Articles tagged with Chemical Pollution
Monitoring projects have identified a vast array of contaminants in urban stormwater, including tire- and vehicle-derived chemicals, PFAS, phosphorous, metals, and more. Researchers are exploring various strategies to address this issue, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and reducing chemical usage at the source.
A UMass Amherst researcher has received a $3 million grant to study the complex interplay of risk factors for autism, including early life exposure to environmental pollutants and genetic susceptibility. The study aims to better understand how multiple pollutants and the folate system are associated with autistic traits.
A field study in South Korea has provided valuable tests of photochemical models' ability to represent atmospheric chemistry, especially in polluted environments. The analysis of airborne measurements of hydroxyl radical and other chemical species showed agreement with model values when uncertainties are considered.
Researchers in California discovered that most trash items come from local sources, with nearly 60% of collected materials being plastic. The study suggests that cities can address the issue through bans on frequent litterers and increased street sweeping to prevent reoccurring litter.
A Texas A&M University study reveals that indoor air quality in homes is often worse than in office buildings, with higher concentrations of fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The research suggests that remote workers are exposed to poorer health outcomes due to inadequate home air quality.
A new study found that Hong Kong's remote sensing enforcement program significantly reduced harmful chemicals at the roadside and in the atmosphere. The program led to a 22-39% reduction in total hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and nitric oxide emissions from high-emitting vehicles.
Research confirms microplastics are present in the placenta and in newborns, posing a significant risk to children's health. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has called for more research on life's early stages to understand the effects of nano- and microplastics.
Scientists have discovered characteristic breakpoints that alter pollutant concentrations in rivers, impacting global water security. The research sheds light on the behavior of aquatic pollutants in large river systems, including India's River Ganga.
A new report highlights the need for a comprehensive system of risk management to deal with complex environmental risks. Experts from academia and government have identified key sources of data and interventions to reduce multiple types of risk, including air pollution, food insecurity, and zoonotic diseases.
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.
Researchers found that fish exposed to BPA exhibited feminizing effects on gonads, brain genes, and hormone levels, leading to changes in aggression and sex determination. In contrast, EE2 had less pronounced effects, with decreased aggression despite feminization of gonads.
A new approach has been developed to identify proteins affected by pollutants and chemicals, allowing for early detection of harmful biological effects. The method, called PISA, can be used to study the interactions between chemicals and proteins, revealing potential toxicity pathways.
Researchers found an association between prenatal PFAS exposure and late-onset preeclampsia, suggesting toxic effects outside placental development. The study analyzed data from pregnant women at Brigham and Women's Hospital, revealing a correlation between PFAS chemicals and the condition.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
A new study found that benzo(a)pyrene plays a small part in the global risk of developing PAH-associated cancer, with 89% of the risk coming from other unregulated chemicals. Degradation products formed in the atmosphere can also be more toxic than the emitted PAHs.
A new study found that bluefin tuna accumulation rates are highest in the Mediterranean and decrease in the north Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and north Atlantic Ocean. The researchers linked methylmercury accumulation to regional seawater and zooplankton concentrations, revealing global patterns of mercury pollution.
Researchers from India and Saudi Arabia have combined oxidation and photocatalysis to create a heterogeneous photo-Fenton system that degrades phenols at higher rates than individual approaches. The system is highly photostable and reusable, making it promising for practical applications in wastewater purification.
A new USC study found a link between 'forever chemicals' and changes in glucose metabolism in Latina girls, potentially increasing their risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers measured the impact of PFAS on glucose metabolism over time among adolescents and young adults.
A new study has detected high levels of PFAS chemicals in indoor air, particularly in carpets and other products treated with the forever chemicals. The research suggests that children may be exposed to these harmful substances through inhalation, highlighting the need for reduced use of PFAS in products.
Scientists have developed novel gas sensors with improved detection sensitivity and durability by combining organic and inorganic materials. The hybrid sensors boast high durability and high sensitivity, making them suitable for portable gas sensing applications.
Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.
Researchers developed machine learning methods to accurately identify and characterize metabolism-disrupting chemicals, also known as obesogens. A high-throughput chemical screening approach combined with a machine learning approach was used to profile over 60 chemicals with known effects and predict their metabolism-disrupting potential.
