Articles tagged with Water Management
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
A study found nearly a third of mine tailings are stored within or near protected conservation areas, posing an enormous risk to biodiversity. Mine wastes threaten habitats in protected areas worldwide, including Australia's Atlantic Forest and Brazilian ecosystems.
A research team employed deep learning techniques to scrutinize dam operation patterns, achieving remarkable accuracy in forecasting dam water levels. The study demonstrates the potential of an artificial intelligence model trained on extensive big data to surpass conventional physical models.
A new research project uses data from over 8,000 gauging stations across Europe to predict mega-floods, reducing the surprise factor of their occurrence. By considering hydrologically similar areas, flood disasters can be anticipated and mitigated, saving lives.
A team of experts identified 15 over-looked issues that could impact UK forests, including catastrophic ecosystem collapse, competition for water resources, and tree viral diseases. The research calls for urgent action to increase forest resilience.
Scientists from Japan create a new, more efficient form of liquefied stabilized soil from construction waste that can fill narrow spaces and be pumped over long distances. The material has improved flowability and lower environmental impact, making it suitable for large-scale civil engineering projects.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
A study of 74 children in rural Ethiopian villages found that higher exposure to fluoride was linked to more errors on drawing and memory tests. The results suggest a potential association between high fluoride levels and cognitive impairment, particularly during early brain development and childhood.
A model reveals that corn farming in the US Midwest incurs significant health and environmental costs, with air pollution being a major contributor. Implementing alternative management practices can increase profits beyond these costs, but retiring land may be necessary for some counties.
A new UN study finds that global Bitcoin mining activities have substantial water and land footprints in addition to a significant carbon footprint. The top 10 Bitcoin mining countries are responsible for 92-94% of the global environmental impact.
A University of Oklahoma-led study highlights newly measured extremes in stratospheric water vapor recorded during the DCOTSS field project. High-level thunderstorms enhance water vapor in the stratosphere at levels higher than previously understood.
A new study suggests that rebates can offer solutions to California's groundwater woes by incentivizing the collection of stormwater runoff and its infiltration into aquifers. The recharge net metering (ReNeM) program, modeled after rooftop solar metering, helps agencies meet Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requirements.
Reduced water flows and rising atmospheric temperatures will warm rivers during droughts, posing challenges for aquatic life and ecosystems. Intense solar radiation and lower water flows accelerate warming, but certain management interventions can help offset high thermal extremes.
A recent study using SENTINEL-2 satellite images estimated burned areas with 96% accuracy, revealing a much larger area affected by wildfires than previously thought. This higher precision will help improve estimates of greenhouse gas emissions and inform fire management decisions.
Researchers have developed a new method to measure the duration and severity of hydrological droughts in streams and rivers, which can persist for up to 3.5 years after drought conditions end. The study found that baseflow droughts are strongly tied to groundwater levels and can impact water management and ecosystem services.
A global study reveals that extreme events over the last thirty years had substantial impacts on water use patterns, differing per sector and region. The domestic and irrigation sectors have the highest priority for water use worldwide, but stricter measures are often taken in favor of the domestic sector during extremes.
Researchers found that ponds sequester 65-87% of the total carbon burial rate in lakes, but are net emitters due to methane release. Managing nutrient levels and using underwater circulators can help reduce methane emissions.
Researchers found that fall snow levels are a good predictor of total snowpack in some western states, particularly in northern regions like Alaska, Oregon, and Washington. This prediction works due to cooler air temperatures and weather patterns that help retain snow on the ground, adding to the total snowpack.
A recent study found that social factors are a stronger influence on water-quality violations than median household income. The study's social vulnerability index captured three times as much of the population affected by water-quality issues as median income did.