Articles tagged with Soil Pollution
Researchers have discovered that native soil bacteria can degrade persistent pollutants like dioxins without genetic engineering. Using decoy molecules, the bacteria's natural enzymes are tricked into breaking down these toxic compounds.
A new study by the University at Buffalo reveals that unequal access to recycling facilities plays a key role in shaping plastic waste management practices in the US. Wealthier and more college-educated communities are more likely to have convenient access to large-scale industrial recycling facilities, making recycling easier and more...
The 'Action for Earth' Summit brings together global leaders to examine policy pathways, frontier research, and actionable strategies for climate adaptation. The summit features keynote sessions on priority policies and frontier research, as well as a roundtable discussion on accelerating cross-border climate action.
A study by Jeonbuk National University researchers highlights the potential risks of chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) sewage sludge, but also shows that thermal treatment can lead to secondary heavy metal pollution. The team recommends using lower pyrolysis temperatures to enhance sustainability.
A new mechanochemical approach uses water as a catalyst to transform renewable resources into high-performance porous materials capable of capturing CO2 while removing pollutants. The method produces carbon-negative materials with exceptional hydrophobic characteristics and scalable production.
A recent study from the University at Buffalo has found that cigarette filters release up to two dozen microfibers upon first contact with water, posing a significant threat to wildlife and human health. The researchers estimated that over 71 million to 1.4 billion cigarette butt microfibers are released into New York waters every day.
Researchers from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that only 0.2% of used PCFs are washed into rivers, while 28% end up back on beaches near direct drainage points. The study highlights a significant 'sink' in the global circulation of plastics and sheds light on the complex transport of microplastics.
Experiments show that polyester microfibers in soil negatively affect cherry tomato plant growth throughout their lifecycle. The presence of these contaminants may have significant effects on plant development and ecosystem health.
The study found that consuming bananas grown in soil impacted by iron mining waste poses a possible health risk to children aged six years or younger. The team correlated the risk to human health with the transfer of toxic elements from the soil to the plant, revealing high concentrations of cadmium, chromium, and other metals.
Research in Chile's national parks shows that wildfires significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycles, affecting ecosystem resilience. Humid temperate forests recover faster than mediterranean woodlands due to fire-adapted trees and higher rainfall.
A new study highlights five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain, including immune cell activity and oxidative stress. Microplastics weaken the blood–brain barrier, causing immune cells to attack them and leading to further damage.
A large-scale laboratory screening identified 168 chemicals toxic to human-made gut bacteria. Washing fruit and veggies before consumption may help avoid exposure to these pollutants. Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict chemical harm, emphasizing the need for safer industrial practices.
Researchers discover that PFAS can harm ducklings even before they hatch, altering their gene expression and potentially affecting their fat metabolism and immune system. The findings support demands for a blanket EU ban on the substances, which are considered 'forever chemicals' due to their long-term persistence in the environment.
A Kobe University team identified the cause of pollutant accumulation in pumpkins and their relatives, discovering that specific proteins bind to pollutants and transport them through the plant. By controlling these proteins' behavior, safer crops can be created and polluted soils can be cleaned.
Researchers at Binghamton University are testing the long-term stability and environmental effects of perovskite solar cells, a more environmentally friendly option, to prevent lead leakage and pollution. The study aims to improve the durability and recyclability of solar panels, enabling widespread adoption of renewable energy sources.
A team of scientists introduces a nature-based solution to tackle global soil pollution by harnessing microbes and iron minerals. Microbial iron mining removes toxic substances like heavy metals and organic pollutants, transforming them into less hazardous forms.
A study reveals that the Mar Menor lagoon has sediments with excessive levels of lead, arsenic, and other toxic metals accumulated over centuries due to mining activities. The research highlights the ongoing risk these metals pose to aquatic organisms and ecosystems, even after the closure of mines in the 1990s.
A study by Pusan National University researchers found that soil properties control arsenic behavior and toxicity, with mobile fractions posing a stronger threat to juvenile springtails. The findings support targeted ecosystem management and remediation strategies to protect ecosystems from arsenic contamination.
Researchers found that short-term alperujo storage (3 months) improves compost yields and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Phenolic compounds are efficiently removed, making the final product safer for fields.
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.
Research by Concordia University finds that individuals ingest tens of thousands of microplastic particles per year from single-use plastic water bottles, which can cause chronic health issues. The study highlights the need for education on the risks of daily plastic bottle use.
Scientists developed a diagnostic tool using functional gene ratios to assess crude oil contamination status and apparent age in soils. The novel molecular diagnostic tool offers rapid field-deployable assessment of site condition and pollution age, providing evidence-based approach for prioritizing clean-up efforts.
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.
