Articles tagged with Pollutants
China has established an implementation guarantee system and strengthened capacity development to promote the implementation of the Stockholm Convention. The country has seen significant reductions in pesticide residues and PCBs, with a disposal rate of 100% for hazardous waste.
A new study led by the University of Washington strengthens evidence that air pollution can harm childhood behavioral problems and IQ. Researchers found prenatal and postnatal exposure to nitrogen dioxide and small-particle air pollution were associated with poorer child behavioral functioning and cognitive performance.
Researchers from the University of York discovered a link between reducing particle pollution and increasing surface ozone pollution in some emerging economies. The study found that reducing particle pollution can lead to a 20-30% increase in ozone pollution, impacting health, ecosystems, and agriculture.
Researchers created a light-activated fish robot that rapidly swims around and removes microplastics from waterways. The robot's unique material allows it to heal itself and maintain its ability to adsorb pollutants.
Research team from Goethe University reproduces Asian monsoon conditions in experimental chamber, identifying increased aerosol particle formation. The study found that ice clouds can form under lower water vapour supersaturation than anticipated, affecting climate models' accuracy.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
Researchers found evidence of declining nitrogen availability in various ecosystems, including grasslands and forests, due to multiple environmental changes. The decline is linked to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and reduced plant growth, with implications for the global carbon cycle.
A team of researchers from INRS has developed a new tool to measure the effects of endocrine disruptors in wastewater. Using human cell lines, they can detect the presence of these contaminants and predict their harmful effects without resorting to animal testing.
Researchers from Texas A&M University found that the absence of a functioning Nrf2 gene affects prenatal growth, especially when exposed to ultrafine particulate air pollution. This study highlights a possible mechanism by which ultrafine particles can impact placental function and prenatal health.
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
A recent study published in Environmental Research found a significant association between air pollution and low birth weight in Israel. The study, which analyzed data from over 380,000 births, revealed that mothers who were underweight or of lower socioeconomic status were more vulnerable to exposure to air pollution.
Researchers found that exposure to 6PPD-quinone at environmentally relevant levels can be deadly for rainbow and brook trout, but not for Arctic char or white sturgeon. The study suggests possible non-lethal effects on the latter species, warranting further examination.
Researchers at Stanford University developed an electrochemical sulfur oxidation process that can transform wastewater into valuable materials. The technology has the potential to power renewable energy-powered wastewater treatment, creating drinkable water.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provide valuable insights on managing C&D waste and reducing carbon emissions in building refurbishment projects. By upcycling generated waste, carbon emissions can be significantly reduced, with a potential reduction of around 40% compared to traditional practices.
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.
Common air pollutants from urban and rural environments reduce pollinating abilities of insects, leading to fewer flower visits and overall pollination reductions. The study observed up to 70% fewer pollinators, 90% fewer flower visits, and a 31% reduction in pollination when common ground-level air pollutants were present.
A new procedure uses high-intensity pulses of light to dramatically accelerate the removal of organic micropollutants from water. The treatment can degrade pollutants at extraordinary rates, making it an ideal solution for high-throughput water treatment applications.
Researchers at Skoltech developed an algorithm that aggregates and maps environmental data to predict and visually map the quality of water, soil, or air. The solution uses interpolation to fill gaps in data and produces detailed maps with high resolution.
Researchers developed a smart system to accurately identify volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and benzene, toluene, and xylene molecules in the air. The system uses thermal modulation to enhance recognition capabilities and offers a powerful route for exploring future advanced VOCs recognition electronics.
Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.
A new project led by University of Illinois researchers will develop machine learning models to predict the reactivity of thousands of organic contaminants in engineered and natural environments. This will help scientists better model pollutant fate and transport, leading to more accurate contaminant risk assessments.
A recent study found associations between air and water pollutants and changes in the human sex ratio at birth. Pollutants such as PCBs, iron, lead, and chromium were linked to an increased or decreased ratio of baby boys to girls.
A team from Tsinghua University developed analysis models to simulate the diffusing process of radioactive water in oceans. The pollutants are expected to cover almost the entire Pacific Ocean within 3600 days, with a contamination center moving eastward along the 35°N latitude line.
Researchers at Michigan State University are developing wearable devices to track air pollution exposure, providing unprecedented data on air quality over space and time. The devices will help inform policies and interventions to protect vulnerable populations from the health impacts of air pollution.
Researchers emphasize the need for monitoring drinking water for HIV medications, as they can contaminate rivers and streams through wastewater. The lack of regulation on pharmaceuticals in wastewater treatment plants poses a significant challenge in ensuring safe drinking water.
A new study found that over 70% of microplastics in ocean and river samples could come from scientists collecting them. The researchers used a catalogue to identify potential sources of contamination, finding that even small items like clothing and gear contributed significantly.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a new peptide sensor to detect and quantify water-soluble synthetic polymers in wastewater. The technique uses machine learning algorithm to identify and discriminate between different polymers.
A study analyzed grocery purchase records of 57,000 US households and identified three ways to reduce food-based carbon footprints: meal planning, using local produce, and reducing meat consumption. The research suggests that 71% of households can decrease their emissions by implementing these strategies.
