Articles tagged with Pollution
Research confirms microplastics are present in the placenta and in newborns, posing a significant risk to children's health. The Norwegian University of Science and Technology has called for more research on life's early stages to understand the effects of nano- and microplastics.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that dust removal does not mitigate exposure to TDCIPP, a carcinogenic chemical commonly used in automobile seat foam. The researchers suggest that wearing a mask in the car may be an effective way to reduce exposure.
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.
A 2°C warming would lengthen summer by 20 to 21 days in mid-latitude regions like East Asia, the Mediterranean, and USA, resulting in 111 to 112 days of summer. Limiting warming to 1.5°C reduces summer season lengthening by 12 to 13 days.
The eLTER call offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) for scientists working on biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological research. The 39 sites in 19 countries provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and long-term data.
Researchers from National Institute for Environmental Studies identified that radiocesium accumulates primarily in organic soil layers and stagnant water, contaminating organisms. Fertilizing contaminated areas with potassium can suppress biological absorption of radiocesium.
A pilot study reveals that a single dryer can discharge up to 120 million microfibers annually, exceeding washing machine releases. Microfibers from natural and synthetic fabrics are released through friction in the dryer, posing environmental concerns.
A recent study has discovered microplastic in the high-altitude air surrounding Pic du Midi Observatory, located in the Pyrenees mountains. The researchers analyzed 10,000 cubic meters of air and found a concentration of approximately one particle per 4 cubic meters. This finding indicates intercontinental atmospheric transport of micr...
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.
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 global atlas reveals that up to 1.9 million km2 of the world's coastal waters are affected by artificial light at night, with significant impacts on marine organisms. The study uses a novel metric to determine the depth of light penetration and highlights the need for further research into the effects of ALAN pollution.
The excessive use of road salts in winter is contaminating drinking water sources and mobilizing harmful chemicals, according to a new UToledo study. The research suggests that reducing salt application can help mitigate negative environmental impacts, while also protecting human health.
The global plastics supply chain has a significant impact on the climate, with production accounting for 96% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The use of coal-based energy in plastic production is driving this growth, with emissions quadrupling since 1995 and causing health issues like air pollution and asthma.
A new filtration system using acoustic waves successfully separates microplastics from polluted water, with a cleaning rate of 150 liters per hour. The device's efficiency varies with acoustic frequency and density of the water, but shows promise for improving marine life safety.
Researchers found that vehicles accounted for 60-84% of total NH3 emissions in western Los Angeles, significantly higher than government estimates. This discovery suggests a substantial health impact from vehicle-related ammonia, which has been largely under-recognized and uncontrolled.
A new study demonstrates the importance of supply-side enhancements to increase clean fuel consumption in sub-Saharan Africa. Supply-side interventions such as shortening distances to retail points and improving access to multi-burner stoves are found to be crucial for accelerating growth of the clean cooking market.
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 Illinois study compares performance of static and dynamic nitrogen recommendation tools, finding that complex dynamic tools do not consistently increase profits but offer a 15% reduction in nitrogen leaching. The researchers highlight the need to refine these tools and prioritize environmental outcomes over economic gains.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a sustainable, non-toxic, and vegan glitter made from cellulose nanocrystals. The material is biodegradable, plastic-free, and free from carcinogenic effects, offering a promising alternative to traditional cosmetics.
Researchers have developed a 'time machine' framework that uses artificial intelligence to learn from past environmental changes and predict future biodiversity loss. This framework can help decision-makers prioritize conservation approaches and mitigation interventions, leading to more effective management of ecosystem services.
A survey of 1,000 people in five Southeast Asian countries found that more than half were against nuclear energy development. The study suggests that trust in entities and risk perceptions are key factors influencing public opinion on nuclear energy.
A new study reveals that consumption in G20 nations causes significant premature deaths worldwide, particularly among infants and elderly populations. The research estimates that the lifetime consumption of 28 people in G20 nations will result in one person's premature death.
Researchers led by NUS found that climate change is increasing fluvial sediment loads in the high mountains of Asia, with implications for hydropower, food, and environmental security. The study reveals that sediment fluxes could more than double by 2050 under an extreme climate change scenario.
A new UC Davis study aims to better understand the risks of chemicals in household dust on children's health. The researchers will track over 80 chemicals in dust and collect urine samples from children to measure their exposure.
Researchers have compiled a dataset of microplastic abundance in the world's upper oceans, estimating 24.4 trillion pieces weighing 82,000-578,000 tons. The data fills gaps in global coverage and provides realistic amounts for assessing impact on aquatic organisms.
Research found that warming water temperatures and browning increase methylmercury transfer to phytoplankton, reducing essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. This impacts the food chain, exposing higher organisms to toxic mercury and compromising nutrition, posing a threat to human health.
A national network has been launched to promote understanding of planetary limits, envision scenarios for humanity to thrive within limits, and advise governments on developing effective responses. The essay warns that current economic growth, energy use, and resource consumption will overshoot Earth's finite limits if not addressed.
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.
Researchers have identified a bacterium, Ideonella sakaiensis, capable of degrading PET plastics and producing biodegradable PHA plastics. This finding addresses two pressing sustainability issues in the plastics industry.
The article discusses community-based environmental monitoring, which allows local members to collect and analyze data independently. This approach has the potential to empower Indigenous rightsholders and stakeholders, and contribute to meeting contemporary sustainability challenges.
A new study found that daily phthalate exposure may lead to 100,000 premature deaths among older Americans each year, resulting in a $40 billion to $47 billion annual economic burden. The study suggests a link between phthalate exposure and increased risk of heart disease and early death.
