Articles tagged with Wastewater
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A trio of new age-dating methods developed at Duke University can determine the age of oil and gas wastewater spills and identify their origins based on radium isotope variations. The methods verify that radium's decay products, including thorium and lead isotopes, can be used to detect the age and source of spills.
A Duke University study found high levels of contaminants in brine-laden wastewater from fracking spills, exceeding federal drinking water guidelines. Soil samples contained higher levels of radioactivity downstream from spill sites, suggesting radium builds up in the environment.
A new study found that consuming produce grown in treated wastewater-irrigated soil leads to higher levels of carbamazepine excretion. The researchers discovered that the production and consumption of such veggies pose a potential risk for consumers, despite the low quantities involved.
A comprehensive analysis suggests that a series of Texas earthquakes, including a 4.8 magnitude event in 2012, could be caused by wastewater injection. However, the study emphasizes the need for high-quality subsurface data to confirm this finding.
Researchers from the University of Missouri found high levels of endocrine disrupting chemicals in surface water near a hydraulic fracturing wastewater disposal facility in West Virginia. The study's results suggest potential negative health effects on aquatic organisms, other animals, and humans due to increased EDC activity.
A survey of a major oil and gas-producing region in Western Canada suggests that hydraulic fracturing may be linked to induced earthquakes. The study found that significant percentage of events are caused by the fracturing process itself, not just wastewater injection.
A new report published in Seismological Research Letters suggests a link between hydraulic fracturing and induced earthquakes in Western Canada. Researchers found that thousands of hydraulic fracturing wells are being drilled every year, increasing the likelihood of earthquake activity.
A study by Alison Franklin and her team at Pennsylvania State University found that treated wastewater from pharmaceutical and personal care products shows scant presence in wheat crops irrigated with the effluent. The researchers discovered that most compounds were present on the outer surfaces of plants, but only trace amounts were d...
A new study by Stanford researchers suggests that earthquakes triggered by human activity follow several indicative patterns that could help scientists distinguish them from naturally occurring temblors. The likelihood of large-magnitude manmade, or "induced," earthquakes increases over time, independent of the previous seismicity rate.
A Dartmouth study reveals that hydraulic fracturing can generate highly saline and toxic metal-rich wastewater due to chemical reactions between injected freshwater and the fractured shale. The research suggests that water-rock interactions play a major role in producing hazardous waste, posing a risk to drinking water supplies.
A new sensor developed by UCL scientists can detect and identify five commonly used explosives in solution within 10 seconds. The sensor uses fluorescent technology to create unique 'fingerprints' for each compound, allowing for multiple explosives to be detected with a single test.
Most drug residues discharged to wastewater originate from private households, according to a study by Leuphana University. The researchers found that health care facilities, such as hospitals and psychiatric clinics, emit significantly lower levels of contaminants, highlighting the need for stricter regulations on medication disposal.
Researchers found high concentrations of endocrine-disrupting compounds in fish caught near wastewater treatment plants in the Basque Country, posing a risk to human health. The study suggests that improved treatment technologies are needed to mitigate this issue.
A new Duke University study finds that energy companies used nearly 250 billion gallons of water for US fracking between 2005 and 2014, while generating about 210 billion gallons of wastewater. The study's findings highlight the need for better treatment and disposal methods for chemical-laden flowback water and brine-laden wastewater.
A new study found that virtually all the water entering the Wabash River in Indiana is withdrawn and returned, highlighting a pressing need for improved understanding of water use. The research suggests that reusing wastewater for irrigation may be detrimental to rivers.
CU-Boulder researchers have developed a novel wastewater treatment process called Microbial Electrolytic Carbon Capture (MECC) that captures greenhouse gases and produces renewable energy. The process uses electrochemical reactions to absorb CO2 from wastewater, producing stable mineral carbonates and bicarbonates.
A new strain of yeast has been discovered that can effectively remove toxic substances from wastewater. Yarrowia lipolytica Y-3492 was found to be highly active against nitro compounds, including those used in explosives and certain medications.
Scientists found that Oklahoma's rising number of earthquakes coincided with increased disposal of salty wastewater into the Arbuckle formation. The primary source of quake-triggering wastewater is brackish water generated from oil and gas extraction, not hydraulic fracturing flowback water.
A new study finds that wastewater injection rate is the strongest trigger for induced quakes, with high-rate wells nearly twice as likely to cause earthquakes. The research analyzed public data on operational wells across the US and discovered a strong correlation between injection rate and induced seismicity.
