Florida International University
Florida International University is a university that is part of the pulse of the water sector. Here we bring together everything it publishes on Smart Water Magazine: its news, its blogs and the events it takes part in.
Rainwater samples reveals it’s literally raining ‘forever chemicals’ in Miami
PFAS are in Miami's rainwater. And it is the latest evidence the synthetic "forever chemicals"—that have raised health concerns for people and wildlife—hitch a ride on the water cycle, using the complex system to circulate over greater distances. For more than a year, FIU researchers collected and analyzed 42 rainwater samples across three different sites […]
Study highlights the potential of cyanobacteria as biofertilizers
One ecosystem's trash could be another ecosystem's treasure, according to scientists studying cyanobacteria, more commonly known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria are commonly found in South Florida freshwaters and some are capable of producing a variety of toxins and harmful algal blooms. It also has a high iron content, unlike local crop soils. In a new study published in Environments, researchers […]
Florida Keys city to replace sewage wells following research findings
New research published by a team of scientists led by FIU's Jennifer Rehage and Ph.D. student Nicholas Castillo shows a widespread presence of pharmaceuticals throughout the coastal marine ecosystems of the Caribbean Basin. Of all bonefish sampled, pharmaceuticals were detected in every fish, including those found in waters near urban populous communities and those in less developed and less populated regions. Their results also show pharmaceuticals have the potential to bioaccumulate in marine animals at concentrations capable of eliciting pharmacological effects.
Radar satellites allow researchers to pinpoint where sinkholes are happening
New research shows that with special radar satellite technology, it's possible to detect warning signs and pinpoint exact locations where sinkhole activity is happening. FIU geophysics professor Shimon Wdowinski and his former postdoctoral research fellow Talib Oliver-Cabrera collaborated with a team from University of South Florida—including Sarah Kruse and Tonian Robinson—to inspect several areas throughout […]
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ found in tap water raise questions for scientists
Several chemicals found in South Florida tap water and surface water belong to a concerning group of contaminants that can pose serious health risks to humans and wildlife. FIU Institute of Environment scientists are among the first to measure the local distribution and level of these pollutants — known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). The levels […]
Tropical mountain rivers are where the magic happens
Large tropical mountain river systems aren’t getting the respect they deserve – at least not when it comes to research and conservation. It’s a head-scratcher considering how important they are. Without these river systems, the Amazon wouldn’t be The Amazon. Dar es Salaam likely wouldn’t be Tanzania’s most populous city. The Western Ghats in India […]