Articles tagged with Pollution
The University of Texas at Arlington researcher Yunyao Li has been selected by NASA to develop a system that provides early warnings of hazardous air pollution from wildfires. The project aims to enhance wildfire air quality forecasting capabilities and develop tools for decision-making processes related to health management.
A new study documents widespread lead poisoning due to artisanal lead mining and gold ore processing in Zamfara Nigeria. The findings highlight the need for safer mining practices to reduce lead exposures and protect public health.
A recent study from POSTECH University evaluated ground-level NO2 concentrations using satellite remote sensing data, revealing significant socioeconomic disparities in air pollution exposure. The research found that areas with higher socioeconomic levels had higher NO2 concentrations, contradicting previous findings in other countries.
Researchers found that atmospheric mercury levels have decreased significantly due to reduced human-caused emissions, mainly attributed to the Minamata Convention. The study also revealed that soil emissions now make up a larger fraction of total mercury emissions, with re-emissions from soil posing a future challenge.
Researchers have developed plant-based extracts from okra and fenugreek that can attract and remove up to 90% of microplastics from ocean and freshwater waters. These natural polymers offer a nontoxic alternative to synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide.
International experts urge cities to embed nature in infrastructure for better health, climate resilience, and equity. Urban greening benefits include cooler streets, cleaner air, improved mental health, and greater biodiversity.
A new study published in Environmental Pollution found that plastic ingested by northern fulmars can leak chemicals that interfere with the birds' hormone systems. The chemicals, such as BPA and phthalates, can impair fertility, development, and behavior, posing a significant threat to species survival.
Exposure to high levels of smoke pollution increases hospitalizations for respiratory diseases in older adults. The study highlights the need for interventions to mitigate the health impacts of wildfire smoke exposure.
MIT researchers have developed a way to produce large amounts of silk microneedles to deliver agrochemicals and nutrients to plants, showing promising results in treating chlorosis and adding vitamin B12 to tomato plants. The technology has the potential to serve as a new kind of plant interface for real-time health monitoring and biof...
A new study found that over 50 million people in the US live in counties with no air-quality monitoring, increasing their exposure to air pollution. Rural areas, particularly those in the Midwest and South, were more likely to lack monitoring sites, often due to poverty and limited access to healthcare.
A new numerical computer model tracks how pollution travels through Galveston Bay, helping scientists understand water movement in estuaries. The model is critical for evaluating climate variability and sea level fluctuation impacts on coastal communities, guiding better decisions to keep water clean and prevent flooding.
Kyushu University's Direct Air Capture and Utilization device captures CO2 from air, allowing it to be reused in daily life. The technology enables small-scale, decentralized carbon capture, making it suitable for densely populated cities like Japan.
The UN University's new report emphasizes the need for deep systemic changes to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. It introduces the Theory of Deep Change, which identifies structures and assumptions that perpetuate these challenges, and highlights five areas where urgent transformation is needed.
A field experiment in Chinese cities shows that increased transparency leads to a 37% reduction in high-polluting company violations and a 90% increase in regulatory inspections. Air pollution drops by 8-10%, with no evidence of direct public pressure as a factor.
Researchers found that burning heavy fuel oil with scrubbers has a comparable environmental impact to low-sulfur fuels when considering various factors. The study suggests that scrubbers are a mature technology that can effectively reduce sulfur emissions, making them a viable option for shipping companies.
A new approach is needed to monitor species and protect them from climate change, land use, pollution, and invasive non-native species. The study proposes a framework that integrates all available methods for studying insects, including comparing diversity and abundance over time and across different habitats.
A novel chemical method breaks down rubber waste into valuable precursors for epoxy resins, reducing molecular weight and producing functional materials with strength similar to commercial resins. The process is environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and more efficient than traditional recycling techniques.
Researchers at University of Oxford have developed a method to destroy PFAS while recovering their fluorine content for reuse in industrial processes. The process uses ball milling with potassium phosphate salts, breaking down PFAS and extracting fluorine content.
