University of York
University of York 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.
Study reveals high concentrations of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in UK rivers
A University of York study into the presence of ‘forever chemicals’ in UK rivers has found some of the highest levels ever recorded. The study found Trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), a chemical used in numerous household items, was found in in 98% of 54 sites tested nationwide. The research was conducted collaboratively with the environmental charity Fidra and found some of […]
UK inland bathing sites polluted by chemicals and antibiotic-resistant genes, researchers find
The UK’s rivers are contaminated with a mixture of chemical pollutants and antibiotic resistant genes, which could be causing severe harm to people and aquatic species, according to the findings of a new study. The University of York study found sites popular with swimmers around the UK to be suffering from pollution with bacteria and […]
More algal blooms likely in Lake Erie as deep-water oxygen levels continue to drop
York University researchers take novel approach to look at history of deep-water oxygen in Lake Erie through insect larvae in lake sediment over last 150 years.
Insect larvae may contribute to microplastic pollution in rivers by gnawing through litter
A common insect larvae could be inadvertently contributing to microplastic pollution in our rivers and waterways by chewing up litter, a new study has found.
Research reveals true size of world’s largest tropical peatland
A vast region of peatland in the heart of the Congo Basin is 15% bigger than previously thought, a new study mapping the full scale of the area has revealed.
Scientists challenge claim British rivers are ‘cleanest since Industrial Revolution’
The study challenges recent claims from UK government that water quality in British Rivers is “better than at any time since the end of the Industrial Revolution”. Although progress has been made in reducing some pollutants – particularly in rivers downstream from major towns and cities – over the past three decades, the results of the […]
Global river study finds pharmaceutical contamination on every continent
A new study looking at the presence of pharmaceuticals in the world’s rivers found concentrations at potentially toxic levels in more than a quarter of the locations studied. The new study looked at 258 rivers across the globe, including the Thames in Lone Amazon in Brazil, to measure the presence of 61 pharmaceuticals, such as […]
Research suggests ways to tackle water security challenges in world’s drylands
To counter the effects of climate change on drylands, a new study led by York's Professor Lindsay Stringer suggests that global access to water should be managed in a more integrated way.
Local community involvement crucial to restoring tropical peatlands
Local community involvement is vital in efforts to raise water levels to help restore Indonesia’s tropical peatlands, a new study has found.