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Research finds salt tolerance gene in soybean

A collaborative research project has identified a specific gene in soybean that improves its tolerance to soil salinity. The researchers found that this gene can be used to breed soybeans that can thrive in areas with high salt levels, which is essential for improving global food security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalThe Plant Journal·DateJan 9, 2015

Getting the salt out

Researchers at MIT and Saudi Arabia have developed a method to remove salt from produced water using electrodialysis, which can be economically viable for treating extremely high-salinity water. The technology could reduce the need for fresh water from other sources and minimize contaminated water disposal.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Energy·DateOct 21, 2014

Taking infestation with a grain of salt

A study by SDSU biologist Jeremy Long found that scale insects have a complex effect on cordgrass growth, with salinity being a key factor. In fresh water, infested plants grew taller, but in salt water, the effect was reversed. The research suggests that plants can overcompensate for grazing when not stressed by salinity.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 13, 2014

Marcellus brine migration likely natural, not man-made

A Duke University study suggests naturally occurring pathways allowed salts and gases from the Marcellus shale formation to migrate into shallow drinking water aquifers. The study found elevated levels of salinity with similar geochemistry to deep Marcellus brine in drinking water samples.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 9, 2012

Salt water alone unlikely to halt Burmese python invasion

Research suggests that Burmese pythons from the Florida Everglades can survive in marine and estuarine environments for several months, raising concerns about their potential spread to nearby islands. The study found that hatchling pythons could live up to five months with only salt water to drink.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalJournal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology·DateJan 4, 2012

Salinity in Outer Banks wells traced to fossil seawater

Researchers at Duke University have traced rising salinity levels in the Yorktown aquifer to ancient fossil seawater, providing a long-term solution for desalinated tap water. The study found that reverse osmosis membranes can still effectively remove most dissolved salts, but may require additional treatment for boron and arsenic.

SourceDuke University·JournalHydrogeology Journal·DateMay 12, 2011

Sea level rise alters bay's salinity

Researchers from Penn State and University of Maryland studied Chesapeake Bay's salinity changes due to sea-level rise. They found an increasing trend in salinity, supporting the hypothesis that climate change is impacting the Bay's ecosystem.

A climate-change amplifying mechanism

A feedback mechanism between North Atlantic and tropical hydrology of Central America amplifies the effects of climate change on oceanic circulation. This mechanism, highlighted by scientists at CEREGE1, shows that changes in oceanic circulation influence global water cycle patterns and climatic equator shifts.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2007

Road salt affects mitigation wetlands

Researchers monitoring two PennDOT-installed data loggers measure high salt levels in runoff wetland, reaching half the salinity of seawater. The effects on species and soil quality are still unknown but may include decreased midge populations and increased algae growth.