Environmental Monitoring
Articles tagged with Environmental Monitoring
The more companies lobby, the less they say about the environment
A new study published in the Journal of Cleaner Production examines the link between corporate political spending and ESG disclosure among S&P 500 companies. The researchers found that firms with higher lobbying expenditures tend to score lower on sustainability transparency, particularly when it comes to environmental disclosure.
Mapping microplastic movement in rivers and streams across Pennsylvania
A recent study investigated microplastic movement in freshwater ecosystems across Pennsylvania, finding that watersheds with higher population densities and adjacent wastewater treatment plants had higher concentrations of microplastics. The research also revealed local features, such as forests and rural areas, play a critical role in...
Seabirds reveal global mercury distribution in oceans
A recent study analyzed blood samples from over 11,000 seabirds worldwide to estimate oceanic mercury distribution. The analysis found that mercury levels vary according to prey trophic level, bird body weight, and foraging depth, with distinct regional patterns of contamination.
ForestTalks webinar explores integrating Earth observation and national forest inventories across Europe
The webinar highlighted the potential of combining NFI field data, EO disturbance products, and national statistics for robust forest carbon monitoring. Continental-scale carbon balance analysis showed a trend towards neutral over the past decade, with large interannual variability.
Heat from traffic is contributing to rise in city temperatures, new study finds
A new study by the University of Manchester has developed a way to measure the impact of urban traffic on city temperatures, revealing that everyday vehicle use can raise temperatures in cities. The researchers found that traffic heat increases simulated air temperatures by around 0.16°C during summer and 0.35°C in winter.
First cataloguing of lakes beneath the Canadian Arctic
A team of researchers has created a map of 33 subglacial lakes in the Canadian Arctic, revealing unprecedented detail about these bodies of water. The discovery helps scientists better understand the rapidly melting region and its implications for glacier loss and climate change.
The risk of groundwater contamination is still poorly monitored
Two-thirds of private wells in the São Paulo Metropolitan Area are not formally registered, posing a risk to groundwater consumption. The area is contaminated by toxic industrial waste, including chlorinated solvents used for cleaning machines.
FAU-FWC Study: Endangered smalltooth sawfish make a comeback in a historical Florida nursery
Researchers found juvenile smalltooth sawfish showing strong site fidelity to the South Fork of the Saint Lucie River, spending up to 87% of their time within a 0.4 square kilometer area. This suggests that the Indian River Lagoon is once again functioning as a nursery for this endangered species.
Researchers create index to assess soil health in mangroves
Researchers have developed an index to measure the health of mangrove soils, revealing that healthy mangroves provide ecosystem services at nearly maximum capacity. The Soil Health Index (SHI) helps managers set conservation and restoration priorities, providing a tool to monitor ecosystem restoration and recovery.
How cavefish’s duckbill-horn-hump could transform environmental monitoring?
Researchers discovered how cavefish amplify hydrodynamic signals through evolutionary design, increasing perceptual range and reducing energy consumption. This study offers a blueprint for designing energy-efficient artificial lateral line systems for smarter autonomous underwater vehicles.
Jeonbuk National University researchers explore metal oxide electrodes as a new frontier in electrochemical microplastic detection
Researchers at Jeonbuk National University have developed a new method for detecting microplastics using metal oxide electrodes, offering a rapid and sensitive solution for environmental monitoring. The technology has the potential to replace traditional spectroscopic methods with its portability, low cost, and real-time capabilities.
The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Satellite images indicate that the Doñana Marshland will disappear within 60 years
New study assesses potential dust control options for Great Salt Lake
A new collaborative study evaluates potential dust control measures for the Great Salt Lake, considering effectiveness, cost, water demand, maintenance needs, and ecological impacts. The analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term planning, sustained maintenance, and careful consideration of unintended consequences.
As tropical fish move north, UT San Antonio researcher tracks climate threats to Texas waterways
A UT San Antonio assistant professor is studying how climate change and urbanization affect freshwater ecosystems by tracking the expansion of exotic tropical fish species into northern regions. The project aims to provide practical tools for natural resource managers to protect Texas waterways.
Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES
A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...
Mapping the urban breath
A comprehensive review evaluates the global race to track urban carbon emissions, highlighting the importance of high-precision atmospheric observations. The study reveals a stark geographical divide between monitored and unmonitored cities, emphasizing the need for a transparent framework for carbon neutrality.
Long-term pesticide exposure accelerates aging and shortens lifespan in fish
Research led by University of Notre Dame biologist Jason Rohr found that chronic exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos causes fish to age faster at the cellular level, leading to accelerated aging and reduced lifespan. The study suggests that low-level exposures can silently accumulate damage over time.
Chuanmin Hu selected as Fellow of The Oceanography Society
Hu's work spans harmful algal blooms, oil spills, coastal water quality, and floating macroalgae with impacts at local, regional, national, and global scales. His discovery of the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt has profound ecological, economic, and public health implications.
Vulnerable populations shoulder larger number, higher intensity of environmental burdens
New research shows that vulnerable populations in the US are exposed to a larger number and higher intensity of environmental burdens. The study found strong relationships between concentrated environmental burdens and vulnerable communities, with communities of color and those with limited English fluency facing the greatest risks.
DNA floating in air reveals the hidden past of ecosystems
Researchers analyzed DNA captured on air filters since the 1960s to track changes in ecosystem biodiversity. The study found a clear decline in biodiversity from the 1970s to the early 2000s, linked to human activities such as forest management.
Your Christmas decorations may be hiding a tiny bit of badger and toad
Researchers found 13 bird species, 11 mammal species, and 2 amphibian species in Danish moss samples, demonstrating its potential for monitoring global biodiversity. The study suggests that moss-based DNA sampling could work globally due to its simplicity, effectiveness, and gentle nature.
The Alps to lose a record number of glaciers in the next decade
The Alps are expected to reach a peak loss rate of 2,000-4,000 glaciers per year by 2033-2041, with only 110 glaciers remaining in Central Europe by 2100. Regions like the Rocky Mountains and Andes will also experience significant glacier losses.
Optical properties of plants reflect ozone-induced damage
Researchers developed a non-invasive OCT scanner to measure environmental stress in plants. The device reveals internal structural changes caused by ozone exposure, enabling early detection of deficiencies or stress-induced changes.
No, we don't need more and more data about nature. We need more people to use the data
A Norwegian University of Science and Technology study reveals that raw ecological data is not enough to protect ecosystems; knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement are crucial. The research proposes the PRISM model to strategically frame ecological data and improve planning decisions.
24,000 times more harmful to the climate than CO2: Goethe University measurements reveal SF6 gas emissions in Germany
Researchers found significant SF6 emissions in Heilbronn region, amounting to approximately 30 tons per year, and exceeding previous estimates. The study aims to validate bottom-up assessments of emissions by complementing top-down emission estimates.
Mountains as water towers: New research highlights warming differences between high and low elevations
A new study by Montana State University scientists explores elevation-dependent changes in climate, including variations in precipitation, surface albedo, and air temperature trends across mountain ranges globally. The findings have direct implications for water availability and use in regions like Montana.
AMS Science Preview: Railways and cyclones; pinned clouds; weather warnings in wartime
Researchers investigate how adjacent cities exacerbate each other's heat island effects. A study also highlights the need for improved hindcasting infrastructure in climate science. Additionally, a campaign monitors pinned clouds over industrial sources of heat and finds that trees are more reliable against heat stress than buildings.
Wiley expands spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections
Wiley has expanded its spectral libraries with major updates to IR, Raman, and LC-MS collections, delivering researchers enhanced capabilities for faster and more confident compound identification. The expansion brings over 9.5 million high-quality spectra, including 1 million IR spectra and 161,000 Raman spectra.
