Articles tagged with Water
A new study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that PFAS exposure may cause menopause to occur two years earlier in women. High levels of PFAS were associated with an increased risk of early menopause, which could have significant impacts on cardiovascular and bone health.
Researchers have found that PFAS chemicals have dispersed more broadly than previously thought, contaminating surface water and soil up to 30 miles from a manufacturing facility. The study's findings suggest that these chemicals could be carried into groundwater, highlighting the need for wider monitoring of PFAS exposure.
A new study presents a detailed global prediction map of groundwater arsenic concentrations, revealing previously unidentified areas of potential contamination. The map highlights high-risk regions in Asia and South America, where millions are at risk of drinking water containing harmful levels of arsenic.
Researchers found that aluminum can increase lead's solubility under certain conditions, leading to higher levels of lead in drinking water. This discovery was made by studying the interaction between aluminum and phosphate in a lab setting.
A study published in Nature Communications suggests that clay layers do not always protect groundwater from arsenic contamination. In fact, distant municipal pumping can trigger the release of arsenic below such clay layers, putting thousands of people at risk in Bangladesh and potentially other regions worldwide.
Researchers discovered that microorganisms change the rock's nature by extracting water, causing a phase transformation from gypsum to anhydrite. The organisms use organic acids to penetrate the rock and access water, revealing an innovative survival strategy.
Researchers discovered that desert microbes extract water from rocks by producing biofilms that prompt mineral dissolution. These endolithic microbes have adapted to extremely dry environments, transforming gypsum into anhydrite through a process involving structurally ordered water extraction and phase transformation.
A recent study published in Water Research found that superoxide initiates the production of hydroxyl radicals, which then break down poorly biodegradable organic matter. This reaction is a natural process that can remove persistent natural and anthropogenic organic matter from lakes.
A new study by Duke University finds that US community water systems are disproportionately affected by droughts, with low-income and minority neighborhoods facing the highest risks. The analysis highlights the need for a fundamental re-evaluation of how these systems are managed and funded to ensure equal access to safe drinking water.
A new study by researchers from the University of Michigan found that several commercially available arsenic test kits performed poorly, with some underestimating arsenic levels by a factor of two. The most accurate kits returned field-test values closest to lab-tested arsenic values, while others produced lighter color test strips tha...
A study by the Environmental Working Group found that all 26 reviewed PFAS chemicals exhibit at least one carcinogenic characteristic. Exposure to these chemicals increases the risk of cancer and other serious health concerns, including reproductive harms and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
A study found that drinking water quality in homes differs by room and changes with seasons, raising concerns about water safety. Researchers collected data 58 times at a single house over a year, logging 222,000 hours and 2.4 billion records.
Researchers at Drexel University have found a way to destroy toxic compounds, ominously dubbed 'forever chemicals,' that have contaminated the drinking water of millions across the US. The team uses a blast of charged gas, called cold plasma, to eliminate PFAS from water without heating it up.
A new Duke University study found that many household filters are only partially effective at removing toxic perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from drinking water. Activated-carbon filters removed an average of 73% of PFAS contaminants, while reverse osmosis filters and two-stage filters achieved near-complete removal.
Researchers found that contaminant concentrations increased during warmer months, with higher risk to fish during spawning stages. The study also discovered that nonpoint sources, such as agricultural runoff, were the primary contributor to contaminant levels in high-flow periods.
New study reveals previously unknown, highly toxic compounds formed when chlorine disinfects drinking water. The discovery raises questions about the need for chlorination and potential alternatives like ozone treatment or filtration.
Researchers from Washington University found that adding orthophosphate to the water supply before switching to chloramine can prevent lead contamination. In their experiment, lead levels remained below 10 micrograms/liter in pipes treated with orthophosphate, whereas levels rose above 80 micrograms/liter in control pipes.
A large-scale study by ISGlobal found that exposure to trihalomethanes (THMs) in drinking water is associated with an increased risk of bladder cancer. The researchers estimated that 6,561 cases of bladder cancer are attributable to THM exposure in the European Union annually.
The MDI Biological Laboratory is expanding its SEPA program to assess seasonal variations of arsenic in well water. The program aims to improve public health and stimulate interest in STEM fields among secondary school students through citizen science engagement.
A new test developed by Northwestern University can detect high levels of fluoride in drinking water, exceeding EPA standards. The test is inexpensive, easy to use, and requires no scientific expertise, making it a potential solution for communities with naturally high fluoride levels.
