Articles tagged with Coal
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A study using environmental DNA found that mountaintop coal mining impacts 40% fewer species in Appalachian streams. The team detected 28 species of fish in all 93 sampled mined streams, comparable to traditional methods.
Scientists at Duke University have developed new tests to detect coal ash contamination in soil, finding high levels of arsenic, selenium, and other toxic elements. The tests revealed significant fly ash accumulation near coal-fired power plants, posing health risks to nearby communities.
A new study finds that over 37% of coal miners suffer from major depressive disorder, with 11.4% considering suicide in the last year. The researchers urge increased mental health support and further study of potential contributors to this crisis.
Researchers develop simple and efficient method to recover precious rare-earth elements from coal fly ash using an ionic liquid. The process produces a solution rich in rare-earth elements with limited impurities, offering a potential solution for recycling materials from waste coal fly ash.
A new analysis from Imperial College London suggests that countries investing in new coal mines and exports risk losing billions of dollars as the world shifts away from fossil fuels. Transitioning to a sustainable pathway by 2040 could save $10 billion per year globally, while avoiding job losses and economic instability.
Rates of depression and anxiety were found to be higher among US coal miners compared to the general population. The study also identified a significant risk of posttraumatic stress disorder among current and former coal miners in the United States.
Researchers examine how governments use stakeholder commissions to legitimize their transition policies, finding similarities and differences between the two countries. Both Canada and Germany face challenges in phasing out coal due to job losses and regional concerns.
A new study found that indoor air pollution from residential coal burning in China causes a disproportionate number of premature deaths from exposure to tiny PM2.5 pollutants. Residential coal use accounted for 34% of premature deaths associated with PM2.5, despite contributing only 2.9% of total energy use.
Penn State is leading a $1.2 million project, CANARY, to assess and catalog northern Appalachian-basin critical mineral resources and waste streams. The project aims to extract valuable materials from coal waste, promoting regional growth and addressing national security needs.
A new EU climate target of cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 will dramatically speed up the decarbonization of Europe's power sector, leading to a significant phaseout of coal power. Renewable energies are expected to contribute nearly three-quarters of power generation in 2030 and reach zero emissions in the power sector by 2040.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found strong associations between doctors' financial conflicts of interest and the party that hired them when classifying X-rays. The findings suggest a systemic problem with bias among doctors who review chest X-ray images for coal miner's black lung claims.
A new study found that physicians hired by employers are less likely to diagnose black lung disease than those not hired by employers. The more a physician is hired by an employer, the less likely they are to identify black lung disease on chest X-rays.
The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the decline of coal power generation by reducing electricity demand and increasing costs. Global CO2 emissions from the power sector decreased significantly in 2020 and are likely to remain low due to ongoing investments in renewable energy.
A new study estimates that methane emissions from coal mines are approximately 50 percent higher than previously calculated. Methane is about 25 times more powerful than carbon dioxide when it comes to warming the planet over a long period.
The study reveals that methane emissions from human activities, particularly oil and gas sectors, coal mining, and ruminant farming, have led to its long-term growth. The findings highlight the need for targeted emission reduction strategies in these key sectors to mitigate climate change.
Researchers found high concentrations of bromine chloride in polluted continental regions, significantly impacting wintertime air quality. The study suggests that uncontrolled coal burning is a major source of reactive halogens, driving increased ozone production and secondary aerosol formation.
University of Wyoming researchers have successfully converted raw coal powder into nano-graphite using a one-step metal-assisted microwave treatment method. This method has the potential to provide an alternative source of high-value materials, reducing environmental concerns and ecological impact.
A remote monitoring tool has been developed to predict geological movement and groundwater flow in old coalfields. The tool uses satellite radar imagery to capture millimetre-scale measurements of changes in terrain height, allowing for the monitoring and forecasting of groundwater levels and changes in geological conditions.
Researchers at West Virginia University are improving methane monitoring networks to prevent explosions in underground mines. The new system will enable proactive responses to rising trends, increasing safety and reducing production delays.
A team led by West Virginia University researcher Larissa Casaburi is developing an AI model that predicts COVID-19 patient outcomes based on factors such as lung conditions, smoking history, and coal mining. The model has the potential to provide more accurate diagnoses and tailor treatment plans to individual patients.
A study by Stony Brook University proposes strategies for China's transition away from coal, emphasizing employment and social justice impacts. The authors estimate a rapid transition could reduce premature deaths by 224,000 and water consumption by 4.3 billion m3 in 2050.
