Articles tagged with Water Quality
Virginia Tech researchers uncover complexities of the chemical spill, determining the odor threshold concentration of the trans-isomer to be 350 parts per trillion by volume in the air. This finding highlights the need for independent measurement of cis and trans isomers to understand their properties.
Bacterial community composition at two beaches shows distinct differences but also similarities, suggesting regional human impact variations. Higher bacterial diversity at one site indicates better ecological health and resiliency to sewage contamination.
Researchers at NC State developed a new technique that uses existing technology to collect detailed water quality data more frequently. The approach allows researchers to measure key parameters like organic nitrogen, phosphates, total phosphorus, and salinity, offering insights into nutrient pollution.
The MARSOL project aims to address water shortage in the Mediterranean region by storing excess water in aquifers, reducing crop losses and mitigating droughts. Eight field sites across Greece, Portugal, Spain, Malta, Italy, and Israel are being studied for their specific approaches to water storage.
Melinda Daniels joins Stroud Water Research Center to lead climate-based water-sustainability research project and advise the US Army Corps of Engineers on environmental impacts. She will investigate water sustainability in the Smoky Hill basin and develop a policy optimization strategy.
A government-run clean water program in Beijing has improved water quality and quantity, benefiting millions. Farmers were paid to switch from rice to corn, reducing fertilizer runoff and increasing the amount of water available to city residents.
A University of Oklahoma biologist is studying how Daphnia, a small crustacean, adapts to changes in nutrient levels and water quality. The research aims to improve forecasting models of global environmental change and inform effective management of natural resources.
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.
A four-year EU-funded project has developed a response programme to rapidly restore drinking water networks following a deliberate contamination event. The SecurEau toolbox includes tools for detecting water quality changes, identifying sources of contamination, and cleaning distribution systems.
Ecologists Monica Turner and Jiangxiao Qiu mapped ecosystem services in the Yahara River watershed, finding complex interactions between provisioning, cultural, and regulating services. The study identifies areas with high levels of multiple services, suggesting a holistic approach to land management.
A comprehensive study published in PLOS ONE found that recreation sites had the lowest levels of fecal indicator bacteria, and no significant differences were detected between grazing lands and areas without recreation or grazing. The research suggests that livestock production and environmental goals can be compatible, challenging com...
A UT Arlington environmental engineer is investigating the best methods to add monochloramine to water in the pipeline to eliminate biological growths and invasive species. The research aims to ensure efficient water delivery and last-long duration for the pipeline, benefiting over 4.4 million people in North Texas.
Research reveals that E. coli strains producing Shiga toxin persist longer in lake water than their non-toxin-producing counterparts, posing a health risk to swimmers.
Researchers have developed a new coupled numerical hydrodynamic water quality model to simulate dynamic changes in river water quantity and quality. The model was validated in the Luan River Basin, showing accuracy requirements were met for both water level and flow data, as well as water quality characteristics.
A new study forecasts higher surface water temperatures in Austrian lakes by 2050 due to climate change, posing risks to water quality and ecosystems. Warmer waters could lead to enhanced nutrient loads and algal blooms.
The Academy of Natural Sciences will provide scientific guidance and measurements for region-wide watershed conservation efforts. The grant will support coordinated conservation programs across the Delaware Valley region, focusing on water quality and environmental stressors.
A new study reveals that land use in watersheds can impact Bay water quality, with urbanized landscapes contributing energy to fuel low-oxygen 'dead zones'. Organic carbon from these sources is more resistant to degradation, leading to increased persistence downstream.
A long-term study shows that isolated coral reefs like Scott Reef in Western Australia can recover from severe disturbances without relying on neighboring reefs. The reef's isolation allowed surviving corals to rapidly grow and propagate, ultimately recovering within 12 years.
Researchers analyzed decades-long data from 22 streams in 7 experimental forests across the US, highlighting regional patterns of change in stream nitrogen concentrations. The study's findings underscore the importance of long-term monitoring in informing best management practices for protecting water resources.
