Griffith University
Griffith 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.
Researchers find Arabia’s largest desert had lakes and rivers about 9,000 years ago
The desert that we see today in Arabia was once a region that repeatedly underwent "green" periods in the past, as a result of periods of high rainfall, resulting in the formation of lakes and rivers about 9,000 years ago. This is the key finding from an international, interdisciplinary team that documented an ancient water-sculpted […]
Machine learning framework improves groundwater recharge estimates in Western Australia
A new study led by Griffith University has unveiled a machine learning-based framework to accurately estimate groundwater recharge in the Perth Basin, with a particular focus on the Gnangara groundwater system. Located in southern Western Australia, the Gnangara aquifer system is one of the region's most critical water resources but also among the most vulnerable to climate […]
Combining satellite methods provides drought detection from space
Observing sites like the Amazon basin from space has underscored the capability of satellites to better detect signs of drought, according to a new study. Led by Military University of Technology Poland and Griffith University, the researchers combined two advanced satellite-based methods to improve monitoring of hydrological droughts. The study "A new Multivariate Drought Severity […]
Upstream and downstream: River study highlights cross-country inequities
A new research commentary led by Griffith University researchers highlights inequities between downstream and upstream countries that share the same watershed. The paper, "The Global Biodiversity Framework can be leveraged to better manage transboundary watersheds," has been published in PNAS. The study outlines how international agreements can better address shared resource problems and call for greater […]
Microplastics found to enter agricultural land through wastewater
As we strive towards a circular economy, the application of treated sewage sludge (biosolids) to land is an opportunity to enhance soil health and reduce the reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, a growing concern looms over microplastic (MP) contamination in biosolids and its potential impact on land-based ecosystems. In Australia, where agriculture serves as the […]
Projections reveal the vulnerability of freshwater to climate change
Climate and land use changes are causing significant alterations in global terrestrial water storage, impacting extreme weather events such as floods and droughts, a Griffith University-led study has found. Published in One Earth, the study investigated terrestrial water storage and projected future changes under three different future climate change and socio-economic scenarios: a middle-of-the-road scenario […]
Study explores whether basic human water needs can be met while protecting surface and groundwater
A Griffith-led study has assessed whether basic human water needs can be met without exceeding safe and just Earth system boundaries (ESBs) for surface and groundwater (blue water), defined to protect people and planet. Published in Nature Sustainability, the study explores whether humans' needs can be met within river basins with surface water alone and, where not possible, estimated how […]
Bit by bit microplastics from tyres are polluting our waterways
In urban stormwater, particles from tyre wear were the most prevalent microplastic a new Griffith-led study has found. Published in Environmental Science & Technology, the study showed that in stormwater runoff during rain approximately 19 out of every 20 microplastics collected were tyre wear particles with anywhere from 2 to 59 particles per litre of water. […]
Scientific challenges and knowledge gaps with nutrient offsetting in waterways
New Griffith-led research outlines how nutrient offsetting can achieve its potential as a more cost-effective way of improving water quality. Published in the Journal of Environmental Management, this research identifies the scientific challenges and biophysical-chemical knowledge gaps that prevent nutrient offsetting from being incorporated in catchment health programs and suggests strategies to bridge these gaps and […]