A recent study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that sewage is the primary cause of nitrogen surges in the Indian River Lagoon, contradicting previous findings that fertilizer use was the main contributor. The study found that water quality and harmful algal blooms worsened after five years of mandatory wet season fertilizer blac...
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2023
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame found that removing invasive vegetation from water access points reduced schistosomiasis rates by nearly a third. The removed vegetation can be used as compost and livestock feed, improving food security.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalNature·DateJul 12, 2023
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Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed an electrochemical device that can recover phosphorus fertilizer from municipal waste with high efficiency. The device achieved over 93% efficiency in recovering phosphorus and precipitating approximately 99% of it into solid form.
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023
Aarhus University's AELECTRA project aims to develop a decentralized technology for producing liquid ammonia from renewable energy. The new process could halve investment costs and enable farmers to produce their own fertilizer or e-fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a copper-based hydrogel that captures nitrate waste and transforms it into ammonia for reusable fertilizers. The system increased crop yields while reducing environmental impacts.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2023
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
SourceAmerican Heart Association·JournalCirculation·DateJun 12, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
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Researchers found that plants can significantly reduce petroleum contamination in subarctic soil by altering the microbial community structure. The study provides insights into phytoremediation's potential to restore contaminated ecosystems.
SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalThe Transmitter·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023
Research shows that corn takes up about 67% of its nitrogen naturally from soil, rather than fertilizer. However, applying different forms and timing of fertilizers can improve efficiency, with nitrate being the most efficient source. Banding placement was also found to be more efficient than broadcasting.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 31, 2023
The study assesses and quantifies safety and justice for humanity on Earth, finding that numerous boundaries are already transgressed. The results conclude that a just approach is essential to planetary stability, and setting targets can prevent significant harm.
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Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering have developed a sustainable solution to remove phosphate and ammonium from wastewater by utilizing advanced membranes incorporating inorganic particles. This method recovers these nutrients for future use, providing a new source of materials for agricultural fertilizers and helping addr...
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateMay 19, 2023
Researchers have developed a novel support material called BaAl2O4-xHy that enhances the catalytic activity of cobalt nanoparticles, allowing for record-breaking ammonia production at low temperatures. The catalyst demonstrates improved activation energy and high reusability.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
A recent study in Heilongjiang Province, China found a significant positive correlation between farmers' adoption of organic fertilizer and biopesticides. The technical environment played a crucial role in promoting their adoption, with factors such as training, accessibility, and information exchange increasing the likelihood of adopt...
SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
A new University of Illinois study suggests that widespread planting of cereal rye could significantly reduce nitrate levels in Illinois' tile drainage water. The research found that adopting winter cover crops, such as cereal rye, can help minimize nitrogen loss and improve water quality.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 24, 2023
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A team of researchers from China created universal critical nitrogen dilution curves for 10 Japonica rice cultivars using machine learning methods. The study found that parameters a and b vary with cultivar, year, site, and N fertilizer quantity and ratio. Three universal N C curves were obtained using different approaches, which accur...
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2023
Scientists at Tohoku University identified regulatory mechanisms in plants that utilize nitrogenous fertilizers, suggesting potential ways to generate crops with reduced fertilizer needs. The study focused on thale cress and aims to apply its findings to major crop plants like rice and cereals.
SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 10, 2023
Researchers found that Greenlandic glacial rock flour can capture large amounts of CO2 through enhanced weathering, improving crop yields by up to 24% in Danish fields. The fine powder also acts as a natural fertilizer, providing a wider array of nutrients than commercial organic fertilizers.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·TypeCase study·DateMar 16, 2023
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A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.
SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
The giant faba bean genome has been successfully sequenced, offering insights into its traits such as drought tolerance and protein content. This breakthrough has the potential to improve crop yields and reduce reliance on artificial fertilizers, making faba bean a more attractive crop for sustainable agriculture.
SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
A model predicting oxygen levels in freshwater streams, developed by WVU researcher Omar Abdul-Aziz, helps determine stream pollution and health. The tool allows citizen scientists to take action on stream pollution, with potential applications for implementing the Clean Water Act.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalWater Resources Research·DateMar 6, 2023
A new study by Göttingen University reveals that mechanical weeding and reduced fertilizer usage significantly increase ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm production. The researchers found no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with these practices.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023
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A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Researchers from Drexel University found that microbes help break down biodegradable materials and release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems and accumulate in soil, crops, and groundwater.
SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science Processes & Impacts·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023
Carbon emissions from fertilizers could be reduced by as much as 80% by 2050, according to researchers at the University of Cambridge. The study found that two-thirds of emissions occur after application, highlighting the need for efficient fertilizer use and innovative solutions to mitigate emissions.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Food·DateFeb 9, 2023
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A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateFeb 1, 2023
Researchers discovered the most efficient way to produce ammonia through electrochemical synthesis, increasing its sustainability. The D5 step site on ruthenium nanoparticles was found to be the most active site for the nitrogen reduction reaction.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2023
A Cambridge-led consortium has received $35m to engineer plants to utilize naturally occurring micro-organism interactions, enhancing nutrient uptake and increasing crop yields. This approach aims to revolutionize smallholder farming in sub-Saharan Africa and provide a sustainable solution for food production.
