Articles tagged with Water Pollution
A joint research project by Toyohashi University of Technology found that 78% of Jakarta's river waste is plastic, with PET bottles and bags accounting for over half. The study estimated a daily discharge rate of 7.7-12.6 grams per person, highlighting the need for improved waste management in Indonesia.
A study led by Gabriel Filippelli suggests that the evolution of tree roots during the Devonian Period caused massive algae growth, depleting ocean oxygen and triggering mass extinctions. The researchers found that tree roots released excess nutrients into the oceans during times of decay, leading to catastrophic events.
A Tel Aviv University study reveals that the Israeli shoreline is contaminated with more than two million tons of microplastics, with Tel Aviv and Hadera beaches being the most polluted. The researchers warn that exposure to microplastic waste is unavoidable and poses a risk to human health.
New research reveals a relationship between virus concentration and organic carbon in wastewater treatment plant effluents. The study found that viruses can affect the concentration of organic carbon, leading to potential negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems nearby.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) releases a position paper emphasizing the need for policy actions to address climate change, reduce hazardous substance exposure, and promote environmental justice. ACP calls for immediate action to limit global temperature rise and comprehensive efforts to achieve environmental justice.
Researchers use machine learning to generate beta-barrel proteins that can detect metal ions in water, a potential solution for identifying pollutants like lead in waterways. The 'deep-fake' protein is designed to be ideal for binding specific metals and creating conductance differences.
The study found that scrubber discharge water accounts for up to 9% of certain carcinogenic and environmentally harmful substances in the Baltic Sea. This increase is partly due to a significant growth in ships equipped with scrubbers, which has tripled since the study was carried out.
A WWII shipwreck in the North Sea is leaking hazardous pollutants like explosives and heavy metals, influencing marine microbiology and geochemistry. The study found varying concentrations of toxic substances depending on distance from the wreck, with highest metal levels near the coal bunker.
A new study found that air pollution from factories and vehicles is associated with faster disease progression and premature death for patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease. Increasing levels of PM2.5 were linked to more severe disease, faster disease progression, and higher likelihood of dying sooner.
Research by the University of Exeter found high levels of antibiotic ciprofloxacin in UK wastewater, posing a significant risk to human health. The study suggests that antibiotic pollution from human waste can increase resistance to antibiotics, even in countries with well-established sanitation infrastructures.
A new study evaluated the performance of a Seabin device in Plymouth, UK, finding it captured only 0.18kg of litter over 750 hours of operation. In contrast, manual trawls collected significantly more litter with minimal harm to marine life.
Insect larvae may contribute to microplastic pollution in rivers by chewing up litter. Researchers found that larvae use sharp teeth to break down plastic into smaller pieces, building their protective casing.
Research identifies Colorado River flow decline as main cause of Salton Sea's shrinking, leading to increased salt and chemical concentrations. The study highlights the need for a watershed-centric approach to mitigate the environmental risks and health impacts of the Salton Sea's decline.
As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.
A study by Duke University and Appalachian State University reveals that coal ash pollution has been more persistent and widespread than previously known, with large quantities deposited in lake sediments. The contaminants can leach into the aquatic food chain, posing chronic risks to ecosystems.
Researchers have developed a new framework using high-throughput 'omics' technologies to detect the effects of ambient chemical mixtures on living organisms, including water fleas. The approach enables water fleas to detect bioactive components and predict toxicity in other species.
Scientists at the University of California San Diego have developed a new biodegradable polyurethane material that can break down in seawater, reducing plastic pollution. The material was tested in marine environments and found to be degraded by microorganisms, which consume the chemicals as nutrients.
A new study reveals that plastic degradation releases organic compounds and CO2 into the water, causing a drop in pH levels. The study found that aged plastic contributes significantly more to ocean acidification than new plastic, with some types of plastic releasing up to 0.5 pH units.
Geologists mapped how historical coking and smelting led to toxic metal pollutants in Pittsburgh's soil, particularly in the eastern half of the city. The team found that concentrations of soil metals were higher in valleys influenced by rivers, with cadmium posing a lesser-known risk.
A new review highlights the need for more research on the effects of wildfires on water quality in watersheds. The study found that pollutants from burned structures can exceed regulatory limits and affect the surrounding ecosystem, leading to increased risk of water contamination.