Researchers have developed TAML activators that effectively break down harmful chemicals in water, reducing the risk of fish feminization and other adverse effects. The catalysts were tested on water samples from municipal wastewater plants and found to be at least as effective as ozone treatment systems.
Induced earthquakes, caused by injecting fluids into the earth, are increasingly felt in the US. Research reveals that most of these earthquakes stem from oil and gas wastewater disposal, not hydraulic fracturing. Experts recommend proactive approaches to mitigate seismic risks.
Researchers developed a combination approach to recover phosphorus from wastewater using mathematical modeling. The method achieved approximately 90% removal of phosphorus, generating $150,000 in annual revenue for WWTPs with limited budgets. This sustainable approach reduces mining demand and improves surface water health.
A SMU-led seismology team reveals that high volumes of wastewater injection combined with saltwater extraction from natural gas wells is the most likely cause of earthquakes occurring near Azle, Texas. The study used a sophisticated 3D model to assess fluid pressure changes in the affected area.
Scientists report preliminary studies suggesting chlorine treatment in wastewater plants may create new, stronger antibiotics. This could contribute to growing antibiotic resistance problem and harm aquatic life.
A recent spill of 3 million gallons of fracking wastewater in North Dakota has raised concerns about the potential harm it could cause to human health and the environment. Scientists are using advanced analytical techniques to study the composition of fracking fluids and wastewater, which may break down differently in the environment.
Engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder have invented a microbe-powered battery that can remove salts and organic contaminants from oil and gas wastewater simultaneously, producing additional energy.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a technology to recover energy from wastewater using MEC, producing hydrogen with high efficiency and low voltage. The system demonstrated excellent results in hydrogen production and energy recovery, opening up potential for industrial-scale development.
The draft U-M report examines seven chapters of policy options for hydraulic fracturing in Michigan, including public participation, water resources, and chemical use. The report presents information on likely strengths and outcomes to support informed decision-making.
A recent study found that earthquake activity near injection wells in the Williston Basin is scarce compared to Texas, where similar activities have been linked to increased seismicity. The study's authors attribute this difference to regional variations in geology and injection practices.
Research suggests that spraying treated wastewater on land can diminish water pollution by filtering out endocrine-disrupting compounds, which can harm fish populations. Soils with more organic carbon accumulate higher levels of these compounds, but some break down instead.
Duke University scientists have discovered high levels of ammonium and iodide in oil and gas wastewater, exceeding EPA water-quality thresholds. These contaminants can harm aquatic life and promote toxic byproducts in drinking water when mixed with chlorine.
A recent study published in HortScience suggests that nitrogen from reclaimed water can support optimal turfgrass growth. The researchers found that turfgrass responded positively to higher concentrations of nitrogen in the irrigation water, but the concentration needed was at least 5 mg·L−1.
Researchers at University of Pittsburgh have contributed three studies to a special issue of the journal Energy Technology, focusing on smart wells, wastewater management, and information gaps related to shale gas drilling. The research aims to improve extraction through wireless communication and safely reuse drilling wastewater.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are exploring a new method to treat high-saline water from hydrofracturing and other processes by utilizing waste heat from thermoelectric plants. The goal is to develop a cost-effective technology that can recover clean water and reduce waste disposal costs.
Scientists developed new geochemical tracers to detect hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers can track the presence of frac fluids and distinguish them from wastewater coming from other sources.
Scientists have developed geochemical tracers that can identify hydraulic fracturing flowback fluids in the environment. The tracers were tested at a spill site in West Virginia and a brine wastewater treatment plant in Pennsylvania, allowing for the detection of frac fluid contamination and potential risks to water supplies.
Scientists have found that discharge of fracking wastewater into rivers can contaminate drinking water supplies. Even after passage through wastewater treatment plants, halides in the wastewater can lead to toxic byproducts when treated with conventional methods.
A new solar-powered treatment process can accelerate oil sands tailings reclamation by up to 84% and reduce costs. The technology has the potential to also treat municipal wastewater and could make it safer for rivers.
Seismologists attribute the dramatic rise in earthquakes to deep wastewater injection. The Raton Basin saw a significant increase in seismicity after major fluid injection began in 1999, with 16 magnitude > 3.8 earthquakes recorded between 2001 and 2011.
