Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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.
Researchers will track nutrient water quality and examine pollution levels when sediments are stirred up by storms, creating a statistical model to inform policy decisions. The study aims to understand the role of storms in transferring excess phosphates and nitrates from rivers into coastal seas.
China's water crisis is characterized by severe pollution, eutrophication, and lack of access to safe drinking water, with two-thirds of cities experiencing shortages. To achieve sustainability, experts suggest adopting a systems approach that considers multiple perspectives and values.
A new study by Duke University scientists reveals that surface coal mining is severely impacting water quality in southern West Virginia. The research found that just five percent of upstream land conversion can lead to the degradation of up to 22% of streams, with salinity levels and insect biodiversity declining substantially.
A new PSU study found elevated levels of caffeine in Oregon coastal waters, contradicting initial expectations. The research indicates that wastewater treatment plants are effective in removing caffeine, but severe weather events can flush contaminants out to sea.
Harvard researchers found that a fungus produces superoxide, which oxidizes manganese, forming reactive minerals used for water cleanup and nutrient control. The discovery lends insight to environmental remediation and raises questions about the role of fungi in biogeochemistry.
Dr Mariana Fuentes' new book 'Dhyum the Dugong' takes readers on a journey through the life of a real dugong in the Torres Strait. The book aims to educate young Australians about the importance of protecting these endangered marine mammals.
A new study by University of British Columbia researchers reveals substantial increases in plastic pollution along the northern Pacific coast, with 92.5% of beached northern fulmars found to contain plastics
A Yale study found that traditional stoves are preferred in rural Bangladesh over modern, cleaner alternatives due to affordability concerns. The demand for non-traditional cookstoves is low and highly sensitive to price, highlighting the need for affordable, effective solutions.
Urban rivers throughout England and Wales have experienced dramatic improvements in water quality and biodiversity over the past two decades. The range of invertebrates found has increased by around 20%, with insects such as mayflies and stoneflies making a comeback.
Researchers develop algorithm to track pollutants in water and atmosphere, identifying exact location of leaks as soon as possible. The model takes into account diffusion, convection, and reaction, providing unique solution given observable data.
Data from UD researchers in Lewes, Del., shows a 60% decrease in precipitation acidity since the 1990s, a significant improvement attributed to pollution controls. However, fish populations and vegetation have been slow to respond, highlighting the need for continued monitoring.
Particulate pollution in the late 20th century created a 'warming hole' over the eastern United States, delaying the warming expected from increasing greenhouse gases. The effects of this pollution were amplified by interactions between clouds and particles, leading to greater cooling at the surface.
A team of researchers has proposed standardised guidelines for the recording and characterisation of microplastic particles in the sea. By analysing 68 scientific publications, they found that the results are difficult to compare due to varying methods used. However, they discovered that using a net with a mesh of 85 micrometres can fi...
The Mediterranean Sea, rich in biodiversity, is under threat from human pressures such as overfishing, tourism, and shipping traffic. Despite progress made in addressing environmental issues, concerted action remains a challenge due to regional differences.
Pioneering engineers have found a way to produce highly valuable activated carbon from the invasive Marabú shrub, which could help alleviate Cuba's ecological problems and provide clean drinking water for developing countries. The process uses technology developed by researchers at the University of Strathclyde.
A study by Prof. Sébastien Sauvé and colleagues has discovered a strong correlation between the levels of caffeine in water and the level of bacteria, making caffeine a useful indicator of pollution due to sewerage systems.
Researchers are testing a new device that can measure contaminants with unprecedented precision, accuracy and sensitivity at Superfund sites. The device will evaluate the health effects of five specific compounds on two species of marine organisms.
Researchers project sea level rise of up to 5.5 meters by 2500 under pessimistic scenario, with accelerated rise over centuries even after emissions stabilization.
A study analyzing 500 organic substances in four major European rivers reveals that 38% are present in concentrations potentially affecting organisms. Most pesticides, not currently on the EU's list, pose a risk to aquatic ecosystems.
Scientific studies show mercury concentrations in inland lakes and rivers exceed EPA health criterion, affecting fish and wildlife populations. Research indicates improvements in air emission controls have slowed mercury contamination, but some areas still pose serious risks to human health.
A new study by researchers from the UK found a link between living in river valley areas and an increased frequency of COPD symptom exacerbations. The unique climate in these areas, with high humidity and low dew point, retains particles and pollutants that can worsen lung symptoms.
