Articles tagged with Water
A new report suggests that changing domestic shower and toilet habits could help close England's projected 5 billion litre daily water shortfall. The report identifies key behaviour change targets, including reporting or fixing in-home leaks, showering, and flushing toilets, and argues that effective behaviour change depends on underst...
A free webinar, part of the Sustainable Microbiology Policy Spotlight journal webinar series, explores how microbiologists can effectively influence policy in the UK. The webinar, featuring senior policymakers and parliamentary affairs professionals, will take place on April 1, 2026, and will be recorded for retrospective viewing.
Conventional oil and gas infrastructure leaves a deeper mark on freshwater biodiversity than shale gas development in Pennsylvania, according to a new study. The research analyzed over 6,800 benthic macroinvertebrate samples and found conventional development was linked with fewer species and a decline in ecosystem health.
Researchers from Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics determined the structural motifs of water undecamer cluster, including three low-energy configurations. The study provides crucial insights into the evolution of water's hydrogen-bond network and paves the way for size-dependent studies on solvation processes.
Researchers are using satellite data to measure the Amazon River's water loss through evaporation. This study will create a first-ever basin-wide record of evaporation across the Amazon River, covering 40 years. The findings have significant implications for global environmental sustainability and addressing real-world issues.
A new mechanochemical approach uses water as a catalyst to transform renewable resources into high-performance porous materials capable of capturing CO2 while removing pollutants. The method produces carbon-negative materials with exceptional hydrophobic characteristics and scalable production.
Researchers warn that public fountains can be a breeding ground for aerosolized pollutants, posing significant risks to human health. With an estimated 30% of visitors being children, the risk of fountain-related illnesses is particularly high.
Researchers at ETH Zurich discover that peatland lakes in the Congo Basin release significant amounts of ancient carbon, up to 40% of which is thousands of years old. This carbon reservoir has a leak, releasing CO2 into the atmosphere and potentially destabilizing climate change.
A new framework introduces the Water Sustainability Index (WSI), a transparent, quantitative metric designed to strengthen corporate water accountability worldwide. The WSI evaluates corporate water withdrawals, consumption, discharge quality, and reuse while accounting for local water scarcity.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Researchers at UVM have developed a new framework, NextGen, to enhance flood forecasting by providing a common platform for hydrologic and hydraulic modeling. The framework enables scientists to experiment with and develop more accurate models, addressing the limitations of current operational models.
A study found that only planets with medium-level oxygen conditions during core formation can retain essential elements phosphorus and nitrogen, necessary for life. This limits the number of potentially habitable planets, as most solar systems have stars with different chemical compositions.
A new study from Tohoku University and other international researchers has found that an anomalous dust storm on Mars can drive the transport of water to the upper layers of the atmosphere, leading to significant water loss. This discovery opens a new path for understanding how Mars lost much of its water over time.
A study published in BMJ Global Health found that higher salinity in drinking water is associated with higher blood pressure and an increased risk of hypertension. Researchers analyzed data from 27 population-based studies involving over 74,000 participants across several countries.
A large cohort study found no association between community water fluoridation and adverse birth outcomes, providing reassurance about its safety during pregnancy. The study highlights the importance of rigorous causal designs in evaluating public health interventions.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
A recent study has reconciled the debate over the existence and thickness of a microscopically thin liquid layer, known as premelting film, on ice surfaces. The research suggests that this layer is restricted to a limited thickness near the equilibrium point due to water's unusual density properties.
Researchers have developed a simple crystallization method that achieves chiral resolution under mild conditions, enabling the production of homochiral inorganic crystals. The study uses organic solvents and an achiral crystalline phase to control the growth environment, resulting in single-handed forms of cesium copper chloride.
Researchers at CU Boulder have introduced a solution to improving desalination plant performance by observing in real-time membrane fouling using SRS. The technique helps maximize filtration efficiency and reduce energy use, making it crucial for ensuring global access to clean water.
A new 'River Literacy' concept has been developed to educate communities about the vital roles rivers play in daily lives, cultures, and ecosystems. The framework highlights seven easy-to-grasp principles designed for schools, riverside communities, and the general public.
