Articles tagged with Environmental Chemistry
A new method developed by scientists at Argonne National Laboratory and Cornell University converts used HDPE into a fully recyclable and potentially biodegradable material. The approach uses catalysts to break polymer chains, making the material easier to decompose.
Experts call for a comprehensive review of UK's fire safety regulations to address the environmental and health risks of chemical flame retardants. The chemicals are found in various products, including furniture and building materials, and have been linked to health risks such as cancer and DNA damage.
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique that captures real-time movies of copper nanoparticles as they convert carbon dioxide into renewable fuels and chemicals. The study reveals that metallic copper nanograins serve as active sites for CO2 reduction, paving the way for advanced solar fuel technology.
New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.
A research team led by Professor Xiang David LI has developed a novel chemical tool called photo-ANA to investigate bacterial interactions with the host in real-time. This approach enables scientists to comprehensively profile host–bacteria protein interactions during infection, revealing known and newly discovered interactions.
A new laboratory study shows that microplastics increase the severity of an important viral fish disease. Nylon fibers had the greatest impact on disease severity. The findings have major implications beyond fish farming, affecting human health and natural environments.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have found that jet engine lubrication oils are a significant source of ultrafine particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger inflammatory reactions, potentially contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
Dartmouth College researchers have developed a durable copper-based coating that can precisely be integrated into fabric to create responsive materials for protective equipment, environmental sensors, and smart filters. The coating responds to toxic gases in the air by converting them into less toxic substances trapped in the fabric.
Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
A team of ecologists is calling for the designation of World Heritage Environmental Datasets to secure funding and ensure their long-term accessibility. These datasets, which include vital information on climate change adaptation, resource management, and environmental policy, are essential to understanding global change.
Researchers from Florida International University have patented a synthetic antibiotic, arsinothricin (AST), which is effective against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The team aims to produce large quantities of the drug to combat the growing number of infections that have become resistant to current antibiotics.
A new study published in AGU Advances found that post-lockdown auto emissions rebounded in some California areas, with affluent neighborhoods experiencing less pollution drop. The researchers used mobile laboratory data and analyzed grass samples to track CO2 levels and found significant differences between regions.
A transdisciplinary team of QUT researchers has proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackle plastic pollution, combining DNA-like encoding of plastics with international law. The technology aims to trace plastic waste back to its source, enabling the identification of polluters and eventual phasing out of plastics.
The study analyzed experimental parameters, nanomaterial types, and plant exposure duration. It found that many studies lacked positive controls and had short durations compared to crop lifecycles.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers developed a novel method to create deep nanochannels in hard and brittle materials like silica, diamond, and sapphire. By employing femtosecond laser direct writing technology, they achieved sub-100-nm feature sizes and ultrahigh aspect ratios.
Research published in Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics found that particles with two phases can form when different types of SOA mix. The number of phases depends on the difference in oxygen-to-carbon ratio between the given SOA types.
An interdisciplinary team is investigating air and water quality at the Cocopah Tribal Head Start and Day Care, which will also inform capacity building for monitoring programs. The study aims to increase local awareness of environmental exposure issues affecting children.
Researchers Dr Zoe Doubleday and Dr Jasmin Martino created a map of ocean chemistry that distinguishes the origin of seafood between south-east Asia and southern Australia. The universal chemical fingerprints can track where individual seafood comes from, helping to combat seafood fraud and ensure consumer trust.
New research from Washington University in St. Louis shows significant pH differences within nanopores, impacting engineering processes like clean-water generation and decarbonization technologies. Understanding these findings can improve predictions and system performance.
A team of researchers, including atmospheric chemists from the University of Pennsylvania, identified a novel pathway for sulfur particle formation in Venus' atmosphere. This new understanding sheds light on the source of ultraviolet-absorbing emissions and offers cautionary notes for geoengineering efforts.
A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.
