Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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.
A new study by the NCEAS Marine Debris Working Group estimates that over 4.8 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world's oceans from land annually, with a possible maximum of 12.7 million metric tons.
A recent study published in Science estimates that between 4.8 and 12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean every year, mainly from coastal regions. The researchers used a grand model to estimate the amount of plastic waste entering the ocean and found that it is significantly higher than previously estimated.
Researchers found that a simple column of common soil can reverse the toxic effects of urban runoff, killing young coho salmon and their insect prey. The affordable treatment offers new promise for controlling toxic pollutants in rivers, streams, and oceans.
A new study by the University of Waterloo has found that heavy metal emissions from Alberta's oil sands have not increased contaminant levels in the Athabasca River, despite concerns from local communities. The research developed a novel approach to determine pre-industrial baseline levels of metals in river sediment.
A study published in PLOS ONE estimates that nearly 269,000 tons of plastic pollution are floating in the world's oceans, with an additional 5 trillion microplastic particles present. This research was conducted over six years across five sub-tropical gyres and coastal regions.
A new study using satellite data estimated global ship traffic from 1992 to 2012, finding a four-fold increase over the past 20 years. Shipping traffic grew faster in the Indian Ocean, peaking at a rate of 10% per year in 2011.
A low-cost electronic tongue has been developed to detect various substances in samples, including food, water, and blood, enabling accurate quality checks and monitoring for pollutants. The device's precision and affordability make it suitable for applications in medical diagnostics, pharmaceutical testing, and environmental monitoring.
A recent study suggests that most ammonium deposited over the open ocean comes from natural marine sources, not human activities. The research used rainwater samples and nitrogen isotopes to separate human-made and natural sources.
Research reveals that consuming non-native algae 'superweeds' rich in arginine promotes the deadly virus causing tumors in endangered sea turtles. The disease is considered the leading cause of death for green sea turtles, with over 60% of Kāne'ohe Bay turtles bearing tumors.
Research reveals China's carbon intensity increased by 3% due to economic growth, offsetting efforts to reduce emissions. Despite improvements in carbon efficiency in some provinces, industrial projects and production expansion negate gains.
A new study published in PeerJ found that pollution in urban and farm runoff in Hawaii causes tumors in endangered sea turtles. The researchers discovered that high levels of nitrogen in the runoff promote the formation of tumors on the animals' eyes, flippers, and internal organs.
A recent study published in Applied Geography highlights the significant impact of oil discharges from human maritime activity on the Canadian coast. The research, led by University of Calgary geographer Stefania Bertazzon, shows that recreational activities such as boating and fishing are major contributors to ocean pollution.
A new study by Duke University researchers suggests that water-quality trading programs can significantly lower costs of achieving Clean Water Act goals. By allowing polluters to buy, sell or trade credits, these programs can reduce pollution in river basins and estuaries faster and at a lower cost than requiring facilities to meet com...
Researchers found microplastics in nearly every sediment sample from the St. Lawrence River, with concentrations rivaling those in the world's most contaminated ocean sediments. The discovery raises concerns about the potential impact of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems.
Researchers discovered microplastic particles in the form of polyethylene microbeads in St. Lawrence River sediments, with concentrations exceeding 1000 per liter. The findings raise concerns about fish and other animals consuming these particles, potentially transferring chemicals to the ecosystem.
Scientists from University of Miami's Rosenstiel School conducted a drifter experiment to study small-scale ocean currents, revealing their crucial role in pollutant dispersion. The findings provide new information for predicting oil and pollutant movements in the ocean, with immediate practical applications.
Researchers estimate mercury levels in global ocean, separating natural and human sources for the first time. The study found that ocean waters shallower than 100m have tripled in mercury concentration since the Industrial Revolution.
A team of University of California, Riverside students designed a tray that reduces particulate matter pollution from grilling by 70% when placed under grill grates. The tray, which can be installed in existing grills, draws untreated air through a filter to decrease PM2.5 emissions.
A new study by researchers from NIST and the Hollings Marine Laboratory found that persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are not linked to fibropapillomatosis, a disease causing tumors in green sea turtles. The team detected halogenated phenols in turtle tissues, suggesting these compounds may be coming from algae in their diet.
A recent study by the University of Cadiz reveals five large accumulations of plastic debris in the open oceans, coinciding with major ocean gyres. The study estimates tens of thousands of tonnes of plastics on surface waters, influencing sea creatures' behavior and food chains.
Over 2300 British rivers have shown significant improvements in cleanliness, with many clean-water organisms returning to previously polluted areas. Improved water quality has helped offset the negative impacts of climate change on river ecosystems.
Researchers have modeled water properties at the nanoscale, revealing surprising characteristics that can benefit various technological applications. The study's findings may lead to advancements in biomedical imaging, particularly Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), by optimizing contrast agents and improving image quality.
