehensive study on water vole genetics has been conducted by scientists from the University of Granada and Doñana Biological Station. The research reveals essential information for developing successful conservation plans, which will help preserve the genetic diversity of this endangered species.
Researchers found that scheduling irrigation according to daily water use (DWU) substantially reduced irrigation application compared to control methods, while maintaining or improving plant growth. The study categorized woody ornamental plants into low, moderate, and high water users, allowing for more efficient watering strategies.
Researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography found that human-caused climate change will reduce the Colorado River's capacity to deliver water, leading to shortfalls 40-90% of the time by 2025 and doubling by the late century. The study suggests that reducing average water use could help sustain the system.
Capillary mats provide automated irrigation, conserve water, and reduce labor needs, resulting in 71% less summer and 62% less winter water usage compared to overhead sprinklers. The study also found that plants on capillary mats required 62% less fertilizer due to higher substrate electrical conductivity.
Researchers apply Six Sigma methodology to improve energy efficiency at a thermal power plant, detecting faults in steam and water analysis systems and implementing cost-saving measures. The study finds significant energy savings of over three-quarters of a million dollars annually.
A University of Alberta study found that beaver presence increases open water availability by up to nine times, providing habitat and resources for land animals, amphibians, and livestock. The study suggests climate models predict increased drought frequency and length, where beavers can play a crucial role in maintaining wetlands.
FIJI Water aims to reduce its carbon footprint by 25% and achieve a net positive impact on the environment through sustainable growth initiatives. The company has partnered with Conservation International to develop an ambitious multi-benefit carbon offset plan.
The study reveals that groundwater in atolls is vulnerable to frequent droughts, making it unreliable for drinking water. The team proposes strategies to increase the resilience of small island communities to water-related changes, including improving institutional management and community participation.
A new biogeographic classification system, Marine Ecoregions of the World, is described in BioScience, providing a valuable tool for conservation planning. The system groups coastal and shelf areas into 232 distinct ecoregions, enabling researchers to identify critical areas for conserving endangered species.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has developed a high-tech leaf sensor that can measure water deficiency and communicate with computers wirelessly. This technology could enable crops to provide information to farmers about when they need water, reducing excessive water use and energy consumption.
Conservation efforts in US and Mexico may be increasing loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles visiting UK waters. The research team attributes the increase to protective measures, such as turtle excluder devices in fishing nets.
A study by the University of Exeter found an increase in loggerhead and Kemp's ridley turtles in UK and French waters over the last twenty years. Protective measures in US and Mexican waters are believed to be the reason for this rise.
Florida State University is designing a new, 571-acre community called Sky with integrated renewable energy systems and sustainable design. The community will feature geothermal loops, solar collectors, fuel cells, and advanced wastewater treatment facilities to minimize its environmental footprint.
A group of researchers has successfully identified algae of the genus known to represent coral symbionts and demonstrated that isolated algae can establish symbioses with new corals. This finding potentially bolsters future efforts to protect and rehabilitate coral reefs.
Researchers used tree-ring records and gauged streamflows to reconstruct historic Colorado River streamflows, dating back to 1490. The reconstructions suggest that droughts more severe than the recent 100-year period occurred in the past, with at least eight droughts similar in severity to the 2000-2004 drought.
The western prairies in Canada are facing a dire water crisis due to climate change, drought, and human activity. The region's glaciers are dwindling, snowpacks are decreasing, and precipitation evaporation is increasing, exacerbating the issue.
The Wyoming Cloud Seeding Pilot Program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of silver iodide in increasing snowpack and providing fresh water. A 10% increase in snowpack would provide significant benefits, including increased water supply and hydroelectric power generation.
Researchers solved the structure of a water-protein channel in plants and found that specific residues control the opening of the channel. The study could lead to new agricultural techniques and pharmaceuticals targeting aquaporin proteins.
Inland water overfishing leads to declines in catch per unit effort and size of individuals captured, as well as sequential species declines. This can have severe impacts on human health, particularly in developing countries where fish are a primary protein source.
A new model developed by Hyun Jung Cho predicts the key factors and provides quantitative results to protect wetlands, addressing global concerns in ecological restoration. The model can be used for other coastal SAV habitats with local light requirements substituted.
Increased dampness in Dutch dune valleys creates favourable conditions for certain plant species. Research reveals that restoration projects can be effective when specific characteristics are met.
The six most threatened National Wildlife Refuges in the US are at risk due to development and human activity, which deplete critical buffer zones. These areas provide essential resources for wildlife survival, highlighting the need for conservation efforts and cooperation with private landowners.
A decade-long study on water availability in the Yakima River Valley found expected losses to agriculture of $92-163 million by mid-century due to projected snowpack reductions. Climate models predict up to 70% reduction in snowpack for the West Coast, with severe droughts becoming more frequent.
A report by Cornell University's David Pimentel and his students highlights the need to conserve water in US agriculture. The study found that irrigation practices can require up to three times more fossil energy than rain-fed crops, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management.
A 3,360-acre marine protected area has been established off Belize's southeastern coast to safeguard the region's highest priority area for conservation. The area is home to over 25 reef fish species and is a key spawning ground for the endangered whale shark.
A New Mexico State University scientist's study reveals that the cost of maintaining the upstream habitat for the endangered silvery minnow results in a net gain of $68,000 per year for New Mexico agriculture. However, central New Mexico agricultural users and Albuquerque residents would lose $68,000 annually, while southern New Mexico...
The new Advanced Disinfection Technology System uses ultraviolet radiation to eliminate molds, viruses, and bacteria in water. It improves the disinfection process by mixing water efficiently, reducing UV lamp fouling and increasing light penetration.