Articles tagged with Water Management
A UTEP student has developed an innovative method to desalinate water, which converts over 90% of salt water to fresh water. The new technique, called salt-free electrodialysis metathesis, uses ion exchange membranes and electrical currents to separate salt from water.
Researchers combined GPS and GRACE-based data to develop a new multivariate drought indicator, which showed strong temporal consistency with traditional drought indicators. This approach enabled the detection of previously unidentified drought events and their cascading impacts on freshwater systems.
New research reveals indoor vertical gardens consume excessive energy, particularly from artificial lighting and ventilation systems. Improving design and energy management can significantly reduce consumption.
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.
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.
A study by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering researcher Nasrin Alamdari found that the shape, size, and density of microplastics affect their sinking speed, impacting urban stormwater transport. The research suggests solutions like permeable pavements and green spaces can trap microplastics, reducing pollution.
A recent study published in Global Environmental Change highlights the pressing need for innovative economic strategies to address global water scarcity and pollution. The research found that 71% of the world's population has high existing water security needs, with significant disparities in readiness across regions.
A new study found that climate change may lead to a significant increase in diarrheal disease hospitalizations in Dhaka, Bangladesh, even if global warming targets are met. Hospitalization rates could rise by 4.5-7.4% due to warmer temperatures and worsening water quality.
The project aims to create a Great Lakes-focused microplastic action network using proven reduction strategies and new tools. It will empower communities to identify local pollution sources and mitigate microplastic pollution at a local level.
Snowmelt rates vary by slope orientation and receive varying amounts of solar radiation. The study found that burned south-facing slopes accumulate less snow and melt earlier than other aspects due to increased solar radiation absorption. This understanding will improve models and tools for water managers.
A new study by UN University scientists reveals persistent gender disparities in the global water workforce, with women underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles. The researchers emphasize the need to close the gender data gap to ensure effective water management and inclusive governance.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a moving particle simulation-aided soil plasticity analysis for earth pressure balance shield tunnelling. The study found that earth pressure is a reliable indicator for analyzing soil plasticity and proposed a computer-aided analysis system that precisely reflects e...
A recent study from the University of Illinois provides new insights into the sources and processes affecting nitrogen load in tile drainage water. The research team found a large legacy pool of nitrate in the soil, resulting in a time lag between when nitrogen is added to the system and when it is exported as nitrate in tile drainage.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that US droughts in the Southwest and rainy extremes in the Northeast are becoming more frequent and severe. The study predicts bigger swings between wetter and drier periods in the mid-United States, straining water management efforts.
Researchers developed a self-healing hydrogel dressing with structural color microspheres that can adhere to wounds under near-infrared irradiation. The composite microspheres promote extracellular matrix deposition, neovascularization, and efficient drug release through visual color changes.
A growing global understanding of drought's impacts, but significant gaps remain in affected communities and developing countries. Long-lasting droughts heighten awareness, while economic factors influence responsiveness to the issue.
Closing Colorado's 'free river conditions' loophole could save millions of cubic meters of water and reduce stress in the region. The loophole allows anyone to take as much water as they want from the river, threatening the success of any payment program for farmers not irrigating their land.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that warmer, drier springs account for almost 70% of the discrepancy between predicted and actual streamflow in Colorado. The team's findings suggest that plants rely more on snowmelt during dry springs, leaving less water to flow into nearby streams.
Researchers question the high levels of ice used at summer Olympics, citing potential stress on local resources and lack of evidence-based practices. They advocate for more sustainable approaches and better data on ice consumption.
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.
A study by the University of Córdoba found that allocating water based on quotas is more effective in managing water consumption in agriculture. This approach reduces economic losses and has a greater social benefit compared to imposing additional taxes on water.
Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.
Researchers in the Netherlands have developed a self-cooling artificial turf system that stores rainwater under the surface, reducing surface temperatures by up to 35°C. This innovation makes sports fields safer for players and helps mitigate urban flooding, while also offering a durable and low-maintenance alternative to natural grass.
A new study suggests that implementing effective water quality management measures could halve future water scarcity in the Pearl River Basin. The research highlights the importance of addressing water pollution and other environmental factors to mitigate water scarcity and support sustainable development.
Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reconstructed the development of Barbegal's former water mills using carbonate deposits. The study found that wooden water wheels and gutters were replaced every 3-8 years, and the structure was modified to increase water flow.
A recent study identifies areas at risk of waste leakage into aquatic environments, highlighting the need for improved waste management systems and universal waste collection. The research also emphasizes the importance of circular waste management systems to reduce pollution in these ecosystems.
A computer model simulates dynamics of barrier island systems over two centuries, showing how human efforts to protect communities affect natural processes. The study finds that successful storm prevention strategies lead to less resilient barriers in the long term.
A significant shift in the Nile River's evolution around 4,000 years ago may have contributed to ancient Egypt's agricultural economy prosperity and cultural achievements. The research found that changes in the landscape enlarged arable land near Luxor and improved soil fertility.
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a more accurate method for tracking reservoir evaporation rates, accounting for factors not considered by current methods. The new algorithm reveals a clear geographic distribution and strong seasonality of evaporation throughout Texas.
A recent study predicts that three million people in Korea could face groundwater depletion by 2080 due to climate change and water overuse. The research analyzed surface and deep groundwater level data from 2009 to 2020, revealing critical spatiotemporal patterns in groundwater levels.
