Articles tagged with Water Pollution
Researchers have created a prototype model that detects 'forever chemicals' in water using a luminescent metal complex attached to a sensor surface. The approach can detect 220 micrograms of PFAS per liter of water, but needs to be more sensitive to detect nanogram levels for drinking water.
A new database of marine microbes has been created, revealing insights into the ocean's diversity and its impact on climate change. The catalog provides unprecedented information on which microbes live where and what they do.
Research in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters suggests that PFAS are transported in a feedback loop between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans. The study found that around 123 tons of PFAS entered the Arctic Ocean, while approximately 110 tons moved into the Atlantic Ocean in one year.
Shengqian Ma, Ph.D., receives the 2024 Edith and Peter O'Donnell Award in Physical Sciences for his groundbreaking research on nanoporous materials-based nanotraps. These nanotraps can effectively clean up environmental pollutants like oil, mercury, and nuclear waste.
A new snail species, Xenassiminea nana, native to Japan's temperate zones, has been officially named following a comprehensive examination of its anatomical characters. The study highlights the species' unique traits, including its small size and distinct shell shape.
Machine learning algorithms revealed that MP size, shape, and dosage significantly alter soil properties. The study provides essential data for informed decision-making on plastic waste management and corporate sustainability efforts.
A new study led by Dr. Tyler Frankel has identified cancer-causing contaminants in sediments and fish in a Chesapeake Bay tributary, highlighting the importance of considering exposure pathways in conservation strategies.
Brazilian researchers developed a 3D zinc oxide photocatalyst that efficiently degrades sertraline, an emerging pollutant contaminating groundwater. The material's high photocatalytic activity and stability make it suitable for wastewater treatment.
A study found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Southern Resident killer whales and Bigg's killer whales off the coast of B.C., with contaminants from oil spills and wildfire smoke. The presence of PAHs suggests recent exposures to toxic chemicals, emphasizing the need for improved pollution management.
Researchers developed a new approach to improve particle-reinforced rubber's fatigue threshold by increasing polymer chain length and entanglement density. This multiscale stress deconcentration method increases the material's resistance to crack growth under repeated stretching, reducing pollution from shed rubber particles.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that extreme rainfall leads to significant spikes in nutrient concentrations, particularly after ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches of precipitation. However, agricultural management practices such as cover crops can lower nutrient levels in water and persist until the end of the growing season.
A recent study by University of Queensland scientist Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg warns that record-breaking marine heatwaves will cause catastrophic mass coral bleaching worldwide. The research suggests that current marine heatwaves will likely lead to a global mass coral bleaching event over the next 12-24 months.
Researchers from Incheon National University found that climate change impacts prokaryotes in oceans, altering methane and nitrous oxide cycles. This study highlights the need for policies to reduce ocean acidification and warming to stabilize vital microbial communities and greenhouse gas cycles.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
A new catalyst developed by Northwestern University chemists can break down Nylon-6, a common plastic found in fishing nets, carpet, and clothing, in just minutes. The process does not generate harmful byproducts and is practical for everyday applications.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
Researchers found that specific algae from the genus Breviolum help Caribbean octocorals withstand heat waves and bleaching events. The study provides clues for the future of coral reefs and highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecosystem.
The study found that England's only resident population of bottlenose dolphins has declined to just 48 individuals due to various human impacts. The researchers call for urgent measures to protect the population and its habitats.
A team of NTU scientists found a mix of harmful microorganisms, including Labyrinthulaceae and Lyngbya, that can poison marine life. However, they also discovered potential plastic-eating bacteria, such as Muricauda and Halomonas, which could aid in plastic degradation.
Weaker blasts may release more toxic residues than strong ones, contaminating the ocean and posing threats to marine life. Researchers found that lower-power explosions left behind higher levels of TNT in water and sediment.
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that all aquatic species in river mouths are contaminated with microplastics. Molluscs were the most affected, and nanoplastics posed a greater risk to aquatic organisms due to their ability to pass through cellular membranes.
