Chemical Pollution
Articles tagged with Chemical Pollution
$10 million grant funds research and solutions on ‘forever chemicals’
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
New research links prenatal chemical exposure to chromosomal abnormalities in adult sperm
A human study found that prenatal and childhood exposure to persistent environmental chemicals may influence sperm chromosomal integrity decades later. Higher levels of PCBs and PFASs were associated with extra chromosomes in adulthood, increasing the risk of miscarriages and congenital birth defects.
New insight could change how we break down "forever chemicals"
Researchers discover hydrogen radicals play central role in PFAS degradation under high-energy UV light, breaking down molecules into smaller, less persistent compounds. This breakthrough provides a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanism and challenges previous assumptions.
Efficient degradation of short-chain PFAS
The UFZ research team has developed a two-stage electrochemical purification process to efficiently degrade short-chain PFAS in water. This process uses electro-adsorption and electro-oxidation to concentrate and break down PFBA, resulting in easy separation of the fluoride by-product.
Penguin ‘toxicologists’ find PFAS chemicals in remote Patagonia
A study by the University of California, Davis, and State University of New York at Buffalo found that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in over 90% of penguin leg bands in remote Patagonia. The non-invasive sampling method revealed a shift from legacy PFAS to newer replacement chemicals in the environment.
Coastal ocean chemistry now substantially shaped by humans
A global analysis of over 2,300 seawater samples reveals human-made chemicals make up a significant portion of organic matter in coastal oceans. Industrial chemicals, including plastics and consumer products, dominate the anthropogenic chemical signal, persisting even 20 kilometers offshore.
New technology could use sunlight to break down ‘forever chemicals’
Scientists have developed a new catalyst that uses sunlight to break down polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of water-repellent chemicals linked to increased cancer risk. The technology could be scaled up for detection or removal from the environment and human body.
Study shows marine plastic pollution alters octopus predator-prey encounters
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology found that exposure to oleamide, a chemical additive in plastics, caused immediate changes in octopus prey choice and interactions with predators. The effects persisted for at least three days, suggesting a lasting impact on marine behavior and ecosystem dynamics.
Modulated UV-C light increases the shelf life of guavas, study shows
A new treatment developed by EMBRAPA uses modulated UV-C light to combat anthracnose in guavas. The technique increases the fruit's natural resistance to microorganisms, preserving quality and shelf life.
CFC replacements behind hundreds of thousands of tonnes of global ‘forever chemical’ pollution
A new study reveals that CFC replacement chemicals and anaesthetics are behind a third of a million tonnes of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) being deposited from the atmosphere across the Earth's surface between 2000 and 2022. TFA production is expected to continue growing, posing environmental concerns.
Plastic pollution promotes hazardous water conditions, new study finds
A new study by University of California San Diego researchers found that fossil fuel plastics can amplify harmful algae blooms by killing off zooplankton, leading to an increase in algal concentrations. In contrast, biodegradable plastics had a smaller impact on zooplankton and algal communities.
‘Forever chemicals’ may increase liver disease risk in adolescents by as much as 3-fold
A new study found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood are linked to an increased risk of early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity and increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.
CityUHK scholar participates in global study revealing global food‑safety risks in marine fish
A global study reveals correlation between PFAS contamination in edible marine fish and human health risks. Consumers may be exposed to elevated levels of toxic compounds through imported fish, increasing food-safety risks despite low environmental pollution.
Toxin-to-treasure: Chonnam National University scientists use engineered enzyme to turn formaldehyde pollutant into high-value chemical
Chonnam National University scientists use an engineered enzyme to convert formaldehyde into L-glyceraldehyde, a valuable chiral C3 compound. The novel approach demonstrates how enzyme engineering can turn pollution into useful building blocks for medicine and industry.
Five ways microplastics may harm your brain
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
PFAS exposure may limit improvements in blood sugar after bariatric surgery
A study published in Environmental Endocrinology found that teens with higher blood levels of PFAS before bariatric surgery had smaller improvements in blood sugar over five years. This could lead to the metabolic benefits of the surgery fading within a decade.
Between Earth and Sky: Sea salt plays key role in Metro Manila air pollution
Researchers found that sea salt particles interact with urban pollution, chemically reacting to form toxic compounds. After the COVID-19 lockdown, reduced pollution allowed more naturally occurring sea salt components to persist, offering potential implications for human health and climate.
Pesticides and other common chemical pollutants are toxic to our ‘good’ gut bacteria
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
Study finds lower emissions from higher-ethanol gasoline
A recent study by UCR found that increasing ethanol content in California gasoline from 10% to 15% significantly reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, total hydrocarbons, and non-methane hydrocarbons. Particulate emissions also drop significantly with the E15 blend.
Scientists call on better regulation for chemical cocktails in Europe
A new policy brief argues that current EU regulations fail to account for the risks of chemical mixtures, which can exceed safe levels even below individual substance limits. Scientists propose integrating a Mixture Allocation Factor into the REACH Regulation to regulate mixtures and improve protection of human health and the environment.
