Articles tagged with Coal
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.
A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using solid fuels for cooking is linked to a higher risk of hospitalization or death from respiratory diseases. The research, conducted in China, suggests that switching to clean-burning fuels can significantly lower this risk.
A study at the University of Exeter found that larger garden birds, such as house sparrows and greenfinches, dominate access to better food sources like sunflower hearts. Smaller bird species like blue tits and coal tits face limited access to quality food, pecking quickly to make the most of their time.
A study of 341,730 Chinese adults found long-term use of solid fuels for cooking associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death. Switching to electricity or gas reduced the negative impact of previous solid fuel use.
A study found that progressive massive fibrosis cases among US coal miners rose by 31.5% annually between 1996-2016, defying expectations given improved dust control measures. The increases were highest in Virginia and Kentucky.
A new web-based mapping tool shows the land laid bare by mountaintop coal mining in central Appalachia each year, going back more than three decades. The tool estimates that between 1985 and 2015, an average of 21,000 acres was converted to bare earth and rubble annually.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a strong, durable concrete that uses fly ash as a binder and eliminates the use of environmentally intensive cement. This new concrete reduces energy demand and greenhouse emissions by utilizing coal waste and significantly lowering its environmental impact.
Following China's July 2014 deadline, coal-fired plant emissions declined significantly as measured by on-the-ground and satellite monitoring. The strongest correlation was found in regions with the least aggressive new standards.
A study found a dramatic spike in cases of progressive massive fibrosis, the most severe form of black lung disease, among former US coal miners, particularly those working in smaller mines and longer hours.
A recent study found that progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) cases among former US coal miners increased by 50% since 2000, with the highest rates in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The researchers attribute this trend to inadequate dust control measures, longer working hours, and higher silica exposure levels.
Recent research suggested natural regeneration is superior to tree-planting, but a new study criticizes the sites chosen for evaluation, citing apples-to-oranges comparisons. The authors argue that natural regeneration isn't always successful and recommend giving it a chance before intervening with human aid.
A new study analyzing MSHA data found that mines that comply with health regulations experience a substantially lower number of lung diseases over time. The majority of cases originated in the Appalachian region, where coal mines were 16-17.8 times more likely to report a lung disease diagnosis.
A new study found that coal mining significantly reduces aquatic species abundance and richness in US streams. Despite regulations, mining continues to harm biodiversity, with some watersheds facing irreversible declines.
A study of 271,217 Chinese adults found that using solid fuels for cooking and heating was associated with a higher risk of death. Switching to cleaner fuels like gas, electricity, or central heating significantly reduced mortality rates.
A new study reveals that the majority of mining-related injuries and illnesses in Illinois go unreported to the federal agency responsible for tracking these events. Researchers found that only 34% of cases were captured by the Part 50 program, highlighting the need for improved reporting rates.
A new research project aims to determine why mine dust-related lung diseases are increasing in prevalence among coal workers. The study will use a multidisciplinary approach to examine the relationship between mine dust exposures and severe lung disease, with a focus on identifying critical risk factors.
Researchers at Siberian Federal University have developed a new method for reducing nitrogen oxide emissions in heat power plants (HPPs). By modeling the process of coal burning and testing different fuels, they found that mechanically activated fuel can reduce Nox emissions by up to 50% compared to traditional coal. This technology ha...
Researchers found that people living in former industrial heartlands are more prone to negative emotions, impulsive behaviors, and struggle with planning and self-motivation. This psychological adversity is thought to be the result of selective migrations during mass industrialization and its social effects on work and living conditions.
A new study found that people living in former industrial heartlands of England and Wales are more prone to negative emotions, anxiety, and depression. The researchers suggest this is due to selective migrations during mass industrialization compounded by social effects of severe work and living conditions.
A study suggests that rural coal families are less likely to divorce when faced with economic downturns. The researchers found that rural counties with higher levels of coal jobs had lower divorce rates compared to similar counties with fewer coal jobs during the 1990s.
