Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
Producing new plastic via advanced recycling of post-use plastic reduces GHG emissions by 18-23% and fossil energy use by 65-70%. The study analyzed 2017-2021 data from eight companies and found a further 40-50% reduction when factoring in current end-of-life practices.
The publication provides comprehensive guidance on evaluating and using water safely in agriculture, with a focus on health and environmental protection. It offers technical solutions and good agricultural practices to mitigate risks from crop and livestock farming, fish farming, and wastewater use.
A study using Google Street View cars found hyper-local air pollution hotspots in the Salt Lake Valley, revealing spatial variability and environmental justice issues. The research identified pollution emission sources off-road from traffic and industrial areas.
A Duke University study found glyphosate, active in Roundup, in high levels of wells supplying drinking water to Sri Lankan communities plagued by chronic kidney disease (CKDu). Elevated fluoride and vanadium also linked to CKDu were discovered. Glyphosate's persistence in hard water poses concerns for exposure.
The Cerrado, Brazil's second-largest biome, is experiencing record levels of native vegetation destruction due to agricultural expansion. Scientists warn that the loss of vegetation contributes to extreme weather events, threatens crop yields, and endangers food security policies.
Researchers have developed a new protocol to test the toxicity of micro- and nano-plastics in various organisms, considering particle-specific properties and dynamic behavior. The protocol takes between 24h to 2 months and can be applied by students, academics, and industries.
Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a cellulose-based thickener to reduce environmental risks associated with liquefied stabilized soil. The thickener prevents bleeding, loss of fine particles, and unwanted settling, while maintaining soil strength.
A new study by the University of Göttingen reveals that oil palms' photosynthesis and response to meteorological and soil conditions play a significant role in N2O production. The research suggests that conventional measurement approaches can underestimate emissions by up to 49%.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new method to purify rare earth elements using metal-loving microbes. The microbe selectively adsorbs and purifies these elements, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals.
A multidisciplinary team investigates hospital wastewater samples and demonstrates the effectiveness of photocatalytic treatment in reducing pharmaceutically active compounds and bacteria. The study highlights the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria and suggests a promising step towards sustainable wastewater treatment.
Recent state-sponsored infrastructure projects in Angola and Mozambique have been linked to climate-related humanitarian disasters. Research by Ruy Blanes highlights the need for local consideration in planning, as neglect can lead to devastating consequences.
A University at Buffalo-led research team has created a new, sturdier membrane that can withstand harsh environments associated with industrial separation processes. The membrane, made from an inorganic material called carbon-doped metal oxide, is a potential alternative to energy-intensive processes like distillation and crystallization.
Researchers developed an advanced wastewater treatment system using electrocoagulation to remove chemical oxygen demand pollutants. The system achieved optimal COD removal under specific conditions, and an artificial neural network model accurately predicted COD removal rates.
A new EWG study reveals that humans can serve as sentinels for understanding the impact of toxic PFAS on wildlife health. The study's findings show that over 625 species, including fish, birds, and mammals, are contaminated with PFAS, highlighting the need to tackle these persistent chemicals.
A new ecological theory may help explain the persistence of segregation in US cities. The theory, called the 'adaptive resilience cycle,' emphasizes how systems adjust to shocks and retain their structure. Researchers analyzed Baltimore's history and found that this cycle has reinforced segregation throughout the city's history.
Researchers investigated Japan's market for incorporating greener plastics to achieve carbon neutrality. They found that bioplastics have the lowest global warming potential, while recycled plastics are cheaper but with lower quality and recyclability. A robust recycling system is crucial to ensure quality assurance.
The National Science Foundation has added Worcester Polytechnic Institute to its Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center, a collaboration between universities and industry. WPI will leverage its expertise in fire protection to study new fire detection methods, robotics solutions for first responder safety, and fire suppression systems.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that even highly diluted wastewater from treatment plants can exert significant effects on stream communities, reducing invertebrate diversity and altering trophic networks. The researchers emphasize the need for more stringent treatments to conserve freshwater food webs.
Operation Mercury successfully halted most illegal gold mining activity in La Pampa, Peru, reducing deforestation and water quality issues. However, spillover effects led to increased mining in legal areas, highlighting the need for stronger regulations to mitigate environmental harm.