Scientists develop a method to create high-quality activated carbon from gasification char, which can be used in wastewater treatment. The process involves physical activation and achieves a surface area of 800 m²/g, making it comparable to fossil-based activated carbons.
Researchers propose darkening cities to improve biodiversity, human health, and reduce energy waste by embracing nocturnal living. Professor Nick Dunn's 'Dark Futures: When the Lights Go Down' presents a vision for an alternative future that reconnects humans with nature's rhythms.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have developed a solar-powered method to transform sewage sludge into green hydrogen and single-cell protein, reducing environmental damage and creating renewable energy and sustainable food. The three-step process recovers 91.4% of organic carbon and converts 63% into single-cell protein without producing h...
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.
A new study led by University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal finds that multiple threats are making fresh water saltier, including land-based pollution and saltwater intrusion. The researchers offer a framework for predicting and preventing the issue, which affects ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.
A new report by UCL researchers finds that ethnic minority immigrants in England are exposed to significantly higher levels of air pollution than native British households, with an average disadvantage of 6.9μg/m3. Immigrants from Bangladesh and the Caribbean face even greater pollution penalties.
Researchers discovered how air pollution and wildfire smoke can trigger S-nitrosylation of a key brain protein, preventing brain cells from making new connections. Blocking this chemical modification partially reversed signs of memory loss in Alzheimer's mouse models and nerve cells.
Plastic Back and a US-based recycler partner to scale low-temperature chemical recycling technology converting hard-to-recycle plastics into valuable byproducts. The partnership aims to address the global plastic waste crisis, reducing landfill waste and dependency on virgin raw materials.
A study found that reductions in zinc and copper pollution led to improvements in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers. The researchers used statistical modeling to investigate various factors contributing to the decline in metal pollution.
Researchers detect nanoplastic particles on glaciers in France, Italy, and Switzerland, suggesting sea pollution as the source. The concentrations of nanoplastics varied between locations, with wind direction affecting their accumulation.
Researchers found evidence of human-caused lead pollution in the Aegean Sea around 5,200 years ago, with a significant increase occurring during the Roman Empire's expansion. This finding pushes back previous estimates by approximately 1,200 years.
A University of Virginia study uses satellite data to show long-term air pollution inequalities tied to industrialized swine facilities in Eastern North Carolina. The research finds that these disparities extend multiple kilometers beyond the immediate vicinity of facilities, affecting communities of color disproportionately.
Researchers found that brief ozone exposure reduces blood oxygen saturation, triggers hypoxia-related biomarkers, and increases arterial stiffness. Ozone pollution is a worldwide health issue, linked to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology have made a breakthrough discovery in the catalytic recycling of polyolefins, enhancing conversion rates with the addition of water. The study reveals improved process efficiency, extended catalyst lifespan, and reduced operational costs.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
Exposure to air pollution during the three months before pregnancy is associated with higher childhood obesity risk up to two years after birth. The study found that women with higher levels of PM2.5 and PM10 had children with a higher BMI and related obesity risk factors.
The AES Andes industrial complex, planned near Paranal Observatory in Chile's Atacama Desert, poses a critical risk to the planet's most pristine night skies. The project could irreparably impact astronomical observations, hindering significant research discoveries and breakthroughs.
A simulation mapping underground water on a continental scale reveals that rainfall and snowmelt flow much farther underground than previously thought. The study also shows that more than half of the water in streams originates from aquifers previously believed to be too deep for streams.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a novel fuel cell electrolyte concept using phosphonic acid polymers with hydrocarbon spacers. The new membrane exhibits improved water insolubility, chemical stability and conductivity under high-temperature and low-humidity conditions.
A Dartmouth-led study suggests using clay to convert CO2 into food for zooplankton, which expel it as carbon-filled feces in the deep sea. This method accelerates the ocean's natural cycle for removing carbon from the atmosphere.
University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science professors William Epling and Roseanne Ford were elected as fellows to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. They are recognized for their expertise in environmental catalysis and bacterial chemotaxis, respectively.
