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This week from AGU: Pacific wind patterns, Ethiopia's sedimentary record, US air quality

A new study reveals that Pacific wind patterns behind California's drought also led to a significant drop in small plant-like organisms in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, potentially affecting marine life. Meanwhile, researchers warn of worsening US air quality due to climate change, particularly ozone pollution fueled by nitrogen oxid...

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 3, 2015

Tiny bubbles clean oil from water

A University of Utah engineer has developed a new method to remove oil sheen from polluted water using tiny bubbles created by pressurizing ozone gas. This method, which targets the oil sheen and other pollutants, could be used to clean wastewater discharged into coastal waters and soil contaminated with heavy metals.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalChemosphere·DateNov 15, 2009

Stratospheric ozone chemistry plays an important role for atmospheric airflow patterns

Researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute found that stratospheric ozone chemistry significantly influences the Arctic Oscillation, leading to changes in atmospheric air flows and temperature distribution. This basic knowledge is crucial for improving climate models and reducing uncertainty in simulated climate developments.

Sulfur signature changes thoughts on atmospheric oxygen

The study's findings suggest that the presence of oxygen in the atmosphere may not have been as absolute as previously thought, with fluctuations occurring over time. The researchers analyzed ancient sediments and found that sulfur isotope ratios did not exhibit abnormal patterns consistent with an oxygen-free atmosphere.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateAug 23, 2006

Study finds no safe level for ozone

A nationwide study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that even very low levels of ozone increase the risk of premature death. The study suggests that further reductions in ozone pollution would benefit public health, even in areas that meet current regulatory standards.

SourceYale University·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 16, 2006

Overseas NOx could be boosting ozone levels in US

Research finds large amounts of nitrogen oxides (NOx) transported to North America from the Pacific Ocean in May contribute to significant increases in ozone levels over the region. The discovery will help build better models to understand how pollutants affect other regions, with potential implications for air quality and human health.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 16, 2006

U.S. push for diesel poses risk to public health, scientists say

Scientists say that replacing gasoline-fueled vehicles with cleaner diesel technology could lead to a significant increase in surface ozone levels, particularly in the Southeast. The study found that pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons also increased, highlighting the need for more effective pollution control measures.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2004