Articles tagged with Water Pollution
A detailed global map of critical phosphorus use and misuse has been produced, highlighting large imbalances in phosphorus application worldwide. The study reveals that both overuse and deficits occur in various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
The first crustacean genome has been sequenced, providing insights into the impact of environmental pollutants on freshwater ecosystems. Daphnia pulex, a tiny water flea, serves as an indicator species for detecting toxins and pollutants in the environment.
The Estero de Domingo Rubio wetland is polluted with heavy metals and pesticides, affecting its water quality and ecosystem. The study highlights the need for greater control over agrochemicals and industrial waste to prevent contamination.
Scientists successfully removed amoxicillin, a top five US-prescribed drug, and other substances like nitrates and dyes from water samples using Octolig. The process has implications for reducing environmental contamination and point-source pollution.
A Spanish study estimates that the average person emits approximately two tonnes of carbon dioxide a year from food production to excretion, accounting for over 20% of total yearly emissions. Human excrements contribute significantly to water pollution with nitrogen and phosphorus, affecting aquatic ecosystems.
Millions in China's Guizhou province suffer from fluorosis due to air pollution from burned coal, leading to dental problems and joint pain. The Chinese government has implemented programs to improve ventilation in homes and reduce particulate matter.
A region-wide study found that toxic pollution falling onto Puget Sound's waters has significantly decreased since 1991, with some pollutants decreasing by as much as 99%. However, industrial areas like Tacoma still have high air-deposited contamination levels, with the Port of Tacoma site recording the highest deposition rates.
A new global analysis reveals nearly 80% of the world's human population lives in areas where river waters are highly threatened, posing a major threat to human water security and biodiversity. Rivers worldwide face similar stresses from agricultural intensification, industrial development, and other factors.
A new paper in Nature suggests that a sudden cooling event in Northern Hemisphere oceans between 1968 and 1972 played a key role in the observed hiatus of global warming during the mid-20th century. The research found that this cooling event was most pronounced in the northern North Atlantic.
Leading international scientists propose a new approach to marine tenure to reverse the 'tragedy of the commons' and restore fish stocks. A successful experiment in Chile shows that co-operative models for fishery management can improve sustainability.
The study found that Miscanthus uses more water than other crops like switchgrass and corn, but reduces the potential for nitrogen pollution. This could lead to a decrease in runoff and surface water supplies, particularly during late summer and early fall.
A University of Alberta study finds that inorganic elements toxic at low concentrations are being discharged into the air and water by oilsands mining and processing. The research reveals that pollutant concentrations were highest near industry sites, contradicting claims of natural sources.
A team of researchers from Sea Education Association and institutions found high concentrations of plastic debris in the western North Atlantic, comparable to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. The study suggests that basic ocean physics explains why plastic accumulates in this region.
A Purdue University study finds that controlling urban growth and increasing forested land are effective ways to decrease future water runoff and flooding. The model simulated Michigan's Muskegon River watershed runoff rates and forecasted their impact on rivers and streams over the next 30 years.
Researchers found swimmers were 1.76 times more likely to report a gastrointestinal illness and 4.46 times more likely to report respiratory illnesses. The study recommends taking precautions like avoiding swallowing seawater, showering before entering the ocean, and washing hands with soap.
The study reveals that incorporating NASA products into the BASINS model significantly improves water quality model performance. By capturing the effects of water flow during storm periods, the NASA data systems provide a more accurate representation of non-point pollution and improve estimates of water quality.
Researchers have developed a method to remove contaminants from stormwater runoff using 'filter socks' containing compost. The socks captured silt, heavy metals, fertilizers, and petroleum products, reducing levels by up to 99%. Adding flocculation agents improved performance, removing nearly all pollutants and sediment.
The MERMAID project developed automatic sensors and analyzers to sample, measure, and record chemical and biological changes in water, providing accurate early warnings of pollution. This technology has been adopted worldwide, including the use of FerryBoxes on ships and gliders in open sea areas.
Researchers predict perennial grain crops could be available in two decades, offering a sustainable solution to feed the world's growing population. These crops have longer growing seasons, deeper roots, and require fewer herbicides and equipment passes, reducing erosion and sequestering carbon.
A WHOI scientist's comprehensive report evaluates the impact of human activities on ocean chemistry, revealing widespread changes in seawater acidity, oxygen levels, and mercury pollution. The research highlights the need for deeper understanding and coordination to address these issues.
