Articles tagged with Water Quality
Researchers found that textile wastewater treatment produces high levels of toxic byproducts, including chloroform and bromoform, which pose significant health risks to workers and the environment. The study suggests that alternative treatment methods or improved worker protections may be necessary to mitigate these hazards.
Thawing permafrost is causing Arctic rivers to turn toxic with orange iron particles, suffocating insects and smothering fish. The process also involves acid rock drainage, where pyrite breaks down into sulfuric acid and sulfate, creating rust-like particles.
A Umea University study finds that ice actively accelerates the dissolution of iron minerals, potentially releasing more iron than current environmental models account for. This could have significant cascading effects on ecosystems, particularly in polar and mountain regions.
A recent study investigated microplastic movement in freshwater ecosystems across Pennsylvania, finding that watersheds with higher population densities and adjacent wastewater treatment plants had higher concentrations of microplastics. The research also revealed local features, such as forests and rural areas, play a critical role in...
A new study reveals that Waikiki is facing a fundamental shift in flood hazards as sea levels rise, transitioning from rainfall-driven floods to tidal process-dominated events. The team identified two key pathways, storm drain backflow and groundwater emergence, which will increase public exposure to sewage-contaminated waters.
Researchers have designed an arsenic-removing teabag that can be reused up to five times and costs around 7 cents to clean a liter of water. The system is effective in removing over 90% of arsenic ions present, making it a potential solution for regions without wide-scale water treatment.
A Swedish study found that high prenatal PFAS exposure is associated with a higher incidence of asthma in childhood. The research used a register-based cohort of children born between 2006 and 2013 to assess the relationship between maternal exposure and asthma outcomes.
Researchers tracked the impact of beach nourishment on nearshore conditions and marine life, finding that prolonged turbidity can interfere with blacktip shark hunting and increase accidental encounters. The study highlights a delicate balance between coastal engineering projects and marine ecosystem protection.
A new study found that websites providing PFAS information, including government and news sources, often fail to provide actionable advice on reducing exposure. The researchers recommend clear language about known threats and improved depiction of audience susceptibility levels to effectively communicate with the public.
The Re-Analysis of Water for Society (RAWS) project seeks to create a detailed daily record of the world's freshwater systems spanning 60 years. By combining advanced water modeling with artificial intelligence and integrated global datasets, RAWS aims to provide a clearer picture of how water systems have changed over time.
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
Conventional oil and gas infrastructure leaves a deeper mark on freshwater biodiversity than shale gas development in Pennsylvania, according to a new study. The research analyzed over 6,800 benthic macroinvertebrate samples and found conventional development was linked with fewer species and a decline in ecosystem health.
A new study found a significant decline in nitrogen pollution in the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River Basin over the past two decades. The decline is attributed to cleaner air and more efficient nitrogen uptake by modern corn hybrids, as well as reduced fertilizer application.
Researchers warn that public fountains can be a breeding ground for aerosolized pollutants, posing significant risks to human health. With an estimated 30% of visitors being children, the risk of fountain-related illnesses is particularly high.
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new method for detecting microplastics using metal oxide electrodes, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for environmental monitoring. The technology has the potential to replace traditional spectroscopic methods with its portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.
A recent study published by Loma Linda University found that commercial water dispensers can harbor bacterial growth, even after disinfection, with some studies identifying contamination as soon as a few days later. The researchers recommend regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent the regrowth of microorganisms.
The US has more than 4 million miles of rivers, but existing regulations only account for less than 20% of total river length. Freshwater conservation strategies have historically focused on land use and development, leaving gaps in protection measures for lakes, rivers, and wetlands.
A new method uses machine learning and flow cytometry to detect contaminated bathing water, providing faster and more complete answers on water safety. The method has several advantages, including being open-source and able to detect changes in entire bacterial communities.
A Montana State University economist's research found that wetland restoration through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program can reduce ammonia and nitrogen concentrations in local waterways, resulting in decreased costs for communities. This can lead to tangible savings of up to $17,000 per year in smaller rural towns.
A nationwide study found that water treatment methods using chlorine as a primary disinfectant increase the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Chlorine used as a secondary disinfectant also increases disease rates, whereas monochloramine reduces the risk.
Researchers track benthic nutrient fluxes using a new device called CAROSEL, which measures nitrogen released from sediments in real-time. The findings reveal daily rhythms in oxygen fluxes and highlight the importance of understanding sediment-water interactions in managing aquatic ecosystems.
Researchers found 'roof drainage' to be the main cause of radioactive cesium flow, with baseflow varying by air temperature. The study provides insights for improving monitoring systems and environmental management.
Researchers developed a portable test to detect miniscule levels of PFAS in water, with the potential to distinguish between different types of contaminants. The new sensor can measure PFAS present at 250 parts per quadrillion, giving utility in monitoring drinking water for toxic chemicals.
As Arctic permafrost thaws, geochemical reactions unleash metals like cadmium, harming fish and disrupting ecosystems. The Salmon River's transformation poses indirect threats to Indigenous communities and other species.
A new Virginia Tech study reveals that toxic well water primarily affects household pets, with 64% of dog drinking water samples containing high levels of potentially toxic heavy metals. Researchers found a correlation between untreated well water and poor health in dogs, highlighting the need for households to test and treat their water.
