Articles tagged with Pollution Control
Researchers found a strong link between pesticide exposure and the development of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Pesticide exposure was associated with increased risk in survey data and blood measurements, highlighting the need for further studies on environmental factors.
A study by researchers at the Heart Failure Center of the University of São Paulo suggests that wearing a respirator mask can lessen the impact of vehicle emissions on people with heart failure. The results also indicate that this type of mask can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease for healthy individuals.
A new mechanism reveals counterintuitive rules for individual movement in crowds, with implications for controlling active systems, such as nanoparticle delivery and crowd security. Researchers plan to apply their findings to develop intelligent nanorobots for drug-delivery and environmental sustainability.
A study by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science found that emissions controls on coal-fired power plants reduced mercury levels in the air by up to 75% over a 10-year period. This reduction was strongly correlated with power plant emissions from Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
A new study suggests that managing resources to minimize variability can lead to unintended consequences, such as fish stocks collapsing and grasslands being replaced by shrubs. By allowing for some degree of natural variability, adaptive management approaches can help sustain ecosystems over time.
A new study provides more accurate estimates of worldwide mercury pollution, revealing Asia produces over double the previous estimated amount. The research uses a top-down approach combining measured air concentrations with a global simulation to calculate mercury emissions, improving estimates and refining pollution-control strategies.
A study by Oregon State University found that mercury emission controls at a coal-fired power plant also reduced concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by 40-72 percent. The air pollution reductions were attributed to the upgrade's impact on regional emissions.
Research during the Beijing Olympics found a correlation between reduced air pollution and higher birth weights among pregnant women. The study suggests that pollution may interfere with fetal growth, particularly in late pregnancy.
Researchers found that a simple column of common soil can reverse the toxic effects of urban runoff, killing young coho salmon and their insect prey. The affordable treatment offers new promise for controlling toxic pollutants in rivers, streams, and oceans.
Researchers created a reversible laser tractor beam that can repel and attract particles, moving them up to 20 centimeters with a single laser beam. The technique uses energy heating and polarization control to manipulate particles, offering new possibilities for atmospheric pollution control and tiny particle retrieval.
Scientists at the University of Manchester have identified a novel process for lowering pollutant toxicity using vitamin B12, offering new hope for combating hazardous substances. The research builds on 15 years of investigation into natural organisms that can detoxify pollutants.
A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that water-quality trading programs can significantly lower costs of achieving Clean Water Act goals. By allowing polluters to buy, sell or trade credits, these programs can reduce pollution in river basins and estuaries faster and at a lower cost than requiring facilities to meet com...
The new NASA images demonstrate a significant reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels across the United States over the past decade, indicating improved air quality. This decrease is attributed to regulations, technological advancements, and economic changes, despite increasing population and vehicle numbers.
The Hudson River has undergone significant changes in its flow, chemical composition, and ecology over the past quarter-century. A 40% increase in freshwater flow has countered the effects of higher temperatures, while pollution levels have decreased, prompting rapid evolutionary responses in certain species.
A Los Alamos National Laboratory team verified air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from two coal-fired power plants in the Four Corners area using space-based techniques. The study found that emissions from the San Juan Generating Station are less polluting than those from the nearby Four Corners Generating Station.
Researchers investigate the impact of Saharan dust on ground-level pollution in Houston, with a focus on regulatory limits and measurable air quality. They plan to use samples collected in Barbados and Houston to confirm previous findings.
High pollutant concentrations in Guánica Bay's sediments pose a significant threat to coral reefs and marine life. The study provides an ecological baseline for improved watershed management.
Researchers investigated thallium's geo-chemical speciation and partitioning during industrial processes. The study found that 40% of Tl in pyrite minerals is active, leading to significant environmental pollution with serious implications for aquatic systems.
Researchers discovered that organic compounds from pollution and forest emissions can increase cloud droplets, making clouds brighter and affecting climate. This effect is significant enough to counteract the uncertainty in pollution's impact on clouds.
Researchers found a positive correlation between out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and exposure to both fine particulate matter and ozone in Houston. Daily average increases in particulate matter raised OHCA risk by 4.6 percent, while short-term increases in ozone level increased risk by 4.4 percent.
