Dissolved Organic Matter
Articles tagged with Dissolved Organic Matter
Novel approach unpicks iron chemistry in the south pacific ocean
A new chemical model developed by researchers at GEOMAR accurately predicts iron chemistry in the South Pacific Ocean, taking into account diverse organic matter properties. The findings improve understanding of the marine iron cycle and its implications for climate change.
Researchers develop scalable method for safer, compostable packaging
A team at Virginia Tech developed a water-based process to create multilayer bioplastic films that are both high-performing and easier to manufacture. The method avoids toxic solvents and matches current industrial production speeds, making it viable for real-world use.
Waste chitin transformed into high-performance porous carbons for greenhouse gas recovery
Researchers have developed a chemical-free method to upcycle waste chitin into high-performance porous carbons, which can efficiently capture and release hydrocarbons. The materials' pore structure can be precisely tuned through steam activation time, leading to improved adsorption and desorption performance.
Waste to wealth: converting agricultural residues into soil saviors
The conversion of waste lignocellulosic biomass into high-value soil amendments can enhance soil structure, increase water retention, and lock away carbon. Several technological pathways are explored, including slow pyrolysis, mild torrefaction, and solid-state fermentation.
Wood becomes smart glass: Photo- and electro-chromic membrane switches tint in seconds
A team of researchers has developed a dual-response cellulose–WO3 composite film that can switch tint in seconds and survive 200 cycles. The membrane is made from wood and can be roll-coated on existing paper machines, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional smart glass.
Scientists reveal how microplastics release invisible chemical clouds into waterways
Microplastics leak a complex mixture of dissolved organic chemicals that evolve over time, especially under sunlight. The study provides the most detailed molecular-level view to date of how this microplastic-derived dissolved organic matter forms and transforms in natural waters.
Rattan waste turned into high-performance microreactor for water purification
Researchers developed a gravity-driven biochar microreactor from rattan, achieving ultrahigh flux and complete degradation of common pollutants. The system activated peroxymonosulfate through a non-radical pathway, with boundary-like defects as primary active sites.
Aston University data could improve how Uganda uses its stocks of biomass
Researchers developed a real-time dashboard for monitoring biomass, carbon stocks and energy demand at a local level. This allows for targeted interventions, saving millions of shillings by preventing deforestation and reducing future energy crises.
Recreating Mazon Creek’s 300-million-year-old ecosystem
Researchers at the University of Missouri have confirmed a more nuanced view of the Mazon Creek fossil site, using modern data analysis techniques to assess paleoenvironmental and taphonomic nature. The study reveals three identifiable paleoenvironments, including transitional habitats between nearshore and offshore zones.
New study on natural oil seeps in the deep sea
A new study on natural oil seeps in the deep sea has found that hydrothermal processes mobilize dissolved organic matter, influencing local ecosystems and the global marine carbon cycle. The composition of released water-soluble organic molecules is strongly influenced by temperature and petroleum composition.
A chemical mystery solved – the reaction explaining large carbon sinks
Researchers at Linköping University discovered a specific reaction called oxidative dearomatisation that transforms biomolecules into millions of diverse molecules, making organic matter resistant to degradation. This process explains the substantial organic carbon sinks on our planet, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers discover how biomolecules in nature are transformed into complex natural organic matter
A study published in Nature reveals that oxidative dearomatization is the key mechanism behind this transformation, resulting in millions of diverse molecules with stable structures. This process allows the organic matter to persist for long periods, preventing it from rapidly returning to the atmosphere.
New approach to monitoring freshwater quality can identify sources of pollution, and predict their effects
A new water quality analysis technique can detect organic chemicals in rivers and lakes, identifying their source and predicting their impact. This method uses high-resolution mass spectrometry to analyze water samples within an hour, providing a comprehensive overview of all organic molecules present.
How aromatic dissolved organic matter affects organic micropollutant adsorption
Competitive DOM removal impacts OMP adsorption, with nonpolar molecules having higher competitiveness due to medium aromaticity. Aromatic DOM is not competitive against OMPs in adsorption, contrary to initial expectations.
Trout at risk in most Adirondack lakes due to climate warming, lake browning
A new study by Cornell University found that only 5% of Adirondack lakes can maintain cold and oxygenated water, making it unlivable for trout and other cold-water species. Climate warming and lake browning have severe consequences for temperate lakes in the region.
Texas A&M's McKay receives NSF CAREER Award
Dr. McKay will investigate the chemical composition of chromophores in DOM using advanced analytical tools and conduct measurements at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. His research aims to enhance predictions regarding DOM behavior and reactivity in the environment.
Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals
Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.
VIMS research helps clarify role of water clarity in coastal management
Research by Dr. Jessie Turner and colleagues highlights the impact of water-clarity metrics on seagrass and light-loving organism restoration goals. The study suggests that different measurement methods can misrepresent underwater light climates, emphasizing the need for clear communication of methods used.
Sponge ‘sneezes’ waste
A new study reveals sponges have a unique mechanism to clear their water channels: a sneeze-like process. Sponges release a type of mucus that is consumed by other animals, providing a food source inaccessible to most sea creatures.
Chemists discover a range of environmental contaminants in fracking wastewater
Researchers have found toxic and carcinogenic contaminants in untreated fracking wastewater samples, including organic chemicals and metallic elements. The study provides critical information for regulatory agencies to fine-tune guidelines on safe treatment and disposal of fracking wastewater.
The molecular characteristics of the dissolved organic matter pool in a eutrophic coastal bay
Researchers investigated molecular characteristics of DOM pool in Xiangshan Bay, a semi-enclosed coastal bay in China. They found terrestrial signals decreasing with increasing salinity due to seawater dilution effect and anthropogenic inputs contributing to DOM cycling.
Sulfur enhances carbon storage in the Black Sea
Researchers found that reactions with hydrogen sulfide stabilize carbon compounds, leading to increased organic carbon storage in oxygen-depleted waters. This sulfur-based mechanism could influence ocean chemistry and contribute to long-term removal of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
The role of nanobacteria in the organic matter cycle in freshwater systems
Researchers investigated the taxonomic composition and functional characteristics of filtrable freshwater organisms using radioisotope tracers and metabolomics. The study found that nanobacteria play a minor role in processing dissolved organic carbon, with limited time to uptake matter in rivers and streams.
Deformation control and mass transfer in the tunic of Halocynthia roretzi
Researchers investigated Halocynthia roretzi tunic's mechanical properties, finding that mass transferred and deformed in response to temperature and mechanical stimuli. The tunic's composition varied by position, with larger layer thickness linked to reduced mass increments.
Friend or foe? Manganese concentration in drinking water needs attention, researchers say
Researchers have found high levels of manganese and arsenic in Indian groundwater, highlighting the need for further study into their relationship and potential health risks. The study suggests that processes between manganese and dissolved organic matter may contribute to the distribution of arsenic in groundwater.
Scientists begin to unlock secrets of deep ocean color from organic matter
Researchers discover that cultured picocyanobacteria, such as Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus, release fluorescent components that closely match the typical signals found in oceanic environments. This finding sheds light on the origin of colored dissolved organic matter in the deep ocean.
The chemical memory of seawater
Researchers have identified thousands of individual components in dissolved organic matter (DOM) in seawater using ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. This allows them to infer information about the water's past, including its age, exposure to sunlight, and even which marine life once inhabited it.
Hurricane Irene polluted Catskills watershed
A Yale University study reveals that Hurricane Irene polluted the Catskill watershed, darkening lakes and affecting the Ashokan Reservoir that supplies New York City with drinking water. The storm dumped unprecedented amounts of dissolved organic matter into the reservoir, equivalent to 43% of its average annual export.
Jellyfish blooms transfer food energy from fish to bacteria
A new study reveals that jellyfish blooms drastically alter marine food webs by shunting food energy toward bacteria. This shift can lead to a detour of energy away from higher trophic levels and towards bacteria, altering the microbial community composition.
Jellyfish blooms shunt food energy from fish to bacteria
A new study reveals that jellyfish blooms drastically alter marine food webs by shunting food energy from fish toward bacteria. The researchers found that jellyfish produce organic matter rich in carbon, which is rapidly metabolized by bacteria, reducing its potential to assimilate into the food web.
LSU researcher receives NSF rapid response grant to study health of marshes impacted by oil
Researchers at LSU and two other universities are analyzing the impact of oil on Louisiana's marshlands using water samples and advanced spectroscopic analysis. The study aims to understand the molecular-level effects of oil contamination on coastal health.
Dissolved organic matter in the water column may influence coral health
Researchers found that changes in dissolved organic matter affect coral bacterial communities, potentially leading to disease and reef deterioration. Shifts in microbial populations may be out-competed by problematic bacteria, exacerbated by rising temperatures.
'Glowing' technique could detect river pollution
Researchers from Newcastle University successfully classified 70% of River Ouseburn water samples by measuring natural fluorescence, which could aid in detecting organic pollutants. The 'glowing' technique uses spectrophotometry to fingerprint dissolved organic matter in rivers.