Articles tagged with Water Quality
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that showering, using sinks, and flushing toilets can expose people to Legionella pneumophila bacteria, which causes pneumonia-like disease. The researchers recommend setting a risk-based concentration limit for indoor water quality to prevent outbreaks.
The new grant will support activities at four partner institutions, including the University of Delaware, to build up the state's research expertise and workforce for future jobs. The project aims to improve water quality, focusing on salinization and its effects on drinking water and freshwater habitats.
A team of scientists from The Ohio State University shared early results from a trio of studies aimed at improving models designed to guide agricultural practices for reducing the risk of nitrogen and phosphorous farm runoff. These models can help quantify the impact of fertilizer application timing on nutrient runoff.
Research highlights the presence of harmful toxins in common food items and water sources, including rice, barbecued meat, tap water, and toilets. Studies estimate high levels of arsenic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in rice and heat-processed meat, respectively.
A new study found that US tap water contains a mixture of contaminants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and lead, which can harm public health. The researchers detected high levels of lead in 23 samples, exceeding the EPA's zero-lead goal.
Researchers developed a new approach to measure freshwater environments and found New Jersey's current nutrient levels are likely too high. The team suggests a lower threshold of 50 micrograms per liter to maintain healthy ecosystems.
A new study by Oregon State University economists found that watershed groups in the US have a positive impact on local water quality. The researchers analyzed data from 2,150 watersheds and found that increased group activity was associated with improved water quality.
A comprehensive study found significant improvements in US water quality since the 1972 Clean Water Act took effect. However, recent economic analyses estimate that the costs of the legislation consistently outweigh its benefits.
A UNIST student startup team, LOAD, has developed a drone-based system for efficient water quality monitoring. The system uses a portable analysis device on the drone's lower part to maximize accuracy and speed in data collection.
Researchers find switching from coal to natural gas reduces air pollution, carbon emissions, but may increase water stress in some regions. A transition from coal to natural gas can have co-benefits for air quality and carbon mitigation, but trade-offs exist depending on the sector and location.
The University of Oklahoma research group, led by Mark Nanny, will utilize the new ICP-MS instrument to study interactions between nanomaterials and drugs, population dynamics, and organism-metal interactions. The grant also aims to engage rural high school teachers and address water quality issues in Oklahoma's Tribal Nations.
Researchers have identified simpler computer models that can accurately predict current beach conditions from past data, enabling faster and more reliable detection of fecal microbes. The new approach combines wavelet transform and artificial neural network analysis, requiring only bacterial data from the past, with no additional inputs.
Researchers developed a new approach to measuring recreational water quality, focusing on the quantity and type of mammalian feces in the water. They found that ecosystem-specific characteristics, such as freshwater sediment and estuary transport, also play a significant role in determining enterococci concentrations.
A new study by Portland State University found that higher-than-acceptable levels of pollutants remain in urbanized regions of South Korea's Han River basin, particularly in suburban areas. The research suggests that land management practices, such as afforestation and conservation, can help improve water quality.
A landmark study published in Nature Geoscience reveals the Great Barrier Reef has suffered five death events over 30,000 years due to variations in sea level and associated environmental changes. The reef adapted by migrating up and down the seafloor, demonstrating remarkable resilience.
A new MIT system captures water evaporating from cooling towers, reducing water loss and providing clean drinking water for coastal cities. The system's efficiency is improved by using ion beams to charge water droplets, allowing them to be drawn toward a mesh of wires.
Research led by the University of Sydney found that warm water events decrease the ratio of healthy oils to protein in fish and squid, while cold water events increase their nutritional quality. This has implications for marine life, including humans, who consume similar foods.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is upgrading its storm water management facilities with a low-impact development approach to remove pollutants from storm water runoff. The project will treat runoff from 9.5 acres of campus rooftops and parking lots, reducing contaminants entering the Edwards Aquifer.
A landmark international study found the Great Barrier Reef is more resilient to sea-level rise and temperature changes than thought, but highly sensitive to sediment input and poor water quality. The reef's ability to survive is uncertain due to current stresses and projected future changes.
Researchers found that logging in Solomon Islands' tropical forests can lead to unsustainable soil erosion and significant impacts on downstream water quality. The study highlights the need for tighter regulations and local buy-in for forest management to protect biodiversity and ecosystem services.
Research finds that coastal stream restoration projects are unevenly distributed across central California, favoring areas with more affluent residents. The study analyzed 699 sites of publicly funded restoration projects between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara counties, identifying native fish presence as the primary ecological driver an...
A recent Portland State University study reveals people who engage in outdoor activities such as camping and fishing are more attuned to water quality issues than the general population. The research found that higher levels of education and socioeconomic status correlate with increased concern for water quality.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found that members of the public are more willing to pay for improved water quality than other ecosystem services. Participants in a nationwide survey consistently preferred higher monthly payments for water quality improvements over flood control and habitat protection.
Researchers warn that achieving water quality goals for the Gulf of Mexico will take decades, as decades-long nitrogen buildup from agriculture poses a long-term problem. The study suggests major changes in agricultural and river management practices are necessary to improve water quality.
Researchers have developed low-cost, low-tech solutions to improve water quality in municipal tanks by circulating water through shower head-like attachments. Additionally, they've found effective adsorbents using polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles to remove micropollutants from water, which can be reused and restored.
Researchers report that wildfires can cause a variable but predictable impact on the substances released from soils and flow into drinking water sources, leading to contamination. The study found that as wildfire severity increases, the amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) released by soil decreases, while sediments increase.
A study published in Food Chemistry shows that reducing water usage for cherry tomato crops by 50% maintains quality and increases carotenoid levels. This technique can be applied to other crops, offering a sustainable solution for farmers and consumers.
A Portland State University study published in Water Resources Research found that involving residents in local water policies is key to building healthy and resilient city water systems. The research bridged the gap between residents' concerns about costs and water shortages and water managers' concerns about aging infrastructure, res...
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 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 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 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.