Innovative Strategies to Safeguard Water Resources and Enhance Access

Protecting vital water resources remains a global priority, with recent research shedding light on innovative strategies to ensure safe and sustainable water access. A series of five studies published in ACS journals offer valuable insights into water conservation and pollution mitigation. Researchers have identified that tidal rivers worldwide are experiencing increased upstream saltwater intrusion due to factors such as sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and runoff from human activities like road salting and fertilization. Monitoring salt levels in these rivers can guide effective management practices. In drought-prone regions, underground stormwater catchment systems, such as dry wells, are crucial for replenishing groundwater. A study in Southern California highlights that evenly distributing dry wells enhances flood control and water collection during moderate storms. Additionally, understanding the dietary habits of sea turtles reveals that plastic pollution poses significant risks, especially from flexible sheet plastics and to smaller turtles, emphasizing the need for targeted pollution reduction. Innovative, nature-inspired solutions are also emerging. A fog harvest...