A recent study published in Ear, Nose & Throat Journal found that twice-daily nasal irrigation with saline solution significantly reduced hospitalizations and deaths among patients with COVID-19, particularly those aged 55 and older. The technique is safe, effective, and inexpensive, offering a vital public health impact.
A team of researchers found microplastics in water trapped in plant leaf axils, a first-time discovery that highlights the global risk of contamination. The study, conducted in Slovakia, used teasel phytotelmata, small aquatic ecosystems formed by plants, to detect the presence of microplastics.
Researchers simulated a superheated steam dishwasher, finding it kills 99% of bacteria on a plate in just 25 seconds. The technology could also effectively remove food debris with shock waves, making it ideal for restaurants, hotels, and hospitals.
A comprehensive review of water quality trading programs worldwide reveals that agricultural production remains largely unregulated, hindering their effectiveness. The authors suggest that nudging political will and creating regulatory drivers can help evolve water quality trading into a cost-effective pollution control instrument.
Small amounts of highly weathered oil residues from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster were still present in the surroundings ten years later. The study suggests that many environmental impacts are caused by chemically altered oil components, which can have different toxicities and physical properties.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem discovered that coarse sea spray significantly reduces the amount of lightning in storm clouds. The study found that aerosols larger than 1 micron, or coarse sea spray, inhibit lightning by up to 90%, while smaller aerosols actually increase lightning and affect rainfall.
Researchers tracing nitrogen pollution affecting the Mesoamerican Reef Region reveal that agricultural operations are responsible for the vast majority of nitrogen pollution. The study highlights the need for tailored management strategies to mitigate nutrient input and protect coral reef and seagrass health.
Researchers found that microbes detach from sinking plastic and attach to surrounding water, stopping their descent at a few meters below the surface. Microbial communities on floating plastic particles differ from those in deeper waters.
The levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in environmental media have dramatically decreased over the last 20 years due to new insights into their toxicity. However, due to the global spread of PFAS, environmental media everywhere will now exceed guidelines designed to protect human health.
Researchers developed a novel composite material of COF and graphene that shows high and rapid adsorption capacity for organic pollutants. The material, consisting of a nanoporous, ultrathin covalent organic framework (COF) anchored on graphene, can filter out organic dyes from water efficiently.
A study found that certain bacteria grow more efficiently on plastic bags than leaves and twigs, breaking down carbon compounds in the process. The bacteria's growth is stimulated by plastic pollution, which primes them for rapid breakdown of other natural carbon compounds.
Researchers created a composite of boron nitride and titanium dioxide that harnesses UV-A energy to break apart PFOA molecules in water, degrading 99% of the pollutant in less than three hours. The catalyst is more efficient than existing methods, offering new hope for removing PFOA from drinking water.
Researchers at MIT develop a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The new material is made from widely available and less expensive silk protein, which can be dissolved using a scalable water-based process.
Research has found that some metal-rich suspended sediment from the disaster remains in circulation, causing ongoing impacts on water quality and aquatic life. The study estimates it will take about a decade for the lake to substantially flush out the finest fraction of these tailings solids.
A new study found that noise from one mine alone could travel approximately 500 kilometers in gentle weather conditions, with cumulative impacts likely in areas with multiple mines. The deep sea is home to organisms found nowhere else on Earth, and mining activities could have untold impacts on these species.
Researchers discovered microplastics in Palau's coral reefs, despite their pristine nature, raising concerns about the impact on marine life. The study highlights the pervasive presence of plastic pollution in even the most protected ecosystems.
A review paper highlights the relationships between soil pollution and human health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease. Soil pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics can damage cardiovascular health through inflammation and disrupting the body's natural clock.
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a new method to remove nanoplastics from water using apples and pectin. The study found that the method was able to remove 95% of nanoplastics in just 24 hours.
Scientists have created a membrane made from a waste by-product of vegetable oil manufacturing that can filter out heavy metals from contaminated water. The membrane uses proteins derived from peanut or sunflower oil production to attract and trap heavy metal ions, purifying water to international drinking standards.
A study conducted at Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station discovered high levels of microplastics in the lake's surface waters. The research, led by Dr. Xiong from China's Institute of Hydrobiology, identified three main ways microplastics enter the lake: atmospheric deposition, river inputs, and shoreline sources.