Reducing arsenic in drinking water cuts risk of death, even after years of chronic exposure
A 20-year study of 11,000 adults in Bangladesh found that reducing arsenic levels in drinking water was associated with lower mortality rates from heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. The study provides the first long-term, individual-level evidence that reducing arsenic exposure may lower mortality even among people exp...
Defunct Pennsylvania oil and gas wells may leak methane, metals into water
Researchers found that abandoned oil and gas wells in Pennsylvania can leak methane and metals into groundwater, contaminating nearby aquifers. The study's findings suggest that the interaction between methane and rock near wellbores releases metals into groundwater.
Home advantage? How consumers misjudge the environmental impact of imported food
A survey by Göttingen University found that consumers overestimate the environmental benefits of locally sourced food, while underestimating the advantages of imported goods. This misjudgment can lead to environmentally unfriendly choices.
Journal of Environmental Sciences study reveals insights into passive water purification by constructed wetlands
Constructed wetlands can mimic natural water purification processes, but studies of full-scale CWs have been limited. Researchers identified key factors affecting removal efficiency, including carbon sources and hydraulic parameters.
Winners of Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 announced
The winners of the Applied Microbiology International Horizon Awards 2025 have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to global challenges through applied microbiology. The awards celebrate excellence across various domains, including drug discovery and sustainable agriculture.
Pusan National University study finds pollution shifts rainfall from land to sea in Southeast Asia
A study by Pusan National University finds that aerosols intensify ocean rainfall while delaying land storms, affecting water resources and flood protection. High aerosol levels alter precipitation patterns, with increased rainfall over the ocean and decreased rainfall over land.
Concordia study links urban heat in Montreal to unequal greenspace access
A Concordia University study reveals that neighborhoods with lower incomes and higher proportions of racialized residents tend to be hotter due to less vegetation. Increasing tree coverage can lower land surface temperature by 1.4°C, but wealthier areas have more access to green infrastructure.
Grassland butterflies – important indicators of the state of nature
The 'Grassland Butterfly Index' shows a significant decline in butterfly populations in Germany from 2016 to 2023, with some species decreasing by up to 50%. This trend is consistent with European-wide declines, highlighting the need for effective conservation measures to protect these important ecosystem indicators.
Architecture’s past holds the key to sustainable future
The authors argue that energy availability has driven architectural design throughout history, with fossil fuels transforming buildings in the 17th century. They challenge conventional wisdom on sustainability, highlighting the high energy costs of modern minimalist designs like the Seagram Building.
Flow-powered pollution sensor for amine detection in water
A self-powered analytical device has been developed to detect toxic amines in water using electrochemiluminescence. The device generates its own voltage from liquid flow and produces light signals to indicate contamination, making water quality testing more accessible and portable.
Nanoplastics detection chip revolutionizes plastic pollution monitoring
Researchers developed a novel optical sieve method to detect, classify and count nanoplastic particles in real-world environments. The innovation provides hope for scalable monitoring of global plastic pollution with far-reaching implications for human health and the environment.
Tracking plastic in the deep sea: how the Levant Basin (East Mediterranean) became a sink for packaging waste
A new study reveals the Levant Basin as one of the world's most concentrated graveyards for plastic packaging, with research findings showing extremely high seafloor concentrations of plastic bags and packaging. The basin acts as a final sink due to high pressure and sedimentation.
Rice research team on quest to engineer computing systems from living cells
Researchers aim to integrate microbial sensing and communication with electronic networks, enabling computing systems constructed from living cells. The project explores the development of smart biosensors capable of identifying chemical signatures and learning through cellular memory.
‘Peak water security’ crisis, Texas A&M researcher warns
Researchers warn of declining access to safe and reliable water in the US, urging better tracking tools and policy reforms. A new tool, Household Water Insecurity Experiences (HWISE), measures water insecurity in over 1,000 households across the country.
Forest disturbances are reshaping the world’s carbon balance
A new high-resolution global forest age dataset has revealed that forests are ageing naturally at a slower rate than before, while disturbances such as wildfires and deforestation are causing younger stands to rapidly grow. This study highlights the pivotal role forests play in regulating the Earth's climate.
