Articles tagged with Water
Endurance exercise experts recommend limiting fluid intake during prolonged activities to prevent exercise-induced hyponatremia (EAH), a potentially lethal water intoxication. Excess drinking can lead to diluted sodium levels in the blood, posing risk to athletes engaging in 4-hour or longer endurance events.
A study found that arsenic exposure led to a significant rise in lung and bladder cancer deaths, with mortality rates peaking 10-20 years after exposure ended. The research suggests the need for controlling arsenic concentrations in drinking water worldwide.
A recent study by Dr Chris Byrne of the University of Exeter found that drinking large amounts of water during exercise has no effect on body temperature or performance. Runners lost an average of 1.5 litres of sweat per hour and reached high body temperatures, regardless of fluid intake.
Researchers will present on alternative energy sources, genetically-engineered crops, and new water purification processes. The symposium aims to address the world's growing demand for clean water and explore sustainable solutions to environmental challenges.
A lack of resources and political leadership are major contributors to the slow progress toward meeting the UN's sanitation target. Improving water quality is not enough without proper sanitation facilities, which can have a significant impact on household health and education.
Susan Murcott, an MIT engineer, collaborates with people from developed and developing countries to solve humanitarian problems. Her co-evolutionary engineering design approach ensures sustainable, affordable, and safe drinking water solutions.
Researchers have found that monochloramine treatment is less reactive and less efficient than traditional chlorination in killing bacterial contaminants. This means that municipalities with monochloramine systems may need to rely on other methods of monitoring for contamination.
Scientists at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a method to precisely control the movement of water through carbon nanotube membranes. By applying low-voltage electricity, they can switch between repelling and pumping water, paving the way for technologies like instant drinking water purification and DNA separation.
A study by Cornell and US Military Academy researchers found that waste and drinking water treatments, including UV radiation and bacterial digesters, can eliminate avian flu viruses. H5N2, a low-pathogenic virus similar to deadly H5N1, was inactivated at levels within industry standards.
Complex organic molecules from natural organic matter fouls water purification and desalination facilities, creating bio-fouling layers. Researchers found that certain ions like calcium interact strongly with natural organic matter.
Researchers at Rice University's Center for Biological and Environmental Nanotechnology have developed a revolutionary, low-cost technology to clean arsenic from drinking water. The nanorust technique reduces arsenic levels in contaminated water to below EPA thresholds, offering a sustainable solution for millions of people worldwide.
A research team led by Virginia Tech professor Andrea Dietrich aims to identify the cause of metallic flavors in chemotherapy patients and develop preventive methods. The study will also explore the role of antioxidants and investigate the relationship between metal ions and health outcomes.
A study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found no increased risk of pregnancy loss related to drinking water disinfection by-products. The research, led by David A. Savitz, Ph.D., used data from 2,409 women and 258 pregnancy losses, concluding that tap water DBPs do not pose a measurable risk to fetal health.
A humanitarian response is required in Lebanon due to the dire situation faced by millions. The lack of access, security, and funding for aid delivery has exacerbated the crisis.
Particles of toxic lead solder used in plumbing can evade detection in some water quality tests, according to researchers funded by the National Science Foundation. Larger particles can get trapped in faucet aerator screens, while smaller particles stick to sampling containers, resulting in inaccurate readings.
A Mailman School of Public Health study reveals that even low doses of arsenic in drinking water can increase the risk of skin lesions. Researchers found that participants exposed to well water with arsenic concentrations as low as 50 ug/l were at higher risk, particularly men and those with normal body mass index.
A Dartmouth study found that arsenic in drinking water can inhibit DNA repair, leading to increased cancer risks. The researchers measured arsenic levels in urine and toenails of participants in New Hampshire and Mexico, and found a correlation between high arsenic levels and impaired DNA repair.
A tiny packet containing a grayish powder has been shown to dramatically reduce diarrheal deaths caused by contaminated water. The system, called PUR Purifier of Water, can kill deadly pathogens and remove toxic metals, and is now being distributed globally for free
Researchers found that anthrax spores can tolerate water treatment and attach to pipes, potentially allowing them to pass through the system. Higher chlorine concentrations were more effective in killing the spores, but at high levels could make water undrinkable.
A new UV measurement tool helps validate UV treatment for preventing disease-causing bacteria and parasites in drinking water. The technique uses fluorescent microspheres to mimic pathogenic microbes, providing precise measures of UV doses.
