Research on lakes and freshwater. Covers waterborne illness, AI algal-bloom technology, freshwater carbon, and cyanobacteria toxin detection.
A study led by Michigan Technological University explores mercury pollution in the Great Lakes, particularly in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The research focuses on policy scenarios to reduce mercury emissions and provides insights into regional remediation efforts and fish safety for local communities.
Shallow lakes in agricultural landscapes will emit significantly greater amounts of methane due to the combination of warming and nutrient enrichment. Methane ebullition increases by up to 17-fold with high nutrient levels, highlighting the need for managing agricultural landscapes to minimize this potent greenhouse gas emission.
A new global topographic map of Saturn's moon Titan has opened up new insights into its liquid flows and terrain. The map revealed several new features, including cookie-cutter holes, mountains, and lakes that are at sea level due to hidden sub-surface flow.
A global reference section for the Anthropocene might be searched for in areas between 1952 to 1955 based on nuclear testing and fossil fuel burning signals. Continuous annually layered strata, such as those found in oxygen-starved seas, lakes, glacial ice, corals, and trees with seasonal growth rings, provide the best geological archive.
A study found that warm waters and algae growth are associated with an increase in botulism-related bird deaths on Lake Michigan. The researchers used satellite data to monitor environmental conditions and found a correlation between warmer waters and higher levels of algae, which can lead to the growth of toxin-producing bacteria.
The study found that ancient Andean societies developed specific environmental knowledge to conserve water and avoid frost, enabling them to flourish in an arid region. The discovery of micro-terraces and non-centralized agrarian systems suggests a resilient approach to agriculture that continues to inspire indigenous communities today.
Researchers discover active life in a frozen Quebec lake, with tiny red zooplankton buzzing in the dark water. The bright red coloration serves as protection against oxidative stress and helps the copepods accumulate essential fatty acids.
A 46-year experiment found that reducing lake nitrogen has little impact on algal blooms, which are driven by phosphorus levels. Phosphorus removal should be the focus to combat algal blooms and their negative consequences.
A study led by Leandro Castello explores the link between deforestation and fisheries yields in the Amazon, finding that lakes with intact floodplain forests provide greater fish yields. The research has implications for managing and conserving the Amazon's fisheries and food security of local populations.
A new study by University of Minnesota researchers found that bacteria in lakes with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorus are less able to absorb additional nutrients, which can lead to water quality issues and climate implications. This means that excess nutrients in lakes can have a catastrophic effect on ecosystems.
Researchers found BMAA, a toxin linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and ALS, in areas of Lake Winnipeg bloom impacted by pollution and farming. Cyanobacterial blooms are not isolated to Lake Winnipeg and pose public health risks.
Researchers found that flamingo feces facilitate microbial 'filtering' of organic matter in saline wetlands, promoting denitrification and reducing nitrogen loads. Flamingos also stimulate bacterial activity, triggering cascading effects on prokaryotic abundance and viruses.
A recent study published in the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation found that farmers prefer cash payments with insurance or tax credits over certifications, but may require more money for these incentives. Researchers met with 49 farmers in northwest Ohio to test different incentives and gather insights on best management practices.
Researchers discovered that alkali flies have developed a dense hair layer to reduce water loss in the highly alkaline environment. The flies' cuticular hydrocarbons also play a crucial role in protecting them from dehydration.
Researchers at Caltech have characterized the adaptations of Mono Lake flies, enabling them to crawl underwater without getting wet. The flies create a protective bubble around their bodies using an extreme water-repelling phenomenon called superhydrophobicity.
Researchers developed an eDNA assay to detect invasive freshwater clam Corbicula, finding it in four out of 11 lakes where it already existed. The test revealed the location and abundance of clams, confirming its potential for monitoring new populations and preventing ecosystem degradation.
A new study finds that climate change could decrease the sun's ability to kill pathogens in lakes and waterways by increasing organic runoff. This can lead to an increase in waterborne illnesses, with 12-19 million people affected annually in the US.
Researchers applied high-resolution mass spectrometry to investigate synthetic chemical contamination in two lakes in Central Europe, capturing the past 100 years of sediment layers. The analysis revealed concentrations of industrial chemicals starting in the 1950s, marking the beginning of large-scale human impact on the environment.
A study by Lund University found high iron levels in 84% of European lakes, but only 9% of North American lakes, with significant environmental implications. Climate change and land use factors are believed to contribute to the increased iron concentration.
Scientists warn that saline lakes globally are in peril due to excessive water withdrawals and climate change, threatening wildlife habitats, industries, and human health. The Great Salt Lake has declined by approximately 11 feet and lost nearly 50% of its area over the last 160 years.
