Articles tagged with Water Quality
Research reveals high levels of contamination to water and sediment in Frenchman's Bay due to road salt applied in winter. The study found that 3,600 tonnes of road salt end up in the bay every winter, poisoning it for the rest of the year.
The Gishwati Area Conservation Program will fund reforestation of nearly 650 acres in Rwanda's Western Province. The expansion aims to stabilize steep hillsides, reduce erosion into the Sebeya River, and provide additional habitat for endangered chimpanzees.
The college has received a $20,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone Management Program to further study contaminants in Presque Isle State Park's recreational waters. Researchers aim to quantify hazardous chemicals like Triclosan and Fluoxetine to ensure water quality and public health
The K-State Environmental Leadership Program develops an interdisciplinary course curriculum addressing water quality issues and civic engagement in watershed restoration. The program aims to build capacity in addressing environmental issues through a $114,000 grant from the US Department of Agriculture.
Researchers found that scheduling irrigation according to daily water use (DWU) substantially reduced irrigation application compared to control methods, while maintaining or improving plant growth. The study categorized woody ornamental plants into low, moderate, and high water users, allowing for more efficient watering strategies.
A Monash University study found that rates of gastroenteritis were similar between households with treated and untreated rainwater. The results confirm there is a low risk of illness from drinking rainwater, making it safe for activities like showering and bathing.
Aydogan Ozcan's lab has developed a prototype cell phone diagnostic unit using Lensless Ultra-wide-field Cell Monitoring Array platform (LUCAS) to detect diseases like HIV and malaria. LUCAS can identify and count microparticles virtually instantaneously, revolutionizing mobile health care.
Research finds that pathogenic E. coli are common in Michigan and Indiana streams, even with low fecal indicator bacteria concentrations. The study suggests that current methods for determining water quality may not accurately predict the presence of harmful pathogens.
Carnegie Mellon researchers, led by Jean VanBriesen, will study water quality in the Monongahela River using a $100,000 grant. The team will collect data on bromide and sulfate levels associated with Marcellus Shale gas production and acid mine drainage.
A report by Rice University scientists warns that growing biofuels could harm the nation's water resources, degrading quality and affecting availability. The researchers suggest choosing drought-tolerant crops grown on minimal irrigation to balance energy needs with water conservation.
Researchers found that proper irrigation management with reuse water can maintain favorable salt balances and plant response. The study's results suggest embracing reuse water as a viable alternative for golf course irrigation.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a five-year, $1.24 million grant to the University of Arizona to fund a research center investigating new clean-water technologies. The Water and Environmental Technology Center will develop 'smart' water technologies, including sensors at individual households capable of detecting contaminants.
Queen's University Belfast is conducting a 3-year study to map and monitor horse mussel reefs in Strangford Lough. The project aims to restore and conserve the reefs, which are crucial for water quality and habitat for other species.
A new prototype cell phone uses holographic lens-free imaging to accurately identify smaller particles such as E. coli in saliva or blood samples, enabling rapid diagnosis of diseases like HIV and malaria. The technology also has potential for monitoring water quality and detecting hazardous microparticles in disaster situations.
The USGS Great Lakes Beach Health Initiative aims to enhance water-quality forecasting and provide decision-making tools for effective beach closure management. Scientists will focus on improving models, identifying pathogen processes, and evaluating rapid monitoring methods.
Researchers develop data mining approach using Fuzzy Inference System to analyze river water quality, revealing high pollution levels despite individual parameter analysis. The method combines disparate parameters for a broader understanding of overall quality, potentially improving the lives of people relying on freshwater sources.
Scientists evaluate the impact of grain-based ethanol production on water quality in the US. The study recommends advanced conservation measures to minimize nutrient losses from corn production, but a viable cellulosic ethanol industry could provide water quality benefits.
A study investigated intensive forestry's effects on water quality in eastern Texas. Fertilization resulted in small increases of nitrogen and phosphorus in watersheds, but these losses were a fraction of what was applied. Streamside buffers and natural regeneration helped minimize impacts.
