Articles tagged with Pollution Control
The implementation of China's National Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control resulted in decreased mean daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels between 2013 and 2017. The associated acute health effects on total and circulatory mortality significantly decreased, with a reduced exposure-response relationship observed ...
A new study shows that firms in the US respond differently to political parties in charge, even if policies don't change. Firms located in Republican-governed states spend more on water pollution control than those in Democratic states.
Researchers in Brazil develop semiconductors that efficiently remove toxic substances from real-world textile wastewater using solar energy. The material, inexpensive and easy to produce, has potential applications in industry for wastewater treatment.
A new study from the University of California, Davis found that coal train pollution has significant health effects disproportionately impacting communities of color and low-income populations. The study estimates that six additional deaths may occur annually among exposed populations under severe scenarios.
A group of 350 scientists from over 60 countries call for a legally binding global treaty to prohibit the production of hazardous plastics chemicals and adopt science-based approaches. They advocate for an independent scientific body with robust conflict of interest policy and regional representation.
Researchers have discovered life-threatening quantities of lead pollution from improperly managed battery waste in off-grid solar technologies in Malawi. The study found that common informal recycling activities for lead-acid batteries release toxic lead pollution, equivalent to more than 100 lethal oral doses per single battery.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
High levels of plastic pollution can kill the embryos of a wide range of ocean animals, preventing healthy development in all seven tested species. This study highlights the
A recent study by the University of California - Riverside found that carbon dioxide is driving an increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires by fueling the growth of plants that become kindling. This process occurs because plants use the extra CO2 to make carbohydrates, leading to an increase in biomass that burns.
A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
A study by Staffordshire University has pinpointed microplastic pollution 'hotspots' in Long Island Sound using a new scientific method. The technique identified two primary and two secondary hotspots, with potential similarities between areas of high shipping traffic and higher microplastic concentrations.
Researchers at Nagoya University discover aldehydes cause DNA damage and contribute to premature aging in humans. The team proposes a link between aldehyde-derived DNA damage and premature aging, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic intervention.
A new Illinois study reveals that countries with high production levels emit more air pollutants due to domestic and foreign demand. The researchers found a significant increase in carbon monoxide emissions from China to South Korea, emphasizing the need for global cooperation to address pollution.
Climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss are damaging our immune systems, increasing the risk of diseases like asthma and cancer. Improving the environment offers effective protection and can have a powerful return on investment, saving $3 in healthcare costs for every $1 spent on mitigation.
Researchers emphasize the importance of regulating indoor pollutants to prevent diseases and reduce the risk of spreading pathogens. Effective ventilation solutions are crucial in improving indoor air quality, and governments must take action to enforce standards.
International experts, led by Professor Lidia Morawska, recommend setting standards for ventilation rate and three key indoor pollutants to improve indoor air quality. The recommended standards could help minimize the spread of airborne diseases like COVID-19 and contribute to achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
A study found open waste burning increases health risks to a remote Arctic community due to high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5) pollution. Continuous air quality monitoring is crucial for protecting public health, particularly in the Arctic region.
Researchers have developed a simple and sustainable method for monitoring and degrading a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water. The new approach uses excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and photochemical systems to achieve efficient degradation, outperforming traditional methods like chromatography.
A study found significant decreases in average nitrogen dioxide concentrations and social inequities in California's air pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Non-urban areas saw a 17% decrease, while urban areas experienced a 50% reduction, primarily due to reduced traffic.
The air quality around new schools in England is alarming, with 86% of sites exceeding World Health Organization targets for major pollutants. Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of air pollution due to their developing bodies and organs.
A study by Washington State University found that exposure to multiple air pollutants was associated with asthma symptoms among elementary school children. The researchers identified 25 combinations of air pollutants linked to asthma, with one group from a lower-income neighborhood experiencing higher exposure levels.
