Articles tagged with Groundwater
A USGS report identifies crucial factors influencing public-supply well vulnerability to contamination, including geochemical conditions, groundwater age, and human-induced changes in aquifer conditions. Understanding these factors can help anticipate future water quality issues and inform water management strategies.
Researchers use satellite data to identify 'hotspots' of water scarcity in the US, warning of potential food supply risks due to groundwater depletion. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive national water policy to address these emerging issues.
The US can support the growth of up to 25 billion gallons of algae-based fuel annually, filling the country's current oil needs for a month. The Gulf Coast and Southeastern seaboard are the most favorable regions for algae growth due to warm temperatures, low evaporation, and abundant water.
A recent study by Duke University and the USGS found no evidence of groundwater contamination from shale gas production in Arkansas. The researchers sampled 127 shallow drinking water wells and analyzed the samples for major and trace elements, hydrocarbons, and isotopic tracers.
A new study finds that importing freshwater to irrigate crops has dramatically increased the natural saltiness of Saharan groundwater, endangering date palm farming. The researchers discovered a previously overlooked low-saline water source that dilutes the saltiness of nearby groundwater aquifers.
Pit latrines pose a risk to global health due to potential contamination of groundwater, particularly in areas with high population densities. A new study emphasizes the need for improved designs and technologies to mitigate this risk, ensuring safer drinking water for millions worldwide.
A team of researchers found that bacteria in Bangladesh's aquifers use surface-derived organic carbon, which is naturally released from sediment into groundwater. This process predates recent human interaction and suggests that intensive pumping has not yet significantly affected arsenic release.
Research suggests that groundwater acts as a natural water filtration and purification system, removing excess nutrients and impurities from the earth's surface. The study highlights the need for better management of this critical resource to ensure clean drinking water and sustainable ecosystems.
A new study using NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites has found that the Middle East region lost 117 million acre feet of freshwater reserves between 2003 and 2012. The majority of this loss, approximately 73 million acre feet, was due to reductions in groundwater.
Researchers warn that climate change, combined with human-driven factors, could significantly reduce usable groundwater availability for agriculture worldwide. Inadequate monitoring and mismanagement of groundwater usage will exacerbate the issue, compromising global food security.
Research by Brigham Young University geologists reveals Hawaiian Islands are dissolving from within, with groundwater removing more mineral material than stream water. The study predicts Oahu will continue to grow for up to 1.5 million years before eventually declining in elevation.
The UFZ has established a Project Office at the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation to develop an implementation strategy for decentralised wastewater treatment in rural and peri-urban areas. The initiative aims to alleviate water scarcity and groundwater protection issues in Jordan by reclaiming and reusing wastewater locally.
A new analysis by ACS researchers suggests that up to 1.1 million annual cases of acute gastrointestinal illness may be caused by contaminated drinking water distribution systems in the US. Aging infrastructure and lack of funding pose significant health risks, particularly for small systems.
A new UC Santa Barbara-based project will investigate contaminants in urban water environments, focusing on identifying threats to surface waters and groundwater. The research aims to determine how to mitigate these issues and develop cost-effective solutions.
A new study reveals that groundwater in the upper Patapsco aquifer underlying Maryland is tens to hundreds of thousands of years old, with some samples dating back over a million years. This ancient water was recharged during cooler periods in earth's history and is now being rapidly pumped out by human activity.
Depleting groundwater can reduce surface-water flows, harming fisheries and wetland habitats. Creative groundwater management solutions are being adopted by western states and Australia to minimize economic disruption during droughts.
Researchers warn of rapid groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley and the High Plains, posing risks to US food production. The study suggests that unsustainable irrigation practices may lead to economic challenges for farmers, particularly in the southern High Plains.
A new study calculates that groundwater pumping will cause a global sea level rise of about 0.8 millimeters per year by 2050, outweighing the effect of dams. Groundwater depletion rates are projected to increase further, contributing significantly to sea level rise.
A new analysis of streams in the western US found that stream temperatures are not necessarily warming at the same rate as air temperatures despite general climate trends. Long-term monitoring sites with minimal human impact show cooler-than-expected maximum, mean, and minimum temperatures.
A new Duke University-led study suggests that increasing dietary calcium intake may be necessary to address widespread dental health problems caused by fluorosis in rural Ethiopia. The research found that even with fluoride-reducing treatments, high levels of naturally occurring fluoride in drinking water can still cause significant to...
