#Water17

24 Feb 2026

Algae engineered to capture microplastics

Researchers at the University of Missouri modified algae so it makes limonene, a natural oil. The algae bind water‑repellent microplastics into clumps that sink; the algae can grow in wastewater and help clean it.

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Photo by TECNIC Bioprocess Solutions, Unsplash

12 Feb 2026

New US database shows who withdraws water

Researchers at Virginia Tech created the first nationwide database of water withdrawals in the United States. The public dataset standardizes many records and shows early findings about irrigation and the power sector.

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20 Jan 2026

UNU warns of a global 'water bankruptcy'

A United Nations University report on 20 January says the world has entered an era of "global water bankruptcy." It warns of falling groundwater and lakes, rising water scarcity, and risks to food and people.

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31 Dec 2025

Clean water reduces child stunting in Mozambique

A University of Notre Dame study using national survey data finds that improved access to safe drinking water lowers the odds of stunting in Mozambican children by about 20%. Improved sanitation showed no independent effect on stunting.

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24 Dec 2025

Light-powered material cleans PFAS from water

Scientists created a new, metal-free material that uses light to break down many water pollutants, including PFAS. The hybrid surface combines two lightweight materials and worked well in flowing-water tests similar to treatment plants.

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10 Dec 2025

Climate change linked to Colorado River megadrought

Scientists say a long drought in the Colorado River Basin, which began in 1999, is linked to human-caused climate change. They warn flows are lower now and the region faces serious water cuts without action.

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10 Dec 2025

Beaver mimicry to restore waterways

A Washington State University review finds that human-made beaver dams, or beaver mimicry, can help rivers and streams. The studies show benefits for water storage, cooler summer temperatures, biodiversity and fire resistance, but more research is needed.

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26 Nov 2025

Cholera spreads where water and health systems fail

Cholera spread widely in 2024, with 560,823 reported cases and 6,028 deaths. Conflict, climate shocks and damaged water and health services drove outbreaks, while vaccines and better water and sanitation are key to preventing deaths.

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1 Nov 2025

Sand and gravel extraction threatens the Río Grande in Oaxaca

Large-scale sand and gravel removal is changing the Río Grande near San Pedro Chicozapotes in Oaxaca. Locals link the operations to the Concha Ojeda family and plan a community forum to defend the river.

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25 Sept 2025

Drug‑resistant Salmonella in children’s food and water in Karamoja

A peer‑reviewed study found drug‑resistant Salmonella in nearly half of food and water consumed by under‑fives in Karamoja. High resistance to azithromycin and other drugs raises health, economic and development concerns.

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15 Sept 2025

Saltwater from the Dead Sea seeps into land and harms farms

Researchers mapped how Dead Sea saltwater is leaking into the Jordan Rift Valley, reaching wells and causing sinkholes. The maps show paths of seepage and could help protect water and farming communities.

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13 Aug 2025

Cuts to foreign aid threaten water projects

Major water projects in the Middle East face funding gaps after recent cuts by the US and other donors. Experts warn desalination, reuse and management plans are at risk, and some countries seek other finance options.

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10 Aug 2025

Iran's water emergency worsens amid heat and outages

A summer heatwave and widespread power outages have intensified Iran’s water emergency. Officials report sharply falling dam reserves, groundwater depletion and possible summer rationing as authorities warn of harder measures to save energy and water.

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