Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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A study published in Science of the Total Environment found that stormwater detention basins in Northern Virginia face significant salt stress due to road salts. Native plant species, such as cattails, showed promise in tolerating high salt concentrations, but their impact on overall salt removal was limited.
A Tel Aviv University study finds that microplastic particles are excreted in the feces of marine animals, making them undetectable as plastic. This process can lead to increased carbon and nitrogen levels on the seafloor, promoting algal blooms and disrupting the marine food web.
A new analysis by Silent Spring Institute found nearly a third of the US population has been exposed to unregulated contaminants in their drinking water. Hispanic and Black communities are more likely to have poorer water quality and higher exposures to PFAS.
A recent study found a 59% decrease in river antibiotic pollution due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct discharge. However, this reduction came with an unintended consequence: increased antibiotic leaching into groundwater by 15%, mainly from expanded manure use as fertilizer.
A new publication provides comprehensive guidance for public drinking water system staff on responding to wildfire damage, outlining key findings from previous disasters. The guidance aims to improve detection of chemical contamination, reduce customer notification delays, and restore safe drinking water delivery quickly.
The study found that clouds contain significantly more arsenic on average than rainwater, and biological processes play a key role in the global distribution of arsenic. The researchers also detected various types of arsenic compounds in rainwater samples, including methylated forms formed by bacteria and plants.
A simulation mapping underground water on a continental scale reveals that rainfall and snowmelt flow much farther underground than previously thought. The study also shows that more than half of the water in streams originates from aquifers previously believed to be too deep for streams.
Research integrating natural archive data and modelled atmospheric mercury deposition reveals ecosystem responses to Hg input. Ecosystems like lake sediments exhibit trends similar to atmospheric Hg deposition, while ice and marine sediments show less pronounced responses.
A first-of-its-kind study from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities utilizes remote sensing technology to monitor plastic debris in freshwater environments like the Mississippi River. The research helps increase understanding of plastic debris behavior in these systems, shedding light on a growing environmental issue.
Researchers developed a compact hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system for remote detection and identification of plastics. The system can identify plastics from 6 meters away with high accuracy, offering a valuable tool for monitoring and analysis of oceanic plastic pollution.
A nationwide analysis of Japan's plastic litter removal from rivers found that natural disasters and extreme weather events contribute to spikes in collected plastic waste. The study, led by Tokyo University of Science, also identified positive correlations between basin population, plastic litter recovery, and cleanup activities.
A group of international scientists is urging the European Commission to implement protective measures for subterranean ecosystems, which store 97% of the world's drinking water and harbor unique biodiversity. Regular surveys of subterranean fauna can reveal the health of these ecosystems, which are sensitive to contaminants.
A new study finds that heavy rains deliver the greatest amounts of fertilizer-derived nitrogen through creeks and rivers into the northern Gulf of Mexico. The research can be used to develop policies to protect the gulf from nutrient overloading, harmful algal blooms, and oxygen-depleted 'dead zones'.
A new study from Tulane University analyzed 260 honey samples from 48 states for toxic metals, finding regional differences in contamination levels. The highest arsenic and cobalt levels were found in Pacific Northwest and Southeastern honeys, respectively, while lead was detected in Carolinas honeys.
A new study found that mealworms can ingest and absorb microplastics when fed a realistic diet, gaining weight in the process. The insects' digestive mechanisms hold potential for breaking down microplastics, offering a novel approach to addressing plastic pollution.
Researchers observed microfiber plastics tumbling, rolling, and getting stuck in soil particles, revealing slow movement and potential trapping. The study improves understanding of exposure risks and possible health impacts of widespread plastic pollutants.
Researchers confirm oil presence in Mauritius mangrove forest close to Ramsar conservation sites, three years after MV Wakashio spill. The oil has undergone weathering and biodegradation, but its ongoing presence poses an unknown risk to the sensitive ecosystem.
The MIT team fabricated a simple water filter modeled after the mobula ray's plankton-filtering features and studied its performance. They found that the ray's filtering features are broadly similar to industrial cross-flow filters, which could inform design of water treatment systems.
Researchers found that living in neighborhoods with low food access, contaminated drinking water, and proximity to Superfund sites increases PFAS levels in blood. The study provides evidence for addressing neighborhood-level factors in reducing racial and ethnic environmental health disparities.
Greg Liu has developed a revolutionary way to convert certain plastics into soaps, detergents, lubricants, and other products through thermolysis. The process breaks down polypropylene and polyethylene molecules into chemical compounds, leaving minimal residual solids and usable oil.
