Articles tagged with Water Pollution
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers have developed a sugar-like polymer that traps heavy metals within insoluble clumps for easy removal, demonstrating potential as a recyclable material. The polymer showed high efficiency in removing cadmium and lead from river water, with minimal impact on other metal ions.
Researchers detected over 120 organic micropollutants in the River Oder, amplifying the effect of algal toxins on fish biomass. The mixture of pollutants caused significant stress and potential harm to aquatic organisms.
Researchers found that recreational tubing and swimming have a short-term impact on stream chemistry and microbiome, increasing levels of metals and human-associated microbes.
A new filtration material developed by MIT researchers uses natural silk and cellulose to remove persistent chemicals, including PFAS and heavy metals. The material's antimicrobial properties help keep filters clean, providing a nature-based solution to water contamination.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh mapped nitrogen losses county by county, finding high spatial disconnects between where beef is eaten and where nitrogen impacts are felt. This disconnect results in people living far from the area where their beef was produced experiencing negative environmental effects.
A WVU statistician is developing new methods to analyze curve-type data for predicting extreme weather patterns, financial turmoil and pollution levels. The research aims to create innovative tools for understanding high-resolution data and addressing regional risks in mountainous states like West Virginia.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed an all-in-one solution to remove and destroy PFAS substances, also known as 'forever chemicals,' from water supply. The system combines an activated carbon filter with a patented catalyst that traps and breaks down harmful chemicals into harmless components.
Researchers developed a new method to assess and manage rising global plastic pollution by testing levels of microplastic contamination in marine plankton. The study found varying degrees of damage to common plastics using different chemical digestive aids, highlighting the need for effective strategies to mitigate marine pollution.
Researchers developed a low-cost, portable tool to accurately measure microplastic particles, which are showing up in food, water, and air. The device uses fluorescent labeling and delivers results in minutes, with costs as low as 1.5 cents per test.
A new study by UCL researchers surveyed 1,114 UK women aged 16-80 who enjoy cold water swimming, finding most swim in the sea year-round and that longer swims occur in summer. The authors highlight pollution risks and call for improved safety measures and accessibility.
New research reveals a dangerous combination of warming waters and nutrient overload is degrading freshwater ecosystem functioning. This simplification leads to shorter food chains and vulnerable top predators, emphasizing the urgent global need to reduce pollution levels.
A Rice-built reactor system can convert nitrates into green ammonia and purified water, decarbonizing ammonia production and treating nitrate-contaminated water. The innovative three-chamber system uses recyclable ions to improve reaction efficiency and eliminates the need for high concentrations of supporting electrolytes.
The NYU Abu Dhabi team has developed a new type of dual-faced membrane that effectively purifies water from contaminants and boasts strong antibacterial properties. The microwave-mediated synthesis method allows precise control over the membrane's properties, enabling efficient removal of pollutants.
Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a way to fingerprint organofluorine compounds, also known as 'forever chemicals', allowing them to be traced back to their source. The new technique uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and computational tools to identify unique carbon isotope patterns in each molec...
Researchers found a significant spike in fine-particle air pollutant levels after the display, with some areas exceeding 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter, compared to NYC's average daily concentration of 15 micrograms.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a self-powered pump that uses natural light and chemistry to target and remove specific water pollutants. The pump uses synthetic molecular receptors designed to bond to negatively charged ions, which are then trapped and released in a non-reactive substrate.
A study by the University of Essex found that oil and gas extraction can cause a nearly 30% decline in species richness near platforms, with pollutants like hydrocarbons up to 10,613% higher within 500m. This has a direct impact on marine invertebrates and food webs.
PSU will lead a three-year project to develop cost-effective filters for washing machines, dishwashers, and clothes dryers to remove microplastics. The project aims to reduce microplastic pollution in coastal communities through education and intervention strategies involving tourism industry partners.
A new study reveals that mining activities pose a significant threat to vertebrate species worldwide, with over 4,642 species at risk. The main drivers of this threat are mining for materials essential to clean energy technologies like lithium, cobalt, and limestone.
Researchers found that nitrogen emissions from human activities cool the climate by minus 0.34 watts per square metre, but also cause harm to health, biodiversity, and the ozone layer. The study warns against increasing atmospheric nitrogen as a means of combating global warming.
Researchers discovered an estimated 400 billion microplastic fibers in Frenchman Bay and its tributaries, with concentrations highest in the bay itself. The study found that microplastics were transported from land through rivers and estuaries into the bay, posing a significant threat to marine life and humans.
Researchers have identified two new species of hillstream suck-loach, Beaufortia granulopinna and Beaufortia viridis, from the upper Pearl River system in southwest China. These species exhibit unique morphological specializations, including suction cup-like fins that enable them to adhere to rocky substrates.
Pusan National University researchers introduced FLIT-SHAP, an explainable machine learning approach that breaks down pollutant effects in mixtures. The tool revealed significant synergistic and antagonistic interactions, challenging current approaches to regulating pollutants.
Research from the University of Illinois Chicago found that oil drops can break into smaller droplets at the surface, spreading pollution throughout the ocean. Increasing water viscosity may help prevent this process, making cleanup easier.
Researchers have identified specific bacterial species that can cleave stubborn fluorine-to-carbon bonds in insidious water pollutants, such as PFAS compounds. This discovery opens the door for bioengineers to improve these enzymes and potentially treat contaminated drinking water sources.
Researchers found that microplastics increase the height and stability of sea foam, particularly when part of smaller breaking waves. This positive effect reflects sunlight, potentially lowering ocean temperatures and driving more cloud formation.
Households are willing to pay $156.84 annually for targeted home systems to remove PFAS, which is less than the cost of municipal-level treatment. Under-the-sink reverse osmosis filters are estimated to have a yearly total cost of around $100, including maintenance.
Burning ammonia for maritime fuel could worsen air quality and lead to devastating public health impacts, even with cleaner engine technology and green production methods. The study suggests that stronger regulations could reduce premature deaths from 600,000 to 66,000 annually
A new study suggests that implementing effective water quality management measures could halve future water scarcity in the Pearl River Basin. The research highlights the importance of addressing water pollution and other environmental factors to mitigate water scarcity and support sustainable development.
A study by Norwegian researchers reveals that around 758 kilotons of plastics enter the Norwegian market every year, while only 2.4% ends up in the environment. The country's high plastic consumption rates pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems, and efforts to reduce plastic waste are crucial.
Ephemeral streams are a substantial pathway for water transfer with significant implications for water quality, transporting pollutants and sediments to rivers and lakes. A recent study found that these streams account for over half of annual discharge from U.S. drainage networks, highlighting the need for enhanced regulation.
A recent study identifies areas at risk of waste leakage into aquatic environments, highlighting the need for improved waste management systems and universal waste collection. The research also emphasizes the importance of circular waste management systems to reduce pollution in these ecosystems.
A new study reveals that the Supreme Court's ruling weakening the Clean Water Act leaves many US waterways vulnerable to pollution. Ephemeral streams, which only flow during weather events, contribute significantly to river systems' total output, with 55% of water coming from them on average.
The Deepwater Horizon oil spill released nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil and hydrocarbon gases, affecting an area of 1,100 square miles, nearly nine times larger than earlier studies. Biodiversity loss among harpacticoid copepods declined dramatically due to the spill.