Researchers at FAU Harbor Branch develop an ocean model to study connectivity between the Everglades and Florida Keys via Florida Bay. The tool aims to predict changes in responses to water management, ecological restoration and climate change.
A recent study found that approximately 43.5% of rivers worldwide have concerning concentrations of pharmaceutical ingredients, including antidepressants and painkillers. The research highlights the need to reduce emissions of these substances into the environment to mitigate their impact on river health.
Researchers have developed a new hybrid machine learning approach that forecasts lake ecosystem responses to climate change with improved accuracy. The model, which uses data-driven methods and minimal assumptions, is able to capture the complex relationships between variables in ecosystems.
A team of Chinese and U.S. scientists created the first global map of chronic oil slicks in oceans and found that more than 90 percent come from human sources. Most slicks occur near coastlines, with significant reductions in pollution around regulated offshore areas.
A recent study published in Science found that more than 90% of chronic oil slicks on the Earth's oceans are caused by human activities. The research team used satellite radar images and artificial intelligence to analyze over 560,000 images collected between 2014 and 2019.
High concentrations of disinfection byproducts in tap water are linked to adverse health outcomes. Researchers suggest adopting solutions such as advanced water treatment and sourcing water from less polluted areas to reduce the risk. Additionally, nanofiltration is proposed as an effective household treatment to improve water quality.
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
Researchers have created a new classification system for coexisting mangrove-coral habitats, identifying four distinct types: lagoons, creeks, fringe areas, and under the mangrove canopy. These habitats are diverse, with about 130 species of corals living in them, and are crucial for coral survival.
A new standardized method for measuring calcium carbonate on ocean floors can help researchers compare coral reef health globally. The 'how-to' guide enables the collection of comparable data from coral and oyster reefs worldwide, providing insights into the impacts of climate change and human activities.
Global mismanagement of phosphorus is causing twin crises, with skyrocketing fertilizer prices and pollution damaging biodiversity. The '50, 50, 50' goal aims to reduce global phosphorus pollution by 50% and increase recycling by 50%, while adopting more efficient use in agriculture.
A team of scientists led by Dr. Matthew L. Niemiller has rediscovered the Shelta Cave Crayfish, a rare and ancient species thought to be extinct for 30 years. The discovery was made in a cave system in northern Alabama and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect threatened species.
Researchers evaluated the toxicological effects of BaP on bay scallops, finding increased immune response-related parameters with time at higher concentrations. The study suggests that BaP dampens the immune response of scallops and decreases their capacity to respond to oxidative stress.
A new study by Bigelow Laboratory confirms the effectiveness of chemical dispersants in breaking down oil in seawater under real-world conditions. The researchers found that dispersants were effective if applied within two to four days, a typical time frame for oil spill response.
The study reveals that the U.S., Brazil, and China are top suppliers of global plastic packaging waste, with North and South America responsible for most production and consumption. The researchers emphasize the need for producers and consumers to share responsibility and costs to reduce plastic use.
A new Virginia Tech study found that anoxic conditions can lead to a vicious cycle of oxygen loss in lakes, causing them to become sources of nutrients downstream. The study's findings suggest that climate change and excess pollutant runoff are exacerbating this issue.
A multidisciplinary project aims to develop a decision-making tool to estimate the risk of water contamination in flooded areas. The research team will collect public data and conduct field work to test their approach in small study areas, ultimately enabling Québec to reduce health risks by better protecting water quality.
Elevated heavy metal levels in rivers can lead to higher antibiotic resistance levels, according to research by Newcastle University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. The study found that metal pollution increases antibiotic resistance gene abundances, affecting resident bacteria.
A team of researchers at Flinders University has developed a novel sorbent made from waste materials that can absorb almost all mercury in polluted water in minutes. The material, coated with poly(S-r-limonene), is fast-acting and selective, capturing only mercury without other metal contaminants.
Scientists have developed a novel 'green' fertilizer that uses an advanced milling technique to produce slow-release soil nutrient crystals. The method reduces nitrogen pollution and energy consumption compared to traditional fertilizers.
Researchers monitored mercury levels in artificial lakes to identify sources and factors affecting concentration. Most mercury originated from soil in catchment areas, with surface runoff contributing in shorter-residence time reservoirs.