Articles tagged with Water Quality
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A recent UCI-led study found that between 1982 and 2015, 9-45 million people annually were affected by water quality issues. Low-income, rural regions were most vulnerable to recurring problems in Texas, Oklahoma, and Idaho.
Researchers studying water quality around hydraulic fracturing found a blueprint for moving conversations forward through publicly available data and collaboration. The Shale Network has fostered dialogue among diverse stakeholders, including citizens, watershed groups, and energy companies.
A University of Minnesota study found that multiple wetlands within a watershed can significantly reduce nitrate pollution in rivers and streams. The research highlights the importance of targeted wetland restoration as a strategy for improving water quality in agricultural regions.
A new tool is being developed to fight global algal blooms by identifying resilient landscapes for farming. Researchers found that sampling headwaters allows for improved water quality and food production while minimizing toxic residue in waterways.
The CARICOMP program found significant decreases in water quality at 42% of the monitoring stations across the Caribbean basin. Despite expected increases in water temperature due to global warming, no such changes were detected in the data set.
Researchers found that flamingo feces facilitate microbial 'filtering' of organic matter in saline wetlands, promoting denitrification and reducing nitrogen loads. Flamingos also stimulate bacterial activity, triggering cascading effects on prokaryotic abundance and viruses.
A new database called LAGOS provides comprehensive information on water quality, physical, and ecological factors affecting thousands of lakes. The database, developed by 80 scientists across various disciplines, will enable researchers and policymakers to analyze trends over space and time.
A three-year study will explore how population growth, climate change, and lake-specific factors affect water quality in approximately 2,000 lakes in the Northeast. The research team will use satellite, drone, and mobile app data to identify patterns and understand relationships between complex systems.
Researchers designed and tested plasmonic nanoantenna arrays to enhance fluorescence emission from contaminants in water, leading to a six-fold increase. The arrays can be used to develop highly integrated multi-wavelength sensors for low-cost and portable water quality monitoring.
Global Change Center researchers developed a system to create real-time water forecasts for Falling Creek Reservoir in Roanoke, Va., using environmental data and local weather predictions. The system aims to predict times when water may require additional treatment due to environmental factors, improving drinking water quality.
Researchers at Kent State University are working with NASA Glenn Research Center to develop a new method for identifying and monitoring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Using hyperspectral imaging, the team aims to improve water quality and reduce the impact of these toxic cyanobacteria on local communities.
The study, published in the Journal of Fish and Wildlife Management, compiles data on the Clinch dace from 70 stream segments in Tazewell and Russell counties. The fish can serve as an indicator of water quality due to their rarity and sensitivity to environmental changes.
The Dartmouth-led research team will explore how human population growth, climate change, and land use have affected lake water quality in the Northeast, with a focus on cyanobacterial blooms and real-time monitoring. Citizen scientists will also be involved in collecting data through the Lake Observer app.
A new study found that underwater plants can positively affect water quality in bays along the Baltic Sea coast. The plants take up nutrients, slow down water movement, and stabilize the soft bottom, leading to clearer water and improved living conditions for marine life.
The study introduces the adjoint method to combine NPS term and initial condition inversion, improving model accuracy. The results show that assimilating NPS term is more important than initial value, and the model can be generalized to other regions.
A new study found that water quality of lakes in the Midwest and Northeast US has not overwhelmingly degraded or improved over recent decades, with only a small percentage experiencing clearer conditions. The researchers suggest that management practices are holding the line, but large-scale problems require a bigger picture approach.
Researchers project a significant increase in harmful algal blooms in US freshwater reservoirs and lakes due to climate change. The study predicts that the biggest impact will be felt by recreation areas in the Southeast, with more rural regions also affected.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that reducing algae-causing nutrients in agricultural runoff can take up to 30-40 years to have a desired impact. Despite decreasing nutrient inputs, water quality has been slow to respond, with some watersheds taking decades to see significant improvements.
A new study predicts that US water quality will worsen due to climate-driven changes in precipitation, leading to increased nitrogen pollution and the formation of harmful algae blooms and dead zones. The Midwest and Northeast are expected to be particularly affected.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have designed a tiny device that can monitor drinking water quality in real-time, helping protect against waterborne illness. The miniaturized sensors are cheap to make, operate continuously, and can be deployed anywhere in the water distribution system.
