Peer-reviewed publications by Texas A&M AgriLife and Texas A&M University System scientists
Heatwave Intensification and Regional Vulnerability Across Texas Under Recent Climate Warming:
Coauthored by Rosario Sanchez, Ph.D., TWRI research scientist, this study examined the spatiotemporal changes of heatwaves from 1980 to 2023. The study assessed frequency, duration, intensity, and timing of onset of heatwaves. Using these characteristics, they created a new Composite Heatwave Hazard Indicator (CHI) and heatwave vulnerability index. They found an intensification of heatwave activity. The CHI identified the Houston metropolitan area, West Texas, and the Lower Rio Grande Valley as major high-risk areas.
Solar-powered and self-guided floating electrochemical treatment platform for improving water quality of animal wastewater lagoons:
In this study, Texas A&M University researchers designed a solar-powered autonomous platform that uses electrical charges to remove contaminants. They then tested the platform’s ability to improve water quality in livestock wastewater lagoons. The platform achieved removal of up to 96.7% total nitrogen and 83.9% total solids. The authors say this platform is important as a scalable method for decentralized wastewater treatment.
Salt-Masked Micro/Nano-Plastics: A Seasonal Study of Contaminants in Coastal Waters of Matagorda Bay using Spectroscopic, Thermal, and Morphological Techniques:
Coauthored by a Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi researcher, this study assessed micro- and nano-plastics contamination in water samples from seven Matagorda Bay locations in spring, summer and fall. The water’s salinity made it difficult to detect plastics in the samples. This was addressed by using a combination of analysis methods. They found that common plastics were present in Matagorda Bay waters and may have had seasonal variation.
Desalination of Seawater: Comprehensive Nontarget Assessment of Disinfection Byproducts:
This study, coauthored by Texas A&M University at Galveston researchers, identified disinfection byproducts (DBPs). They identified 55 DBPs, including some that were identified in distilled water for the first time. They found that reverse osmosis-treated waters had higher cytotoxicity, or the ability to damage living cells, than desalinated waters and samples treated with ozone-chlorine had the highest cytotoxicity. However, they determined that the treated desalinated waters had lower cytotoxicity and DBP levels than typical drinking waters, suggesting that desalination may produce safer water overall.
Recent research from other Texas universities
Deep learning driven time series modelling for forecasting water discharge:
Coauthored by University of Texas at El Paso researchers, this study forecasts water discharge for the next five years using a deep-learning driven forecasting technique and statistical forecasting technique. They found that the deep-learning forecasting technique, Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), outperformed the statistical method, especially in predicative abilities.
Spontaneous vegetation diversity in managed stormwater swales and detention basins in the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone of Central Texas:
In this study, University of Texas at San Antonio scientists documented plant species in swales and detention basins, which are important types of green infrastructure. They found 115 species in swales and 94 in detention basins. Researchers also determined that native plant richness was greater, while non-native plant biomass was greater. They recommend allowing spontaneous native plants to establish following limited initial planting.
Satellite remote sensing for hydrological intelligence and climate-resilient water governance in the Gulf Cooperation Council:
Coauthored by a Texas State University researcher, this study examined the role of Earth observations (EO) in providing insights that support hydrological decision-making in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). They found that although there is world-class EO infrastructure available, utilization of it is fragmented and mostly diagnostic. Researchers also determined that the biggest barrier is institutional inertia. They propose integration of EO into binding regulatory instruments.
Establishment of native graminoids in roadside swales dominated by non-native grasses in Central Texas:
In this study, UT – San Antonio researchers evaluated the survival and biomass of eight native graminoids that were planted in roadside swales over two growing seasons. They found that Tridens albescens, Bothriochloa laguroides, and Bouteloua curtipendula had high to moderate survival rates while Panicum virgatum had low survival rates. Because of low soil moisture, they suggest the use of obligate and facultative upland plants. They also determined that bulk density is a limiting factor to plant growth in swales.
Low methane emissions from nutrient-rich former river channels in a hydrologically managed dryland delta:
This study measured methane emissions from resacas, distributary channels common in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Coauthored by UT Rio Grande Valley scientists, it found that methane emissions were low and positively related to temperature but negatively related to salinity and rainfall. These results highlight the complex relationship between methane emissions and management, salinity, and hydrology.