Researchers developed a novel rare earth recovery process that recovered over 80% of the elements present in coal sources and produced more than 80% total rare earth elements on a dry whole mass basis. The concentrates contained critical elements like neodymium and yttrium, representing over 45% of the total concentrate.
Global carbon emissions have surged in 2017 due to increased coal use in China and the US. The country's emissions are projected to grow by 3.5%, reversing two years of decline. This unexpected growth delays efforts to reach a global peak, with CO2 levels expected to rise to a record high.
A University of Maryland-led study reveals that China has significantly reduced its sulfur dioxide emissions, while India's have increased, putting the latter on track to become the world's top emitter. The findings suggest that China's efforts to control pollution are paying off, but air quality remains a concern.
A new study by U.S. and Chinese scientists found that coal ash from high-uranium deposits in China contains radiation levels 43 times higher than UN safety standards. The use of such ash in residential building materials is not suitable due to potential human health risks.
Researchers from Duke University and Ohio State University found that high levels of molybdenum in Wisconsin drinking water wells come from natural sources, not coal ash. The study used forensic isotopic 'fingerprinting' and age-dating techniques to determine the contamination's origin.
A study by Indiana University researchers suggests that reviving the coal industry will have little impact on fragile Appalachian communities. Instead, they found that promising jobs may fill communities with false hope, threatening progress in launching job training programs and other transition steps.
A new University of Michigan study compares the toxic chemical releases associated with coal-generated and natural gas obtained via fracking-based electricity. The results suggest that potential human health impacts of coal electricity are much higher, outweighing those from shale gas electricity.
Climate model simulations suggest that a significant decrease in atmospheric CO2 concentrations could have led to global glaciation. The study indicates that Earth's coal deposits formed during this period may have been the trigger for such an event.
Estimates of early industrial emissions of black carbon are inexact due to limited sampling before the mid-1950s. Researchers found regional black carbon concentrations peaked during the first decade of the 20th century and were linked to coal consumption, with concentrations becoming decoupled after 1960.
Research finds high levels of helium in UK coal seams, enabling detection of gas leaks and contamination. The discovery may also enable large volumes of helium gas to be recovered for sale.
Environmental scientists at Virginia Tech have discovered that burning coal produces tiny titanium oxide nanoparticles, which can be toxic to humans. These nanoparticles were found in coal ash, city streets, and even wastewater treatment plants worldwide.
Researchers found that PACs mainly derive from biosynthetic compounds of high plants and microbial/fungal precursors. The occurrence of PACs is affected by coal rank, origins, depositional environment, formation history, and geological ages.
A new study by University of Wyoming researchers finds that mountaintop-removal coal mining in Appalachia degrades water quality and causes dramatic increases in salinity, leading to more perennial streamflows. The study's findings have significant implications for the region's ecosystem and future environmental changes.
Researchers at TUM have identified an antibody that tightly binds benzo[a]pyrene, a widespread environmental toxin linked to cancer. This breakthrough discovery may lead to the development of antibodies against other PAHs and improved methods to separate contaminants from drinking water.
Penn State researchers will use a new grant to develop an extraction technique combining pressure filtration and ion-exchange/ion chromatography to recover rare earth elements from domestic coal. The goal is to determine the economic feasibility of recovering REEs from coal-related materials.
A study by Michigan Technological University found that transitioning to solar photovoltaics (PV) could save up to 51,999 American lives at $1.1 million invested per life. Solar power also has economic value, producing electricity that can be profitable to invest in, sometimes as much as several million dollars per life.
In a global campaign, indigenous peoples and local communities from 25 countries are protesting and demanding recognition of their land rights to safeguard the world's forests and prevent climate change. The Land Rights Now initiative calls on governments and the private sector to respect secure land rights.
A Duke University study has found elevated selenium levels in fish from three North Carolina lakes receiving power plants' coal ash waste, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and posing health risks. The study highlights the ongoing issue of continuous contamination of aquatic resources from hundreds of coal ash ponds across the country.