Research reveals that urban river pollutants are suppressing the health and development of wild birds, with chicks from contaminated rivers showing signs of underweight and hormonal imbalance. The study highlights the importance of monitoring bird populations as indicators of environmental well-being and food-web contamination.
Researchers will investigate how extreme rain events affect the transport of dissolved organic matter through the Connecticut River watershed, potentially impacting water quality and mercury inputs. The study aims to test a new conceptual framework for drainage networks and understand regional-scale dynamics of river systems.
Scientists have developed a water purifier that can remove pharmaceuticals, pesticides and other pollutants from drinking water using sunlight. The new technology combines titanium dioxide and graphene to create an easy-to-use system that could be incorporated into consumer products.
A Dartmouth-University of Connecticut study reveals that methylmercury concentrations in estuary waters, not sediment, accurately predict mercury contamination in the marine food chain. The findings suggest a shift in mercury cleanup practices to focus on measuring methylmercury in water column particles.
Researchers from Ben-Gurion University found that liquid fertilizing techniques through drip irrigation result in lower groundwater pollution rates compared to intensive organic farming. High nitrate concentrations in aquifer water lead to drinking-water well shutdowns due to down leaching of nitrates under intensive organic farming.
Researchers propose using water spray from tall buildings to remove aerosol pollutants, reducing fine particle load in the atmosphere. This geoengineering technique is environmentally safe, technologically feasible, efficient, and low-cost.
A recent study by Royal Holloway and the Natural History Museum revealed thousands of pieces of plastic submerged in the Thames Estuary, posing a significant threat to aquatic life. The discovery highlights the vast amount of hidden waste flowing through London, with potential impacts on wildlife in seas that rivers feed into.
New research finds subalpine lakes contaminated with microplastics, which can enter food webs through freshwater invertebrates. Microplastic particles can also adsorb toxic pollutants and transport them to other habitats.
Researchers developed a high-resolution map of streams in the Potomac River watershed, revealing previously hidden streams and improving understanding of urbanization's impact on aquatic ecosystems. The study's findings have significant implications for sustainable development and land use decisions.
Researchers developed a pollutant detector using a narrow stream of unconfined water, which acts as a waveguide to channel fluorescent light signals. The device was highly sensitive, detecting pollutant levels even lower than EPA standards and distinguishing between harmless and hazardous bacteria.
Researchers found that warmer waters increase killifish's metabolic rate, leading to higher methylmercury levels in their tissues. This suggests a global warming impact on mercury bioaccumulation in marine life, posing health risks to people who eat seafood.
Researchers at Cornell University and Universidad Industrial de Santander developed a cheap process to remove toxic textile dyes from water using natural fibers embedded with nanoparticles. The method, tested on various pollutants, shows promise as a low-cost filtering unit prototype.
A recent study near Hanoi confirms that massive pumping of groundwater is slowly contaminating clean aquifers with naturally occurring arsenic. The research suggests that human activity can widen the problem, and similar processes may be underway in other areas around the world.
A University of Houston professor is studying the impact of Saharan dust on Houston's air quality, finding that the dust can vary in toxicity and affect people with asthma. The team used scientific detective work to determine the 'fingerprint' of African dust, allowing them to differentiate it from other pollutants.
A Duke University-led study found that elements sulfur, carbon, and strontium have unique isotopic fingerprints, enabling scientists to quantify mountaintop mining's contribution to water pollution. These tracers will help distinguish between contamination from mountaintop mining and other sources.
A team of researchers discovered that a population of brown trout can survive in highly contaminated waters by changing the expression of their genes. The study found that these fish have developed strategies to detoxify metals and maintain ion balance, allowing them to thrive in environments where other fish would be lethal.
Researchers at NUS have developed novel water purification methods using apple and tomato peels, showing promise for economically disadvantaged communities. The techniques can remove various pollutants from water, including dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals.
Researchers found that significant reductions in emissions will be necessary to stabilize current mercury levels, as legacy mercury persists for decades. The study highlights the need for aggressive reductions to mitigate future increases in ocean mercury levels.
Scientists from the Zoological Society of London reveal that Galapagos sea lion exposure to humans and pets impairs their immunity, making them more prone to starvation. The research suggests a link between human activity and the emergence of diseases in the Galapagos sea lion population.
A new study finds that all existing coral reefs will be engulfed in inhospitable ocean chemistry conditions if civilization continues on its current emissions trajectory. Deep cuts in emissions are necessary to sustain even a fraction of existing reefs.
Researchers have developed a new coupled numerical hydrodynamic water quality model to simulate dynamic changes in river water quantity and quality. The model was validated in the Luan River Basin, showing accuracy requirements were met for both water level and flow data, as well as water quality characteristics.