SciDev.Net

A study of the environmental and social impacts of different global energy candidates has rated biofuels as the least desirable option.

Wastewater is widely used for irrigation in farmland around many developing country cities, a report finds.

Rice accumulates more arsenic under flooded conditions, say researchers, suggesting benefits for cultivation under aerobic conditions.

Researchers have created maps highlighting areas at risk from groundwater arsenic contamination in South-East Asia and Bangladesh.

A new WHO report concludes that effective and affordable methods for tackling sanitation are essential to control water-borne diseases.

A round-up of news from or about South Asia for the period 1–15 March 2008.

A round up of news from or about Sub-Saharan Africa for the period 25 February–12 March 2008.

 

A round up of news from or about South Asia for the period 17 February–3 March 2008.

Research shows that a moderate, daily dose of folic acid could help the body rid itself of arsenic.

A web resource with information on global drinking water problems and technological solutions has been launched by the US science academy.

A variety of genetically modified corn that could cut phosphorus pollution and lead to better livestock feed has been developed in China.

Indian farmers in the state of Punjab should be charged more for water to make them use less and use it more efficiently, say researchers.

International scientists call for more use of deep tube wells, urging Bangladesh to revise its policy against exposure to arsenic in water.

Raw sewage is threatening marine life near the coasts of many developing countries, according to a report by the UN Environment Programme.

A typical daily intake of rice in parts of Bangladesh contains more toxic arsenic than the maximum recommended by the WHO for water intake.

The UK's House of Lords has dismissed a lawsuit worth millions in compensation to people poisoned by arsenic-contaminated drinking water.

Indian scientists say a genetic mutation could increase people's susceptibility to a disease caused by arsenic poisoning.

Arsenic in Bangladesh's water supply could come from surface sources rather than deep underground, meaning that there could be an infinite supply of it.

Researchers have developed a cheap filter to remove the toxin arsenic from drinking water in developing countries such as Bangladesh.

Contrary to the long-held belief that fluoride poisoning in southwest China is due to coal, researchers say that clay is to blame.