Articles tagged with Pollution
A study by MIT researchers found that nitrous oxide can hamper the growth of certain soil bacteria dependent on vitamin B12 for methionine biosynthesis. The findings suggest that N2O production in agricultural settings could influence microbial communities, potentially impacting crop health.
Researchers found that black soldier fly larvae can break down RNA viruses in organic waste, reducing potential risks. The larvae's frass still contained some active viruses, highlighting the need for additional treatment.
A preliminary study found that short-term exposure to wildfire smoke was associated with a higher incidence and severity of stroke, particularly in patients with elevated ozone and particulate matter levels. The study suggests that public health interventions during wildfires are crucial for preventing strokes.
The journal argues that AI can process vast datasets to detect patterns and predict climate impacts, improving pollution tracking, climate modeling, and agricultural planning. AI-driven modeling can also help policymakers evaluate tradeoffs and anticipate unintended consequences, supporting more informed decision-making.
New research reveals that burning 'low smoke' manufactured fuels releases tiny ultrafine particles, potentially harming human health. The study highlights the urgent need to revise air quality standards and reduce residential solid fuel burning as part of efforts to decarbonize the economy.
Researchers found widespread occurrence of tri-OPEs and di-OPEs in the Tibetan Plateau's terrestrial ecosystem. The study confirmed the trophic dilution behavior of OPEs along a representative food chain, with bio-transformation and metabolism playing key roles.
A new study found that countries with more partisan hostility emit significantly more CO2 from power plants, hindering climate regulation. In contrast, countries like Great Britain, which framed the shift towards renewable energy as a national endeavor, have been able to rein in their worst-polluting facilities.
Researchers from São Paulo State University detected plastic rocks on Trindade Island, Brazil's easternmost territory, where green turtle nests are conducive to plastic accumulation and burial. The study highlights the need for public policies to manage plastic waste and coordinated actions to clean up beaches.
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.
Research reveals that liquid crystal monomers from household electronics accumulate in the brains of endangered dolphins and porpoises. The chemicals have been linked to altered gene activity and potentially negative impacts on marine mammals.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have discovered a way to convert microplastic waste into acetic acid, the main ingredient of vinegar, using sunlight. The breakthrough offers a promising new approach to reducing plastic pollution through photocatalysis, creating a valuable chemical product.
A University of Minnesota study investigated a 2023/2024 Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Grand Rapids, Minn. and found that introducing disinfection to untreated groundwater stopped the spread of the disease. The city implemented chloramine disinfection, which dropped Legionella levels so low they could no longer be detected, resulti...
Global study finds that nitrogen pollution causes forests to follow two distinct patterns in response to added nutrients, with some experiencing a boost and others collapsing. The findings highlight the importance of reducing nitrogen levels to stabilize forest soil carbon pools and maintain natural respiration rhythms.
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 study analyzing news reports, social media posts, and internet search data during the 2022-2023 South Korea drought found that public views change depending on problem size and distance from people. Public interest, emotions, and behavior also shifted as the disaster scale changed.
A new study found that warmer nighttime temperatures during pregnancy may be associated with a higher risk of autism diagnosis in children. Exposure to extreme heat during early and late pregnancy increased the risk by 15% and 13%, respectively.
A new study by Cardiff University reveals how ambitious climate action can save up to 1.32 million lives per year by 2040 by addressing global air quality inequalities. The research highlights the importance of cross-border pollution exchanges in achieving health benefits and reducing inequality between countries.
Research by University of Missouri scientists found that road salt is deadly to freshwater snails when paired with the presence of predators, causing nearly 60% higher mortality rates. The study suggests practical solutions to reduce salt pollution in waterways, such as cutting road salt use by up to 50%.
A new study by Tokyo University of Science found that floods are the biggest drivers of plastic pollution in rivers, increasing microplastic and mesoplastic concentrations by orders of magnitude. The research highlights the need to include high-flow events when assessing plastic emissions.
Pentachlorophenol exposure triggers inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, leading to liver damage and compromised immune function. The study identified the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway as a key mechanism of PCP-induced immunotoxicity.
A new study found that children growing up in homes with water damage and exposed to high levels of outdoor air pollution have a greater risk of developing asthma. The study also revealed that having a dog during infancy can reduce the risk of asthma in children.
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.
Research found that widespread contaminants like mercury and certain PFAS compounds affect the function of mitochondria in wild seabirds, potentially undermining fitness. The study measured pollutant levels and mitochondrial function in Scopoli's shearwaters and connected diet to exposure through stable isotopes.
Researchers found a significant decrease in lead concentrations in hair samples from Utahns, spanning over 100 years. The study demonstrates the impact of environmental regulations on public health and highlights the importance of protecting against toxic metals like lead.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that some bottled water contains significantly higher levels of microplastics than tap water. The study used a novel method for detecting tiny particles and analyzed water samples from four treatment plants near Lake Erie and six different brands of bottled water.
A global strategy is required to address the issue of reduced ozone decline despite decreased emissions of precursor pollutants in North America and Europe. The study found that increased transport of ozone from abroad is the main driver of the weaker-than-expected decline of ozone levels.
A third of fish off Pacific Islands' coasts contain microplastics, with Fiji showing a high rate of contamination. Research highlights the pervasiveness of microplastic pollution and its impact on ecosystems and human health.
A new study from Harvard found that North Atlantic pilot whales have 60% lower concentrations of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their bodies since the phaseout of these chemicals. The researchers measured bulk organofluorine levels as a proxy for total PFAS concentrations, including newer types of PFAS.
A new study from the University of Birmingham found that air frying fatty foods produces fewer VOCs and ultra-fine particles compared to other cooking methods. However, repeated use without cleaning can negate some benefits for indoor air quality.
