Articles tagged with Water Pollution
Research found that warming water temperatures and browning increase methylmercury transfer to phytoplankton, reducing essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. This impacts the food chain, exposing higher organisms to toxic mercury and compromising nutrition, posing a threat to human health.
Researchers developed a biodegradable polymer called polylactide (PLA) with RNA-inspired breaking points, which can break down faster in seawater. The degradation rate of the polymer can be tailored depending on the amount of breaking points, offering a potential solution to marine pollution.
A study in Brazil's Santos city showed that citizen science collaboration between civil society and academia can achieve progress toward ocean conservation goals. The project developed a methodology for integrating civil society and academia, including training and validation of monitoring protocols.
UMass Lowell's SWIMMER program trains master's and Ph.D. students to develop sustainable materials and chemicals reducing harm to water resources. Participants address issues like toxic PFAS, droughts, and environmental justice.
A new study published in Science of the Total Environment has found that 21% of Arctic fish eaten by beluga whales contain microplastic particles. Researchers estimate that belugas ingest up to 145,000 particles of microplastics per year, highlighting the pervasive nature of plastic pollution in the Arctic.
A UNSW-led study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data found that almost half of marine debris can be linked to land-based sources. Plastic accounts for 84% of the rubbish found on Australian beaches, with a significant portion coming from external sources such as stormwater drains near capital cities.
A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.
Research at Florida Atlantic University found that green sea turtles in polluted environments have impaired immune systems, leading to increased disease susceptibility. The study suggests a positive feedback loop where pollution compromises immunity, making turtles more prone to Green Turtle Fibropapillomatosis.
The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated plastic pollution, with global waste generation increasing by twice the amount in 2020 compared to 2019. To address this issue, researchers advocate for a transition to novel sustainable practices and technologies, including biodegradable plastics and efficient recycling processes.
The study provides a new framework for policymakers to consider drinking water quality data when analyzing environmental justice issues. Communities with higher ratios of Hispanic and/or Black populations were found to have statistically significant increases in cancer risk due to exposure to tap water contamination.
An analysis by the University of Basel has revealed that mercury enters seawater primarily through gas exchange, not rainfall. The study found that approximately half of the mercury in the ocean originates from gaseous emissions, rather than precipitation.
A new study published in Nature suggests that rainwater is not the primary deposition vector of oceanic mercury, but rather the ocean itself absorbs mercury through gas exchange. The research also indicates that the ocean receives less atmospheric mercury than previously estimated.
A comprehensive review finds that cruise ships cause major environmental pollution and degradation, as well as physical and mental health risks for passengers, staff, and land-based residents. The study highlights the need for global legislation to minimize damage on both oceans and human health.
The Copernicus Ocean State Report reveals record low Arctic ice levels, with a 90% reduction in average sea ice thickness in the Barents Sea. The report also highlights extreme variability in ocean temperatures and oxygen levels, posing significant challenges for marine ecosystems.
A new study by the University of Plymouth found that maritime ropes can release millions of microplastic fragments into the ocean annually. The research estimated that the UK fishing fleet alone could be releasing between 326 million to 17 billion microplastic pieces into the ocean every year.
New research from the University of Leicester shows that macroplastics travel much slower through river systems than previously believed, remaining in place for significant periods. The study suggests existing estimates of riverine plastic flux to the ocean may have been overestimated, highlighting the need for further research.
A University of Queensland-led study found that nearly 85% of coastal areas leach sediment to coral reefs, a major threat. Reforestation can help by reducing sediment transport, increasing light levels for coral growth and reproduction. Land restoration is crucial for building coral resilience.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that microparticle concentrations in lakes are higher than previously reported and can be predicted by surrounding land use. The researchers found that areas with more human activity and lower forest cover had higher microparticle concentrations, while lakes with more active microorganisms had...
Five innovative research projects tackle fundamental questions of environmental and earth science, including the origins of Earth and life on Mars. The studies aim to advance our understanding and lead to important scientific breakthroughs.
A new study found that bluefin tuna accumulation rates are highest in the Mediterranean and decrease in the north Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, and north Atlantic Ocean. The researchers linked methylmercury accumulation to regional seawater and zooplankton concentrations, revealing global patterns of mercury pollution.
