University of Portsmouth
University of Portsmouth 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.
When the sea moves inland: A global climate wake-up call from Bangladesh’s Delta
As sea levels climb and weather grows more extreme, coastal regions everywhere are facing a creeping threat: salt. Salinization of freshwater and soils adversely affects 500 million people around the world, especially in low-lying river deltas. A new study led by researchers at the University of Portsmouth, in partnership with Dhaka University and Curtin University, sheds […]
Researchers warn the UK is falling behind international efforts to tackle microplastics pollution
The UK government must urgently draw up a comprehensive national strategy to tackle microplastic pollution or risk falling further behind international efforts to address one of the most pervasive environmental threats of our time, researchers have warned. A new policy brief, delivered to MPs by the University of Portsmouth's Global Plastics Policy Center, outlines the growing […]
Study finds chemical pollution rises 100-fold after sewage discharges into UK’s south-coast waters
Chemical pollutants surged over 100-fold in south-coast waters following sewage discharges, posing significant risks to marine life. 105 unique pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and illegal drugs detected in seawater, seaweed, and shellfish samples from Chichester and Langstone harbours.
Scientific evidence supports safe discharge of Fukushima wastewater into the Pacific Ocean
Following the second release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant (5 October), a team of international researchers have addressed concerns and misinformation. Beginning in August and continuing for the next 30 years, treated water contaminated by the 2011 meltdown of the plant is being slowly released into the Pacific Ocean. Several nations […]
More than 50 chemicals discovered in water off Hampshire and West Sussex coasts
Researchers testing water quality in and around two harbours say a worrying number of chemicals have been identified, including prescribed and illegal drugs.
Experts warn that climate change is threatening the resilients of UK wastewater infrastructure
A unique study has revealed climate change and increasing populations could be drastically reducing the resilience of wastewater infrastructure in the UK.
Depletion of mountain snow and ice may be faster than anticipated
Enhanced mountain warming coupled with reduced rainfall at high elevation may deplete stores of mountain snow and ice more rapidly than previously thought. New research led by Dr. Nick Pepin, at the University of Portsmouth, and the MRI's Elevation-Dependent Climate Change Working Group is published in Reviews of Geophysics. This research looked at recent climate changes […]
Scientists find solution to measure harmful plastic particles in human sewage
Scientists have got up close and personal with human sewage to determine how best to measure hidden and potentially dangerous plastics. As the way microplastics are measured and counted varies from place to place, there is no agreed understanding of the weight of the problem. Until scientists can agree on one way of measuring them, […]