Articles tagged with Chemical Pollution
Despite enacted policies, China's smog remains due to climate change and uncertainty over pollution sources, with nitrogen dioxide and ammonia contributing significantly. Research suggests targeting volatile organic compounds from vehicles could help clean up the air.
A new study finds that research on synthetic chemical pollution is severely lacking, despite its growing presence and impact on ecosystems. The study's authors call for increased funding and collaboration to better understand the environmental effects of these chemicals and mitigate their harm.
The new soy-based filter can capture nearly all pollutants, including small particles and hazardous gaseous molecules. The biodegradable material is cost-effective and has the potential to improve indoor air quality, particularly in regions with poor air quality.
Researchers developed a framework to optimize liquid-crystal-based sensors for detecting specific chemicals, enabling portable and inexpensive detection. The approach uses computational chemistry and liquid crystals to create sensitive materials that can be used in various applications.
A recent study by University of Surrey researchers reveals that emissions from pizzerias and steakhouses using wood burners can have damaging effects on the urban environment. The findings highlight the need to consider unaccounted sources of emissions, including burning wood and domestic waste.
Higher concentrations of BPA in pregnant mothers' blood are associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. The study found that women with higher BPA levels were more likely to deliver their babies early compared to those with lower levels.
A study led by the Zoological Society of London found that harbour porpoises in European waters are struggling with reproductive failures, with almost 20% of females experiencing stillbirth or foetal death. PCB concentrations in UK porpoises were moderate despite being banned over 30 years ago.
Trees that tolerate soil pollution show improved resistance to biological invasions, with 99% of spidermite RNA found in higher abundance in uncontaminated trees. This discovery implies that polluted plants may prime their defence machinery, enhancing their ability to defend against pests and pathogens.
The European technical report presents aquatic effect-based monitoring tools to address chemical pollution in surface waters, including bioassays and biomarkers for detecting toxic effects. These tools support the Water Framework Directive's goal of achieving a 'good status' for all Europe's surface waters by 2015.
Researchers found that high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) triggered pollution-forming reactions in winter, concentrating ozone pollution. Ozone levels in northeastern Utah exceeded national air quality standards 49 times during the winter season.
Researchers are monitoring air pollution levels and their impact on health using advanced methods like X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The study aims to measure the specific chemical makeup of polluted air and its effects on human health.
A new study demonstrates that ingested microplastic delivers pollutants and additives into animal tissue, compromising key functions sustaining health and biodiversity. The findings show toxic concentrations of pollutants and additives in the tissues of animals that have eaten microplastic.
A UCI-led study found high levels of carcinogens and other gases downwind of major refineries and chemical manufacturers in Alberta, Canada. The researchers detected elevated rates of cancers linked to these chemicals in nearby communities.
A Duke University-led study found that elements sulfur, carbon, and strontium have unique isotopic fingerprints, enabling scientists to quantify mountaintop mining's contribution to water pollution. These tracers will help distinguish between contamination from mountaintop mining and other sources.
A recent study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology reveals that transpacific dust plumes carry thousands of unique microbial species to North America. The researchers detected archaea at high altitudes, which has potential applications in biotechnology and medicine.
The winners of the 2012 Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Awards have been announced for their groundbreaking work in developing environmentally benign organic catalysts, producing high-performance green chemicals, and improving synthetic pathways. The awards recognize innovation in reducing waste and pollution.
Researchers found that rhinovirus infection causes an increase in cough receptors, making airways more sensitive to environmental stimuli. This may lead to new drugs that reduce virus-induced cough and wheeze in asthmatics and chronic lung disease patients.
A new Marine Board-ESF position paper highlights gaps in monitoring and regulating chemical pollution in Europe's seas. It calls for better coordination, cooperation, and harmonization among existing monitoring efforts to address the impact of human activities on marine ecosystems.
Scientists have developed new approaches to boost the effectiveness of enzymes involved in breaking down toxic pollutants such as PCBs. By modifying amino acids and updating mechanisms, researchers can create more flexible mutant enzymes that can metabolize a wider range of substrates.
A new study using satellite tracking has found that adult male sea turtles are exposed to high levels of manmade chemicals, including organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. This exposure may put them at risk of toxic effects and cumulative poisoning through the food chain.