A team of researchers has found direct evidence that massive coal burning in Siberia led to the Permo-Triassic Extinction, resulting in up to 96% marine species and 70% terrestrial vertebrate extinctions. The study suggests that catastrophic global warming devastated life on Earth.
A study by Toshitaka Suzuki found that birds can visualize a snake when hearing specific alarm calls from another species. The coal tit was observed to approach the experimental area during these calls, indicating it mentally retrieves 'snake' images.
After four Louisville, Kentucky, coal-fired power plants either retired coal or installed stricter emissions controls, local residents' asthma symptoms and related hospitalizations and ED visits dropped dramatically. The study found nearly 400 avoided hospitalizations and ED visits each year across Jefferson County.
Researchers found that phasing out coal can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% worldwide, while saving 1.5% of global economic output by 2050. The benefits of a coal exit outweigh the costs, with local and short-term impacts on public health and biodiversity being most significant.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University analyzed US energy production data from 1970-2014, finding that nuclear power reduced carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 million metric tons annually. The study suggests policymakers consider nuclear power as a low-carbon source to incentivize utilities to shift toward increased nuclear gener...
A new study from UBC Okanagan campus suggests that monitoring and protecting multiple species habitats offers better conservation outcomes than relying on a single representative species. The research found that a mixture of five to 10 game and non-game species serves as the best surrogates for biodiversity conservation.
Research by Virginia Tech scientists found that tiny titanium oxide nanoparticles in coal smog and ash can cause lung damage in mice after a single exposure. The particles trigger an immune response, leading to macrophage death and lung failure.
A new study found that shutting down coal-fired plants in the US reduces nearby pollution, saving an estimated 26,610 lives between 2005 and 2016. The transition from coal to natural gas also improves crop yields, with a loss of 10.2 billion bushels of crops avoided.
A study in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry reveals that coal-burning activities in the Asia-Pacific region have contaminated sediment layers in the US Pacific Northwest, with mercury deposition increasing by 400-fold. Global cooperation is essential to mitigate these environmental consequences.
Researchers aim to characterize coal dust properties and investigate biological effects of nano-coal dust on lung cells, using a 3D lung-on-a-chip device. This study seeks to understand the toxicity of nano-coal dusts and their impact on human health.
The US and China need to deploy carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology to reduce committed emissions, which threaten the 1.5°C climate target. CCS retrofits are essential for deep decarbonization in both countries, but current high costs require government policies to incentivize deployment.
A 16-year-old high school student, Julia Kagiliery, co-authored a paper in the International Journal of Coal Geology with Texas Tech Professor David Weindorf. They developed an accurate method to quantify lignite sulfur content using optical and X-ray methods.
Global fossil-fuel carbon dioxide emissions reached a record high in 2023, driven by increasing natural gas and oil consumption. Despite slower emissions growth, researchers warn that emissions could increase unless national energy policies change dramatically.
A new report by The Lancet finds that climate change is having devastating effects on the world's children, with rising temperatures leading to malnutrition, infectious diseases, and air pollution. If left unchecked, this will have a lifelong impact on their health unless immediate action is taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers at Drexel University have created a coal ash aggregate that helps concrete cure, reducing the time it takes for concrete to harden and improving its durability. The additive, called SPoRA, promotes a uniform hardening process from the inside out, providing a solution to concrete drying problems.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a new forensic tracer that uses lead isotopes to detect coal fly ash in dust and other solids. The tracer can distinguish between the chemical signature of lead from coal ash and lead from other sources, providing a powerful tool for tracking exposure risks near coal ash ponds and landfills.
A new study by Duke University predicts that switching to natural gas will save 12,000 billion gallons a year by 2030, while solar and wind power yield even greater savings. These reductions come despite increased water use from fracking and shale gas production.
A team of researchers led by Ohio University's Jason Trembly has received a $2 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop coal-based composite decking boards. The project aims to utilize coal in the manufacture of construction composite building materials, resulting in lower energy consumption and emissions.
A new study explores how climate change impacts coal-fired power plants' water constraints, threatening regional electricity generation plans. The research highlights three possible strategies to mitigate water limitations, including reducing existing/planned power plants, integrating electricity markets, and adopting dry cooling in no...