Oregon State University economist Bill Jaeger concludes that 30 years of international treaties on climate change are insufficient due to long delays between cost reduction and benefit realization. Courts recognizing climate rights could add leverage, giving voice to future generations.
Ghana has adopted a citizen science approach to address marine plastic litter, leveraging existing data and networks to inform policies and global SDG monitoring. The initiative has become a success story, providing valuable insights for other countries to incorporate citizen science into their SDG efforts.
A study of five case studies reveals the benefits of incorporating ecological connectivity into environmental assessments. The research emphasizes the need for guidance on conducting connectivity analyses and monitoring project impacts.
A Canadian hospital's energy and water use, medical product purchases account for over half its yearly carbon footprint, totalling 3500-5000 tons of CO2 equivalent. One hospital bed is roughly equivalent to the carbon footprint of five Canadian households.
Climate change exacerbates cardiovascular disease through poor air quality and extreme temperatures, according to a special issue of the Canadian Journal of Cardiology. Experts review environmental influences, exposures, and practical tips for healthcare providers to mitigate these effects.
A review of almost 1000 studies found climate change negatively impacts water quality globally, increasing salinity and pollutant concentrations. The research highlights the need for improved understanding and management strategies to mitigate these effects.
Research found alterations in proteins that can affect autophagy, a self-eating process of damaged cells. Healthy newborns showed individual responses to prenatal exposure to air pollution, with some more vulnerable than others. The study aims to understand the impact on breathing problems during infancy and childhood.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science have developed a catalyst support based on titanium dioxide powder to facilitate effective CO2 reduction. The study demonstrated increased hydrogen production and enhanced catalytic performance with silver nanoparticles loaded onto the TiO2 surface.
Researchers at CARe argue that taxing pharmaceutical companies is not a feasible solution due to potential economic consequences. Instead, they propose a hybrid framework combining the 'polluter pays' principle with a 'capacity principle,' focusing on solutions rather than assigning blame.
The Landscape Decisions Programme will showcase research on multifunctional landscapes, highlighting the importance of diverse views in land management. Key findings include the need to involve various stakeholders, including farmers, landowners, and investors, to tackle the climate emergency.
Researchers from the University of Illinois warn that artificial roosts can be detrimental to bat health due to overheating and inadequate insulation. The experts emphasize the need for further study on the risks associated with these structures.
A new study found that 12% of Americans are responsible for eating half of all beef consumed on a given day. The study analyzed data from the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that these individuals, mostly men or those between 50-65 years old, eat disproportionately large amounts of beef.
A new study suggests that emphasizing the need for energy independence and environmental stewardship could change people's minds about climate change. The research found that those who deny climate change often focus on personal experiences and local issues, but may not be aware of the scale of the problem.
A new study by University of Rhode Island Professor Jaime Ross found microplastics infiltrate all systems of the body, causing behavioral changes and potentially leading to serious health consequences, including Alzheimer's disease. The researchers discovered microplastics accumulate in every organ, including the brain, and alter immun...
A group of researchers propose that social influence plays a key role in breaking conservation rules, leading to harm for species and ecosystems. They argue that understanding how people are influenced by their environment and social dynamics can help improve conservation efforts.
A study by the University of Gothenburg found that paper cups, made from bioplastics like PLA, leach toxic chemicals into water and sediment, affecting aquatic life. Researchers call for transparency in plastics industry reporting to minimize plastic production.
Researchers develop innovative framework to evaluate establishment risks linked to invasive golden mussels in water diversion projects. Key environmental variables identified, including total nitrogen levels and optimal water temperature, which impact mussel reproduction and biofouling risk.
Researchers found that while tourists won't change their near-term plans due to climate change, more than two-thirds will reconsider by 2060 under drastically changed conditions. By 2060, 70% of tourists plan to shorten their trips in response to climate change.
The study found that local communities in coastal Ecuador depend less on tagua trees today than their grandparents did, but still use them for cultural and supporting services. The research highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these ecosystem services.
Researchers found long-lasting PFAS in 27 out of 39 paper straws tested, with bamboo straws also contaminated. The study highlights the potential harm of seemingly eco-friendly alternatives to plastic drinking straws.