The study estimates the total volume of groundwater in Africa to be around 0.66 million km3, sufficient for hand pumps to supply drinking water in many populated areas. However, high-yielding boreholes are limited to specific regions, and a careful approach is needed to ensure successful development.
A UC Davis report reveals that over 90% of human-generated nitrate contamination comes from agricultural activity, posing health risks to 1 in 10 people in the state's most productive agricultural areas. Fixes for drinking water systems could cost $20-35 million per year.
A new study reveals China's groundwater irrigation system is responsible for releasing over 30 million tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere every year. This significant pollution is caused by the energy needed to pump water from underground, with some areas requiring pumps that run for miles.
Climate change is projected to put strain on global groundwater resources as precipitation decreases and people turn to groundwater for water needs. The UN-sponsored research emphasizes the importance of regulating and conserving non-renewable groundwater to ensure its sustainability.
Researchers have detected high concentrations of arsenic, silver, lead, antimony, zinc, and uranium in the hydrothermal deposits of La Selva geothermal system. The groundwater in some areas has arsenic levels of up to 0.069 mg/l, far exceeding the recommended WHO limit of 0.01 mg/l.
A study by geoscientists found that human pumping of groundwater poses a greater threat to coastal drinking water than climate change. Most coastal aquifers are relatively unaffected by rising sea levels, but human activity is causing concerns.
Researchers found fossilized fungal hyphae in subseafloor Eocene basalts, suggesting a non-prokaryotic biosphere. This discovery has implications for our understanding of the deep subseafloor environment.
A study tracking water quality in the Thames River basin over 140 years found significant rises in nitrate concentrations since World War II. The researchers suggest it may take several decades for any reduction in nitrate levels, highlighting the need for long-term sustainable groundwater management practices.
The record-breaking Texas drought has reduced groundwater levels in much of the state to their lowest levels in over 60 years. The latest maps from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites show severely depressed groundwater levels, indicating a prolonged drying effect.
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that groundwater levels are influenced by precipitation three months earlier. The research provides unprecedented detail on how climate affects surface water and streamflow in the region, enabling better planning and policy decisions to mitigate water shortages.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that perennial ponds are not a significant contributor to high levels of arsenic in India's groundwater. Instead, the researchers propose that organic matter contained in Holocene sedimentary basins is likely the source of the toxin, taking thousands of years to reach the a...
A study by Columbia Climate School found that deep sediments can grab arsenic and take it out of circulation, limiting its spread in wells. This process, called adsorption, reduces arsenic levels by up to 70% within 24 hours.
Researchers tracked changes in ionosphere during a solar eclipse, finding acoustic waves with periods of 3-5 minutes originating from the Moon's shadow. Groundwater depletion has also contributed to sea level rise, with 1,100 cubic km pumped out between 2000 and 2008.
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.
Researchers developed an economical method to detect groundwater in semi-arid hard rock areas by analyzing electrical conductivity logs. The approach revealed differences in subterranean rock fissures and correlated with regions of underground water. This technique may be useful for identifying the most abundant sources of groundwater.
Groundwater pollution is a significant issue worldwide due to increasing water consumption and waste disposal. Computer algorithms can help identify pollution sources by processing available data, such as pollutant concentrations and monitoring data.
A laboratory study found that vinyl chloride concentrations decreased over time, reaching zero after four months, suggesting degradation into ethene.
Two winning projects were selected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in need. The Tagore-SenGupta Foundation project will install arsenic removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia, while Jenna Forsyth's project focuses on low-resource chlorine generation for safe drinking water in western Kenya.
Researchers at Duke University have traced rising salinity levels in the Yorktown aquifer to ancient fossil seawater, providing a long-term solution for desalinated tap water. The study found that reverse osmosis membranes can still effectively remove most dissolved salts, but may require additional treatment for boron and arsenic.
A new study is planned to investigate the health effects of high lithium levels in drinking water on mothers and children in Andean villages. Researchers have found high levels of arsenic, lithium, and other substances in the drinking water and urine of women studied, which may pose a health risk.
Groundwater depletion in California's Central Valley poses a significant threat to the state's economy and food security, with two-thirds of the loss attributed to central valley groundwater depletion. Conversely, corals are expanding their range poleward in temperate areas as seas warm, indicating rapid modifications to coastal ecosys...