Scientists have developed a biomass-derived plastic similar to PET that meets the criteria for replacing several current plastics. The new plastic can be produced in one step using inexpensive chemicals and retains its sugar structure, making it easy to degrade.
University of Queensland scientists have discovered a way to make molecular switches work at room temperature, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in MRI scans, sensors, carbon capture, and hydrogen fuel cells.
Researchers have developed a new carbon capture method using sponge-like materials that can trap CO2 without degrading over time. The materials are made from sugar and low-cost alkali metal salts, making them a potentially cost-effective solution for reducing coal-fired power plant emissions.
Researchers develop 'Chemical logic systems' (CLSs) that can process information from light, sound, and atmospheric oxygen to execute desired outcomes. CLS-1 exhibits AND logic-gate response towards three inputs, while CLS-2 displays fast reversible dissolution of a peptide-based assembly in response to blue light irradiation.
A study by American Chemical Society researchers reveals that 54 of the 93 surveyed items contained fluorine, an indicator of PFAS. The team found that 19 products had precursor compounds that can be transformed into highly stable perfluoroalkyl acids, which are linked to various health issues.
Researchers developed a fluorescent molecular probe, BOS, to detect bad cooking oils, improving the detection method for highly sensitive and accurate measurement. The Bad Oil Sensing System (BOSS) is a portable platform that can be used by consumers and the food industry to monitor oil quality.
A new study found that nylon cooking bags and plastic-lined cups can release trillions of nanometer-sized particles into each liter of water they come into contact with. The levels of these particles are below regulatory limits for consumption, but still pose a potential health risk.
Researchers at Hiroshima University have created the world's first silicon quantum dot (QD) LED light using waste rice husks, offering an eco-friendly alternative to toxic semiconducting materials. The new method transforms agricultural waste into high-quality LED lights with high luminescence efficiency and low environmental impact.
A study found that most face masks tested contained low or negligible levels of PFAS, except for a firefighter mask with potentially hazardous levels. Researchers estimate that regular wear of surgical and N95 masks does not pose a risk, but extended use of the firefighter mask could cause health problems.
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Researchers found blow flies can be used to detect chemical warfare agents and pollutants, providing a safer alternative for investigating environmental contamination. The insects' guts store information about the environment, which can be analyzed using mass spectrometry.
Researchers develop an eco-friendly organic catalyst system that improves the production of organic molecules from pyruvate, a key biomolecule in metabolic pathways. The catalyst promotes reactions where pyruvate donates electrons to produce molecules like amino acids.
Researchers combined X-ray absorption spectroscopy with single-cell inductively couple plasma mass spectrometry to analyze the interaction between precious metals and Galdieria sulphuraria cells. They found that the amount of metal adsorbed depended on the metal type and solution acidity, revealing differential adsorption mechanisms.
A recent study using mercury stable isotopes reveals that industrial discharge is the primary source of mercury pollution in Korea's west coast. This finding highlights the need for targeted management strategies to mitigate industrial mercury releases and protect marine environments.
A new study found that heavy traffic near roads is a significant contributor to water pollution, with contaminants from vehicle fluids, paints, and tires affecting nearby rivers. The study suggests that these pollutants come from road surfaces and are transported to watersheds through stormwater run-off.
A team of researchers has found that plastic waste-derived porous materials can adsorb CO2 from flue gas, reducing plastic pollution and emissions. The study suggests that these materials could be used in industrial-scale applications, making them a promising alternative to conventional CO2 capture technologies.
A study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, found that neighborhoods historically redlined for mortgage lending have higher levels of air pollution 80 years later. This is due in part to complex patterns of discrimination and historical segregation.
Researchers found a chemical link between wildfire smoke and ozone depletion, which may stall ozone recovery for years. The study discovered that the smoke from Australian wildfires in 2019-2020 depleted ozone by 1%, highlighting the potential impact of future, more frequent fires.
