Articles tagged with Water Resources
The Willcox Basin in Arizona is experiencing rapid subsidence due to excessive groundwater pumping for irrigation, with some areas sinking at rates of up to six inches per year. State management efforts, such as declaring an Active Management Area, may help slow subsidence and improve water levels.
Researchers track benthic nutrient fluxes using a new device called CAROSEL, which measures nitrogen released from sediments in real-time. The findings reveal daily rhythms in oxygen fluxes and highlight the importance of understanding sediment-water interactions in managing aquatic ecosystems.
A new University of California, Davis study finds that drought in California pushes the price of water from rivers, lakes, and reservoirs up by $487 per acre-foot, more than triple the cost during an average wet year. Managing groundwater and surface water together could keep water prices steady and support the state's economy.
Lehigh University researchers are collaborating with Dow on a three-year NSF-funded project to understand the chemistry behind full degradation of these polymers. The goal is to develop strategies for selective mixing of microbial communities to target different parts of the polymer for complete breakdown.
A multidisciplinary team identified a network of water tunnels carved into soft tufa rock at Nahal 'Amal, which powered sugar mills during the Mamluk period. Radiometric dating suggests these channels supplied water to sugar mills, highlighting local ingenuity and adaptation to scarcity.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals China's increasing demand for animal proteins sustains the consumption of natural resources in Brazil. The research shows that soybean imports to China have a significant impact on Brazilian land use, water resources, and deforestation.
Researchers at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa identified Caulobacter inopinatus, a previously unknown species found in seawater collected near Oʻahu's south shore. The discovery highlights the connection between land and sea ecosystems through microbial exchanges.
A study published in Water Resources Research reveals that human groundwater pumping has depleted Tucson-area aquifers more than natural climate variation over the past few decades. The research team reconstructed groundwater ages, recharge rates, and water table depths using chemical and isotopic markers.
Researchers have developed a novel coating with controllable crack structure that enables efficient evaporation, pollutant degradation, and mechanical stability. The coating achieves high evaporation rates and effective purification of seawater, with a removal rate of over 99% for pollutants.
A new study reveals that global warming is accelerating the risk of multi-year droughts leading to extreme water scarcity. The frequency of Day Zero Droughts will increase sharply over the coming decades, affecting 750 million people globally by the end of this century.
The Trusted Tap project enables households to monitor their tap water quality using commercially available filters and sending them to Washington University in St. Louis for analysis. This allows households to receive guidance on next steps if contaminants are detected, promoting safe drinking water for all Americans.
Research finds fish diversity declining in arid regions of US and Australia due to reduced water availability. Climate change is also affecting these ecosystems, but the study's findings suggest multiple stressors are at play.
Researchers found that targeted snow monitoring at hotspots can improve water supply predictions in most basins, with typical gains of 11-14% compared to 4%. This approach is more cost-effective than basin-wide surveys and has potential for more accurate forecasts.
Six Japan-led programs will be presented at the Science Summit UNGA80, addressing global challenges such as food and water security, rare diseases, inclusive education, and research ethics. The programs are open to a global audience and offer free registration.
As Arctic permafrost thaws, geochemical reactions unleash metals like cadmium, harming fish and disrupting ecosystems. The Salmon River's transformation poses indirect threats to Indigenous communities and other species.
Advanced filtration systems can cut levels of cancer-causing DBPs, nitrates, and heavy metals, in addition to removing toxic PFAS from drinking water. The Environmental Working Group study found significant reductions in these contaminants across 19 US utilities.
A new study suggests that adopting a 'mixed services transition approach' can improve the ability of collaborative groups to deliver their stated goals. This approach involves starting with small-scale implementation activities while formal planning is finalized, securing additional funding and outlining changes in structure.
Researchers warn of declining access to safe and reliable water in the US, urging better tracking tools and policy reforms. A new tool, Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE), measures water insecurity in over 1,000 households across the country.
Glacier-caused flooding is an annual threat in Juneau, with record-breaking floods over the past two years impacting hundreds of homes. The USGS provides real-time monitoring data to help emergency managers make informed decisions about evacuations and road closures.
