Articles tagged with Pollutants
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.
A new mechanochemical approach uses water as a catalyst to transform renewable resources into high-performance porous materials capable of capturing CO2 while removing pollutants. The method produces carbon-negative materials with exceptional hydrophobic characteristics and scalable production.
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
A recent study analyzed seabird carcasses and blood from six species in Brazil, finding similar concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) among species with different diets. The researchers discovered that the great shearwater had the highest levels of PCBs and mirex, possibly due to its migratory routes and feeding habits.
A new FAU study uncovers the impact of acidic water on shell-building marine organisms, highlighting the need for strategies to mitigate coastal acidification. The research found that nutrient pollution, freshwater input, and other environmental factors contribute to reduced aragonite saturation.
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.
Residential wood burning accounts for over one-fifth of wintertime exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter, linked to increased risks of heart disease and premature death. By reducing indoor wood burning, Americans could decrease outdoor air pollution and save thousands of lives.
A new study shows that China can significantly limit its cooling-related climate impacts by transitioning to cleaner refrigerants and adopting high-efficiency cooling technologies. This integrated approach could phase down cumulative HFC consumption by 12.6 Gt CO2e from 2022 to 2060, avoiding up to 0.015°C of global warming.
MIT Energy Initiative researchers developed the largest combined dataset on global ammonia supply chains, examining economic and environmental impact of different scenarios. The study found that a full transition to clean ammonia production could cut greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 71% for a 23.2% cost increase.
The production of ingredients used in dog food contributes around 1% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions, with wet and raw foods associated with substantially higher emissions. Choosing dry food over grain-free or wet options can significantly reduce environmental impact.
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.
A new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials found that small home appliances with electric heating coils and brushed DC motors emit large quantities of ultrafine particles, posing significant health hazards. The study suggests that children are at a higher risk due to their smaller airway diameters.
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.
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.
Researchers at University of East London found that discarded seashells can be transformed into a low-carbon concrete ingredient, reducing carbon emissions by up to 36%. The study suggests a promising opportunity for industry to adopt sustainable cement alternatives.
Researchers found that Texas Hollow Pond emitted more than twice the amount of carbon dioxide as Mud Pond, despite being shallower. The team also discovered nearly twice as much methane bubbling up from Mud Pond's sediments.
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.
A recent study found that microplastics in the natural environment are colonized by pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria. The study's findings suggest that these microplastics can act as carriers for harmful pathogens, posing a growing risk to environmental and public health.
A study at the University of Buffalo discovered a new membrane that separates hydrogen from CO2 with a record-breaking selectivity of 1,800, outperforming previous rates by 18 times. The crosslinked polyamines-based membrane also exhibits self-healing properties and stability under extreme conditions.
The study highlights how emerging pollutants such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and industrial chemicals interfere with biological phosphorus removal processes in wastewater treatment plants. The review emphasizes the need for updated strategies and experimental designs to address these new contaminants.
A recent study by Ocean Conservancy reveals that consuming as little as three sugar cubes' worth of plastics can be fatal to seabirds, while less than one-sixth of a soccer ball's worth can kill sea turtles. Marine mammals are also vulnerable, with nearly half dying from ingesting plastics, often of varying types.
A new review highlights the potential of iron-enhanced biochar to capture pollutants, catalyze chemical reactions, and stabilize nutrients in soil and water systems. The material's unique features include high surface charge, improved porosity, and accelerated advanced oxidation processes.
Researchers at ISTA quantify the environmental impact of international conference travel, finding that train travel can significantly reduce carbon emissions. The study shows that traveling to an overseas conference generates a substantial carbon footprint of four to five tons per participant.
A new study by MIT researchers and their collaborators at national laboratories quantifies I-129 release under three different scenarios: direct disposal in deep underground repositories, dilution and release, and filters to capture I-129. France's practice of reprocessing releases 90% of I-129 into the biosphere, while U.S. approach l...
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.
Researchers at Kyushu University found that rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere may lead to disruptions in shortwave radio communications, including systems used for air traffic control and maritime communication. The ionosphere's cooling due to global warming causes a decrease in air density and accelerates wind circulation.
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.
A global synthesis found that genetic variation in crops significantly affects methane emissions, but not nitrous oxide emissions. Selective breeding of crop traits can help balance high yields with lower GHG release.