A new device called the in situ sampler (IS2) is being used to monitor waste in groundwater without generating significant amounts of hazardous waste. The IS2 boasts extremely low detection limits and produces no wastewater, making it a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
Researchers at SRNL are using patented microbes to break down chlorinated solvents in contaminated groundwater. The MicroCED mixture has shown promise in transforming lethal chlorinated ethenes into safe end products, potentially offering a cheaper alternative to energy-intensive cleanup methods.
A Kansas State University scientist is investigating the reaction and transport of tungsten in drinking water, a contaminant linked to childhood leukemia cases. The study aims to understand tungsten's biogeochemistry in the environment, which is essential for addressing potential health risks.
Scientists have developed a new method to monitor groundwater aquifers using satellite data, allowing for more accurate and cost-effective management of these vital resources. By analyzing satellite measurements over time, researchers can infer the amount of water in an aquifer, providing valuable insights for hydrologists and regulato...
Exposure to arsenic in rural Bangladesh is poisonous to the nation's economy, reducing labor supply by 8 percent. The study also shows that women are working fewer hours outside the home while men are working more to compensate for the lack of healthcare access.
Researchers study how changing winds in the Southern Hemisphere affect ocean carbon storage and atmospheric carbon dioxide. A new study finds large methane releases from ocean sediments during glacial periods could have impacted ocean chemistry and contributed to climate changes.
Scientists have discovered a connection between the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) and El Niño-Southern Oscillation, with QBO signals exhibiting weaker amplitudes and faster cycles during El Niño conditions. Additionally, a new method separates pollution's effects on clouds from sea spray's influence, revealing distinct...
Scientists have found that global groundwater stocks are shrinking at an alarming rate, with the rate of depletion more than doubling between 1960 and 2000. This rapid loss of water could lead to severe consequences for a growing human population, including food insecurity and social unrest.
Researchers in New Zealand studied transport of microbes from cow pastures into groundwater supplies and found little to no transport due to spray irrigation application. Spray irrigation was shown to significantly reduce the risk of microbial contamination of groundwater, contradicting previous findings on flood irrigation.
A new demonstration facility for decentralized wastewater management has been opened in Jordan, developed by German-Jordanian researchers. The site aims to adapt decentralized wastewater treatment technologies to the arid local conditions and increase recycled wastewater volume by over fourfold by 2022.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers indicates that an ancient aquifer under the Nevada Test Site is feeding an oasis near Ash Meadows, a site home to unique plant and animal species. The water's journey takes 15,000 years to reach its destination, with radioactive water potentially surfacing in the future.
Over 100 million people in rural southern Asia are exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic from their well-water, increasing cancer risks and causing cardiovascular disease. Researchers propose using deeper wells only for individual households and implementing measures to preserve deep wells specifically for drinking water.
Groundwater experts propose using deeper aquifers for irrigation, pumping high volumes of water from wells can pull down arsenic-contaminated water. Scientists recommend retesting existing deep wells on a regular basis to ensure quality. Filtration and alternative methods are used in countries without deep aquifers.
Holly Michael, assistant professor at the University of Delaware, has received the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award to support her research on eutrophication and groundwater interactions. Her study aims to identify subsurface zones where nutrient transformations occur in Indian River Bay.
Researchers tracked a plume of contaminated groundwater flowing from a septic system to the ocean, revealing a potential source of pollution. The study's findings could inform conservation efforts and improve wastewater management in coastal communities.
Researchers at OU WaTER Center address global water dilemmas with focus on climate change, treatment and cleanup methods. The Center's work has impact in four areas: teaching, research, service, and international leadership.
A new sensor developed by ORNL can detect chlorinated hydrocarbons in water with high accuracy and low cost, reducing the need for lengthy laboratory testing. The system combines membrane extraction and ion mobility analysis to provide a single, compact device for on-site monitoring of groundwater contaminants.
USDA ARS scientists collaborated with NRC experts to model radioactive material movement in the vadose zone. They found that gaps in fine-material layers significantly affect tracer transport in soils and shallow groundwater.
Recent AGU research finds prolonged low solar activity will not offset global warming, with a potential temperature decrease of only 0.3 degrees Celsius in 2100. Heat waves have also increased in the Mediterranean region since 1960, with significant increases in number, length, and intensity.