A zirconium oxide-supported platinum-molybdenum catalyst enables the selective conversion of esters into valuable unsymmetrical ethers under mild conditions. This process offers a sustainable solution for producing these compounds from renewable biomass-derived materials, reducing waste and energy consumption.
Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University have created a more efficient method for producing catalysts, which can speed up chemical transformations and reduce environmental impact. This breakthrough could lead to faster drug development and improved pesticide production.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen find that pharmaceutical residues in sewage sludge and cattle manure do not harm soil organisms, despite concerns over environmental risks. Organic fertilizers like sludge and manure provide better soil quality than conventional mineral fertilizers.
Monitoring projects have identified a vast array of contaminants in urban stormwater, including tire- and vehicle-derived chemicals, PFAS, phosphorous, metals, and more. Researchers are exploring various strategies to address this issue, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and reducing chemical usage at the source.
Researchers at KAUST investigated the formation of hydrogen peroxide in micrometre-sized water droplets and found that ambient ozone is a key player. They used an ultrasensitive fluorescence-based assay to detect H2O2 with improved sensitivity, revealing up to one micromolar levels in microdroplets from commercial ultrasonic humidifiers.
A new study examines the toxic impact of bio-based substances and innovative technologies on the environment, finding both biosurfactants and microgels as highly promising candidates for use in sustainable products. The results highlight the importance of integrating green toxicology into bioeconomy strategies.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found hundreds of chemical substances in tap water stored in reusable plastic bottles, including some potentially harmful to human health. The study revealed that machine washing and dishwasher use can increase the leaching of toxic substances from the plastic.
Researchers discovered unexpectedly high concentrations of artificial radionuclides in cryoconite samples from the Blaisen Glacier, linked to Chernobyl and nuclear testing. The presence of organic matter from lemming populations may contribute to higher radioactivity levels.
A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...
Researchers from McGill University found that oxygen levels rose with complex eukaryotic ecosystems, indicating low oxygen was a significant limitation on evolution for billions of years. The discovery has implications for searching for biosignatures in other planets, focusing on ozone detection.
Scientists have recorded high levels of atmospheric mercury pollution in a pristine patch of the Peruvian Amazon due to illegal gold mining. Mature Amazonian forests near gold mining are capturing huge volumes of atmospheric mercury, more than any other ecosystem previously studied.
A new study published in Environmental Research found that dust removal does not mitigate exposure to TDCIPP, a carcinogenic chemical commonly used in automobile seat foam. The researchers suggest that wearing a mask in the car may be an effective way to reduce exposure.
Scientists have discovered characteristic breakpoints that alter pollutant concentrations in rivers, impacting global water security. The research sheds light on the behavior of aquatic pollutants in large river systems, including India's River Ganga.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that nearly all soil samples in Chicago contain high levels of lead, with some areas reaching up to 3,000 ppm. The findings highlight the need for further monitoring and mitigation efforts to address environmental justice concerns.
Researchers from National Institute for Environmental Studies identified that radiocesium accumulates primarily in organic soil layers and stagnant water, contaminating organisms. Fertilizing contaminated areas with potassium can suppress biological absorption of radiocesium.
Scientists at the University of Missouri study photodissociation reactions on the quantum level, revealing strong quantum effects that challenge classical 'billiard-ball' models. The research could lead to a better understanding of atmospheric chemistry and develop new theoretical frameworks.
A pilot study reveals that a single dryer can discharge up to 120 million microfibers annually, exceeding washing machine releases. Microfibers from natural and synthetic fabrics are released through friction in the dryer, posing environmental concerns.
Researchers from Japan have developed a new method to synthesize a pure Si-CHA membrane showing much higher CO2 separation performance than existing membranes. The key to this achievement is using a porous silica substrate instead of alumina, eliminating problems with pore size reduction and improving efficiency.
A field study found that sea spray aerosols contain pollutants like perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs), potentially harmful compounds known as "forever chemicals". The researchers estimated global emissions of PFAAs from oceans to air could be up to 756 U.S. tons annually.