Global Syndromes Induced by Changes in Solutes of the World’s Large Rivers

Global syndromes induced by changes in solutes of the world’s large rivers

Solute-induced river syndromes have grown in intensity in recent years. Here we investigate seven such river syndromes (salinization, mineralization, desalinization, acidification, alkalization, hardening, and softening) associated with global trends in major solutes (Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−) and dissolved silica in the world’s large rivers (basin areas ≥ 1000 km2). A comprehensive dataset from 600 gauge stations in 149 large rive…

Cutting-edge AI system predicts changes in water quality before they happen

The future of clean drinking water may depend on how well science can forecast not just how water moves—but also what’s in it. A powerful combination of artificial intelligence, high-frequency sensor data, and advanced streamflow models now allows researchers to predict changes in water quality before they happen. This advance could help water systems nationwide stay ahead of threats like sediment spikes after storms, harmful algal blooms, or fe…