Articles tagged with Water Scarcity
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A study by Marta Antonelli and colleagues highlights the pressing challenges in the Mediterranean region, including worsening water scarcity, biodiversity loss, and nutritional imbalances. The gap between North and South countries is expected to grow, with climate change exacerbating environmental pressures and threatening food security.
Two billion people globally rely on mountain water for drinking and irrigation, which is under threat due to global heating. Researchers propose integrated water strategies that include scientists working directly with communities to drive climate adaptation and boost water security.
Tardigrades can survive drying, freezing, heat, and space due to their unique trehalose-protein combination. Researchers discovered that trehalose works synergistically with another tardigrade-specific protein called CAHS D.
Researchers have advanced a novel platform to accelerate the harvesting process, solving a key problem in water collection by removing thermal barriers. The design features mushroom-like channels that direct water droplets into collectible containers, allowing for continuous water harvesting anywhere.
The global survey highlights intense exposure to extreme heat, water scarcity, and flooding due to climate change, with cities in developing countries facing significant infrastructure gaps. City leaders also report challenges related to private automobiles, biking, and walking, as well as budgetary concerns and mental health issues.
Researchers applied a new integrated model linking surface water to groundwater to estimate water resources at high spatial resolution. The study found that irrigation increases atmospheric water loss but reduces groundwater support, especially during dry seasons.
Researchers found that antifouling membranes, which resist contaminant accumulation, cost less over their lifetimes than cheaper alternatives. This leads to reduced operating expenses for municipal wastewater facilities and desalination plants.
A recent study found that the desert climate has extended 60 miles northward in Central Asia since the 1980s due to rising temperatures and dwindling precipitation. The region's high-altitude areas have seen an increase in precipitation, but this is largely in the form of rain rather than snow.
A comprehensive new study examines the hydrological impact of lithium mining in Chile's Salar de Atacama, revealing that most water used is decades old. The research highlights the complexity of the region's hydrology and the need for longer-term monitoring to ensure responsible water usage.
New research finds that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce human exposure to water scarcity, heat stress, and vector-borne diseases by 10-44% globally. The study also identifies West Africa, India, and North America as regions with projected increased climate change risks.
The Tibetan Plateau's water supply is under strain due to rapid melting of snow and upstream glaciers. This scarcity could lead to increased risks of international and intranational disputes in countries relying on it.
High concentrations of disinfection byproducts in tap water are linked to adverse health outcomes. Researchers suggest adopting solutions such as advanced water treatment and sourcing water from less polluted areas to reduce the risk. Additionally, nanofiltration is proposed as an effective household treatment to improve water quality.
A new study reconstructs streamflow data for the Colorado River up to 800 years into the past, revealing an unmatched second-century drought. Compared to current drought levels, this 22-year period had only 68% of average water flow.
A SUTD study has uncovered the reservoir filling strategies and operating rules of China's big hydropower dams on the Lancang-Mekong river. The data shows that dam operations remained steady during a severe drought, indicating no need for emergency releases to mitigate its impact.
A new study has identified 100 crucial global water questions facing the planet today, including water scarcity, sanitation, and climate dynamics. The research emphasizes the need for concerted efforts in interdisciplinary research and action to address the consequences of human governance failure on water resources.
A new study predicts that agricultural water scarcity will worsen in up to 84% of croplands globally by 2050, with green water availability changing under climate change. Effective solutions include conserving agricultural water through mulching, no-till farming, and improving irrigation infrastructure.
A new study found that large-scale land acquisitions can lead to competition for water resources downstream, threatening the livelihoods of local farmers and Indigenous populations. The research used hydrological models to simulate future cultivation of 160 land deals across Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia.
The Bureau of Reclamation is providing $5.6 million in funding to 15 projects focused on improving desalination and water purification technologies. These advancements aim to expand access to otherwise unusable water resources, addressing the climate crisis and meeting Western communities' needs for a new source of water.
A new study suggests that China's pursuit of carbon neutrality could lead to significant water savings, with 24% of industrial water use expected to be saved by 2060. However, some provinces may struggle to meet their water-use targets, and coordinated climate-water strategies are needed to address these challenges.