The Gaza Strip faces a severe contaminated water crisis, with the only source being unsuitable for drinking due to high levels of salinity and pollution. A proposed management plan aims to provide a win-win situation but requires cooperation between Israel and Palestine.
Researchers detected high concentrations of MTBE in ground water throughout the Northeast US, particularly in urban areas. These findings highlight the potential health risks associated with low levels of MTBE in drinking water.
The Johannesburg Sustainable Development Summit identified halving water deprivation by 2015 as a priority; today, 300 million Africans lack access to drinking water. Investments in science and technology are seen as key solutions.
The University of Arizona has received a $14 million grant to focus on two major types of contaminants: arsenic and halogenated organic solvents like TCE. The research projects will improve hazardous waste management in Arizona and the Southwest, and can serve as a model for arid and semi-arid regions worldwide.
Researchers found that many runners dilute their sodium levels during long races due to excessive water intake. The study recommends individualized fluid-replacement consumption for all competing athletes to prevent hyponatremia, a potentially life-threatening condition.
Tap water is a significant source of hospital-acquired infections, with biofilm harbouring pathogenic microorganisms. Point-of-use 0.2 micron filters can significantly reduce the release of pathogens and aerosols, providing an absolute barrier between patients and contaminated water.
The Midwest Technology Assistance Center is funding research to optimize iron addition and track arsenic concentration variability in relation to time and pumping procedures. The center also evaluates water quality at surface water intakes with watershed modeling to improve small systems' technical, managerial, and financial capacity.
Researchers will conduct detailed measurements and analysis of contaminants in building plumbing systems to inform effective responses to contamination incidents. The study's findings will support the development of EPA guidelines for protecting drinking water supplies within buildings.
The Lancet report highlights the 'silent humanitarian crisis' of 3900 children dying daily from inadequate sanitation and safe drinking water. The authors recommend scaling up efforts to expand coverage by 2015 without significant financial investment or technological breakthroughs.
The Grainger Challenge Prize aims to encourage the development of household-scale water treatment systems to remove arsenic from contaminated groundwater. The goal is to create an affordable, sustainable, and reliable solution that can be manufactured in developing countries.
High levels of fluoride were found in several brands of instant tea, with amounts ranging from 1.0 to 6.5 parts per million. The study suggests that doctors should ask patients about their tea consumption if they have achiness in their bones.
A study of 10,591 Taiwanese residents found that those exposed to high levels of arsenic in their drinking water had a 3.29 times increased risk of developing lung cancer. Cigarette smoking further exacerbated this risk, particularly among non-smokers and those with lower arsenic exposure.
A new USGS-led study warns of the limitations and inaccuracies of microbial source tracking methods, which are used to identify sources of contamination. The study found that fewer than 30% of challenge isolates were correctly classified to their source-animal species.
A study by Marshfield Clinic and USGS revealed that untreated city water in La Crosse contains various types of gastrointestinal viruses, including enteroviruses, rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and norovirus. The presence of these viruses poses a risk to the drinking water supply, particularly in shallow sand and gravel aquifers.
A recent study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has discovered a highly toxic byproduct in chloramines-treated water. Iodoacids have been found to be DNA-damaging and more toxic than previously regulated DBPs, raising health concerns and prompting calls for a delay in EPA's Stage 2 rule.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that riverbank filtration can significantly decrease bacteria and viruses in drinking water, as well as reduce the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. This technique involves passing river water through nearby sediment, which removes impurities and reduces treatment costs.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a polymer-based colloidal adsorbent that effectively removes troublesome natural organic matter from municipal water supplies. The technology reduces the formation of harmful chlorinated compounds, ensuring safer drinking water without creating dangerous byproducts.
A recent study by the USGS found that 20% of homes in Hillsborough, Rockingham, and Strafford counties have arsenic concentrations above 10 micrograms per liter. In some areas, the incidence is as high as 30%. The study highlights the importance of testing private wells for arsenic to protect public health.
Researchers found that pollutants like lindane and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) behave differently in the presence of organic matter and sunlight, with HCB degrading at higher rates. The study suggests that pollutants can have varying effects on local ecosystems and human health.
A USGS study reveals elevated arsenic concentrations in private wells are prevalent and pose a health threat to the public. The study focused on eastern New England, where high-growth suburban areas rely heavily on private wells, leading to increased risks.
A University of Toronto study examines the 2000 Walkerton and 2001 North Battleford water contamination outbreaks, blaming systemic failures on human factors. The research highlights the importance of information circulation, competence, and public safety guidelines in complex systems.
