Articles tagged with Water Pollution
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have found that riverbank filtration can significantly decrease bacteria and viruses in drinking water, as well as reduce the presence of Giardia and Cryptosporidium. This technique involves passing river water through nearby sediment, which removes impurities and reduces treatment costs.
Scientists use NASA satellites and balloon-borne sensors to track the movement of a pollution train traveling from the Indian Ocean to the South Atlantic. The study reveals that Asian pollution can flow southward, get caught up in clouds, and reach as far as Brazil.
Research papers in Geophysical Research Letters and Journal of Geophysical Research-Atmospheres have shed light on various atmospheric phenomena. Brown et al.'s study found near-equal rates of nitric acid formation during day and night, while Chatfield et al. attribute seasonal ozone density over the South Atlantic to pollution sources...
The US Commission on Ocean Policy released a preliminary report outlining bold and broad-reaching recommendations to reform the nation's ocean policy. The report emphasizes ecosystem-based management, strengthening science and education to inform decision-making, and enhancing regional goals and priorities.
New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists create a cheap, usable field test for detecting pollutants in water, air, and food. The test uses nanotechnology to concentrate materials and identify trace pollutants, paving the way for lab-on-a-chip devices that can be used by workers or homemaker to quickly detect toxic chemicals.
Researchers found that exposure to polluted coastal waters increased the risk of fever, stomach pain, and other symptoms in surfers. The study, which surveyed 1,873 participants at two California beaches, highlighted the importance of reducing pollutants discharged onto public beaches.
The AAAS survey found that nearly 80% of Americans believe human stresses are threatening coastal regions and oceans. Despite this, a significant majority - nearly two-thirds - would eat less fish if it helped protect natural resources. The town hall meeting aims to bridge the gap between scientists, policymakers, and the public.
Scientists found a significant link between clouds and pollution transport in the Asian-Pacific region. Clouds mask pollutants from spacecraft sensors, leading to underestimated pollution levels.
A recent study found no change in methylmercury levels in yellowfin tuna over a 27-year period, suggesting that high mercury levels in these fish may not be caused by pollution. The research suggests that natural sources, such as hydrothermal vents and deep ocean sediments, could be responsible for the mercury accumulation.
A recent study by Florida Tech researchers found minimal environmental impact from offshore oil drilling in the Arctic. The team discovered that freshwater runoff into the ocean is trapped by a layer of ice, preventing it from mixing with saltwater.
A Texas A&M University researcher is conducting a study of the Valle de Bravo reservoir near Mexico City to understand the factors contributing to its pollution. The study aims to provide useful information for the Mexican government to improve its water management practices and protect public health.
Researchers found that pollutants like lindane and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) behave differently in the presence of organic matter and sunlight, with HCB degrading at higher rates. The study suggests that pollutants can have varying effects on local ecosystems and human health.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed Fe-TAML(R) activators that can decolorize textile mill wastewater with high efficiency and safety. The technology has the potential to save millions of gallons of water yearly over the entire industry by enabling manufacturers to recycle water used in textile dyeing.
Researchers found that coral reef declines followed the same pattern globally, starting with large predators and herbivores, followed by smaller animals and finally sea grasses. The study provides a yardstick for conservation efforts, offering hope for restoring ecosystems with strong management decisions.
Researchers confirm that particulate air pollution and ozone react with pollutants over Lake Michigan, generating more toxic compounds. City residents may experience high concentrations of hazardous substances before they dissipate, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.
The Tufts team is developing digital modeling tools to help local communities map out their watersheds, identify trouble spots and take cost-effective steps to manage nutrient entry. The computer models will also be used by the EPA and state governments to improve upon their current systems for managing watershed nutrients.
Sea Grant's media relations office is closing its National Press Building Office and suspending operations due to restructuring. Meanwhile, NOAA's Public Affairs Officer, Ben Sherman, is assuming the role of Public Affairs Officer for NOAA's National Ocean Service.
A new water treatment process called activated magnetic sludge process has been introduced, which uses magnetic separation to reduce excess sludge production. The technique can treat up to 21 gallons of sewage daily without generating any excess sludge.
New porous materials show photoluminescence, ion exchange and gas sorption, having large surface area and uniform pore sizes. They have potential applications in electrochemical sensors, photocatalysts, solid electrolytes for batteries and gas separation.
