Articles tagged with Water Pollution
Recent investments in Delhi's health care have failed to improve access to effective care, with crushing poverty and inequalities hindering progress. The city's high rates of premature deaths from causes such as septicemia and tuberculosis are a concern, highlighting the need for increased public health spending and policy changes.
The researchers developed a multifunctional composite material that can remove inorganic, organic, radioactive, and microbial impurities from water. The material, called SILP, uses polyoxometallates and tetraalkylammonium cations to effectively remove heavy metals and other contaminants.
A new study by RIT researchers estimates nearly 10,000 metric tons of plastic debris enter the Great Lakes every year from the US and Canada. The study found that half of this pollution goes into Lake Michigan, with Lake Erie and Ontario receiving significantly lower amounts.
Killifish in polluted salt marshes have developed tolerance to toxins through reduced genetic diversity. The AHR signaling pathway is key, with compensatory mutations mitigating its loss of function.
A team of researchers has found evidence of early pollution caused by copper combustion in a 7,000-year-old dry riverbed in southern Jordan. The discovery sheds light on the Chalcolithic period, when humans transitioned from stone tools to metal production, and highlights the environmental impact of industrial-scale metal production.
Hawai'i researchers found that high levels of nutrients in coastal groundwater correlate with reduced reef health and increased algae blooms. This study identifies Kahului Wastewater Reclamation Facility as a major source of pollution, threatening nearshore ecosystems.
Zhao Dongyuan's work on mesoporous materials has led to the development of filters that can precisely manage chemical movement in water, improving water quality. His research also enables the delivery of medicine with pinpoint precision and the improvement of battery capacity and efficiency.
A new approach has been developed to measure the rate of movement of nitrate from groundwater into streams, which is critical for understanding how this pollutant moves through the environment and assessing water quality management. The research found that the rate of nitrate input to the aquifer dropped by 6 percent in 2013, while the...
A Michigan State University professor suggests that China's Belt and Road Initiative (B&R) could be a superhighway of environmental progress with global cooperation. The initiative aims to connect 65 countries and shape world economies, but it also creates routes filled with opportunity for sustainability advancements.
Scientists at Michigan State University have developed a new framework to understand the complex relationships between urban water management and global sustainability. The study uses telecoupling processes to analyze the water dynamics of Beijing, China's capital city, and its impact on distant regions. By combining local and global p...
Researchers from the University of Minnesota Institute on the Environment have proposed a framework that accounts for the damages caused by reactive nitrogen, estimating the dollars-and-cents cost of nitrogen pollution. The tool will help integrate nitrogen costs into decisions made by agencies and groups.
A new study by the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that coastal-dwelling marine wildlife are more vulnerable to harmful plastic pollution than previously thought. The research found that animals living in waters near densely-populated coastlines are at risk of coming into direct contact with microplastics.
Research in Japanese lakes reveals an increase in lead contamination since 1900, contradicting the global trend of declining lead emissions. The study suggests that industrialization in East Asia is a significant source of trans-boundary lead pollution affecting Japan.
A recent study from the University of California, Davis, found that coastal development and precipitation increase the risk of disease-causing organisms flowing to the ocean. The study tracked the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which can shed infective egg-like structures in soil, freshwater, and seawater.
A new study by the University of Adelaide found that nutrient pollution from cities and agricultural land is altering marine sounds, including snapping shrimp and sea urchin noises. This degradation may negatively impact fish populations and their ability to find sheltering habitats.
Phosphorus pollution remains a major concern globally, with 40% of Europe's lakes failing to meet water quality standards due to high levels of phosphorus. Effective lake restoration approaches are needed to address this issue and protect biodiversity and society.
The article explores the concept of a circular economy, which aims to reduce pollution and waste by recycling resources instead of discarding them. Companies are implementing new manufacturing processes that use safer substances, and the European Union is grappling with regulation of chemicals in a closed-loop recycling system.
Researchers at Drexel University discovered that diatom species composition can be correlated with New Jersey water quality standards, making them an efficient indicator of nutrient levels. The team created the diatom biological condition gradient (BCG) scale, which provides a clear and comprehensive picture of water quality.
A special issue of Deep Sea Research II explores the global issue of chemical munitions dumped at sea, finding that while some munitions pose little risk to humans, others can have adverse effects on fish populations. International collaboration has shed light on techniques for investigating munitions dumpsites and mitigating damage.
