Articles tagged with Water Pollution
A new study using AI algorithms found that climate conditions play a critical role in nitrate pollution in rivers, suggesting that dry climates can elevate nitrate concentrations even in areas without urban or agricultural development. The research, published in Science, reveals that nitrate pollution is a broader problem directly rela...
A study reveals that urbanization selectively eliminates organisms based on size, disrupting ecological interactions and compromising the natural purification of streams. The loss of biodiversity and simplification of food webs lead to reduced energy flow and increased pollution, affecting the region's water supply.
The review highlights the limitations of standard monitoring methods, which often underestimate exposure and risk by only tracking parent compounds. Steroid hormones in aquatic systems can be transformed into active forms through microbial degradation, leading to increased toxicity.
PFBS exposure leads to genetic, metabolic, and morphological disruptions in zebrafish embryos, including oxidative stress, heart function impairment, and visual response deficits. The study suggests that PFBS, despite being a safer alternative, can still have negative effects on living organisms.
A UC Riverside study found that wastewater chemicals from the Tijuana River can travel 20 miles into the air, affecting San Diego's air quality. The research suggests that the ocean acts as a storage and transportation system, preserving pollutants and allowing them to become airborne much farther from their original source.
Researchers measured significant amounts of microplastics in Sierra snowfall, with 270-3,200 plastic particles per square meter deposited per day. The study found polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyester/PET, as well as cellulose derivatives, in the snowpack, suggesting the reach of everyday plastic use far beyond products themselves.
Research found a significant association between living near industrial facilities emitting water pollutants and developing progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare movement disorder. People living within three miles of such facilities were 66% more likely to develop PSP than those who did not live nearby.
Researchers from Tohoku University identified key molecular features that guide the development of more effective materials for removing PFAS from water. By tailoring materials to interact with specific PFAS molecules, adsorption performance can be improved, enabling more effective water treatment and management of persistent chemicals.
A new study estimates that PFAS levels in US drinking water may be up to 50% higher than reported levels, highlighting the need for improved monitoring and reporting. Researchers used a model based on national data to estimate PFAS concentrations in community water systems.
Researchers found high levels of 6PPD-quinone in stormwater runoff, exceeding fatal levels for juvenile salmon in critical habitats. Treating stormwater and developing non-toxic tire materials could mitigate the issue.
Researchers at FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute will investigate environmental and biological mechanisms driving harmful algal blooms in subtropical estuaries. The project aims to refine predictive models to mitigate blooms in other estuaries, with potential economic benefits of $28.3 billion.
A new study found that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill led to a significant decline in deep-water fish populations, with krill, lanternfish, and bristlemouth fish experiencing declines of up to 73%. The researchers suggest that the spill caused mortality, developmental damage, and reduced fitness in these species.
A new study by Desert Research Institute researchers found that communities without waste collection services have higher microplastic concentrations in the river, and improving services can lead to a substantial reduction. The research highlights the importance of integrated waste management and reduced plastic use in protecting river...
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new technique to destroy PFAS, breaking the chemicals apart rather than simply capturing them. The method uses palladium nanoparticles to convert hydrogen gas into a reactive form that strips fluorine from the PFAS molecule.
The Southern California Environmental Health Sciences Center will continue to support research on air pollution, PFAS, and environmental health effects. The new grant will enable the center to expand its research programs and support junior investigators.
A University of Arizona study found that one in three residents who drank contaminated water still report symptoms of post-traumatic stress. The researchers surveyed 363 people and found that 34% reported symptoms, including worry about contamination and sleeping badly.
The TRAP Program has recovered over 14,000 derelict fishing traps, supported 135 jobs, and documented 36,000 animals caught in
A new study found nearly ten-fold higher microplastic concentrations in the Truckee River during spring flows, with polyethylene and polypropylene being the dominant plastics identified. The research highlights the need to reduce single-use plastic in the Truckee River Basin to protect water quality and human health.
