Articles tagged with Water Management
New research shows that antibiotics can drive bacterial resistance even after they are broken down in wastewater treatment plants and discharged into rivers and seas. The study found that some metabolites form when antibiotics break down retain the ability to promote antibiotic resistance.
A new UN report details the environmental costs of artificial intelligence, including its burgeoning electricity use, carbon emissions, water footprint, and land occupation. The investigation finds that AI's expansion involves significant energy consumption, leading to substantial CO2, water, and land footprints.
Researchers developed amine-functionalized biochar/cellulose acetate hybrid membranes using microalgae biomass, improving water filtration and reducing foulant adhesion. The modified membranes achieved a water flux of 169.1 L m⁻² h⁻¹ and 64.1% removal of natural organic matter.
A new study by University of East London researchers aims to gather data on microplastic contamination across the Thames, combining new sampling with existing datasets. The findings could inform discussions around wastewater management, river protection, and plastic pollution policy.
Researchers discover hydrogen radicals play central role in PFAS degradation under high-energy UV light, breaking down molecules into smaller, less persistent compounds. This breakthrough provides a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanism and challenges previous assumptions.
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed an AI-driven framework to extract and analyze historical flood insurance maps, uncovering significant changes in flood hazard areas. The study reveals that flood risks have expanded in two areas and reduced in one, with critical consequences for resilience and exposure.
Researchers propose using terrain to deter conflict while delivering environmental benefits through restored forests, wetlands, and peatlands. These interventions support carbon storage, flood mitigation, and biodiversity recovery, acting as a form of deterrence by denial.
A new study by the University at Buffalo reveals that unequal access to recycling facilities plays a key role in shaping plastic waste management practices in the US. Wealthier and more college-educated communities are more likely to have convenient access to large-scale industrial recycling facilities, making recycling easier and more...
Researchers created a novel material by converting microalgae biomass into biochar and modifying it with amine functional groups, producing hybrid filters with enhanced purification performance. The new membranes achieved better pollutant rejection and improved resistance to fouling.
The Re-Analysis of Water for Society (RAWS) project seeks to create a detailed daily record of the world's freshwater systems spanning 60 years. By combining advanced water modeling with artificial intelligence and integrated global datasets, RAWS aims to provide a clearer picture of how water systems have changed over time.
A new report suggests that changing domestic shower and toilet habits could help close England's projected 5 billion litre daily water shortfall. The report identifies key behaviour change targets, including reporting or fixing in-home leaks, showering, and flushing toilets, and argues that effective behaviour change depends on underst...
A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.
The new framework groups stations with similar hydrological behavior, reducing computational cost while maintaining high predictive accuracy. This approach enables scalable, data-efficient AI systems for water level forecasting, supporting flood early-warning systems, optimized reservoir and irrigation management, and improved decision...
A new study finds that Pune's reservoirs will likely dry up and groundwater levels will plummet by the middle of this century if the city maintains current policies. However, the research shows these outcomes can be avoided with certain policy interventions.
Research shows glacial lakes in Alaska expanding 50% faster than previously recorded, posing significant hazards and altering ecosystems. The study identifies areas where lakes may form and grow, helping with infrastructure planning and predicting changes to ecosystems, hazards, and recreation.
A new research project, (not)NOISY, aims to predict cumulative underwater noise produced by tidal turbine arrays before they are built. The team will develop advanced models and AI-assisted tools to quantify how noise travels through marine environments, supporting informed decision-making.
Emerging microbially-powered technologies can convert up to 35% of wastewater's chemical energy into electricity and extract valuable nutrients. This approach could power agriculture, global sanitation and its own treatment, while reducing pollution and overcoming regulatory obstacles.
Researchers explore how METs convert organic waste into electricity, fuels, fertilizers, and usable water. Pilot deployments demonstrate its potential to reclaim energy from 359 billion cubic meters of wastewater annually.
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology developed a mesh bioreactor with ultrasound-induced transient cavitation, increasing flux 10-20 times conventional membrane bioreactors while reducing energy consumption and cost. The technology meets discharge standards in approximately 75% of the global population.
The United Nations University reports that many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, with critical water systems already bankrupt. The study defines 'water bankruptcy' as persistent over-withdrawal from surface and groundwater relative to renewable inflows and safe levels of depletion. This has resulted in a growing list...