Researchers found that children exposed to second-hand smoke in cars experience a significant increase in harmful pollutant levels, exceeding those found in restaurants and bars. This highlights the need for stricter regulations on smoking in vehicles carrying children.
A new study reveals that Caribbean seaweeds bloom four times faster than their counterparts in the Pacific Ocean, giving them an upper hand over corals. This could lead to reduced coral recovery after damage, posing a significant threat to Caribbean coral reefs.
Researchers measured environmental air pollutants and biomarkers for systemic inflammation and thrombosis before, during, and after the 2008 Olympics. Concentrations of particulate and gaseous pollutants decreased substantially, but ozone concentrations increased.
Researchers argue that focusing on short-lived climate pollutants, such as soot and ozone, could deliver tangible local benefits and generate swift global benefits. The authors believe a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches can implement this new strategy.
Researchers found that fungi can transform lead into pyromorphite, a more stable mineral form, which could be useful for cleaning up lead-polluted sites. The discovery suggests that introducing fungi may be a viable treatment option for containing lead in contaminated soils.
Scientists found that rain and wind contributed significantly to reducing pollution levels in Beijing during the 2008 Summer Olympics. Emission controls implemented by Chinese officials were complemented by natural factors, highlighting the importance of regional-scale controls to achieve long-term reductions.
Researchers have identified four toxic molecules used by certain species of seaweed to harm corals, which could inform management techniques to protect fish that consume these harmful seaweeds. The molecules are from a class of organic compounds known as terpenes and were found to be active at very low concentrations.
Scientific studies show mercury concentrations in inland lakes and rivers exceed EPA health criterion, affecting fish and wildlife populations. Research indicates improvements in air emission controls have slowed mercury contamination, but some areas still pose serious risks to human health.
Researchers at NOAA and CIRES found that controlled burns during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill released massive amounts of black carbon into the atmosphere, with estimates suggesting 1.4-4.6 million pounds of pollution sent into the Gulf's atmosphere over a 9-week period.
Researchers will integrate traffic flow and air quality monitoring using wireless computer networking to recommend alternate routes via on-board navigation devices. The technology aims to enhance existing solutions and close the loop between centralized management, navigators, and drivers.
A new study concludes that the air pollution control measures implemented in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games can significantly reduce lifetime lung cancer risk. If continued, these measures could lead to about 10,000 fewer lifetime cases of lung cancer.
A recent EFSA report reveals no known safe level of lead exposure, necessitating revised EU regulations. Lead contamination has been linked to cognitive impairment, ADHD, and increased risk of hypertension and neurocognitive decline.
Researchers propose a multi-faceted approach to avoid exceeding the 2-degree C temperature threshold, including reducing methane, hydrofluorocarbons, and other greenhouse gases. They advocate for aggressive simultaneous pursuit of strategies to stabilize CO2 concentrations and implement warming-neutral pollution laws.
In low-income settings, household energy interventions have greater potential to improve public health than those in high-income countries. In the UK, combined insulation and behavioral changes can avert 5,500 premature deaths and save 41 megatonnes of CO2. In India, introducing efficient cooking stoves can benefit up to 87% of househo...
New research highlights the importance of controlling short-lived greenhouse pollutants like sulphates, methane, and black carbon to reduce global warming and improve health. The study finds that sulphates can have negative health effects while ozone pollution has a significant impact on cardiovascular mortality.
A new study suggests that China's efforts to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions may not mitigate the effects of acid rain if nitrogen emissions are not addressed. The research highlights the importance of integrating measures to reduce sulfur, nitrogen, and particulate matter in order to effectively control pollution.
The K-State institute's intern program has received the National Pollution Prevention Roundtable's Most Valuable Pollution Prevention Program award for its innovation and measurable results in reducing waste and emissions. The program, launched in 2006, has led to significant environmental improvements and cost savings for participatin...
A new study reveals that homes in California are a significant source of water pollution, with pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers contaminating rivers and lakes. The study estimates that current models may underestimate the amount of pollution contributed by homes by up to 50%.
Particulate air pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics was twice as high as recent games in Athens and triple that of Atlanta. Despite government efforts to reduce pollution, levels were unacceptable for most dangerous particulate matter 100% of the time, posing serious health risks to athletes and spectators.
