Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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The article discusses how emerging contaminants like agricultural pesticides and medicines are impacting water quality in developing countries. The presence of these pollutants is linked to toxic effects on humans and ecosystems, with many being undetected or under-regulated.
A new study by MIT researchers suggests that microplastics are less likely to accumulate in sediment infused with biofilms, which can resuspend particles and carry them away. In contrast, areas of bare sand can become hotspots for microplastic accumulation due to the lack of biofilm.
A new handheld device called E-Tongue can analyze water samples and detect lead contamination, providing users with a color-coded reading and concentration value. The researchers tested the device through a citizen science project across four Massachusetts towns, finding it effective in detecting lead in drinking water.
High levels of pollution and sea-level rise have led to an explosion in sea-urchin numbers, threatening the recovery of Hawaii's coral reefs. The reef in Hōnaunau Bay shows slow growth and high erosion rates, highlighting the need for robust fisheries management.
A new study reveals that pollutants from the Tijuana River are transmitted to both water and air through coastal aerosols, affecting public health and environment. The study found high levels of illicit drugs, personal care products, and chemicals in aerosols, posing risks to residents living near the border.
A recent study found that fully protected marine areas in Brazil are contaminated by microplastics, with an average concentration of 0.42 particles per gram of wet tissue. The contamination was detected in all ten integral protection areas studied, with the highest levels found in the Alcatrazes Archipelago Wildlife Refuge.
The new ShARP Center will investigate how PFAS affect liver health, and develop methods to detect and remove them from public water sources. Researchers will also study the link between PFAS exposure and rare cancers.
A new study found that PFAS exposure remains a concern for California adults, with drinking water, seafood, eggs, and brown rice identified as contributors. While dietary associations are lower than previous studies, the findings highlight the need to regulate PFAS in drinking water.
Researchers found microplastics in Texas bay sediments, but most have been swept out to sea, not settling at the bottom. The study suggests microplastics can absorb chemicals and build up in marine life, eventually affecting humans.
A new study assesses the tradeoffs between clean air and clean water, finding that boiling contaminated water generally outweighs health risks from air pollution. The research supports prioritizing household access to clean water, especially for young children.
A new study from Texas A&M University found that residents' knowledge of environmental health risks is the most important factor in their decision to take a home buyout. Residents who live in areas with high levels of risk and are more concerned about environmental risks are more willing to accept a buyout.
Researchers have developed plant-based extracts from okra and fenugreek that can attract and remove up to 90% of microplastics from ocean and freshwater waters. These natural polymers offer a nontoxic alternative to synthetic polymers like polyacrylamide.
A PSU study found that only a quarter of respondents would pay full price for washing machine filters, highlighting the need for point-of-sale purchases. Government subsidies could increase adoption by up to 20%, suggesting a potential solution to microplastic pollution.
Researchers reconstructed metal pollution history in São Paulo using sediment cores, revealing three periods of increasing pollution. The study highlights the importance of sediments as environmental indicators and offers insights for conservation efforts.
Researchers at University at Albany found a near full recovery from metal pollution in Adirondack surface waters since the enactment of the Clean Air Act. The study analyzed sediment samples and found a greater than 90% reduction in metal contamination across four ponds.
Human consumption of antibiotics has increased by 65% since 2000, resulting in estimated 8,500 tonnes reaching river systems globally. Chronic environmental exposure can reduce microbial diversity and increase antibiotic-resistant genes, impacting fish and algae health.
Researchers discovered that stream discharge, benthic algae presence, and substrate characteristics increase microplastic retention. High levels of algae and larger stream substrates trap microplastics, while rapid discharge events resuspend them.
Researchers from UT Arlington discovered that many wastewater treatment plants are unable to effectively remove dangerous microplastics, which can transport other pollutants into the environment. This poses potential long-term health impacts for humans, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
A research team led by NYU Tandon School of Engineering has discovered unprecedented genetic adaptations in Gowanus Canal organisms, which could lead to cheaper and more sustainable methods for cleaning contaminated waterways. The study found that these microbes can break down pollutants and heavy metals using 64 different biochemical ...
USC researchers developed a biocompatible material by adding calcium carbonate to poly (1,8-octanediol-co-citrate), an FDA-approved biodegradable material. The resulting material, POC-CC, is a safer alternative to traditional plastics and degrades in marine environments while maintaining strength.
