Articles tagged with Water Quality
The study examines the impact of climate change and economic sustainability on drinking water management strategies. The integrated assessment framework assesses factors such as water quality, environmental changes, and potential costs to determine performance data and benchmarking.
A new study on Chesapeake Bay water quality found that pollution thresholds affect reduction efforts, and larger reductions may be needed to induce complete reversal of eutrophication-induced hypoxia. The research revealed that the system responds only until a certain threshold is crossed, then it takes twice the effort to make a change.
A new genome-based taxonomy has been developed to characterize ecological niches of Microcystis, including nutrient requirements and seasonality. This will aid in the control of harmful Microcystis blooms and reduce health risks associated with water quality management.
Researchers found that rusty center pivots indicate a lack of nitrate in the groundwater they feed. In fact, most wells supplying full-rust and part-rust pivots had nitrate concentrations below the EPA's safety threshold. However, some part-rust pivots showed higher nitrate levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.
The study found that oxygen levels dropped to zero after the storm and stayed there for almost a month, leading to a 36-60% decline in adult fish. However, juvenile sturgeon survived and even increased in numbers two years later, suggesting a potential refuge upstream.
Researchers have launched five projects to investigate the impact of pollution on UK rivers, which fail to meet good ecological status due to pollutants like chemicals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The projects aim to improve water quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
A six-year study confirms stream contamination with pesticides from trespass cannabis cultivation sites in Northern California, threatening local aquatic species and freshwater resources. The study's findings highlight the need for proactive approaches to mitigate the impacts of these sites on downstream waterways and habitats.
A new study by Stanford University scientists reveals that beaver dams can have a significant positive impact on river water quality in the US West. The dams raise water levels, diverting nutrients and contaminants into surrounding soils, which act as filters, improving water quality.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that the timing of pediatric lead testing was affected by the Flint water crisis, with children receiving tests earlier after the crisis announcement. However, the proportion of Medicaid-eligible children who received tests did not change over time.
A recent study published in Science of The Total Environment found that many household wells in Nevada are contaminated with heavy metals such as arsenic, which can cause adverse health effects. The study suggests that frequent testing and improved treatment systems are necessary to ensure safe drinking water for rural communities.
Researchers developed a new global water quality model to assess current and future pollution status of rivers and streams globally. The study found that achieving the SDG target would not be enough to protect surface water quality in some regions, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia.
As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.
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.
A new study led by researchers at UC Berkeley found instances where arsenic levels exceeded regulatory limits for months or years at a time in the Kern Valley State Prison and nearby communities. Long-term exposure to arsenic has been linked to various health concerns, including cancers.
A new review highlights the need for more research on the effects of wildfires on water quality in watersheds. The study found that pollutants from burned structures can exceed regulatory limits and affect the surrounding ecosystem, leading to increased risk of water contamination.
Restoring relatively narrow strips of riverfront forests could substantially improve regional water quality and carbon storage in Costa Rica. The analysis shows that such buffers tend to be most beneficial in steep, erosion-prone, and intensively fertilized landscapes.
A study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ found that climate-induced deforestation can lead to a significant increase in dissolved phosphorus concentration and nitrogen levels in reservoirs. This can result in an overgrowth of diatoms and green algae, compromising water quality.
A new study found that Native American households in Nevada lack complete indoor plumbing, with an average of 0.67% households affected between 1990-2019. The study also revealed a significant increase in Safe Drinking Water Act violations, with over 20,000 people impacted in 2019.
A team led by York University has developed a new technique to keep drinking water safe in refugee settlements using machine learning and ensemble forecasting systems. The approach can predict the probability of residual chlorine remaining in stored water, providing critical information for aid workers to ensure safe drinking water.
