Articles tagged with Water Chemistry
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists reveals that consuming one serving of freshwater fish per year is equivalent to ingesting water with high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS for a month. The study analyzed data from over 500 fish samples and found median amounts of PFAS in freshwater fish to be 280 times greater tha...
A team of researchers from the University of Rhode Island has discovered new details about the chemical reaction that occurs when ferrate is exposed to visible and ultraviolet light. The findings could help optimize the use of ferrate in water treatment applications, making it a promising option for smaller systems.
A Kyoto University research group has developed a material that effectively separates heavy water from normal water at room temperature. The discovery uses an adsorption-separation method based on copper-based porous coordination polymers, which utilize the flipping action of linkers to separate molecules.
A researcher swam 1,600 miles along the Danube River to raise awareness about water pollution and its effects on wildlife and human health. He highlighted microplastics, toxic algal blooms, and changes in river chemistry due to climate change.
The ANEMEL project aims to develop efficient electrolysers for green hydrogen production, targeting low-grade water sources. The €3 million EU funding will expedite prototype design and catalyse commercialisation of the technology.
Researchers found that topography influences comet surface activity across hundreds of meters, with hotspots observed even on uniform surfaces. The study used Rosetta mission data to track changes in 16 topographic depressions on Comet 67P.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.
Scientists from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a simple method to produce polyethylenimine-based network polymers by dissolving triaziridine compounds in water. The resulting porous polymers exhibit versatile properties, including tailored morphological and mechanical characteristics.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology accidentally discovered that adding more water to a liquid solution turns it back into a gel, and then further dilution forms another gel. The team's findings have significant implications for various fields in chemistry and biology.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found a spike in acetaminophen concentrations in wastewater preceded a surge in COVID-19 cases. The detection of pharmaceuticals could complement existing efforts to monitor viral RNA, providing a more comprehensive understanding of disease outbreaks.
A recent study found that approximately 43.5% of rivers worldwide have concerning concentrations of pharmaceutical ingredients, including antidepressants and painkillers. The research highlights the need to reduce emissions of these substances into the environment to mitigate their impact on river health.
Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.
A team of scientists has developed a solar-powered water filter that can remove pathogens, pesticides, and micropollutants from contaminated water. The filter uses titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanowires and carbon nanotubes to produce reactive oxygen species that kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms.
Researchers discovered unexpectedly high concentrations of artificial radionuclides in cryoconite samples from the Blaisen Glacier, linked to Chernobyl and nuclear testing. The presence of organic matter from lemming populations may contribute to higher radioactivity levels.
Researchers found two gas reservoirs, one containing solar gas and the other with terrestrial water signature, in the earliest stages of our solar system. This discovery suggests that Earth's water was present before the accretion of its constituent blocks.
Researchers studied electron transport through a single water molecule in a C60 cage, revealing multiple tunneling-induced excited states. The findings suggest the transition between ortho- and para-water occurs simultaneously within a minute.
Researchers developed a method to directly bond gold electrodes onto separate ultra-thin polymer films without adhesives or high temperatures. The new technique, called water-vapor plasma-assisted bonding, creates stable bonds between gold electrodes printed into ultra-thin polymer sheets.
Researchers at Durham University have developed a sugar-containing polymer coating that can repair damaged artificial joint implants by mimicking the way cartilage works to lubricate human joints. The coating uses water to create a slippery surface, protecting the surfaces from wear and tear.
Researchers are using X-ray CT to analyze magnetic minerals in speleothems, which can reveal past climate conditions. The team hopes to uncover evidence of extreme weather events and improve understanding of New Zealand's climate history.
A University of Cambridge study reveals that periodic caterpillar outbreaks improve lake water quality but increase CO2 emissions by altering nutrient cycling and favouring greenhouse gas-producing bacteria. This phenomenon is likely to worsen as climate change expands the insects' range, threatening northern forests.
