Research on lakes and freshwater. Covers waterborne illness, AI algal-bloom technology, freshwater carbon, and cyanobacteria toxin detection.
University of Wyoming researchers found that trout in Wind River Mountains lakes have adapted to their environment, showing rapid evolution. The study reveals a change in gill rakers, likely related to food sources, and highlights the importance of eco-evolutionary interactions.
A new study suggests that with careful management, road salt concentrations in US lakes may stabilize below EPA-set thresholds to protect aquatic life. Reducing road salt application rates could yield additional environmental and economic benefits without threatening road safety.
Researchers have developed a new method to estimate river flow rates on Mars and Titan, utilizing satellite observations and mathematical equations. The technique allows for predictions of river flow times, sediment size, and potential support for life, shedding light on these celestial bodies' geological pasts.
A recent study from the University of Helsinki found that fish mercury concentrations are highest in winter and near spring spawning, but lowest in autumn after the growing season. This seasonal pattern is linked to changes in fish metabolism and food availability during colder months.
A new study found that the 2022 snow season had the highest snowpack dust concentrations of any year since observations began in 2009, accelerating snowmelt by 17 days. The dry lakebed of the Great Salt Lake contributed the highest dust emissions per surface area, threatening Utah's water supply.
A Cornell University-led study found that small and shallow ponds emit significant amounts of methane and carbon dioxide, with variability increasing as pond size decreases. The research provides valuable insights into calibrating climate models and informs strategies for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from inland waterbodies.
Researchers at Duke University have identified a climate feedback loop that could accelerate climate change. Monitoring mixotrophs, tiny organisms with dual metabolism modes, may allow us to anticipate the tipping point before it gets there. However, nutrient pollution poses a challenge to detecting early warning signals.
A University of Leicester-led study suggests that ancient lakes existed in South Africa's interior during the last Ice Age, supporting hunter-gatherer communities. The research provides new insights into human migration patterns and ecosystem sensitivity to global climate change.
Researchers at Concordia University have developed a system of floating geotextile filters that efficiently remove suspended solids, algae, and nutrients from shallow lakes. The study shows promising results in lake water remediation, with the potential to scale up and benefit larger bodies of water.
Researchers at UToledo developed a new model to estimate the abundance of rare species like invasive grass carp in freshwater ecosystems. The model helps guide management strategies and provides insight into the effectiveness of control efforts.
A study published in Nature Communications found no evidence for two alternative stable states in shallow lakes, contradicting the accepted theory. The research team recommends reducing nutrient inputs to ensure ecological equilibrium.
A groundbreaking study found that creating shallow water zones enhances fish populations, while coarse wood bundles have positive effects in selected lakes. The approach has stronger long-term effects than narrow species-focused conservation actions.
Researchers argue that polders are an important part of China's water heritage, reflecting the country's long history of water management. Over 2,500 years, polders have evolved in response to changing societal needs, adapting to agricultural modernisation and urban encroachment.
A new study suggests that the invasive rusty crayfish may be dying off naturally, allowing native water plants and snails to flourish. In some Northern Wisconsin lakes, crayfish populations have declined by nearly zero, leading to a resurgence of plant life and potential ecosystem recovery.
The cichlid fish species Lamprologous callipterus has a unique reproductive system where males are 12 times bigger than females, but also has a smaller male morph that is 60 times smaller. A new study found that the genetic mechanism underlying this size-determining sex chromosome is linked to the growth hormone regulator gene GHRHR.
Researchers have identified seven distinct species of whitefish in the Reuss river system, with two new species found in Lake Lucerne and one in Lake Zug. Eutrophication led to the extinction of several species, but the discovery highlights the unique characteristics of each lake's ecosystem.
A recent study found that heatwaves decrease phytoplankton biomass in a boreal lake by reducing the depth of the mixed layer. This reduction limits light and nutrient availability for photosynthesis.
A new study by Environmental Working Group scientists reveals that consuming one serving of freshwater fish per year is equivalent to ingesting water with high levels of the toxic chemical PFOS for a month. The study analyzed data from over 500 fish samples and found median amounts of PFAS in freshwater fish to be 280 times greater tha...
