Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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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.
Researchers found that tiny organisms filter nitrate from stream water, with the most effective removal occurring when nitrate enters small healthy streams and travels throughout the network. Streams and rivers can help prevent nitrate pollution from reaching lakes and coastal waters, where it can cause algal blooms and oxygen depletion.
To make global environmental treaties more effective, Professor Lawrence Susskind recommends engaging civil societies in treaty-making and enforcement. He also suggests offering incentives for countries that ratify and comply with treaties, as well as establishing meaningful timetables and targets with economic penalties.
A global threat map reveals that every square kilometer of the world's oceans is affected by human activities, with rising ocean temperatures being the most pervasive threat. The study found that almost half of all coral reefs have recently experienced medium- to high-level impacts, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
A new study has mapped the extent of human impact on global oceans, revealing that over 40% of the world's oceans are severely affected. The study highlights the most heavily impacted regions, including coral reefs and seagrass beds, which house a vast majority of marine life.
Researchers from Oregon State University find that Pacific Northwest coast low-oxygen events are unprecedented and may be caused by stronger winds due to global warming. Hypoxic conditions have been recurring since 2002, with severe impacts on marine life.
Researchers found that farming practices, such as liming and changes in tile drainage, are responsible for the majority of increased water and carbon dioxide in the Mississippi River. The study's findings highlight the significant impact of agricultural activities on the river's chemistry and ecosystem.
The Center for Ocean Solutions will bring together international experts in marine science and policy to find innovative ways to protect and restore the world's oceans. Recent studies warn that climate change and overfishing will collapse most of the world's commercial fisheries within 50 years.
A global ocean observing system is crucial to measure the health of our oceans and respond to climate change. The Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans urges completion of a comprehensive system within 10 years.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health found higher-than-acceptable levels of mercury and selenium in channel catfish from areas near a coal-fired power plant. Ingesting these fish can increase the risk of neurological disorders, birth defects, and developmental problems.
A study reveals that marine vessel pollution causes approximately 60,000 premature cardiopulmonary and lung cancer deaths worldwide each year. The report estimates that the number of annual deaths from ship emissions could increase by 40 percent by 2012, with coastal regions in Asia and Europe being the most affected.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that commercially sold white bass contained higher levels of mercury, arsenic, and selenium than those caught near former industrial areas. The pollutants were linked to coal-burning pollution through air emissions and water pollution.
Researchers will collect data to verify water quality models and predict Dead Zone development, supporting resource managers in mitigating hypoxia impacts on commercially important fish and shellfish. The study complements existing research on the effects of hypoxia on aquatic life.
Researchers have modified the tanning process to make it more environmentally friendly, reducing chemical usage by 82% and energy consumption by nearly 40%. The new method does not compromise on leather quality, making it a significant step towards sustainable manufacturing.
New research from Cardiff University reveals that acid rain recovery is much slower than anticipated, with many UK streams still highly acidified. Biological recovery has been particularly poor, harming fish and other aquatic life.
Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a miniature sensor to detect volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in aqueous and gaseous environments. The sensor uses polymer membranes deposited on a tiny silicon disk to measure pollutant molecules, offering an improvement over classical techniques that require lab analysis.
Researchers used NASA satellites to monitor water quality in Tampa Bay, finding accurate measurements of turbidity and clarity. The method can resolve questions about events leading to decreased water quality and inform resource management decisions.
The new software application uses Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to select the most efficient BMPs for a particular location based on site-specific criteria. This approach is expected to drastically reduce the BMP selection time and eliminate human error.
The study reveals that groundwater in atolls is vulnerable to frequent droughts, making it unreliable for drinking water. The team proposes strategies to increase the resilience of small island communities to water-related changes, including improving institutional management and community participation.
Scientists at Northwestern University developed a simple method to detect mercury using gold nanoparticles and DNA. The technique can identify mercury levels in water samples by visual inspection, offering a faster and more convenient alternative to existing detection methods.
Perry L. McCarty's work in environmental biotechnology has led to the development of economical wastewater treatment processes, including anaerobic systems that utilize beneficial microbes. His research aims to protect ecological and drinking water resources by treating wastewater.
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers has found significant amounts of dissolved mercury entering coastal waters through groundwater, contrary to previous assumptions. The discovery has implications for understanding the environmental impact of mercury pollution and its effects on marine ecosystems.
Research by a Chinese-Israeli team shows that air pollution significantly reduces precipitation on mountains in semi-arid regions, highlighting the dire consequences for water resources in the Middle East and worldwide. The study found that increasing levels of manmade air pollution have led to a 20% decrease in precipitation on Mount ...
A Texas A&M University researcher has found that severe pollution from China and India is intensifying storm tracks over the Pacific Ocean, leading to more frequent and severe weather events worldwide. The study suggests a direct link between human-made pollution and climate change.
A new study found that even low levels of heavy metal pollution can harm oysters, while high temperatures exacerbate the damage. The combined effect can lead to fatal weakness and disease in oysters.
Dr Nigel W Brown's Aquacart system uses Nyex material to remove toxic organic contaminants from wastewater, promising a solution to global water pollution concerns. The technology has the potential to meet challenges of new legislation and be applied to various industrial processes.
Using advanced imaging techniques, a physicist at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is uncovering new insights into how surfaces interact with contaminants and toxic substances. By detecting molecular vibrations and analyzing electron behavior, she aims to develop new ways to monitor and control air pollution.
Researchers have identified a connection between fracture traces and rock-cut tombs in Egyptian valleys, which may aid in locating and protecting previously undiscovered tombs. The discovery also offers insights into preserving the tombs from water damage, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
A study found that high water temperatures and cadmium exposure severely impact oyster physiology, leading to increased energy demand and reduced oxygen supply. Oyster populations are already declining due to environmental stressors like overfishing, disease, and poor water quality.
A recent special issue of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment highlights China's environmental concerns, including water and air pollution, cropland loss, and biodiversity decline. The country's rapid urbanization is also exacerbating these issues, with over 50% of its population expected to live in towns and cities by 2020.
Researchers analyzed temperature and salinity data from sensors along the Southern California coast to detect changes in water quality. They found that fluctuations in sensor data correlate with changes in water quality, allowing for near real-time detection methods.
Scientists propose using GPS to aid in ocean-wide tsunami warning systems by detecting early seismic wave data. Researchers also explore unsolved problems in the lowermost mantle, including the origin of the D
A recent surge in dolphin deaths off the Zanzibar archipelago has sparked debate about pollution, underwater noise, and the impact of offshore industries. Dr. Jonathan David calls for mitigation measures to protect dolphin populations and suggests innovative solutions to minimize harm.
Precision biochemistry techniques track DNA damage in fish, identifying low-level lesions that correlate with pollution. These biomarkers can provide a direct measure of contaminant impact and assess pollution remediation efforts.