Articles tagged with Water
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.
Raman Venkatesh, a chemical engineer from Pittsburgh, has developed a self-contained system called ISEP that removes perchlorate and nitrate from drinking water. The technology is cost-effective, safe, and fits into existing water-treatment plants, improving access to clean drinking water for communities.
Researchers used Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) to track water molecules in the brain, revealing damage to white matter that affects message transmission within neurons. The study links this damage to neurocognitive deficits in detoxified chronic alcoholics.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure alcohol concentrations directly in the human brain using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). This technique allows scientists to study the physical interactions between alcohol and brain membranes, providing insights into the biological basis of alcohol abuse.
Researchers developed a battery-operated pen that can disinfect drinking water using a salt solution, inactivating parasites, viruses, and bacteria with dramatic results.
Researchers have developed a battery-powered disinfecting pen that can inactivate waterborne parasites, viruses, and bacteria within minutes. The device generates mixed oxidants from a salt solution, delivering safe drinking water even better than plain chlorine.
Researchers at UCSF found that excessive water consumption during marathons can lead to fatal brain swelling and fluid leakage into the lungs, a condition known as hyponatremia. Intravenous salt treatment has been shown to be effective in treating hyponatremia.
Research has revealed that pharmaceuticals and personal care products can contaminate groundwater, rivers, and sewage, posing significant risks to human health and the environment. Studies have shown that these substances can enter the aquatic food chain, affecting marine life, and are also found in human tissues and breast milk.
A University of Florida researcher has finally shed light on the side effects of creatine, a popular muscle enhancer. The study found that creatine increases both overall water content and the ratio between intracellular and extracellular water, leading to an imbalance that can cause dehydration, heat illness, and kidney problems.
A team of UC Davis researchers has developed a novel method to quantify the rate at which minerals and water exchange oxygen molecules, which could provide a useful test for computer models. The study's findings could have practical applications in dealing with soil contaminants and predicting their movement or decomposition.
A study found that 54 out of 57 bottled waters had fluoride levels below the recommended range, while all Cleveland tap water samples met or exceeded the optimal level. Bottled water also contained higher bacteria counts than tap water, with some samples having over 4,900 colonies per milliliter.
The University of Victoria has established a research chair to study ecological processes contributing to safe drinking water. The chair will evaluate watershed management activities, supply operations, and food chain changes to optimize water quality and minimize treatment costs.
Researchers found that consuming water-rich foods instead of drinking water before meals can curb appetite and reduce calorie consumption. Foods high in water content, such as vegetables and soups, provide a sense of fullness while reducing energy density.
Near-critical water, which can dissolve both salts and non-polar organic compounds like oils, is being studied as a replacement solvent in various chemical processes. This could lead to the elimination of hazardous solvents and salt byproducts, reducing environmental impact.
The USGS report found complex mixtures of nutrients and pesticides in streams with significant agricultural or urban development. However, concentrations of individual pesticides were often lower than current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drinking-water standards.
Naturally occurring micro-organisms that live at the bottom of lakes and streams have been shown to convert gasoline additives, including MTBE, into harmless byproducts. The study suggests that these micro-organisms can act as a significant barrier to the entry of MTBE into surface water systems.
Penn State researchers have found a statistically significant correlation between the presence of Helicobacter pylori in private wells and cases of stomach ulcers. The study reveals that even coliform-free water samples can contain the ulcer-causing bacterium, raising questions over the safety of current drinking water testing methods.
The National Geodata Forum will focus on using geospatial data to create livable communities. The event brings together over 400 stakeholders to discuss how to make information and power flow from the bottom up.
A new study by Dartmouth College researchers found that domestic wells in New Hampshire contain significantly more arsenic than municipal water sources, with levels exceeding federal recommended limits. The study's findings have significant implications for public health, particularly for residents relying on domestic wells.
A new detoxification method using titanium dioxide and light has been developed to destroy potentially deadly microcystins found in drinking water. The method is quicker and more effective than current methods, but further testing is needed to confirm its safety.
Klaus Toepfer warns of a growing global conflict over natural resources, particularly water, as the world's population is projected to increase dramatically. He advocates for monitoring drinking water reserves, cooperative agreements, and economic incentives for new technologies to promote water conservation.
A CSIRO Australia study using a world-first technique found aluminium from alum-treated drinking water is not bioavailable and contributes less than 1% to the body burden. The results confirm the safety of using alum for treating drinking water, contradicting earlier conflicting evidence.
The Mexico Renewable Energy Program, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, has installed nearly 200 photovoltaic and wind energy projects in eight states, providing energy to over 9,000 people. The program aims to expand markets for US industry, increase agricultural production, and combat greenhouse gas emissions.
The Pan American Health Organization reports that the health of people in the Americas is improving thanks to progress in fighting infectious diseases, increasing access to clean drinking water, and declining infant mortality rates. However, governments must prioritize health care equity as they reform their systems.
A study proposes recycling wastewater for irrigation, developing a water conservation plan, and protecting the Mountain Aquifer's limited fresh water resource. Without cooperative management, both Israelis and Palestinians risk losing access to clean water due to pollution and environmental degradation.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are investigating the effectiveness of river-bank filtration in removing harmful viruses, protozoa, and bacteria from drinking water. The study aims to determine if this natural filter can produce cleaner drinking water while minimizing the creation of toxic by-products.
A microbiological process developed by Penn State researchers can effectively remove perchlorate, a rocket fuel ingredient detected in 14 states, from contaminated drinking water. The process uses naturally occurring bacteria to reduce perchlorate concentrations below the action level.
Researchers aim to detect microorganisms like Cryptosporidium and Giardia before they reach tap water, using pilot-scale treatment systems and advanced detection methods. The study will help evaluate new technologies like dissolved air flotation and microfiltration to ensure public safety.
Researchers from UNC Highway Safety Research Center found that only 2.1% of boaters tested showed blood alcohol above 0.08%, with 18% reporting consumption and 14% having elevated levels. The study aims to determine alcohol's role in boating fatalities and injuries.
Penn State researchers investigate climate change's effects on the Susquehanna River Basin, examining vulnerabilities to flooding, waterborne diseases, and policy decisions. They find that effective measures like increased filtration, boiling water, and balanced expenses can mitigate these risks.
The US EPA has established a Drinking Water Optimization Institute at the University of Cincinnati to help utilities comply with new regulations. The institute will focus on optimizing water treatment methods, distribution systems, and raw water sources to meet safety standards.
An outbreak of food poisoning from contaminated hot chocolate vending machines led to the identification of B. cereus contamination. The bacteria thrived when exposed to warm water and remained on machine components, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Periodic testing of vending machines is recommended.
Stanford researchers have successfully used native bacteria to reduce TCE levels in groundwater by 96-98% through in situ bioremediation. This method conserves water and reduces pumping costs, but requires hydrogen peroxide as a catalyst.
Researchers at Weizmann Institute demonstrate that water is formed in interstellar clouds through a reaction involving hydronium. The experiment, conducted at an ion storage ring, shows a permanent ratio between water and hydronium molecules.
A new report by Resources for the Future highlights the District of Columbia's environmental priorities, ranking drinking water and air pollution as top concerns. The study suggests creating a separate environmental agency to address these issues, which have serious consequences for attracting businesses and residents.