Articles tagged with Water
Researchers found that ornamental never never plants can store water for up to 45 days, maintaining photosynthetic activity and chloroplast structure unchanged. This helps them adapt to drought conditions, a challenge for many crops.
A new study by Cornell University researchers found that floating solar panels increase methane and carbon dioxide emissions by 26.8% in small ponds, while also decreasing dissolved oxygen levels. The findings suggest that floating solar development may have unintended environmental impacts on ecosystems.
Researchers have created custom-made adsorbent materials that can pull harmful phosphorus out of water by transforming cyanobacterial biomass into chemically modified activated carbon. The lanthanum-modified materials showed promise in removing excess phosphorus, even at high concentrations.
A recent study suggests that fizzy water may help with weight loss by increasing glucose uptake and metabolism. However, the effects are minimal and should not be relied upon as a sole means of shedding pounds. Regular physical activity and a healthy diet remain essential components of sustainable weight management.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology have made a breakthrough discovery in the catalytic recycling of polyolefins, enhancing conversion rates with the addition of water. The study reveals improved process efficiency, extended catalyst lifespan, and reduced operational costs.
Researchers analyzed tropical storm-related precipitation to understand its impact on local water resources and provide insights into climate predictions. The study aims to help communities prepare for extreme storms and manage water resources before and after the storms.
New research using 20 years of observations shows significant changes in the global water cycle, primarily driven by agricultural activities. These shifts have implications for water management practices, such as designing infrastructure for floods or developing drought indicators.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
A study found that most microplastics in French bottled and tap water are smaller than 20 µm, fine enough to pass into the bloodstream and organs. The EU-recommended detection limit for water quality assessments is below this size range.
A survey conducted by Professor Takahiro Endo at Osaka Metropolitan University found that Hiroshima Prefecture provided a free water inspection service for well owners after the 2018 floods, promoting their initiative to open inspected wells to the public. This collaborative effort supplemented local governments' emergency water supply...
A team of scientists has mapped an enormous aquifer beneath the Oregon Cascades, containing at least 81 cubic kilometers of water - nearly three times the capacity of Lake Mead. The finding has significant implications for water management and volcanic hazards in the region.
Researchers from the Keck School of Medicine of USC found an association between levels of manmade “forever chemicals” in drinking water and certain digestive, endocrine, respiratory, and mouth and throat cancers. The study estimated that PFAS contamination contributes to 6,864 cancer cases per year.
Cricket frogs use a combination of underwater push and leg movement to propel themselves out of the water, resulting in a 'belly flop' motion. This discovery could lead to advancements in bio-inspired robotics and water testing systems.
New research reveals alfalfa-almond intercropping reduces winter soil nitrate leaching and field water loss via evaporation. The practice can capture and convert nitrogen losses into revenues for almond farmers during the non-productive winter season.
A study published in Environmental Challenges suggests that reducing irrigation for livestock feed crops is necessary to save the Great Salt Lake. The lake has lost over 15 billion cubic yards of water and its levels are getting shallower at a rate of 4 inches per year.
A simulation mapping underground water on a continental scale reveals that rainfall and snowmelt flow much farther underground than previously thought. The study also shows that more than half of the water in streams originates from aquifers previously believed to be too deep for streams.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found an inverse association between fluoride exposure and children's IQ scores. The findings suggest a dose-response relationship between fluoride levels and IQ across multiple countries, highlighting the need for comprehensive public health risk-benefit assessments of fluoride exposures.
Research reveals more American cities are struggling with people living without running water due to unaffordable housing and the cost-of-living crisis. The study found that households of color were disproportionately affected, with 40% of Philadelphia's population but 66% of those without access to running water in 2021.
A recent study analyzing lunar water samples reveals a dual origin: one part from early Earth-like material and another delivered through cometary impacts. This discovery has significant implications for sustaining human presence on the Moon, providing crucial evidence for future space planning.
Researchers found that silver did not reduce overall bacteria in water samples from silver-containing showerheads, but its composition varied with each type of fixture tested. The study suggests that rare microbes in these showerheads could be more prone to forming biofilms in response to the stressful environment.