Research warns that ice roads will become unsustainable as the climate warms, threatening remote communities and industry. The thickness of ice needed to support transport trucks varies by region, with some areas experiencing a 90% decline in safe days of ice.
A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...
A new study reveals that marimo algae balls are susceptible to photoinhibition when exposed to high light intensities and low water temperatures. Researchers found that while the algae can recover from brief periods of bright sunlight, prolonged exposure leads to cell damage and death.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
A University of California Riverside study found that Salton Sea dust triggers lung neutrophil inflammation in mice, with potential implications for asthma sufferers and other terminal lake regions. The research highlights the need for further funding to understand dust-triggered inflammation and its effects on human health.
Rondaxe Lake's experience is just one of thousands worldwide as lakes lose oxygen due to warming, leading to conditions like hypoxia and anoxia. This phenomenon, exacerbated by seasonal stratification, threatens aquatic life and ecosystems.
Researchers found that small pelagic fish such as herring and sardines are the cheapest nutritious fish in 72% of low- and middle-income countries. These fish can help close nutrient gaps, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa where deficiencies are rising.
A new study from the University of Wisconsin-Madison found that while phosphorus is a key ingredient for algae blooms, other factors like calm winds, warm surface waters, and low zooplankton populations can delay or prevent blooms. Drastically reducing phosphorus use on land may be the only option to head off future blooms.
A researcher swam 1,600 miles along the Danube River to raise awareness about water pollution and its effects on wildlife and human health. He highlighted microplastics, toxic algal blooms, and changes in river chemistry due to climate change.
A study by UBC Okanagan researchers suggests that tire particles can contaminate freshwater sources, including lakes like Okanagan and Kalamalka. The researchers estimated that over 50 tonnes of tire and road wear particles are released into waterways annually.
A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.
A study of 18 countries found that adults with good mental health reported more blue space experiences as children. This was associated with greater intrinsic value on natural settings and more frequent visits as adults, leading to better mental wellbeing.
Research identifies Colorado River flow decline as main cause of Salton Sea's shrinking, leading to increased salt and chemical concentrations. The study highlights the need for a watershed-centric approach to mitigate the environmental risks and health impacts of the Salton Sea's decline.
The Great Salt Lake is losing freshwater input to agriculture and urban growth, causing salt concentrations to spike. Like Iran's Lake Urmia, it's reaching levels stressful for brine shrimp and brine flies, which are essential for migratory birds.
Researchers from Hokkaido University used satellite images to observe the sudden drainage of proglacial lake Lago Greve in Chilean Patagonia, resulting in a 18-meter drop in water level and a loss of 3.7 cubic kilometers of water. The study suggests that the cause was the collapse of a sediment bump at the lake's outlet, highlighting t...
A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.
A new study predicts that global warming will shorten safe ice conditions on frozen lakes by 2-3 weeks over the next 80 years. This will have a significant impact on indigenous communities and regional economies that rely on ice roads.
Researchers have developed a new framework using high-throughput 'omics' technologies to detect the effects of ambient chemical mixtures on living organisms, including water fleas. The approach enables water fleas to detect bioactive components and predict toxicity in other species.
A new study finds that climate change may decrease the percentage of blue lakes worldwide, leading to shifts in lake water color and ecosystem health. The research uses satellite images to determine a global inventory of lake colors, finding that green-brown lakes are more widespread than previously thought.
A study by Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ found that climate-induced deforestation can lead to a significant increase in dissolved phosphorus concentration and nitrogen levels in reservoirs. This can result in an overgrowth of diatoms and green algae, compromising water quality.
A new study published in Earth Science Frontiers elucidates the role of nanopores in accumulating shale oil in the Gulong-Qingshankou reservoir in China. The research found that well-developed nanopores and nanofissures play a crucial role in storing shale oil, leading to a high source-reservoir ratio.
