Articles tagged with Pollution Control
A new report suggests that soot particles could have a significant impact on global warming, with potential policy implications. The study's findings introduce new uncertainty into climate models and shift responsibility for reducing pollution to developing nations like China and India.
Researchers from Brookhaven National Laboratory found that high concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the Houston Ship Channel region contribute to excessive ozone production. The study's findings may lead to more effective regulations for protecting public health.
Researchers found a significant link between exposure to high levels of ozone and carbon monoxide during the second month of pregnancy and an increased risk of conotruncal heart defects. The study analyzed data from over 9,000 babies born in Los Angeles and found that women exposed to elevated pollution levels were three times as likel...
The Purdue-based center will focus on bioremediation and phytoremediation to clean up pollution. It will work with state governments, local communities, and industry to revitalize polluted sites using cost-effective natural remediation technologies.
A seven-year study by University of Florida researchers found a 73% drop in mercury levels in wading bird chicks' feathers since 1994. The declines may be linked to the removal of mercury from commercial products and industrial processes, starting in the late 1980s.
Children's lung development is slowed due to air pollution, according to a comprehensive study. Lung function growth rates were 10% lower in the most polluted community compared to cleaner areas, with effects also observed in asthmatic and healthy children.
The environment plays a significant role in cancer development, with occupational factors and environmental pollution attributed to 5-7% of cancer deaths. Dr. Richard Clapp reviews the relationship between environmental exposure and cancer, emphasizing the importance of cancer prevention and physician screening for hazardous exposures.
A report by the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation identifies industrial plants in the US as the main polluters of dioxin in Nunavut, with sources including municipal waste incinerators and cement kilns. The findings provide a new tool for governments to clamp down on polluters and control emissions.
A national team of over 150 researchers will study air pollution in the Houston region, combining data from six research aircraft and 60 ground-based monitoring stations. The goal is to identify cost-effective ways to control pollutants and protect public health.
Researchers at Purdue University and Ford Motor Co. developed an advanced electronic system to monitor engine health and adapt fuel delivery, eliminating the need for time-consuming engine mapping. The technology aims to reduce maintenance costs by automatically keeping engines running smoothly as they age.
The International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment will discuss successes and failures of research on human exposure to toxic metals. Major themes include risk assessment, environmental epidemiology, and human health effects, with a focus on protecting children from toxic metals.
The American Chemical Society will present research on weight-loss supplements, museum treasures, and fuel additives. The meeting will feature symposia on conjugated linoleic acids, endocrine disruptors, and pollution reduction.
The EPA has chosen Washington University in St. Louis to monitor fine particle matter air pollution in the St. Louis metropolitan area, as part of a comprehensive and collaborative program. The project aims to investigate relationships between pollutants and human illnesses, including cardiovascular disease and pulmonary illnesses.
Researchers found that increasing humus content can increase quinoline's movement to groundwater, but mineral interactions play a key role. The study suggests that strongly bound pollutants may still be broken down by microorganisms.
Researchers found that organic particles increase cloud droplet formation, making clouds more reflective of sunlight. This results in a 20% increase in droplets and a 6% reduction in droplet size, leading to a 1% decrease in Earth's temperature, potentially offsetting climate warming effects
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California found that children with asthma are significantly more affected by severe air pollution than other children. Living in communities with high levels of pollutants is associated with higher rates of bronchitis and phlegm among children with a doctor diagnosis of asthma.
Researchers attribute decrease in atmospheric carbon monoxide levels to reductions in manmade emissions, consistent with trends reported by the EPA. The study found a significant decrease of around five parts per billion by volume in carbon monoxide concentration levels at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
The biotrickling filter technology uses naturally occurring microorganisms to metabolize air pollutants into harmless byproducts. It has been successfully tested at the Naval Air Station-North Island in San Diego, reducing HAP emissions from aircraft painting operations by up to 95%.
Researchers developed a novel afterburner technology that increases waste consumption in marine incinerators by a factor of 3.2 while reducing carbon monoxide emission by the same amount. The technology also eliminated visible smoke emission during operation.
A new study shows that International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules are being applied globally, even by countries not bound to them. This shift indicates the IMO has taken on a universal law-making role, overseeing safety at sea and pollution prevention.
A USGS study published in Atmospheric Environment reveals that air in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park contains higher concentrations of ozone than nearby urban areas. This poses a threat to park visitors and the beautiful forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows within the park.
A new technology using coated alumina could reduce emissions from small sources, such as industrial boilers and lawn mowers. The technique removes 95% of nitrogen oxides under conditions similar to combustion exhaust.
Researchers at Michigan Technological University and Arizona State University have launched an open internet-based workshop on pollution prevention research and teaching in higher education. The goal of the workshop is to formulate recommendations and guidelines for pollution prevention research in academia, with a focus on establishin...
A new bioreactor system uses solvent and bacteria to clean up toxic organic chemicals like benzene, toluene, and p-xylene. The system can recover over 99% of pollutants from soil and is efficient at breaking down high concentrations of waste.
New Swedish research reveals that even small doses of environmental pollutants can cause lifelong neurological disturbances in laboratory animals. The study also raises concerns about the impact on human babies, highlighting the need for continued vigilance in monitoring these toxic substances.
Studies have shown that low doses of dioxin can cause spontaneous abortions, changes in the immune system, and developmental issues in animals. Fish are also being studied as models for understanding dioxin toxicity, with high levels of toxic pollutants found in northern environments, affecting polar bears, porpoises, and other species.
A Johns Hopkins University researcher is creating reliable predictions about how contamination will spread through soil, enabling public officials to charge equitable pollution impact fees. This information can also benefit private builders by deciding whether building on a particular site will be too costly due to pollution impact fees.
The report highlights the problems caused by nonpoint source pollution, including eutrophication, which can lead to fish kills, coral reef destruction, and shellfish poisoning. The report provides solutions, such as reducing fertilizer applications, improving sewer systems, and restoring wetlands.
A new study reveals that Asian industrial smog is affecting the US West Coast, with 10% of ozone and pollutants coming from East Asia. The University of Washington's research station detected higher levels of pollutants such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, which are likely to be lower in Asia just 30 years ago.
A recent field study found that use of ethanol fuels leads to increased levels of toxins called aldehydes and peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN), which can last for many days in the air. PAN is highly toxic to plants and a powerful eye irritant, posing health and environmental risks.
Cargo ships powered by diesel engines are among the world's highest polluting combustion sources per ton of fuel consumed. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has implemented new regulations to address the issue, but experts warn that a measurable reduction in nitrogen emissions will not occur for many years.
A UB researcher is conducting a four-year study on how temperature, humidity, and ultraviolet light impact the transport of persistent organic pollutants through the atmosphere. The project aims to understand how plants contribute to the global distribution of toxic chemicals.
A newly isolated bacterium, coccoid Strain 195, reduces toxic tetrachloroethene and trichloroethene to nontoxic ethene gas. The Cornell researchers' discovery will lead to better pollution cleanup strategies in the field.
A new study shows that nearly half of rural eastern US sites would not meet the new ozone standard, posing health risks to residents. The researchers argue that a regional approach is needed to address rural air pollution, requiring cooperation among states and communities.
Researchers at Resources for the Future (RFF) and Stanford University are investigating the environmental implications of three alternative tax plans under discussion in Congress. The flat tax, national sales tax, and unlimited savings account (USA) tax plans could have varying effects on economic growth and environmental quality.
Researchers at University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences used DNA testing to determine the source of pollution in two sites: Rookery Bay near Naples and Apalachicola Bay. The study found that both human and animal activities contributed to pollution, with wildlife causing a significant amount.