Articles tagged with Pollution
A global analysis reveals that microplastic pollution peaks during fish spawning seasons, putting reproductive individuals at heightened risk. The study highlights the need for targeted ocean management and conservation plans that consider reproductive-period exposure to protect threatened species.
A greenhouse study suggests that converting rice straw into biochar could provide greater environmental and food safety benefits than directly incorporating untreated straw. Biochar treatment reduced copper and lead accumulation, improved soil properties, and produced high grain biomass, while avoiding air pollution from open burning.
A recent study found that human activities are fundamentally altering the chemical makeup of local coral reefs, leading to decreased coral health and resilience. The research team discovered that 25 contaminants from agricultural, industrial, and pharmaceutical sources accumulated in the soft tissues of coral around Maui, Hawai‘i.
A multidisciplinary study assesses the Guadalquivir River's water quality along its entire course, combining physicochemical and biological parameters. The results show a gradual decline in quality, with specific sections identified as deteriorated, highlighting the importance of integrated analysis for risk assessment.
Patients who suffered a serious heart attack had higher levels of micro and nanoplastics in their blood compared to those with chronic ischemic heart disease and normal coronary arteries. The study also revealed that people exposed to higher levels of air pollution and smokers had higher levels of microplastics in their blood.
Researchers at MIT have developed a microscopic pixel-based tunable lens that controls incoming infrared light for more precise thermal imaging, chemical sensing, or pollution monitoring. The system enables compact, dynamic infrared cameras with potential applications in environmental protection, space research, and military technology.
Researchers developed a rapid biosensor for detecting polystyrene nanoparticles, enabling direct detection without labeling or extensive sample preparation. The device can detect particles as small as 50 nm in fresh water and has a low detection limit of 1.3 μg/mL.
Researchers at Flinders University discovered that phage virus 'bioaugmentation' can enhance microbial function in polluted soils, allowing for faster degradation of pollutants. The method has potential for restoring polluted environments and promoting microbial resilience.
Researchers found ultrafine particulate matter from cruise ships increases inflammatory signals and weakens cells' defense against viruses like COVID-19. The study suggests exposure to vanadium may facilitate viral replication, with potential implications for infection severity and spread.
A new book reveals Iran's government failure to address devastating environmental catastrophes, while persecuting campaigners trying to raise awareness. The country's rulers have failed to provide a comprehensive plan, despite the concerning state of its natural environment, leading to issues like water scarcity and deforestation.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found two air pollutants associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease. The study suggests that long-term exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) may interact with genetic susceptibility, leading to oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
Scientists used clues from label data, chemical analysis of tiny shells, and ocean current simulations to trace the voyage of a plastic bottle cap. The study found 307 organisms, including a polychaete worm not found in Japanese waters before, highlighting the potential for micro-ecosystems to be transported over extended periods.
Research found bumblebees accumulate higher levels of toxic metals in bodies and pollen, affecting foraging efficiency, navigation, and reproductive success. The study highlights the vulnerability of bumblebees to metal pollution, even in relatively safe areas.
A Korea University study reveals that reusable beverage systems can deliver significant environmental benefits when paired with efficient washing technologies. The research finds that automatic tumbler washers can maximize sustainability, while manually washed tumblers have the highest impacts among reusable options.
Researchers at Hiroshima University discovered a crab trapped in a plastic bottle off Okinawa, Japan, which survived for two months by feeding on juvenile fishes and algae inside the bottle. The study highlights the dangers of marine plastic pollution on small marine animals.
Researchers found evidence of early ozone loss dating back to the late 1950s, linked to carbon tetrachloride use, in contrast to CFCs' later role. This discovery reveals that modern monitoring tools could have detected earlier signs of human-induced depletion.
A new study by Osaka Metropolitan University found that levoglucosan, a chemical formed from biomass combustion, loses up to 88% of its mass in the atmosphere due to degradation and volatilization. This suggests that conventional analyses may misidentify emission sources, particularly in tropical areas.
Colorado State University researchers propose strategies to immobilize toxic metals and prevent plant uptake in rice grains, protecting food security and public health. The approach aims to reduce arsenic, cadmium, and mercury contamination in rice paddies using nanomaterials and chemical reactions.
A new study has identified biological pathways that explain why air pollution affects some people with asthma more than others. Researchers found that individuals with specific genetic variants are more susceptible to the harmful effects of fine particulate matter, and that targeted interventions may be able to blunt these effects.
