Articles tagged with Water
Dr. Ashok Gadgil has developed safe drinking water solutions like UV Waterworks, which provides clean water at a price of just two cents per 10 liters. His Berkeley-Darfur Stove increases fuel efficiency, saving households over $300 per year.
Researchers at McMaster University have developed rapid testing method using paper strip to detect E. coli in recreational water within minutes, improving public safety and closing the gap between outbreaks and detection. The test strips can detect potentially harmful concentrations of E. coli with much greater accuracy than existing p...
Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages
Researchers found that adding lime juice to water treated with solar disinfection removed detectable levels of E. coli significantly faster than solar disinfection alone. The treatment time was comparable to boiling and other household methods, making it a potential effective solution for improving water quality in low-income regions.
A UC Davis report reveals that over 90% of human-generated nitrate contamination comes from agricultural activity, posing health risks to 1 in 10 people in the state's most productive agricultural areas. Fixes for drinking water systems could cost $20-35 million per year.
Climate change is projected to put strain on global groundwater resources as precipitation decreases and people turn to groundwater for water needs. The UN-sponsored research emphasizes the importance of regulating and conserving non-renewable groundwater to ensure its sustainability.
A study by University of Bristol researchers found that relying solely on improved water source type oversimplifies the measure of safety, leading to substantial underestimations in four developing countries. The adjustment increased estimates of people without access to safe drinking water in Ethiopia and Nigeria by millions.
Researchers develop a simple and cost-effective method to purify water using the 'miracle tree' Moringa oleifera seeds. The process harnesses the positively charged protein in the seed extract to capture lab-grown E. coli and remove sediment from water samples.
A University of Alberta researcher is investigating the potential link between long-term exposure to disinfected water and an increased risk of bladder cancer. She will develop new tools to detect toxic DBPs in drinking water, with the goal of eliminating their formation.
Research found that children exposed to PCE-contaminated drinking water before birth and during early childhood were at a higher risk of developing bipolar disorder and PTSD. The study suggests that prolonged exposure to the neurotoxin may contribute to long-term mental health issues.
A natural substance extracted from Moringa oleifera seeds can purify water by binding to sediment and killing microbes. The process uses functionalized sand, providing a simple, locally sustainable way to produce storable drinking water.
Glaciers are shrinking at a rapid pace, with water levels potentially decreasing by 30% during the dry season. The accelerated glacial retreat poses serious problems for millions of people dependent on the water for electricity, agriculture, and drinking water.
A new study by Washington University in St. Louis found that joining old lead pipes with new copper lines using brass fittings increases the amount of lead released into drinking water supplies due to galvanic corrosion. This can make the problem worse for safety-minded, lead-pipe-removal programs at water utilities across the country.
A portable, self-sustaining wastewater treatment system is being developed to reduce the cost of water and fuel for military bases on or near the front lines. The integrated system uses solar power, biological conversion processes, and nano-filtration to break down wastewater and produce methane fuel and drinking water.
Scientists discover water's conductivity increases at extremely low temperatures, contradicting expectations for an ordinary liquid. This phenomenon supports the idea of a 'liquid-liquid' phase transition in water.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study investigates the impact of cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) pipes on drinking water quality. The research found that while there are no health risks associated with PEX pipes, certain types may cause prolonged undesirable taste and odor, especially when water remains in the pipes over time.
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters found that perennial ponds are not a significant contributor to high levels of arsenic in India's groundwater. Instead, the researchers propose that organic matter contained in Holocene sedimentary basins is likely the source of the toxin, taking thousands of years to reach the a...
SMU scientists are collecting water samples in UNHCR camps, analyzing them in the lab, and training workers to test water supplies. The team will develop a worldwide database to identify contaminants and track water quality over time, addressing issues such as iodide and fluoride contamination.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student has received the EPA's STAR Fellowship Award to develop a low-cost method for removing fluoride from drinking water in rural Ethiopian communities. Her research aims to address severe overexposure to fluoride, which can cause bone damage and tooth discoloration.
A team of Iowa State researchers has developed a new method for analyzing drinking water samples in space, using colorimetric solid phase extraction to detect iodine and silver concentrations. The innovative technology will enable astronauts to quickly assess the safety of their drinking water in real-time.
Researchers have created a cost-effective solution to address the growing issue of arsenic-contaminated drinking water in developing countries. The new technology uses pieces of plastic bottles coated with cysteine to remove arsenic from water, producing drinkable water with levels significantly lower than the current safe standard.