A new study provides unprecedented light on the Transpolar Drift's transport system and factors controlling its dynamics. The findings indicate that warmer temperatures could increase the spread of human-made pollutants in the Arctic.
A new numerical computer model tracks how pollution travels through Galveston Bay, helping scientists understand water movement in estuaries. The model is critical for evaluating climate variability and sea level fluctuation impacts on coastal communities, guiding better decisions to keep water clean and prevent flooding.
The deep sea accounts for 90% of ocean volume and hosts diverse ecosystems. However, human activities like mining and climate change threaten these areas. Scientists emphasize the need for major investment in deep-sea research to address knowledge gaps and inform sustainable management strategies.
A novel approach uses a biomass-based carbon aerogel to efficiently treat oily water and sludge, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. The material's photothermal conversion characteristics enable effective dehydration of oily pollutants.
Researchers discovered that exposure to clobazam increased the migration success of juvenile Atlantic salmon, allowing them to navigate through dams more efficiently. The study highlights the potential risks of pharmaceutical pollution on wildlife behavior and ecology.
Researchers from Rutgers University mapped mercury contamination in penguins of the Southern Ocean, revealing variations in mercury accumulation among different species. The study found that Adelie and gentoo penguins had low mercury levels, while chinstrap penguins showed significantly higher exposure due to their migration patterns.
Researchers developed an in-situ EPR setup to accurately identify radicals generated by PAA activation under different UV wavelengths, revealing distinct radical generation pathways. The study provides new insights into the mechanisms of radical formation and transformation using density functional theory calculations.
A new study reveals that microplastics accumulate and disperse in marine environments along the Texas coast, particularly in estuaries and bays. The researchers found that winds and shrimp fishing can transport microplastics out of these areas and into the Gulf of Mexico.
Researchers found that burning heavy fuel oil with scrubbers has a comparable environmental impact to low-sulfur fuels when considering various factors. The study suggests that scrubbers are a mature technology that can effectively reduce sulfur emissions, making them a viable option for shipping companies.
PET-based glitter microplastics promote calcium carbonate crystallisation in seawater, altering natural biomineralisation processes in marine organisms. The study's findings suggest that glitter microplastics can degrade rapidly, releasing smaller fragments that are easily ingested by marine life.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Emerging Pollutants will tackle the challenges of monitoring and regulation of emerging pollutants. Applications can be submitted until April 20, 2025.
The Pew Fellowship in Marine Conservation awards $150,000 grants to midcareer scientists from five countries. The new cohort of fellows will develop coral breeding techniques, evaluate critical conservation measures with local communities, and help preserve threatened marine species and their habitats.
A new study finds a positive correlation between microplastic concentration and the prevalence of high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, but not cancer. Higher microplastic pollution is associated with a higher risk of disease, suggesting a potential link between microplastics and chronic noncommunicable diseases.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
Researchers developed biodegradable bamboo drinking straws with high tensile strength and flexibility. The new straw material absorbs less water than paper straws and retains greater wet strength, making it a cost-effective solution to plastic pollution.
Marine animals are being used to gather valuable data on human impact on the ocean. Biologging, attaching sensors to wild animals, provides insights into environmental conditions and behaviors. The goal is to develop an 'Internet of Animals' with shared standards for data sharing, enabling targeted policies and a sustainable coexistence.
A University of Malaga study highlights the importance of accurate estimates of marine litter to address the environmental concern. The research found that current monitoring strategies are inadequate, and simulation experiments identified the most appropriate sampling strategies to achieve more accurate results.
A team at Hainan University has developed a supramolecular organic framework for efficient iodine capture from seawater, removing 79% of iodine pollution in simulated contaminated environments. The material achieves an ultrahigh iodine adsorption capacity of 46 mg g−1 within a 20-day extraction period.
The study categorizes CROP-AP models into four key types, highlighting five major applications in agricultural productivity simulation. Future research priorities focus on strengthening model validation and simulating multi-scale interactions to support sustainable global food production.
A team of researchers has identified 167 objects at the bottom of the Calypso Deep, a 5,112-metre-deep depression in the Ionian Sea, with 148 being marine debris and 19 of possible anthropogenic origin. The study highlights the need for global policy actions to reduce ocean waste and changes in citizens' consumption habits.