Researchers tracked a plume of contaminated groundwater flowing from a septic system to the ocean, revealing a potential source of pollution. The study's findings could inform conservation efforts and improve wastewater management in coastal communities.
A study by IMDEA and the University of Almeria found 88 pollutants in river waters in Madrid, with most being eliminated at wastewater treatment plants. The researchers used advanced analysis techniques to detect low concentrations of priority and emerging pollutants, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products.
A University of Colorado at Boulder study found a tight link between nitrogen and carbon in the environment, which may help address regional pollution issues. The research suggests that microbial communities in ecosystems regulate this relationship, with nitrates decreasing in areas with sufficient organic carbon.
Air and water pollution in China pose significant health risks, with indoor air pollution from solid fuels responsible for millions of premature deaths. The country has made some progress in reducing industrial waste and improving access to piped water, but more efforts are needed to address the issue.
People in seven European countries show positive attitudes toward NoMix toilets, which separate urine from feces to reduce pollution and conserve resources. The innovative technology is well-accepted, with 80% of users expressing support and many willing to use it at work or home.
Engineers at UCLA have developed a rapid method to detect bacterial contamination in coastal waters, reducing testing time from days to under an hour. The new method uses magnetic beads and enzymes to analyze fecal bacteria levels in real-time, providing up-to-date data on water conditions.
Scientists analyzed over 300 papers to establish relationships between buffer design features and pollutant removal efficacy. The study found that buffers with trees have higher nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficacy than those with grasses or mixtures of grasses and trees.
A University of Rhode Island researcher is proposing a global monitoring network to track banned chemicals in oceans. The initiative uses inexpensive polyethylene passive samplers, which can be easily deployed by non-scientists worldwide.
A study by C. Rhett Jackson and Catherine M. Pringle found that reducing water flow rates can create ecological benefits, such as protecting endangered species and mitigating pollution effects. However, restoring natural flows can also lead to detrimental changes in vegetation that harm animals.
Researchers found high levels of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds along the Athabasca River and its tributaries, with concentrations increasing near major oil sands up graders. The study challenges government and industry assertions that pollution is a naturally occurring seepage.
A University of Utah engineer has developed a new method to remove oil sheen from polluted water using tiny bubbles created by pressurizing ozone gas. This method, which targets the oil sheen and other pollutants, could be used to clean wastewater discharged into coastal waters and soil contaminated with heavy metals.
Researchers found a significant increase in wind speed and current strength on Lake Superior, but a decrease in chlorophyll levels due to temperature stratification. This affects the lake's ecosystem and may impact airborne pollutants and nearby communities.
The Sea Education Association (SEA) is conducting an expedition to measure plastic marine debris in the North Atlantic Ocean. The trip will explore an area southeast of Bermuda, where large concentrations of plastic debris have been observed, similar to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
China has seen improvements in forest growth and marine ecosystem health, but severe pollution and biodiversity loss still threaten the country's environment. Despite major government efforts, China faces significant challenges in protecting its rich biodiversity.
A new study finds that glacial melting is releasing persistent organic pollutants into lakes, despite decreased use of these compounds in products. The pollutants were deposited earlier and preserved over decades, with the flow increasing sharply since the late 1990s.
A new study reveals that homes in California are a significant source of water pollution, with pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers contaminating rivers and lakes. The study estimates that current models may underestimate the amount of pollution contributed by homes by up to 50%.
The World Health Organization estimates that 2.8 billion people will face water stress or scarcity by 2025. Access to clean water can reduce global disease burden and is essential for health.
A report by Rice University scientists warns that growing biofuels could harm the nation's water resources, degrading quality and affecting availability. The researchers suggest choosing drought-tolerant crops grown on minimal irrigation to balance energy needs with water conservation.
A new tool developed at Purdue University helps sort out how to choose the best non-point source pollution control strategies for water resources. By analyzing data from an area, it can compute the most cost-effective solutions in just a few hours.
A new chalcogel made of cobalt-molybdenum-sulfur exhibits impressive catalytic activity in hydrodesulfurization and gas separation, with high surface area and stability under catalytic conditions. The material can remove nearly 99% of mercury from contaminated water.