Satellite images from NASA's MOPITT project show high levels of carbon monoxide in regions prone to pollution, such as Southeast Asia and Australia. These images provide a new tool for monitoring air quality and tracking the spread of pollutants over long distances.
A UCI study reveals a new method to identify and track specific sources of water pollution at beaches by combining bacteria sampling with genetic testing. The approach has already led to significant reductions in bacteria levels and beach closures in Catalina Island.
A recent study found that green sturgeon in Oregon's Rogue River have extremely small home ranges, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and exploitation. The fish can grow up to 19 feet long, but are only protected by regulations for those under five feet.
A geophysicist has developed a cost-effective method for finding underground contaminants by measuring voltage between metal spikes inserted into the ground. The technique shows promise in detecting organic compounds like cancer-causing substances that don't conduct electricity, potentially streamlining remediation processes.
Researchers from the University of Houston are using a $3.2 million grant to develop computer models tracking dioxin movement through the environment. The study will provide critical data for regulatory agencies to implement plans reducing pollutants and achieving minimum water quality standards.
A recent study found a strong correlation between beach pollution and lunar cycles, tidal forces, and sunlight exposure. This could lead to inaccurate warnings and economic losses for local businesses.
Researchers have developed a method to measure spring output and analyze groundwater flow in the Blue Ridge province. The technique helps determine how much water is available for wells, addressing a pressing issue in Virginia due to drought and rapid growth.
Researchers from Newcastle University successfully classified 70% of River Ouseburn water samples by measuring natural fluorescence, which could aid in detecting organic pollutants. The 'glowing' technique uses spectrophotometry to fingerprint dissolved organic matter in rivers.
The study reveals how aluminum floc forms in polluted streams, binding to toxic metals and transporting them downstream, harming fish and other aquatic animals. Understanding the molecular pathways of this process may lead to practical solutions to prevent the reactions.
A study by MIT researchers found that nitrate pollution has a mitigating effect on arsenic release in polluted lakes. The discovery sheds light on the complex dynamics of water quality management and has implications for other pollutants, including phosphate and toxic metals.
Researchers investigate the remarkable resilience of the mummichog fish to chronic pollution in the Elizabeth River. The study reveals that these fish have adapted through genetic changes, but this comes at a cost, such as increased cancer risk and reduced ability to thrive in clean environments.
A new study reveals that river traffic emits substantial nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and sulfur oxides pollution, rivaling that of highways. The research, led by James J. Corbett, finds boat and ship emissions contribute significantly to regional air quality, particularly in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area.
Researchers found that shipping-related imposex substances are not always transported to the seabed in stratified water. Instead, the harmful substance TBT, which causes imposex, is unable to sink through the boundaries between seawater layers.
Scientists took detailed measurements of a pollution plume containing Gobi desert dust and hydrocarbons on both sides of the Pacific, revealing elevated levels of pollutants. The study shows that Asian air pollution can affect air quality in North America, with significant implications for climate change.
A NASA study reveals that Zambia faces significant air quality challenges due to the transportation of pollutants across southern Africa. Ground-level ozone levels in Lusaka exceeded .90 parts per million during the day, posing serious health risks to local populations.
A new study suggests that tiny aerosols from human-produced pollution can weaken the global hydrological cycle, affecting water availability and quality. The research, published in Science, reveals that these particles can limit sunlight reaching the ocean, leading to reduced rainfall over polluted regions.
Scientists discover the lower Hudson River estuary is slowly cleaning itself due to tidal forces, storms, rain, and spring runoff stirring up polluted sediment. The process transforms contaminants into less toxic forms, allowing them to be released out to sea.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that wind-borne pollutants can travel long distances, contaminating both air and water. They used rain and air samplers to collect pollutants in Corpus Christi Bay and estimated the amounts deposited into the bay area.
Researchers at Michigan Tech have deployed a laboratory on Pico mountain in the Azores to track air pollution drifting across the North Atlantic. The lab, known as PICO-NARE, will detect ozone, black carbon dust, and carbon monoxide, shedding light on the impact of local pollution on global warming.
A team of UMass microbiologists led by Derek Lovley has extracted solid gold from water containing dissolved gold using iron-reducing microbes. The process involves the transfer of electrons to form a more valuable metal form, resulting in the formation of gold deposits.
A Penn State researcher explains how atmospheric chemistry can alter the composition of air, affecting environmental quality, and how pollutants like acetone and formaldehyde contribute to ozone production. The study also explores the role of nitrogen oxide in complex chemical reactions that produce hydrogen oxides.