A new study led by University of Maryland geologist Sujay Kaushal finds that multiple threats are making fresh water saltier, including land-based pollution and saltwater intrusion. The researchers offer a framework for predicting and preventing the issue, which affects ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water supplies.
A study of over 97 citizen scientists found that coastal areas have significantly more litter than inland locations, with urban areas consistently exhibiting more litter than rural areas. The research highlights the need for tailored waste management strategies to address regional differences in litter patterns.
Researchers found significant concentrations of persistent organic compounds in lichens and mosses in the Irati forest, exceeding those in similar environments. The study suggests that urban and agricultural practices have impacted local air quality, emphasizing the need for controlling combustion processes to reduce PAHs.
Dr. Jonathan Cox warns of the dangers of raw sewage in UK coastal waters, highlighting the risk of gastrointestinal, respiratory, and skin infections to vulnerable groups. He advocates for checking water quality before visiting beaches and praises efforts like the Safer Seas and Rivers Service to combat pollution.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
A GEOMAR study detects high levels of munitions chemicals in Baltic Sea water samples, with concentrations approaching critical levels. The contamination is expected to increase without removal action, posing a long-term environmental risk.
A study by the American Academy of Neurology found a correlation between microplastics in oceans and increased disabilities among coastal residents. The research, which looked at 218 US counties, showed that areas with higher levels of marine microplastics had higher rates of mobility, self-care, and independent living disabilities.
A study investigating aquatic species response to environmental stress factors in urban habitats reveals populations adapt and become more resilient. This finding supports the hypothesis that urban habitats provide clues about animal adaptation to future environmental changes.
A study found that reductions in zinc and copper pollution led to improvements in freshwater biodiversity in England's rivers. The researchers used statistical modeling to investigate various factors contributing to the decline in metal pollution.
New study highlights significant gaps in understanding how sunscreens affect marine ecosystems, with chemicals entering the environment through various pathways. Researchers emphasize the need for comprehensive studies to understand the effects of UV filters on marine life and potential risks to human health.
Citizen scientists can join world-renowned microplastic expert Professor Claire Gwinnett on an expedition to monitor microplastic pollution in basking shark feeding sites. The expeditions will use a new app with AI analysis to categorize plastic samples, providing valuable data on microplastic levels and health impacts on sharks.
Researchers discovered that many marine fungi isolated from Hawai'i's nearshore environment have the ability to degrade plastic. The team then conditioned these fungi to consume polyurethane and other types of plastics more efficiently. By studying their adaptability, scientists hope to develop new solutions for cleaning up oceans.
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a specialized sponge that can collect and release metals, plastics, and nutrients from stormwater pollution. The technology uses nanoparticles to attract pollutants and then releases them at different pH levels, making it a potential low-cost solution for environmental remediation.
Nanomaterials are being studied for their potential in combating marine oil spills, with promising results showing improved removal efficiency and reduced toxicity. The researchers emphasize the need for eco-friendly and sustainable approaches to minimize environmental risks.
Researchers from Heidelberg University found the oldest evidence of human-caused lead contamination in the Aegean region, dated to approximately 5,200 years ago. This early contamination is linked to socioeconomic change and historical events such as the Roman conquest of Greece.
Researchers found evidence of human-caused lead pollution in the Aegean Sea around 5,200 years ago, with a significant increase occurring during the Roman Empire's expansion. This finding pushes back previous estimates by approximately 1,200 years.
A new study published in Environmental DNA revealed that insecticides and fungicides are the main factors affecting biodiversity in UK waters. The AI technology analyzed water and biofilm samples from 52 freshwater lakes, identifying key links between pollutants and biodiversity loss.
Researchers at Seoul National University of Science & Technology have made a breakthrough discovery in the catalytic recycling of polyolefins, enhancing conversion rates with the addition of water. The study reveals improved process efficiency, extended catalyst lifespan, and reduced operational costs.
Research led by the University of Michigan reveals that extreme rainfall disproportionately increases E. coli concentrations in recreational waters of communities of color in Texas, particularly those with higher percentages of Black residents in the north and east, and predominantly Latino communities in the south and west.