A recent University of Minnesota study found that large surface waves produced by powerboats can have a significant impact on delicate lakebed ecosystems. Researchers recommend operating boats in deep water to minimize these impacts and avoid shallow spots, giving space between boats and shorelines.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute has received a National Science Foundation grant to study an electrochemical system for removing insoluble mineral deposits in water treatment. The goal is to develop a lower-cost, environmentally friendly system that can selectively remove scale-forming cations and prevent the buildup of harmful minerals.
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
Australian scientists developed a new method to evaluate the risks posed by toxicants like insecticides in waterways. The Temporal Response Surface (TRS) approach integrates exposure duration into ecosystem protection guidelines, providing a more accurate assessment of delayed and time-cumulative aquatic ecosystem risk.
Computer scientist An Wang receives a $1M NSF CAREER grant to leverage cloud computing resources for efficient machine learning model training. Environmental engineer Bridget Hegarty receives a grant to develop safe and effective biocontrol for water systems using bacteriophages.
A new study assesses the tradeoffs between clean air and clean water, finding that boiling contaminated water generally outweighs health risks from air pollution. The research supports prioritizing household access to clean water, especially for young children.
A recent study has identified a key factor contributing to nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment plants: an imbalance between bacteria groups and oxygen levels. By increasing oxygen concentrations, the researchers suggest that emissions can be significantly reduced without requiring major infrastructural changes.
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.
Modelling analysis reveals sediment levels and nitrogen concentrations will increase with development and forest conversion upstream. The study forecasts water quality degradation at drinking water intakes across the regional watershed.
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.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed new membranes for desalination that can help eliminate brine waste and produce more sustainable freshwater. The membranes are packed with charge and increase conductivity, allowing them to move more salt with less power.
Researchers have developed a new AI tool that uses sensors and real-time data to predict water quality across the US. This tool can be applied nationwide, benefiting communities by providing water quality forecasts, streamlining operations, and informing strategies for managing turbidity in basins worldwide.
The amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed for corn production has been rising due to increased yield demands and nutrient loss during wetter springs. Improving efficiency through practices like crop rotation and spring fertilizer application can help reduce environmental losses.
Dr. Jonathan Cox warns of the dangers of raw sewage in UK coastal waters, highlighting the risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections to vulnerable groups. He advocates for checking water quality before visiting beaches and praises efforts like the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to combat pollution.
A new study has focused on the safety of outdoor swimming during pregnancy, revealing large gaps in knowledge and highlighting the need for further research. Expert-led recommendations have been provided for pregnant people, including advice to only swim in cold water if a regular cold water swimmer before pregnancy.
A new carbon cloth electrode technology has been developed to remove boron from seawater, making it safer for drinking. This innovation could save up to $6.9 billion annually by reducing the need for expensive chemicals and energy in desalination plants.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.
A study found that most microplastics in French bottled and tap water are smaller than 20 µm, fine enough to pass into the bloodstream and organs. The EU-recommended detection limit for water quality assessments is below this size range.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
A recent study demonstrates the effectiveness of a new environmental policy, known as the Resident Work (RW) policy, in improving water quality in the Yangtze River Basin. The policy, launched in 2018, involved deploying scientific experts to cities across the region, resulting in significant reductions in total phosphorus concentration.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.
Large-scale wildfires in radiologically contaminated areas enhance the mobility of radionuclides like · 137 Cs and ¹ 90 Sr in rivers. This increases radiation exposure for residents, particularly after a fire in the Chornobyl exclusion zone in Ukraine.
A new study from Duke University reveals that historic lithium mining is unlikely to contaminate surrounding waters with common pollutants like arsenic and lead. However, high levels of other metals including lithium, rubidium, and cesium were found in the mine's waters.
A new study by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources found high concentrations of neonicotinoids in some ground and surface water sources, including natural springs. This contamination can affect drinking water quality and organisms in streams fed by those springs.
Researchers developed a machine learning framework that predicts inorganic pollutants in groundwater based on limited water quality samples. The model suggests 15% to 55% of sites may truly be risk-free, identifying critical gaps in groundwater quality datasets.
Researchers at Southwest Research Institute will conduct a 12-month targeted water-sampling campaign to analyze the Las Moras Springs system and its relationship with the Pinto Creek watershed. The project aims to improve water management and conservation efforts in Kinney County, Texas.
A new publication by European ocean scientists highlights the impact of sea-level rise on coastal freshwater systems and their interconnectedness with the Ocean. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of both components of the global water cycle to ensure resilience.
DRI is recruiting Fallon community members with private wells to participate in a study examining the prevalence of emerging contaminants, including pesticides, microplastics, and flame retardants. Participants will receive free water quality results and potentially be fitted with a water filtration system.
A new study reveals that invasive silver carp reduce their movement in Chicago-area water due to stress caused by contaminants. The fish's behavior changes when introduced to water from the Illinois River north of Kankakee, suggesting they are avoiding pollutants from the Chicago Area Waterway.
According to a new USGS study, approximately 71-95 million people in the Lower 48 states may rely on groundwater containing detectable concentrations of PFAS for their drinking water supplies. The predictive model helps understand the potential for PFAS contamination and informs strategic planning for water resources.
The world's freshwater lakes are freezing over for shorter periods due to climate change, affecting more than a billion people worldwide. Changes in ice duration have major implications for human safety, water quality, biodiversity, and global nutrient cycles.