A recent study reveals that fish ingest progesterone through microplastics, releasing the hormone into their digestive tract. Researchers found that microplastics act as vectors for exposing fish to micropollutants like progesterone, which can have significant environmental and health impacts.
Cadmium exposure has been linked to an increased risk of developing allergies, particularly asthma, in children. Researchers found that gut bacteria over-produce an enzyme degrading vitamin D after cadmium ingestion, mimicking a deficiency, leading to enhanced allergic reactions.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.
A Stanford University study found higher levels of air pollutants within 2.5 miles of oil and gas wells, likely worsening negative health outcomes for nearby residents. The research reveals that wells emit toxic particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and ozone, posing a risk to residents' health.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.
A large national study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that long-term exposure to permissible concentrations of air pollution increases mortality risk, particularly among elderly people and those living in lower-income areas. The study suggests current air pollution limits are inadequate to protect vulnerable groups.
Researchers developed a dynamic respirator that modulates pore size in response to changing conditions like exercise and air pollution. The device features an AI-powered system that adjusts filtration characteristics wirelessly, providing improved breathability and comfort.
Researchers at Binghamton University found that wood frog eggs laid later in the breeding season are less resilient to road salt pollution. The study highlights the complex effects of climate change on amphibian breeding, which may lead to population declines in vulnerable species.
Scientists at Kobe University have created plants that can identify polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water. The plant-based method offers a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor toxicity levels.
A new air-sampling system developed by researchers can detect an unprecedented range of potentially harmful airborne compounds. The system uses a special badge or pen attached to clothes or placed in a pocket to capture a broad spectrum of volatile organic compounds, allowing for more comprehensive exposure assessments.
Researchers developed a new model to study turbulent puffs, revealing the impact of temperature and humidity on turbulence. The findings suggest that buoyancy plays a significant role in shaping the behavior of tiny fluctuations within the puff, which can affect the movement of airborne droplets.
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.
Researchers found substantial amounts of pharmaceutical compounds in a stream in Baltimore, despite low concentrations over the course of a year. The high loads are likely coming from leaking sewer pipes, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.
Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.
Researchers at INRS and Université de Montréal are developing new electrodes based on nanostructured materials to degrade chemical compounds, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PFAS. The project aims to create innovative solutions to decontaminate waters containing harmful chemicals.
A review of previous scientific studies on pollutant release from sediments during extreme flood events reveals significant risks to human and environmental health. The study highlights the need for good river management to address long-term consequences of pollutants in riverbeds.
Researchers reprogrammed whale cells into neuronal cells to investigate the neurotoxic effects of an environmental pollutant. The study found that exposure to the pollutant led to apoptosis and disrupted cellular signaling pathways, ultimately causing neurodegeneration.
Researchers developed a new imaging technique to study ligand interactions with nanoparticles, discovering that varying ligand concentration can control particle shape. This approach could lead to the creation of chemical sensors and methods for removing micropollutants from the environment.
Researchers found that pollution reductions contributed to a 20% increase in yield gains for corn and soybeans between 1999 and 2019, worth $5 billion per year. The analysis revealed that four key air pollutants are particularly damaging to crops, with negative effects averaging 5-6% loss of production.
Researchers used NASA data to map PM 2.5 levels across China, Europe, and North America during the pandemic. They found seasonal differences driven primarily by meteorology, not lockdowns, but did see a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide emissions.
Research suggests that exposure to air pollution during pregnancy may increase a baby's risk of obesity and related diseases. Hispanic mothers who lived in areas with high levels of pollutants had babies who grew unusually fast, gaining excess fat that puts them at risk of obesity later in life.
A new system developed by University of Missouri researchers can automatically prioritize pollutants in landfills based on their toxicity and abundance. The system has the potential to help environmental agencies create more specific and efficient plans to combat leachate, which can cause cancer and other serious harm.
Research found that long-term exposure to low levels of air pollution increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and respiratory issues. The study analyzed hospitalization records for over 63 million Medicare enrollees and found a significant association between air pollution and increased hospital admissions.
Researchers developed a stable graphene oxide nanofiltration membrane with uniform pore size to remove organic micropollutants. The study proposes combining signal amplification strategy and defect chemistry to reduce membrane pore size distribution, offering a promising method for preparing highly selective NF membranes.
Researchers developed two approaches to control plant proteins related to hydrophobic pollutant transport. A pesticide that suppresses MLP gene expression reduced hydrophobic pollutant accumulation, while an MLP-binding pesticide inhibited binding to pollutants. This breakthrough enables safer crop production on contaminated soil.
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.
Researchers developed the APIStrip tool to sample contaminants in honeybee colonies without disrupting their normal routine. The method uses a polystyrene strip with Tenax to detect up to 442 kinds of pesticides, including residues from beekeepers' treatments and plant protection products.
Researchers discovered that gold nanorods can catalyze the degradation of organic micropollutants like bisphenol A and perfluorooctanoic acid. When exposed to sunlight, these nanorods produce free radicals that break down pollutants, making them a promising low-cost water purification method.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that mussels and sediment from Hiroshima Bay contain novel bioaccumulative compounds with high toxicological effects. The researchers identified unknown mixed halogenated compounds with similar physicochemical properties to persistent organic pollutants.