Researchers from University of Waterloo found that small wetlands have a significant role in preventing excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from reaching waterbodies. The study suggests that protection efforts should focus on preserving smaller wetlands, which are more effective at filtering environmental contaminants.
Researchers aim to promote sustainable water for agriculture through stakeholder engagement, testing flexible models in Arizona, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The project seeks to address complex web of social, economic, cultural, institutional, legal, and biophysical conditions influencing water resource management.
Researchers at UNH have developed a new tool to measure both carbon and nitrogen footprints, aiming to reduce campus activities' impact on water quality and climate change. The Nitrogen Footprint Tool Network includes seven institutions, tracking emissions from food waste, energy consumption, and transportation.
A UMass Amherst study suggests that conserving water resources in rapidly urbanizing areas is crucial due to climate change and population pressure. By adopting green infrastructure design and water conservation incentives, towns can reduce surface runoff and improve water quality.
New EU Water Framework Directive recommendations aim to improve monitoring, assessment, and management of water quality. The directive suggests effect-based methods instead of individual substance analysis and proposes a reversed burden of proof for data collection.
A new study aims to improve detection of viral pathogens in water resources by developing more accurate DNA sequencing methods. The research has the potential to enhance public health and safety, particularly in areas where conventional methods are limited due to viral diversity.
Deb Jaisi, a University of Delaware researcher, uses isotope tracking methods to locate sources and fate of phytate in soil and water. His research aims to understand natural versus human contribution to phosphorus pollution in the Chesapeake Bay.
A study by Mohamed Mahmoud reveals that fish farm aromas are caused by a complex mixture of substances, including geosmin and manure smell. The researchers identified ten other substances with musty-earthy smells, which run off from land into the water and affect the fish.
Researchers from Utah State University received the American Water Resources Association Award for their study on global megacity water challenges. The team characterized and compared the water issues faced by 28 United Nations-designated megacities, highlighting unique challenges in each city.
New research suggests that Lake Champlain may be more susceptible to climate change-induced damage than previously thought. The study's findings indicate that the current pollution standards may not be enough to prevent worsening algae blooms and water quality problems.
A new approach has been developed to measure the rate of movement of nitrate from groundwater into streams, which is critical for understanding how this pollutant moves through the environment and assessing water quality management. The research found that the rate of nitrate input to the aquifer dropped by 6 percent in 2013, while the...
The University of Texas at Arlington has partnered with Apache Corporation to conduct a baseline water quality study of groundwater and surface water in the Alpine High resource play. The study aims to provide important data for future monitoring efforts and support responsible energy extraction processes.
A new study identifies distinct hotspots in the US coastline where freshwater discharge from underground water sources can contaminate coastal waters. These hotspots, which account for half of all freshwater discharge, are particularly vulnerable to groundwater-borne contamination and affect 12% of the coastline.
A new study suggests that improvements in air quality over the Potomac watershed led to recent progress on water quality in the Chesapeake Bay. Researchers found a nearly universal improvement in water quality, with decreasing nitrate concentrations and reversing nitrogen saturation in the basin.
A new study reveals that California's drought-stricken Central Valley harbors three times more groundwater than previously estimated. The researchers found approximately 2,700 cubic kilometers of usable water, which is almost triple the state's current estimates.
Recent testing indicates that Flint drinking water quality is improving, with decreasing levels of DNA markers for Legionella. However, pathogenic forms of the bacteria were still culturable at some sampling points, highlighting the need for continued vigilance.
A series of studies published in Water Research assesses the ecological and chemical responses to geo-engineering in lakes. While some case studies report dramatic improvements, others show little effect or short-lived responses. The approach is promising when used correctly, but its potential side effects are not well understood.
A simple paper sheet can remove resistant viruses from water, improving access to safe drinking water for millions. The mille-feuille filter uses cellulose nanofibers and has a unique layered internal architecture.
A study found that crayfish increase macroinvertebrate density in polluted streams. The presence of crayfish also reduces sediment settling, creating a more favorable habitat for these organisms. This research highlights the potential benefits of invasive species like crayfish in alleviating problems in impaired streams.
The US Department of Agriculture has awarded over $8.5 million in grants to support research, education, and outreach on improving water resource quality and quantity, particularly in areas affected by drought. The grants will help communities develop regional systems for sustainable use, reuse, flow, and management of water.
