Articles tagged with Water Pollution
A global assessment reveals that ocean plastics pose ecological risks in areas with dense marine life and pollutants, even in waters with modest plastic levels. The study identifies high-risk zones, including the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, where coordinated efforts can substantially lessen threats.
A landmark review published by FAU reveals that sargassum is a rapidly growing and widely distributed marine organism. The study found that the Atlantic Ocean's sargassum biomass has increased by over 50% since the 1980s, with nitrogen content rising sharply.
Researchers from RMIT University have developed a new wastewater treatment system that targets all fat types, including hard-to-remove emulsified fats, and achieves up to 98% fat removal rates in commercial kitchen wastewater. The system combines a redesigned grease interceptor with smart chemical treatment.
Researchers have identified 21 new PFAS chemicals in Sydney's tap water, exceeding previous estimates. The findings highlight the need for broader monitoring and underscore the persistence of 'forever chemicals' in human systems.
A recent survey of 178 dogs in 10 states found that two-thirds consume higher-than-recommended levels of heavy metals in their drinking water. The study highlights the need for further research on the long-term health effects of these exposures, particularly in rural areas where private wells are common.
A new Virginia Tech study reveals that toxic well water primarily affects household pets, with 64% of dog drinking water samples containing high levels of potentially toxic heavy metals. Researchers found a correlation between untreated well water and poor health in dogs, highlighting the need for households to test and treat their water.
Researchers at Rice University have engineered E. coli to act as living multiplexed sensors, detecting multiple environmental toxins simultaneously by converting biological responses into readable electrical signals. The system can detect combined hazards more efficiently and accurately, with potential applications in biocomputing.
An international research team has proposed a comprehensive global framework for regulating tire additives, which are a significant source of environmental contamination. The framework aims to address the impacts of these chemicals on ecosystems and human health worldwide.
A study found that children who lived near Coldwater Creek, a Missouri River tributary polluted by nuclear waste, had a higher risk of developing cancer. The researchers estimated that those living less than one kilometer away from the creek had a 44% higher risk of cancer compared to those living more than 20 kilometers away.
A new study revisits forecasts made in 2002 about the world's rocky shorelines, finding some threats have materialized while others have not. The researchers highlight the importance of addressing issues like ocean acidification and plastic pollution to protect coastlines.
Researchers detected nanoplastic particles smaller than 1 µm in all depths analysed across the 12 measurement sites, with PET, PS, and PVC being the most common types. The study estimates around 27 million tonnes of nanoplastic are stored in the uppermost water layer of the North Atlantic.
Researchers estimate 27 million tons of nanoplastics in North Atlantic Ocean, shedding light on the 'paradox of missing plastic'. The discovery highlights the significant amount of plastic debris that has been underestimated and raises concerns about its impact on marine ecosystems.
New research claims adding lime to agricultural soils can remove CO2 from the atmosphere, rather than cause emissions. The study, based on over 100 years of data, shows that the addition of acidity is the main driver for CO2 emissions from soils.
A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.
A recent study led by WVU student Isabella Tuzzio found microplastics in every fish sampled from seven central Appalachian streams. The researchers discovered significant environmental risks and potential human health hazards due to the accumulation of microplastics in the food chain.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that residents in U.S. coastal counties near ocean waters with high concentrations of microplastics are at higher risk for Type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and stroke. The study analyzed data from 152 counties and found a significant association betwe...
New research from Tulane University finds that global riverine mercury pollution has more than doubled since the pre-industrial era, with primary drivers including wastewater discharge, soil erosion, and industrial activities. This increase poses significant health risks to humans and wildlife through consumption of contaminated fish.
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.