water resources
What would our lives be like with very little water or very polluted water resources?
very little, or very polluted?
it makes a difference.
very little, look up how the Tuareg live.
polluted happens in many places.
water resources
New Technology, Old Ideas Solve Texas Water, Resource Problems
Compared to recent history, it’s been a relatively wet winter in Texas, with hopes that timely spring rainfall will continue to boost crops and refill lakes, ponds and reservoirs. These were all but dried up in the devastating drought of 2008 and 2009. Despite this year’s reprieve from Mother Nature, the safest thing is to anticipate that Texas water will continue to be short most of the time and in many places.
Harvesting rainfall as human drinking water is an ancient practice taking on new life in water deficient areas of Texas.
Check out this excellent story written for the Texas Farm Bureau publication by Texas Agriculture Field Editor Matt Felder.
Harvesting rainfall for drinking water demonstrates in a compelling way how ideas as old as history itself, combined with new technologies and old fashioned American ingenuity, can go a long way toward solving some of our perpetually troubling resource problems. Water is only one of them. Capturing that gift of the Almighty—precious rainfall—to alleviate shortages has an almost poetic connotation to it.
Texas has made major strides in capturing the wind for electrical power, as Texas pioneers used it to bring water up from below parched range.
The wide-ranging, sometimes intense sunlight of Texas can be an energy bonanza when the technology catches up to it. Already, solar panels in home applications are paying off.
None of this is to say that we should abandon our traditional sources of energy. Fossil fuels—hopefully free from the regulatory insanity of cap and trade—are in our future for many decades to come. We should look for it, and drill for it anywhere we can, in an environmentally responsible way. This of course, we now have the technology to do. We must also forge ahead in developing biofuels, which will help alleviate our thirst for foreign oil and will benefit consumers, agriculture and rural Texas.
A mix of the old and new, responding to market forces is happening here in Texas—in response to resource crisis. That’s why, when you come right down to it, Texas’ greatest resource is—Texans.
About the Author
Gene Hall is the Public Relations Director for Texas Farm Bureau, the voice of Texas agriculture of all kinds, including Texas water issues. The TFB is committed to improving the lives of America’s farmers through advocacy, education and awareness.
how does acid deposition (acid rain) tie together the issues of air pollution and water resources?
how does acid deposition (acid rain) tie together the issues of air pollution, energy production and composition, and water resources?
Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that is unusually acidic, i.e. elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH). It can have harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure through the process of wet deposition. The lower pH and higher aluminium concentrations in surface water that occur as a result of acid rain can cause damage to fish and other aquatic animals. At pHs lower than 5 most fish eggs will not hatch and lower pHs can kill adult fish. As lakes and rivers become more acidic biodiversity is reduced.
Acid rain is caused by emissions of compounds of ammonium, carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur which react with the water molecules in the atmosphere to produce acids. It can also be caused naturally by the splitting of nitrogen compounds by the energy produced by lightning strikes, or the release of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere by volcano eruptions.
The principal natural phenomena that contribute acid-producing gases to the atmosphere are emissions from volcanoes and those from biological processes that occur on the land, in wetlands, and in the oceans. The major biological source of sulfur containing compounds is dimethyl sulfide. The human cause of acid rain is sulfur and nitrogen compounds from human sources, such as electricity generation, factories, and motor vehicles. Coal power plants are one of the most polluting. The gases can be carried hundreds of kilometers in the atmosphere before they are converted to acids and deposited.
Wet deposition of acids occurs when any form of precipitation (rain, snow, etc.) removes acids from the atmosphere and delivers it to the Earth’s surface. This can result from the deposition of acids produced in the raindrops (see aqueous phase chemistry above) or by the precipitation removing the acids either in clouds or below clouds. Wet removal of both gases and aerosols are both of importance for wet deposition.
Acid deposition also occurs via dry deposition in the absence of precipitation. This can be responsible for as much as 20 to 60% of total acid deposition. This occurs when particles and gases stick to the ground, plants or other surfaces.
Places like much of Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand), Western South Africa (the country), Southern India and Sri Lanka and even West Africa (countries like Ghana, Togo and Nigeria) could all be prone to acidic rainfall in the future.