A comprehensive review of water quality trading programs worldwide reveals that agricultural production remains largely unregulated, hindering their effectiveness. The authors suggest that nudging political will and creating regulatory drivers can help evolve water quality trading into a cost-effective pollution control instrument.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a synthetic polymer that can remove certain dyes from water, and the polymer can be recovered and reused. The study found that the polymer's ability to remove dyes was dependent on solution pH and topological polar surface area of the dyes.
A new methodology predicts soil recovery after wildfires by analyzing the impact of microbes and nutrients on soil regeneration. The study found that including uncommon soil microbiota was critical to predicting water quality and terrestrial ecosystem recovery.
Shorter winters have reduced ice coverage by 31 days over the past 165 years, leading to altered lake biota, increased evaporation and salinity. Climate change is expected to worsen these effects, threatening ecosystem services including water quality and human consumption.
A study by Australian National University found that at least 25,245 people in remote communities had access to non-compliant drinking water services. The researchers also identified 408 locations with poor water quality, including 40% of Indigenous communities. A national drinking water database is urgently needed to address these gaps.
Climate change is affecting lakes globally, causing changes in stratification regimes, dissolved oxygen levels, and habitat for native fish. Warmer water temperatures can lead to cyanobacterial blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and increased salinity, impacting aquatic organisms and human activities.
A new framework developed by researchers at Wayne State University aims to help state and local water authorities prioritize funding for infrastructure improvements on drinking water lead service line replacement programs. The study incorporates drinking water quality characteristics with community and environmental quality attributes,...
A team of researchers found a high ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in Flathead Lake, limiting phytoplankton growth and affecting zooplankton populations. This imbalance sets the stage for potential methane production and has significant ecological consequences.
A study from the University of California, Davis, found that balancing protein consumption with human needs can reduce nitrogen excretion rates in US waters by 27% by 2055. Coastal cities have the largest potential to make this change, which could also improve environmental health without increasing wastewater treatment costs.
A water birth significantly reduces the use of epidurals, injected opioids, episiotomy, pain, and heavy bleeding after birth, while increasing mothers' satisfaction levels and the odds of an intact perineum. A water immersion also increases the likelihood of an intact perineum and reduces episodes of umbilical cord breakage.
A three-year project will focus on developing the Waterworks Park Pilot Plant facility for applied research, testing and evaluation of new technologies. The project aims to address critical shortages of technicians and engineers for water utilities nationwide.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch develop an ocean model to study connectivity between the Everglades and Florida Keys via Florida Bay. The tool aims to predict changes in responses to water management, ecological restoration and climate change.
High concentrations of disinfection byproducts in tap water are linked to adverse health outcomes. Researchers suggest adopting solutions such as advanced water treatment and sourcing water from less polluted areas to reduce the risk. Additionally, nanofiltration is proposed as an effective household treatment to improve water quality.
A new study found that water insecurity is strongly linked to food insecurity, particularly in low and middle-income countries. The research suggests that improving access to water could be key to addressing food insecurity, as water scarcity affects cooking, hygiene, and farming.
A new study suggests that sustainable irrigation can boost crop productivity to feed 1.4 billion more people, reducing environmental impacts and clearing natural land for agriculture. However, climate change may complicate this calculus, requiring additional research on water management strategies.
The American Society for Nutrition presents the latest findings on ultra-processed foods, genetic influence on eating habits, and diet quality. Research highlights the risks of ultra-processed foods, the potential impact of genetics on food preferences, and the importance of healthy diets for preventing chronic diseases.
A team of Australian scientists has analyzed rare earth elements in drilled reef cores to unveil a deep history of wild weather on the Great Barrier Reef. The study reveals that extreme runoff from intense monsoons affected water quality over 8,000 years ago, leading to reduced coral growth and reef decline.
A multidisciplinary project aims to develop a decision-making tool to estimate the risk of water contamination in flooded areas. The research team will collect public data and conduct field work to test their approach in small study areas, ultimately enabling Québec to reduce health risks by better protecting water quality.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
Researchers found that maintaining hard water reduces zinc accumulation and oxidative stress in goldfish, mitigating toxic effects. This study provides an eco-friendly approach to address aquatic ecosystem pollution caused by heavy metal contamination.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are exploring a cost-effective solution to deploy in urban streams, such as adding fallen logs and branches. The goal is to create more standing pools for fish during droughts, slow periodic floodwaters, and reduce nutrients that can harm aquatic life.
