Researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have experimentally confirmed that nitrate can transport naturally occurring uranium from underground to groundwater. The study found that adding nitrate to water increased the amount of uranium carried away, implicating both nitrate and microorganisms in mobilizing the uranium.
A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to nitrate in drinking water may increase the risk of prostate cancer, especially among younger men and those with aggressive tumors. Eating a diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables can help mitigate this effect.
A new study by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign demonstrates an approach for integrated capture and conversion of nitrate-contaminated waters into valuable ammonia using a single electrochemical cell. The device shows significant enhancements in energy efficiency, nitrate removal, and ammonium production rate compared to ...
A new study reveals a significant increase in nocturnal production of nitrate radicals in China, which could exacerbate air pollution and pose a major health threat. The country's 'hot-spot' for nitrate radical production may worsen ozone and fine particulate pollution if emissions are not reduced.
A new study found that consuming dietary nitrate from beetroot juice significantly increases muscle force while exercising. The researchers discovered a 7% increase in muscle torque production, providing the best evidence to date on the mechanisms behind why dietary nitrate improves human muscle performance.
A large cohort study found an association between dietary nitrite intake and increased risk of type 2 diabetes. The study, which included over 104,000 participants, suggests that limiting the use of nitrite additives in processed meats may be necessary to reduce this risk.
New study reveals marine algae adapt to nutrient-poor ocean conditions, sustaining productivity even in depleted waters. This 'metabolic hack' could impact global ocean productivity and carbon sequestration.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
Researchers found that rusty center pivots indicate a lack of nitrate in the groundwater they feed. In fact, most wells supplying full-rust and part-rust pivots had nitrate concentrations below the EPA's safety threshold. However, some part-rust pivots showed higher nitrate levels, highlighting the need for further investigation.
A research team at UFSCar developed a biodegradable slow-release fertilizer using modified nanocellulose, which releases nutrients slowly and in a controlled manner. The material is designed to reduce the release of non-biodegradable chemicals into the ecosystem.
A Nagoya University research team found that soil nitrate in the riparian zone is the primary source of increased stream nitrate during rainstorms. The researchers' study may help reduce nitrogen pollution and improve water quality in downstream bodies of water.
Researchers propose nitrous oxide as a potential biosignature for exoplanets, detectable by the James Webb Space Telescope. They modeled N2O production on Earth-like planets and found it could be comparable to CO2 or methane in star systems like TRAPPIST-1.
Diatoms in aquatic ecosystems have a previously unknown ability to store and use nitrate as a nutrient. They can replace oxygen with nitrate, allowing them to thrive in deep sediments and at night.
Researchers have developed a novel method for detecting nitrite levels in foods using a color-changing film and smartphone app. The POLYSEN-based system allows consumers to easily analyze nitrite levels on meats and comply with European regulations, promoting healthier eating habits.
Researchers have designed a new anaerobic reactor using polyurethane foam, reducing nitrogen removal costs in Brazil. The system achieves high nitrogen removal efficiency by creating an environment that optimizes denitrification.
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
A new study published in Cell Host & Microbe finds that friendly bacteria in the gut, such as Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, can compete with harmful bacteria like Salmonella for energy resources like nitrate. This competition allows the probiotic to occupy both niches and protect against infection.
Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.
Scientists have discovered a novel protein NDB1 that inactivates MYB1, a key regulator of nitrogen assimilation in plants. This finding could lead to improved biomass production and crop yields by manipulating NDB1. Researchers are now exploring the potential to boost plant growth through NDB1 manipulation.
Researchers used single cell RNA-sequencing to identify specific cells and genes in maize roots responsible for nitrate uptake. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing root nutrient uptake ability in crops.
Researchers identified a critical region of CmMYB1 and the CmNDB1 protein that negatively regulate nitrate assimilation genes under nitrogen-repleted conditions. This study provides valuable insights into molecular functions and mechanisms in plants, shedding light on the regulation of transcription under specific nitrogen levels.
Researchers found that desert microbes produce nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in arid soils after rain, contradicting the long-held assumption that it comes from fertilized agricultural fields. The study reveals a new source of nitrogen pollution in deserts, driven by fossil fuel combustion and industrial processes.