2007 Water Resources Conference: Bridging the Gap
|
|
iHome iP43LVC Dual Alarm Clock Radio for your iPod/iPhone with Pillow Shaker (Blue) $75.95 iHome IP43 Desktop Clock Radio – Apple Dock Interface IP43LV Clocks… |
|
|
Dual Alrm Clck Rad Iphone/ipod Purple Charge Play Or Wake $91.77 iHome IP43UV Desktop Clock Radio IP43UV Clocks… |
|
|
Alex Super Baking set – 18 Piece Metal and Plastic Set $16.99 Measure, mix, prep, and bake some imaginary treats| This 18-piece set features a loaf pan, bear pan, heart pan, mixing bowl, rolling pin, whisk, measuring spoons and cup, pastry wheel, 2 star cookie cutters, 2 heart cookie cutter, and an oven mitt. Bon Appetit|… |
|
|
Passion of the Christ: Songs (Original Songs Inspired by the Film) $7.00 … |
|
|
Egyptian Hieroglyphs Made Easy $26.50 Learning and understanding of the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic language. The hieroglyphic script was the longest lived and earliest form of the Egyptian language. Its use was limited primarily to religious and monumental inscriptions, whereas a more cursive script called hieratic was preferred for administrative and epistolary purposes. Hieroglyphic Egyptian employs pictures of objects, each with… |
|
|
Promised Land [CD-ROM] Queensryche’s follow-up to the double-platinum Empire is something of an acquired taste, but it’s well worth the effort. There’s considerable variety here; the heavy progressive-rock of “I Am I” and the ballad “Bridge” were hit singles, but there’s also the funk-inflected “Disconnected”, the edgy, spooky “Lady Jane”, and the piano-and-vocals “Someone Else?”. The title track is probably the stronge… |
|
|
Yoga Girl – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 25H x 35W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
2.5mm Hands-Free EarBud Headset + Car Kit Vehicle Plug in Adapter + Home Travel Wall Charger for ATT Nokia Mural Grouper 6750 Cell Phone $5.99 Brand new premium quality MP3 Earbud and hands-free headset for your cell / smart / PDA phone. Acoustically tuned speaker for improved sound clarity even in noisy environments. Soft covered ergonomic earpiece for comfort even over extended periods. **Phone & Ear bud features are limited to the phone’s capability and the service provider’s default settings. Please consult with your phone’s user man… |
|
|
Modern Woman 6 – Vinyl Wall Decals Murals Stickers Art Graphic – 39H x29W – by üBer Decals Better than wallpaper, wall stickers are a perfect way to decorate your room and express yourself. They are a fun, easy and removable decor solution. These stickers are pre-cut and will only take you several minutes to apply on any surface – walls, doors, windows, and more. Each of our designs come with easy instructions to follow. This is an original design from uBer Decals. All other sellers are… |
|
|
Shawn Interrupted $1.99 … |
|
|
Defending Polygamy $1.99 … |
|
|
America’s Funniest Home Videos: Sports Spectacular $4.19 AMERICA’S FUNNIEST HOME VIDEOS:SPORT – DVD Movie… |
|
|
Tiger Balm Analgesic Tiger Muscle Rub … |
|
|
Gecko Nasal Pad – Large, 4.12 Long $24.85 The Gecko Nasal Pad (formerly the Sleep Comfort Care Pad by Sequal) is intended for patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) who experience pain and discomfort on or around the bridge of their nose associated with using nasal or full face masks. The pad acts as a cushion between the patient’s face and mask, and is simply placed across the bridge of the nose under the mask. The protective polyme… |
|
|
Ableware 769450000 Raptor Reacher $13.99 Raptor Reacher Maximum value at a moderate price The Raptor Reacher is a low cost, durable, lightweight, all plastic reacher with a contemporary design unlike other reachers. The jaw opens a full 2 1/2″ (6.3 cm) and provides a tight grip on even the smallest items such as coins or bulky items like newspapers, clothing and cans. A hook-like extension on the front can be used as a dressing aid. The … |
|
|
Kuzy® – AQUA BLUE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $1.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – PURPLE Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Kuzy – Circles Blue/White Keyboard Silicone Cover Skin for Macbook / Macbook Pro 13 15 17 Aluminum Unibody $2.00 Dress up your MacBook Pro in fashionable color, silicone protection now. *** Will Not fit MacBook Air 11″ ***… |
|
|
Omaha Steaks Prime Rib Roasts Prime Rib Roasts… |
