A study by Pusan National University finds that aerosols intensify ocean rainfall while delaying land storms, affecting water resources and flood protection. High aerosol levels alter precipitation patterns, with increased rainfall over the ocean and decreased rainfall over land.
Johannes Lelieveld's research on air quality, emissions, and climate change has demonstrated the interconnectedness of these issues. His work provides new insights into human health risks and informs policy decisions to address pressing societal challenges.
A recent study using citizen science found that household dryers release both natural and synthetic microfibers into the environment. The research estimates that 3,543 metric tons of microfibers are released each year nationwide, with a significant portion coming from natural fabrics.
A combination of wetland plants and a specific fungus has been found to be highly effective in removing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from contaminated wastewater. The fungus, Rhizophagus irregularis, boosts the ability of wetlands to remove PFAS, reducing environmental risks associated with these long-lasting compounds.
Researchers found a strong link between compound droughts and wildfires in California, leading to increased fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. The study shows that severe droughts can substantially raise wildfire risk, with PM2.5 levels increasing by 9.5·m³ under extreme conditions.
A new study estimates that ongoing childhood lead exposure costs the world over $3.4 trillion annually, with disproportionate impacts on low- and middle-income countries. The researchers propose a four-pronged strategy to curb a resurgence in global inequalities and set back progress in children's health.
During a federal government shutdown, coal-fired power plants increased daily emissions of particulate matter, while sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions remained steady. The findings highlight the importance of stable enforcement and continuous monitoring for reducing pollution and protecting public health.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 10, 2025
Rice exposed to nanoplastics and cadmium suffered a 16% loss in biomass, but biochar treatment increased biomass by over 80% and restored chlorophyll and protein levels. Biochar formed a physical barrier, trapped pollutants, and enhanced antioxidant activity.
A new study found that nearly half of UK households underestimate how much plastic they throw away each week, with online shoppers being the most unconscious consumers. The research calls for supermarkets to change infrastructure and systems to promote reuse and refill schemes.
Researchers at Tohoku University utilized AI to develop strategies for water treatment and air pollution control. The study highlights innovative approaches using machine learning in material screening and global distribution simulation of pollutants.
A new review warns of growing heavy metal threats in reservoirs, highlighting the need for smarter monitoring and greener cleanup solutions. Researchers identify sources, risks, and promising solutions to tackle this global challenge.
A multi-national study found that higher levels of air pollution are linked to worse symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in European patients. The study revealed a modest but measurable increase in the apnoea hypopnea index (AHI) for every one unit increase in PM10 concentration.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in the endangered Indus River dolphin, finding fibers and other particles in the GI tracts of all five stranded individuals. The study highlights the urgent need for conservation strategies to address this pollution issue.
A study found that sea foam from several beaches in North Carolina's coastal region contain higher levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) compared to the water below. Researchers detected PFAS concentrations in sea foam reaching tens to thousands of times higher than in regular seawater.
Exposure to lower levels of air pollutants is associated with improved vision in children, suggesting that reducing exposure could slow the progression of myopia. Children who live in areas with cleaner air have better vision, especially younger students.
Researchers have developed a low-cost material that can clean antibiotics out of water, using steel sludge as a valuable resource. The biochar breaks down tetracycline through chemical reactions, removing over 85% in just two hours.
Brazilian researchers analyzed over 60 scientific articles on microplastics and their impact on bone health. They found that the materials can impair bone marrow stem cells, accelerate cell aging, and promote inflammation, leading to potential bone weakening and fractures.
A new study reveals that small electric charges between particles play a crucial role in forming highly concentrated clusters in turbulent environments. This discovery has significant implications for climate research, medicine, engineering, and science, enabling better predictions and controls.
Researchers have found that plastic nanoparticles can enter crops during growth, accumulating in edible parts and potentially affecting human health. The study used radishes to demonstrate the uptake of nanoplastics by plants, with nearly 5% of particles retained by the root system.
A growing body of research links environmental pollutants to worsened health and shorter life spans in childhood cancer survivors. The study found that only 25% of pediatric oncology providers felt comfortable discussing environmental pollutant impacts with patients.
