Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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 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 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 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.
Rice University researchers developed a novel molecular sieve that can remove perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) from polluted water more efficiently and effectively than current technologies. The nanomaterial features random, large-pore defects that improve its adsorption capacity and fast-adsorption kinetics.
Chronic exposure to poor water quality limits coral recovery rates across the Great Barrier Reef. Improving water quality can enhance recovery rates, but it won't suffice to rescue the reef from threats like climate change and pollution.
A study found that polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene are the most abundant types of microplastics in Mediterranean coastal waters. The researchers identified extreme concentrations up to 500,000 microplastics per square kilometer in certain areas.
The study found that anthropogenic nitrogen discharge significantly increased DIN in US rivers due to fertilizer use, while European rivers were affected by point source pollution. The total anthropogenic impact on Pacific Ocean export has risen from 10% to 30% over the past 20 years.
Researchers collected microplastic samples from different levels of the Baltic Sea and identified 33 types of contaminants, including nylon and polyethylene. The new method allows for clear identification of chemical composition, which is crucial for understanding ocean pollution.
A new seven-point plan aims to help policymakers develop coherent strategies to address climate change and its impact on the environment. The plan suggests working together across disciplines to tackle complex issues, and outlines guiding principles for policy decisions.
Researchers have found microplastics in lakes, rivers, food supplies, and beverages, raising concerns about their impact on human health. Dr. Natalia Ivleva's work focuses on analyzing and quantifying microplastic particles using advanced spectroscopic methods.
Researchers found that a reduction in PM 2.5 concentrations in eastern China has led to an increase in ground-level ozone pollution, particularly in large cities. The study suggests that extra efforts are needed to reduce NOx and VOC emissions to stem the tide of ozone pollution.
A new process produces 'plastic' from marine microorganisms that completely recycle into organic waste, providing a biodegradable and non-toxic material. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize the world's efforts to clean the oceans without affecting arable land or using fresh water.
A new study reveals how climate change and human activity are impacting Lake Baikal's unique ecosystem. The lake's diatom species are shifting towards warmer surface waters, potentially disrupting the food chain and biodiversity.
A new study reveals that fecal bacteria from sewage are thriving in near-shore sediments of the Hudson River, with potential health risks for swimmers and kayakers. The researchers found high levels of bacteria in both water and sediment at some sites, suggesting an interchange between the two.
A study by researchers from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences found that mussels readily take in microplastic fibers but quickly flush most of them out. This suggests that marine animals may play a role in mitigating the impact of microplastics on ecosystems.
Research shows that salt-adapted zooplankton grow 65% slower than regular zooplankton, triggering algal blooms in polluted environments. Salt tolerance comes with a cost, including slower growth and reduced ability to control algal blooms.
A new study has discovered high levels of microplastic contamination in the Falkland Islands and Ascension Island, with some areas showing comparable levels to those around the UK. The research highlights the need for standardized monitoring methods to address this growing environmental concern.
Chemists at Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg have developed a new process that utilizes hydrated electrons to degrade dissolved pollutants. The process requires only sunlight and can be conducted outdoors with minimal equipment, offering a promising solution for water pollution remediation.
A new MOF-based photocatalytic system has been developed to simultaneously produce hydrogen and degrade organic pollutants in water. The system utilizes nickel phosphide and demonstrates efficient photocatalysis under visible light.
The world has lost over 77% of land and 87% of ocean to human modifications, with only polar regions remaining untouched. International conservation targets are urgently needed to protect the last remaining wilderness.
A comprehensive study found significant improvements in US water quality since the 1972 Clean Water Act took effect. However, recent economic analyses estimate that the costs of the legislation consistently outweigh its benefits.
The Ocean Solutions Initiative presents a comprehensive review of thirteen ocean-based measures to counter climate change. The measures can be grouped into four categories: reduction of climate change causes, preservation of ecosystems, protection of the ocean from solar radiation, and direct manipulation of species adaptability.
A 130-year-old brain coral's skeleton provided evidence that the North Atlantic Ocean has significantly less nitrogen pollution than previously estimated. The study found no signs of increased human-made nitrogen emissions, suggesting U.S. pollution control measures are effective in limiting ocean impact.
Researchers reconstructed three centuries of sedimentation history for NYC marshes, finding a significant decrease in inorganic mineral sediments since the 19th century. This reduction weakens marsh structures, suggesting future preservation will require adding mineral sediment to dredged basins and the marshes themselves.
A UNIST student startup team, LOAD, has developed a drone-based system for efficient water quality monitoring. The system uses a portable analysis device on the drone's lower part to maximize accuracy and speed in data collection.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a technology to remove contaminants from storm water using mineral-coated sand. The coated sand can break down organic pollutants into smaller pieces that are less toxic and more biodegradable, creating a safe and local reservoir of drinking water for communities.
A global assessment by scientists reveals nearly one-third of world's farms use sustainable intensification practices, improving productivity and biodiversity. Less developed countries see the largest gains in productivity, while industrialized countries focus on minimizing harm to ecosystem services.
Researchers found that various fruit and vegetable peels effectively removed pollutants like dyes and heavy metals from water. The study, led by Cindy Samet, expanded on previous research using avocado peels to remove pollutants, and discovered the potential of other peels like lemon seeds to achieve near-100% removal rates.
