Articles tagged with Pollution
A new MIT study suggests that prioritizing polluting power plants in times of wind energy generation could quadruple the health benefits associated with wind power, resulting in $8.4 billion in nationwide health benefits. However, this approach would not address existing disparities in air pollution exposure among low-income and minori...
A recent analysis by Duke University researchers found that most top companies have made voluntary commitments to reduce plastic pollution, but few prioritize reducing virgin plastic use. The study suggests that these efforts focus on downstream waste-reduction strategies such as lightweighting, rather than addressing the root cause of...
New study reveals plastic additives selectively harm corals' reproductive processes, development, and settlement, affecting ecosystem balance. Researchers found alarming effects of environmental concentrations on various organisms, highlighting the urgent need for better risk assessments.
Researchers discovered how enzymes metabolize chiral PCBs, leading to neurodevelopmental issues. The study found that mirror-image isomers are metabolized differently, causing selective toxicity in humans and animals.
Top 300 Fortune 500 firms made 72% of plastic pollution commitments, focusing on recycling over virgin plastic reduction; study finds this approach insufficient to address the plastics crisis.
A recent study by 70 scientists highlights the devastating effects of climate change on insects, which play critical roles in ecosystems. Gradual warming and extreme events harm insects, affecting their physiology, behavior, and interactions with other species.
Sharing real-time air quality readings can reduce fine particulate concentration levels by 2-4 micrograms per cubic metre each year, leading to significant health benefits. The research estimates annual health benefits of $171 million AUD for the median city.
The study reveals that cumulative pressures of food production are more concentrated than previously believed, with 92% of pressures from land-based food production concentrated on just 10% of the Earth's surface. The top five offenders are pig farming, cow farming, rice, wheat, and oil crops.
A proposed U.S. menthol ban could significantly reduce plastic pollution and toxic chemical leaching into soil and water supplies. The ban is estimated to cut littering by 3.8 billion cigarette butts annually, saving approximately 1.7 million pounds of waste.
A new study evaluated the performance of a Seabin device in Plymouth, UK, finding it captured only 0.18kg of litter over 750 hours of operation. In contrast, manual trawls collected significantly more litter with minimal harm to marine life.
As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.
A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.
A new study found that ultrafine particle concentration decreased by 48% during the COVID-19 state-of-emergency period due to reduced aviation and road activity. This reduction corresponded with flight activity dropping by 74% and highway traffic volume decreasing by 51%.
Researchers found that air pollutants, particularly fine particles and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of COVID-19 hospitalizations up to 30% in vaccinated individuals. Long-term exposure also worsens outcomes, even among those fully vaccinated, highlighting the importance of improving indoor air quality.
A study found an association between air pollution exposure during pregnancy and the first 5 years of life with altered white matter structural connectivity in children's brains. Exposure to fine particulate matter was also linked to changes in brain volume, particularly in preadolescents.
Research found that air pollution exposure in the first six months of life impacts a child's inner world of gut bacteria, increasing risk of allergies, obesity, and diabetes. The study also suggests that exposure to pollutants can influence brain development.
A Kennesaw State University assistant professor of biology is studying how urbanization affects heavy metal concentrations in starlings. Preliminary data suggests that starlings nesting at urban sites have higher lead concentrations, which could provide insights into the environmental impact of urbanization.
A new study published in Scientific Reports shows that selectively planting vegetation between roads and playgrounds can cut toxic air pollution reaching school children. Western red cedar tredges were found to be most effective at capturing particulate matter, with almost half of black carbon and 46% of fine particles eliminated.
Researchers analyzed satellite-based data to study daily variations in air quality across 11 major US cities, revealing disproportionate impacts on economically disadvantaged communities. The findings suggest climate change could exacerbate these differences, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to reduce emissions and impr...
Researchers developed a lifecycle assessment-based framework to manage offshore oil spill cleanup waste. The study suggests combining centrifugation and landfilling as the most suitable remediation approach for low-impact spills.