Researchers at Washington State University found that donors feel betrayed when their money is redirected from a specific project to another cause, even if the new use is for a worthwhile purpose. Donors are less likely to give again or volunteer for the charity.
Purdue University researchers have developed patented technology to eliminate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), linked to cancer, thyroid issues, and other health concerns. The team's innovation uses nickel and iron nanoparticles to capture and destroy these contaminants in groundwater.
The American Chemical Society has identified 10 emerging start-ups revolutionizing the field of chemistry, from pharmaceuticals to green chemistry processes. These companies are addressing global issues such as microcontaminant removal, sustainable materials, and climate change.
Researchers have discovered a critical point in supercooled water where thermal expansion and compressibility exhibit anomalous behavior. Theoretical model developed by Brazilian researchers can be applied to any system with two energy scales, including iron-based superconductors.
A novel membrane and chemical reduction process have been patented by University of Delaware researchers to remove perchlorate from drinking water. The technology has shown high efficiency in reducing perchlorate concentrations, making it a potential solution for mitigating human health risks associated with this contaminant.
Researchers found that applying normal tap water to the chest, arms, back, legs, and face with a sponge lowered cardiovascular strain and halved dehydration rates compared to just drinking water. Immersing feet in water was also effective, but not as effective as self-dousing.
The University of California, Irvine will conduct a major multi-site health study on the relationship between PFAS-contaminated drinking water and health outcomes. The study aims to advance scientific evidence on human health effects of PFAS and provide answers to communities exposed to contaminated water.
A new study estimates that toxic chemicals in tap water could cause more than 100,000 cancer cases nationwide. The Environmental Working Group analyzed 48,363 community water systems and found increased cancer risk due to contaminants such as arsenic and radioactive elements.
Cody Friesen, associate professor at ASU, wins the Lemelson-MIT Prize for his invention of SOURCE Hydropanels, a technology that generates clean drinking water from sunlight and air. The prize money will support a project in Colombia to provide SOURCE Hydropanels to communities in need.
Research by Oregon State University found that stricter arsenic standards have led to a significant decrease in public water system violations, dropping from 1.3% in 2008 to 0.55% in 2017. This translates to nearly 1 million fewer people exposed to out-of-arsenic-compliance water.
A new study suggests that returning to more deciduous trees near lakes and protecting waterlogged areas can help reduce the browning of lakes. This approach is aligned with industry visions for sustainable forestry management near water.
A team of researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, has developed a microwave-sized water harvester that can pull water directly from the air 24/7. The harvester uses a highly porous metal-organic framework to capture and condense water molecules from ambient air, even in low-humidity conditions.
A novel treatment device that automatically dispenses small amounts of chlorine reduces child diarrhoea by 23% compared to controls. The intervention had the largest health benefits among children in Dhaka, reducing diarrhoea by 34%, while also increasing tap water quality and safety.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and Drexel University aim to discover a simpler, less energy-intensive way to create ozone for water sanitation. The project seeks to improve the effectiveness and sustainability of ozonated water production.
Paul Westerhoff, an ASU Regents Professor, has been awarded the 2019 Clarke Prize for his contributions to water science and technology. He will receive a medal and a $50,000 prize, recognizing his work on nanomaterials and machine learning in solving global water problems.
Researchers developed a portable technology to detect four common types of cyanotoxins, including microcystin-LR and cylindrospermopsin, which meet EPA's recreational water quality criteria. The device can be used to assess recreational water quality but not yet viable for drinking water safety.
A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group estimates that nitrate pollution in US tap water may cause up to 12,594 cancer cases per year, with colorectal cancer being the most common type. The study also calculates potential economic costs of treating those cases at up to $1.5 billion annually.
Researchers found that koalas regularly use water stations during hot and dry conditions, supporting thermoregulation. The study suggests installing drinking stations could help conserve this threatened species by reducing heat stress and providing alternative hydration strategies.
A large-scale program delivering water filters and cookstoves to Rwandan homes reduced reported diarrhea and acute respiratory infection rates by 29% and 25%, respectively. Improved drinking water quality and immunological boosts may contribute to the observed health benefits.
Swedish water treatment plants have unique combinations of by-products, making it difficult to reduce health risks. Advanced technology detects new compounds, highlighting the need to discover effective ways to use chlorination while reducing exposure to unwanted by-products.