A new database called LAGOS provides comprehensive information on water quality, physical, and ecological factors affecting thousands of lakes. The database, developed by 80 scientists across various disciplines, will enable researchers and policymakers to analyze trends over space and time.
A three-year study will explore how population growth, climate change, and lake-specific factors affect water quality in approximately 2,000 lakes in the Northeast. The research team will use satellite, drone, and mobile app data to identify patterns and understand relationships between complex systems.
Scientists have discovered that waves in lakes can generate microseismic signals that can reveal subsurface geology and track ice cover duration. By analyzing these signals, researchers can create a seismic 'CT scan' of the Earth, providing valuable insights into geological structures.
Researchers uncover 25 novel virophage sequences, doubling the known number of these tiny viral parasites. This discovery sheds light on their ecological role and importance in shaping lake ecosystems.
Researchers at Kent State University are working with NASA Glenn Research Center to develop a new method for identifying and monitoring cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie. Using hyperspectral imaging, the team aims to improve water quality and reduce the impact of these toxic cyanobacteria on local communities.
Scientists from the University of Minnesota found that excessively fertilized lakes in Iowa had low algae growth due to the destructive effect of nitrate particles, resulting in increased water clarity. This study suggests that relying on water clarity to gauge water quality may not be effective in all regions.
UTA researchers are using a $50,000 grant to build models and test software that will help the Trinity River Authority make a decision on converting flood storage to water supply. The conversion could allow TRA to store treated wastewater in wet years and sell it during droughts.
The NASA's Aqua satellite provided valuable temperature data to forecasters, showing the strongest storms were located in Hurricane Nate's eastern side. The storm's cloud top temperatures reached as low as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating strong storms capable of heavy rain.
Tropical Storm Nate is forecasted to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides across a wide area of Central America. The storm's center is expected to move across the northwestern Caribbean Sea, reaching the eastern coast of Mexico before moving into the southern Gulf of Mexico.
The Dartmouth-led research team will explore how human population growth, climate change, and land use have affected lake water quality in the Northeast, with a focus on cyanobacterial blooms and real-time monitoring. Citizen scientists will also be involved in collecting data through the Lake Observer app.
A comprehensive study of faults in the Olympic Mountains reveals three to five large earthquakes occurred within the last 13,000 years. The two most recent earthquakes are estimated to be magnitude 7 and 6-7 respectively, posing a significant threat to Seattle and other population centers.
A study by Columbia University researchers suggests that U.S. lakes and reservoirs can generate 325 gigawatts of power through evaporation, which is nearly 70% of the country's current energy production.
Researchers found that whitefish DNA in lake sediment dates back 10,000 years to Stora Lögdasjön, while Lake Hotagen was only colonized 2,200 years ago. This discovery provides insights into the spread of fish species and how they responded to climate change.
A $1.5 million NSF grant will investigate the social and ecological dynamics of freshwater fisheries in Wisconsin's Northern Highland Lake District. The project aims to understand how human activities and ecological processes impact fish populations, with a focus on effective governance and communication between anglers and lake managers.
A new study investigated phosphorus recycling between lake mud and water, a process contributing to harmful algal blooms. Rates of phosphorus release varied greatly from small prairie lakes to Canadian Shield lakes, highlighting the need for improved management strategies.
A new study has detected high concentrations of antidepressants and their metabolites in the brain tissue of fish species in the Niagara River, raising environmental concerns. The levels of these drugs have accumulated over time, posing a risk to biodiversity.
A study of 645 ARDS survivors identified subgroups with varying degrees of impairment, including permanent lung damage and long-term effects on quality of life. Researchers aim to develop tailored rehabilitation programs to guide patients through the recovery process.
A new study found that water quality of lakes in the Midwest and Northeast US has not overwhelmingly degraded or improved over recent decades, with only a small percentage experiencing clearer conditions. The researchers suggest that management practices are holding the line, but large-scale problems require a bigger picture approach.
Researchers discovered four major outburst floods at Lake Catalina, releasing up to 240 Hiroshima-bombs' worth of energy. The next flood is predicted to occur soon, possibly in 2018-19, with scientists attributing the increase to global warming and glacier melt.
A Rice University study reveals that flowing liquid water below the Antarctic ice appears to play a pivotal role in determining the fate of Antarctic ice streams. The research used sediment cores and precise seafloor maps to uncover an extensive, uncovered, water-carved channel connected to subglacial lakes.