Researchers found that Lake Michigan painted and snapping turtles carry all eight metals, with concentrations correlating with soil assessments in the wetlands. The turtles' long lifespan and position in the food chain make them useful indicators of wetland pollution, potentially posing a health risk to humans who consume them.
A new study found that contaminants from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill persisted in the subsurface water for months, eventually accumulating on the seafloor as a 'dirty blizzard' of marine debris. The remnants of oil and drilling mud combined with microscopic algae to descend to great depths, affecting deep-sea fish and corals.
Researchers will assess storm water quality and implement Low Impact Development techniques to treat pollutants, ultimately aiming to enhance the city's ability to provide drinking water for its growing population.
Scientists from the Malaspina expedition found that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons account for 15% of oceanic CO2 deposits, with 90,000 tonnes entering Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans monthly. These pollutants can affect ocean life due to their toxicity and alter cloud formation cycles.
A new study by Georgia Tech researchers shows that air pollution from East Asia has a devastating impact on oxygen levels in tropical waters. The pollutants kick off a chain reaction contributing to falling oxygen levels thousands of miles away.
A new roundworm species discovered in India is a bridge between two genera, Acrostichus and Diplogastrellus. The species exhibits intermediate characteristics, such as a narrow mouth cavity and robust male copulatory organs, making it a transitional species.
Researchers have demonstrated the creation of a chemically active 3D-printed structure that can mitigate pollution. By adding nanoparticles to a polymer, they created a matrix that breaks down organic pollutants when exposed to natural light.
Research finds that botulism in waterbirds is spread by an invasive species of freshwater snail carrying Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in polluted wetlands. Global warming is expected to exacerbate outbreaks due to increased temperatures and drought.
A genetic study on 'Burnt Hot Dog' sea cucumbers reveals low genetic diversity in polluted areas, highlighting the need for increased fisheries management and protections. The study also finds that these sea cucumbers play a crucial role in maintaining marine ecosystems.
A Northeastern University research team has mapped a mass feeding frenzy involving eight highly protected species of whales and dolphins in the U.S. Gulf of Maine region. The study uses innovative underwater acoustic sensing methods to understand predator-prey interactions and their implications for conserving marine ecosystems.
Research from the University of Exeter and Plymouth Marine Laboratory reveals that plankton ingesting microplastics produce faeces that sink more slowly, allowing plastic to be transported to deeper waters. This process could have significant implications for marine ecosystems and the removal of floating plastic litter.
A new study from the University of Southampton found that inland freshwater fisheries with higher biodiversity have higher-yielding and more stable fisheries. The research suggests that maintaining healthy freshwater systems is critical for food security and livelihoods, particularly in developing countries.
The top 5 finalists of the Green and Sustainable Chemistry Challenge were selected from almost 500 submissions worldwide. The projects aim to provide environmentally friendly processes, products, and resources for developing countries. The winning project will receive €50,000, while the second prize winner will get €25,000.
Researchers analyzed hundreds of peer-reviewed articles to find that fish populations worldwide are contaminated with industrial and agricultural pollutants. However, pollutant concentrations have been consistently dropping over the last 30 years.
A new study finds that global mercury regulations will lead to twice the economic benefits for the US as domestic policy, with estimated lifetime benefits of $339 billion and economy-wide benefits of $104 billion. Domestic policies are expected to benefit those who consume locally caught freshwater fish more.
The Rhine River has been found to be among the most polluted rivers worldwide due to high levels of microplastic pollution. The river's surface contained an average of 892,777 particles per square kilometer, with some areas reaching peak concentrations of up to 3.9 million plastic items per square kilometer.
Studies by Dartmouth researchers found that mixing of sediments and microorganisms significantly impact methylmercury production, contradicting earlier assumptions about sediments as the primary source.
Researchers found that pesticides can have lasting impacts on aquatic ecosystems, affecting populations of small crustaceans and zooplankton. The study's results suggest that standard toxicity tests may not capture the full extent of pollution in waters.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a row-bot that can operate indefinitely in remote locations by harnessing energy from dirty water. The robot's bio-inspired mechanism allows it to feed on nutrient-rich water, generating electricity through microbial fuel cells.
Researchers at Lund University estimate that sea traffic emissions account for almost half of measured particles in coastal air, exceeding previous estimates. Nanoparticles can penetrate deeper into the lungs than larger particles, contributing to health issues.
The diversity and number of foraminifera in Bellingham Bay and Bremerton areas have deteriorated significantly, despite a reduction in chemical pollutants. Researchers are investigating alternative environmental factors, including high acidity caused by decomposition of organic matter and industrial contaminants.