A new tool developed at Purdue University helps sort out how to choose the best non-point source pollution control strategies for water resources. By analyzing data from an area, it can compute the most cost-effective solutions in just a few hours.
A nationwide study found that long-term exposure to elevated ground ozone significantly raises the risk of dying from lung disease. The risk is more than 30 percent greater in metropolitan areas with high ozone concentrations compared to those with low concentrations.
Case Western Reserve researchers are investigating the physical and chemical consequences of sunlight absorption by toxic nitro-aromatic pollutants in the environment. The goal is to understand how these compounds transform into more harmful products and predict their environmental fate.
Satellite data from NASA's Aura and Terra satellites shows a nearly 50% decline in nitrogen dioxide levels and a 20% drop in carbon monoxide levels during the 2008 Olympic pollution controls. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of air quality restrictions, but also highlight challenges in detecting sulfur dioxide due to its longe...
Athletes with asthma face increased risk of symptoms due to high minute ventilation and poor air quality during exercise. Individualized management plans are crucial to comply with anti-doping regulations.
The new software application uses Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the most efficient BMPs for a particular location based on site-specific criteria. This approach is expected to drastically reduce the BMP selection time and eliminate human error.
The U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed emission control strategies to meet air quality goals for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The modeling study, funded by the EPA, suggests that regional pollutants and ozone build up over several days due to meteorology and topography.
Carnegie Mellon researchers identify improved control of livestock feed, efficient nitrogen use, and low-emission fertilizers as effective strategies for reducing ammonia emissions. These measures can save $8,000 per ton in winter, making them a cheaper alternative to controlling sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide pollution.
NIST researchers have developed a more accurate method for measuring distillation curves, which are crucial for characterizing fuel composition and performance. The new approach eliminates uncertainties and systematic errors, enabling better correlation with thermodynamic theory used in modern fuels and engines.
Penn State's Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies is recycling 500,000 discarded tires into road fill, reducing sediment pollution and mosquito breeding grounds. The project uses bailed tires to fill degraded dirt roads, incorporating drainage structures to prevent water runoff.
A NASA study found that ozone pollution, a significant contributor to global air pollution, played a substantial role in warming the Arctic during winter and spring. Ozone was responsible for one-third to half of the observed warming trend in the region, with its impact being most pronounced near sources of emissions.
The 2005 Environmental Sustainability Index (ESI) ranks countries on 21 elements of environmental sustainability. Finland scores highest, performing well on issues like air pollution and global-scale environmental efforts, while the US ranks 45th due to weaker performance on waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study found that fine particulate matter in Hong Kong's air is four times the U.S. standard, with significant contributions from industrial activity in Guangdong Province, China. The think tank recommends implementing emission controls and upgrading vehicle standards to reduce pollution levels.
Researchers tracked dust particles from Sahara desert to Toronto using laser ablation mass spectrometer, revealing global pollutants on local streets. The study enables identification of pollutants without prior knowledge of their origin.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new chemical sensor that can detect NOx pollutants with enhanced accuracy and rapid detection. The sensor uses an innovative filter to remove interference from carbon monoxide, allowing it to pick out specific gases from combustion exhaust.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new method to clean up toxic plumes by using solid forms of organic material containing potassium permanganate. These time-released chunks slowly dissolve over weeks and months, controlling the distribution of pollutants in wet soil. The method has shown promising results in laborat...
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.
Researchers propose an international treaty to control air pollutants like ozone and aerosols, which can cause respiratory diseases. The treaty aims to unite countries in addressing short-term health risks while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
A study in Hong Kong found that reducing sulphur emissions led to a 2% decline in all-cause deaths and a 5% decrease in respiratory disease-related deaths. The policy change also resulted in increased life expectancy, with women experiencing a 20-day lifetime increase and men experiencing a 40-day increase.
Research suggests that reducing air pollution can lead to significant cost savings in healthcare, particularly for outpatient care. The study found a strong correlation between air pollution levels and respiratory admissions, with the greatest hospital admissions occurring in the Deep South.
A study by Arlene M. Fiore and colleagues suggests that reducing manmade methane emissions could have a greater impact on global ozone levels than reducing nitrogen oxide emissions. This reduction in methane would also help decrease greenhouse warming and surface air pollution.