Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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Researchers found that coral reefs in Panama's Caribbean coast suffered significant declines in species diversity and abundance after a 1986 refinery accident. Thirty years later, the impacts of coastal development and human-related stressors on reefs were comparable to those of oil spills.
A global review highlights broad patterns of environmental pollution's impact on Indigenous groups, primarily through consumption of polluted water and food. Innovative strategies by Indigenous communities aim to limit and abate pollution.
Researchers at RIT have developed the first three-dimensional model to show where microplastic pollution is collecting in Lake Erie. The study found that plastic particles accumulate more heavily on the eastern shore of the lake, with different types of plastics concentrated in different areas.
Cornell University chemists have developed a new polymer that degrades by ultraviolet radiation, reducing persistent plastic accumulation in the environment. The material, isotactic polypropylene oxide, has mechanical properties comparable to commercial fishing gear and can break down on a realistic time scale.
Researchers used computer modeling to understand sources and distribution of arsenic-polluted groundwater, pinpointing the source to river muds that fuelled biogeochemical reactions. The model highlighted four key factors influencing arsenic release at surface water/groundwater interfaces.
A recent study used the MEDSLIK-II model to forecast the spread of an oil spill, predicting its arrival at French beaches 7 days in advance. The collaboration between CMCC Foundation and REMPEC ensured timely exchange of information, producing accurate forecasts that aided coastal preparedness.
A new study outlines steps needed for marine ecosystems to recover from damage by 2050, citing examples of recovery following conservation interventions.
New research from McGill University predicts a significant increase in Arctic sea ice movement by mid-century, leading to more widespread pollutant transport between neighboring countries. Thinner, faster-moving ice can carry pollutants and microplastics, posing a threat to Arctic waters.
A new collaborative research center will focus on developing energy-efficient technologies for water desalination, purification, and reuse. The center aims to reduce energy needed for desalination, improve water recovery, and support safe water reuse.
Environmental engineers at San Diego State University have developed a rapid detection system for bacterial contamination in water, which can alert authorities to pollution in real-time. The system uses tryptophan as a marker and has been tested in Alvarado Creek, where it correctly identified sewage leaks and spills.
A team of researchers created a small, self-powered sensor cube that monitors multiple water quality characteristics, including pH, temperature, salinity, and ammonia levels, to help prevent fish deaths due to pollution.
A University of Barcelona team conducted a pioneer citizen science study to analyze microplastic pollution in the coasts of Barcelona, gathering scientific samples from unexplored areas. The study revealed an average microplastic concentration of about 112,000 units per km2, similar to those found in the open sea.
New research suggests that rising sea surface temperatures and acidic waters could eliminate nearly all existing coral reef habitats by 2100. The study found that few to zero suitable coral habitats will remain by 2100, with only small portions of Baja California and the Red Sea being viable locations for coral reefs.
Researchers have developed a wide-spectrum responsive Bi8(CrO4)O11 nanorod photocatalyst with exceptional performance in water oxidation and pollutant degradation. The new material enables efficient conversion of sunlight into chemical energy, facilitating the simultaneous degradation and mineralization of pollutants.
Researchers found a strong correlation between the intensity of fishing activities and microplastic abundance in sediment samples. Microplastics were detected even one foot below the surface, suggesting that previous studies may have underestimated ocean sediment pollution.
Higher-density development with more impervious surfaces causes runoff, leading to increased water pollution. Agriculture also contributes significantly to water pollution, and anti-sprawl policies can prevent much-needed land-use changes that reduce pollution.
China's inland surface water quality improved significantly from 2003-2017 due to reduced pollution emissions in industrial, rural, and urban residential sectors. Annual mean concentrations of chemical oxygen demand and ammonium nitrogen declined by 63% and 78%, respectively, at the national level.
The new membrane separates water from various oily substances with high efficiency, rejecting 99.9% of oil droplets. It also shows great tolerance to acidic, alkaline, solvent, and salt solutions.
The EU Water Framework Directive needs further development to address the complex mixtures of pesticides, medicines, and industrial chemicals in European waters. Researchers have developed new concepts and tools to monitor and reduce exposure to these substances.
A new MOF material, MFM-520, has been developed to capture and convert nitrogen dioxide into nitric acid. The material can be regenerated multiple times and is suitable for use in air pollution control, with potential applications in the production of agricultural fertilizers, rocket propellants, and textiles.
