Invasive plant and animal species can cause dramatic and enduring changes to the geography and ecology of landscapes, a study demonstrates. A review of studies on how life forms interact with and influence their surroundings concluded that invasive species can alter landscapes in myriad ways and with varying degrees of severity.
The majority of streams in the Chesapeake Bay region are warming, and that increase appears to be driven largely by rising air temperatures. These findings are based on new U.S. Geological Survey research published in the journal Climatic Change.
From the poorest slums to the most affluent suburbs, recycling wastewater into drinking water is becoming a reality. As the water cycle tightens, concern is escalating over the effects of residual contaminants on human health and aquatic ecosystems.
Changing water temperatures, rainfall patterns and seasonal river flows linked to global warming may give invasive wetland plants a slight but significant competitive edge over less adaptable native species, according to a groundbreaking three-year field study conducted at 24 riparian wetland sites in the US Southeast.
Are you getting a new electronic gadget as a holiday gift? Do a little research now on how you can recycle or reuse the old one before you just throw it out.
Across the nation, water is vital to every household and every community; to agriculture, energy production, and a productive economy; to wildlife, forests, and a healthy environment. America’s water resources are generally abundant but they are not limitless. It is vital as well that we have a comprehensive understanding of how much water is being used across the country so we can make wise choices in managing our water resources.
Rep. Robert Godshall (R-Montgomery) and Rep. Kate Harper (R-Montgomery) have both announced plans to reintroduce legislation setting standards for water well constructions.
The Penn State Master Well Owner Network (MWON) recently added 24 new volunteers who completed the Fall 2014 online training courses. These volunteers join over 600 others who are dedicated to providing unbiased, research-based education on the proper management of private water wells, springs and cisterns.
Do you rely on a private well for your drinking water? If so, when is the last time you had your water tested? Private water supplies in Pennsylvania are not monitored by any regulatory agency.
By assessing the impacts of a range of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, research has shown that the growth of edible crops can be affected by these chemicals -- even at the very low concentrations found in the environment.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientists studying a midwestern stream conclude that pharmaceuticals and other contaminants in treated wastewater effluent discharged to the stream are transported into adjacent shallow groundwater. Other mobile chemicals found in wastewater are expected to have similar fates.
The drop in fuel prices this winter may cause many homeowners to think about finding ways to store more fuel at home. If you decide to do this, be sure to research all of the ramifications and possible pitfalls of this activity.
White Clay Creek at Stroud Center has transformed from ‘impaired’ stream into habitat for trout.
Groundwater constitutes a critical component of our water resources, especially during dry seasons and droughts, and in regions lacking reliable access to surface water.
A team of U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MCPA) scientists measured 127 organic chemicals in groundwater underlying urbanized areas in Minnesota. These chemicals include ones commonly used and consumed in our daily lives, in products such as human–use and veterinary pharmaceuticals, fragrances, surfactants, plastic components, and fire retardants.
Conserving nature can improve human lives. From forest watersheds that perform natural filtration of drinking water to coral reefs that break tsunami waves before they flatten seaside villages, intact ecosystems provide innumerable services to human society. Might biodiversity be healthy for the ecosystem and also protect people against infectious diseases?
As part of a continuing education curriculum for Penn State Master Well Owners, Penn State Extension presented a pair of webinars on November 6, 2014 on Water Corrosivity and Lead/Copper Contamination of Private Water Supplies in Pennsylvania.
The Groundwater Foundation has developed a variety of educational resources for students and teachers that can be easily adapted to school and community education programs. The Awesome Aquifer: Advanced Hydrology Kit is available for $36 and is an affordable alternative to those who cannot afford the cost of a large groundwater model.