A recent study in Nature Geoscience offers important new insights into the hidden role of ancient groundwater beneath the ocean floor. Researchers found that fossil groundwater changed its composition after the retreat of the Fennoscandian ice sheet, becoming vulnerable to mixing with seawater.
A new Virginia Tech study reveals that toxic well water primarily affects household pets, with 64% of dog drinking water samples containing high levels of potentially toxic heavy metals. Researchers found a correlation between untreated well water and poor health in dogs, highlighting the need for households to test and treat their water.
Recent research from American Meteorological Society journals predicts a new record for lightning and a decrease in hurricane frequency. Additionally, fire forecasts have been updated to better manage water resources in Colorado's Gunnison River Basin.
A new global study reveals unprecedented freshwater loss since 2002, with four continental-scale mega-drying regions in the northern hemisphere. The findings warn of severe consequences for water security, agriculture, and sea level rise.
New research reveals that lakes relying on groundwater connections maintain stable water levels and buffer climate change impacts. Shallow lakes are vulnerable to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall due to high evaporation rates.
A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group analyzed data from over 17,000 community water systems and found that treating multiple contaminants simultaneously can prevent tens of thousands of cancer cases. The study highlights the benefits of a multi-contaminant approach to drinking water treatment.
A new framework identifies key causes of changes affecting river deltas, including climate change, sea level rise, and human activities. The framework provides a basis for prioritizing timely, locally grounded action to address the complex challenges facing these critical ecosystems.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a computational model that uses big data and physical readings to simulate and predict water movement. The model, which incorporates artificial intelligence, offers predictions at unprecedented levels of efficiency and accuracy compared to traditional models.
A new study reveals how specific underground conditions lead to toxic uranium levels in drinking water. The research could help local communities monitor and manage this health threat by identifying areas with high contamination risk.
The Nature Relationship Index (NRI) aims to measure a country's sustainable path by assessing its relationships with nature, tracking progress and development. The NRI adds an environmental dimension to the Human Development Index, fostering mutually beneficial relationships between humans and the natural world.
A new study reveals that wildfires have a profound impact on water systems, affecting microbial communities and nutrient cycling. The researchers found that moderate heat processing from fires leads to more bioavailable carbon for microbes, but also disrupts the nitrogen cycle and natural balance of aquatic ecosystems.
New research from Tulane University finds that global riverine mercury pollution has more than doubled since the pre-industrial era, with primary drivers including wastewater discharge, soil erosion, and industrial activities. This increase poses significant health risks to humans and wildlife through consumption of contaminated fish.
Gold mining in the Amazon depletes land of its water, creating harsh conditions where replanted seedlings can't survive. Researchers suggest flattening sand piles and filling in ponds could improve moisture retention and boost regrowth.
A new study published in Science finds that strong climate policy can preserve twice as much ice as current warming trajectories, even if temperatures stabilized today. At a 1.5°C temperature increase, 53% of global glacier mass could be preserved, alleviating hazards like flooding and freshwater deficiency.
Researchers developed a low-cost mobile tool to detect arsenic contamination in water, offering an onsite solution for monitoring water quality. The sensor can measure arsenic levels as low as 0.90 parts per billion with quick response time of just 3.2 seconds.
A new study from North Carolina State University researchers finds that conversion of forests to urban development or agriculture near streams can have harmful effects on water quality downstream. The study suggests that more attention should be paid to where development might have serious effects on water quality for people living nea...
A new study from UMass Amherst found significant variability between at-home water testing kit abilities to detect contaminants. Single-parameter tests generally had more accurate results than multi-parameter ones, but users should interpret the results with skepticism, especially if testing for high levels of metals.
A new Princeton startup has developed a technology to boost minerals production from evaporation ponds, doubling the efficiency of lithium and nitrate extraction. The innovation uses a black disc with an anti-fouling coating to accelerate evaporation rates, alleviating the need for large-scale construction of new ponds.