A Cornell-led study found that high copper concentrations in sediment increase disease recovery time for sea fans in Puerto Rico. Elevated copper levels stress corals' immune response, making them more susceptible to infection.
Research by McGill University scientists found that nanosized metal particles from the Athabasca oil sands accelerate ice nucleation, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. The pollution is also significantly higher near the oil sands than in a Canadian city.
Researchers calculated that over 30 years, around 200,000 tonnes of micro rubber accumulated in Switzerland's environment. Tire abrasion is the primary source of micro rubber, responsible for 97% of particles released.
A new study highlights the need for more research on microplastics in North American waters, particularly among commercially important fish species. The team's findings emphasize the importance of understanding microplastic exposure and effects on populations and food webs to inform fisheries management decisions.
The UCLA report grades Los Angeles County's water systems, assigning a C+ mark overall due to poor groundwater and surface water quality grades. However, expected funding for stormwater capture projects is seen as a positive step towards improvement.
Researchers have discovered that liquid metals, such as gallium, indium, bismuth, and tin, can be used to create catalysts for the conversion of CO2 into useful byproducts. By heating an alloy of these metals, they can melt at a lower temperature than individual metals, producing eutectic alloys with unique properties. These alloys can...
Researchers found polyethylene terephthalate (PET) drinking bottles are the most abundant type of debris, increasing at 14.7% annually since the 1980s. The majority of recent bottles were manufactured in Asia, with China being a primary source.
Researchers at Newcastle University found that higher water volumes in delicate wash cycles release more plastic microfibres than standard cycles. The team discovered that the volume of water used during the wash cycle is the key factor, not spinning action, and that this can lead to a significant increase in released fibres.
A new study estimates that toxic chemicals in tap water could cause more than 100,000 cancer cases nationwide. The Environmental Working Group analyzed 48,363 community water systems and found increased cancer risk due to contaminants such as arsenic and radioactive elements.
A study by the University of South Florida and Eckerd College found four billion particles of microplastics in Tampa Bay's waters, highlighting the need to address plastic pollution. Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 1/8 inch, come from various sources and can harm marine life through ingestion or surface damage.
Researchers have discovered that pollen and spores can be converted into tiny particles that grab onto pollutants, removing them from water. These treated particles are hypoallergenic and show promise for low-level pollutant removal in various applications, including wastewater treatment.
A new study finds that human impacts on oceans have nearly doubled over the past decade and could increase by another 50% if left unchecked. Climate change, commercial fishing, and land-based pollution are major drivers of these changes.
The University of Bath's Naturbeads technology uses cellulose to create biodegradable microbeads that can replace plastic microbeads in personal care products, reducing ocean pollution. The company will receive funding to commercialize the technology and test its use in cosmetic and personal care industries.
A new study by University of Illinois researchers suggests that Chicago's water pollution is likely keeping invasive silver carp out of the Great Lakes. The study found that certain compounds in the water flowing downstream from Chicago induce avoidance behaviors in fish, causing them to stop moving upstream.
A recent study by Cardiff University and others found that Welsh rivers in urban locations have damaged food chains and fewer species of invertebrates compared to rural rivers. Persistent industrial pollutants like PCBs and PBDEs may be responsible for these effects, persisting despite being phased out.
Researchers have developed a new approach to purging water sources of microplastics using tiny coil-shaped carbon-based magnets, known as magnetic nanosprings. These stable catalysts can remove a significant fraction of microplastics in just eight hours and are also magnetic, making them easy to collect for repeated use.
A West Virginia forest study found that acid rain increases soil-to-atmosphere water transfer, leading to greater plant water uptake. This effect is attributed to the leaching of calcium from soil, which signals open stomata and allows evapotranspiration to continue.
A new Portland State University study demonstrates how planting more vegetation, using reflective materials on hard surfaces, and installing green roofs can help cool urban heat islands. The research found that these solutions can make a significant difference in reducing temperatures, even when applied in combination.
Researchers created new water cycle diagrams to promote better understanding of human impact on the 21st century water cycle. The diagrams depict human activities such as consumption, land use changes, and climate change, highlighting the need for accurate representation.
