Articles tagged with Environmental Issues
A recent study reveals that media narratives significantly influence public awareness of microplastics, with certain narratives increasing awareness and others having little effect. The study also found a positive correlation between age and increased awareness of microplastics.
A new study reveals that consumers place a higher value on products from circular economies due to the concept of psychological ownership. This finding suggests that businesses and policymakers can align strategies with consumer values to promote sustainable initiatives.
Scientists from Japan create a new, more efficient form of liquefied stabilized soil from construction waste that can fill narrow spaces and be pumped over long distances. The material has improved flowability and lower environmental impact, making it suitable for large-scale civil engineering projects.
A new study led by University of Maryland Professor Sujay Kaushal reveals that human activities are making the planet's air, soil, and freshwater increasingly salty. This acceleration of the natural salt cycle poses an 'existential threat' to ecosystems and human health if current trends continue.
A new study found that killer whales' diets, rather than location, are more important for pollutant exposure. The research analyzed blubber samples from 162 North Atlantic killer whales and discovered varying diet compositions caused striking differences in contaminant concentrations.
Researchers have introduced a new technique for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples using interrupted energy transfer. The detection limit is in the µg/l range, making it suitable for on-site testing in highly contaminated regions.
Researchers found that most allegedly biodegradable plastic items sold by Brazilian supermarkets are actually oxo-degradable plastics banned in several countries. The products cost 125% more than conventional alternatives and failed to meet minimum requirements for genuine biodegradability.
The Human Right to Environment affirms the right to life itself, securing human health and wellbeing when humans protect nature. The recognition of this right drives governmental enforcement of environmental protection norms, requiring systemic change to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.
Chinese researchers are exploring advanced porous nanomaterials and technologies to reduce radionuclide discharge into the environment. These materials possess high specific surface area, abundant pore structures, exceptional stability, and design flexibility, making them promising candidates for radionuclide removal.
A new UN-led study reveals that Bitcoin mining has a significant impact on land and water resources, with China and the US having the largest footprints. The study found that Bitcoin mining consumed 173 terawatt hours of electricity in 2020-2021, emitting 86 megatons of carbon.
Researchers at West Virginia University are studying the effects of acid rain on forests and watersheds, a project involving middle school students. The team aims to understand how ecosystems respond to chronic changes in environmental conditions, including the recovery phase after acid rain stops falling.
A new UN study finds that global Bitcoin mining activities have substantial water and land footprints in addition to a significant carbon footprint. The top 10 Bitcoin mining countries are responsible for 92-94% of the global environmental impact.
An international team of scientists has updated its influential report, warning that life on Earth is under siege due to climate change. The authors track 35 vital signs and find 20 at record extremes, including rising temperatures, wildfires, and food insecurity affecting 735 million people.
A new study reveals that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is linked to accelerated BMI gain in children from birth to nine years old. The study found that certain mixtures of these chemicals increase the risk of childhood obesity and its related health consequences.
A study of 340,000 pregnant women in southern California found a significant association between long-term exposure to antepartum and postpartum air pollution and increased risks of postpartum depression. The findings highlight the importance of identifying modifiable environmental risk factors to improve maternal mental health.
A new study suggests that rebates can offer solutions to California's groundwater woes by incentivizing the collection of stormwater runoff and its infiltration into aquifers. The recharge net metering (ReNeM) program, modeled after rooftop solar metering, helps agencies meet Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requirements.
Juvenile crown-of-thorns starfish can withstand heatwaves that kill coral, developing into carnivorous predators. The species' resilience to warming waters exacerbates climate change's impact on coral reefs.
A WVU team is providing free technical assistance to local industrial facilities to reduce their impact on environmental and community health. The project aims to support businesses in making changes that benefit their communities while maintaining profitability.
Researchers found that adding a social cost to carbon emissions leads to a significant reduction in fertilizer runoff, resulting in improved water quality and a decrease in the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone. The study suggests that implementing a carbon price can help meet the US commitment to the Paris Accord while improving water quality.
A recent study reveals 15%-18% of the Brazilian Amazon is at high risk of ecological disruption by 2050. The regions, often near 'deforestation arc', exhibit low research frequencies and are threatened by climate change.
U of I researchers have developed organic nanozymes that mimic the properties of natural enzymes, exhibiting peroxidase-like activities and detecting glyphosate with adequate accuracy. The OC nanozyme is quicker to produce, cost-effective, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly.
Uncontrolled wildfires are threatening environmental progress in Brazilian Amazonia, a critical carbon sink. Deforestation rates have fallen, but fire counts remain high, driven by hotter and drier climate conditions.
Researchers at UTSA have been awarded a grant to develop a new technology that converts carbon dioxide into a raw material for producing chemical products. The project has the potential to create a productive area of catalysis research and reduce greenhouse emissions.
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.
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.
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.
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.