A group of international scientists is urging the European Commission to implement protective measures for subterranean ecosystems, which store 97% of the world's drinking water and harbor unique biodiversity. Regular surveys of subterranean fauna can reveal the health of these ecosystems, which are sensitive to contaminants.
A recent study of Texas high school indoor air revealed the presence of phthalates and PBDEs, linked to cancers, reproductive disorders, and nervous system damage. Researchers found correlations between SVOC concentrations and building characteristics, such as flooring type and classroom design.
A study found that a marine worm ingests and excretes organic-rich mud containing high concentrations of PAHs, halving the concentration within two hours. The degradation occurred when the mud passed through the worm's digestive tract, not in the mud itself.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
Parks have been found to be the most effective solution for reducing overall air pollution, cutting it by 22% in city-wide studies. However, other green spaces like trees and green walls showed mixed results, with some even worsening air quality.
Research highlights knowledge gaps in plastics' effects on climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental pollution. Scientists found only a few studies addressing impacts on climate change and biodiversity, while the majority focus on environmental pollution.
University of Delaware researchers develop a method to remove toxic particles from tires by upgrading a molecule that provides UV protection into safe chemicals. The leftover crumb rubber can be recycled using classic plastic recycling methods or converted into aromatics and carbon black.
Heriot-Watt University has developed a world-first visual grading system to measure fibre shedding from clothing, aiming to reduce microplastic pollution in the fashion industry. The five-point scale assesses fibre fragments shed during washing, allowing manufacturers to select low-shedding materials and communicate with consumers.
Research reveals UK households are 'wishcycling' instead of recycling due to confusing product labels and differing recycling facilities. The study recommends standardization of bin collection services and uniform labelling to make recycling more effective for consumers.
A groundbreaking review finds that environmental exposure to air pollutants during prenatal development and early childhood significantly impact autism risk. The study identifies several key pathways through which air pollutants may influence ASD development, including nitrosative stress, neuroinflammation, and epigenetic modifications.
The new research highlights the complexity of plastics pollution, emphasizing its far-reaching effects on climate change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater usage. The study suggests a set of control variables to address plastics pollution in the Planetary Boundaries framework, promoting more sustainable responses.
A new study reveals that locally optimized urban forms can significantly reduce CO2 emissions, but generalizations cannot be made due to context-dependent relationships. Urban open and green spaces are found to be paramount in mitigating urban CO2 emissions.
Researchers found that wildfire suppressant products can contribute to elevated metal levels in the environment. The study tested 14 fire suppression products and found that they contained at least one metal exceeding EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level regulations for drinking water.
A comprehensive assessment of human activity in the Arctic reveals that over 5% of the region is affected by light pollution, with an annual increase of 4.8%. The study highlights the critical need for monitoring and planning to support sustainable development and conservation in the Arctic.
A new study by Harvard researchers finds alarmingly high PFAS concentrations in fish tissues even up to 8 km from the military base. The results underscore the urgent need for more comprehensive monitoring of PFAS in aquatic ecosystems, particularly in regions where freshwater fishing is an important food source.
A new study found that the US air pollution monitoring network has significant gaps in coverage, particularly in historically underrecognized communities. The network's inadequacy to capture exposure disparities has been highlighted as a major concern, with potential health implications for millions of people.
Researchers analyzed atmospheric mercury concentrations and found a 10% decline between 2005 and 2020, contrary to global inventories that indicate an increase. The study suggests that human activity-driven emissions are driving the trend, but limitations in data and scientific understanding remain.
A Dartmouth-led study found that air pollution from fossil fuels reaches the remote Arctic, altering its fundamental atmospheric chemistry. The researchers detected declines in methanesulfonic acid, a biomarker linked to phytoplankton productivity, which plummeted in environments high in emissions.
Industrial fishing practices in tropical and subtropical waters release high levels of methylmercury into the ocean. The majority of this mercury is found in large pelagic fish like tuna, which are then consumed by humans. This can lead to developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that reducing plastic waste entering oceans by 32% by 2035 would result in more than 50% less plastic in the oceans by 2050. The study aims to provide a clear numerical target for global efforts to tackle marine plastic pollution.