A new study finds that climate distress in young adults is associated with negative emotions like anger and frustration, yet also motivates them to take positive actions for the environment. The study suggests that targeting climate-aware psychosocial support can help sustain young people's climate engagement and mental health.
Researchers discovered that aromatic molecules convert to aerosol particles through a fast reaction process, producing carcinogenic compounds. This finding bridges the gap between theory and observation, providing better understanding of urban environment chemistry.
A Dartmouth-led study reveals the devastating impact of gold and mineral mining on tropical rivers worldwide. Mining operations have doubled suspended sediment concentrations at 80% of affected rivers, altering river ecosystems and threatening human health.
A statistically significant increase in heat-related illnesses was found among patients at US Department of Veteran Affairs facilities between 2002 and 2019. Specific groups, such as those with existing health conditions and certain ethnic groups, were more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
A Stanford study reveals how the meat and dairy industry lobbies governments to resist competition from alternative animal products, such as plant-based and lab-grown meat alternatives. The research found that governments consistently devote more funding to traditional livestock systems than sustainable alternatives.
Environmental regulators should use scientific experimentation to inform natural resource policy, according to an international group of economists. By conducting experiments and analyzing results, policymakers can create more effective programs and reduce uncertainty about what works and what doesn't.
A study by researchers at Cell Press found that nearly 50% of environmentally-oriented users abandoned Twitter after Elon Musk took over the platform. This mass exodus has serious implications for public communication surrounding topics like climate change, biodiversity, and natural disaster recovery.
Researchers investigate how exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals in plastics may increase atherosclerosis and CVD risk, particularly in children. The study aims to establish a novel therapeutic target for chemical-induced CVD and explore gene-EDC interactions.
A proof-of-concept study reveals that 'forever chemicals' in soil from firefighting foam can be degraded through a simple and cost-effective method called ball milling. This innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize the cleanup of contaminated sites worldwide, addressing a significant environmental concern.
A Monash University-led study proposes standardizing medical terminology to capture climate-driven disaster events impacting human health. The research highlights the need for comprehensive clinical terminologies, particularly those linked to environmental factors, to improve disaster preparedness and response efforts.
A UK-Sri Lankan research network aimed to develop research capacities among senior academic staff members from both countries. The training network investigated differences, overlaps, and synergies between Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) research communities.
Research from the University of Bath found that classroom environmental education activities do not necessarily translate to changes in children's attitudes towards animals and the environment. While these activities improved knowledge and awareness, they did not alter attitudes or encourage involvement in conservation efforts.
A new UNC study found significant disparities in testing and treatment of private wells among low-income and minority households in North Carolina. The research highlights alarming levels of contamination and unequal access to well testing and treatment.
A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.
Researchers are creating synthetic microbiomes to protect aquatic environments from bacteria, improving shrimp health and reducing the risk of disease in aquaculture farms. The team is collaborating with farmers in Ecuador to develop new microbial communities that will increase resistance to pathogenic bacteria.
Researchers from Finland and international partners applied the doughnut model to transport, finding that it can help balance social and environmental needs. The study highlights the need for metrics that consider both travel time and wider effects on the environment.
Researchers are working to understand and predict wildfires' effects on the environment, including their impact on the carbon cycle and biodiversity. Studies have shown that repeated wildfires can accelerate the transition from tree- to shrub-dominated ecosystems, reducing plant diversity.
New research from the University of Surrey found that over 60% of nature-based solutions (NBS) are located in Europe, with poor adoption in other regions. The study analyzed over 500 NBS case studies and found that green solutions, hybrid solutions, and addressing water-based hazards were common uses of NBS.
A new study identifies reducing ammonia emissions as a cost-effective measure to reduce fine particulate matter concentrations in Europe. Implementing effective measures in the agricultural sector could achieve significant pollution reductions, avoiding 100,000 premature deaths annually.
A new study suggests that with careful management, road salt concentrations in US lakes may stabilize below EPA-set thresholds to protect aquatic life. Reducing road salt application rates could yield additional environmental and economic benefits without threatening road safety.
A recent journal article by University of Miami researchers outlines ways to achieve greater equity in ocean governance and science in the global tropics. The authors emphasize the need to give a voice to the 'tropical majority' and incorporate indigenous knowledge into ocean management.