A magnitude-7.3 earthquake in 2009 devastated the Belizean Barrier Reef, causing widespread destruction and killing off dominant coral species. The reef's recovery is unlikely due to previous losses and the need for improved management of reef resources, including consideration of extreme events.
Researchers at UC Santa Cruz have developed a new material, SLUG-26, that can trap negatively-charged pollutants from water. The material, which has a high capacity for holding onto negative ions, could be used to treat polluted water through an ion exchange process.
A study published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review reveals high levels of toxic heavy metals in Jail Talav and Kalwa Lakes, posing a risk to drinking water and crop irrigation. Regular monitoring is crucial for the well-being of the surrounding population.
Researchers are studying the impacts of pollutants on white sturgeon populations in California's Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta. They aim to identify contaminants affecting reproduction and develop targeted management strategies for recovery.
Researchers at the University of Vienna have developed a method called "passive sampling" to measure the affinity of contaminants to carbon nanotubes. This method provides reliable results for realistic applications and can remove pollutants from contaminated water, making it a promising technology for water filtration.
Scientists gathered oil and gas from the Deepwater Horizon wellhead for the first time, revealing how pollution is partitioned and transported in the Gulf of Mexico. A new molecular model shows that light hydrocarbons dissolve or form hydrates at depths, potentially causing damage to seafloor life far from the original spill.
A Scripps study found 9.2% of mid-water fish contained plastic debris, primarily small pieces smaller than a human fingernail, in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. The researchers estimate tens of thousands of tons of debris are ingested by fish annually.
Groundwater pollution is a significant issue worldwide due to increasing water consumption and waste disposal. Computer algorithms can help identify pollution sources by processing available data, such as pollutant concentrations and monitoring data.
Hanadi Rifai will test parts of Galveston Bay for dioxins and PCBs to identify the source of pollutants and determine concentrations in marine life. Her findings will help state officials develop effective management strategies, including bioremediation and commercial fishing bans.
The team is studying 14 locations along the Passaic River to determine the effect of combined sewer overflows on water quality. They are also analyzing samples for bacteria in dry and wet weather events to understand pollution patterns.
Algal turf scrubbers use sunlight to extract excess nutrients from polluted waters, restoring oxygen levels and producing nutrient-rich fertilizer and biofuel. The technology has commercial potential and could help address global phosphorus supplies concerns.
Researchers found that bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales accumulate more chemical pollutants when living and feeding in waters near urbanized areas. POPs were detected in the highest concentrations, with PCBs being the most prevalent pollutant.
New lab experiments reveal that sulfur dioxide molecules are captured by the top-most surface water molecules when approaching a water surface at low temperatures, forming reactive aqueous particulates. The findings have important implications for understanding airborne pollutants and their role in global warming.
A new biosensor uses antibody-based technology to detect marine pollutants like oil cheaper and faster than current methods. It has the potential to track and guide the clean-up of oil spills in real-time, providing valuable information for engineers monitoring dredging operations.
Researchers tracked loggerhead sea turtles and found that persistent organic pollutants accumulate in their systems as they travel further north along the Atlantic coast. The studies also suggest that pollutants may pose a threat to the survival of this endangered species.
A new study using satellite tracking has found that adult male sea turtles are exposed to high levels of manmade chemicals, including organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. This exposure may put them at risk of toxic effects and cumulative poisoning through the food chain.
A new study verifies that biodiversity helps remove excess levels of nutrients from streams, degrading water quality. The study reveals how biodiversity increases the removal of pollutants through a process called niche partitioning, where each species occupies a unique habitat and removes specific forms of pollution.
A recent study warns that human impacts on the Southern Ocean are degrading its unique ecology, threatening native fauna. The researchers highlight various human activities causing harm, including pollution, overfishing, and climate change, which are altering food webs and endangering species.
A European study found harbour seals in the Elbe estuary have high levels of contamination from industrial activities, dredging, and shipping. This highlights the impact of coastal pollution on marine life.
A study found that a population of Hudson River fish evolved rapidly in response to PCB pollution, with a single gene responsible for their ability to withstand the toxic chemicals. The study's findings suggest that this genetic adaptation allowed the fish to survive lethal heart defects triggered by PCBs.
The world's phosphorous stocks are depleting rapidly, posing a risk of global shortages within the next 20 years. Excess phosphorous from fertilizer use is causing widespread eutrophication of freshwater ecosystems, threatening aquatic life and human water quality.
The study found that illicit drugs, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products are contaminating Mexico's aquifers, posing a threat to the region's freshwater quality and availability. The researchers recommend integrated approaches to protecting and managing the aquifer to ensure sustainable tourism and human health.