A new study by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health found that arsenic exposure in drinking water may lead to thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber in young adults, increasing the risk for future heart problems. The study, published online in Circulation: Cardiovascular Imaging, assessed the effects of arsenic o...
Researchers found that arsenic exposure was associated with thickening of the heart's main pumping chamber and increased risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly in individuals with high blood pressure. The study suggests that reducing arsenic exposure may be able to reverse some changes in heart structure.
A novel method assesses combined risk of multiple tap water pollutants in California, estimating over 15,000 cancer cases. The study uses a cumulative approach to calculate health impacts of carcinogens and toxic contaminants in public water systems.
Researchers at Penn State found that kids who don't drink water consume twice as many calories from sugary drinks. The study analyzed data from 8,400 children and found that those who didn't drink water exceeded the daily recommended limit for added sugars.
This study found that drinking water is associated with reduced calorie intake from sugary beverages. Not drinking water was linked to consuming an average of 93 extra calories and 4.5% more sugar among participants aged 2-19, with variations by age and racial/ethnic groups.
Researchers have detected new per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the Cape Fear River, including some previously unknown compounds. Levels of these contaminants are decreasing due to changes in wastewater disposal practices.
A novel plasma water treatment method by electrical discharge has been developed, producing drinking water as suitable for consumption as ozonation, without carcinogens or high costs.
Research led by The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science found that China and India's rapid urbanization, especially in China, and rural development in India were major enablers of the success in achieving MDG Target 7C-Water. Economic development was also found to be imperative in expanding drinking water coverage.
A new mouse study found that consuming alcohol and a high-fat diet activate the same brain circuitry, leading to binge eating patterns. This research suggests that limiting access to high-fat foods may help curb excessive alcohol consumption.
Researchers will assess and monitor changes in microbial ecology, water chemistry and nutrient availability in Pittsburgh's water system after adding orthophosphate. The study aims to understand the impact of orthophosphate on aquatic ecosystems and provide insights for other cities implementing this treatment.
A new biosensor attached to a phone can detect arsenic levels in water, revealing a potential solution for contaminated drinking water sources. The device uses bacteria to generate easy-to-interpret patterns, providing an urgent need for simple and affordable monitoring tools.
A study by Hisahiro Naito and Annie Mwayi Mapulanga found that deforestation in Malawi is associated with lower safe drinking water usage, despite increased runoff. The authors estimate a 9% decrease in precipitation equivalent to a 14% loss of forest area, highlighting the importance of preserving forests for water source protection.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are working on a new treatment method to remove per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from groundwater, which poses serious health risks. The project aims to develop more effective and customizable sorbents to attract PFAS, improving water safety for communities worldwide.
A new device can accurately measure fluoride concentrations in water using a novel material that changes color when exposed to fluoride ions. This simple, on-site testing method is cheaper and more accessible than current methods, enabling virtually anyone to monitor fluoride levels in drinking water.
Scientists at the Institute of Process Engineering and Yangzhou University developed a green water-purification system that purifies pathogen-rich water in 30 minutes, killing over 99.9999% of bacteria like E. coli. The system uses graphitic carbon nitride sheets and does not leave behind secondary pollution or heavy-metal-ion residues.
A new study found that over 5.6 million Americans are at risk of health problems due to high nitrate levels in their drinking water. Hispanic communities are particularly vulnerable, with higher proportions serving water systems with elevated nitrate levels.
A nationwide study investigated socioeconomic disparities in nitrate concentrations in US drinking water, finding that Hispanic residents and systems serving low-income communities had higher nitrate levels. The study suggests that programs targeting these communities may not be effectively assisting them.
The study found that seven states have adopted their own guideline levels for PFOA and/or PFOS, with three setting levels lower than EPA's health advisory. State guidelines vary dramatically, from 13 nanograms per liter to 1,000 nanograms per liter.
A new analysis reveals states adopting guideline levels lower than the US EPA's health advisory levels for PFAS, highlighting the need for enforceable federal standards. States consider additional health effects, such as developmental problems and cancer risk, in their decisions.
Researchers at KAUST developed a device that can capture its own weight in water from fresh air and release it when warmed by sunlight. The device uses deliquescent salt and a polymer hydrogel to absorb moisture from the air, which is then released continuously with the help of carbon nanotubes.