A West Virginia University chemical engineer is developing an online monitoring tool using AI to predict boiler behaviors and optimize power plant operations. The project aims to reduce forced outages, increase flexibility and profitability, and improve the nation's existing coal-fired power fleet.
A team of engineers at UC San Diego has discovered a method to make materials more resilient against massive shocks using grooved patterns. The researchers found that these patterns can diminish the impacts of reflected shock waves, while initial transmitted shock waves showed inconclusive results.
Researchers at WVU are developing a method to create a self-supply of rare earth elements in the US from coal waste. This is crucial due to China's dominant role in global rare earth element supplies, and the US Department of Energy's investment in domestic sourcing.
Scientists from Skoltech identified substances with antiviral activity in humic substances extracted from brown coal, highlighting the potential of natural compounds for creating new drugs. The study's results show that flavonoids and polyphenols may be responsible for virucidal activity.
Researchers studying a $750,000 grant at the University of Illinois Chicago aim to understand how various mining dusts contribute to lung disease. They plan to collect dust samples and expose mice to different combinations to determine the most damaging mixtures.
A coalition of countries aims to phase out unabated coal power, but analysis shows limited emissions reductions. The Powering Past Coal Alliance's expansion is hindered by economic and political difficulties in major coal-consuming nations like China and India.
A new study finds high levels of coal ash contaminants in sediments from Sutton Lake, suggesting multiple unmonitored spills have contaminated the eastern North Carolina lake and potentially other lakes near coal ash ponds. The research highlights the risk of large-scale unmonitored spills occurring at coal ash storage sites nationwide.
Research presented at ATS 2019 reveals that younger generations of coal miners are more susceptible to deaths from black lung disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to older generations. This trend suggests a potential increase in respiratory health risks among younger workers.
Progressive massive fibrosis, a severe form of black lung disease, is increasing among coal miners, despite unknown causes. Analysis of lung tissue samples from 1996 to 2019 failed to detect an increase in silicotic PMF, suggesting alternative explanations for the trend
Scientists at Rice University and their collaborators have discovered coal-derived 'dots' that are effective antioxidants for people who suffer traumatic brain injuries, strokes or heart attacks. The biocompatible dots can quench oxidative stress and protect cells from damage, offering a potential treatment option.
A recent study by the National Institute for Environmental Studies suggests that transitioning from coal to natural gas can help stabilize climate change. The study found that natural gas power plants have smaller short- and long-term impacts than coal power plants, even when considering high methane leakage rates or uncertainty issues.
A PSU study suggests that eliminating coal as an energy source could help the US reduce greenhouse gas emissions to meet its Paris Climate Agreement goals. The researchers propose an energy portfolio based on natural gas, efficiency, wind, solar power, and biofuels, with nuclear power also considered.
A new study calculates the number of deaths attributed to coal and tobacco industries, finding surprising results. The study sets a minimum bar for industry existence, with coal and tobacco industries warranting corporate death penalties.
A Johns Hopkins study shows China's regulations on gas releases from its coal mines have been ineffective in reducing methane emissions. Methane emissions rose by approximately 1.1 teragrams each year from 2010 to 2015, accounting for 11-24% of the world's total increase.
Researchers at Duke University have discovered that fish ear bones can serve as a fingerprint for identifying and tracking coal ash contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The study used strontium isotope ratios in otoliths to connect high levels of toxic elements back to the contamination source.
Global CO2 emissions are expected to reach 37.1 billion tonnes in 2018, with a solid growth in coal use for the second year in a row and sustained growth in oil and gas use. Emissions need to peak and rapidly decrease to address climate change.
Researchers at MIT and partners have created detailed 3D images of kerogen's internal structure, improving predictions of oil and gas recovery. The study reveals that mature kerogen has smaller pores connected by a network allowing for easier extraction.
A new study finds that organisms with small genomes and cells are well-suited for life in hot soils, even in extreme conditions. The research reveals a link between these microbes and ancient permafrost genome sizes, sparking questions about the minimum requirements for cell and genome size.
A new study suggests that reducing US coal emissions through biomass and carbon capture can create 22,000 new jobs in the forestry and transportation sectors. This approach would retain 40,000 existing coal industry jobs while mitigating global warming below 2°C.
Researchers found that large-scale wind farms would require five to 20 times more land area than previously estimated, and their operation would warm average surface temperatures by 0.24 degrees Celsius in the continental US. The study suggests that localized warming occurs even with smaller projections of wind power generation.