Studies estimate algal blooms at two Ohio lakes cost Ohio homeowners $152 million in lost property value over six years. Fishing license sales also drop significantly when algae levels reach moderate health risk, causing up to $5.6 million in lost revenue and associated expenditures.
A recent study found that Lake Michigan's altered ecosystem could better support lake trout and steelhead due to reduced Chinook salmon stocking. The lake's open-water food web dynamics have changed significantly since the 1970s, becoming less productive as a result of decreased nutrients.
Researchers found concentrated lithium in caldera lakes formed by ancient supervolcanic eruptions. This discovery aims to reduce reliance on single companies or countries for lithium supply, addressing global energy and climate change concerns.
A 11-year study on lake trout found that warmer years lead to reduced growth and diet changes, with a focus on smaller prey. The research suggests climate change impacts top predators' feeding behavior and energy acquisition.
A new study presents the post-glacial history of Lake of the Woods, a 4000km lake complex in North America. The research team analyzed sediment cores from the lake and found dramatic hydrological changes over the past 12,000 years.
A Kansas State University researcher found that climate variability, not the Three Gorges Dam, is the primary cause of a water supply decline in East Asia's largest floodplain lake system. The study found that 80% of the observed lake decline is due to simultaneous climate variability closely related to the El Niño-Southern Oscillation.
Schistosoma mansoni parasite is a major cause of human schistosomiasis, with $1.9-million NIH grant aimed at understanding its prevalence and exploring new control methods. Researchers plan to domesticate competitor parasites to combat the spread of the disease.
A new study reveals that methane-eating microbes in Antarctica's subglacial Whillans Lake can consume nearly all released methane, potentially reducing its impact on the atmosphere. This process could have significant climatic implications and may play a critical role in mitigating the effects of melting Antarctic ice sheets.
A team of scientists from Drexel University has discovered a dinosaur-era plant, Lychnothamnus barbatus, alive in North America for the first time. The species was previously thought to be extinct and is now found in lakes across Wisconsin and Minnesota.
NASA scientists have definitively detected acrylonitrile, a chemical thought to form stable structures similar to cell membranes, in Titan's atmosphere. This finding suggests the possibility of membrane-like structures forming on Titan, which could be an important step towards life discovery.
Researchers investigate how climate change and environmental toxins affect the world's largest freshwater lake. Studies on amphipods found that temperature increases can be catastrophic for some species, while chemical pollution can have mass impacts on individual species and ecosystems.
A new robotic lake-bottom laboratory is tracking the levels of toxic cyanobacteria in Lake Erie to provide advance warning to municipal drinking water managers. The goal is to prevent another water crisis like the 2014 Toledo event, where over 400,000 residents were left without safe drinking water.
A University of Oklahoma study reveals the complex relationship between wastewater injection and seismicity in Oklahoma. The research found that foreshocks correlated with wastewater injection rates and stress interactions between earthquakes, ultimately leading to the September 3, 2016, 5.8 magnitude earthquake near Pawnee, Oklahoma.
The Three Gorges Dam has altered downstream schistosomiasis rates by changing snail distribution, with human infection rates decreasing from 3.38% to 0.44%. Low water levels due to the dam have made Dongting Lake an unsuitable environment for snails.
New research on Titan's lakes reveals that most waves reach only about 1 centimeter high, making it a serene environment suitable for safe landing of future probes. The study suggests that the winds are likely low, with patches of smooth and rough surfaces detected.
A new study estimates that global inland fishery harvests may be as high as 12 million tons per year, far exceeding previous estimates. This could significantly contribute to global food security and economic stability, as well as provide valuable resources for recreation and tourism.
Researchers discover evidence of three past earthquakes in the area, one potentially magnitude 6 or greater, indicating active faulting and strong seismic activity. The study suggests that large earthquakes may have occurred in the late Pleistocene era during the last North American ice age.
A new study by Duke University estimates that seagulls feeding at landfills transport and deposit over 240 tons of nitrogen and 39 tons of phosphorus into nearby lakes or reservoirs each year. This nutrient overload contributes to algal blooms, oxygen depletion, and ecological and economic impacts.
A paleoclimate study found that California experienced exceptionally wet and stormy weather around 8,200 years ago, coinciding with a global climate anomaly. The researchers used stalagmite records to extract information about the prehistoric California atmosphere during this time.
A new study in Geophysical Research Letters reveals that offshore wind turbines built according to current standards may not withstand powerful Category 5 hurricane gusts. In contrast, Thwaites Glacier's melt rate will continue but not as rapidly as previously estimated.