A study reveals significant improvements in European air quality over the last two decades, with declining levels of PM10 and NO2. However, 98.10% of the population lives in areas exceeding WHO recommended levels for PM2.5, leading to 86.34% experiencing unclean air days annually.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology created a novel catalyst that enhances the efficiency of reactions using contaminated municipal sewage to produce hydrogen. The catalyst, called nickel-iron-oxalate (O-NFF), successfully lowers the voltage required for hydrogen generation and promotes the urea oxidation reaction.
A team of researchers developed a time-optimal control method for autonomous ships, optimizing maneuvering performance in dynamic sea conditions. The new control system accounts for various forces affecting ship movement and can improve efficiency and safety, reducing shipping costs and carbon emissions.
A new study quantifies the significant health impacts of oil and gas flaring in the US, resulting in over 700 premature deaths and 73,000 asthma exacerbations annually. The research highlights the need for stronger controls on emissions from this sector to improve public health and mitigate climate change.
A study found over 40% of loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean contained macroplastics, including a Halloween toy. Researchers say these turtles could be used as 'bioindicator' species to understand the impact of plastic pollution.
A new study finds that communities of color in the US suffer from nearly 8 times higher rates of pediatric asthma and 1.3 times higher risk of dying prematurely from exposure to pollutants. The study highlights the need for place-based policies to address health disparities linked to air pollution.
Scientists from the University of Rochester have developed a novel approach to clean up pollution from PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', found in various products. The new electrocatalytic method uses laser-made nanomaterials made from nonprecious metals, nearly 100 times cheaper than existing methods.
Agricultural activities in Lombardy have a significant impact on PM2.5 concentration, comparable to other known sources of pollution. The study used innovative GEOAI models to analyze the relationship between land use and air pollution, providing new insights into agricultural pollutants.
A new material has been developed that can degrade the widely used antibiotic levofloxacin, considered an emerging pollutant in aqueous environments. The material, comprising iridium dioxide and niobium oxide films on a titanium substrate, showed excellent photoelectrocatalytic activity and stability.
A new study from the University of British Columbia found that driving an electric car is cheaper in some regions of Canada, such as Quebec and BC, than others, like Nunavut. The researchers analyzed factors like tax rebates, charging costs, and electricity prices to determine the break-even point for electric cars.
Researchers developed a vanadium-based catalyst combining nitrogen-doped biomass carbon, significantly enhancing low-temperature furan degradation. The modified catalyst achieved 50% furan conversion at 150°C and complete conversion at 200°C.
A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.
A new study found that chronic exposure to PM2.5 is associated with increased risk of hospital admission for various cardiovascular conditions, particularly ischemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease. The study suggests that lowering annual average PM2.5 levels could decrease overall cardiovascular hospitalizations by 15%.
Researchers explored the potential of anoxic marine basins for large-scale carbon sequestration. The study found that these areas can preserve plant matter, making them ideal for storing biomass. The Black Sea basin emerged as the best option due to its isolation and depth.
A new study by researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill found that the chemical composition of US air pollution has changed over time. The analysis of space and time trends for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in the continental US suggests targeted strategies to reduce specific pollutants for different regions can further reduce total air pollut...
A team of researchers led by Prof. Yong Sik Ok proposes an innovative eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soils, addressing the lack of standardized procedures. The methodology emphasizes careful planning, processing, and analysis to ensure accuracy and precision.
A recent analysis found a strong link between air pollution and mortality from cardiovascular diseases worldwide. In low-income countries, household air pollution caused significantly more stroke-related deaths than outdoor air pollution.
A Chinese Medical Journal study examined the spatiotemporal features of disease burden due to air pollution across China between 2005 and 2017. The findings revealed a downward trend in premature mortality from fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) pollution, but an increasing financial burden due to economic growth.
A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the production and use of ammonia as a marine fuel can lead to eutrophication, acidification, and emissions of potent greenhouse gases. Researchers warn that the pursuit of low-carbon fuels may create new environmental challenges.