A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.
The Scaling Hub South Asia is a multi-sector platform designed to accelerate proven agricultural, water, and energy innovations. It aims to strengthen regional food and water security for over 500 million people in South Asia.
New research from Simon Fraser University finds that Canada is failing to monitor the health of Pacific salmon populations, with 44% lacking sufficient data. The decline in monitoring is particularly concerning as salmon face the dual threat of climate change and industrial projects set to be fast-tracked by the federal government.
Research led by University of Notre Dame biologist Jason Rohr found that chronic exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes fish to age faster at the cellular level, leading to accelerated aging and reduced lifespan. The study suggests that low-level exposures can silently accumulate damage over time.
Researchers at Princeton University and the University of Arizona created a detailed map of groundwater levels across the US using direct measurements and AI methods. The map estimates 306,000 cubic kilometers of water, more than 13 times the volume of all Great Lakes combined.
Researchers at CU Boulder have introduced a solution to improving desalination plant performance by observing in real-time membrane fouling using SRS. The technique helps maximize filtration efficiency and reduce energy use, making it crucial for ensuring global access to clean water.
A nationwide study found that water treatment methods using chlorine as a primary disinfectant increase the risk of Legionnaires' disease. Chlorine used as a secondary disinfectant also increases disease rates, whereas monochloramine reduces the risk.
Research shows that flooding in delta cities like Shanghai can expand by up to 80% and be much deeper by 2100 due to extreme climate events, sea-level rise and land subsidence. A major adaptation effort is required to raise defences and construct mobile flood barriers.
A study analyzing over 100 cities in Asia, Africa, and Latin America found that compact urban planning is crucial for delivering water and sanitation to growing populations. The research suggests that if cities spread outward rather than building more densely, access to clean water and basic sanitation could be significantly impacted.
Researchers analyzed 1,240 wastewater samples from 351 cities worldwide and discovered latent antimicrobial resistance genes. The study highlights the need for broader surveillance of resistance in wastewater to curb future pandemics.
The study found that more than half of the water consumed in the basin is used unsustainably, with only 48% naturally replenished each year. The researchers suggest adopting deficit irrigation practices and repurposing farmland for habitat restoration or solar farms to address the crisis.
MIT engineers have developed an ultrasonic device that vibrates at high frequency to shake out water molecules from a material, recovering clean drinking water in minutes. This design is 45 times more efficient than existing heat-based systems, which can take hours or days.
Researchers project that Chile's glaciers will only be able to contribute half of today's runoff meltwater during extreme dry summer months. They call for effective water management strategies and coordinated global climate policies to mitigate future megadroughts.
Pitt researchers found that orthophosphate additions in drinking water treatment can leak into urban streams, increasing phosphorus concentrations by over 600% and trace metals like copper and iron by nearly 3,500%. The study suggests urgent corrective actions to address phosphate leakage from buried infrastructure systems.
A recent study at the University of Gothenburg discovered that two medications, cholestyramine and colesevelam, can rapidly eliminate perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from the body. The findings suggest a potential therapeutic application for these medicines in reducing PFAS levels.
Researchers developed a gravity-driven biochar microreactor from rattan, achieving ultrahigh flux and complete degradation of common pollutants. The system activated peroxymonosulfate through a non-radical pathway, with boundary-like defects as primary active sites.
A new analytical framework separates how nitrogen moves through three key hydrological pathways—surface flow, subsurface flow, and baseflow—and found that each pathway behaves differently across landscapes and seasons. The study offers crucial guidance for policymakers to adapt strategies to reduce nitrogen loss.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science and Technology have discovered fluorinated covalent organic polymers (FCOPs) that can remove 67.3% of beta-blockers like atenolol and metoprolol within the first minute. The FCOPs' strong adsorption performance is attributed to their rich structure, which enables multiple synergistic ...
An AI-driven irrigation management system developed by Texas A&M University students uses soil sensors, crop data, and weather forecasts to optimize watering. The system conserves water, reduces costs, and increases crop yields, addressing global issues of water scarcity and inequity.
A new study argues that plants cannot survive without a minimum water supply, regardless of their genetic drought tolerance. Effective water management strategies, such as modern irrigation systems and soil mulching, have consistently stabilized or boosted yields, while genetic advances provide little protection once soil moisture fall...
