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Removing chromium from polluted water using hyacinth
A new method for removing chromium-6, a highly toxic heavy metal, from waste water has been developed by a group of scientists from India and Ethiopia. Posted on 07 Sep, 2017 04:59 PM

Heavy metal poisoning is a growing concern in many parts of the country. A new method for removing chromium-6, a highly toxic heavy metal, from waste water has been developed by a group of scientists from India and Ethiopia. They claim it to be low-cost and safe.

Water hyacinth. Image courtesy India Water Portal.
Forecasting dengue spread now easy
Scientists develop a new method to forecast dengue spread in various climatic zones by studying the extrinsic incubation period of the virus. Posted on 06 Sep, 2017 08:41 PM

Given its close links to both temperature and rainfall, it is possible to forecast the outbreak of dengue. But for such disease forecasting to be effective, it should be based on models specific for different climatic zones in the country, a new study has shown. 

Dengue mosquito. (Source: Wikimedia Commons)
Dew as a source of drinking water
Indian scientists develop technology for harvesting water from dew. Posted on 06 Sep, 2017 03:34 PM

We often notice dew drops on leaves, grass and some sloping surfaces in the morning hours. These dew drops can actually be a source of drinking water. 

A view of the dew harvesting plant at Kothara.
A Data Journey in Odisha
How Balasore became recognised as a fluorosis-affected district in Odisha Posted on 06 Sep, 2017 02:22 PM

Back in 2015, the Member of Parliament (MP) from Balasore, Odisha got to know about a strange problem in his constituency. There were reports of a number of bone deformities and crippled people in areas surrounding Patripal village of Remuna block. They seemed to be related to fluoride in water, causing a disease called Skeletal Fluorosis.

2015–16 Fluoride data of Remuna, Balasore, Odisha
Mumbai drowns in flood water
News this week Posted on 05 Sep, 2017 09:28 PM

Destruction of river and mangroves blamed for Mumbai floods

Heavy rains flood Mumbai. (Source: Flickr photos)
India gets new water resources minister
Policy matters this week Posted on 05 Sep, 2017 09:10 PM

Nitin Gadkari takes charge of water resources and Ganga rejuvenation

Yamuna river in Delhi (Source: Sudhanshu Malhotra via IWP Flickr Photos)
New way to remove harmful drugs from wastewater
Researchers have developed a slurry photocatalytic membrane reactor to remove harmful drugs from hospital wastewater to make it safer for the environment. Posted on 05 Sep, 2017 12:13 PM

Hospital wastewater, which includes drugs, is a major environmental problem. A group of researchers from Belgium and India has developed a novel method of treating wastewater to get rid of such harmful substances from hospital waste.

Hospital wastewater can be dangerous to the environment. (Source: IWP Flickr photos--photo used for representation only)
Combating climate change with nanomaterials
Researchers are looking to tiny materials to clean up air, water and land. Posted on 05 Sep, 2017 10:00 AM

The list of environmental problems that the world faces may be huge, but some strategies for solving them are remarkably small.

Photo of pollution-absorbing nanosponge courtesy of Jeff Fitlow/Rice University
Catch them young
An initiative in Uttarakhand aims to inculcate knowledge of water management in school children. Posted on 04 Sep, 2017 10:29 PM

The children of Shri Ram Vidya Mandir in Dotiyal in Almora district of Uttarakhand were hushed as they entered the hall. Within 15 minutes, they were all giggling in anticipation of the fun of learning something new. This is one of the schools where students are taught the basics of hydrogeology and water quality.

Children gather around Ashvath Singh as he demonstrates hydrogeology.
Small Himalayan glaciers more sensitive to climate change
A new study in the Himalayas shows low-altitude glaciers are more sensitive to climate change and have lost a significant amount of water in the past decades. Posted on 04 Sep, 2017 08:36 PM

Glaciers in the Himalayas, which store large amounts of water in the form of glacial ice, have an intricate relationship with climate change. A new study in an important basin in the Indian Himalayas shows that low-altitude glaciers are more sensitive to climate change and have lost a significant amount of water in the past three decades.

A view of the Himalayas. (Source: IWP Flickr photos--photo for representation purpose only)
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