The Center for Translational Exposomics Research (CTER) at USC aims to accelerate environmental health research and find practical solutions. CTER investigates how different exposures impact health across populations using population studies, lab experiments, and community engagement.
Researchers found high levels of contamination on Perequê Beach in Guarujá, Brazil, with plastic and cigarette butts predominating. The study, published in Marine Pollution Bulletin, highlights the need for public policies to mitigate litter and protect marine ecosystems.
Researchers found that a chlorine-cocoa butter mixture can effectively treat diseased corals, reducing tissue loss and environmental harm. The alternative approach offers a cheaper, biodegradable solution to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Researchers identified two microbe strains capable of degrading petroleum hydrocarbons, holding promise for treating contaminated marine oil spills. These microorganisms also exhibit potential to reduce the toxicity of oily wastewater, offering a sustainable solution for environmental remediation.
Researchers developed a machine learning framework that predicts inorganic pollutants in groundwater based on limited water quality samples. The model suggests 15% to 55% of sites may truly be risk-free, identifying critical gaps in groundwater quality datasets.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a novel nanotechnology-based solution to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. The process uses magnetic nanoparticles that bind to tiny plastic particles and can be removed with a magnet.
The new research highlights the complexity of plastics pollution, emphasizing its far-reaching effects on climate change, biodiversity loss, and freshwater usage. The study suggests a set of control variables to address plastics pollution in the Planetary Boundaries framework, promoting more sustainable responses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have created an electrochemical strategy to capture, concentrate, and destroy PFAS from water using a single device. The new process combines redox electrodialysis with electrosorption to effectively remove ultra-short-chain PFAS molecules.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new, portable method to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water. The device is small, inexpensive, and can detect levels as low as 400 ppt, making it more accessible for on-site testing.
A new study published in Science Advances found that the Arctic Ocean has seen a sharp rise in legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) decades after global regulations were put in place. POPs, which are toxic and bioaccumulative, pose potential dangers to animals and people in the fragile ecosystem's food web.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers has detected lead pollution in ice cores from the Guliya ice cap in northwestern Tibet, revealing a significant change in its origin beginning in 1974. This shift was likely caused by stricter emissions policies implemented in the US during that time period.
A new publication by European ocean scientists highlights the impact of sea-level rise on coastal freshwater systems and their interconnectedness with the Ocean. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable management of both components of the global water cycle to ensure resilience.
A new study by Penn State researchers tracked wastewater and groundwater monitoring data to inform wastewater practices in the Florida Keys. The scientists found that shallow injection of treated wastewater removed over 90% of soluble reactive phosphorus, but some nutrients remained in nearshore waters.
A study by USC researchers estimates that 850,000 pounds of toxic metals have been released into the environment in the Western US from 2009-2021. The team found a range of heavy metals, including chromium and cadmium used as corrosion inhibitors, as well as arsenic in phosphate ores.
Researchers found that wildfire suppressant products can contribute to elevated metal levels in the environment. The study tested 14 fire suppression products and found that they contained at least one metal exceeding EPA's Maximum Contaminant Level regulations for drinking water.
Researchers at RMIT University have developed a new method for spotting plastic rubbish on beaches, which can be seen from over 600km above. The Beached Plastic Debris Index uses differences in reflected light to distinguish between sand, water, and plastics.
A new study reveals that invasive silver carp reduce their movement in Chicago-area water due to stress caused by contaminants. The fish's behavior changes when introduced to water from the Illinois River north of Kankakee, suggesting they are avoiding pollutants from the Chicago Area Waterway.
According to a new USGS study, approximately 71-95 million people in the Lower 48 states may rely on groundwater containing detectable concentrations of PFAS for their drinking water supplies. The predictive model helps understand the potential for PFAS contamination and informs strategic planning for water resources.
Researchers discovered that when combined, microplastics and PFAS cause more severe toxic effects on aquatic life, including developmental failures and stunted growth. The study highlights the urgent need for regulatory frameworks addressing the unintended combinations of pollutants in the environment.
Researchers developed a system using woodchips and biochar to remove nitrogen, phosphorus, and pharmaceuticals from wastewater. The treatment-train approach showed significant removal of pollutants, with the biochar acting like activated carbon to efficiently remove pharmaceutical residues.