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
A team of researchers at Rice University developed a new strategy for identifying hazardous pollutants in soil using light-based imaging and machine learning algorithms. The approach can detect toxic compounds like PAHs and PACs even when no experimental data is available, addressing a critical gap in environmental monitoring.
A new study from Texas A&M University found that residents' knowledge of environmental health risks is the most important factor in their decision to take a home buyout. Residents who live in areas with high levels of risk and are more concerned about environmental risks are more willing to accept a buyout.
Researchers have developed a method to remove and destroy per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water systems while transforming waste into high-value graphene. The process uses flash joule heating to break down PFAS, producing undetectable amounts of harmful volatile organic fluorides.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
Researchers found that certain cover plants, such as rye and sunflower, can absorb excess nitrate and remove unwanted metals like cadmium. This method offers a natural, climate-neutral way to improve soil health and is suitable for phytoremediation in agriculture.
A recent study reveals that microplastic pollution decreases photosynthetic efficiency by 7.05–12.12% across terrestrial plants, marine algae, and freshwater algae, leading to estimated annual losses of 4.11–13.52% for key staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.
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 study from Tel Aviv University finds minimal environmental pollution resulting from ancient copper production in King Solomon's Mines, with pollution levels confined to smelting furnaces. Researchers also contradict previous claims of widespread industrial pollution, citing low levels of lead and other metals in soil samples.
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 new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
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.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
A study found plastic mulch contaminates soil with up to 25 kg of macroplastic debris per hectare, affecting critical soil functions even under best management practices. Microplastics were also detected, with concentrations positively correlated with macroplastic levels.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
Researchers developed a low-cost, portable tool to accurately measure microplastic particles, which are showing up in food, water, and air. The device uses fluorescent labeling and delivers results in minutes, with costs as low as 1.5 cents per test.
A new study estimates that soil stores substantially more mercury than previously thought, with climate change potentially adding even more. The researchers predict that as temperatures increase, vegetation growth will promote the deposition of mercury in the soil, outweighing current control schemes.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint organofluorine compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals', allowing them to be traced back to their source. The new technique uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational tools to identify unique carbon isotope patterns in each molec...
A recent study by TU Graz found that rail transport contributes significantly to particulate matter emissions, with levels reaching up to 25 micrograms per cubic meter along railway lines. This poses a concern for air quality and soil pollution, particularly in areas with increased braking activity.
Researchers have developed a rapid electrothermal mineralization (REM) process that can remediate synthetic chemicals in soil, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The method uses electrical inserts and biochar to heat contaminated soil, converting PFAS into nontoxic minerals.
Researchers found that radioactive cesium moves rapidly through the soil and decreases in fine roots of cedar trees, promoting a self-cleansing effect that can aid in forest decontamination. This phenomenon has implications for developing new forest decontamination methods.
The new method allows for simultaneous analysis of 30 different PFAS, including PFOA and PFOS, using a simplified process that reduces analysis time and cost. The manual provides a user-friendly guide with clear explanations and illustrations, making it accessible to analysts conducting PFAS analysis for the first time.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers identifies 92 compounds in biosolids that could pose potential risks to human health and the environment. The team screened 16 samples of biosolids from US and Canadian cities and found a range of contaminants, including pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.
A review study published in Nature Reviews Earth & Environment highlights the need for better monitoring of changes in soil and surrounding ecosystems after wildfires. This enhanced monitoring could inform decisions on treating drinking water sourced from burned areas, reforestation, and protecting workers against toxins.
Researchers developed a framework to measure plastic pollution emissions, estimating Toronto emitted nearly 4,000 tonnes in one year. The approach will help identify major contributors and inform strategies to reduce emissions worldwide.
A new study reveals that retention ponds and wetlands can significantly reduce the amount of tyre particles entering aquatic environments, with an average reduction of 75%. The research found that tyre wear particles outweigh other forms of microplastics, but are also removed in greater quantities.
The study emphasizes the urgent need for a just and sustainable future, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental degradation, climate change, and socio-economic inequality. The authors advocate for a global cultural shift that prioritizes kinship with nature and communal well-being to avoid devastating consequences.
New research reveals that microplastic pollution affects soil fungi differently depending on moisture levels. In dry conditions, microplastics help retain water and may mitigate drought effects, while in well-watered environments, toxic chemicals leach into the soil, hindering fungal richness.
A new study led by Dr. Tyler Frankel has identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary, highlighting the importance of considering exposure pathways in conservation strategies.
Researchers discovered traces of sunscreen agents in Arctic snow, with highest concentrations found in winter. The study suggests these contaminants are transported from lower latitudes via atmospheric circulation.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
A new method developed by Rice University scientists uses a high-temperature electrothermal process to remove multiple pollutants simultaneously, including heavy metals and organic contaminants. The process leaves soil particle size and mineral composition unchanged, while improving water infiltration rate and nutrient availability.