Researchers analyzed 11 international constructed floating wetlands projects and found that they can be a competitive solution for improving water quality, especially for nitrogen removal. The cost of removing nitrogen was consistently cheaper than phosphorus, making floating wetlands a more economical option over time.
Research reveals community management effectively protects vast areas of Amazonian forest, safeguarding biodiversity and supporting local communities. Community-led conservation efforts are crucial for long-term sustainability, but require recognition and financial support.
Six Japan-led programs will be presented at the Science Summit UNGA80, addressing global challenges such as food and water security, rare diseases, inclusive education, and research ethics. The programs are open to a global audience and offer free registration.
A 2,800-year-old study using Carbon-14 dating reveals that the Siloam Pool and Dam were constructed as part of a comprehensive water management system for ancient Jerusalem. The findings point to early urban planning and impressive engineering skills in addressing climate change.
A new study by the University of Surrey found that AI technologies can give hotels, restaurants, and cruise lines a competitive edge while improving environmental and social impact. The research calls for targeted staff training, industry-wide partnerships, and government-backed incentives to speed up AI adoption.
A new Virginia Tech study reveals that toxic well water primarily affects household pets, with 64% of dog drinking water samples containing high levels of potentially toxic heavy metals. Researchers found a correlation between untreated well water and poor health in dogs, highlighting the need for households to test and treat their water.
Researchers at UniSA propose a predictive analytics approach to identify high-risk areas before damage occurs, reducing pipe blockages and environmental contamination. The study suggests that traditional removal methods are not effective and can cause more harm.
A new tool helps understand original landscape functioning and supports current land use strategies by generating realistic drone footage of past landscapes. The study uses AI to create photorealistic depictions of the Great Hungarian Plain before water regulations.
New research reveals that lakes relying on groundwater connections maintain stable water levels and buffer climate change impacts. Shallow lakes are vulnerable to rising temperatures and reduced rainfall due to high evaporation rates.
A new study introduces the SESBI index to measure stream health based on ecosystem services provided to humans. The tool evaluates six indicators directly tied to stream benefits, enabling decision-makers to quickly understand a stream's condition and prioritize investments.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that large rain events combined with sea level rise could cause severe flooding across 70% of Waikīkī, contaminating stormwater inlets and disrupting transportation. By 2050, the entire Waikīkī storm drainage system is expected to fail, posing a health hazard from contaminated water.
A new study from Tulane University reveals that parts of New Orleans are sinking at an alarming rate, with some areas experiencing up to 2 inches of elevation loss annually. The findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring and maintenance to ensure the city's flood defenses remain effective.
Two Purdue researchers received funding to advance university innovations. Andrew Mesecar aims to develop new treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma using patented enzyme inhibitors. Meanwhile, Pablo Zavattieri is working on a patent-pending system to address saltwater intrusion in the Panama Canal.
A new market-based approach to managing water in the Colorado River basin could provide more reliable supplies for farmers, communities, and industry amid ongoing drought and excess demand. Strategic water transactions that reduce water use would benefit over 380 miles of restorable river reaches.
New research from Tulane University finds that global riverine mercury pollution has more than doubled since the pre-industrial era, with primary drivers including wastewater discharge, soil erosion, and industrial activities. This increase poses significant health risks to humans and wildlife through consumption of contaminated fish.
Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a novel oxidation process using sonicated carbon nanotubes to remove industrial and municipal pollutants from contaminated water. The nonradical pathway achieves unprecedented removal rates within five minutes, targeting distributed water sources.
Researchers developed a new deep learning framework to predict extreme water levels during hurricanes, enabling smarter decisions and potentially saving lives. The framework, LSTM-SAM, analyzes patterns from past storms to make accurate predictions in areas with limited data, using transfer learning techniques.
A new Fenton system introduces a pH-responsive mechanism that produces hydroxyl radicals only within a specific pH range, preventing side reactions and improving treatment efficiency. The system's automatic shutdown in acidic conditions minimizes chemical overuse and reduces reliance on energy-intensive methods.
Researchers have developed a material that can collect moisture from the air and release it onto surfaces without external energy input. The material works through capillary condensation, where water vapor condenses inside tiny pores at lower humidity levels, creating a feedback loop of water harvesting.