Research from Colorado State University reveals how wildfire smoke combines with existing particulate pollution to create secondary, often more toxic, pollution and contribute to ozone formation. The study found that 90% of aerosol pollution over NYC is sensitive to at least one aspect of global changes, such as high temperatures.
A holistic review of microplastic accumulation and management highlights plastic particles' negative impacts on human health and environmental sustainability. Effective strategies demand a circular economy approach to reduce plastic production, promote reuse, and adopt robust waste management.
A team of researchers developed a new manufacturing process using bio-based solvents to reduce the production cost of perovskite solar cells by half and decrease climate impact by over 80%. AI-based reverse engineering technology was used to identify optimal conditions for efficiency and sustainability.
A growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.
Researchers investigated how natural microfibers and synthetic materials degrade under simulated sunlight in freshwater and seawater. The study found significant differences in degradation rates between the two materials, with implications for aquatic ecosystems.
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.
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.
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
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.
A comprehensive review of new pollutants in China highlights knowledge gaps and strategic recommendations for pollution control. The study emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary research and collaborative efforts to address complex environmental challenges.
Methane emissions from global trade have risen by 30% since 1990, driven by rapid industrialization and population growth in Asia and the developing Pacific region. The study calls for targeted sectoral strategies to reduce emissions, including advanced leak detection and improved livestock feed formulations.
A study by University of Birmingham researchers found that corporate net-zero pledges often lack the substance needed to drive real change. Many companies use vague language and focus on direct emissions, omitting substantial indirect emissions generated by their products.
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.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
A new study highlights an opportunity for China to take the lead in fluorocarbon lifecycle management, which could prevent up to 8 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2060. By implementing strategies like recovery, recycling, and reclamation, China can reduce more than half of residual refrigerant emissions.
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.
Global experts issue urgent call for a binding UN plastics treaty grounded in science, justice, and bold political will. The authors highlight the mounting evidence that plastic pollution is a health crisis, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University has developed an innovative air filter that mimics the way mucus-coated nasal hairs trap particles, achieving remarkable filtration efficiency. The particle-removing oil-coated (PRO) filter is a significant leap forward in air purification, offering improved performance and sustainability.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyze historical U.S. carbon emissions trends, identifying factors that contributed to changes and offering lessons for developing countries. The study suggests that investing in efficient technologies and avoiding overreliance on coal can help avoid pitfalls encountered by the United States.
Birgitta Schultze-Bernhardt is developing a portable device that can determine the concentration of several gaseous pollutants in ambient air with utmost accuracy, measuring three pollutants simultaneously. The device will enable real-time monitoring of pollution levels in cities and industrial areas.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
A new study from the University of California, Riverside shows that sealing manure ponds at a Central Valley farm can dramatically reduce atmospheric methane emissions. The researchers found that this method can achieve an 80% reduction in emissions, comparable to California state officials' climate planning estimates.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
A new process using seawater and recycled soda cans can produce green hydrogen with a low carbon footprint comparable to other green hydrogen technologies. Researchers found that the overall emissions of this method are on par with those of fossil-fuel-based processes, making it a scalable and sustainable option for energy production.
Researchers used satellite data from GOSAT-2 to estimate methane and carbon monoxide emissions in the world's 40 most populous cities. The analysis revealed significant variations between cities, with Beijing emitting approximately 4.3 times more CO per unit of CO2 compared to Tokyo.
Researchers found that adopting new digital systems to help oceangoing container ships get in line to offload their cargo at busy ports reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 16-24%. This intervention is cheap and utilizes existing technology.
A new study found that adopting low-carbon lifestyles can reduce global carbon footprints by 10.4 gigatons of CO2 equivalent, equivalent to 40.1% of household consumption-based emissions in 116 countries analysed. Researchers identified 21 low-carbon actions that could achieve this reduction if adopted by the top 23.7% of global emitters.
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.
Researchers found microplastics in Texas bay sediments, but most have been swept out to sea, not settling at the bottom. The study suggests microplastics can absorb chemicals and build up in marine life, eventually affecting humans.
A new study found that brick kiln owners in Bangladesh are willing to implement energy-efficient operational changes after receiving training and support. The changes led to a 23% reduction in energy use and substantial savings in coal expenditures.
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.
The UK is facing significant environmental, economic, and health harm from microplastic pollution without a comprehensive approach. The EU and US are already implementing reduction targets and regulatory limits, while the UK lacks specific reduction targets.