A unique enzyme found in a soil bacterium from the Ruth Mullins coal fire has been used to improve antibiotic daptomycin, with potential applications for other drugs and therapies. The discovery could aid in the development of new drugs and treatments.
Research led by University of Colorado Boulder found that coal mine dust lowers spectral reflectance of nearby snow and ice by up to 84 percent. This reduction in reflectance can lead to faster Arctic ice melt due to the dark-colored particulates' ability to absorb more solar radiation.
Researchers have identified specific attributes that characterize high-emitting abandoned oil and gas wells, allowing governments to prioritize their repairs. By leaving non-emitting wells alone, states can eliminate the majority of emissions while minimizing costs.
A comprehensive five-year study will investigate the degradation of shale rock roofs in coal mines, with a focus on moisture-induced damage. The research aims to improve understanding of the science behind these failures, ultimately leading to safer mines and miners.
A Duke University study reveals that over 90% of water wells in North Carolina are contaminated with hexavalent chromium, a carcinogen. The contamination is attributed to the natural leaching of chromium from aquifer rocks in the Piedmont region.
Scientists found that nearly 90% of study wells had detectable levels of naturally occurring Cr(VI) in groundwater. Chromium is prevalent in the Piedmont region and similar rocks worldwide.
Scientists have found fossil evidence of cannibalism among 300-million-year-old Orthacanthus sharks. The ancient predators used coastal swamps as nurseries for their babies before turning on them when resources became scarce.
Researchers at McGill University found that two rare minerals, stepanovite and zhemchuzhnikovite, have the same structure as man-made MOFs. This discovery opens up new possibilities for using these materials in various applications such as hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration.
A new study suggests that coal workers' transferable skills, such as mechanical and electrical expertise, can be applied to the growing solar energy sector. The research estimates that the solar industry can absorb layoffs from the coal industry over the next 15 years.
A new study finds that sustained high or low oil prices could have a significant impact on future carbon dioxide emissions. The magnitude of the impact depends on various uncertainties, including energy supply and demand technologies, alternative resources, and climate policy.
A Duke University study found coal ash ponds in five Southeastern US states consistently contaminate nearby surface waters and groundwater with toxic heavy metals. The study also suggests that removing the ponds may not be enough to address ongoing subsurface contamination.
A study by researchers at Duke University found that coal from the Appalachian Mountains contains the highest amounts of rare earth elements. The team identified ash from this region as a potential source for extracting these critical materials, which are essential for clean energy and emerging technologies.
Researchers from Oregon State University found that coal-tar based sealcoats contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which can be toxic to humans and wildlife. Asphalt-based sealcoats, on the other hand, were found to be significantly less toxic.
Researchers at MIT have successfully created simple electrical heating devices using coal, showcasing its potential for various high-tech uses. The team characterized the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of four different types of coal, revealing a range of conductivities that can be tailored to specific applications.
Researchers from Duke University demonstrate that oxygen levels in coal ash disposal sites greatly impact the leaching of toxic selenium and arsenic. The study suggests that ignoring oxygen conditions when closing ash ponds may not be a solution to the problem, and highlights the importance of considering this factor for safe disposal.
A $1 million pilot project recovers rare earth elements from coal waste using patented HHS technology. Supplies of essential materials needed to make products like smart phones and windmills are growing scarce.
Researchers at UNSW Australia discovered a way to produce tenfold more methane gas from naturally occurring microbes, extending coal seam gas wells' lifespan and improving food waste use. The innovation uses synthetic dye forming needle-like crystals to boost methane-producing microbes' growth.
New research shows that more than half of the world's 5.5 million premature deaths due to air pollution occur in China and India. The study highlights the urgent need for even more aggressive strategies to reduce emissions from coal and other sectors.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to extract rare-earth elements from coal byproducts. This breakthrough could provide an economic boon for companies and reduce the US's dependence on importing these metals, which are essential for producing high-tech equipment.
Researchers found that Pangea's assembly and unique climate conditions led to the creation of coal deposits. The study challenged a popular hypothesis suggesting an evolutionary lag between plant life and microbial decomposition.