Two winning projects were selected to provide clean and sustainable water to communities in need. The Tagore-SenGupta Foundation project will install arsenic removal units in remote villages and schools in Cambodia, while Jenna Forsyth's project focuses on low-resource chlorine generation for safe drinking water in western Kenya.
A University of Oklahoma graduate student is testing materials to address fluorosis, a widespread health issue in the Rift Valley. The goal is to develop effective and sustainable solutions that meet the World Health Organization standard.
Researchers found that arsenic exposure elevates cardiovascular disease mortality in individuals who smoke. Arsenic levels above the safe limit significantly increase risk of death from cardiovascular disease, even at lower doses than previously reported.
A new study is planned to investigate the health effects of high lithium levels in drinking water on mothers and children in Andean villages. Researchers have found high levels of arsenic, lithium, and other substances in the drinking water and urine of women studied, which may pose a health risk.
Researchers have discovered that minced banana peels can quickly and efficiently remove toxic metals like lead and copper from river water, outperforming other materials in the process. The discovery could provide a sustainable solution for water purification, especially in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited.
Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed nanomembranes with pores of up to 55 nanometers in diameter, large enough for water to pass through but too small for bacteria. This breakthrough could lead to cost and time savings in water filtration.
Researchers found a correlation between lithium levels in tap water and lower mortality rates in Japanese municipalities. In experiments with the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, lithium treatment led to increased longevity. The findings suggest that low-dose lithium may have life-prolonging effects in humans.
Researchers develop method to treat stormwater in constructed wetland and store it in an aquifer, producing near potable water after treatment. The study demonstrates potential for sustainable water recycling through managed aquifer recharge schemes.
Scientists in China have created a more eco-friendly and cost-effective way to produce deuterium-depleted drinking water, which may be beneficial for human health. The new technique uses a platinum catalyst to efficiently remove deuterium from water, reducing levels from 150 ppm to 125 ppm.
A Florida State University researcher has developed a molecular sensor that accurately detects fluoride levels at very low concentrations, posing a carcinogenic risk. The sensor's nanomolar sensitivity makes it one of the most sensitive fluoride sensors known to date.
A USGS study has found large differences in arsenic concentrations from well to well, even at the town level, highlighting the need for private well owners to test their water. Elevated arsenic levels have been detected in multiple towns across Maine, posing a risk to residents' health and requiring prompt action.
Scientists have developed a new filtering technology that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water without clogging. The material uses silver and electricity to destroy bacteria, allowing for easy flow through the filter.
A study by Duke University scientists has identified potential sites where CO2 leaks from underground storage could contaminate freshwater aquifers, posing a risk to drinking water quality. The research found that certain geochemical markers can be used to detect early warnings of potential carbon dioxide leaks.
A new filtering technology has been developed that kills up to 98% of disease-causing bacteria in water in seconds without clogging or consuming much energy. The technology uses silver nanowires and carbon nanotubes to destroy bacteria, making it a promising solution for providing clean drinking water to those in need.
A study of 362 Quebec children found significant deficits in the intelligence quotient (IQ) of those exposed to higher concentrations of manganese in drinking water. Despite being below current guidelines, the results indicate that manganese may pose a risk to children's intellectual development.
A new clinical trial confirms that drinking two 8-ounce glasses of water before meals helps people shed more pounds than those who do not drink water. The study found that water drinkers lost about 15.5 pounds over 12 weeks, while non-water drinkers lost about 11 pounds.
A recent study by University of Illinois researchers found that the application of disinfectants in recreational pools can lead to adverse health outcomes. The study suggests that brominating agents should be avoided as disinfectants, and that a combination of UV treatment with chlorine is the best method to treat pool waters.
A new study finds that hand washing can significantly reduce fecal bacteria contamination in stored drinking water, which is crucial for households with limited access to municipal water supply systems. The research discovered nearly 100 times more fecal bacteria in stored water compared to its source in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Researchers predict perennial grain crops could be available in two decades, offering a sustainable solution to feed the world's growing population. These crops have longer growing seasons, deeper roots, and require fewer herbicides and equipment passes, reducing erosion and sequestering carbon.
A team of American scientists from the University of Nevada, Reno, is working to find solutions to Guatemala's Lake Atitlan's algae bloom problem. They are building on research started in the 1970s and have collected data and samples from the lake, including sediment cores and near-shore sampling.
