Latest news with #freshwater
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The Bangladesh delta is under a dangerous level of strain, analysis reveals
Bangladesh is known as the land of rivers and flooding, despite almost all of its water originating outside the territory. The fact that 80% of rivers that flow through Bangladesh have their sources in a neighbouring country, can make access to freshwater in Bangladesh fraught. And the country's fast-growing cities and farms – and the warming global climate – are turning up the pressure. In a recent analysis, my colleagues and I found that four out of the ten rivers that flow through Bangladesh have failed to meet a set of conditions known as their 'safe operating space', meaning that the flow of water in these rivers is below the minimum necessary to sustain the social-ecological systems that rely on them. These rivers included the Ganges and Old Brahmaputra, as well as Gorai and Halda. This puts a safe and reliable food and water supply not to mention the livelihoods of millions of fishers, farmers and other people in the region, at risk. Water flow on the remaining six rivers may be close to a dangerous state too, due to the construction of hydropower dams and reservoirs, as well as booming irrigated agriculture. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. The concept of a safe operating space was devised by Stockholm University researchers in 2009 and typically assesses the Earth's health as a whole by defining boundaries such as climate warming, water use and biodiversity loss which become dangerous to humanity once exceeded. A 2023 update to this research found that six of the nine defined planetary boundaries have been transgressed. Since the Bangladesh delta is one of the world's largest and most densely populated (home to around 170 million people), we thought it prudent to apply this thinking to the rivers here. We found that food, fisheries and the world's largest intertidal mangrove forest, a haven for rich biodiversity, are all under strain from water demand in growing cities such as Dhaka. During all seasons but winter, river flows in the Bangladesh delta have fallen over the past three decades. Our analysis highlights the limits of existing political solutions. The ability of the Ganges river to support life and society is severely strained, despite the Ganges water sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh, which was signed in 1996. Rivers in Bangladesh have shaped the economy, environment and culture of South Asia since the dawn of human civilisation here. And humans are not the only species suffering. Hilsha (Tenualosa ilisha), related to the herring, is a fish popular for its flavour and delicate texture. It contributes 12% to national fish production in Bangladesh but has become extinct in the upper reaches of the Ganges due to the reduction of water flow. Excessive water extraction upstream, primarily through the Farakka barrage, a dam just over the border in the Indian state of West Bengal, has also raised the salinity of the Gorai river. A healthy river flow maintains a liveable balance of salt and freshwater. As river flows have been restricted, salinity has crept up, particularly in coastal regions that are also beset by sea level rise. This damages freshwater fisheries, farm yields and threatens a population of freshwater dolphins in the Ganges. Low river flows and increasing salinisation now threaten the destruction of the world's largest mangrove forest, the loss of which would disrupt the regional climate of Bangladesh, India and Nepal. It would also release a lot of stored carbon to the atmosphere, accelerating climate change and the melting of snow and ice in the Himalayan mountain chain. Solving this problem is no simple task. It will require cooperation across national boundaries and international support to ensure fair treaties capable of managing the rivers sustainably, restoring their associated ecosystems and maintaining river flows within their safe operating spaces. This is particularly challenging in the Bangladesh delta, which contains rivers that drain many countries, including China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. The political regimes in each country might oppose transboundary negotiations, which could nevertheless resolve conflict over water which is needed to sustain nearly 700 million people. There have been success stories, however. The Mekong river commission between Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam is a useful template for bilateral and multilateral treaties with India and Nepal for the Ganges, and China and Bhutan for the Jamuna river. Tax-based water sharing can help resolve conflicts and decide water allocation between countries in the river basin. The countries using more water would pay more tax and the revenue would be redistributed among the other countries who share rivers in the treaty. Additionally, water sharing should be based on the historical river flow disregarding existing infrastructure and projections of future changes. Reducing deforestation, alternating land use and restoring wetlands could enhance resilience to flooding and drought and ensure water security in the Bangladesh delta. Ultimately, to secure a safe operating space for the rivers here is to secure a safe future for society too. Get a weekly roundup in your inbox instead. Every Wednesday, The Conversation's environment editor writes Imagine, a short email that goes a little deeper into just one climate issue. Join the 45,000+ readers who've subscribed so far. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Md Sarwar Hossain does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists sound alarm after making disturbing discovery during 21-day study of crustaceans: 'Unprecedented threats'