Researchers found unique signatures in household plumbing microbiomes, with wide variation from house to house. They also detected antibiotic resistance genes, highlighting the need for better monitoring and prevention strategies.
A new report assesses water resources in the southern US states, finding that forestry best management practices can mitigate climate and land use effects on water quality. The study projects future scenarios of water stress due to extreme precipitation events, emphasizing the importance of adaptive management.
A group of international scientists is urging the European Commission to implement protective measures for subterranean ecosystems, which store 97% of the world's drinking water and harbor unique biodiversity. Regular surveys of subterranean fauna can reveal the health of these ecosystems, which are sensitive to contaminants.
Researchers at TUM have identified a new, highly effective filter material that can remove hazardous PFAS chemicals from drinking water. The bespoke metal-organic framework compounds are adaptable and electrostatically charged, significantly improving filter capacity compared to existing materials.
A new UN report highlights the economic benefits of investing in sustainable land and water management to reduce drought costs. The study estimates that nature-based solutions can generate up to $10.1 trillion in business value by 2030, while creating millions of jobs.
Researchers developed a novel cyclic molecule that selectively traps phosphate species through multi-point hydrogen bonding in harmony with water molecules. The findings provide guidelines to design new cyclic molecules for aqueous environments, significant for materials development.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new material that efficiently detects and removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from drinking water, potentially revolutionizing water purification efforts worldwide. The breakthrough addresses global concerns over PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', which pose severe health risks.
Researchers found that streams near farms are a significant source of nitrous oxide emissions, with some areas emitting up to half of the total emissions in the region. The study suggests that targeting mitigation efforts on streams and rivers connected to agricultural soils can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study published in Environmental Pollution indicates that exposure to even low levels of arsenic poses significant health risks, including an increased risk of kidney cancer. The analysis found that exposure to between 1 and 5 parts per billion raised kidney cancer risk by 6 percent.
A new seven-point strategy devised by international experts outlines steps for safe, equitable, and sustainable global water management. The plan emphasizes local collaboration, community engagement, and inclusive policies to foster peace and security.
Researchers from Brazil and Spain developed computer models to estimate crop maturity and yield using remote sensing technologies, increasing productivity and reducing CO2 emissions. They also created a system to estimate soil moisture levels with high accuracy, helping growers manage water usage more efficiently.
Researchers have developed a liquid moisture adsorbent that can efficiently harvest water from the air at near ambient temperatures. The technology, which uses random copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, has the potential to provide clean drinking water in arid regions and during disasters.
A systematic review of 18 randomized controlled trials found that drinking enough water can help with weight loss and prevent kidney stones. Drinking eight cups a day significantly decreased the likelihood of getting another kidney stone, while six cups a day helped adults lose weight.
A new study warns that climate change's impact on water resources will significantly increase the cost of achieving zero-emission grids by 2050. The required investments in generation and transmission infrastructure are expected to be massive, with up to 139 gigawatts of power capacity needed in the Western United States.
A team of researchers has identified a previously unknown compound, chloronitramide anion, in chloraminated drinking water. The compound's toxicity is not yet known, but its prevalence and similarity to other toxic compounds warrant further study.
A new study from Duke University reveals that historic lithium mining is unlikely to contaminate surrounding waters with common pollutants like arsenic and lead. However, high levels of other metals including lithium, rubidium, and cesium were found in the mine's waters.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.
A team of researchers has developed Janus crystals that capture humidity from the air with high efficiency, enabling a spontaneous and energy-free process for collecting potable water. The discovery could provide an endless source of clean water, addressing global water scarcity issues.
Researchers from Stanford University's Natural Capital Project analyzed thousands of scenarios to find that investments in upstream reforestation and protected areas can increase water availability for downstream hydropower. This approach helps mitigate tensions between energy, agriculture, and ecosystems.
A new theoretical model, CVF, accurately reproduces the thermodynamic properties of water under different conditions, revealing a critical point that explains its unique anomalies. The model has implications for understanding neurodegenerative diseases and developing advanced biotechnologies.