Arup K. SenGupta, a renowned water scientist at Lehigh University, has been honored with the ASCE Freese Award and Lecture for his pioneering work in ion exchange science and technology. He will present on 'Development and Global Application of Hybrid Ion Exchange Processes' during the 2025 World Environmental & Water Resources Congress.
Research reveals the mechanism behind peak extratropical cyclone activity in spring East Asia, with intensified low-level jet streams facilitating system formation. This understanding can improve climate predictions and adaptation strategies for the region.
Researchers used electromagnetic data to identify areas suitable for recharge, finding that up to 13 million acres in the Central Valley may be ideal for refilling aquifers. The team developed a web application called fastpath to help groundwater agencies and landowners pinpoint optimal recharge pathways.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed new membranes for desalination that can help eliminate brine waste and produce more sustainable freshwater. The membranes are packed with charge and increase conductivity, allowing them to move more salt with less power.
Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.
Three UVA Engineering faculty members have been elected as AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in computer architecture, energy transport, and hydrology. Sandhya Dwarkadas, Patrick E. Hopkins, and Venkataraman Lakshmi were recognized for their innovative research and contributions to their respective fields.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
The California Solar Canal Initiative brings together seven leading research universities to identify optimal locations for generating renewable energy and conserving land statewide. By covering large sections of the state's canal network with solar panels, researchers aim to conserve water, reduce air pollution and generate clean energy.
Scientists develop a method to create high-quality activated carbon from gasification char, which can be used in wastewater treatment. The process involves physical activation and achieves a surface area of 800 m²/g, making it comparable to fossil-based activated carbons.
Prof. Günter Blöschl's research has made significant contributions to understanding the drivers of increasing flood risks under climate change and reveals that the last two decades have been markedly flood-prone compared to historical records.
A recent study by researchers at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology estimates that 25 out of 32 key geological resources have exceeded sustainable water limits. This highlights the need for sustainable water use in resource production, particularly for water-intensive metals like copper.
Researchers have developed a new AI tool that uses sensors and real-time data to predict water quality across the US. This tool can be applied nationwide, benefiting communities by providing water quality forecasts, streamlining operations, and informing strategies for managing turbidity in basins worldwide.
Researchers found that fog water can be harvested in the Atacama Desert to ease water scarcity affecting vulnerable populations. The collected water can be used for drinking, irrigation, and local food production, with potential yields of up to 300,000 liters per week.
Since the turn of the millennium, glaciers worldwide have lost around 273 billion tonnes of ice per year, corresponding to about five and a half times the volume of Lake Constance. The loss of ice from glaciers has led to a rise in sea level of 18 millimetres, making it the second strongest driver of sea level rise after ocean warming.
A new study reveals that dust storms picking up black carbon from heavily-polluted areas and depositing it in the mountains darkens the ice and snow, causing it to melt faster. This regional environmental problem is a second, more local cause of glacier loss in the Himalayas.
The Off the Field National Football League Wives Association partnered with the American Heart Association and other organizations to promote water safety skills among children. The event, held in New Orleans, provided Hands-Only CPR and automated external defibrillator education.
Research highlights the impact of wind on wildfire growth, with areas in the US Southeast vulnerable to extreme heat and precipitation events. Meanwhile, a study suggests the 'drought' of EF5 tornadoes may be due to stricter ratings rather than changes in tornadoes.
A new carbon cloth electrode technology has been developed to remove boron from seawater, making it safer for drinking. This innovation could save up to $6.9 billion annually by reducing the need for expensive chemicals and energy in desalination plants.
Researchers analyzed tropical storm-related precipitation to understand its impact on local water resources and provide insights into climate predictions. The study aims to help communities prepare for extreme storms and manage water resources before and after the storms.
Researchers warn of environmental risks posed by snakes and insects in imported ornamental plants, calling for improved regulations and sustainable practices. The study highlights the difficulty of monitoring and controlling pests due to high-volume trade, posing a threat to ecosystems and human health.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
Researchers developed a new data assimilation algorithm using the LETKF technique to enhance global precipitation estimates. The model improved accuracy and computational efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale applications, particularly in mountainous regions.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...