Researchers found that reusing water in produce washing processes compromises sanitizer efficacy and affects product quality. The study provides specific information on how wash operation variables impact water quality and product quality, offering new tools for enhancing food safety and quality.
Researchers found that older sand filters with established biofilms effectively remove geosmin and MIB, reducing the earthy taste in tap water. The study suggests using biologically active sand filters can improve water purification, making water safer for consumption.
Researchers are analyzing the likely effects of climate change on the state's health over the next century. They will recommend strategies to mitigate and prevent anticipated public health problems, including heat-related illnesses, air and water quality issues, and disease migration.
Researchers used NASA satellites to monitor water quality in Tampa Bay, finding accurate measurements of turbidity and clarity. The method can resolve questions about events leading to decreased water quality and inform resource management decisions.
A study by Andrea Dietrich at the American Chemical Society meeting found that cPVC has a low odor potential, while HDPE had the highest odor production. The researchers also discovered that certain types of plastic piping can leach organic compounds into drinking water.
A new University of Georgia study reveals that sewage-contaminated groundwater is contaminating coral reefs up to six miles offshore in the Upper Florida Keys. The study found common fecal indicator bacteria and human viruses in surface water, groundwater, and corals.
Floods and aging infrastructure threaten the nation's drinking water safety, with inadequate monitoring and poor watershed protection being major concerns. According to MSU expert Joan Rose, combining sewer systems and climate change increase the risk of waterborne illnesses, especially in vulnerable communities.
A researcher at Florida Institute of Technology has received a $62,000 World Wildlife Fund grant to investigate the relationships between water quality and coral resilience in South Florida's reef ecosystems. The goal is to develop a tool that can inform decision-making and enhance adaptive management options.
A new curriculum is being developed to teach data literacy to 7th grade students, focusing on water use and quality in the Middle East. The program will also test an instructional model called Preparation for Future Learning (PFL) to enhance learning outcomes.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.
The project aims to evaluate the effect of the Yuma Desalting Plant (YDP) on the Cienega de Santa Clara's water quality and ecosystem. Researchers will collect baseline information and monitor water samples monthly for a year from 17 locations within the cienega.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a surprising new understanding of water quality, revealing that ions can co-exist as both outer-sphere and inner-sphere species. This breakthrough could lead to better control of water quality and a deeper understanding of various processes at solid-liquid interfaces.
The Iraqi marshes have made notable strides in recovery since the Hussein regime devastated them in the 1980s and 1990s. Reflooding efforts led by local farmers have restored approximately 39% of the former extent, with many areas showing good water quality and rapid restoration of wetland functions.
Researchers found that a one-mile stretch of National Forest significantly reduced chemical pollutants and improved bacterial populations in a stream. The study suggests that undeveloped forest sections can mitigate the effects of urbanization on water quality.
The Gaza Strip faces a severe contaminated water crisis, with the only source being unsuitable for drinking due to high levels of salinity and pollution. A proposed management plan aims to provide a win-win situation but requires cooperation between Israel and Palestine.
A team of researchers, including Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has developed a network of distributed sensing devices and water-monitoring robots that use solar power to extend their deployment time. This technology will enable the detection of chemical and biological trends in lakes, rivers, and waterways to improve water quality ...
The Midwest Technology Assistance Center is funding research to optimize iron addition and track arsenic concentration variability in relation to time and pumping procedures. The center also evaluates water quality at surface water intakes with watershed modeling to improve small systems' technical, managerial, and financial capacity.
Researchers discovered that 11 of 17 measurable chemicals in surface water were reduced after passing through the system, according to Ron Turco, soil microbiologist. The study showed that constructed wetlands can act as a holding area for recycled water, providing a sustainable solution for irrigation and flood prevention.
The study models seasonal distribution of BOD and DIN to identify areas at greatest risk for low water quality. Unmanaged shrimp mariculture development leads to increased BOD and DIN, causing oxygen depletion and harming aquatic life.
