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Saltwater intrusion threatens water supplies from tidal rivers worldwide

Aerial view of the Elbe estuary with container cargo ship
Tidal rivers such as the Elbe here, are threatened by saltwater intrusion worldwide, leading to major economic and environmental problems. (Photo: Bundesanstalt für Wasserbau BAW)

Worldwide, water obtained from tidal rivers for human use is threatened by saltwater intrusion. This is the result of a recent study by an international research team led by the University of Maryland in the U.S., which has now been published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters and in which the IOW also participated. The main causes are the effects of climate change, such as prolonged periods of drought and sea level rise. In addition, local human activities affecting tidal rivers directly contribute to an increase in salinity in these vital freshwater resources.

 

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application/pdf 20250730_press_worldwide_Saltintrusion_Tidal_Rivers_en.pdf (212.8 KiB)

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