A recent study by UCSB researcher David Herbst explores the connection between benthic invertebrates and stream water flow. The research, published in Hydrobiologia, sheds light on how these organisms sort out and change with stream dynamics. This new understanding has significant implications for water quality monitoring programs.
A new study by Portland State University found that higher-than-acceptable levels of pollutants remain in urbanized regions of South Korea's Han River basin, particularly in suburban areas. The research suggests that land management practices, such as afforestation and conservation, can help improve water quality.
The Department of Energy has selected Argonne National Laboratory to lead an Energy Frontier Research Center focused on advanced materials for energy-water systems. Researchers will explore interface phenomena, fouling, reactivity, and the interconnectedness of water and energy to develop innovative solutions.
A new study found that small farm size strongly affects the use and intensity of agricultural chemicals in China. The research suggests that addressing this issue is critical to sustainable development in Chinese agriculture. If left unaddressed, other less-developed countries may face similar health and environmental problems.
Research found that water samples downstream of six UK wastewater treatment plants contained significantly higher concentrations of microplastics. The study suggests that these plants are a key route into UK rivers for microplastic pollution, posing a threat to river ecosystems and marine environments.
A new material called C18-Mica-4 has been shown to eliminate up to 100% of organic pollutants in water, including industrial and personal care products. The study found significant correlations between pollutant properties and adsorption rates.
The University of Texas at San Antonio is upgrading its storm water management facilities with a low-impact development approach to remove pollutants from storm water runoff. The project will treat runoff from 9.5 acres of campus rooftops and parking lots, reducing contaminants entering the Edwards Aquifer.
Researchers found that beaver dams removed high levels of sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus from the water, trapping over 100 tonnes of sediment. The study suggests that beavers could mitigate soil loss and pollution in water courses, delivering benefits across whole ecosystems.
Environmental pollutants interfere with hormonal signalling mechanisms in males, causing multiple pathologies including infertility. Professor Daniel Cyr's research focuses on sperm maturation and the role of a cellular barrier in the epididymis.
A new study from Florida State University finds that microplastics are present at every loggerhead turtle nesting site in the Northern Gulf of Mexico, with highest concentrations found in dunes where turtles nest. This could alter temperature profiles and jeopardize incubation environments.
UCR researchers have developed a cost-effective way to improve the removal of pollutants from wastewater using Advanced Oxidation Processes. By adding a co-catalyst, they can dramatically reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide and ferrous catalyst needed, preventing the formation of an iron-containing sludge.
Researchers from Harvard have quantified the effect of NOx pollution on OH radicals in the Amazon rainforest, finding that daytime peak OH concentrations increase by at least 250% in polluted areas. This study highlights the impact of human activities on atmospheric chemistry, with potential implications for cloud formation and rainfall.
Research from Harvard University shows that agricultural fires in Punjab, India can increase air pollution in Delhi by 20 times the safe limit. The study used satellite data and modeling to track the impact of smoke particles on urban areas.
The NEWT Center at Rice University has developed an energy-saving technology to remove pollutants from water. The polymer mat attracts hydrophobic contaminants, which are then destroyed by photocatalytic titanium dioxide under light exposure.
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a method to reuse plastic waste to remove carcinogenic synthetic dyes from wastewater. The process involves transforming polystyrene into a material that can support nanoparticles, which are then used to break down harmful dyes.
Researchers at KAUST are designing hybrid optical-acoustic sensors to collect high-quality data while minimizing noise pollution. The new system uses acoustic and optical signals for communication, allowing accurate location tracking and reducing energy consumption.
Researchers found Crepidula onyx snails unaffected by microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations, suggesting potential threat to other marine organisms. The study highlights the species' resilience and implies a need for further investigation into its coping mechanisms.
Researchers from Far Eastern Federal University found that pesticides are accumulated in the fat tissue of seabirds and marine mammals. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, showed high levels of organochlorine pesticides in these organisms, particularly in those with higher fat content.
A new study published in Frontiers found microplastics in the stomachs of nearly three out of four mesopelagic fish caught in the Northwest Atlantic, with 73% ingesting pollutants. This high ingestion rate has significant consequences for marine ecosystems and biogeochemical cycling.
CSIRO scientists have developed a new filtering technique using Graphair that can remove almost all contaminants from water in a single step. The breakthrough technology has the potential to provide clean drinking water for millions of people worldwide who currently lack access to safe drinking water.
Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a cost-effective method to break down pollutants in water, using a green LED light, catalyst, and vitamin C. The new process produces hydrated electrons that can react with stable substances and break them down into harmless components.
A study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry found that PFAS can inhibit a mussel's immune system, but the effects are reversible. The research highlights the importance of monitoring regions with high environmental concentrations of PFAS.
A new study suggests that ultrafine aerosol particles can increase cloud formation and warm surrounding air, intensifying thunderstorm-causing clouds in the Amazonian tropics. This finding highlights the potential for human-made aerosols to influence global weather patterns.
A new study reveals alarming levels of phosphorus pollution in global freshwater basins, exceeding the Earth's ability to assimilate excess nutrients. Agricultural activity and domestic sewage are major contributors to this issue.
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's Swanson School of Engineering have developed a novel solution to prevent plastic waste. They propose using nano-engineering to create a recyclable material that can replace complex multi-layered packaging, mimicking nature's use of few molecular building blocks.