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University of California, Berkeley, engineers have created a new way to remove contaminants from storm water, potentially addressing the needs of water-stressed communities that are searching for ways to tap the abundant and yet underused source of fresh drinking water.<\/p>\n
Using a mineral-coated sand that reacts with and destroys organic pollutants, the researchers have discovered that the engineered sand could help purify storm water percolating into underground aquifers, creating a safe and local reservoir of drinking water for parched communities.<\/p>\n
As rain water rushes over roofs, lawns and streets, it can pick up a slew of nasty chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, toxic metals, car oil and even dog poop. Excess storm water can also overwhelm sewer systems and flood streets and basements. Not surprisingly, cities often discharge this polluted water into neighboring rivers and streams as quickly as possible.<\/p>\n
Directing storm water through sand into underground aquifers may be an ideal solution for gathering water in cities with Mediterranean climates like Los Angeles.<\/p>\n
Date: August 30, 2018
\nImage: Google Images
\nCoordinator: EnvGuide Team (Xuhui Zeng, Yuxin Zhang)
\nSource: https:\/\/www.sciencedaily.com\/releases\/2018\/08\/180830084812.htm<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"