A WWF study predicts catastrophic loss of coral reefs in the Coral Triangle region of the Pacific Ocean by end of century, threatening 100 million people's food supply and livelihoods. The report highlights opportunities for prevention through climate action and regional solutions to overfishing and pollution.
Researchers at NC State University have found an exponentially better way to protect streams and lakes from the muddy runoff associated with stormwater around road and other construction projects. The alternative method uses natural fiber check dams enhanced with polyacrylamide, significantly reducing sediment loss and pollution.
Research highlights coral reefs' decline due to rising CO2 levels and ocean acidification. Ocean proximity also exacerbates ozone pollution in Houston by increasing reactive chlorine mass. New measurements reveal the impact of nitryl chloride on ozone formation, with significant increases observed.
A new study estimates that commercial ships emit about 1,100 tons of particle pollution annually, posing significant health concerns for coastal communities and affecting global climate. Ship emissions also contribute to smog-forming nitrogen oxide gases.
A team of scientists recommends a two-pronged approach to managing nutrient pollution, which includes reducing both phosphorus and nitrogen inputs along the land-to-ocean continuum.
Tel Aviv University researchers have developed a nano-sized laboratory that can detect pollutants, disease, and biological weapons in real-time. The 'lab on a chip' uses genetically engineered bacteria to light up when presented with a stressor, allowing for fast and accurate detection.
Case Western Reserve researchers are investigating the physical and chemical consequences of sunlight absorption by toxic nitro-aromatic pollutants in the environment. The goal is to understand how these compounds transform into more harmful products and predict their environmental fate.
International experts cite nutrient pollution as a major force behind increased harmful algal bloom events. The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science presents a compilation of research highlighting the role of nutrient pollution in driving these events.
A study suggests that aquaculture can be a sustainable way to meet growing demand for seafood, reducing pressure on wild stocks and enhancing depleted ones. Improved management techniques have diminished some harmful effects of the practice, but more comprehensive information is needed to guide its growth.
Researchers warn that 10-30 year delay in predicted cleanup date may occur due to increased urban growth and non-point sources. Despite regulations, pollutants have returned to pre-industrial concentration levels, while stormwater discharges pose a significant threat to coastal systems.
Freshwater pollution by phosphorus and nitrogen has significant economic impacts, including increased water treatment costs and decreased property values. According to K-State researchers, the estimated annual cost of freshwater pollution in the US is at least $4.3 billion.
Scientists have discovered a living sensor bacteria that can thrive in cold temperatures and clean up arsenic contamination. The discovery also opens up possibilities for developing an arsenic biosensor to warn of pollution escapes into watercourses or drinking water supplies.
Experts warn of catastrophic ocean extinction unless drastic measures are taken to reverse the damage caused by human exploitation, pollution and climate change. The consequences include the collapse of edible species, toxic algal blooms and increased disease outbreaks.
Researchers from UNH's Contaminated Sediments Center are testing black geotextile mats designed to cap and stabilize pollution in place. The mats consist of reactive materials that bind and stabilize different pollutants, offering an alternative approach to remediating contaminated sediment.
Researchers at Rice University create nanoscale 'baton'-like particles that spontaneously assemble into bag-like sacs around oil droplets in water. This phenomenon could lead to innovative technologies for cleaning up oil spills and polluted groundwater, as well as delivering drugs with controlled release.
A new study has found a marine bacterium, AW4, that can accelerate the composting process of polluted seaweed, making it a promising method for disposing of toxic wakame waste in oceans. The discovery could provide an effective means of recycling organic substances and reducing pollution.
Researchers develop data mining approach using Fuzzy Inference System to analyze river water quality, revealing high pollution levels despite individual parameter analysis. The method combines disparate parameters for a broader understanding of overall quality, potentially improving the lives of people relying on freshwater sources.
A new study finds that sea salt and urban/shipping pollution combine to create a highly toxic mixture of ground-level ozone and pollutants in coastal areas. Researchers detected unusually high levels of nitryl chloride, a key contributor to air pollution, where these two pollutants meet in the southeastern US.
A new NASA study uses satellite data to estimate the amount of pollution from East Asian forest fires, urban exhaust, and industrial production that reaches western North America. The study estimates that 15% of local US & Canada emissions are offset by pollution aerosols coming from East Asia.
A national study found that tiny organisms like algae and bacteria can remove nitrate from stream water, improving water quality. Streams that meander naturally through complex channels are more efficient at filtering pollutants than engineered streams.