Researchers identified hundreds of microorganisms associated with plant roots and soil, showing potential for developing biological substitutes for phosphorus-based fertilizers. The discovery highlights the importance of microbial communities in supplying essential nutrients like nitrogen.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateJan 23, 2023
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Researchers developed a novel strategy to engineer root nodule symbiosis in legumes and cereals using nanobodies. This approach, tested in barley and Lotus plants, initiates nodulation by bringing receptors together, revealing the core complex involved in symbiotic signaling.
SourceAarhus University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023
Researchers found that nitrified urine fertilizers, such as Aurin and CROP, can be used safely and productively in agriculture. The study tested these fertilizers on cabbage cultivation, with results showing yields comparable to conventional fertilizer products.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023
UC Berkeley chemists designed and synthesized porous materials that bind and release ammonia at moderate pressures and temperatures, saving energy. The new MOFs could enable a more sustainable fertilizer production by producing ammonia closer to farmers.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023
A global study reveals that around 50% of soil-available phosphorus worldwide comes from mineral fertilizers, with significant regional disparities. The findings highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2023
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A study suggests that high fertiliser prices could lead to an additional 100 million people being undernourished, with up to one million deaths annually. The war in Ukraine has disrupted food exports, but energy and fertiliser price spikes are the primary drivers of food price rises.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 23, 2022
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateDec 19, 2022
Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022
Researchers discovered a species of grass, seashore paspalum, that can tolerate diverse stresses and aid in crop development. The study revealed the plant responds to nutrient deprivation by doubling its production of a sugary molecule called trehalose, which helped corn seedlings grow faster and larger without added nutrients.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2022
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AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalEnvironmental Technology·DateDec 12, 2022
A meta-analysis of transcriptome data from aphids and locusts reveals that DNA replication, metabolic processes, and the mitotic cell cycle are enriched in response to crowded conditions. The study also identifies discrepancies with previous research findings, suggesting alternative explanations for gene expression patterns.
Rondaxe Lake's experience is just one of thousands worldwide as lakes lose oxygen due to warming, leading to conditions like hypoxia and anoxia. This phenomenon, exacerbated by seasonal stratification, threatens aquatic life and ecosystems.
SourceCornell University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateDec 6, 2022
Scientists at Michigan State University have discovered a way to use satellite views to understand and predict the formation of dead zones in coastal areas. The study found that satellites can provide near-real-time information on where, when, and how long hypoxic zones persist, enabling better management of these critical problems.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateNov 21, 2022
Researchers at Drexel University have conducted a lifecycle analysis of nitrogen reclamation from wastewater, showing that it's technically viable and could help reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer production. The study suggests air-stripping technology can be used to remove ammonia from wastewater, producing fertilizer chemi...
SourceDrexel University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2022
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Researchers found that fertilizers change the electric field surrounding a flower, affecting bees' ability to navigate and feed. This alteration lasts for up to 25 minutes and can persist beyond a single use of chemicals.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022
A Stanford-led study found that cover cropping in the US Corn Belt leads to yield losses of 5.5% for corn and 3.5% for soybeans, despite its potential climate benefits. The practice's environmental impacts are complex, with reduced runoff and soil erosion but also increased water usage.
SourceStanford University·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateNov 8, 2022
Researchers have developed a method that uses urea from urine to trigger the production of proteins in bacteria, replacing costly 'inducer' molecules. The new system produces similar quantities of protein as standard methods while being cheaper and easier to use, opening up new avenues for biotech industries.
SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNew Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2022
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The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 24, 2022
A research team at UFSCar developed a biodegradable slow-release fertilizer using modified nanocellulose, which releases nutrients slowly and in a controlled manner. The material is designed to reduce the release of non-biodegradable chemicals into the ecosystem.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateOct 17, 2022
A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 12, 2022
Using biofertilizer on 80% of their planted area, Brazilian soybean growers enjoy environmental and economic benefits by employing the microbiome instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of biofertilizer saves farmers huge amounts of money, with costs significantly lower than chemical fertilizer.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateSep 28, 2022
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Researchers at WVU investigate performance of low-energy treatment facilities, assessing nutrient removal and potential environmental impacts. The team aims to create an interactive map with search filters and develop a user manual for modeling lagoon performance.
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
Temporal variation in precipitation caused by climate change negatively affects crop growth, leading to declining yields and increasing reactive nitrogen losses. The study found that adjusting fertilizer application amounts can reduce nitrogen losses, but may not increase crop yields.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022
A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022
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Crop residue and pig manure slow down nitrogen release compared to synthetic fertilizer, reducing nitrogen loss through synchronized nutrient release and crop demand. Substituting up to 40% synthetic nitrogen with organic amendments can maintain high crop yield and significantly reduce nitrogen loss from sloping cropland.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022
Researchers have developed a three-step process to treat phosphoric acid plant wastewater, recovering clean water and phosphate while reducing the volume of wastewater by 90%. The circular process uses selective electrodialysis, reverse osmosis, and neutralization, making it a promising solution for industries worldwide.
SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022
Restoring relatively narrow strips of riverfront forests could substantially improve regional water quality and carbon storage in Costa Rica. The analysis shows that such buffers tend to be most beneficial in steep, erosion-prone, and intensively fertilized landscapes.
SourceStanford University·JournalEcosystem Services·DateSep 12, 2022
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateAug 23, 2022
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a new pathway for cereals to capture nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers. The breakthrough could save farmers billions of dollars annually and benefit the environment by decreasing nitrogen pollution.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPlant Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Argonne researchers develop a new way to calculate the environmental impact of ammonia production, evaluating two promising methods: carbon capture and water electrolysis. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel use in fertilizer production.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2022