The Stream, October 2: Study Finds Elevated Levels of Radium in Pennsylvania River

Water Contamination
River sediments downstream of a Pennsylvania plant that treats and releases hydraulic fracturing wastewater contained 200 times the amount of radium found in sediments upstream of the plant, according to a new study published by Duke University researchers, USA Today reported. The study’s authors point to a lack of “enforced monitoring” as one of the reasons behind the contamination.

Farmers in an area approximately 100 kilometers away from the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant have partnered with a Japanese fast food chain to grow produce, a move the chain says will help rebuild the local economy, Reuters reported. Fears of contaminated water and food have devastated the agricultural industry near Fukushima, despite extensive testing.

Water Scarcity
Hay grown in Utah that is exported to places like China is virtually exporting water out of the stressed Colorado River Basin, according to some critics, ksl.com reported. Farmers, however, say that hay is comparable to other export crops in how much water it uses, and a larger portion of the plants can be utilized for livestock feed.

Florida has sued Georgia for using too much water from the Apalachicola River Basin, which the two states share, the Wall Street Journal reported. Florida says that Georgia’s consumption is drawing down supplies of fresh water needed to sustain Apalachicola Bay’s oyster industry.

The Stream is a daily digest spotting global water trends. To get more water news, follow Circle of Blue on Twitter and sign up for our newsletter.

Codi Kozacek

A news correspondent for Circle of Blue based out of Hawaii. She writes The Stream, Circle of Blue’s daily digest of international water news trends. Her interests include food security, ecology and the Great Lakes.
Contact Codi Kozacek