This technology uses specialized plants and soil treatments to remove or contain PFAS chemicals from soil and water, making cleanup safer and more effective at contaminated sites. The approach combines mobilization, stabilization, and seed selection strategies to optimize PFAS removal or containment.
A recent study published in PLOS One reveals that the ocean's depths, including the Mar Del Plata Submarine Canyon, have accumulated human trash, including plastic and fishing gear. The research found 29 identifiable manmade objects, including plastic bags and food wrappers, which were funneled into the canyon by currents and geography.
Scientists have identified key chemical reactions that occur when ultraviolet light is used to destroy PFAS pollutants in water. The discovery provides a roadmap for developing more effective cleanup technologies. The study found that ultraviolet light and sulfite generate highly reactive electrons that attack PFAS molecules, breaking ...
Researchers found that ethinylestradiol increased competition around active nests, causing males to spend more time defending territories and eggs, leading to reduced parental care and population collapse. The hormone changed the social conditions in the lake, having ripple effects on reproduction across the population.
Researchers at Binghamton University and Georgia Tech are developing computer models and conducting experiments to understand the behavior of oil-coated bubbles in turbulence. This research could lead to breakthroughs in environmental cleanups, drug delivery, and energy-efficient desalination systems.
Researchers found that fish serotonin transporters, similar to human counterparts, can be highly sensitive to antidepressants found in water, highlighting potential risks to aquatic life. The study suggests prioritizing specific pharmaceuticals in environmental monitoring programs and deriving species-specific risk thresholds.
Researchers collected and analyzed wet and dry deposition samples, finding PFAS in forested watersheds, but attributed to breakdown of precursor compounds, not sea spray. The study suggests PFAS are likely transported from industrial centers elsewhere, raising environmental concerns.
A new study from the University of East Anglia found that people who swim in rivers and lakes are more than twice as likely to develop skin problems. Higher levels of bacteria linked to faecal pollution are also associated with an increased risk of stomach bugs. The study, which analyzed data from 2,368 volunteers, found that swimmers ...
Researchers partnered with Navajo Nation tribal leaders to educate residents on safe drinking water sources. They identified high levels of uranium and other heavy metals in well water, and developed best practices for distributing educational resources.
New research reveals that shipwrecks from WWI and WWII are leaking toxic chemicals into the North Sea, polluting the local ecosystem. The wrecks, including the German submarine UC-30, contain explosives that are harming starfish, mussels, and other marine life.
Irrigated mountain hayfields act as large filtration systems, reducing nutrient concentrations in runoff and improving water quality. This study found that voluntary adoption of best management practices can effectively mitigate the impacts of agricultural nutrient use in mountain meadow hay systems.
A new study estimates that decommissioning subsea oil and gas pipelines could release 4.5 to 500 tonnes of microplastics into the North Sea each year. The research highlights the potential environmental risks of legacy plastics and recommends integrating environmental consequences into decommissioning decision-making.
Researchers have developed a novel method to make a green-synthesised MOF using a scalable water-based process, which reduces estimated production cost and retains strong lead-capture performance. The material has been tested on real-world water samples, showing remarkable efficiency in removing lead from chemically complex solutions.
Researchers found microplastics in Gulf of Mexico oysters, leading to biochemical stress and physiological damage. The study identified histochemical alteration, protein nitration, and antioxidant expression as early warning indicators for microplastic contamination.
Researchers at Florida Atlantic University are developing a sustainable, AI-guided system to remove excess phosphorus from freshwater systems, preventing harmful algal blooms. The technology combines durable 3D-printed structures with AI-powered monitoring and optimization.
Scientists at North Carolina State University have created a highly-porous, superadhesive mesh that can capture both large and small microplastic particles, including those as small as tens of nanometers. The mesh is made from sustainable biopolymers and can clean microplastics from both saltwater and freshwater.