Chinese scientists studying mitten crabs have found microplastics inside of them. A 21-day analysis of the crustaceans discovered that low pH levels are "aggravating" toxicity of microplastics in a synergistic scenario that's causing stress, immune system suppression, and altered gut microbiota function, according to experts from the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai, and other government programs. Microplastics are microscopic particles that slough off plastic waste as it breaks down over hundreds of years. They have been found in soil, the deep ocean, and even the human body. The Chinese experts linked worsening planet overheating, economic development, and urbanization to increased plastic waste and ocean acidification. The conditions — along with seawater erosion, UV radiation, and microbes — seem to be expediting plastic pollution degradation, resulting in the troubling, tiny particles. Decreasing ocean pH associated with rising carbon dioxide is a contributor to the problem, per the news release. What's more, the experts found that water acidification made the crab microplastic impact worse in what was described as "immune-metabolic crosstalk." "These dual stressors present unprecedented threats to aquatic ecosystems," study lead author Zhigang Yang said. The crabs live in fresh water, but need salt water to reproduce, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. The species has become invasive there, burrowing in dikes and stream banks, causing erosion. The creature is an embodiment of multiple planetary pollution problems. The Center for Biological Diversity reported that by 2050, ocean plastic waste will outweigh all fish in the sea if current pollution levels remain. Air pollution is harming our waters as well as the atmosphere. The ocean is storing 91% of the excess heat, which is impacting marine life in multiple ways, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Do you think America has a plastic waste problem? Definitely Only in some areas Not really I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Scientists are studying how microplastics impact people and animals. Research into how the pollution interacts with pig nervous and digestive systems, which are similar to humans', found that it could trigger inflammation. Studies regarding human health repercussions are ongoing. Harvard Medicine reported that experts fear microplastics could carry antibiotic-resistant pathogens into the body, among other problems. The Great Barrier Reef is turning white, or bleaching, as a sign of stress, for example. The team encouraged more research, which can help provide greater insight into how microplastics are impacting our world. Nature could also provide a solution. Mealworm larvae in Kenya have shown an ability to eat certain types of plastic. A fish gill-inspired washing machine filter developed in Germany catches the pollution when it falls off clothes during cycles. And a greater effort to limit air pollution and plastic waste can help reduce the problem, too. Switching to an electric vehicle is one way to cut thousands of pounds of tailpipe exhaust annually while saving about $1,500 a year on gas and maintenance. Certain EVs are also eligible for steep tax breaks. An easy, crustacean-friendly move is to ditch throwaway water bottles. You can save money with a better H2O carrier — and avoid loads of plastic trash. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Sustainability Times
04-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'This Defies Everything We Knew': Sun-Powered Sponge Turns Saltwater Into Freshwater Without Using a Single Watt of Electricity
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Researchers developed a sponge-like aerogel that transforms seawater into freshwater using only sunlight. that transforms seawater into freshwater using only sunlight. ☀️ This innovative technology provides a sustainable and low-energy solution for desalination , addressing global water scarcity. , addressing global water scarcity. 🔬 The aerogel features microscopic air pockets and is created from a paste of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers. and is created from a paste of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers. 