A study by FEFU ecologist Vasiliy Tsygankov reveals a significant decrease in pesticide concentrations in Russian Far Eastern mussels, suggesting a shift in the environmental situation. Pesticides accumulate in marine organisms' fat tissue and can lead to biomagnification, causing poisoning and genetic changes.
The Cuyahoga River has made significant improvements since the 1969 conflagration, but experts say full recovery will take time. The Clean Water Act and EPA formation helped reduce industrial wastewater discharge and upgrade treatment infrastructure.
A new peer-reviewed study by the Environmental Working Group estimates that nitrate pollution in US tap water may cause up to 12,594 cancer cases per year, with colorectal cancer being the most common type. The study also calculates potential economic costs of treating those cases at up to $1.5 billion annually.
Experts argue that current water cycle diagrams are misleading due to lack of human interaction representation, leading to a false sense of water security. A new set of diagrams shows human influence on nearly all parts of the cycle, highlighting the need for better understanding and global solutions to the world's water crisis.
A new polymer has been discovered that can effectively remove PFAS from water, reducing the risk of contamination in drinking water sources. The low-cost and environmentally friendly method uses waste cooking oil and powdered activated carbon to purify thousands of liters of water.
The mosquitofish is a highly invasive species that competes with native fish and moves them away from their habitats. Removing its population and improving water quality are key strategies to control its spread in ponds and lakes.
Researchers at the University of Oxford confirm that human-induced factors such as greenhouse gas emissions and particulate pollution are responsible for long-term changes in global temperature. The study finds no evidence to support the idea that slow-acting ocean cycles drive climate fluctuations.
Researchers have discovered that Arctic micromolluscs can exhibit pseudohermaphroditism due to pollution, providing a new method for environmental monitoring. The study found a correlation between the presence of organic tin compounds and the incidence of this anomaly in snails.
The survey found an estimated 414 million pieces of plastic debris on the islands' beaches, including single-use consumer items like shoes and toothbrushes. The total volume dwarfs that found on Henderson Island, indicating a need for urgent action to reduce plastic production and consumption.
Lab tests show plastic chemicals impair growth and function of ocean's most abundant photosynthetic bacteria, Prochlorococcus. Exposure to plastics alters gene expression, potentially harming entire ecosystem.
A species of fish in Texas' Houston Ship Channel adapted to extreme pollution due to its large population, good genes, and luck. The Gulf killifish benefited from genetic resources from a long-distant relative, the Atlantic Coast killifish, which helped it develop resilience and resistance to toxins.
A novel method assesses combined risk of multiple tap water pollutants in California, estimating over 15,000 cancer cases. The study uses a cumulative approach to calculate health impacts of carcinogens and toxic contaminants in public water systems.
A study by Brazilian researchers shows that the Tietê River's water quality improves steadily as it flows through a series of dams along its 1,100 km course. The filtration process retains matter in suspension, affecting light absorption and ultimately making the river transparent at its downstream end.
China's regional pollution policies are causing unintended spillover effects, increasing air and water pollution in neighboring provinces. The models project a significant increase in pollutants, carbon dioxide emissions, and water consumption outside the capital cities.
A novel plasma water treatment method by electrical discharge has been developed, producing drinking water as suitable for consumption as ozonation, without carcinogens or high costs.
A new research project will investigate soil and ravine erosion on a vast territory of European Russia. The project aims to map the ravine network and provide data for university courses and national Big Data platforms.
Scientists from the University of East Anglia have discovered a unique group of oil-eating bacteria in the Mariana Trench, which is located approximately 11,000 meters below sea level. The bacteria are capable of consuming hydrocarbons similar to those found in crude oil and natural gas.
A UMass Lowell expert is studying how much mercury accumulates in forests to reduce the pollutant worldwide. The research team measures forest soils and watersheds to understand mercury cycles.
A new global initiative led by the University of Birmingham aims to better understand how plastics are transported and transformed in rivers, accumulating in river sediments. The project's first results show a complex picture with a huge diversity in types and sources of plastic in selected river estuaries.
A study of 29 waterways in 10 countries revealed more than 100 pesticides, including 24 unlicensed for EU use. The highest levels were found in a Belgian canal with 70 pesticides, contaminating every screened river and canal.
New research finds that sea anemones consume tiny fragments of plastic in the ocean along with their food. Bleached anemones retain these microfibers longer than healthy ones, highlighting the impact of plastic pollution and climate change on coral reefs.