In 2022, a private residence in Yorkshire became the unexpected setting for a Legionnaires' disease outbreak. The culprit was traced back to the home's cold-water supply. This was uncovered after thorough testing of both clinical and environmental samples. The bacteria Legionella pneumophila was fou
Wastewater treatment faces a big hurdle in cold climates. The cold slows down the bacteria that break down ammonia. This makes it hard to clean wastewater effectively. But there's a clever fix: embedding immobilization technology (EIT). This method wraps the bacteria in a protective layer. It helps
Drugs are sneaky. They keep changing, and it's tough to keep up. But here's a clever way to stay ahead: check the wastewater. This isn't about snooping; it's about public health. Scientists have found a way to spot new drugs in our water systems. They've created a swift and efficient method to detec
In the struggle against water scarcity, a groundbreaking solution has emerged. A new material can pull large amounts of water from the air, even in extremely dry conditions. This material is a super-hygroscopic composite, or CHG for short. It's made from a mix of natural and synthetic components. Th
Understanding how plants burn is crucial for predicting wildfires. One key factor is how much water is in the plant's leaves, known as live fuel moisture content (LFMC). This isn't just about how wet or dry the plant is. It's about how the plant handles water loss and how that affects its ability to
The waters of the Capibaribe River Estuarine System (CES) in Recife, Brazil, are under threat. The source of this threat is a chemical called linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). LAS is a common ingredient in many cleaning products. It is also a major pollutant in the river. LAS can be harmful t
The world of tiny algae is more diverse than we thought. These algae, known as diatoms, play a huge role in our planet's health. They are responsible for about 20% of the carbon fixation that happens globally. This means they help reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, which is great for fi
Hydrogen is a clean energy source that can be produced through water splitting. This process involves breaking water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen. However, the oxygen side of this reaction, known as the oxygen evolution reaction or OER, is slow and inefficient. This slowdown is a major hurdle
San Luis Obispo County is in a tight spot. The county is looking at some serious budget cuts. This means some important programs, like homeless services, might take a hit. Why? Because state and federal funding has dropped. Local leaders are hoping that community partners can step in to help keep th
In Wadi Ranyah, the main water supply for local folks comes from groundwater. To figure out if this water is safe, 77 samples were taken and tested for various factors. Most of the time, the water met the standards set by the World Health Organization. However, some harmful substances were found