🌍 The material's scalability and efficiency offer a promising path for widespread implementation, potentially benefiting millions worldwide. Our planet, though abundant in water, faces a daunting challenge: the overwhelming majority of it is too salty for human consumption. In a world where freshwater resources are becoming increasingly scarce, innovative solutions are desperately needed. Enter a groundbreaking technology developed by researchers at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. This innovation, a sponge-like aerogel material, offers a promising path to low-energy, sustainable desalination by transforming seawater into drinkable freshwater using nothing more than the power of sunlight. As global water scarcity becomes an ever-pressing issue, the development of such technologies could prove vital for our future. Material with Tiny Air Pockets Our planet is abundant in water, yet most of it is too salty for human use. With the global population on the rise and freshwater resources dwindling, the need for effective desalination technology has never been more critical. Traditional desalination plants, while effective, require substantial amounts of energy, posing significant environmental challenges. This new development involves a sponge-like aerogel material with microscopic air pockets capable of converting saltwater into freshwater using only sunlight and a simple plastic cover. This innovative approach is not only energy-efficient but also environmentally responsible, providing a potential solution to global water scarcity. The material, an aerogel as opposed to a hydrogel, is more rigid, allowing for efficient movement of water vapor. Created from a paste of carbon nanotubes and cellulose nanofibers, it is 3D printed layer by layer, forming uniform vertical holes just 20 micrometers wide. This unique structure is what enables the aerogel to effectively transform salty seawater into drinkable water. 'America's First Nuclear Reactor in 50 Years': This Ultra-Compact Power Source Will Deliver Electricity Where No Grid Can Reach Shows Promise in Testing The aerogel's efficiency remains consistent regardless of its size, an important factor for scalability. Researchers tested square pieces of the material ranging from 0.4 inches to 3 inches wide, finding that the evaporation rate of water was equally efficient across all sizes. This consistency is crucial for scaling up the technology to meet larger demands. In practical testing, the aerogel was placed in a cup of seawater, covered with a curved plastic lid, and left in natural sunlight. The sun heats the material, causing water to evaporate while leaving salt behind. The resulting clean water vapor condenses on the plastic cover, eventually dripping into a container as fresh water. After six hours of sunlight exposure, this simple setup produced approximately 3 tablespoons of fresh, drinkable water. While this amount may seem small, the scalability of the technique holds promise for broader applications. According to researcher Xi Shen, the aerogel allows full-capacity desalination at any size, presenting a simple and scalable solution for energy-free desalination. 'Dirty Water, Clean Power': New Tech Breakthrough Lets Electrolyzers Produce Hydrogen Without Needing Pure Water Sources Global Implications and Future Prospects Desalination is essential for the approximately 300 million people across 150 countries who rely on it for their daily water needs. As water scarcity continues to intensify, innovations like the aerogel material are crucial. Solar-powered desalination techniques have been gaining traction in recent years, with notable advancements from institutions like MIT, which developed a system operating in sync with the sun's intensity. This new technology could play a significant role in alleviating global water shortages, providing a sustainable source of drinking water without the environmental impact of traditional methods. By harnessing the power of the sun, this aerogel material exemplifies the potential of renewable energy solutions in addressing pressing global challenges. As researchers continue to refine and scale this technology, the possibility of widespread implementation grows. The aerogel's ability to efficiently desalinate water at any size creates opportunities for diverse applications, from small-scale personal use to large-scale municipal systems. 'Carbon Transfer Achieved at Sea': Shanghai Stuns the World With First-Ever Ship-to-Ship CO2 Operation in Open Waters Challenges and the Road Ahead While the aerogel material demonstrates significant potential, challenges remain in terms of widespread adoption and integration into existing water systems. Scaling the technology for mass production and ensuring its economic viability are key hurdles that researchers must overcome. Additionally, continued research is needed to optimize the material's efficiency and durability, ensuring it can withstand prolonged exposure to sunlight and various environmental conditions. As the technology evolves, collaboration between researchers, governments, and industries will be essential to facilitate its adoption and maximize its impact. Despite these challenges, the aerogel material represents a promising step forward in the quest for sustainable water solutions. Its innovative design and reliance on renewable energy sources make it a compelling option for addressing global water shortages in an environmentally friendly manner. As we look to the future, the success of this technology could inspire further innovations in the field of water purification. How might this aerogel material transform our understanding of water resources and our ability to harness nature's power for sustainable solutions? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.6/5 (24)
Washington Post
03-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
Brain-eating amoebas are rare. But hot weather increases the risk.
Hot temperatures send many of us straight to the nearest source of water to cool off, whether that's a pool, beach, lake or backyard splash pad. But if you've heard reports about a so-called 'brain-eating' amoeba that lives in fresh water, you might be questioning how safe it really is to go for that dip.