Researchers developed a color-changing indicator that detects rising levels of alkaline phosphatase, forecasting phytoplankton growth and impending algal blooms. The portable system reliably detected enzyme activity using smartphone scanning apps, potentially enabling real-time field monitoring and prediction.
A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.
Scientists at Cardiff University have developed a new instant water cleaning method that is up to 10 million times more effective at killing viruses and bacteria than commercial approaches. The method uses a catalyst made from gold and palladium to produce hydrogen peroxide, which is then used to disinfect water.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that Kamchatka's Shiveluch volcano contains around 10%-14% water by weight, a significantly higher amount than most volcanoes. This finding is significant as it could provide insights into the global water cycle and the plumbing systems of other volcanoes.
A new 'lab-on-a-chip' technology has been developed to monitor swimming pools more affordably and reliably, improving water safety for Australians. The sensor can accurately measure chlorine and pH levels, reducing the risk of infection from incorrect pool chemistry.
Researchers R. Christian Jones and Benoit Van Aken will collect samples at six sites to track pollutants such as sediment and E. coli during wet weather events. The study aims to provide city officials with data on pollutant levels within 30 days of sample collection.
Researchers describe the current state of metal toxicity modeling and science-based best practices for water chemistry. The latest models support improved ecosystem protection, but outdated regulations remain a concern.
The American Chemical Society's Year in Chemistry 2019 special issue features top research trends, including advances in machine-learning, microplastics, and 3-D printing. Experts predict further AI advancements and greener processes for making nitrogen-based compounds and materials in 2020.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Cambridge built a self-assembled nanocage with antiaromatic walls, defying conventional assumptions. The nanospace was tested with guest molecules, showing significant deshielding effects due to the antiaromatic environment.
Researchers found significant gaps in understanding microplastic effects, with concentrations detected being orders of magnitude lower than those affecting organisms in lab tests. The study highlights a need for more environmentally realistic studies and better monitoring of specific environmental regions.
The Center for Materials for Water and Energy Systems (M-WET) will develop next-generation polymer membrane-based water purification technologies to tackle complex waters in energy production, reuse, and industrial applications. Researchers aim to address fundamental science knowledge gaps and overcome fouling challenges.
Engineers used microscopic friction measurements to confirm that rocks can dissolve under certain conditions, causing faults to slip. The study found that brine-calcite interactions can induce dissolution and decrease frictional strength at the single-asperity scale.
A University of California, Berkeley team has developed a next-generation water harvester that can extract drinkable water every day/night cycle at very low humidity and at low cost. The harvester uses solar energy to collect water from the air, making it ideal for people living in arid, water-starved areas of the world.
Researchers develop method to optimize espresso by adjusting grinding size and brew ratio, ensuring uniform extraction and improved taste. The study also explores the impact of temperature on grinding coffee, proposing a solution for more consistent flavor.
The University of Huddersfield is working with Yorkshire Water on a £300,000 project to identify ways to reduce the presence of lead in tap water. Researchers will use equipment that simulates domestic plumbing systems and analyse water samples from homes across Yorkshire.
Saint Louis University chemist Paul Bracher has received a $597,380 NSF grant to investigate the origins of life on Earth and potentially in oily environments like Titan. The research aims to develop new biochemistry that can function in organic solvents.
Graphene, known as 'black gold', has high surface area and can effectively purify contaminated water due to its unique structure. Using light, researchers can extract the graphene and contaminants, enabling easier purification.
Scientists will simulate an emission from a submerged carbon dioxide storage reservoir in the North Sea, using acoustic and chemical sensors to detect released CO2. The goal is to develop innovative technology for detecting and quantifying CO2 emissions in the marine environment.
Engineered nanoparticles from common products like paint and sunscreen can harm aquatic organisms when they settle in sediments. The review calls for further research into nanoparticle fate and toxicity in these ecosystems.
Researchers at University of Southampton develop translation dictionary for otoliths, allowing them to decode chemical signals about fish migrations. The study also reveals that sex can interfere with these signals, providing new insights into the biology and private lives of fish.