A recent study found that maternal exposure to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill was associated with worse children's mental health outcomes, mediated by financial and social resource loss. The study highlights the indirect negative impact of disasters on families' wellbeing.
Researchers analyzed cloud and rainwater samples collected over 19 summers at Mount Washington, revealing that rainfall history impacts air pollution as much as wind direction. The study provides a valuable tool for meteorologists to improve predictions over complex terrains, with implications for waterways fed from the mountains.
Urban parks are found to have a significant impact on mitigating heat, air and noise pollution in cities, extending far beyond their boundaries. Parks with tree cover and grassland areas improve thermal comfort and reduce Physiologically Equivalent Temperature by up to 8.5°C.
A study found that polystyrene nanoplastics and triphenyl phosphate exposure can trigger gut inflammation and disrupt lipid metabolism in salamanders. The combined effects of these pollutants on the gut-liver axis were also investigated, revealing potential for hidden toxicity and non-additive interactions.
A new study published in Biochar reports a promising approach to address food safety and climate challenges at the same time. A titanium dioxide-loaded biochar material reduces arsenic mobilization and methane emissions in flooded paddy soil, offering a two-in-one strategy for safer rice and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
The Earth's energy imbalance has grown to a record high, driving rapid global warming and its projected increase to 1.5°C in four years. Global greenhouse gas emissions have reached an all-time high, contributing to the acceleration of climate change.
Natural waters slow down nature's cleanup process by shielding plastics from sunlight and microbes, according to a new study. The chemical makeup of natural waters, especially combinations of salt and organic matter, significantly delays the breakdown of polystyrene plastic.
Researchers found that long-term exposure to air pollution is associated with more advanced coronary artery disease, even at moderate levels. The study analyzed data from 11,128 adults and found that exposure to fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide increased the risk of coronary artery disease.
Researchers identified tens of millions of small wetlands globally and found they produce a significant impact on methane emissions. Small wetlands have been difficult to detect due to their size, but high-resolution satellite imagery has revealed their substantial contribution to the world's total non-forested wetland emissions.
Mangrove forests worldwide are no longer in net decline and are now growing overall, driven by natural regeneration and expansion. The research highlights a more hopeful trajectory for these ecosystems, which play a critical role in protecting coastlines and storing climate-warming carbon.
A new study by researchers at UC Davis Health and Kaiser Permanente found that long-term exposure to fine air pollution particles (PM2.5) is associated with lower semantic memory, a type of brain's encyclopedia. The study analyzed data from 740 adults aged 53-94 and found no impact on executive function or verbal episodic memory.
A recent review of decades of air pollution studies found that exposure to PM2.5 may harm heart health even at concentrations below EPA guidelines, affecting cardiovascular disease rates worldwide. Certain populations are particularly vulnerable, and increasing public awareness is key to preventing exposure.
Researchers from Virginia Tech found that airborne particles have an outer alkaline shell, contradicting the traditional view of uniform droplets. This discovery has significant implications for understanding air quality and climate change.
A new study by Ellen Considine and Rachel Nethery shows that Indonesia's air pollution increased in 2018 and 2019 due to the diversion of plastic waste from China, which was previously a major import source. The team used satellite data to evaluate changes in fine particulate matter at 356 open dump sites in Indonesia.
A University of Cincinnati research team will examine how microplastics and nanoplastics accumulate in the body and affect cardiovascular health, with a focus on potential toxicity and worsening outcomes after a heart attack. The five-year study aims to advance understanding of microplastic impact on heart diseases.
Researchers have developed a chemical upcycling method that converts existing plastics into new materials with rapidly degrading properties. This process has the potential to tackle global plastic pollution issues by replacing non-biodegradable plastics.
A study led by NTU Singapore found that land-use changes across Southeast Asia contribute to thousands of excess deaths annually due to worsening air quality. The estimated 13,000 excess deaths in 2018 were linked to forest degradation and deforestation, accounting for nearly 30% of the total deaths.
A new study by University of East London researchers aims to gather data on microplastic contamination across the Thames, combining new sampling with existing datasets. The findings could inform discussions around wastewater management, river protection, and plastic pollution policy.
A global study of marine litter has identified food and beverage plastics as the leading contributors to ocean pollution, with plastic packaging, caps, and bottles dominating shoreline debris worldwide. The research highlights the urgent need for reduced plastic production and more efficient waste management practices.
Researchers in Brazil's Cerrado biome found that reducing stream sampling from 11 to 6 transects maintained reliable classification of streams as least-disturbed, moderately disturbed, or severely disturbed. The study suggests a streamlined approach can reduce field time and processing costs while preserving ecological indicators.