A new method uses machine learning and flow cytometry to detect contaminated bathing water, providing faster and more complete answers on water safety. The method has several advantages, including being open-source and able to detect changes in entire bacterial communities.
A study published in the journal Children found that improving access to safe drinking water can reduce the odds of stunting by about 20%. The researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 children and found that clean water access had a stronger impact on child growth than sanitation.
A study analyzing over 100 cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America found that compact urban planning is crucial for delivering water and sanitation to growing populations. The research suggests that if cities spread outward rather than building more densely, access to clean water and basic sanitation could be significantly impacted.
MIT engineers have developed an ultrasonic device that vibrates at high frequency to shake out water molecules from a material, recovering clean drinking water in minutes. This design is 45 times more efficient than existing heat-based systems, which can take hours or days.
A study found that lowered arsenic exposure was associated with a decrease in mortality rates from chronic diseases among populations exposed to contaminated drinking water. The findings support the importance of reducing arsenic levels in drinking water for public health benefits.
The EU-funded INNOVATILE project aims to reduce the environmental impact of ceramic tile manufacturing through innovative technology, targeting a 10-20% decrease in raw material and water consumption. The project also focuses on using secondary raw materials and replacing critical resources with alternative resources.
Research from UC Riverside found that fit mice increased voluntary running activity when deprived of water. The study suggests that physical fitness may provide a physiological buffer against dehydration, which could be beneficial for humans in a warming world and individuals working in physically demanding outdoor occupations.
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 developed a technology to detach cells from surfaces on demand, reducing waste and improving workflow in industrial processes. The system uses electrochemically generated bubbles to separate cells without damaging them, paving the way for more efficient CO2 absorption and lifesaving cell therapies.
A new study by the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture reveals that water quality can significantly impact the type of microbial populations in poultry drinking water lines and litter. The study found a Bacillus species with probiotic properties was more prevalent in biofilms from poultry houses with normal sulfur-iro...
A study analyzing over 15,000 US treatment plants found that methane and nitrous oxide are the dominant greenhouse gases, exceeding current government estimates by 41%. The researchers identified opportunities for low-hanging-fruit reductions in emissions through fixing leaks and developing new technologies.
A Peking University study maps the hidden life of river carbon along the upper Yangtze River, revealing how landscape, fire, and sunlight shape the global carbon cycle. The research found that organic carbon changes as it travels from the river's high-altitude headwaters to its densely populated downstream reaches.
In a new study, researchers from Umeå University found that ice at minus ten degrees Celsius releases more iron from common minerals than liquid water at four degrees Celsius. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles increase dissolution, releasing organic compounds and fuelling further chemical reactions.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science used nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to study the hierarchical dynamics of water in crystal nanopores, revealing a new phase called premelting state. This phase exhibits contradictory states and fast rotational motions.
A team of researchers discovered that liquid water once flowed on the ancient asteroid Ryugu, which was formed more than a billion years ago. The finding suggests that carbon-rich asteroids may have delivered much more water to Earth than previously thought, impacting models of the planet's early oceans and atmosphere.
A new study has revealed chemical signatures of ancient Martian microbial life in the Bright Angel formation, a region of Jezero Crater known for its fine-grained mudstones rich in oxidized iron and organic carbon. The findings suggest that early microorganisms may have played a role in shaping these rocks through redox reactions.
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.
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 method uses narrow bandgap λ-MnO2 to extract lithium from salt water while desalinating it to generate freshwater. The method achieved high lithium selectivity and reduced energy demand by 87%, indicating its potential as a solution for both lithium recovery and water purification.
A new study published in Earth's Future journal reveals that sea-level projections from the 1990s were remarkably accurate, with global sea-level rise averaging about one eighth of an inch per year. The researchers compared these projections with recent satellite measurements and found a remarkable match.
Scientists at Virginia Tech mimic the natural movement of boulders on Racetrack Playa by creating a metal surface with asymmetric grooves that propel melting ice. The discovery has potential applications in rapid defrosting and energy harvesting.