Researchers applied a geostatistical approach to assess headwater stream chemistry at high resolution, finding patterns that vary over short and long distances. The analysis reveals the influence of landscape processes on stream network chemistry, challenging traditional assumptions about water quality.
Scientists at the University of Cologne have discovered a new method to produce hydrogen from water and formaldehyde. The approach can be used to break down contaminants in industrial waste water while generating hydrogen, reclaiming an important raw material.
Long-term data from the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest suggests a trade-off between forest productivity and water flow. A study found that applying calcium silicate to restore soil calcium levels resulted in an increase in forest water use within 5 months.
The project aims to optimise the process of reducing lead in tap water by identifying the least soluble minerals. Researchers will investigate water from various sources and work on-site at Yorkshire Water treatment plants.
A new study found that changes in lake water chemistry, caused by acid rain and logging, are leaving small water organisms like plankton without adequate armor, making them easy prey for predators. The researchers warn that this could have significant consequences for the entire ecosystem.
Researchers find that icy dust specks on interstellar clouds can speed up chemical reactions, forming complex organic molecules. This discovery sheds light on the origins of life in the Universe, suggesting that these dust grains may play a crucial role in seeding galaxies with chemical potential for life.
University of Florida engineers develop a nearly perfect hydrophobic interface by reproducing spider hairs on flat plastic surfaces. The surface repels hot and cold water, pick up dirt, and has potential applications in food packaging, windows, solar cells, and boat hulls.
A Royal Society of Chemistry survey reveals British people take excessively long showers, with women being particularly guilty. Adults in Western Europe typically shower for two to five minutes, but the French and Spanish demonstrate greater restraint in water conservation and concern about washing contaminants into the system.
A recent study by the University of California - Irvine has found that indoor air purifiers producing even small amounts of ozone can exceed public health standards. This increases exposure to ozone levels in excess of health guidelines for people operating these devices indoors, potentially worsening respiratory issues such as asthma.
Researchers develop a new system called WOW, which uses microscopic droplets to perform millions of tests at once, allowing for faster identification of genes and proteins. The system can identify the best enzyme from a pool of mutated enzymes in just one afternoon, compared to several months with traditional methods.
A new U. of Colorado study challenges previous findings on Mars' Meridiani Planum region, suggesting it was more geologically similar to volcanic regions in North America or Europe. The research proposes that the region's chemical composition was created by sulfur-bearing steam vapors moving up through volcanic ash deposits.
The American Society of Agronomy has published a new CD, 'Soil Wetting Agents', providing practical information on the technology behind soil wetting agents to improve water absorption on golf courses. The resource addresses a gap in turf management education and is available for purchase online.
A recent study published in Ecology Letters found that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide can lead to a significant increase in algal productivity, with up to 40% to 50% more growth in nutrient-rich environments. This could result in more severe nuisance blooms, particularly in freshwater and saltwater systems.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory confirmed that waters migrating from the surface to the water table in drier regions can take many tens of thousands of years. These waters, which began their migration at the last ice age, hold a scientific and historical record of global climate change.
A team led by Hope Jahren found evidence that Axel Heilberg's forests received equatorial water and warmth from a prehistoric weather pattern. The discovery helps demystify the forest's existence near the North Pole, where sunlight and darkness last for four months each year.
Jerry A. Bell, a leading educator in chemistry, receives the George C. Pimentel Award for his contributions to making chemistry relevant to everyday life. His new textbook, due to be published in 2001, aims to engage students with real-world applications of chemistry.
Daniel W. Armstrong, a renowned radio personality and chemistry professor, has been awarded the Helen M. Free Award for Public Outreach by the American Chemical Society. His weekly radio show, We're Science, promotes better understanding of science and technology in daily life, reaching over 70 million people worldwide.
The American Chemical Society supports STEM education through various programs, including the Boy Scout Chemistry merit badge. Researchers will present posters showcasing innovative approaches to teaching chemistry to young learners.