Common air pollutants can alter both brain and respiratory function within four hours of exposure, according to a new study. The source of the pollution matters more than its quantity, with different pollutant sources producing varied health effects even at identical concentrations.
Researchers develop automated plasma-bubble technology that intensifies cold plasma-liquid interaction to transform industrial wastewater into a reusable fertigation medium. The technology fixes vital bioavailable nitrogen in wastewater, reducing organic loads and suspended particles while increasing plant growth rates.
A new study finds that coal pollution reduces global solar electricity output by 5.8%, equivalent to 111 TWh of lost energy, with aerosol-related losses reaching 74.0 TWh annually. This constraint on the clean energy transition underscores the need for pollution control measures to maximize renewable energy output.
Researchers discovered that sea squirts package adhesive materials into nanocondensates, which deliver them to the destination and unpack for use. This mechanism is distinct from mussels' adhesion strategy, providing clues for developing bio-adhesives to assist in seaweed cultivation.
A new approach using Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics offers a direct fix for estimating nutrient uptake length in streams. The zero-order method substantially outperforms the first-order approach under saturation, providing more accurate estimates of stream filtration capacity.
Fine particles from traffic and industry are linked to worse cognitive function, memory and mental speed. Higher levels of air pollution also cause visible damage to the brain on MRI scans, particularly in women.
Research suggests that exposure to environmental pollutants in early life can negatively affect bone development. A study of 88 healthy infants found associations between certain endocrine-disrupting chemicals and lower bone mineral density, emphasizing the importance of protecting vulnerable windows during pregnancy and after birth.
The ECE 2026 brings together researchers and clinicians to share the latest endocrine research and developments. Key sessions include Plenaries, Symposia, Awards, Meet the Experts, Debates, and Oral Communications.
Researchers at Flinders University found that methamphetamine contamination on car surfaces can persist despite ventilation, with textile or soft surfaces still at risk. The study highlights the complexity of managing meth contamination in contained spaces and emphasizes the need for public health safeguards when buying or using vehicles.
Researchers discovered that a volcano's eruption can clean up methane pollution by breaking it down into formaldehyde. The phenomenon could potentially be key to slowing global warming and has implications for reducing methane emissions.
A new type of concrete made from sugarcane waste shows improved mechanical performance and reduced carbon emissions. The study finds that replacing fly ash with sugarcane bagasse ash improves compressive strength by 41% and reduces CO2 emissions by 25-30%.
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A new study published in Communications Sustainability reveals that investing in renewable energy yields more combined climate and public health benefits than direct air capture. The analysis models the health and climate benefit of cost-equivalent deployments of DAC, solar, and onshore wind across US grid regions from 2020 to 2050.
A national survey of Australian tunnel construction workers found significant silica dust exposure risks, with many reporting barriers to effective dust control measures. The study calls for stronger regulatory enforcement and oversight to prevent preventable disease in the high-risk industry.
A study by King's College London found that babies exposed to high levels of air pollution in the womb show slower signs of development at 18 months compared to those exposed to lower levels. This is particularly true for premature babies, who experience poorer motor and language skills.
A study published at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2026 found that climate change is driving extreme weather events, leading to increases in major cardiovascular events. Heatwaves had an immediate impact, while coldwaves produced a delayed and more sustained effect. Air pollution further amplified the effects of extreme temperatures.
Researchers discovered high concentrations of tire- and rubber-related chemicals in Lake Sihwa sediments, with patterns reflecting changes in industrial activity and pollution control measures. The study provides a baseline for sediment concentrations, enabling understanding of future trends and potential risks to aquatic organisms.
Researchers find crab shell waste alters microbial communities on biodegradable plastics, reducing breakdown rate. The effect persists even without direct contact, suggesting biochemical compounds released from crab shells trigger changes in the plastisphere.
A new measurement technique using nanomembranes and infrared light detects tiny amounts of substances in minutes, reducing sampling time by 100-fold. The technology analyzes particles accumulating on a tiny membrane, heating it up when certain wavelengths are absorbed.
A recent study investigated microplastic movement in freshwater ecosystems across Pennsylvania, finding that watersheds with higher population densities and adjacent wastewater treatment plants had higher concentrations of microplastics. The research also revealed local features, such as forests and rural areas, play a critical role in...
Researchers have created a novel sorbent made from chitosan/cellulose acetate and bentonite composites that show promise for cleaning up oil spills. The beads are floatable, biodegradable, and environmentally compatible, making them an efficient and cost-effective solution.