The IUCN Microbial Conservation Specialist Group is a new coalition of experts aiming to integrate microbiology into global biodiversity governance. The group's priorities include building a global network, mapping microbial conservation hotspots, developing microbe-specific Red List criteria, and mapping existing projects.
Research by ETH Zurich reveals human-induced climate change has increased extreme heat wave frequency and severity, with fossil fuel and cement production contributing significantly. The study highlights the responsibility of large carbon emitters, such as oil and gas companies, in exacerbating heat waves.
Researchers found little evidence of disproportionate siting in Black counties, but a growing share of the Black population over time. Long-term demographic shifts after power plant openings led to higher Black population shares, with an average rise of 4% in 50-70 years.
Researchers investigated how natural microfibers and synthetic materials degrade under simulated sunlight in freshwater and seawater. The study found significant differences in degradation rates between the two materials, with implications for aquatic ecosystems.
Microbial communities around alkali waste barrels have low diversity and are dominated by alkalophilic bacteria, similar to those found at hydrothermal vents. The ecological effects of caustic alkaline waste dumping are expected to take thousands of years to cease.
Researchers found that caustic alkaline waste in corroded metal barrels off Los Angeles created extreme environments mirroring natural hydrothermal vents. The discovery suggests the waste has persisted for over half a century, joining DDT as a persistent pollutant with long-term environmental impacts.
A study examined the interactive effects of meteorological factors and air pollution on influenza cases in Huaian, China. The main findings showed that increasing PM2.5 levels decreased risk at low concentrations but increased risk at high concentrations.
As Arctic permafrost thaws, geochemical reactions unleash metals like cadmium, harming fish and disrupting ecosystems. The Salmon River's transformation poses indirect threats to Indigenous communities and other species.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to convert plastic waste into a climate solution for efficient and sustainable CO2 capture. The new material, BAETA, can absorb CO2 out of the atmosphere efficiently compared to existing carbon capture technologies.
Researchers have developed a new method to accurately measure the acidity of PFAS, finding some to be thousands of times more acidic than previously thought. This breakthrough could help track the persistence and spread of these toxic chemicals in the environment.
Recent physicochemical technologies for PFAS removal have been summarized in a comprehensive assessment, offering guidance for sustainable solutions. The methods are capable of breaking PFAS's strong carbon–fluorine bonds, achieving removal rates exceeding 90%.
Researchers have developed a living sensor that attaches to plastic and produces green fluorescence, detecting environmentally relevant levels of microplastics in real-world water samples. The biosensor uses a genetically engineered bacterium to activate when bacterial cells contact plastic, producing measurable fluorescence within hours.
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
A landmark review published by FAU reveals that sargassum is a rapidly growing and widely distributed marine organism. The study found that the Atlantic Ocean's sargassum biomass has increased by over 50% since the 1980s, with nitrogen content rising sharply.
A new study reveals that the Tijuana River releases large quantities of toxic gases, including hydrogen sulfide, contributing to poor air quality across the region. The polluted river's poor water quality mirrors the symptoms reported by residents of South Bay communities, highlighting the need for improved environmental protection.
Simpler, physics-based models can generate more accurate predictions than state-of-the-art deep-learning models for certain climate scenarios. However, simple models are more accurate when estimating regional surface temperatures, while deep-learning approaches excel at local rainfall estimation.
Researchers found that heat waves across Africa are now hotter, longer, and more frequent, mainly due to human activities. The study aimed to fill the knowledge gap on climate extremes in Africa and provide insights for mitigation and adaptation strategies.
Researchers have developed a smart hydrogel surface that can instantly recognize whether it's in contact with oil or water and switch its behavior to separate the two. The surface achieves a record-breaking separation speed of 17,750 liters per square meter per hour, three to five times faster than most current membranes.
A new project at FAU aims to advance water quality monitoring in Lake Okeechobee by understanding how common contaminants break down after being released into freshwater environments. The team will deploy passive sampling devices and use cutting-edge chemical analysis to predict which contaminants are forming dangerous byproducts.