Researchers developed a portable desalination unit weighing less than 10kg that removes particles and salts to generate clean drinking water. The device uses ion concentration polarization and electrodialysis processes, requiring minimal energy and maintenance.
A novel approach to understanding sponge evolution reveals two distinct microbiome compositions that led to different feeding strategies and predator protection. The discovery provides insights into the Earth's past and could reveal aspects of ancient ocean chemistry.
Tel Aviv University researchers develop innovative model that explains wave formation, tested in complex experiments. The model takes into account all unstable harmonics and limitations of previous models, providing high reliability for describing physical situation.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed AquaBOT to measure water quality in mid-sized streams with precision and speed. The lab has also created a safe and effective antiviral coating for N95 masks, allowing for reuse of masks made from various fabrics. Furthermore, the lab has designed a cooking appliance that uses...
Researchers have developed a model to predict Vibrio vulnificus abundance in the canal by analyzing rainfall, water temperature, dissolved nutrients and organic matter. The study found that warmer waters due to climate change may lead to an increase of twice or three times current levels of bacteria by the end of the century.
Researchers at UBCO's School of Engineering have developed a new, faster method for analyzing toxic waste materials using fluorescence spectroscopy and convolutional neural networks. This method can detect key toxins such as naphthenic acids in oil sands samples, providing a low-cost alternative to current methods.
A new study by University of Maryland scientists has developed a five-stage scale to track the progression of salt pollution in freshwater streams and rivers. The researchers found that road salts combined with other pollutants create
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.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $5.6 million in funding to 15 projects focused on improving desalination and water purification technologies. These advancements aim to expand access to otherwise unusable water resources, addressing the climate crisis and meeting Western communities' needs for a new source of water.
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.
Research by Oregon State University scientists has found that tiny tire particles inhibit growth and cause adverse behavioral changes in organisms in freshwater and coastal estuary ecosystems. The findings suggest that even at current environmental levels of tire-related pollution, aquatic ecosystems may be experiencing negative impacts.
A global study reveals that freshwater lake ecosystems are being damaged by salt concentrations below government-protective thresholds. The loss of zooplankton triggers a cascade effect causing an increase in algae, potentially altering nutrient cycling and water quality.
A new DNA-based device can detect contamination levels in water, providing a more accurate picture of water quality. The device uses genetic networks to mimic electronic circuits and can detect zinc, lead, and other contaminants at varying concentrations.
Swine waste lagoon construction dates have been established for the first time using satellite imagery, providing insights into their environmental impact. The study focused on North Carolina and found that approximately 16% of lagoons were already in place before 1987.
A new study from the University of Waterloo provides a roadmap for faster improvements in water quality by tackling nitrogen legacies. The research recommends six steps to address this critical issue, which has persisted for decades due to excess nitrogen fertilizers.
New study reveals tradeoff between water quality and emissions on farms, highlighting potential environmental benefits of conservation practices. Researchers found that split nitrogen applications had no impact on nitrous oxide levels, but cover crops increased emissions by spikes in summer.
Scientists have discovered characteristic breakpoints that alter pollutant concentrations in rivers, impacting global water security. The research sheds light on the behavior of aquatic pollutants in large river systems, including India's River Ganga.
A new analysis reveals that approximately 1.3 million Californians, or nearly 3.5% of the population, rely on domestic wells for their water supply, while 370,000 more may be served by contaminated community water systems. Communities of color are disproportionately affected by drinking water contamination.
Despite efforts to control river pollution, lake water quality has not improved as expected in China. Lake restoration and ecological management are key to addressing eutrophication and achieving sustainable development.