A new solar-powered device can turn polluted water into clean drinking water and hydrogen fuel, addressing global energy and water crises. The device uses solar power to split water molecules, producing clean water and hydrogen with minimal energy loss.
A study by Griffith University found that pollution can compound the female-biasing influence of rising global temperatures on sea turtles. The research, published in Frontiers in Marine Science, discovered that exposure to heavy metals and organic contaminants can feminize green sea turtle embryos.
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
A study of European river systems from 1969-2020 found that freshwater biodiversity improved until the 2000s but stagnated since then. The researchers attribute this decline to diminishing effectiveness of existing measures and emergence of new pollutants, climate change, and invasive species.
The Pitt team will receive $2,274,859 to develop buoy-based optical fiber sensors for measuring pH and carbon dioxide in seawater. This technology aims to monitor geochemical processes within the ocean environment to kilometer-range depths, understanding its physical parameters and geochemistry.
Scientists from Japan create a new, more efficient form of liquefied stabilized soil from construction waste that can fill narrow spaces and be pumped over long distances. The material has improved flowability and lower environmental impact, making it suitable for large-scale civil engineering projects.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
A study found that river plastics can host pathogenic microbes like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia, while water samples contained human pathogens. Degraded plastics released more organic compounds, encouraging microbial growth and antimicrobial resistance gene presence.
A new study found that killer whales' diets, rather than location, are more important for pollutant exposure. The research analyzed blubber samples from 162 North Atlantic killer whales and discovered varying diet compositions caused striking differences in contaminant concentrations.
Researchers found that most allegedly biodegradable plastic items sold by Brazilian supermarkets are actually oxo-degradable plastics banned in several countries. The products cost 125% more than conventional alternatives and failed to meet minimum requirements for genuine biodegradability.
Researchers at the University of Houston have discovered that microalgae can be used to sequester carbon dioxide and convert it into mass-produced proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates. This process has the potential to transform food production, treat wastewater, and produce sustainable biofuels.
Chinese researchers are exploring advanced porous nanomaterials and technologies to reduce radionuclide discharge into the environment. These materials possess high specific surface area, abundant pore structures, exceptional stability, and design flexibility, making them promising candidates for radionuclide removal.
A study found that invertebrate abundance and diversity decreased near human activities like shellfish harvesting and heavy metal pollution. In contrast, environmental factors like water temperature and salinity impacted invertebrates further away from human settlements.
A University of Otago study found biodegradable plastics can negatively impact wild fish, especially in terms of escape performance and aerobic metabolism. In contrast, bioplastics only affected maximum escape speed, highlighting the need for regulation and control of raw materials used.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
A study in the Barents Sea reveals that microplastics are being transported into the Arctic Ocean due to ocean circulation, ice melt, and increased tourism. The highest concentrations were found near sources of pollution and along the coastline.
A study of 162 killer whales found that their diet played a significant role in contaminant levels and potential health risks. The researchers analyzed the animals' diets and found striking differences in legacy and emerging contaminant concentrations across the North Atlantic.
A study using Google Street View cars found hyper-local air pollution hotspots in the Salt Lake Valley, revealing spatial variability and environmental justice issues. The research identified pollution emission sources off-road from traffic and industrial areas.
Researchers found artificial turf fibers in most marine and river samples, with concentrations up to 50 times higher on surface waters. The study highlights the serious environmental impact of these fibers, including blockage of intestinal tracts and decrease in growth rates in aquatic animals.
Researchers at Drexel University developed a titanium oxide material that can break down two common dye pollutants in water under visible light. The material reduced rhodamine 6G and crystal violet concentrations by 90% and 64%, respectively, in just 30 minutes.
Researchers at Princeton University demonstrated that ocean bursting bubbles can transport microplastics into the atmosphere, adding to evidence of plastic pollution's oceanic reach. The study projects an annual emission of around 100,000 metric tons of microplastics from the ocean.
