Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A new study found that installing storm drain diversions at 26 beaches in Santa Monica Bay and Malibu increased attendance by 350,000 to 860,000 annually. The installation of these diversions improved the environmental quality of coastal areas, leading to a direct correlation between increased attendance and reduced beach closures.
A recent study published in Atmospheric Environment found that air pollution from wildland fires and urban areas is reducing air quality at Devils Postpile National Monument. Ozone concentrations exceeded California standards, posing a risk to sensitive individuals, and may have phytotoxic effects on plants.
New research shows that reducing emissions of short-lived pollutants like methane, tropospheric ozone, and hydrofluorocarbons can temporarily forestall the rate of sea level rise. This could lower the threat to coastal cities by stabilizing carbon dioxide concentrations in the atmosphere.
The Gulf of Mexico's 'Dead Zone' grows larger due to increased fertilizer runoff from Midwestern fields, depleting oxygen levels and harming fish and shellfish populations. Advanced solutions like soil-staying fertilizers and genetically modified crops could mitigate the problem.
Researchers found 85% of collected particles in Lake Erie were smaller than two-tenths of an inch, with 1.5-1.7 million per square mile. Plastic pollution in the Great Lakes may be even worse than in oceans due to their large volume.
Researchers found that fine particles in air pollution shade corals from sunlight, cooling surrounding waters and reducing growth rates. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, links coral growth to particulate pollution in the atmosphere.
A new membrane developed by researchers at Wits University can effectively separate waste from water, making it suitable for treating pollutants in various processes. The technology has the potential to filter pure water from wastewater produced during mining, oil and gas exploration, and nuclear activities.
Researchers from NC State University have developed low-cost filtration systems that filter out most bacteria in stormwater runoff by 96 percent. The systems, installed beneath sand dunes, show minimal impact on groundwater levels and effectively limit bacterial pollution.
The California chromodorid sea slug, declared extinct in Southern California in the 1980s, has begun to reappear in local waters. Marine scientists attribute its resurgence to improved water quality, mainly a result of stricter pollution regulations.
Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum develop novel composite materials to enhance the degradation rate of photocatalysts. The goal is to implement these photocatalysts into a liquid paint for easy coating on photoreactors, enabling efficient and cost-effective water decontamination in remote areas.
Researchers from San Francisco State University found that nitrogen boosts the growth and toxicity of phytoplankton that produce a potent toxin called domoic acid. These diatoms can cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning in humans and death among marine mammals and seabirds.
Research reveals that Great Lakes salmon carry industrial pollutants into streams and tributaries as they migrate upstream to spawn. This can lead to the bioconcentration of pollutants in stream fish, posing a risk to human health, particularly for pregnant women and children.
A Dartmouth-led effort publishes major findings on how mercury released into the air contaminates ocean fish and seafood. The research provides a synthesis of science on mercury sources, fate, and human exposure in marine systems, tracing pathways from sources to seafood to consumers.
A new approach uses partial differential equations to model pollution spread and identify potential contamination sources. The method provides fast solutions, but more complex models are needed for realistic networks.
A study of 200 major international water-related projects identified existing and emerging challenges, including insufficient management, urbanization, and climate change. Investing in science and strengthening the science-policy interface can help reduce risks and inform decision-making.
Carbon dioxide released into oceans due to water pollution and air increases may be harming commercial fish populations. A new model predicts that nutrient runoff from fertilizer, human waste, and other pollutants could worsen ocean acidification, impacting species like clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels.
The Canadian government's plan to discontinue the Experimental Lakes Area (ELA) has sparked widespread concern among scientists. The ELA, comprising 58 freshwater lakes in Ontario, Canada, has yielded significant insights into water pollution and climate change over nearly 40 years.