A new study using satellite data confirms that California's shift to electric vehicles is making measurable differences in air quality and public health. For every 200 ZEVs added, nitrogen dioxide levels dropped 1.1%.
Researchers found that particulate matter concentrations in Sarajevo exceed WHO recommended daily limits, with wood-burning stoves contributing to organic pollution. Sulphur dioxide emissions from old power plants also impact air quality, with the city's valley experiencing rapid pollutant drop at night.
A new study found that US forests have stored more carbon in the past two decades than at any time in the last century. Natural forces such as temperature, precipitation, and carbon fertilization are among the largest contributors to carbon gains, while human drivers like tree-planting and forest management also play a role.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that exposure to wildfire smoke during the third trimester may raise the risk of autism diagnoses in children. Mothers who were exposed to more than 10 days of wildfire smoke had a 23% higher risk of their child being diagnosed with autism by age 5.
A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.
The article reviews corrosion challenges in supercritical offshore CO2 pipelines, highlighting external and internal corrosion processes. The authors propose multiple impurity management, internal coatings, inhibitors, and external coatings as mitigation measures.
A study by researchers at the University of Seville found that 100% of children aged 0-2 years had exposure to environmental pollutants, with arsenic being the most neurotoxic element. The study highlights the need for routine biomonitoring programs to track exposure and its impact on early childhood development.
Researchers developed a new way of measuring indoor air pollution by analyzing human movement, showing elevated levels of pollutants during occupied periods. The study provides a new approach to designing healthier indoor spaces, combining Birmingham's air-pollution expertise with radar-based sensing and optimization techniques.
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.
Researchers found plastics in 7 of 10 green sea turtles, with macroplastics dominating the diet, and estimated origin of ingested plastics to extend beyond the turtles' migratory range. This study provides evidence for transboundary marine plastic pollution affecting sea turtles.
Researchers linked oily material to a 2019 oil slick in Brazil, using ocean current models and chemical analysis. The study reveals an additive contaminant effect where plastic pollution can transport oil pollution far beyond its origin.
A Chinese research team detects high concentrations of microplastics and nanoplastics in urban atmospheres, revealing a previously underappreciated source of plastic pollution. The study provides new insights into the environmental transformation, fate, and broader implications of atmospheric plastics.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
A new study maps the real-time evolution of thirdhand smoke, revealing a dynamic source of continuous air pollution in indoor spaces. Thirdhand smoke maintains a stable presence in the air for extended periods and becomes more nitrogen-rich over time.
Researchers at RIKEN have developed a new plant-based plastic made from cellulose that rapidly degrades in natural environments, eliminating microplastic waste. The biodegradable plastic can be adjusted in strength and flexibility with added choline chloride, providing a practical solution to ocean pollution.
Researchers have found a wide range of forever chemicals in seabirds from the remote Southern Ocean, providing evidence for long-range transport and bioaccumulation of PFAS. The study highlights the global reach of these persistent chemicals, which are not easily broken down in the environment.
A new 'River Literacy' concept has been developed to educate communities about the vital roles rivers play in daily lives, cultures, and ecosystems. The framework highlights seven easy-to-grasp principles designed for schools, riverside communities, and the general public.
A new study finds that traffic-related pollution causes immediate changes in the atmospheric electric field, while particulate matter affects it more slowly. The research also identifies a 'weekend signal' where reduced emissions lead to a weakened electric field.
Florida Atlantic University's College of Engineering has received a $600,379 grant to advance technology targeting harmful algal blooms in Florida's waterways. The project aims to develop novel 3D-printed adsorbent materials for efficient phosphate removal.
Research from University of Vermont reveals exposure to Canadian wildfire smoke worsened asthma symptoms in children in the US Northeast. The study found that smoke from hundreds of miles away affected children's health, highlighting growing health risks for the region as climate change fuels more smoke-filled summers.
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 research team at Foshan University has developed a method to reduce cadmium accumulation in rice crops using foliar-applied molybdenum nanoparticles. The study shows that MoNPs down-regulate key genes involved in cadmium uptake and cell wall modification, reducing Cd accumulation in root tissues and limiting its entry into grains.
New research by MIT researchers found that even with the same CO2 reduction, air travel causes about three times more damage to air quality than comparable electricity purchases. The study highlights the importance of considering co-pollutants and regional factors when evaluating climate actions.
A large-scale study of over 11,000 adults found that even low-level air pollution is associated with advanced coronary artery disease, often before symptoms appear. Long-term exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide was linked to higher calcium scores and more severe narrowing of the arteries in both men and women.
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 recent study found that a PFAS mixture can interfere with placental development, impairing nutrient transfer and hormone production. The research used a 3D trophoblast model to simulate placental exposure, revealing disrupted invasiveness, apoptosis, and proliferation processes.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough method to convert hazardous acid mine drainage into ferric chloride, a widely used water treatment chemical. Laboratory tests achieved removal rates of over 99% for pollutants from river water.
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
Researchers found that crickets are unable to distinguish between plastic and food, and will consume large plastic particles if their mouth can fit them. Crickets also break down microplastics into smaller nanoplastics during digestion, which may have negative environmental effects.
New method detects small microplastic concentrations up to 10,000 particles per cubic meter, with drift and sinking behaviors observed. Microplastics reach sea depths via biofouling or neutral buoyancy, affecting marine environment and necessitating urgent countermeasures.
A new study found that long-term exposure to toxic air can weaken the health benefits of regular exercise. The study analyzed data from over 1.5 million adults and found that people living in high pollution areas had a reduced risk of dying, but not eliminated, despite exercising regularly. Clean air can still enhance health gains, wit...