The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.
Research found that ABA inhibits nitrate transport from roots to shoots in apple by reducing the transcription of MdNRT1.5. The transcription factor MdABI5 mediates this process. Overexpression of MdABI5 inhibited ABA-mediated nitrate transport.
Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum found that adding organic carbon substances like ethanol and glucose can improve nitrate degradation in groundwater. Temperature played a significant role in selecting the most effective substance.
Agricultural runoff from fertilizer is converted into nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, in rivers and streams. Researchers found that denitrification efficiency and streambed conditions significantly impact N2O emissions, offering potential avenues for reducing climate change.
Researchers have developed a new type of red meat that replaces nitrite with natural alternatives from plants and fruits, including Japanese Knotweed. The results showed significantly lower levels of nitrite content in participants' faeces compared to conventionally processed red meat.
Researchers develop a novel method to convert nitrate in wastewater into ammonia with nearly 100% efficiency and zero greenhouse gas emissions. The system utilizes cobalt catalysts and solar power to achieve unprecedented solar-to-fuel efficiency, outperforming existing technologies.
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore have devised a new method for producing urea, a key compound in fertilisers, through electrocatalysis. This approach produces urea five times more efficiently than previous methods and has the potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.
The anammox bacterium uses the nitrite oxidoreductase enzyme (NXR) to convert toxic nitrite into nitrate, a crucial process in nature's nitrogen cycle. Researchers have now mapped the molecular structure of NXR, gaining insight into its complex structure and organization within the cell.
Researchers at Nagoya University identified a key enzyme that activates nitrate uptake mechanisms in plants responding to nitrogen starvation. The CEPH protein plays a critical role in activating the high-affinity transport system, which enables rapid nitrate uptake from the environment.
A new study published in PNAS proposes using a blend of nitrate and ammonium to reduce nitrogen pollution and increase food production. The researchers argue that this approach can bind to soil, reducing the risk of leaching into waterways and minimize greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers developed a system treating pig farm wastewater, removing odors and excess nitrates. The new process relies on bacteria to convert nitrates to nitrogen gas, offering a scalable and low-maintenance solution for the agricultural industry.
Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that interactions between proteins and nitrate control gene expression in legumes, leading to nodulation. The team found that specific proteins with varying DNA-binding properties regulate symbiotic genes involved in nodulation, which is induced by nitrate presence.
A new study found that drinking beetroot juice for ten days increased levels of beneficial oral bacteria linked to healthier blood vessels and brain function in older adults. The results also showed a significant drop in systolic blood pressure, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition found that consuming nitrate-rich vegetables, such as lettuce and spinach, can significantly improve muscle function. The research revealed that people with higher nitrate intake had 11% stronger lower limb strength than those with the lowest intake.
A major new study from Denmark and USA finds that even small amounts of nitrates in mothers' drinking water result in smaller babies, with an average weight loss of 10 grams. The study, which analyzed over 850,000 births, challenges the current threshold value for nitrate levels in drinking water.
Researchers at RUDN University have developed a biopolymer filter that captures phosphates and nitrates from wastewater using microalgae, making it a potential sustainable fertilizer. The filter is made of chitosan-based polymer and shows high efficiency in consuming nutrients.
A study of 850,000 Danish pregnancies found that nitrate in maternal drinking water was associated with lower birth weights and smaller body lengths, highlighting a critical data gap in current water standards for nitrate.
A team of scientists analyzed processes in the root zone to determine nitrogen fate. They found nearly 75% of Europe's agricultural land vulnerable to nitrate leaching during critical months. This study provides more precise information for risk management and adjusting fertiliser regimes.
A study by the University of Plymouth and UOC assessed the impact of physical exercise on oral microbiota, finding that alterations to buccal bacteria reduce cardiovascular benefits. The study highlights the importance of diet, hydration, and chewing in maintaining oral health and improving sporting performance.