A study published in AGU Advances found that water depletion from rivers and lakes accelerates near urban centers due to factors like increased evaporation and groundwater exploitation. Researchers analyzed satellite imagery of the US from 1984 to 2018 and developed a model predicting surface water loss proximity to cities.
A study by Politecnico di Milano reveals that large-scale land acquisitions for agriculture lead to increased water scarcity, impacting local users. The research analyzed 160 acquisitions and found that 105 resulted in competition for water, often at the expense of local communities.
A study by Tulane University found that swapping just one serving of beef per day for a more planet-friendly alternative can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 48% and water-use impacts by 30%. This simple change could collectively make a substantial difference in reducing the carbon footprint of US diets.
A new study found that manufacturing facilities that use large amounts of water during periods of drought often streamline their processes to lower toxic emissions into water, lakes, and rivers. On average, these changes resulted in reduced toxic emissions by over 2.5%.
Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.
A Mediterranean region study predicts increased crop water demands due to worsening climate conditions, affecting staple crops like maize and wheat. The findings highlight the need for precision agriculture and water management strategies to balance economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Researchers develop efficient fog filter design using structured nylon nets to capture fog droplets, offering alternative source of fresh water in drought-stricken regions. The design is inspired by the unique abilities of Namib desert beetles and textile-based face masks.
A new study highlights the need for sustainable dietary choices to reduce food-related greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing discretionary foods like sweets, pastries, and processed meats can help lower emissions, which contribute to climate change.
A team of scientists found that technology adoption as a water-saving method for improving irrigation efficiency is ineffective and can worsen water scarcity. The study suggests that modern irrigation technologies may only achieve a 10-20% saving under ideal conditions.
Researchers developed a new method to locate groundwater using satellite imagery, geospatial techniques, and GIS. The technique identifies most effective recharge zones as those with numerous rock fractures, low drainage, and gentle slopes.
Researchers at University of Texas at Austin created hydrogel tablet that can rapidly purify contaminated water, making it suitable for drinking in an hour or less. The tablets generate hydrogen peroxide to neutralize bacteria with an efficiency rate of over 99.999%, requiring zero energy input and no harmful byproducts.
Dawn Martin-Hill, a Canadian cultural anthropologist, has been recognized for her research on the link between water quality, security, and Indigenous community culture and livelihood. Her work focuses on improving water access for the Six Nations of the Grand River, the largest Native reserve in Canada.
Researchers at Binghamton University used thermal imaging drones to detect coastal seeps on Easter Island, finding areas where freshwater emerges from the sea. The technology allows for high-resolution images of these sources, enabling researchers to better understand how ancient communities used them to survive.
A new study predicts that climate change will lead to longer dry spells in tropical regions, causing important global crops like coffee and cocoa to suffer. This could result from hotter temperatures, increased number of dry days, and longer dry spell lengths, particularly during the dry season.
Researchers at the University of Córdoba developed an AI model that predicts how much water irrigators will use during different rate periods, optimizing energy usage. The CANGENFIS model combines AI techniques like fuzzy logic and artificial neural networks to model irrigator behavior and predict water distribution by rate period.
Research in the southern Murray-Darling Basin has found a downward spiral in water availability, driven by accelerated changes in climate. Since the 1990s, cool season rainfall and river heights have significantly decreased due to increased evaporation and changed precipitation patterns.
A new study from MIT reveals Egypt will import more virtual water than the Nile can provide if current trends continue, threatening the country's water security. The research proposes shifting production to lower-water crops and improving irrigation methods to sustainably manage resources.
Researchers aim to create a sustainable material design framework to mitigate pathogen exposure in drinking water. They will examine graphitic carbon nitride, a non-metal material with antimicrobial properties, to develop a cost-effective solution for treating drinking water.
A new study measures US diets' water scarcity footprints, with meat consumption accounting for 31% of the impacts. The top contributor is beef, followed by tree nuts and high-water-intensity fruits and vegetables.
A new study reveals that regional water scarcity has far-reaching impacts on the global economy, with changes in global demand affecting river basins worldwide. The research found positive and negative economic outcomes in every region considered, depending on factors like water supply and agricultural production.
