NC State University
NC State 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.
Flooding in coastal communities is happening far more often than previously thought, shows study
Flooding in coastal communities is happening far more often than previously thought, according to a new study from North Carolina State University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The study also found major flaws with the widely used approach of using marine water level data to capture instances of flooding. “Government agencies […]
New water microcleaners self-disperse, capture microplastics and float up for removal
In a new paper, researchers at North Carolina State University show proof of concept for a system that, in a single cycle, actively removes microplastics from water. The findings, described in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, hold the potential for advances in cleansing oceans and other bodies of water of tiny plastics that may harm human health […]
Machine learning predicts highest-risk groundwater sites to improve water quality monitoring
An interdisciplinary team of researchers has developed a machine learning framework that uses limited water quality samples to predict which inorganic pollutants are likely to be present in a groundwater supply. The new tool allows regulators and public health authorities to prioritize specific aquifers for water quality testing. This proof-of-concept work focused on Arizona and […]
It could take over 40 years for PFAS to leave groundwater
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, known commonly as PFAS, could take over 40 years to flush out of contaminated groundwater in North Carolina’s Cumberland and Bladen counties, according to a new study from North Carolina State University. The study used a novel combination of data on PFAS, groundwater age-dating tracers, and groundwater flux to forecast PFAS […]
Genetically modified bacteria break down plastics in saltwater
Researchers have genetically engineered a marine microorganism to break down plastic in salt water. Specifically, the modified organism can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a plastic used in everything from water bottles to clothing that is a significant contributor to microplastic pollution in oceans. “This is exciting because we need to address plastic pollution in […]
Estuaries face higher nutrient loads in the future – particularly on the Atlantic coast
A new study finds that the Atlantic Coast and eastern Gulf Coast of the United States are likely to see significant increases in nutrient loading in coming decades, putting those areas at heightened risk of experiencing harmful algal blooms. Nutrient loadings are of interest in large part because they are key contributors to algal blooms, […]
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions from wetlands, just add (fresh) water
Scientists found they could reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions from a former coastal wetland in North Carolina by raising the groundwater level – recreating conditions similar to what existed at the site before it was drained. In the recent study published in the journal Wetlands, researchers reported increases in average emissions of two potent greenhouse gases – methane […]
New method can remove dyes from wastewater
North Carolina State University researchers have demonstrated that a synthetic polymer can remove certain dyes from water, and that the polymer can be recovered and reused. The findings offer a new potential method for cleaning wastewater after use by textiles, cosmetics or other industries. “Dyes are used everywhere, including in the textile industry, as well […]
New Method Can Remove Dyes From Wastewater
North Carolina State University researchers have demonstrated that a synthetic polymer can remove certain dyes from water, and that the polymer can be recovered and reused. The findings offer a new potential method for cleaning wastewater after use by textiles, cosmetics or other industries. “Dyes are used everywhere, including in the textile industry, as well […]