Scientists at IISc have developed an enzyme mimetic called NanoPtA that can degrade toxic chemicals in industrial wastewater effectively in the presence of sunlight. The nanozyme is highly specific and robust, making it suitable for large-scale industrial use.
A study using 29 low-cost instruments revealed PM2.5 values exceeded Indian national standards, associated with crop residue burning and secondary formation. The data will aid in addressing environmental impacts of air pollution.
Researchers say current models fail to project oxygen dynamics in coastal ecosystems with high photosynthetic activity, such as seagrass meadows and coral reefs. Fluctuations in oxygen levels have been observed in systems like the Venice Lagoon and Red Sea coral reefs, where marine species adapt to changing conditions.
Researchers detected nine types of polymers and one type of rubber in cloud water, confirming microplastics play a key role in rapid cloud formation. The presence of hydrophilic polymers in the atmosphere could lead to significant changes in ecological balance and severe loss of biodiversity.
Researchers at SLU discovered high concentrations of microplastics in Cliff Cave's water and sediment, with highest levels near the entrance and in sediment. Flooding increases microplastic transport through the cave system, depositing debris in higher abundances near the mouth.
A new EWG study reveals that humans can serve as sentinels for understanding the impact of toxic PFAS on wildlife health. The study's findings show that over 625 species, including fish, birds, and mammals, are contaminated with PFAS, highlighting the need to tackle these persistent chemicals.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that even highly diluted wastewater from treatment plants can exert significant effects on stream communities, reducing invertebrate diversity and altering trophic networks. The researchers emphasize the need for more stringent treatments to conserve freshwater food webs.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
Researchers found treated sewage discharge to be the best predictor of high nutrient levels and algae blooms in four English rivers, even when agricultural pollution was present. The study highlights the disproportionate impact of sewage on river quality and calls for improved regulations and waste management practices.
Researchers have genetically engineered Vibrio natriegens to produce enzymes that can break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in salt water. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of removing plastics from oceans and could lead to more sustainable solutions.
A recent study published in Ocean and Coastal Management found that the public perception of plans to combat oligotrophication in the Seto Inland Sea is more positive than expected. The survey revealed that respondents were unfamiliar with nutrient supply measures from factories and sewage treatment plants, but presented information si...
The UK National Clean Maritime Research Hub aims to accelerate the decarbonisation of maritime activity in ports and at sea. The hub will carry out innovative research in sustainable marine fuels and their safe use, low-carbon power and propulsion systems for shipping.
A study by the American Chemical Society found that rubber plumbing seals can release additives into drinking water, including 1,3 diphenylguanidine and N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-N'-phenyl-1,4-benzenediamine. The leaked compounds can form unwanted byproducts, which may pose a human health risk.
Researchers have developed a sustainable solution to clean contaminated water using 3D-printed 'living material' containing genetically engineered bacteria that produce an enzyme to transform organic pollutants. The material's surface area and geometry optimize bacterial growth and decontamination efficiency.
A recent study found that social factors are a stronger influence on water-quality violations than median household income. The study's social vulnerability index captured three times as much of the population affected by water-quality issues as median income did.
Researchers at CARe argue that taxing pharmaceutical companies is not a feasible solution due to potential economic consequences. Instead, they propose a hybrid framework combining the 'polluter pays' principle with a 'capacity principle,' focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame.
Researchers developed a new type of photocatalyst harnessing the visible portion of sunlight spectrum. The photocatalyst achieved high photo-to-chemical conversation efficiency and was found to be extremely stable under various conditions, including high temperatures and different pH levels.
A new study published by the University of Rhode Island's Graduate School of Oceanography reveals extensive microplastic storage in Narragansett Bay, with an estimated 1,000 tons stored in the top 5 cm of its floor. The buildup has occurred over the last 10-20 years, primarily due to littering and runoff of single-use plastic items.