A recent study from Cornell and Tufts universities reveals that water scarcity is a globally connected phenomenon, with local conditions having reverberations across the globe. The research found that global trade dynamics and market adaptations to regional water scarcity result in positive and negative economic outcomes for every regi...
Researchers from McGill University warn of worsening water scarcity in rural Alaska due to climate change. Households often rely on rainwater catchment and grey water recycling, but affordability remains a significant issue, with costs exceeding household income.
Researchers have found that climate change is the primary driver of changes in global river flow, leading to increased risk of flooding and water scarcity. The study used measurements from over 7,250 locations globally to examine the impact of manmade climate change on river flows between 1971 and 2010.
A recent study found that Asian water towers will struggle to quench the thirst of downstream communities despite more river runoff brought on by a warmer climate. Rising water demands from the growing population will outweigh warming in determining water scarcity in the Indus and Brahmaputra basins.
A new study reveals that water on Mars is directly transported to the upper atmosphere, where it is converted into atomic hydrogen that escapes to space. The process is more pronounced during dust storms, including the 2018 global dust storm.
A new international study reveals that collecting drinking water can cause serious injury, with 13% of respondents reporting an injury while fetching water. Women are twice as likely to be hurt as men, highlighting the social and gender inequities of this hidden global health challenge.
Researchers developed a novel framework and model to analyze drivers of water theft and deterrents. The study found that social attitudes, institutions, and future supply uncertainty contribute to water theft, highlighting the need for stronger deterrents.
Researchers developed a wood-based steam generator that harnesses solar energy to separate pure water from contaminants. The device uses light-absorbing, water-evaporating top layers and insulating glass bubbles for efficient purification.
Researchers assess proposals for water roads in Chile, considering impacts on ecosystems and human consumption amid climate change and water scarcity
The fog harp design uses parallel wires to collect ambient water from fog, gathering more water than existing mesh collectors. Field tests at Virginia Tech's Kentland Farm showed that the fog harp outperformed traditional mesh harvesters in even light fog conditions.
A new study reveals that China's water use has been decelerating since the 1970s, thanks to the adoption of water-conserving technologies. The study found that irrigation and industrial water recycling drove this reduction, offsetting the increase in water use driven by economic growth.
A new study found that China's water use has decelerated since the 1980s due to the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques and industrial water recycling technologies. However, uncertainties remain due to land institution transitions, urbanization, and potential increased water use in intensive farming and industrial sectors.
A new method has been proposed to swiftly and accurately detect underground water leaks in transmission mains. By assimilating data from pressure sensors into a mathematical model, the researchers claim faster results with higher accuracy than current methods, reducing computational costs and improving speed.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that oil plays produce significantly more water than natural gas plays, posing a challenge for managing produced water. The studies project water demand and produced water volumes for eight major oil-producing areas in the US.
A study by Joep Schyns et al. estimates limits to green water availability due to limited annual rainfall, affecting global food and production systems. The analysis reveals that green water scarcity is a significant concern, particularly in regions with low rainfall.
Researchers from Yangzhou University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences create a metal-free photocatalyst that can purify pathogen-rich water in 30 minutes with over 99.9999% disinfection efficiency under visible light irradiation. The catalyst's high activity and low ecotoxicity make it a promising approach for global clean water sca...
The Water Scarcity Atlas provides an interactive map visualizing water scarcity around the globe, highlighting its evolution over the past century. The tool enables users to explore how their daily choices, such as diet and food waste, affect water resources worldwide.
Researchers developed a decision-making framework addressing water scarcity under climate change, explicitly considering uncertainties. The framework provides guidelines for policy options and helps policymakers make informed decisions on investments and interventions.
Researchers are studying how material-water interfaces impact water quality sensors, filtration membranes, and pipes. New sorbents with high reusability and specificity are being designed to address global clean water accessibility challenges.
Self-assembled block polymer membranes offer customizable pore sizes and can selectively remove contaminants from various water sources. The technology has the potential to advance water treatment technologies, enabling decentralized reuse of wastewater and reducing chemical demands for membrane cleaning.
Researchers at Penn State developed a microengineered slippery rough surface that surpasses current technology in water harvesting applications. The new surface combines the properties of pitcher plants and rice leaves, allowing it to collect tiny water droplets from air at a faster rate.