The study found that policies promoting comprehensive nitrogen mitigation options could alleviate hunger by 590 million people by 2050. Increasing nitrogen use efficiency in agronomic practices is the most effective strategy to reduce undernourishment while respecting regional nitrogen boundaries.
Researchers found most microplastic particles were from recyclable products, highlighting the need for improved waste management practices. The study also suggests higher levels of microplastic pollution in urban areas, including NSW, Queensland, WA, and Victoria.
A study using environmental DNA found that mountaintop coal mining impacts 40% fewer species in Appalachian streams. The team detected 28 species of fish in all 93 sampled mined streams, comparable to traditional methods.
Researchers from India and Saudi Arabia have combined oxidation and photocatalysis to create a heterogeneous photo-Fenton system that degrades phenols at higher rates than individual approaches. The system is highly photostable and reusable, making it promising for practical applications in wastewater purification.
Researchers from Tel Aviv and Berkeley Universities propose a model for seaweed farms to absorb nitrogen, reducing pollution in estuarine and marine environments. The study shows that these farms can produce a natural decontamination facility with significant ecological and economic value.
A new study found that Baltimore County's leaky sewage infrastructure delivers tens of thousands of human doses of pharmaceuticals to the Chesapeake Bay annually, affecting aquatic life and behavior. The study estimates that nearly 1% of raw sewage flows into the environment via leaking pipes.
Researchers found substantial amounts of pharmaceutical compounds in a stream in Baltimore, despite low concentrations over the course of a year. The high loads are likely coming from leaking sewer pipes, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
A new study found that US-China trade tensions would lead to increased nitrogen and phosphorus pollution and irrigation water consumption in agriculture, affecting not only the two countries but also other nations through international trade.
A recent study found that microplastic ingestion by dinoflagellates lowers their growth and abundance, affecting the larger marine animals that feed on them. The impact is significant, with energy transfer up the food chain reduced by as much as 30%.
A new study on coral reefs in Kiribati found that more polluted and high-traffic waters can handle extreme heat events better than remote reefs. The research raises questions about the effectiveness of marine protected areas in conserving coral reefs.
Research reveals that exposure to airborne or waterborne particulate matter can disrupt the body's mucosal system, leading to health conditions such as respiratory and heart diseases. The study highlights the importance of understanding how particles affect mucus structure and function to mitigate negative health outcomes.
Michigan Tech researchers developed a model to calculate how particular chemicals break down in surface water using singlet oxygen, which degrades contaminants and helps protect our waterways. The study's findings can aid environmental engineers and scientists in estimating half-lives of chemicals and predicting their degradation rates.
Researchers have discovered that microplastics can serve as a transport vehicle for metals in the environment, accumulating and releasing these pollutants. The study found significant differences in metal accumulation between different types of plastics, with some metals attaching almost entirely to microplastics.
A new study found that plastic pollution is ingested by juvenile sea turtles, leading them to accumulate in highly polluted areas like the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The research team examined 121 sea turtles from five species and found that 86% of loggerheads and 83% of greens contained plastic.
Researchers at INRS and Université de Montréal are developing new electrodes based on nanostructured materials to degrade chemical compounds, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) like PFAS. The project aims to create innovative solutions to decontaminate waters containing harmful chemicals.
A review of previous scientific studies on pollutant release from sediments during extreme flood events reveals significant risks to human and environmental health. The study highlights the need for good river management to address long-term consequences of pollutants in riverbeds.
A recent review from Oregon State University suggests that agricultural pollution is the cause of 48% of water-quality impairment in US surface waters. The study recommends greater buffer zones around bodies of water and more consistent enforcement of water protection regulations to reduce pollution.
Researchers at UIC have received a $725,000 grant to develop an AI system that can help protect US Navy divers from waterborne bacteria, parasites, and other harmful pathogens. The system aims to provide real-time information on water conditions, allowing divers to make informed decisions about their mission.
Researchers at Penn State create a material that can capture and purify water by forming a film with fluorinated amino acids. The film is able to hold PFAS substances for up to 24 hours, making it a potential tool for contaminant removal in drinking water.
Researchers developed hollow amorphous Co/C composites to activate hydrogen peroxide, generating singlet oxygen that selectively eliminates oxytetracycline in complicated water matrices. The system exhibited excellent repeatability, stability, and anti-interference ability.