RNZ News
01-07-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Māori landowners take Crown to High court over freshwater rights
The claimants argue this legal challenge follows more than a decade of "broken promises" and "Crown inaction". Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King Māori groups are calling on the Crown to urgently honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and take action to restore the health of freshwater across Aotearoa. On 26 June, 32 Māori Land Trusts representing more than 150,000 landowners, hapū and iwi filed proceedings in the High Court. The number of claimant groups have since grown to around 60 Māori Land Trusts, along with several iwi and hapū from across the North Island. The case cites what the group describes as the Crown's "repeated failure to uphold the tikanga-based and Tiriti-guaranteed rights, interests and responsibilities of Māori in relation to freshwater". The claimants are seeking: The claimants argue this legal challenge follows more than a decade of "broken promises" and "Crown inaction", despite obligations under Articles 1 and 2 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and repeated Tribunal and court findings affirming Māori proprietary and kaitiaki rights. "Successive governments have refused to establish a fair and durable water allocation system that enables Māori to exercise their rangatiratanga rights and their role as kaitiaki," the claimaints said. "Even as both water quality deteriorates, and water quantity diminishes across the country." In 2012, then Deputy Prime Minister Bill English acknowledged Māori rights and interests in freshwater and geothermal resources in an affidavit to the High Court. That position was recorded by the Supreme Court in 2013, alongside the Crown's assurance that it would develop mechanisms for recognising these interests. Claimants say little has changed. "The Crown continues to allocate water on a "first-in, first-served" basis, ignoring the deep spiritual, cultural, and practical responsibilities of Māori as kaitiaki, and depriving Māori landowners and communities of the water rights they need to thrive." Kingi Smiler, Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani chair, says the dismantling of Te Mana o Te Wai and changes to the Resource Management Act will have a detrimental effect on New Zealands waterways. Photo: John Cowpland / alphapix Kingi Smiler, Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani chairperson, speaking on behalf of the claimant group, said under the Crown's watch their waterways have become "degraded, over-allocated and increasingly vulnerable". "This is about restoring balance. It's about acknowledging that Māori have never relinquished our relationship with water. We are doing what we've always done: standing up for the health of our water, our whenua, and generations to come," Smiler said. "There were specific guarantees and assurances the Crown gave back in 2012. They haven't honoured those. So Māori are saying, we need to act now - before our rights are diminished even further." The timing of the claim follows the government's move to restructure the Resource Management Act (RMA) and roll back Te Mana o te Wai, a water protection framework that prioritised the health and well-being of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems above all other uses of water. "The dismantling of Te Mana o te Wai and the hierarchy of obligations that come under it is a reason for concern about the health of the waterways," Smiler told RNZ. Smiler said degradation continues across many rohe, and it was extremely concerning. "There's clear knowledge that there continues to be degradation of our waterways - generally speaking - and some catchments are worse than others. And at the moment, there's certainly not enough action being taken." "We are concerned that with the dismantling of Te Mana o te Wai, that could accelerate degradation further." The claimants also point to the failure of the current allocation system to deliver equity. "There is still no proper recognition of Māori proprietary rights, even though they've been acknowledged by the Waitangi Tribunal," Smiler said. "This is not about Māori trying to own the water. It's about resolving the obligations and being inclusive so that we can all participate in the process." Smiler said there are rights guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. "And it needs to acknowledge those kaitiakitanga and tikanga Treaty rights we have for the control and use of water, with everybody else." Smiler said, at the moment, they were not part of that system. "And in some catchments, our people have been locked out and don't have the opportunity to develop their whenua, even though they've been kaitiaki and had continuous ownership of their lands since 1840." Chairperson Ahuwhenua Committee Kingi Smiler. Photo: Smiler (Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, Te Ati Awa, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Rongowhakaata) is a respected Māori agribusiness leader. He founded Miraka, the first Māori-owned dairy company, and was inducted into the NZ Business Hall of Fame in 2023. His incorporation (Wairarapa Moana ki Pouākani Incorporation) also won the 2024 Ahuwhenua Trophy for the top Māori dairy farm. He encouraged wider public awareness and support for the kaupapa and said the health of Aotearoa's waterways affects everyone - the time to act is now. "For the whole community's sake, it's about ensuring we have healthy waterways for all of us, and that there's a fair system and a fair sharing in the development and use of those waters." The legal process is now underway, with the case filed in the High Court. It is expected to pass through the Court of Appeal and potentially the Supreme Court - a process that could take two to three years. Despite the complexity and length of the court process, Smiler said the level of unity has been overwhelming. "There's a recognition by people now that this needs to be done. Otherwise, it will continue to be invisiblised and diminished over time." "It's a long road, but we're committed," he said. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone RNZ approached the government for comment, in response, National MP Chris Bishop, the Minister responsible for RMA Reform said: "I am aware of proceedings brought by a group of individuals and the Pouakani Claims Trust against the Attorney-General. The proceedings were filed on Thursday 26 June." "As this is a matter before the courts, I do not make any comments."