|
|
Betty Lous Organic Harmony Hippy Happy Apple Bar Case Pack 24 – 683021 $116.33 1.75 oz bar. Vegan. USDA organic. Ingredients: organic apple cinnamon granola [organic oats, organic maple syrup, organic oat flour, organic crisped rice (organic brown rice, malt syrup - GF, sea salt), organic brown rice syrup, organic walnuts, organic sunflower seeds, organic expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil, organic unsulfured dried apples, organic cinnamon, organic vanilla, sea salt],… |
|
|
KIKE CALVO photo illustrations FREAKLANCES Collection – Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword – Coffee Gift Baskets – Coffee Gift Basket $44.99 Freaklance Fausto with bike graphic tablet and keyword Coffee Gift Basket is measuring 9x9x4. Contains 15oz mug, BONUS free set of 4 coasters, biscotti and 5 blends of gourmet coffee. French Vanilla, Kenya AA, Decaf Colombian Supremo, Chocolate and Italian Roast Espresso elegantly presented in our signature black planet coffee gift box. A very nice and thoughtful gift for any occasion…. |
|
|
Sony ICF-C05iP Clock Radio for iPod (Black) $39.95 With the Sony ICFC05iPBLK Clock Radio you can charge your iPod’s battery while you sleep. This Sony ICFC05iPBLK Clock Radio is the space-saving bedside accessory for iPod® and iPhone® users. Set the alarm to wake to the radio, iPod®, or a buzzer. The charging tray ensures both you and your iPod/iPhone® start the day with a fully charged battery. Plus, The Sony ICFC05iPBLK Clock Radio features … |
|
|
Sharp LC60LE835U Quattron 60-inch 1080p 240 Hz 3D LED-LCD HDTV, Black Sharp AQUOS LC-60LE835U 60″ 3D LCD TV LC-60LE835U LCD Flat Panel TVs… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Minimizer Bra #427 $32.00 Experience the elegance of our Lilyette® Simplex Minimizer Bra with Embroidery!Minimizes your bust Elegant embroidery adds femininityNo wire poke throughFlexible fitFabric ContentCups: 69% Nylon, 31% Lycra® ElastaneEmbroidery: 57% Rayon, 31% Nylon, 12% PolyesterBack: 92% Nylon, 8% Lycra® ElastaneImported… |
|
|
Lilyette Women’s Plunge Into Comfort Keyhole Minimizer $32.00 AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOWOur Lilyette® Keyhole Minimizer Bra’s sexy plunge design provides a V-shape pitch that enhances cleavage while providing a sexy and secure fit on the body! Minimizes size – not shapeEnhances CleavageSexy plunge stylingShimmering fabric appearanceGentle and comfortable on the bodyPrevenets wire poke through Fabric ContentBody: 78% Polyamide, 22% ElastaneCup Lini… |
|
|
Flexees Women’s Easy Up Easy Down Thigh Slimmer $38.00 Say goodbye to the dreaded tug of war with your shapewear! Flexees® Easy-Up® Thigh Slimmer offers you firm control shapewear that’s easy to put on and take off! Easy on and easy off! Clothes easily glide on top of garmentsFirm controlComfortable and soft to the touchFirm and shaping without rolling downHelps prevent static clingFabric ContentBody: 81% Nylon, 19% Elasta… |
|
|
Alex Color A Flower Bag $20.86 Dazzling flowers| This fashionable bag measures 14?W x 11?H x 4?D – big enough for school books and binders. Includes 6 permanent markers in a cool pouch that can be colored, too|… |
|
|
Green Toys Sand Play Set $11.00 Kids will ‘dig’ building castles and hunting for buried treasure with the environmentally friendly Sand Play Set from Green ToysTM. Made of recycled plastic, this classic 4-piece collection of tools consists of a bucket, sand castle mold, shovel and rake. Made in the U.S.A from recycled plastic milk containers, which helps save energy, reduces landfill waste, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, a… |
|
|
Alex Toys Draw like A Pro $34.00 A fun and easy way to draw…just turn down the lights, switch on the projector, insert a preprinted slide and trace away| Comes with 124 slides, 6 markers, 10 sheets of paper, and a flip book…. |
|
|
KONNET iCrado Original, Stylish Metal Charging Dock / Cradle / Stand for iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS and iPod (Black) The KONNET iCrado is an easy to install cradle for your iPhone or iPod. With its unique distinctive design, it demonstrates the userâs personal style. The front is designed with a wide opening to give users the quick convenience of charging the iPhone or iPod without removing the protective case. The iCrado has a dedicated port to fit the Appleâs 30-pin USB cable to charge and sync the i… |