Toys contain worrying levels of toxic elements
Researchers analyzed 70 plastic children's products sold in Brazil and found high levels of toxic substances, with barium levels up to 15 times higher than permitted. The study highlights the need for stricter enforcement measures to protect children's health.
Researchers to test long-term viability of solar panels
Researchers at Binghamton University are testing the long-term stability and environmental effects of perovskite solar cells, a more environmentally friendly option, to prevent lead leakage and pollution. The study aims to improve the durability and recyclability of solar panels, enabling widespread adoption of renewable energy sources.
USC Superfund researchers identify “forever chemical” PFHpA as risk factor for severe liver disease in adolescents
Researchers identified a significant association between perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. The study used advanced models to reveal PFHpA's role in disrupting biological pathways, leading to liver damage and inflammation.
Scientists agree chemicals can affect behavior, but industry workers more reluctant about safety testing
A recent study found that 97% of scientists agree chemicals can impact wildlife behavior, yet only 30% of industry respondents support behavioral tests in chemical safety assessments. The researchers advocate for consistent testing methods and better cooperation between sectors to address the risks.
Rice University leads breakthrough in eco-friendly removal of toxic ‘forever chemicals’ from water
Researchers at Rice University have developed an eco-friendly technology to rapidly capture and destroy toxic PFAS in water, outperforming traditional methods. The new approach uses a layered double hydroxide material that can adsorb PFAS with record-breaking efficiency and be reused multiple times.
The world’s chemical pollution: Current state of research
Researchers identify pesticide toxicity as a major concern, while PFAS accumulation poses long-term environmental risks. The study advocates for reducing the number of chemicals produced and used to ensure regulatory control over their impact on humans and the environment.
Global Framework on Chemicals Fund opens second call for projects
The Global Framework on Chemicals (GFC) Fund has launched its second call for project proposals, offering $300,000 to $800,000 grants to strengthen chemical laws and promote safer alternatives in developing countries. The fund supports medium-scale projects that build regulatory and technical capacity, foster cross-sector collaboration...
Ecology: Sunk debris from World Wars provides home for wildlife
A study in Communications Earth & Environment found that WWII munitions in the Baltic Sea support a higher abundance of marine life than surrounding sediment. The hard metal casings on the munitions provide a suitable surface for organisms to inhabit, outweighing the disadvantages of chemical exposure.
USC study shows how PFAS disrupt healthy function in human liver cells
Researchers found that four common PFAS triggered fat buildup and cancer-related changes, with effects differing by sex. Liver cells from male and female donors responded differently to PFAS exposure.
The chronic risks from single-use plastic water bottles are dangerously understudied, new Concordia research shows
Research by Concordia University finds that individuals ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year from single-use plastic water bottles, which can cause chronic health issues. The study highlights the need for education on the risks of daily plastic bottle use.
Orange rivers signal toxic shift in Arctic wilderness
As Arctic permafrost thaws, geochemical reactions unleash metals like cadmium, harming fish and disrupting ecosystems. The Salmon River's transformation poses indirect threats to Indigenous communities and other species.
Africa’s most feared snake can help to sniff out pollution
Researchers have found that Black Mambas accumulate heavy metals such as lead and mercury in their scales. This allows them to serve as a natural indicator of environmental pollution levels. By analyzing scale clippings from these snakes, scientists can accurately measure spatial patterns of pollution without harming the snakes.
Teens with higher blood levels of PFAS regain more weight after bariatric surgery, study finds
A new study found that adolescents with higher blood levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) prior to bariatric surgery regained more weight and had greater increases in waist circumference up to five years after surgery. Researchers believe PFAS exposure disrupts endocrine and metabolic processes, leading to weight regain.
FAU lands $700,000 U.S. EPA grant to monitor water quality in Lake Okeechobee
A new project at FAU aims to advance water quality monitoring in Lake Okeechobee by understanding how common contaminants break down after being released into freshwater environments. The team will deploy passive sampling devices and use cutting-edge chemical analysis to predict which contaminants are forming dangerous byproducts.
More types of PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ in Sydney tap water than previously thought
Researchers have identified 21 new PFAS chemicals in Sydney's tap water, exceeding previous estimates. The findings highlight the need for broader monitoring and underscore the persistence of 'forever chemicals' in human systems.
UBC-led international team proposes global framework to tackle toxic tire pollution crisis
An international research team has proposed a comprehensive global framework for regulating tire additives, which are a significant source of environmental contamination. The framework aims to address the impacts of these chemicals on ecosystems and human health worldwide.
Utah engineers develop novel material that efficiently removes ‘forever chemicals’
Researchers created a dual-functional metal-organic framework that both adsorbs and detects perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in real-time, making it a versatile solution for water treatment and environmental monitoring. The material's ability to fluoresce in the presence of PFOA enables efficient quantification and remediation.
Cleaner East Asian air unmasks a much hotter planet
A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.