A new study assesses the underlying causes of Delhi's severe air pollution, attributing it to a combination of industrial waste, population growth, and urban landscape. The research highlights the need for innovative solutions to address this complex problem and protect public health.
Research found that water treatment plant effluents can boost the activity of some organisms while harming others, affecting respiration and photosynthesis. The study suggests that current water treatment plants are not totally efficient and need improvement to maintain healthy river ecosystems.
All seven species of marine turtles can ingest or become entangled in discarded plastic debris, posing serious threats to their health and survival. The study highlights the urgent need for further research to understand the scale of the problem and develop effective mitigation policies.
A new study suggests creating quiet marine zones to better understand the impact of human-generated noise on marine animals. The researchers mapped areas of high and low noise pollution in the oceans around Canada and found a correlation between noise levels and animal behavior.
Researchers have designed enzyme-functionalized micromotors that can rapidly remove carbon dioxide from water and convert it into a usable solid form, potentially helping to mitigate ocean acidification and global warming.
Research reveals almost 100,000 tiny microbeads can be released with every application of certain facial scrubs, contaminating oceans. The study estimates up to 80 tonnes of unnecessary microplastic waste could enter the sea each year from UK cosmetic use.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to simulate water pollution in alluvial rivers, accounting for sediment transport and riverbed evolution. The study improves understanding of pollutant transport dynamics, providing an effective tool for water safety and river management.
Researchers analyzed data from airborne sensors deployed during Hurricane Isaac's passage, revealing a downwelling of warm waters that deepened the storm's fuel tank. The study also showed how hurricane-generated currents and eddies can transport oil and other pollutants to coastal beaches.
Senator Ben Cardin receives the 2015 ESA Regional Policy Award for his decades-long commitment to environmental protection and ecosystem health. The award recognizes his efforts to promote Chesapeake Bay restoration, address climate change, and ensure science is at the table in federal policymaking.
Researchers found that sunlight can degrade neonicotinoids in water, but not always quickly enough to protect aquatic life and bees. In shallow depths of just 3 inches, certain insecticides persisted, increasing exposure risks for wildlife.
A new genetic 'switch' device can detect damaging contaminants like TNT, offering a cheaper and easier method for cleaning up post-war explosive chemicals. The system is cell-free, specific, and requires minimal expertise, but further research is needed to refine its sensitivity.
Researchers developed a new model to predict harmful bacteria levels on beaches, using information on waves, tides, and rainfall. The model provides beach managers with an easily accessible computer tool to identify when closures are required to protect human health.
Researchers from the University of Missouri and USGS found that atmospheric releases of Bisphenol-A (BPA) can elevate its levels in nearby surface waters, threatening aquatic species and humans. BPA concentrations were up to ten times higher near known atmospheric release sites, indicating a potential novel route of exposure.
Research on River Deba sediment pollution reveals the impact of anthropogenic inputs and flooding events on metal distribution. The study found a clear increase in organic matter and metals between the headwater and mouth of the river, with highly polluted sediments reflecting upstream pollution.
A new study by Jena University researchers finds that airport de-icing chemicals can decrease oxygen content in soils and groundwater, leading to dramatic pollution and ecosystem damage. The team suggests using natural self-cleaning capacities of the soil, controlling oxygen levels, or alternative substances for pollutant degradation.
Researchers at the University of Sheffield used tampons to identify sewage pollution in rivers by detecting optical brighteners under UV light. The technique was found to be effective in detecting pollutants from just 0.01ml of detergent per litre of water, and helped pinpoint the sources of pollution.
Research in the Bay of Biscay found liver pathologies, tumors, and other health problems in deep-water fish, linked to human-caused pollution. The study also discovered the first case of an intersex condition in a deep water fish species.
A new satellite will monitor solar storms and detect pollution from underground aquifers that seep into the ocean. The Deep Space Climate Observatory will provide critical warnings for astronauts and operators of planetary infrastructure.
A study found that pollution has led to a significant increase in cyanobacteria populations in lakes across North America and Europe over the last 200 years. The research highlights the importance of controlling nutrient inputs from industrial fertilizers and sewage discharge.
A new report warns that US coastal communities dependent on the $1 billion shelled mollusk industry face long-term economic risks from ocean acidification. The analysis identified several 'hot zones' facing a number of risk factors, including the Pacific Northwest and Gulf of Mexico regions.