The Desert Research Institute will provide information and technical capacity to develop effective clean water solutions and improve the quality of drinking water in developing countries. The research aims to address water scarcity, diseases, and climate change challenges.
Researchers at the US Department of Agriculture have developed a deficit-irrigation strategy for early-season peaches, which reduces post-harvest water levels by 25% without significantly affecting next year's yield. The study also found that subsurface drip irrigation systems had minimal effects on yield and fruit quality.
New membrane-biofilm reactor (MBfR) technology uses gaseous electron donors to reduce chemical costs and carbon footprint in wastewater treatment. Researchers are exploring the use of sulfur, methane, and other waste products as alternative compounds.
A new framework developed by researchers at the University of Minnesota provides a tool for assessing and valuing the services clean water provides, including recreation, beauty, navigation, and hydropower. The framework can be applied to on-the-ground decisions around water issues, yielding a more accurate picture of costs and benefits.
University of Arizona environmental engineering professor Shane Snyder will present on emerging contaminants in drinking water and treatment levels required around the world. He also shares his global water quality experiences from countries such as India, China, and Vietnam.
A recent study found that 61 of 181 North Carolina migrant farmworker camps failed to meet state water quality standards, with high levels of total coliform bacteria and E. coli detected in the water.
China's water crisis is characterized by severe pollution, eutrophication, and lack of access to safe drinking water, with two-thirds of cities experiencing shortages. To achieve sustainability, experts suggest adopting a systems approach that considers multiple perspectives and values.
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.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train graduate students in water quantity and quality improvement. Students will conduct doctoral-level research on water issues and gain training in interdisciplinary research, project management, and policy-making.
Urban rivers throughout England and Wales have experienced dramatic improvements in water quality and biodiversity over the past two decades. The range of invertebrates found has increased by around 20%, with insects such as mayflies and stoneflies making a comeback.
A binational team of researchers from the University of Arizona monitored conditions in Ciénega de Santa Clara before, during and after the plant's pilot run, finding no significant changes to hydrology, water quality, vegetation, or marsh birds. The wetland appears resilient in the face of short-term disturbances.
Mercyhurst research delivers near real-time water quality results, reducing exposure to potentially hazardous bacteria. The new system uses computer predictions and qPCR technology to detect E. coli contamination in two hours.
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...
A University of Missouri research team is conducting a two-year study to reclaim developed flood plain land and keep waterways free of pollutants. The project uses 777 willow trees to filter water and potentially produce a cash crop for farmers.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.
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.
Dr. Jon Gelhaus, a Philadelphia scientist, received the 'Best Scientist in Nature and Environment' medal for his significant contributions to Mongolian Environmental Science. He is leading a multinational effort to improve water quality monitoring and standards in Mongolia.
The Intelligent River project aims to provide real-time data on water quality and flow rate across a 312-mile stretch of the Savannah River. A network of environmental sensors, including MoteStacks, will be deployed to collect data, which will then be processed and transmitted to a high-performance computing system.
SMU scientists are collecting water samples in UNHCR camps, analyzing them in the lab, and training workers to test water supplies. The team will develop a worldwide database to identify contaminants and track water quality over time, addressing issues such as iodide and fluoride contamination.
A team of scientists from Kansas State University and seven other institutions is conducting a large-scale experiment to understand the impact of stream organisms on water quality across North America.
USDA scientists found that non-pathogenic E. coli strains can survive longer in underwater sediments than in water, supporting the use of sediment as an indicator of fecal contamination. The study also revealed that higher levels of organic carbon and fine particles in sediment prolonged E. coli survival.
Jason Julian, a University of Oklahoma geography professor, has been awarded a Fulbright fellowship to research the impact of land use changes on optical water quality in New Zealand rivers. His study will explore connections between landscape characteristics, land use, and water clarity over the past 20 years.