Research shows that exposure to commonly used insecticides can profoundly impair honeybees' visually guided behavior, crucial for flight and survival. The study found that pesticide-exposed bees have impaired optomotor responses, with increased asymmetry in left and right turns.
Small amounts of highly weathered oil residues from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster were still present in the surroundings ten years later. The study suggests that many environmental impacts are caused by chemically altered oil components, which can have different toxicities and physical properties.
A new study finds that mild smog exposure during pregnancy is linked to higher risks of low birth weight, high blood pressure, and early water breaks. The research highlights the need for environmental protection measures to reduce air pollution's impact on pregnant women and their unborn children.
Researchers have developed a novel dual-atom catalyst design that can reduce the environmental impact of ammonia production. The new design uses a hybrid of iron and molybdenum to activate dinitrogen, resulting in a more efficient and eco-friendly method for ammonia synthesis.
After the debris flow, researchers studied how far debris from Goleta Beach dispersed along the coast. They found that most of the material appeared to be largely removed from the beach and showed signs of degradation in deeper waters.
A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.
Researchers at MIT develop a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The new material is made from widely available and less expensive silk protein, which can be dissolved using a scalable water-based process.
A new study finds significant disparities in pollutants from electricity generation within environmental justice communities in RGGI states. Environmental justice communities face disproportionate exposure to harmful co-pollutants due to power plant siting and operation.
Researchers develop a new method to assess inconsistencies in mercury trade data for ASGM, highlighting potential illegal and informal mercury use flows. The study identifies inconsistencies in Hg trade statistics in African, Central and South American, and some Asian countries.
A global survey of biodiversity experts finds that more species are threatened with extinction than previously thought, with estimates suggesting 30% of species have been lost since 1500. The study identifies climate change, pollution, and land-use changes as key drivers of biodiversity loss.
Researchers at Boston College found air-pollution-related disease, death and IQ loss occur in every city and town in Massachusetts. The study estimated a cumulative impact on childhood cognitive development of almost 2 million Performance IQ points lost.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
Researchers at Keck School of Medicine of USC found that extreme heat and air pollution coincide to increase mortality risk by 21%. Deaths due to cardiovascular and respiratory conditions also increased significantly on days with both extreme heat and air pollution.
A recent study by ICTA-UAB researchers found that the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in public expectations, with many citizens becoming more pessimistic about future climate action. However, some respondents expressed positive views on the impact of COVID-19 on consumption habits and environmental awareness.
A study found that nearly 90% of areas studied had cancer-causing dioxins and PCBs in free-range eggs exceeding EU regulatory food limits. Eggs are a major pathway for human exposure to toxic chemicals, and contaminated sites include industrial waste incinerators and plastic burning sites.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science finds that dairy cows exposed to wildfire smoke experience reduced milk production and altered immune function. The researchers observed a decrease in milk yield for seven consecutive days during the smoke exposure period, which persisted for another seven days post-exposure.
A study found that US adults receiving hemodialysis with high air pollution exposure have more heart attacks and strokes compared to those with low exposure. The strongest associations were noted among patients who were Asian, older, or had chronic lung disease at dialysis initiation.
Airports in colder climates accumulate more pollutants like PM2.5 during fall and winter months, posing a significant threat to human health and the climate. Researchers recommend targeted reduction of PM2.5 emissions, particularly in cold climate regions.
Researchers at NC State University developed a proposed new textile-based filter that combines cotton fabric and an enzyme called carbonic anhydrase to separate carbon dioxide from air and gas mixtures. The filter showed promising results, capturing up to 81.7% of CO2 with a double-stacked filter.
Researchers investigate microplastic risks using nanotoxicology lessons, standardizing particles for reproducible studies. Scientists aim to replicate real-world situations in lab simulations to understand human gut and lung cell effects.
A new study by Bigelow Laboratory confirms the effectiveness of chemical dispersants in breaking down oil in seawater under real-world conditions. The researchers found that dispersants were effective if applied within two to four days, a typical time frame for oil spill response.