Research by Lancaster University has found elevated levels of toxic chemicals, known as 'forever' chemicals, in the Arctic Ocean. These chemicals, used in products like stain-proof uniforms and non-stick pans, can accumulate in sea ice due to long-range transport from the atmosphere.
A £2.3million study is investigating the impact of chemical pollutants from UK coastal landfill waste on seabirds' health, reproduction and survival. The researchers will focus on European shags in the Firth of Forth, comparing their health and survival rates with birds that spend more time in the area.
International scientists agree that chemical pollutants can impact wildlife and human behavior, calling for improved methods to study contaminated-induced behavioral changes. The recommendations include developing standardized toxicity tests and integrating behavioral toxicology into environmental risk assessments.
Researchers explore using microbes to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), persistent environmental pollutants. A study suggests that certain microbe strains can defluorinate PFAS, but further research is needed to develop a feasible method for cleaning up the compounds.
Exposure to chemicals has contributed to over 1.3 million premature deaths worldwide. A global intergovernmental science-policy body is proposed to tackle this issue by conducting scientific assessments and identifying policy-relevant research needs.
The American Chemical Society outlines key business and policy issues in chemistry for 2021, with a focus on climate goals and the impact of open access publishing. The organization also notes that chemical firms are looking to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic and manufacturers will remain busy producing COVID-19 vaccines.
University at Buffalo researchers have created a chemical sensing chip that approaches quantum limit capabilities, enabling quick and accurate detection of drugs and trace chemicals. The chip uses surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technology to identify unique light-scattering signatures of chemicals.
A study by University at Buffalo researchers reveals that common terns in the Great Lakes region are contaminated with legacy pollutants like PCBs, PBDEs and DDT metabolites. The chemicals were found in birds of all ages, including chicks and adults, as well as emerald shiners, a primary food source for the terns.
Researchers detected nitrous acid levels two to four times higher than expected in wildfire plumes globally, driving increased ozone pollution and air quality harm. The chemical accelerates the formation of lung-damaging ozone pollution downwind of fires, with significant variations depending on ecosystem type.
Research shows that air pollution from ozone levels damages the scent of flowers, deterring moths. However, when given a chance, moths quickly learn that even polluted floral odors may lead to nutritious nectar rewards. This learning ability is crucial for moths to adapt to changing environments.
The study enhances air quality numerical models by incorporating observation information and model background fields to improve prediction accuracy, particularly for pollutants with long lifespans. It shows significant benefits for PM2.5, PM10, and CO forecasts lasting more than 48 hours.
A major study finds associations between air pollution, smoking, and built environment characteristics with increased childhood BMI. Exposure to maternal smoking, air pollutants PM2.5 and nitrogen dioxide, and densely populated areas were linked to higher childhood BMI.
Researchers discovered significant chemical differences between PM1 and PM2.5 aerosol species, affecting particle acidity and water content predictions. These findings are crucial for accurately modeling air pollution in highly polluted regions, where the distinction is critical.
A review paper in Science highlights the challenge of assessing chemical risks to wildlife, citing the need for computer modelling and long-term ecological monitoring. The authors recommend a more consistent retrospective risk assessment approach to better understand the impacts of chemicals on wildlife populations.
The EU Water Framework Directive needs further development to address the complex mixtures of pesticides, medicines, and industrial chemicals in European waters. Researchers have developed new concepts and tools to monitor and reduce exposure to these substances.
The INTERfaces project, funded by the EU's Horizon 2020 programme, aims to replicate natural bioprocesses for use in the chemical industry. Researchers will mimic nature's metabolism to produce pure and sustainable chemical products.
A team of scientists from UMass Amherst and China has developed a new dynamic, two-step process to break down tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), a persistent global pollutant. The process uses sulfidated nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI) to degrade TBBPA into harmless carbon dioxide and water.
A recent study by Cardiff University and others found that Welsh rivers in urban locations have damaged food chains and fewer species of invertebrates compared to rural rivers. Persistent industrial pollutants like PCBs and PBDEs may be responsible for these effects, persisting despite being phased out.