Researchers found that golf courses in the Canary Islands receive 83% more water than needed, reducing soil fertility and increasing risk of contaminating the aquifer. The study calls for adjusting watering amounts to plant needs and using internationally-accepted evapotranspiration equations.
A recent study found that metal and concrete tile roofs produce the highest quality rainwater for indoor domestic use, while asphalt and green roofs contain high levels of dissolved organic carbon. The research highlights the importance of considering roofing material when harvesting rainwater for potable use.
As global freshwater demand is projected to surpass supply by 40% by 2030, Canada's expertise in water management is being sought to help countries address drought, flood, and unsafe water issues. The country's relatively abundant water supply will be an asset, but careful management is crucial for sustainability.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed roses that incorporate a gene from celery to fight botrytis, a major post-harvest disease. The genetically modified roses aim to extend vase life and reduce shipping times, making them more viable for the cut flower industry.
Scientists at Stroud Water Research Center are investigating how a stream's ecosystem changes as trees along the banks mature. The five-year NSF grant will provide funding for new data collection using cutting-edge technologies to study physical, chemical, and biological attributes of the stream.
A simple method for tracking E. coli uses laser imaging to detect and monitor microbe contamination in water, potentially reducing waterborne disease outbreaks. The technique improves on existing methods by providing vital information on microbial source tracking.
Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.
A USGS study assessed the McKenzie River in Oregon, measuring optical properties to understand dissolved organic carbon and its impact on drinking water quality. The results indicated that sources of dissolved organic carbon originated upstream and were linked to human activity.
A USGS study reveals that growing corn for biofuels production has significant effects on water quality and quantity in northwestern Mississippi. Increased irrigation withdrawals from the MRVA aquifer contribute to declining water levels, while nitrogen fertilizer use can lead to low dissolved oxygen conditions in the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers found declining levels of nitrogen and phosphorus since the 1970s, indicating improved water quality in Everglades National Park. The study's findings suggest that the park's restoration methods have effectively reduced waste and improved ecosystem health.
Researchers will investigate how climate change affects Great Lakes water quality, focusing on extreme weather events and their impact on nutrient, pesticide, and sediment levels. The study aims to develop strategies for watershed councils and government entities to reduce water quality impacts.
The study reveals that incorporating NASA products into the BASINS model significantly improves water quality model performance. By capturing the effects of water flow during storm periods, the NASA data systems provide a more accurate representation of non-point pollution and improve estimates of water quality.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide are exploring ultrasound to combat blue-green algae blooms in water supplies, a significant global problem. They aim to develop an environmentally friendly and cost-effective method using low-amplitude ultrasound to immobilize the algae without releasing toxins.
A new study published in Marine Ecology Progress Series found that cleaner water improves the resilience of coral reefs to climate change in the Florida Keys. Corals living in cleaner waters with fewer nutrients were shown to be more resistant to warming and bleaching, while those in dirtier water became sick.
A new model has estimated that large amounts of organic nitrogen are stored in the soil beneath fields in Nebraska and Maryland, where corn and soybean crops are grown. The study found that leaching accounted for most of the nitrogen lost from the soil, particularly in irrigated areas.
A binational team is monitoring the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant on the cienega, which could affect endangered species and bird populations. The researchers are tracking water quality, water level, and vegetation to assess the impact of the plant's operation.
The PEGASO project aims to improve coastal management by integrating sea, coast, and marine ecosystems research for effective Integral Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean. Researchers will study specific actions to be applied under ICZM, combining data from 11 case studies in Europe.
Air and water pollution in China pose significant health risks, with indoor air pollution from solid fuels responsible for millions of premature deaths. The country has made some progress in reducing industrial waste and improving access to piped water, but more efforts are needed to address the issue.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study reveals that private drinking water supplies are often contaminated, with outbreaks occurring at a rate 35 times higher than in public systems. The government must provide better resources and education to ensure safe drinking water for Canadians.