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Freshwater Reservoir Under Great Salt Lake May Combat Toxic Dust

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Professor Michael Zhdanov of the University of Utah says a freshwater reservoir beneath the Great Salt Lake could reduce toxic dust pollution affecting communities.
A study in Scientific Reports used airborne electromagnetic surveys to locate the reservoir beneath the lake's hypersaline surface.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources funds research to map the reservoir's extent and its water-management implications.
Further studies are needed to assess safe extraction of this groundwater.

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Story summary

Professor Michael Zhdanov of the University of Utah says a freshwater reservoir beneath the Great Salt Lake could reduce toxic dust pollution affecting communities.
A study in Scientific Reports used airborne electromagnetic surveys to locate the reservoir beneath the lake's hypersaline surface.
The Utah Department of Natural Resources funds research to map the reservoir's extent and its water-management implications.
Further studies are needed to assess safe extraction of this groundwater.