Scientists developed all-dielectric nanoantennas that enable fast temperature-feedback identification of viruses and explosives at low concentrations. The technology allows accurate tracing and control of local temperatures during laser-induced chemical reactions.
Recent research reveals that pollutants can alter animals' immune responses and decrease their resistance to infectious diseases. Chemical exposure in the womb has also been linked to increased risk of illnesses in children.
Researchers from University of Colorado at Boulder found that daily household activities like cooking and cleaning release high levels of airborne chemicals, contributing to indoor and outdoor air quality. The study highlights the importance of proper ventilation in homes to minimize health impacts.
Scientists are creating new receptor-molecules and nanostructures to detect and destroy industrial pollutants like pesticides, herbicides, and pharmaceuticals. The goal is to develop a more effective technology for cleaning the environment, addressing a major issue due to the 'chiral' nature of these pollutants.
A study found associations between environmental pollutants and metabolic processes in pregnant women, with potential implications for foetal development and child health. Exposure to low levels of contaminants left an imprint on their metabolism.
UTSA researchers have developed numerical models to replicate toxic gas dispersal, allowing for accurate projections of deadly gas trajectory. The tools can help direct evacuations in as little as 10 minutes.
Researchers found that various fruit and vegetable peels effectively removed pollutants like dyes and heavy metals from water. The study, led by Cindy Samet, expanded on previous research using avocado peels to remove pollutants, and discovered the potential of other peels like lemon seeds to achieve near-100% removal rates.
Researchers in Shanghai discovered new particles formed in polluted air, defying expectations and highlighting the need for emission reductions to mitigate climate change. The study provides new insights into urban particle formation (NPF) and its role in affecting local and global air quality.
Historical data analysis reveals significant differences in source region contributions to haze under unfavorable weather systems. Policymakers can develop more efficient control plans by incorporating weather system analysis when haze events occur.
The HOMEChem field experiment is analyzing chemical interactions in indoor environments, exploring sources of oxidants, organic compounds, and reactive nitrogen species. The month-long project uses advanced instruments to detect chemicals in real-time, providing insights into the complex chemistry of indoor environments.
Researchers at Lobachevsky University discovered hormesis and paradoxical effects in plants under formaldehyde exposure, affecting growth and biochemical indicators. This study contributes to improving environmental assessment methods using plant parameters.
A University of Melbourne study reveals that one in four Americans report chemical sensitivity, with nearly half experiencing severe health problems. The research found a significant increase in diagnosed cases of Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, affecting an estimated 55 million adults.
A new study finds that consumer and industrial products are a dominant urban air pollution source, contributing as much as the transportation sector. Particle-forming emissions from chemical products are twice as high as those from vehicles, causing lung damage.
Researchers at Swansea University have discovered patterns in soil fractures that could speed up the decontamination of industrial brownfield sites. The technique uses fracturing to generate high-conductivity pathways for fluid exchange, reducing cleaning time and cost.
Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory have made a breakthrough in understanding the Criegee intermediate, a key chemical able to break down sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The research improves models for atmospheric chemistry and validates a major theory for predicting chemical reactivity.
A new study reveals that unequal exposure to environmental pollutants may drive higher diabetes rates among minority and low-income populations. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals can hinder insulin production, increasing the risk of diabetes.
Air pollution is the biggest contributor, linked to 6.5 million deaths in 2015, while water and workplace-related pollution pose significant risks. Welfare losses due to pollution are estimated to cost more than US$4.6 trillion each year.
Researchers found that low-income households living in subsidized housing are exposed to hazardous chemicals from building materials and personal care products. The study highlights the need for broader green building standards to address indoor air pollution, particularly in vulnerable communities.
Research highlights the disproportionate impact of beauty product-related chemicals on women of color, who face higher levels of exposure and health risks. The study suggests that marketing practices and societal pressure contribute to this issue, emphasizing the need for improved testing and disclosure to advance environmental justice.
A new study reveals that US streams contain complex blends of organic pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and byproducts from their degradation. The findings suggest that these chemical combinations could harm aquatic life and potentially impact human health.