A team of researchers has identified mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, which are a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery of novel enzymes and bacterial species with the ability to break down PET could potentially be used to develop new strategies for plastic waste cleanup.
A new study by Duke University finds that deep-diving whales confuse plastic debris with prey items, as its acoustic signature mimics squid. Researchers tested various types of plastic trash and found strong similarities in their acoustic signals compared to whale prey, highlighting the need for more sustainable materials.
A research team led by Dr. Franco Marcantonio found significant lead pollution in a Tibetan glacier starting in 1974, with highest levels between 2000 and 2007. The team traced the source of pollution to Chinese gasoline emissions containing lead until its phasedown after 2007.
Climate change is releasing more contaminants into the ocean, affecting marine ecosystems. Human activities and natural sources are mobilizing and increasing contaminant flows due to rising sea levels and melting glaciers.
A recent study by Imperial College London has found that dogs swimming in contaminated ponds are releasing harmful levels of two pesticide medications. The chemicals, imidacloprid and fipronil, were used as flea and tick treatments for cats and dogs, posing a significant threat to aquatic life.
Researchers have discovered an enzyme that degrades polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in sewage sludge, a breakthrough that could help reduce plastic pollution. The enzyme is produced by the bacterium Comamonas testosteroni, which naturally breaks down polymers and can be used to upcycle PET waste.
Researchers discovered that wastewater bacteria can break down plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use a specialized enzyme to further degrade it. The bacteria then use the broken-down plastic as a food source, providing new possibilities for developing bioengineering solutions to clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste.
A human rights-based approach to coral reef protection could ensure governments are held accountable for safeguarding marine ecosystems. An estimated one billion people rely on healthy coral reefs globally for food security and income, highlighting the catastrophic impact of their loss on human health and economic wellbeing.
Research highlights strong links between soil and water pollution and cardiovascular disease, with airborne dust contributing to 770,000 annual cardiovascular deaths. The study emphasizes the importance of controlling soil and water pollution through improved filtration, air quality management, and sustainable urban design.
A new study led by the Alfred Wegener Institute has analyzed 2.2 tons of sand from 71 beaches along the German coast, revealing that 52 beaches were contaminated with plastic. The researchers found an average of four plastic particles per square meter, but noted that microplastic pollution varies greatly from place to place.
Industrial fishing practices in tropical and subtropical waters release high levels of methylmercury into the ocean. The majority of this mercury is found in large pelagic fish like tuna, which are then consumed by humans. This can lead to developmental delays in children and impaired cardiovascular health in adults.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that reducing plastic waste entering oceans by 32% by 2035 would result in more than 50% less plastic in the oceans by 2050. The study aims to provide a clear numerical target for global efforts to tackle marine plastic pollution.
The study found a recent reversal of fortunes in the Adriatic Sea, with populations of marine predators and their prey plummeting and being replaced by a single species. The researchers used seafloor environments to determine interactions between species, showing a decline in biodiversity and excess nutrients.
A study highlights significant air and water pollution near industrial zones in Delta, Nigeria, posing risks to human health and the environment. The analysis found elevated levels of pollutants, including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and heavy metals, affecting respiratory health and other health issues.
Researchers have discovered microplastics in all three parts of coral anatomy, including surface mucus, tissue, and skeleton. This finding may explain the 'missing plastic problem' and suggests that corals could be sequestering plastic waste from the ocean.
A research team developed a computational workflow for analyzing large data sets in metabolomics, speeding up the process to capture chemical profiles of coastal environments. The tool, accessible to researchers worldwide, highlights potential sources of pollution and enables statistical insights within minutes.
A new report by international experts urges a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution, citing over 7,000 research studies on microplastics. The need for global reduction in plastic production and emission of microplastic particles is emphasized to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
Researchers analyzed DNA in fecal samples to determine the diet of Alaska and southern resident killer whales. They found that both populations prefer salmon, but differ in when they switch to hunting other fish species. The study provides key insights into the delicate balance between regional abundance of different fish species.
Piezocatalysis, a green chemistry approach, utilizes mechanical forces to degrade various organic pollutants in water. The study reveals new pathways for enhanced environmental remediation using piezoelectric materials like ZnO and BaTiO3, offering a low-cost, efficient solution for water treatment.
Research reveals that crude oil pollution dramatically reduces sea otter fur buoyancy, placing newborn pups at risk due to their larger surface area relative to body mass. After cleaning, the buoyancy of the fur improves but not fully recovers, highlighting the need for thorough detergent rinsing.