The Stanford-led study synthesizes 165 academic studies and government databases to assess the environmental costs and benefits of fracking. Fracking's influence on local air pollution, earthquakes, and supplies of clean water is also examined. The study finds that oil and gas extraction can reduce water consumption compared to coal po...
A new study published in Science finds that subsurface wastewater injection is likely causing the dramatic increase in earthquakes in central Oklahoma since 2009. The research suggests that adherence to standard best practices can reduce the risk of inducing seismicity.
Research suggests that wastewater disposal can induce earthquakes tens of kilometers away from the wellbore, complicating seismic hazard assessments and maps. The study's findings have significant implications for critical structures such as dams and nuclear power plants.
Scientists at the University of Cologne have discovered a new method to produce hydrogen from water and formaldehyde. The approach can be used to break down contaminants in industrial waste water while generating hydrogen, reclaiming an important raw material.
Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develop sophisticated measuring sensors to improve biological treatment stages. The sensors help determine the dynamic of flow and inform treatment plants on optimal mixing strength.
Researchers at the University of Luxembourg found that gentle reminders about environmental impact and social norms led to significant reductions in towel usage. Guests used 1.6 towels per person per day when told of hotel-wide behavior, compared to one towel per person per day in rooms with previous guest information.
A CU-Boulder study reveals that palm oil wastewater is a significant source of heat-trapping methane in the atmosphere. Capturing this methane could provide a renewable energy solution, potentially meeting a quarter of Malaysia's electricity needs.
A Duke University study found that blending fracking wastewater with acid mine drainage can remove up to 100% of radium and other radioactive contaminants, making the treated water suitable for reuse in hydraulic fracturing. This process could reduce environmental risks and provide a win-win for the industry and the environment.
Researchers developed a method to feed dyed leaves to silkworms, producing colored silk fibers without harsh chemicals. The study successfully incorporated azo dyes into the caterpillars' silk, paving the way for more environmentally friendly textile production.
Researchers have designed a highly sensitive nanosensor using graphene oxide to detect extremely low levels of uranium and plutonium in nuclear waste water. The discovery has significant implications for identifying potential leaks and ensuring environmental and human health safety.
A new recycling process can extract valuable materials from wastewater containing rare earth elements (REEs), which are crucial in modern technologies. The process uses a nanomaterial to capture more than 85% of the REEs, providing a promising solution to address supply shortages and environmental concerns.
A Duke University study found elevated levels of radioactivity, salts, and metals in river water and sediments after fracking wastewater discharge. Radioactivity levels were up to 200 times greater in sediment samples collected near the facility than upstream.
A new UN-backed study reveals that treated wastewater has 'massive potential resource' globally, but data on its usage is scarce. Only 55 countries out of 181 studied have information on wastewater generation, treatment, and reuse.
Large earthquakes from distant parts of the globe are triggering tremors around US waste-fluid injection wells, according to a new study. The phenomenon could indicate critically stressed faults that may soon host larger earthquakes.
Researchers found that papyrus sedge can absorb toxic matter from abattoir effluent, including nitrogen and phosphorus ions. The study suggests using constructed wetlands with papyrus as a final treatment step to reduce untreated effluent reaching Lake Victoria.
A new study links a magnitude 5.7 earthquake in central Oklahoma to wastewater injection, destroying homes and causing widespread damage. The researchers found that the pressure increase triggered by wastewater injection led to the largest earthquake ever recorded in Oklahoma.
A new membrane developed by researchers at Wits University can effectively separate waste from water, making it suitable for treating pollutants in various processes. The technology has the potential to filter pure water from wastewater produced during mining, oil and gas exploration, and nuclear activities.
A new dynamic mathematical model estimates variation in greenhouse gas emissions in response to changes in wastewater management systems. The study provides more accurate and detailed predictions than current steady-state models, with implications for industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The symposium aims to find solutions to the increasing gap between food production and water availability. Experts will discuss ways to optimize water use in crop production, protect freshwater resources, and reuse gray water to ensure both adequate food and abundant water supplies for future generations.
Hydraulically fractured natural gas wells in the Marcellus shale region produce about 35% as much wastewater per unit of gas recovered as conventional wells. The total amount of wastewater has increased by 570% since 2004, threatening to overwhelm the region's wastewater-disposal infrastructure capacity.
The new method reduces phosphorus levels by over 80% and saves energy and waste, producing significant cost savings for municipal wastewater treatment plants. Simultaneous precipitation eliminates the need for additional chemical treatments.