The study found that illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products are contaminating Mexico's aquifers, posing a threat to the region's freshwater quality and availability. The researchers recommend integrated approaches to protecting and managing the aquifer to ensure sustainable tourism and human health.
Research finds that occupational exposure to synthetic fibers and petroleum products before mid-30s may treble the risk of developing breast cancer after menopause. Women exposed to these chemicals have a seven-fold increased risk, with risks magnified by each additional decade of exposure.
A University of Rhode Island researcher is proposing a global monitoring network to track banned chemicals in oceans. The initiative uses inexpensive polyethylene passive samplers, which can be easily deployed by non-scientists worldwide.
Researchers from Harvard University and their international team have developed compact, multibeam lasers that can emit multiple wavelengths in the infrared spectrum. This adaptable technology has potential use in applications such as remote chemical sensing, optical wireless, and interferometry.
A study found that many US women are unaware of the significant source of daily personal chemical exposure from their homes. Researchers discovered that people who learned about chemicals in their homes and bodies were not alarmed, but eager for more information about typical household products.
Researchers found that women were surprised and puzzled by the number of contaminants detected in their homes, despite growing awareness of environmental pollution. The study highlights the need for sociologists to collaborate with life scientists to examine the personal experience of environmental problems.
Nanoparticles were found to be better at increasing chemical reaction rates than others due to their unique properties. However, even the most effective nanoparticles can become ineffective over time through spontaneous degradation.
Researchers found a 50 km wide atmospheric chemical equator in cloudless skies of the Western Pacific, dividing pollutants between the two hemispheres. The discovery will aid pollution mapping and climate assessment by improving simulations of pollutant transport.
A new international study will determine whether American eel population decline is caused by chemical pollution in Lake Ontario. The research aims to identify the impact of toxic chemicals on eel populations, habitats, and human consumers.
The GLAST team is testing the satellite in a 'clean room' to prevent contamination due to dust and humidity. The clean environment ensures the sensitive instruments are protected during development, construction, and testing.
A UCF study found that coral tissue damage cannot heal near pollution sources on land, leading to reef decline and increased hurricane risks. The loss of coral harms natural ecosystems and the tourism economy, while also protecting coastal areas from storms.
Researchers found evidence of reactive chlorine chemistry in surface air, estimating it creates 5-8 parts per billion of maximum daily ozone level. Chlorine levels fluctuate with little regularity and its cause remains unknown.
The MIRAGE project, led by NCAR, aims to quantify air pollution emitted by Mexico City from multiple perspectives. Researchers will use aircraft, ground-based instruments, and satellite observations to gather data on the pollutants' life cycle, including their transformation by chemical reactions and interaction with other sources.
Researchers found that rain gardens significantly reduced concentrations of nitrates, ammonias, phosphorous and other pollutants reaching storm drains. Design tweaks allowed bacteria in the soil to convert harmful nitrates into nitrogen gas, preventing them from entering groundwater.
A new EPA rule requires manufacturers to reduce motorcycle emissions by 60% by 2010, reducing pollution by 54,000 tons and saving 12 million gallons of fuel annually. Motorcycles produce more harmful exhaust emissions per mile than cars or sports utility vehicles.
The Stanford Environmental Molecular Science Institute will investigate how heavy metal contamination interacts with solid surfaces and bacteria using various molecular-level tools. The institute aims to understand the structure and properties of pollutants like arsenic, chromium, and lead at a fundamental level.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new set of molecules that can catalyze the cleanup of common groundwater pollutants called organohalides. The compounds 'break bonds' holding dangerous pollutants together, rendering them safer.
Kansas State University will develop a 'green' chemistry course with a $500,000 NSF grant. The course aims to educate students on environmentally friendly chemical processes and develop chiral molecules critical for biologically active compounds like pharmaceuticals.
A new study from UC Davis finds that the debris pile at Ground Zero released toxic metals, acids, and organics for at least six weeks after the 9/11 attacks. The conditions were brutal for those working without respirators.
Beauchamp's team has developed a method to trap only molecules with certain shapes, allowing for the analysis of specific proteins in complex mixtures. This breakthrough technique enables chemists to detect and analyze unique protein patterns, holding promise for applications such as detecting HIV infection.