Researchers analyzed over 100 water samples in the Sierra Nevada and found that more than half had no water quality issues. E. coli and other bacteria pose a greater risk of waterborne illnesses than Giardia in this region.
Research reveals high levels of toxic contaminants in New England rivers, affecting aquatic life and human health. Streams draining even small amounts of urban land show signs of degradation, while fish from rural areas accumulate higher mercury levels.
A recent study highlights the importance of implementing sanitary growing and harvesting conditions worldwide to reduce the risk of human disease outbreaks linked to fresh produce. Plant pathologists emphasize the need for good quality irrigation water and sanitary worker conditions, particularly as international imports increase.
A study found that California's beach warning system incorrectly notifies the public about coastal water quality up to 41% of the time. The research identified tidal outlets as major contributors to pollution along the shore, suggesting a need for improved warning systems and approaches to managing storm runoff.
The Gaza Strip's groundwater is becoming contaminated with salts and nitrates due to over-pumping, threatening the water supply. A joint study suggests tapping into saline water from Israel and desalinating it could help preserve freshwater resources and alleviate pressure on the aquifer.
Scientists are studying the impact of human activities on water quality in the Brush Creek watershed. Geophysicists have discovered small earthquakes in northeastern Kansas related to movements of the Earth's crust. Additionally, researchers are analyzing how irrigation affects summertime climate in the High Plains.
A telephone survey of 1,988 Chesapeake Bay watershed residents found concern about pollution and importance of restoration, yet a lack of individual stewardship activity. To encourage action, agencies must inform citizens about their role in pollution and how their actions can improve water quality.
A recent study found a strong correlation between beach pollution and lunar cycles, tidal forces, and sunlight exposure. This could lead to inaccurate warnings and economic losses for local businesses.
Researchers studied surf water quality at Huntington Beach, Calif., and found that flawed sampling methods may be responsible for beach closings. The study highlights the complexity of controlling coastal water quality and raises questions about existing monitoring programs.
A new NSF grant aims to evaluate the costly impacts of corrosion on water quality, drinking water tastes and odors, and home plumbing. Researchers will focus on economic, consumer, and biochemical dimensions of potable water infrastructure corrosion.
A California-funded Sea Grant survey banned the sale of Caulerpa taxifolia, a fast-growing tropical seaweed, due to its invasive nature. Meanwhile, researchers used DNA technology to identify E. coli sources, tracing human and animal fecal pollution in Lake Michigan.
Changes in agricultural practices have led to improved water conditions on Lake Erie, with phosphorus levels from fertilizers decreasing by over 50% for all seasons. Climate change also played a role, increasing nitrogen levels by up to 500% due to winter runoff and soil leaching.
Professor Christer Bruun of the University of Toronto reveals that ancient Rome's aqueducts were technological marvels that brought clean water to over 1 million people. The Romans separated high-quality water for drinking from water used for flushing, a practice still lacking in many modern cities, including Canada.
The study highlights the loss of large predatory fish as a key factor in altering marine food webs, leading to changes in ecosystem composition. Historical records suggest that fishing impacts may have begun thousands of years ago, contributing to current ecosystem level changes.
The Suquamish and Port Gamble S'Klallam tribes are working together with geologists to manage water quality through a long-term approach. They have established staff gauges and monitoring wells, as well as implemented wetland protection programs and watershed studies to protect their water resources for at least seven generations.
Marine scientists at UNC-CH and Duke University have launched a ferry-based water quality monitoring system in the Neuse River, generating valuable data for analysis. The system, called FerryMon, aims to evaluate and model how Pamlico Sound's ecosystem responds to human and natural impacts.
The USGS is developing simulation models to evaluate the effects of proposed remedial actions on stream chemistry in abandoned mine lands. These models are applied to St. Kevin Gulch, a small stream near Leadville, Colorado, providing estimates of water quality that reflect the impact of proposed actions.