A new study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that agricultural demand for water is significantly higher than cities, with crops used for feeding cattle being the largest consumers. The researchers also found that reservoir levels are dropping due to overuse and climate change, highlighting the need for efficient water use strategies.
Researchers apply hydrophilic polymer coating to nanoparticles, reducing accumulation and toxicity in Caenorhabditis elegans. The coating mitigates NP bioavailability, promoting eco-friendly nanomaterials for environmental remediation.
Researchers developed an impact-based forecasting system that combines various models to predict flood impacts with high resolution. The system enables early warnings for evacuation, reducing population and property damage.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that saturated soils in upland regions could negatively impact the survival rates of young oak saplings and acorns. The research highlights the importance of considering soil conditions when creating temperate rainforests to combat climate change.
A new subspecies of northern hydrilla has been discovered outside the Connecticut River, spreading rapidly across five additional waterbodies in Connecticut and one in Massachusetts. The invasive aquatic weed hinders recreational activities, forms dense canopies, and has the potential to displace native species.
Scientists propose a transformative approach to resolve the Nile conflict by increasing electricity trade between Ethiopia, Sudan, and Egypt. This study reveals that energy-water system simulation can alleviate tensions and promote win-win situations for all parties involved.
A study by Concordia researchers analyzed data from 13 Canadian utilities covering 26,000 km of pipes and 62,000 failures. They found age, material, and diameter were the most associated factors with breaks, but also revealed less well-known effects of pipe protection methods, soil types, and seasonal variations.
A recent study by University of Hawaii at Manoa researchers highlights the hidden threat of global underground infrastructure vulnerability to sea-level rise. Shallow and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, roadways, and building foundations in cities worldwide.
Researchers found that old and young waters behave differently, with deep groundwater sustaining the hydrological system. Only 20-40% of surface water is contemporary, making it sensitive to climate change and mining activities.
Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo, demonstrated a new method for visualizing vegetation gradients in hilly terrain. This analysis showed that 'hillslope-impacted vegetation' is a common global phenomenon, widely distributed across various climates and regions.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for a just and sustainable future, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality. The authors advocate for a global cultural shift that prioritizes kinship with nature and communal well-being to avoid devastating consequences.
A new Deep Learning model based on the Transformer architecture has been developed to predict water and energy demands in agriculture. The model forecasts daily demand for irrigation water seven days in advance with an error margin of less than 2%, enabling effective resource management without autonomy loss.
The UK's 2022 drought, the worst since 1976, emphasized the importance of early mitigation measures due to its rapid onset and extensive impacts on water resources, wildlife, and people. Improved monitoring and forecasting systems can help prevent similar extreme weather events in the future.
Researchers develop hypothetical extreme flooding scenarios by shifting precipitation events, showing regions previously spared could have been hit hard. The approach aims to motivate society to prepare for exceptional flooding events in a warming world.
Researchers created a Hydrological Generative Adversarial Network (Hydro-GAN) model to integrate satellite data from MODIS and Landsat 8, improving water boundary resolution. The tool enhances predictions of lake shrinking and expansion behaviors.
Research finds pythons convert feed into weight gain efficiently compared to conventional livestock like chickens and cattle. Pythons outperform mainstream agricultural species in terms of food and protein conversion ratios.
Scientists create detailed models of the terrestrial water cycle using high-resolution satellite data to predict floods, droughts, and other extreme events. The Digital Twin Earth Hydrology Platform allows for interactive simulations and visualizations to enhance flood and landslide prediction and optimize water resource management.
A new study from Uppsala University found that increased access to water in arid areas can lead to a surge in demand for water and pasture, threatening the livelihoods of nomadic livestock farmers. The research highlights the need for effective management of water infrastructure to ensure climate resilience.
A new study reveals conflicting national and sectorial targets, as well as differing availability of abatement options, hinder companies' ability to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers propose introducing a carbon measurement and management process alongside a dynamic framework to align climate targets and actions.
A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.
Researchers found that permeable pavements can capture tire-associated chemicals, resulting in a 68% average reduction of the toxic contaminant 6PPD-quinone. The technology has vast potential to protect salmon populations and human health.
A Colorado State University study quantifies greenhouse gas emissions from US irrigation pumping, highlighting the significant impact of groundwater pumping and location on emissions. The research estimates that electric pumps can play a key role in decarbonizing irrigation systems as the electrical grid becomes cleaner.
The study explores the impact of light conditions on plant hydraulic conductance and water demands, revealing adaptive strategies for improved crop productivity. Shaded leaves exhibit higher water-use efficiency due to reduced transpiration, offering insights into optimizing agricultural practices.
Rice University engineers have developed a hybrid urban water supply system that combines conventional, centralized water sources with reclaimed wastewater to save energy and reduce freshwater use. The system is also more resilient against disruptions such as hurricanes and flooding.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
A new Dartmouth study finds that seasonal snowpacks have shrunk significantly over the past 40 years due to human-driven climate change. The sharpest global warming-related reductions are in the Southwestern and Northeastern United States, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.
Researchers developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.
A team of UVA civil and environmental engineers and environmental scientists have developed a web-based decision-support tool, called the Climate Equity Atlas, to help residents deal with the challenges caused by climate change. The tool combines historical environmental data and socioeconomic data to create a sophisticated predictive ...
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.