A Cincinnati engineering study has found a potential remedy for Bangladesh's mass arsenic poisoning problem, suggesting deeper wells as a safer alternative. The research team recommends wells over 400 feet deep to reduce contamination risk.
A recent study by researchers found that rice grown in areas with contaminated fields in Bangladesh has arsenic levels 10-fold higher than uncontaminated areas. The World Health Organization warns that the tubewell crisis in Bangladesh is the largest mass poisoning of a population in history, with potential health risks for millions.
A recent MIT study suggests that irrigation pumping may increase or decrease arsenic levels in Bangladesh's drinking wells, with complex effects on groundwater chemistry. The researchers found that degradation of organic carbon by microbes mobilizes arsenic, but deeper wells may reduce arsenic concentrations in some areas.
A new study found that nearly 50% of wells labeled as unsafe actually contained safe drinking water. Researchers recommend using more accurate testing methods to ensure water safety in the region.
Kathryn Hach-Darrow, a renowned entrepreneur and industry leader, will receive the Pittcon Heritage Award at CHF's annual conference. She pioneered the growth of the Hach Company into a global firm focused on water analysis and testing.
Researchers from Newcastle University successfully classified 70% of River Ouseburn water samples by measuring natural fluorescence, which could aid in detecting organic pollutants. The 'glowing' technique uses spectrophotometry to fingerprint dissolved organic matter in rivers.
Researchers created a new strategy to remove arsenic from soil by inserting genes from the common bacterium Escherichia coli into a member of the mustard family, Arabidopsis. This enables the plant to tolerate arsenic and transport it to its leaves in a form that is less biologically available.
Research suggests that drinking water can improve a person's ability to stand and reduce the likelihood of fainting, particularly for individuals who donate blood. Healthy participants were tested using tilt-table testing, with results showing an average increase of 40.9 minutes in tolerated standing time when hydrated.
University of Houston researchers are studying novel filtration membranes that can remove up to 90% of natural organic material from water. Their goal is to design better large-scale filtration systems to improve the quality of drinking water supplies, particularly in areas with contaminated or dirty water sources.
A new device developed by Northwestern University uses a hollow-fiber membrane biofilm reactor to remove perchlorate and nitrate from contaminated water. The system exploits the natural biochemical process of electron transfer, reducing contaminants to harmless substances.
Researchers found that showering increased THM levels in blood by a factor of four, suggesting the compounds are getting into the bloodstream through water use. The study investigated THM concentrations in women's blood before and after showering, revealing correlations with local tap water quality.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are launching a three-year study to investigate prescription drug pollution in drinking water, sewage treatment plants, and coastal waters. Two new scientific tools have been developed to aid in the investigation, including a survey of environmental concentrations and a highly sensitive lab test ...
A team of MIT researchers led by Susan Murcott aims to provide clean drinking water for people in developing countries. They have developed a system that can remove particles and microorganisms from water, which is crucial for preventing waterborne diseases in rural areas like Nepal.
Researchers discovered MTBE in over 70% of gasoline samples across Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, raising concerns about its impact on drinking water. The widespread presence of the chemical, used as an oxygenate to reduce emissions, is attributed to tankers, storage tanks, and pipelines that carried reformulated gasoline.
Researchers found average arsenic levels in Vietnamese wells exceeding three times the national health standard, with peaks up to 3,000 micrograms per liter. The study highlights a significant risk to over 11 million people living in rural areas, where untreated groundwater is consumed directly as drinking water.
Researchers at Lehigh University have successfully made droplets of water move at faster rates by utilizing surface tension gradients and fast condensation, showing potential applications in heat transfer and microfluidic devices
A team of scientists discovered bacteria that can clean up contaminated water by stripping away impurities and re-packaging them into zinc sulfide crystals. These microorganisms, found in the Desulfobacteriaceae family, have the potential to improve the efficiency of mining waste removal.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new gel-like material that can be used as a drug-delivery system, potentially replacing multiple daily medications with a single dose. The superporous hydrogels expand rapidly in the stomach, allowing medications to be absorbed more efficiently by the body.
Researchers have found that electrolyzed water is a deadly combination for bacteria, but great for consumers, killing bacteria on fresh produce and reducing bacteria up to a million-fold. The acidity and oxidation-reduction properties of the water contribute to its effectiveness in sanitizing food surfaces.