A recent study by Curtin University found that 1454 avoidable deaths occurred due to fine particle air pollution from extreme events like bushfires and dust storms. The research suggests nearly one-third of these deaths could be prevented if pollution events were reduced by 5 per cent.
Researchers found that permeable pavements can capture tire-associated chemicals, resulting in a 68% average reduction of the toxic contaminant 6PPD-quinone. The technology has vast potential to protect salmon populations and human health.
COP28 failed to prevent the worsening climate crisis and help those most harmed by it, according to climate researcher Prof. Paul G. Harris. The article highlights the limitations of international diplomacy and governance in addressing climate change.
A comprehensive study has found considerable ecological threats from trace organic pollutants in Chinese wastewater treatment plant effluents. The researchers detected 216 compounds from 11 chemical classes, with perfluoroalkyl substances and bisphenol analogs accounting for 59% of total pollution.
A study in PLOS ONE suggests that Galápagos penguins may accumulate microplastics at a high rate within their food web, with the excretion rate playing a key role. The research uses modeling to simulate microplastic movement through the Galápagos penguin ecosystem and highlights the potential for biomagnification across trophic levels.
A University of Surrey review concludes that Delhi needs help from its rural neighbors to clean up its killer smog problem. The study recommends identifying the wider area where a city's pollution is produced and working together with neighboring areas to tackle air pollution, with huge health implications for Indian cities.
A new study by the University of Technology Sydney suggests that office air conditioning can reduce the risk of harm from wildfire smoke. The researchers found that air conditioning filters in UTS Buildings 4 and 7 captured a significant portion of wildfire smoke, reducing exposure to toxic particles for staff and students.
Researchers found that evergreen trees with smaller leaves, particularly those with awl-shaped leaves like Yew and Japanese cedar, were most effective at catching particles of pollution. In contrast, the study showed that the size and shape of the leaf, rather than its roughness or hairiness, was key to removing pollutants.
A new hyperspectral remote sensing technique provides precise high-resolution data on nitrogen dioxide's horizontal distribution, revealing emission hotspots and urban pollution dynamics. This enhances effective pollution control strategies and safeguards public health.
A new European research project, SMARTS, aims to improve air travel efficiency by redesigning flexible airspace sectors using artificial intelligence. The €2million project will create accurate predictive models and develop innovative sector configuration plans to reduce passenger delays, increase productivity, and lower emissions.
Scientists from Peking University introduced a groundbreaking AI-driven platform to address WWTP complexities, analyzing data to identify optimal microbiomes and upgrade facilities. The platform aims to enhance pollution control and environmental sustainability.
A recent University of Cincinnati study found nicotine and a potent carcinogen called NNK on surfaces in children's homes, highlighting the persistence of thirdhand smoke pollutants even in homes with voluntary indoor smoking bans. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting children from tobacco exposure.
A study published in Eco-Environment & Health found that China's PM2.5 pollution disparity decreased over time, with cities initially worsening air quality before improving as economic development increased. The research highlights the need for region-specific policies to address environmental disparities and promote health equity.
Researchers have developed an ion-exchange method that captures CO2 at room temperature, paired with an electrochemical cell to purify the gas. The technology has the potential to be powered by industrial waste heat or geothermal energy, reducing emissions and costs.
A research team from the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool called PlasticNet to identify microplastics with unprecedented speed and accuracy. This system enables researchers to rapidly analyze large numbers of particles, reducing the time and error associated with manual identification, and providing quality information for i...
A study found that artificial light is a top indicator of where birds will land, leading to ecological traps and collisions. Urban parks can provide decent stopover sites, but competition over limited resources poses a significant risk to migrating birds.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
A new study found that exposure to coal particulate air pollutants is associated with a mortality risk more than double that of exposure to PM2.5 from other sources. The researchers estimated that 460,000 deaths were attributable to coal PM2.5 in the US between 1999 and 2020.