Industrial pollution’s imprint lasts generations
Researchers found a strong correlation between industrial pollution exposure during pregnancy and the risk of intellectual disabilities in grandchildren. A study using Utah Population Database data revealed that grandmothers' prenatal exposures can increase the risk of intellectual disabilities in their grandchildren's children.
Arctic reindeer populations could decline by 80 per cent by 2100
Researchers predict significant declines in Arctic reindeer populations, with potential losses of up to 80% by 2100, due to climate change. This could have far-reaching ecological implications and exacerbate climatic warming.
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics to track impact of plastic production and pollution on human health
The Lancet Countdown on Health and Plastics monitors the effects of plastic pollution on human health, citing $1.5 trillion in annual economic losses. Researchers track the life cycle of plastics to identify key drivers of harm, including production, use, and disposal.
Study of water bodies frequented by wild birds reveals presence of antimicrobial resistance genes in nine in 10 samples
A UK study monitored antimicrobial resistance and influenza viruses in water bodies frequented by wild birds, finding widespread AMR genes in 92% of samples. Influenza virus was detected in just 3.4% of samples, highlighting the need for more sensitive detection methods.
USC teams up with ShadeLA coalition to cool Los Angeles ahead of 2028
ShadeLA aims to reduce heat risk by expanding tree canopy and shade infrastructure in key public spaces, targeting major sporting events and heat waves. The initiative builds on USC's Urban Trees Initiative and engages community-based organizations to create locally driven solutions for a more comfortable L.A.
Don’t feed the animals: Researchers warn of risks tied to wildlife interactions
A new study warns of the dangers of human interactions with wildlife, particularly feeding wild animals, which can lead to habituation and dangerous encounters. The research found that provisioning food to wild animals can cause them to become bolder and more prone to causing problems.
FAU Harbor Branch receives $1M grant to study gulf’s mesophotic coral habitats
Researchers will study how ocean currents and nutrients from land influence the health and productivity of MCEs, which support diverse marine life and important fisheries. The project aims to fill critical knowledge gaps and provide science-based solutions for environmental protection and sustainable growth in the gulf region.
University of Houston engineer creates a possible replacement for plastic
A University of Houston engineer has developed a method to create strong and eco-friendly materials from bacterial cellulose, which could replace plastic in various industries. The new material has high tensile strength flexibility, foldability, optical transparency, and long-term mechanical stability.
Ships trigger high and unexpected emissions of the greenhouse gas methane
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that ship traffic triggers large methane emissions in shallow areas, including ports. The study found that cruise and container ships caused the most frequent and largest measured methane releases.
New global index aims to help people and nature thrive together
A new paper proposes a global framework to measure how well people and nature are thriving together, introducing the Nature Relationship Index to complement the Human Development Index. The index assesses countries' relationships with ecosystems, access to nature, and environmental protection.
Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline
Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.
The Barents Sea system – gateway to the changing Arctic
The Barents Sea system – gateway to the changing Arctic book documents six years of interdisciplinary research on the Barents Sea. Researchers used various platforms, including drones, satellites, and underwater robots, to collect data and make predictions about future changes.
Better images for humans and computers
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel solution for image sensors, utilizing lead halide perovskite to capture every photon of light. This allows for improved color recognition and higher resolution, as well as advantages in hyperspectral imaging.
How home addresses may predict health consequences of roach, rodent exposure
Researchers used geospatial neighborhood and housing data to predict lung function among children with asthma living in homes with more roaches and rodents. The study highlights the impact of environmental exposures on asthma health disparities among Black and Latino children.
AMOC decline increases rainfall in parts of the Amazon rainforest
A new study reveals a link between the weakening Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and increased rainfall in the Southern Amazon rainforest. The AMOC's decline may buffer dry season rainfall loss, but also underscores the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to prevent broader climate risks.