Articles tagged with Pollutants
A new white paper highlights the risks of microplastics in supply chains and environments, with primary and secondary microplastics found in various products. Businesses are urged to take proactive measures to manage their microplastic exposure, including monitoring, circular business models, and recycled-content products.
A new review by the University of East London found no direct evidence showing whether domestic gardens reduce pollution levels or improve household air quality. Despite covering vast areas of Britain's towns and cities, researchers discovered a huge gap in understanding the role of domestic gardens on air quality.
Teenagers and young adults have the highest individual environmental impact from their diets, producing the highest per-capita food-related GHG emissions worldwide. Meanwhile, population ageing is contributing to an increase in global dietary greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to older people living longer and having fewer children.
A new study introduces a standardized method for measuring greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions generated across the entire retail journey. The protocol covers online and traditional in-store shopping and provides nationwide parameters for China from 1990 to 2023, identifying opportunities for meaningful reductions.
A University of Utah-led survey found that 69% of Salt Lake County residents are concerned about the Great Salt Lake's decline, with habitat loss and risks to human health ranking as top issues. Concern varies by social group, birthplace, and personal experiences.
A study published in PLOS Climate found that teleworking can reduce carbon emissions from commuting, but this benefit may be offset by increased utility use at home. More frequent and separate home office users produced higher emissions due to work-related housing and technology use.
Researchers at UC Davis aim to understand how airborne nanoplastics affect human health, focusing on neurotoxicity and pollutant-adsorbed nanoplastics. They'll create a standardized method for measuring and describing the health risks of these tiny plastics.
Recent studies have analyzed the residues of fireworks, providing insights into their potential impacts on human health and the environment. The research also highlights the need for better management of pyrotechnics' fallout, including litter, particulate matter, and airborne compounds.
Colorado State University researchers propose strategies to immobilize toxic metals and prevent plant uptake in rice grains, protecting food security and public health. The approach aims to reduce arsenic, cadmium, and mercury contamination in rice paddies using nanomaterials and chemical reactions.
A recent review of decades of air pollution studies found that exposure to PM2.5 may harm heart health even at concentrations below EPA guidelines, affecting cardiovascular disease rates worldwide. Certain populations are particularly vulnerable, and increasing public awareness is key to preventing exposure.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
A comprehensive review of biochar-hydrogel composites reveals that their effectiveness lies in the surface chemistry of advanced composite materials. The study identifies function-specific performance and emphasizes the need for standardized durability testing to ensure long-term stability and scalability.
A new study by University of East London researchers aims to gather data on microplastic contamination across the Thames, combining new sampling with existing datasets. The findings could inform discussions around wastewater management, river protection, and plastic pollution policy.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
A three-year research project aims to identify the molecular pathways linking exposure to pesticides and air pollution to Parkinson's disease development and progression. The study will analyze human stem cells, animal models, and genetic analyses to understand how environmental toxins trigger disease onset.
A new study suggests that toxic mercury exposure may disrupt metabolic health, affecting liver function and cardiovascular disease risk in vulnerable populations. Researchers used a high-dose methylmercury exposure model to explore how differences in apolipoprotein E (ApoE) forms affect mercury toxicity.
A new type of concrete made from sugarcane waste shows improved mechanical performance and reduced carbon emissions. The study finds that replacing fly ash with sugarcane bagasse ash improves compressive strength by 41% and reduces CO2 emissions by 25-30%.
A PolyU research team discovered that low concentrations of bacterial toxins in urban air can trigger nearly 20% of inflammatory responses, while drug-resistant fungi may spread through everyday breathing or skin contact. The study highlights the need to identify and control these highly toxic trace components to effectively reduce hea...
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.
A study by King's College London found that babies exposed to high levels of air pollution in the womb show slower signs of development at 18 months compared to those exposed to lower levels. This is particularly true for premature babies, who experience poorer motor and language skills.
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
Scientists calculate that high leakages of ozone-depleting substances from feedstocks could delay ozone recovery by about seven years. The Montreal Protocol made an exception for the use of these substances in producing other materials, but recent estimates suggest higher leakage rates than initially thought.
A recent study analyzed blood samples from over 11,000 seabirds worldwide to estimate oceanic mercury distribution. The analysis found that mercury levels vary according to prey trophic level, bird body weight, and foraging depth, with distinct regional patterns of contamination.
Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.
A new study by the University at Buffalo reveals that unequal access to recycling facilities plays a key role in shaping plastic waste management practices in the US. Wealthier and more college-educated communities are more likely to have convenient access to large-scale industrial recycling facilities, making recycling easier and more...
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.
A long-term study found children living near the Salton Sea have slower lung function growth, with effects comparable to freeway exposure. The researchers controlled for various factors and found that dust exposure was linked to lower lung capacity, suggesting potential long-term health implications.
A new study by MIT researchers provides a high-resolution picture of auto emissions in NYC, allowing for more effective transportation and decarbonization policies. The method produces detailed data that bridges the gap between citywide emissions inventories and individual vehicle analyses.
A new study finds that dairy manure digesters are highly effective in reducing methane emissions from cow manure, with most systems performing well. However, occasional leaks of large magnitude offset the climate benefits, highlighting the need for thorough monitoring and verification.
A new study finds that air pollution alerts issued in China's cities significantly reduce PM2.5 levels and prevent nearly 54,000 premature deaths over a five-year period. The alerts trigger short-term actions to limit pollution, resulting in a 30-40% reduction in acute mortality risk due to PM2.5.
A new model developed by MIT scientists suggests that the hydroxyl radical, a key air cleanser, may boost methane breakdown levels due to rising water vapor but also reduce them due to increased biogenic emissions, resulting in a small net gain in its effectiveness.
A spatial analysis of 259 Chinese cities shows that digital transformation drives environmental progress by optimizing broader industrial structures. Governments should focus on upgrading entire industrial ecosystems rather than waiting for isolated technological miracles to solve the carbon crisis.
Researchers created a new method combining scientific tests and artificial intelligence to differentiate recycled plastic from new plastic. The tool, developed by University at Buffalo researchers, can analyze samples and predict the percentage of recycled content with over 97% accuracy.
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 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.
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.
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.