The university is leading an independent study on the association between changes in Flint's water system and public health issues, including a recent Legionnaires' disease outbreak. Researchers will conduct enhanced surveillance and engage with the community to investigate potential connections.
A new study found that no disinfectant completely removes bacterial biofilms from dental water lines, posing a significant infection risk. Researchers recommend preventing the formation of biofilms as key to keeping lines clean, and suggest using good quality water, prevention disinfectants, and avoiding stagnation.
Paul West will discuss how global and regional data sets can be used to enhance productivity while considering climate change and environmental impact on subsistence farmers. The talk aims to provide insights into the opportunities and risks related to improving food security and sustainability in data-limited areas.
Researchers at Duke University found that 40 years of mountaintop coal mining has made parts of Central Appalachia 40% flatter than before excavation. The study suggests that this change could lead to increased water quality issues due to the creation of valley fills and changes in water movement.
A new study reveals that heavy weather events trigger 'pulse-shunt' of organic matter past small streams, affecting water chemistry and phytoplankton levels. This framework challenges existing concepts in watershed ecology and has implications for managing nutrient pollution and mercury inputs.
A long-term analysis of water quality monitoring data reveals that climate change is affecting Buzzards Bay's ecosystem by increasing average summertime temperatures by almost 2 degrees Celsius. This warming fueling an increase in algae growth, which in turn worsens water quality and poses challenges for coastal ecosystems.
Harmful algal blooms are becoming a major threat to inland water quality, with increasing frequency and severity due to climate change and nutrient enrichment. Inland surface waters lack formal monitoring programs, hindering efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems and human health.
A new study by Cornell Food & Brand Lab found that nutritionally improved kid's meals at Disney World resulted in 48% of diners opting for the healthier option. The healthier alternatives reduced calories, fat, and sodium by 21.4%, 43.9%, and 43.4%, respectively.
A team of researchers from Arizona State University found that informal water vendors, when organized into unions, can improve water pricing, quality, and delivery. The study suggests that these markets have the potential to bridge supply gaps in urban water systems.
A Syracuse University study, Project SWIFT, aims to establish a baseline for groundwater quality and develop geochemical fingerprinting tools to analyze water quality in areas with potential shale gas drilling. The researchers are analyzing flow-back water to uncover unique chemistry not found in well water.
A recent study by the University of the Basque Country found that altering lettuce growing conditions can enhance its nutritional quality. By subjecting plants to short-duration stresses, researchers were able to boost antioxidant compounds and increase biomass production without compromising productivity.
A study found that ultrasonic humidifiers emit aerosols with dissolved contaminants, including minerals and metals, which are 90% respirable. The quality of the water source affects the health consequences of inhaling these contaminants.
Researchers have identified new, potentially toxic molecules created by cooking with chloraminated tap water and iodized table salt. Limiting cooking time and temperature, using fortified salt instead of iodide, can minimize their formation.
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that reducing cropland to below 60% or restoring wetlands to above 6% can bring about significant improvements to surface water quality. Small tweaks to landscape composition may also enhance freshwater benefits in urban areas by adding rain gardens or parks.
A study by Kari Pohl and colleagues found that extreme climate indices, such as increased frequency of warmer-than-normal days and wet days, are strongly correlated to shallow water environment changes. These changes may impact environmental boundaries and vulnerable organisms in Chesapeake Bay.
Researchers find hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-BDEs) in San Francisco Bay, suggesting human activity enhances natural production. Elevated levels of OH-BDEs are linked to higher nutrients and water temperatures in populated areas.
Research published in PLOS ONE suggests that restricting wildlife access to rivers and floodplains in dryland regions can impact water quality and human health. The study found significant relationships between increased concentrations of E. coli and animal densities, fecal counts, and land characteristics.
Researchers have developed a model to predict the risk of waterborne diseases in flooding rivers, which can affect millions of people worldwide. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding the complex interactions between environmental and human factors in shaping disease dynamics.
The influence of citizen science is growing, with some states actively encouraging local residents' participation in environmental monitoring. However, not all states share this enthusiasm, with laws limiting or prohibiting citizen scientists from collecting data near agricultural sites.
Marc Edwards, a renowned expert on municipal water quality, is studying severe iron and lead corrosion in Flint's water system. The investigation aims to understand the 'perfect storm' of problems affecting residents, including high levels of lead in tap water.