A study found that seabirds around the globe consume up to 52% of plastic, leading to accumulation of its chemical components in their bodies. Researchers analyzed oil from preen glands and stomach contents of bird carcasses to determine contaminant burdens.
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 found that additives in commercial shopping bags boost the conversion of solid plastics into water-soluble compounds under sunlight. The compounds vary depending on the additives used, with some bags releasing up to 15,000 dissolved compounds.
The study aims to improve understanding of decarbonization's impact on human health, focusing on the US energy, food, and health nexus. It will develop a framework integrating these sectors to identify strategies yielding overall health benefits.
A new study found that benzo(a)pyrene plays a small part in the global risk of developing PAH-associated cancer, with 89% of the risk coming from other unregulated chemicals. Degradation products formed in the atmosphere can also be more toxic than the emitted PAHs.
A new study found that coral reefs have lost half their ability to provide food, jobs, and climate protection since the 1950s, with significant declines in reef coverage and biodiversity. This loss threatens the well-being and sustainable development of human communities on coastal areas.
A new indigo dyeing technology reduces water usage by up to 90% and eliminates toxic chemicals, securing over 90% color retention with only one coat. The process also streamlines the industry, saving time and energy for workers.
Research reveals that air pollution exposure during pregnancy can have a lasting impact on children's health and development. Studies show a link between prenatal exposure to fine and ultrafine particulate matter and adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, asthma, cognitive and behavioral issues, obesity, and diabetes.
A new study from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign introduces an electrochemical redox desalination process that removes up to 99% of excess salt from whey while refining over 98% of its valuable protein content. The process uses less energy and operates at a lower cost compared to conventional desalination systems.
Research in China found that air pollution decreases monthly wages by 4% for inmates, with sensitivity varying by age and education. The study highlights the importance of addressing blue-collar workers' exposure to poor air quality for optimal environmental policy design.
Scientists from the Institute of Nuclear Physics PAS discovered that medicines like painkillers can be used as makeshift emergency dosimeters due to their composition and standardization procedures. This method is more personal and easier than previous methods, which require breaking down expensive devices.
Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.
Researchers from University of Tsukuba and Osaka University developed a polymer-coated metal catalyst that accelerates CO2 conversion into formate, a useful carbon-based fuel. The PEG-coated Sn catalyst showed a 24 times higher formate production rate than conventional Sn plate electrodes.
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates the median cost of plugging abandoned oil and gas wells at $76,000, with costs varying widely based on location, age, and other factors. The analysis of over 19,500 orphaned wells across the US provides valuable insights for regulators to adjust bonding requirements ...
A new analysis reveals that global toxic pollution and climate change disproportionately affect low-income countries, with the top-one-third of at-risk nations accounting for over two-thirds of the world's population. The study provides a list of top-ten countries most equipped to immediately begin risk reduction efforts.
Forensic scientists have developed a new method using Easylift tape to collect and analyze microplastic samples, improving efficiency and accuracy. This technique enables multiple analytical techniques to be applied to the samples afterwards and preserves them for future study.
A special issue of Science explores the environmental threat posed by plastics, including a reanalysis that found microplastic residence times to be several years, not days. The authors also highlight the need for a binding global treaty to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle.
A study by Tokyo University of Science researchers analyzed the relationship between economic growth and environmental preservation. The model indicates that achieving a 'zero-emission society' is compatible with economic growth, but only if GDP is above a certain level and pollution reduction allocation is flexible.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created a vast amount of plastic waste, including face-masks and gloves, that are now part of the archaeological record. Archaeologists argue that studying this material culture can inform policy decisions to tackle environmental pollution.
A novel technique has been developed to explore the fine structure of barium titanate, a perovskite titanate that could potentially replace lead titanate in sensors. The study found similar orbital hybridization between titanium and oxygen, as well as between barium and titanium electrons, contributing to polarization reversal.
Exorbitant healthcare spending depletes population resources, harming vulnerable groups through increased insurance premiums and taxes. The authors propose reducing financial pollution by learning from environmental pollution policy approaches.
A study by Princeton University researchers suggests that climate change can have both positive and negative effects on different groups. Those harmed by climate change should be compensated first, while those benefiting from it may receive payment afterwards. The approach aims to correct incentives and promote fairness in climate policy.
Microplastics have been found in nearly all organisms and habitats worldwide, but the factors contributing to their influx and accumulation in water ecosystems are not yet fully understood. A new study developed a sediment trap method to analyze annual accumulation rates and possible seasonal variation, finding that microplastic flux r...
Research evaluated 21 clear-sky detection methods, finding they produce lower accuracy rates when detecting cloudy skies. Higher aerosol loading significantly reduces clear-sky detection accuracy, highlighting the need for improved methods in polluted regions.
A study by University of Turku scientists reveals that ecology researchers underestimate the risks associated with unconscious cognitive biases, leading to overestimation of effects and poor reproducibility. The study found that career stage, gender, and affiliation country influence knowledge about biases and attitude towards them.
Residents of Kabwe Town, Zambia, exhibit high blood levels of lead and cadmium, leading to clinical symptoms of toxicity. The study found significant correlations between metal exposure and health effects, particularly in adults.
Scientists have created a new enzyme 'cocktail' that can digest plastic up to six times faster than existing methods. The combination of two enzymes, PETase and MHETase, breaks down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into its building blocks, enabling recycling and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A new PSU study found 11 microplastic pieces per oyster and nine per clam along the Oregon coast. Microplastics were found in both Pacific oysters and razor clams collected from all 15 sample sites.
A recent international research study published in Science Advances journal shows that environmental awareness and investments in China over the past decade have led to a weakening of the connection between economic growth and pollution. Despite this progress, major challenges remain, including increasing greenhouse gas emissions.