A massive 10-year study found that more than 20% of deaths in Bangladesh were attributable to arsenic exposure from contaminated drinking water. Exposure to high levels of arsenic increased mortality risk by nearly 70%, while moderate exposure was linked to chronic disease deaths.
Residents of Bangladesh exposed to low-level arsenic in well water are at increased risk of death, with up to 24% of deaths attributed to arsenic exposure. Long-term arsenic exposure is also linked to various health problems and heart disease.
Over 100 million people in rural southern Asia are exposed to unsafe levels of arsenic from their well-water, increasing cancer risks and causing cardiovascular disease. Researchers propose using deeper wells only for individual households and implementing measures to preserve deep wells specifically for drinking water.
Groundwater experts propose using deeper aquifers for irrigation, pumping high volumes of water from wells can pull down arsenic-contaminated water. Scientists recommend retesting existing deep wells on a regular basis to ensure quality. Filtration and alternative methods are used in countries without deep aquifers.
Queen's University biochemistry professor Zongchao Jia and post-doctoral student Jimin Zheng discovered a unique protein switch in bacteria, allowing them to adapt to low-nutrient environments. This breakthrough could lead to the development of molecules that can kill bacteria in water, reducing contamination risks.
A Montreal study reveals that more than 70 percent of bottled water samples contain heterotrophic bacteria counts above the recommended limits set by the United States Pharmacopeia. High microbial counts were found in several famous brands, with some exceeding 100 times the permitted limit.
The US EPA has awarded nearly $2.5 million to 11 companies to support their work in eight key environmental areas. These companies will use the additional funds to commercialize technologies such as microbial fuel cells and chromium-free coatings.
Researchers have identified a potential drug target in the parasite life cycle, which could block its ability to infect humans. Cryptosporidium oocysts are stable outside a host and resistant to conventional water treatment methods.
A new system developed by Texas AgriLife Research can automatically scan water samples and detect potential pathogens like cryptosporidium and giardia, providing results immediately. This technology has the potential to address key challenges in pathogen detection in food and water, making it accessible globally.
A Canadian Medical Association Journal study reveals that private drinking water supplies are often contaminated, with outbreaks occurring at a rate 35 times higher than in public systems. The government must provide better resources and education to ensure safe drinking water for Canadians.
Researchers pinpoint the origin of dissolved arsenic in Bangladesh's drinking water to ponds excavated for village construction and irrigated agriculture. The study suggests that these ponds mobilize organic carbon, leading to arsenic dissolution in groundwater, with rice fields acting as a buffer but also contributing to arsenic levels.
Researchers have developed a novel detector molecule that can sense cyanide in water at normal pH levels and emit light, offering a potential solution for protecting people from cyanide-laced drinking water. The molecule's modular structure allows it to be modified to enhance its sensitivity and detect different toxins.
Researchers found that chocolate and water can blunt a rat's response to heat by blinding the brainstem's activation during consumption, suggesting it may aid animals and help modern humans avoid overeating
Research published in Environmental Health found an increased risk of oral clefts and neural tube defects among children born to mothers exposed to tetrachloroethylene (PCE) during pregnancy. The study, conducted in Cape Cod towns between 1969-1983, suggests a link between PCE exposure and birth defects.
The University of Utah has developed a two-minute water quality monitoring method that uses a handheld color sensor to detect iodine or silver levels in drinking water. The system is designed to be simple, low-cost and safe for use on the International Space Station.
A research project aims to produce a computer model for water managers to reduce energy consumption while meeting increased demand for water. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, will help address water scarcity issues in regions like Arizona, where population growth and drought are exacerbating the problem.
Researchers found that Helicobacter pylori is not transmitted through drinking water but rather through vomit and faeces, suggesting simple isolation and hygiene measures can prevent its spread. The study suggests isolating vomiting patients, especially children, for a short period can help prevent the bacterium's transmission.
The first field test of Rice University's 'nanorust' technology, a low-cost method for removing arsenic from drinking water, will begin later this year in Guanajuato, Mexico. The technology uses tiny iron oxide particles to naturally bind with arsenic and can be used in sand filters to treat groundwater.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual private well testing for nitrate and microorganisms, particularly for infants under three months. Children are vulnerable to waterborne illnesses that can come from contaminated wells, and proper care is essential to prevent contamination.