A new project at FAU aims to advance water quality monitoring in Lake Okeechobee by understanding how common contaminants break down after being released into freshwater environments. The team will deploy passive sampling devices and use cutting-edge chemical analysis to predict which contaminants are forming dangerous byproducts.
Five papers published in ACS journals provide new strategies for protecting natural water sources, including innovative technologies and sustainable solutions. The findings also highlight the importance of ensuring global access to safe drinking water, supporting human health and well-being.
A predictive model has been developed to reduce water leaks in distribution networks, utilizing pressure change data. This system enables companies operating water distribution networks to detect variations in advance and take preventive measures.
Researchers have developed a sustainable desalination method using a sponge-like material with long microscopic air pockets that can turn saltwater into freshwater in natural sunlight. The system successfully produced potable water in a proof-of-concept test, providing a scalable and energy-free solution for producing clean water.
A USC-developed shipboard system using limestone and seawater can remove up to half of carbon dioxide emitted from shipping vessels, cutting maritime CO2 emissions by 50%. The process mimics a natural chemical reaction in the ocean, where CO2 is absorbed into water pumped onboard and then neutralized through a bed of limestone.
A new review paper explores six approaches to conserving water nationwide, including growing crops suited to local climates, using treated wastewater, and reducing food waste. The authors emphasize the need for a multi-faceted approach due to the inherent complications of each strategy.
A study of Iowa's birth records and county-level nitrate measurements found a link between prenatal nitrate exposure and increased preterm birth and low birthweight babies. The study suggests that current regulatory standards may be insufficient to protect against the risks of nitrate exposure.
A new Policy Brief by UNU-INWEH reveals that expanding irrigation correlates with higher dietary diversity among children under five in regions where water resources are already under severe stress. Despite this association, nearly one-third of gains occurred in areas exceeding renewable freshwater supplies.
Researchers from Binghamton University confirm the long-held 'urban myth' that saltwater dries out skin, increasing tissue stiffness and stress. A simple solution to alleviate tightness is taking a shower after coming out of the ocean.
Researchers discovered that sunlight's oscillating electric field plays a crucial role in enhancing interfacial water evaporation. The stronger the electric field, the faster water evaporates. This finding has implications for engineering more efficient water-evaporation technologies.
A study of 100,000 water samples from 500 river basins found elevated levels of contaminants like organic carbon, phosphorus, nitrogen, and sediment persisting for years after wildfires. Water managers can use this data to inform planning strategies for increasing wildfire resilience.
Cessation of public water fluoridation would lead to higher rates of tooth decay and increased healthcare costs in the US. The model suggests that current safe levels of fluoride have substantial ongoing benefits.
The African Union's new policy brief proposes implementing the IDAWM framework to address agricultural water management challenges in Africa. This will involve balancing environmental, social, health, and governance trade-offs to create resilient agri-food systems that deliver multiple benefits for people and the planet.
A portable and highly sensitive ethanol sensor has been developed using a copper-based metal–organic framework thin film, enabling precise optical measurements without complex lab equipment. The sensor can visually detect varying ethanol levels, even at low concentrations, and can be integrated with a smartphone app for easy use.
Researchers investigate how increased warm, salty offshore water affects the cold pool on the continental shelf. Salinity measurements reveal seasonal salinification of the cold pool, shedding light on coastal ecosystem conditions.
Researchers at Rice University have created a scalable, low-maintenance desalination system that harnesses sunlight and recycles heat for a steady supply of fresh drinking water. The new technology, STREED, can handle high-salinity brines without significant decreases in water production or quality.
A multidisciplinary team analyzed seismic waveforms to reveal a significant low shear-wave velocity anomaly at a depth of 5.4–8 km, indicating possible liquid water in the upper crust.
A recent study has identified a key factor contributing to nitrous oxide emissions in wastewater treatment plants: an imbalance between bacteria groups and oxygen levels. By increasing oxygen concentrations, the researchers suggest that emissions can be significantly reduced without requiring major infrastructural changes.
A new study has found that people with celiac disease can safely kiss their partners without worrying about gluten transfer. In a two-part study, researchers found minimal gluten in the saliva of partners with celiac disease, even when they kissed after consuming gluten.