A new study describes a troglobitic clam species from northern Brazil, characterized by lack of pigmentation and reduced size. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving fragile subterranean habitats threatened by recently amended laws in Brazil.
Researchers at UC Riverside discover that adding iodide to a water treatment reactor using ultraviolet (UV) light and sulfite can destroy up to 90% of PFAS chemicals in just a few hours. This method accelerates the reaction four times, saving energy and chemicals, and enables the treatment of ten times higher concentrations of PFAS.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science propose two new search strategies to reduce the computational cost of rebalancing in bicycle-sharing systems. The approaches focus on finding feasible solutions more efficiently and redefine the problem to minimize solving time.
An anti-idling campaign at two elementary schools reduced idling time by 38% and improved air quality, according to a study published in the Atmosphere journal. The campaign, which involved teachers and parents, also found localized pollution hotspots around schools caused by car emissions.
An international group of scientists calls for regulating and phasing out the production of new plastics to reduce plastic pollution. Gradually cutting production is expected to bring numerous societal, environmental, and economic benefits, including boosting recycled plastics' value and helping tackle climate change.
The Ecological Society of America will hold its 107th Annual Meeting in Montreal from August 14-19, 2022. This year's meeting combines resources and interests of the ESA and Canadian Society for Ecology and Evolution, focusing on theme "A Change Is Gonna Come" exploring global environmental and evolutionary change.
A recent study found that microplastics in the ocean can carry land-based parasites, such as Toxoplasma gondii, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia, which can infect humans and animals. The researchers used laboratory experiments to test whether these pathogens could associate with plastics in seawater.
Exposure to certain air pollutants is associated with a greater likelihood of testing positive for SARS-CoV-2. The study found a significant link between traffic-related pollutants and COVID-19 infection risk, suggesting that improving air quality may have public health benefits.
Wildfires in the Pacific Northwest are altering seasonal air pollution patterns and causing a spike in unhealthy pollutants in August. The research found that carbon monoxide levels have increased sharply, indicating the extent of smoke's impacts on clean air gains.
Scientists have developed a new approach to predict pollution from cooking emissions by analyzing the behavior of oleic acid nanostructures. By identifying the molecular properties that control their transformation in the atmosphere, researchers can better understand and model the impact of cooking aerosols on human-made climate change.
Research finds that historically redlined neighborhoods are burdened by excess oil and gas wells, leading to increased air and water pollution, noise, and stress. The study reveals a link between these exposure disparities and persistent social inequities in community environmental health.
A recent study from Oregon State University found that Oregonians are more likely to perceive environmental and public health risks than potential financial gains from natural gas export. The study surveyed 500 adults and found that those with higher education, younger adults, women, people of color, and liberal or moderate political v...
Researchers from NTU Singapore have developed a new method using pyrolysis to convert challenging plastic waste into hydrogen and carbon nanotubes. The converted energy could power up to 1,000 five-room apartments for a year.
A new process has been developed to remove radioactive barium ions from nuclear wastewater, achieving high adsorption capacity and fast equilibrium adsorption time. The adsorbent uses a sulfonic acid group and exhibits excellent capture ability for barium due to strong acid-base and electrostatic interactions.
A new study developed by Jenna Krall predicts air pollution model performance in health studies, improving their accuracy. The approach helps determine whether air pollution prediction models can be used in epidemiologic studies, assessing health effects.
A recent study reveals alarming levels of plastic pollution in the Arctic Ocean, affecting ecosystems and potentially exacerbating climate change. Plastic debris from rivers, air, and shipping has reached all spheres of the Arctic, including the seafloor, remote beaches, and even ice and snow.
A USC-led team discovered that bacteria size and type influence the speed of carbon transfer to the ocean's deepest waters. The research enables a computer model for estimating carbon transfer rates, which could help understand Earth's natural carbon cycle.
A new study found that the health impacts of 2020 lockdowns varied across three European cities, with physical activity levels declining by up to 95% and resulting in increased diagnoses of heart attacks, strokes, depression, and anxiety. In contrast, decreases in air pollution and noise had positive effects on health.