Texas A&M researchers Tom Whitworth and Alex Orsi are designing a customized cyber-atlas for the Southern Ocean, combining historical and recent data to generate tailored maps. The atlas will utilize WOCE data to establish a global ocean baseline for studying decadal variability.
A report by the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation identifies industrial plants in the US as the main polluters of dioxin in Nunavut, with sources including municipal waste incinerators and cement kilns. The findings provide a new tool for governments to clamp down on polluters and control emissions.
A national team of over 150 researchers will study air pollution in the Houston region, combining data from six research aircraft and 60 ground-based monitoring stations. The goal is to identify cost-effective ways to control pollutants and protect public health.
Ground-level ozone levels are high enough to reduce growth and yield of sensitive plants on Long Island, where important agriculture is located. White clover has been particularly affected, with a 24-27% reduction in growth rate.
Two conferences will be held to present scientific findings on ocean issues, including fisheries, pollution, health, and gas hydrates. The events aim to develop a policy agenda for the US and internationally, with keynote speakers like Robert Ballard and Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Robert Criss has developed a new method to date water using oxygen-18 isotopes, providing a distinctive fingerprint for each water sample. This technique allows researchers to trace the age of water, track pollutant emissions, and understand the behavior of river systems.
The new land cover maps will provide more precise assessments of land use types, including residential development, wetlands, forests, and crop lands. The maps will help improve estimates of polluted water runoff into the Chesapeake Bay by identifying pasture land and different crops.
Researchers found that airborne sea salt particles undergo a chemical reaction in daylight to release chlorine molecules, which can influence ozone levels. This discovery suggests that sea salt particles may play a significant role in determining the levels of certain greenhouse gases and air pollutants in coastal urban areas.
A recent study published in Science reveals that urban and industrial air pollution can suppress rainfall and snowfall by creating clouds with abnormally small water droplets. This phenomenon occurs when pollution particles act as 'seeding' sites, preventing cloud moisture from condensing into raindrops and ice crystals.
New research suggests that aerosol pollutants in the atmosphere are likely masking global warming. Aerosols can modify clouds, suppress precipitation, and reflect light, cooling the Earth. This effect may be as large as the warming caused by human emissions of greenhouse gases.
Research suggests that urea from urban and agricultural runoff may trigger or sustain harmful algal blooms found off California's coast. The study found that a specific type of algae, Lingulodinium polyedrum, prefers urea over other nutrients.
Researchers found an ozone level of 85 parts per billion at 20,000 feet, exceeding the new U.S. EPA standard, and other pollutants like hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide were also detected. The high-pollution plume originated from East Asia and could pose health risks if it reaches ground level.
A recent study reveals that much of the information on global pollution is flawed due to the chirality of chemicals. This asymmetry affects how toxic pollutants interact with living organisms. The study finds that some pollutants may be less harmful than thought, while environmental changes could increase or decrease their toxicity.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill marine scientist has warned of potentially devastating effects of Hurricane Floyd on the nation's largest lagoonal estuary, Pamlico Sound. The storm could lead to catastrophic flooding, runoff, and low oxygen conditions, harming commercial and recreational fisheries.
Biologists predict that global warming and pollution will lead to more frequent die-offs of sea life, with diseases such as distemper and herpes virus spreading among marine organisms. The study highlights the need for interdisciplinary research to understand the impacts of climate change on ocean epidemics.
Research finds that ship sulfur emissions contribute to acid rain, damage vegetation, and form clouds over the ocean. The study highlights the importance of addressing this issue for solving part of the global climate change puzzle.
A study found that African dust is a major factor affecting southeast U.S. air quality, with up to half of breathable particles in the air originating from Africa. The dust can push total airborne particles above the EPA's Clean Air Act limit on certain days.
A new study shows that International Maritime Organisation (IMO) rules are being applied globally, even by countries not bound to them. This shift indicates the IMO has taken on a universal law-making role, overseeing safety at sea and pollution prevention.
A USGS study published in Atmospheric Environment reveals that air in Washington's Mount Rainier National Park contains higher concentrations of ozone than nearby urban areas. This poses a threat to park visitors and the beautiful forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows within the park.
A dense brownish haze layer extended from the ocean surface to 1-3 km altitude, impacting climate processes over the northern Indian Ocean. The haze reduced solar radiation absorbed by the ocean surface by as much as 10%, altering weather and climate dynamics.