A new study suggests that exposure to wildfire-derived PM2.5 is linked to increased mortality and morbidity, with a 93% underestimation of the actual death toll. The research estimated 535 annual deaths from all causes due to short-term exposure to wildfire smoke.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics monitors the effects of plastic pollution on human health, citing $1.5 trillion in annual economic losses. Researchers track the life cycle of plastics to identify key drivers of harm, including production, use, and disposal.
Representatives from over 170 countries meet in Geneva to negotiate a legally binding agreement to tackle global plastic pollution. The proposed treaty aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect biodiversity by limiting plastic production and eliminating hazardous substances.
Researchers found surprisingly high concentrations of small-diameter microplastics in air samples from their homes and cars, estimating adults inhale 68,000 particles per day. The study suggests health risks due to inhalation of lung-penetrating microplastics may be higher than previously thought.
A new study led by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that increasing solar power generation in the US by 15% could lead to significant cuts in CO2 emissions. The researchers pinpointed regions where clean energy investments return the greatest climate dividends and demonstrated the value of coordinated clean energy efforts.
A UK study monitored antimicrobial resistance and influenza viruses in water bodies frequented by wild birds, finding widespread AMR genes in 92% of samples. Influenza virus was detected in just 3.4% of samples, highlighting the need for more sensitive detection methods.
Despite poor health scores for England's rivers, independent review reveals important improvements in freshwater biodiversity, including increases in species richness and diversity. An alternative monitoring standard has been proposed to better reveal the status of different species and inform local decisions.
An international research team has proposed a comprehensive global framework for regulating tire additives, which are a significant source of environmental contamination. The framework aims to address the impacts of these chemicals on ecosystems and human health worldwide.
A study analyzing ozone pollution's impact on crop yields in China reveals significant yield losses of major staple crops, including rice, wheat, and maize. The researchers found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to reduced emissions, but projections suggest a continued risk of 8%–18% yield loss by 2050 without emission control.
A new study by Boston University School of Public Health and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that energy-efficient strategies can have a significant impact on public health in the European Union. The research reveals dramatic differences in health burdens from electricity use based on the source of energy used, with cou...
A groundbreaking study reveals multiple Portland neighborhoods have unhealthy noise levels that are likely to cause harm. The research, led by Oregon State University scientists, provides a framework for studying noise pollution in other US cities and identifies patterns of noise environments across the city.
Research found that chronic exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 air pollutants activates harmful allergic-like immune responses in the lungs, leading to inflammation and scarring. The study suggests targeting oxidative stress or modulating NRF2 activity could be a new strategy to treat pollution-induced allergic inflammation.
Over 60 academic experts urge global plastics treaty to include human health impacts, toxic chemical regulation, and production caps. The briefing event, hosted by Cambridge University Press, offers clear evidence-based recommendations for a legally binding treaty.
A team of researchers from Chung-Ang University has developed an innovative air filter that mimics the way mucus-coated nasal hairs trap particles, achieving remarkable filtration efficiency. The particle-removing oil-coated (PRO) filter is a significant leap forward in air purification, offering improved performance and sustainability.
A new study finds that cleaner air in East Asia, particularly China, has contributed to the recent acceleration in global warming. The region's aerosol reductions account for most of the observed warming since 2010, even after accounting for natural fluctuation events.
A recent study reveals that discarded plastic materials are a significant hazard to young birds, causing entanglements that lead to deaths. The study found that soft plastics and synthetic ropes were the most prevalent materials in bird nests, with baler twine accounting for 63% of entanglements.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
A team of researchers are studying the reproductive traits of Japanese tree frogs living in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan, to understand how radiation affects their survival. Their findings suggest that radiation can disrupt genetic pathways associated with sperm motility, potentially altering reproductive success.
Research suggests that nine commonly used pesticides in viticulture have significantly underestimated environmental impact, with half-lives exceeding two days and potential for long-range transport.
Researchers found that sewage spills from land to sea coincided with winds of at least 6.5m/s on 178 days within a two-year period, potentially sending microplastics into the air. The study suggests that coastal towns and cities may be exposed to billions of airborne microplastic particles.
A new study published in Nature provides a comprehensive overview of all chemicals that can be present in plastics, their properties, uses, and hazards. The study identified 4,200 plastic chemicals as of concern due to health and environmental hazards.