The GEM Programme aims to establish a global monitoring network to collect and analyze seawater samples from urbanised estuaries worldwide. The project will identify pollution hotspots and priority contaminants, providing strategies for cleaner estuaries.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University found that water generated from air in urban areas complies with drinking water standards. The study showed that wind direction affects water quality and identified distant sources of air pollution in the water.
A large-scale survey found that both Europeans and Australians are highly concerned about the human health impact of marine plastic pollution, ranking it as a top threat. The study suggests a need for more research into the potential impacts on human health to inform policy and decision-making.
A new study found that antidepressant pollution in streams can alter crayfish behavior, including increased foraging and reduced aggression. This change has the potential to disrupt stream ecosystem processes, leading to cascading effects on nutrient flows, oxygen levels, and algal growth.
A study led by the University of Barcelona found increased pollutant concentrations in Franciscana dolphin bone remains, primarily from trace elements such as chromium and copper. The increases are linked to human activities like industrial waste and transportation, which accumulate pollutants in the Rio de la Plata estuary.
A study reveals that 60% of lead in Canadian Arctic seawater comes from human sources, particularly historic lead emissions from Europe and Russia. The findings suggest that permafrost melting and coastal erosion will continue to remobilize these contaminants, making lead isotopes a sensitive tracer for pollutants in Arctic seawater.
A study categorizes existing solutions for combating maritime litter, revealing a need for more developed technologies and integrated approaches. The researchers recommend defining standards for each solution to encourage further development and create a sustainable approach.
Researchers warn that karst aquifers are vulnerable to contamination due to fast infiltration of pollutants during rainfall events. The study highlights the risks of degradable pollutants like glyphosate exceeding safe levels by 19 times.
Researchers develop porous membrane that sequesters up to 99% of phosphate ions from water, making it reusable and efficient. The technology has promise in scaling up to tackle massive environmental problems like eutrophication.
A recent study finds that countries around the Baltic Sea are not respecting their binding international agreement to reduce agricultural pollution, leading to excess algae growth and eutrophication. The researchers identify shortcomings in compliance with important reduction measures in all nine signatory countries.
A new study reveals widespread plastic pollution in Galapagos seawater, beaches, and animals, with over 400 plastic particles found per square meter on some beaches. Microplastics were also discovered inside more than half of the marine invertebrates studied, posing a potential threat to the ecosystem.
A study by UC San Diego scientists reveals that extreme heat and elevated ozone levels have a disproportionate impact on low-income ZIP codes in California. Areas with higher unemployment rates and car traffic are more affected, with increased hospitalizations for respiratory issues.
Researchers found that pollutants can reach groundwater supplies quickly, posing a significant risk to drinking water quality. The study highlights the increased risk of pollution in karst regions with thin soils, such as the Mediterranean region.
A recent study reveals that up to 50% of contaminants reach groundwater before degrading through focused recharge, posing a significant challenge for water and land use management. Focused recharge can lead to higher levels of pollutants in groundwater, exceeding maximum permissible concentrations in Europe.
Researchers at the University of Stirling have developed a new algorithm that analyzes data from satellite sensors to estimate trophic state directly, improving monitoring of issues like harmful algal blooms. This method outperforms current approaches with an accuracy rate of over 90% for highly affected waters.
Researchers found high levels of lead, antimony, and copper in disposable face masks, posing a risk to human health and the environment. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations on mask production and disposal to mitigate these risks.
Research highlights the persistence of plastic waste in deep-sea environments, with potential implications for marine life and the sedimentary record. The study suggests that plastics can survive for thousands of years in ocean trenches, posing a significant challenge to mitigation efforts.
African waters contribute to global fish supply, generating $15 billion for Africa's GDP in 2011. However, climate change and pollution threaten fish stocks, raising concerns about sustainability. A new study uses AIS satellite data to describe spatial characteristics of African and foreign industrial fishing activities.
Researchers at the University of California - Riverside have developed an energy-efficient way to convert corn stover into activated carbon for water treatment. The process produces activated carbon that absorbs up to 98% of vanillin from water, showcasing a promising approach to combating climate change by repurposing idle resources.
Rising freshwater salt pollution poses a significant threat to ecosystem health and human water security, with predicted increases over 50% in US streams by 2100. Researchers have identified opportunities to reduce salt pollution through watershed management, industrial regulation, and household product adoption.