Researchers developed a machine learning framework that predicts inorganic pollutants in groundwater based on limited water quality samples. The model suggests 15% to 55% of sites may truly be risk-free, identifying critical gaps in groundwater quality datasets.
The updated guidance reaffirms the importance of CPR with breaths for resuscitating individuals who have drowned. It also highlights the need for prevention, recognition, and safe rescue to improve chances of survival. The recommendations are based on evidence-based practices to restore breathing and blood circulation.
A new study will use advanced integrated hydrologic models to predict New England's water budget changes, tracking shifts in the water table, rainstorm intensity, and drought timing. The research aims to help prepare for an uncertain future by understanding where climate change is altering weather patterns.
A new study reveals that human waste, both treated and untreated, is responsible for the microbial impairment in Delaware's inland waterways. The researchers found a majority of microbial signatures in the water matched a human waste signature, indicating infrastructure issues with septic systems may be to blame.
The American Heart Association has awarded $75,000 to local entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions addressing health inequities in their communities. The EmPOWERED to Serve Business Accelerator program supports social entrepreneurs and organizations focused on improving health outcomes.
A study by Aliza Fleischer, Yadin Gindin, and Yacov Tsur from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduces a new model that integrates recreational freshwater ecosystem services into water allocation decisions. The researchers found that increasing demand for these services leads to significant changes in water diversion, with a 24% r...
The UT Extension program has improved safety along the Buffalo River by installing GPS mile markers, assisting first responders during emergencies. The project, launched in partnership with local organizations, aims to reduce emergency response time and benefit thousands of river visitors annually.
A new study warns of potential water shortages in Brazil's agricultural frontier region, MATOPIBA, as climate change exacerbates overuse of water resources. The study predicts that crop irrigation demand may not meet local requirements by up to 40% by 2025-40.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have estimated carbon dioxide emissions from inland waters to 22 million US lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Their new modeling approach reveals previous methods may have overestimated CO2 emissions by as much as 25%.
A study on Spanish dehesas has developed a tool to model pastureland productivity and water stress, allowing for more efficient grazing management. During severe droughts, grass production can drop by up to 67%, with areas having limited slopes and moderate tree cover being the most productive.
A new study reveals that naturally occurring iron minerals can oxidise arsenite, making it less harmful to humans. The breakthrough has the potential to improve water and food safety globally, particularly in regions with high levels of arsenic pollution.
According to a new USGS study, approximately 71-95 million people in the Lower 48 states may rely on groundwater containing detectable concentrations of PFAS for their drinking water supplies. The predictive model helps understand the potential for PFAS contamination and informs strategic planning for water resources.
A new type of prototype water harvester uses temperature-sensitive materials to pull more water out of the atmosphere in 30 minutes on average than an alternative dehumidifier system using only half the energy. The device is also portable, making it suitable for regions where access to clean drinking water is limited.
A new study discovered toxic 'Forever Chemicals' in tap and bottled water from around the world, with 99% of samples containing PFOA and PFOS. Treatment methods such as boiling and activated carbon filtration can substantially reduce PFAS concentrations, with removal rates ranging from 50-90%.
Researchers found PFAS in groundwater up to 43 years old and concentrations that exceed health advisory levels. The study suggests it could take over 40 years for PFAS to leave contaminated groundwater, highlighting the need for continued cleanup efforts and long-term monitoring.
A collaborative research team introduced a new approach to sustainable development in arid river basins through a Grey Fractional Multi-Objective Programming (GFMOP) model. The study found that improving water use efficiency can reduce carbon emissions while safeguarding the environment.
A new policy brief argues that citizen scientists are crucial for meeting global water quality targets, providing valuable data and community involvement. Successful case studies show how collaboration with locals can improve water quality monitoring, education, and rapid response.
Researchers have developed AI-enabled detection software that can accurately detect natural debris, litter, or waste blocking culverts. The system can be integrated to existing CCTV systems to provide proactive flood defense, improving safety for response teams.
The system removes salt from water at a pace that closely follows changes in solar energy, maximizing the utility of solar power. It produces large quantities of clean water despite variations in sunlight throughout the day, making it an attractive solution for communities with limited access to seawater and grid power.