Read the latest peer-reviewed research on Texas water by scientists from universities throughout the state and by Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) researchers.
Peer-reviewed publications by TWRI and Texas A&M University System scientists
Effective transboundary aquifer areas between Mexico and the United States: A border-wide approach: Texas Water Resources Institute scientists identified regions within the hydrogeological units shared across the U.S.-Mexico border that could be in a vulnerable condition due to groundwater overexploitation on either side of the border. Using well density and well depth data to portray depth contours as a proxy for potential impacts of groundwater flows at a transboundary level, the team identified vulnerable aquifers and found that New Mexico and Chihuahua had the most vulnerable groundwater hotspots.
Improving hydrological modeling to close the gap between elevated CO2 concentration and crop response: Implications for water resources: This research by Texas A&M University scientists examines the rising atmospheric CO₂ levels that impact crop growth and the water cycle by reducing stomatal conductance and increasing leaf area index, which influence crop water use. This research incorporated these factors to study the effects of higher CO₂ on water use, maize yield, and soil and water loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin.
Micro- and Nano-Plastics Induced Release of Protein-Enriched Microbial Exopolymeric Substances (EPSs) in Marine Environments: A team of researchers at Texas A&M University at Galveston conducted a review that assesses how phytoplankton and bacteria influence the effects of plastic particles, including EPS production that promotes marine plastic snow (MPS) formation that allows plastics to settle into sediments, reducing their impact on ecosystems. This is a measure in facilitating the removal of plastics from the water collum and lessening the burden of plastics in the ocean.
Assessing the impacts of long-term climate change on hydrology and yields of diversified crops in the Texas High Plains: Co-authored by Texas A&M scientists, this research studied the influences of climate change on crop yields and water demands under both irrigated farming and dryland farming. Researchers assessed suitable crops for the Texas High Plains, where farming faces climate change and declining groundwater from the Ogallala Aquifer
Water-related research from universities around Texas
Deciphering the Role of Total Water Storage Anomalies in Mediating Regional Flooding: Co-authored by scientists at the University of Texas at Austin, this study examines the causes and factors of regional flooding. Using a new 5-day Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment and its Follow On (GRACE(-FO)) dataset, they are able to identify patterns in water storage to enhance the overall preparedness of global flooding.
Investigation of Oil Well Blowouts Triggered by Wastewater Injection in the Permian Basin, USA: Researchers from Southern Methodist University highlight mitigating the effects of subsurface fluids due to aged hydrocarbon wells. Stemming from the corrosion and improper care of hydrocarbon wells, large numbers of blowouts and waste-water leakage contribute to negative impacts in areas such as the Permian Basin.