Researchers developed a new material by attaching gold nanoparticles to a sticky molecule gradient, enabling efficient processing and high-throughput testing. The material can be used as a filter, sensor or catalyst with potential applications in electronics, chemistry and life sciences.
Jawahar C. Parekh, a New Jersey researcher, has developed an ozone-safe antiperspirant that provides better protection at lower application levels and has a longer shelf life. The new propellant reduces the formation of hazardous air pollutants when reacting with the antiperspirant's active ingredient.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple and effective method to monitor chromium contamination in groundwater. By analyzing the isotopic ratios of hexavalent chromium, they can determine how much reduction has taken place and estimate the long-term reduction rate.
University at Buffalo chemists found that nitric oxide is highly reactive with ethanol, making it a potentially more insidious pollutant. The study's findings provide new insights into how solvation affects chemical reactions and could help scientists better tailor lab experiments.
The EPA has chosen Washington University in St. Louis to monitor fine particle matter air pollution in the St. Louis metropolitan area, as part of a comprehensive and collaborative program. The project aims to investigate relationships between pollutants and human illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and pulmonary illnesses.
Research by Australian scientist Peter Dingle found that potted plants have a limited effect on reducing formaldehyde levels, a toxic chemical linked to sick building syndrome. While plants can improve the aesthetic environment, they do not significantly clean the air of pollutants.
Researchers at Cornell University developed new tests to measure the true bioavailability of aging toxins like DDT, which may overestimate the risk to living organisms. The new tests meet standards set by common earthworms and provide a more realistic reflection of potential harm.
A recent study reveals that much of the information on global pollution is flawed due to the chirality of chemicals. This asymmetry affects how toxic pollutants interact with living organisms. The study finds that some pollutants may be less harmful than thought, while environmental changes could increase or decrease their toxicity.
Researchers found that increasing humus content can increase quinoline's movement to groundwater, but mineral interactions play a key role. The study suggests that strongly bound pollutants may still be broken down by microorganisms.
The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.
Robert W. Pitz is using advanced laser diagnostics to study gasoline burning characteristics in direct injection engines, aiming to reduce pollutants while maintaining efficiency. His research may lead to the development of next-generation engines with improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University and Arizona State University have launched an open internet-based workshop on pollution prevention research and teaching in higher education. The goal of the workshop is to formulate recommendations and guidelines for pollution prevention research in academia, with a focus on establishin...
Researchers in Mexico City are testing an antenna system designed to ionise the atmosphere, hoping to influence local wind patterns and rainfall to disperse air contaminants. However, experts remain sceptical due to the enormous number of electrons required to alter the natural level of ionisation.
Researchers have confirmed that Asian air pollution can travel to the US West Coast under specific meteorological conditions, with pollutants including carbon monoxide and particulates. The study found that air reaches the West Coast in about seven days, but can take as few as four or 10 days, depending on weather patterns.
New Swedish research reveals that even small doses of environmental pollutants can cause lifelong neurological disturbances in laboratory animals. The study also raises concerns about the impact on human babies, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in monitoring these toxic substances.
Studies have shown that low doses of dioxin can cause spontaneous abortions, changes in the immune system, and developmental issues in animals. Fish are also being studied as models for understanding dioxin toxicity, with high levels of toxic pollutants found in northern environments, affecting polar bears, porpoises, and other species.
Scientists have discovered a species of glowing bacteria that can detect pollutants in the deep sea. When exposed to various toxic substances, Photobacterium phosphoreum HE-1a glows up to 50% less brightly, triggering an alarm call that alerts nearby sensors to take action.
A new study reveals that Asian industrial smog is affecting the US West Coast, with 10% of ozone and pollutants coming from East Asia. The University of Washington's research station detected higher levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, which are likely to be lower in Asia just 30 years ago.
A newly isolated bacterium, coccoid Strain 195, reduces toxic tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene gas. The Cornell researchers' discovery will lead to better pollution cleanup strategies in the field.
A new study shows that nearly half of rural eastern US sites would not meet the new ozone standard, posing health risks to residents. The researchers argue that a regional approach is needed to address rural air pollution, requiring cooperation among states and communities.