Threespine stickleback fish evolved resistance to freshwater tapeworms by forming scar tissue around them, which prevents the worms from growing. However, this defense has a significant fitness cost for female sticklebacks, as they are 80% less likely to successfully breed due to the accumulated scarring.
A new study reveals that Arctic lakes have shrunk or dried completely over the past 20 years, threatening local Indigenous communities and industries. The research found that permafrost thaw is accelerating lake drainage, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere and exacerbating climate change.
Researchers sequenced giant viruses in the unique freshwater lake, finding a diverse community with distinct genetic repertoires. The study highlights the importance of viruses in biomass turnover and ecosystem balance, particularly in high Arctic environments.
The Perseverance rover collected igneous cumulate rocks from four sites on the floor of Jezero Crater, providing evidence of aqueous alteration. These rocks will help scientists determine when Mars' climate was conducive to lakes and rivers, addressing major questions about the planet's history.
Two new-to-science scorpions, Paruroctonus soda and P. conclusus, are described by Bay Area high school students Harper Forbes and Prakrit Jain in collaboration with the California Academy of Sciences. The species are alkali sink specialists found only in playas from Central and Southern California.
A new study uses high-resolution regional model experiments to explore how lake surface temperatures may affect the climate of the Great Lakes region. Small differences in lake surface temperatures can have a significant impact on summer climate and fuel extreme weather events.
Researchers at Radboud University found that using Phoslock can reduce methane emissions by up to 74% and dredging by approximately 52%. These methods target eutrophication, a key driver of methane production in lakes.
A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.
Researchers at Rice University propose a new scenario explaining the 2016 discovery of tridymite by NASA's Curiosity rover. They suggest that magma cooled slowly in a chamber below a volcano, producing concentrated silicon-rich ash that was later weathered and sorted by water.
A study reveals urban waters exhibit distinct microbial signatures compared to rural lakes, indicating humanization and eutrophication's effects on ecosystems. This shift may increase the risk of pathogens and contamination in urban areas.
Shorter winters have reduced ice coverage by 31 days over the past 165 years, leading to altered lake biota, increased evaporation and salinity. Climate change is expected to worsen these effects, threatening ecosystem services including water quality and human consumption.
A comprehensive global dataset of lakes and reservoirs has been published, offering new information on land and fresh water use. The research provides a better understanding of the impact of changing climate and human actions on global freshwater resources.
Climate change is affecting lakes globally, causing changes in stratification regimes, dissolved oxygen levels, and habitat for native fish. Warmer water temperatures can lead to cyanobacterial blooms, reduced oxygen levels, and increased salinity, impacting aquatic organisms and human activities.
Over 50 sightings of manatees have been reported between the Gatun Lake and Miraflores Locks since 1977, leading to speculation about their possible entry into the Eastern Pacific Ocean. A population of 20-25 manatees was estimated in the Gatun Lake in 2015.
A team of researchers found a high ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in Flathead Lake, limiting phytoplankton growth and affecting zooplankton populations. This imbalance sets the stage for potential methane production and has significant ecological consequences.
A three-year project will focus on developing the Waterworks Park Pilot Plant facility for applied research, testing and evaluation of new technologies. The project aims to address critical shortages of technicians and engineers for water utilities nationwide.
Researchers identified specific types of toxins produced by cyanobacteria in Oregon lakes, including microcystin and cylindrospermopsin. The study provides important information for protecting public health and responding to harmful algal blooms.
Researchers evaluated the history of hydrothermal explosions at Yellowstone Lake, discovering at least 16 deposits in sediment cores. The Mary Bay and Elliott's Craters were found to have larger extent of deposits than previously thought, with the lake level likely lower during the explosions.
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
Researchers investigate protogenetic clinopyroxene inclusions for diamond dating and find implications for understanding Earth's mantle processes. They also study Andean deformation and its relation to flat slab subduction and tectonic inheritance.
Great Salt Lake wetland plants can accumulate hazardous metal pollution, which can be passed up the food chain to herbivorous insects. This study found high concentrations of lead, mercury, and other metals in plant tissues, threatening terrestrial ecosystems.