Tipping the balance: How hidden chemical threats are reshaping ecosystems
A new study reveals that pollutants can trigger nonlinear, unpredictable impacts on biodiversity across land, freshwater, and marine ecosystems. The proposed framework integrates real-time monitoring with predictive modeling to detect early warning signs of ecological tipping points.
New study in Nature identifies plastic chemicals of concern and highlights approaches towards safer plastics
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.
New land grant research detects dicamba damage from the sky
A team of researchers has developed a drone-based system to detect dicamba damage in soybean canopies, allowing for early detection and reporting of crop damage at the field scale. The system uses remote sensing technology to identify subtle canopy damage caused by dicamba vapor drift.
Ancient golden silk revived from the Korean sea
A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.
Recycled plastics can affect hormone systems and metabolism
A new study found that recycled polyethylene plastic can leach chemicals into water, causing impacts on zebrafish larvae's hormone systems and lipid metabolism. The researchers highlight the need to address toxic chemicals in plastics across their life cycle.
Museum specimens offer new lens on pollution history
A new study uses preserved plants and animals from natural history museums to track pollution trends over two centuries. Researchers found significant changes in pollutant levels between specimens collected in the 19th and 20th centuries, highlighting the impact of industrial activity on human health.
Scientists identify synthetic chemicals in food as a major blind spot in public health
A new study highlights the presence of synthetic chemicals in food packaging and processing, increasing health risks from ultra-processed foods. The research emphasizes the need for safer food systems, better testing methods, and policy reforms to address this growing public health issue.
NIH to award $8 million for new USC Superfund center to research and address ‘forever chemicals’
The new ShARP Center will investigate how PFAS affect liver health, and develop methods to detect and remove them from public water sources. Researchers will also study the link between PFAS exposure and rare cancers.
Is air pollution exposure equal across South Korea?
A recent study from POSTECH University evaluated ground-level NO2 concentrations using satellite remote sensing data, revealing significant socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure. The research found that areas with higher socioeconomic levels had higher NO2 concentrations, contradicting previous findings in other countries.
People who understand the health dangers of living in high-risk areas are more likely to accept home buyouts
A new study from Texas A&M University found that residents' knowledge of environmental health risks is the most important factor in their decision to take a home buyout. Residents who live in areas with high levels of risk and are more concerned about environmental risks are more willing to accept a buyout.
New study tracks air pollution and CO₂ emissions across thousands of cities worldwide
The research mapped air pollution levels and carbon dioxide emissions in over 13,000 urban areas globally, highlighting regional disparities and progress towards cleaner air. Urban areas with aggressive environmental policies saw simultaneous declines in all pollutants.
Concerning chemicals from the wear of climbing shoes cause trouble in indoor halls
Researchers from the University of Vienna and EPFL Lausanne found high concentrations of rubber additives in bouldering gym air, similar to car tires. The study suggests that these substances do not belong in the air we breathe, highlighting the need for better ventilation and cleaner climbing shoe materials.
Bank filtration: a promising pretreatment for gravity-driven membrane filtration
Bank filtration (BF) was shown to effectively enhance the permeate quality of gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration by removing turbidity, particulate organic matter, and micropollutants. This pretreatment also improved membrane stability and increased stable flux, making it a promising strategy for treating polluted source water.
Man’s best friend may be nature’s worst enemy, study on pet dogs finds
New research found pet dogs disturb and directly harm wildlife, even when leashed, leading to reduced animal activity and avoided areas. Dog waste contributes to water pollution and inhibits plant growth.
Microplastics pollution from glitter can disrupt marine biomineralisation
PET-based glitter microplastics promote calcium carbonate crystallisation in seawater, altering natural biomineralisation processes in marine organisms. The study's findings suggest that glitter microplastics can degrade rapidly, releasing smaller fragments that are easily ingested by marine life.
Surprising number of environmental pollutants in hedgehogs
Researchers at Lund University found that hedgehogs collected from urban areas in Sweden contained high concentrations of lead, pesticides, and other pollutants. The study provides an environmental fingerprint of urban ecosystems, highlighting the need for increased monitoring and reduced use of synthetic materials.
The UMA will coordinate an international consortium that will hasten the use of cement as a carbon sink
The University of Malaga will coordinate an international consortium, 'X-SeeO2', aiming to hasten the use of cements as carbon dioxide sinks. The €4 million project aims to reduce CO2 emissions and promote the circular economy by upcycling waste.
New science-backed tool helps select safer, more sustainable foodware and food packaging
The Understanding Packaging (UP) Scorecard tool compares the environmental and human health impacts of foodware and packaging. It provides an aggregate score across six key metrics, including plastic pollution and climate impact.
The devastating human impact on biodiversity
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
Technology developed by MIT engineers makes pesticides stick to plant leaves
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
Using machine learning to overcome blind spots in satellite-based PM10 monitoring
A new real-time surface PM10 retrieval framework uses interpretable automated machine learning to provide accurate data across China. The framework demonstrates robust generalization and stability, outperforming previous studies in cross-validation and rolling iterative validation experiments.