Researchers have identified Ruppia maritima as a resilient native seagrass species that can help restore degraded estuarine habitats. The species has a distinctive annual life cycle and a persistent seed bank, allowing it to persist through disturbance and regenerate when conditions improve.
Researchers at UC Riverside develop a catalyst that effectively breaks down perchlorate at high concentrations, potentially reducing hazardous waste generated during drinking water treatment. The breakthrough technology could make it possible to destroy perchlorate after it has been captured on ion-exchange resin.
A new study at North Carolina State University reveals the widely-used Stream Visual Assessment Protocol (SVAP) is not effective in detecting water quality problems. SVAP scores were strongly correlated with physical characteristics but showed few correlations with water quality data, highlighting its limitations.
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.
A Stanford-led study models how climate change and infrastructure investment can compound an affordability crisis, leading to near doubling of median water bills in cities like Santa Cruz. The research warns that even resilient cities may become vulnerable to water affordability issues over time.
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.
A Stanford-led study found that pollution is causing fish hybrids to form in a Mexican river, threatening species diversity. The researchers analyzed water and fish samples from four rivers and found that those with higher levels of chemicals and heavy metals had more hybridized swordtail fish.
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.
Researchers developed a new gel-based material that filters PFAS 'forever chemicals' from water using 'molecular Velcro', improving filtration capacity and reducing the need for fluorinated materials. The material can be reused by flushing out contaminants, offering a potential solution to removing PFAS from water.
Researchers analyzed 50 studies of biological records from the Great Lakes to track per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as 'forever chemicals.' The study found that PFAS compounds do not break down due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, leading to biomagnification in top predators.
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.
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 developed a mathematical formula to estimate microplastic mass and size concentrations from limited data, enabling more efficient surveys. The new approach allows for the estimation of small microplastics often overlooked in field surveys, which can help track pollution sources and trends.
A new detection method for PFAS chemicals in drinking water has been developed by University of Kansas researchers. The fast-flow solid-phase extraction (SPE) approach reduces the time and cost required to analyze ultra-trace amounts, making it feasible for widespread implementation.
Researchers found that textile wastewater treatment produces high levels of toxic byproducts, including chloroform and bromoform, which pose significant health risks to workers and the environment. The study suggests that alternative treatment methods or improved worker protections may be necessary to mitigate these hazards.
The Universitat Jaume I has secured funding for five research projects worth nearly one million euros to strengthen its research activity. These projects focus on improving neural networks, understanding memory, tackling antimicrobial resistance, developing new materials, and assessing the impact of air pollution on neurocognitive health.
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.
Birmingham researchers demonstrate a new, sustainable way to break down toxic pollutants in wastewater using sunlight and molecular-thin catalysts created using an innovative mechanical approach. The method increases degradation performance by up to 2.5 times compared to bulk raw material.
A new UN report reveals that poor water quality is closely linked to poverty and gender inequality in the Global South. The study finds that 84 countries face a combination of unsafe drinking water, limited financial resources, and gender inequality, affecting nearly 2 billion people.
Researchers discover hydrogen radicals play central role in PFAS degradation under high-energy UV light, breaking down molecules into smaller, less persistent compounds. This breakthrough provides a clearer understanding of the underlying mechanism and challenges previous assumptions.
A year-long study of NYC's East River used environmental DNA to reveal insights into urban wildlife activity, human food consumption and ecosystem health. The findings suggest that urban waterways can become continuous biosensors tracking biodiversity and habitat restoration outcomes.
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.
The UFZ research team has developed a two-stage electrochemical purification process to efficiently degrade short-chain PFAS in water. This process uses electro-adsorption and electro-oxidation to concentrate and break down PFBA, resulting in easy separation of the fluoride by-product.
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...
A new study reveals that freshwater fish are accumulating antidepressants, opioids, and other drugs of abuse in their bodies, which can alter their behavior, development, and reproduction. The research uses a novel analytical method to detect these substances in small fish living in rivers receiving urban wastewater.