The project will populate a database of bioreactor and saturated buffer designs, trial novel modifications to improve efficiency, and install monitoring systems for real-time water quality detection. The goal is to increase adoption and effectiveness of these low-cost solutions in the Midwest.
A study found that reducing nitrogen levels can harm plant biodiversity by displacing species adapted to low nutrients. Researchers advocate for an EU Phosphate Directive to address this issue and protect threatened plant species.
A study presented at the 2020 GSA Annual Meeting reveals that floating gardens can have a positive impact on water quality. The research found modest but definitive improvement in nutrient levels, including a 1% decrease in nitrate levels downstream of the garden.
Scientists discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi supply nitrogen to plants through a newly identified protein, enabling crops like rice to thrive with reduced fertilizer use. The finding could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact by minimizing agrochemical use.
Researchers from Florida State University tracked nutrient levels in the Gulf of Mexico, discovering that nitrate from the Mississippi-Atchafalaya River System is not mixing with open waters. The study found 90% of Mississippi River nutrients are retained nearshore, with implications for managing human inputs to coastal ecosystems.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University have successfully sequenced the genome of Lactobacillus hilgardii LMG 7934, a type of bacteria that can be genetically reprogrammed to consume more nitrates. This allows for potential use in remediating environmental pollution and improving livestock feed.
New research shows that nitrate improves diaphragm function by increasing power, which could help elderly individuals clear lungs more effectively. This finding is significant, especially in the context of COVID-19, as the diaphragm plays a crucial role in breathing and coughing.
Researchers developed a new method for ammonia synthesis using nitrate contaminants as nitrogen source and water as hydrogen source. The electrocatalyst, Co/CoO nanosheet arrays, showed excellent performances with 93.8% of Faraday efficiency and 91.2% of selectivity.
A new study published in Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that organic nitrates do not have a clinically relevant effect on bone mineral density or bone turnover in postmenopausal women. The treatment caused significant side effects, casting doubt on previous research reporting large positive effects of nitrates on bone health.
A recent study found that reducing sulfur dioxide emissions alone can significantly decrease air pollution, mainly due to the stability of ammonium nitrate formed with nitrogen oxides and ammonia. In China, nitrogen dioxide control is more effective in reducing surface PM2.5 concentrations.
Scientists have developed a catalyst that converts nitrate into nitrite without high temperatures or acidity, addressing water pollution concerns. The catalyst's mechanism mimics natural enzymes, offering a promising solution for detoxifying nitrate in mild environments.
A team of researchers discovered that soil can capture NOx gases from the atmosphere and transform them into nitrate through a process called
The new optical nitrate sensor enables real-time measurement of nitrate levels in the range of tens to hundreds of parts per million, detecting rapidly changing concentrations. It optimizes fertilizer application, reduces water resources pollution, and economizes irrigation.
A recent Kansas State University study found large increases in nitrate levels in shallow wells of the Great Bend Prairie Aquifer, a part of the High Plains Aquifer. The study, which compared water chemistries over 40 years, revealed that twenty of 21 wells had increased nitrate concentrations, with seven exceeding EPA standards.
A recent study found that the Tianjin Port explosion significantly increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Bohai Sea, with a 308.49 micromole N increase per square meter per day. The study suggests that the impact area of the explosion on the Bohai Sea is approximately 1/5 of its total area.
A study by the University of Barcelona finds sediment accumulation outpaces nitrate toxicity in harming river ecosystems. Researchers warn that habitat degradation due to deforestation and agricultural practices threatens Europe's Water Framework Directive goals.
A study found that water contamination violations associated with immediate health risks led to a 14% increase in bottled water sales. However, low-income rural communities did not show a significant response to nitrate violations, which pose a risk to infants.
A study found that Kīlauea's 2018 eruption injected millions of cubic feet of molten lava into nutrient-poor waters, stimulating an extensive plume of microbes. The bloom was driven by high concentrations of nitrate, brought to the surface ocean through heat from lava input.
A new study suggests that high levels of nitrate in salt marsh sediments stimulate decomposition, releasing CO2 and reducing the marsh's ability to store carbon. This finding has implications for climate change mitigation strategies relying on blue carbon habitats like salt marshes.