Articles tagged with Environmental Monitoring
A novel method developed by the University of Tsukuba uses drones and machine learning to estimate the amount of plastic litter in rivers. The approach combines high-resolution optical and thermal images, resulting in more accurate estimates than other methods.
A team of researchers from INRS has developed a new tool to measure the effects of endocrine disruptors in wastewater. Using human cell lines, they can detect the presence of these contaminants and predict their harmful effects without resorting to animal testing.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found that key parts of the global carbon cycle used to track movement of carbon dioxide in the environment are not correct. The estimate of how much carbon dioxide plants pull from the atmosphere is critical to accurately monitor and predict the amount of climate-changing gases in the atmosphere.
Researchers found that livestock grazing had no negative impact on snow leopard distribution or density, and the species can coexist due to their separate ecological niches. The study suggests a more nuanced approach to conservation and land use, prioritizing the preservation of rocky mosaics.
The SPRING project is establishing an EU-wide census of pollinators, building on existing butterfly monitoring schemes. The project will use a variety of methods, including standard routes for counting wild bees and hoverflies, to gather data on the diversity and abundance of pollinators.
A new study suggests that the majority of ocean plastics are on the seafloor or difficult to monitor, with an estimated 540 million metric tons trapped on land. The research estimates that large plastics and microplastics account for only a small percentage of total ocean plastic waste.
Researchers developed tiny sensor-carrying devices inspired by dandelion seeds to monitor environmental conditions like temperature and humidity. The devices can travel up to 100 meters on a breeze, share data wirelessly up to 60 meters away, and power themselves using solar panels.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a new method to monitor soil freezing, enabling the creation of safer and more stable structures in permafrost regions. The water potential method is fast, inexpensive, and applicable to various soil types, providing accurate estimates of freezing point and unfrozen water content.
A team of researchers has developed a new method using environmental DNA analysis to track the source of fecal contamination in surface water. By analyzing specific DNA sequences, they can identify the main contributors to pollution and potentially pinpoint areas with faulty wastewater treatment infrastructure or poor manure management.
Researchers developed a simple and efficient method for surveying amphibians using environmental DNA analysis, which can be conducted by anyone without specialist knowledge. This technique resolves issues with conventional methods such as capture and observational surveys, allowing for more accurate monitoring of amphibian habitats.
Researchers analyzed pine needle samples to track the presence and concentrations of over 70 different types of PFAS in six N.C. counties from 1961 to the present. The findings show a snapshot history of a half century of PFAS contamination, including the introduction and phasing out of new chemicals.
A recent global study found that more than a quarter of the world's rivers had pharmaceutical concentrations at potentially toxic levels. The study, which included data from over 258 rivers across seven continents, also revealed concurrent contamination by multiple classes of pharmaceuticals.
A new study found concentrations of pharmaceuticals at potentially toxic levels in over a quarter of the world's rivers, including major waterways like the Thames and Amazon. The research highlights the need for increased monitoring to mitigate environmental impacts.
Swine waste lagoon construction dates have been established for the first time using satellite imagery, providing insights into their environmental impact. The study focused on North Carolina and found that approximately 16% of lagoons were already in place before 1987.
Researchers monitored cell environments for three days, finding significant differences from native conditions. The team aims to develop recommendations on improving culture conditions and reduce environmental instability.
Researchers found that soil pH and total cadmium are key factors controlling cadmium uptake in cacao beans. Liming soils can increase yield while reducing cadmium content, but access to lime may be limited for smallholder farmers.
A Texas A&M University study reveals that indoor air quality in homes is often worse than in office buildings, with higher concentrations of fine particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The research suggests that remote workers are exposed to poorer health outcomes due to inadequate home air quality.
The eLTER call offers Transnational Access (TA) and Remote Access (RA) for scientists working on biodiversity, biogeochemistry, and socio-ecological research. The 39 sites in 19 countries provide state-of-the-art instrumentation and long-term data.
Researchers found a 30% larger decrease in surface-level NO2 levels in countries with strict lockdowns compared to those without. Within cities, variations were stark, with areas near coal-powered plants or airports seeing greater reductions.
The American Thoracic Society recommends limiting long-term PM2.5 exposure to 8 µg/m³ and short-term exposure to 25 µg/m³, which could prevent an estimated 14,650 deaths and 33,000 additional illnesses. Implementing these standards could save thousands of lives by reducing morbidity and mortality from air pollution.
Researchers from Korea Maritime & Ocean University found that using LPG as a marine fuel can reduce annual fuel consumption by 7.5-10.4%, fuel cost by 8.8-25.9%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 10-14%. The study also highlights the potential for promoting LPG as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.
The DNAqua-Net team developed a practical guide for implementing DNA-based biomonitoring tools, considering four sample types and two primary analysis types. The guide sets out scientific consensus and trade-offs, addressing logistics, time, and budget constraints.
The frequency of thunderstorms in some fast-growing African coastal cities has doubled over the past 30 years, mostly linked to land use change. Deforestation exacerbates storm activity, causing increased rainfall and flooding in urban areas.
An international team of scientists proposes a global network to monitor hazards threatening Earth's ecosystems and human activities. The International Meridian Circle Program aims to track space weather events, geomagnetic field changes, and atmospheric disturbances using a diverse range of instruments.
A recent study has discovered microplastic in the high-altitude air surrounding Pic du Midi Observatory, located in the Pyrenees mountains. The researchers analyzed 10,000 cubic meters of air and found a concentration of approximately one particle per 4 cubic meters. This finding indicates intercontinental atmospheric transport of micr...
Researchers at Lund University have successfully detected insect DNA in the air, offering a novel approach to monitoring terrestrial biodiversity. This method, known as airborne DNA metabarcoding, allows for the detection of multiple species from single samples and could accelerate biodiversity surveys.
Researchers at the Global Environmental Remote Sensing Laboratory are working on improving remote sensing technology to detect subtle changes in forest ecosystems. They have developed a method called PIDS, which can adapt to specific user-targeted specific change detection, and paired it with Landsat data to monitor forest health and c...
Researchers have developed a powerful new tool that can determine the diversity of hard corals on a reef by analyzing DNA in seawater samples. This method is faster, easier, and less expensive than traditional visual identification, allowing for more accurate coral reef conservation and restoration.
A conservation incentive mechanism has stimulated creation of protected Atlantic Rainforest areas, mainly APAs with few restrictions. However, its impact is limited by the number of units created and differing responses from states and municipalities.
The report reveals that electronic waste generated in the region rose by 50% between 2010 and 2019, with only 3.2% collected and safely managed. The regional e-waste total jumped from 1.7 Mt to 2.5 Mt, with Russia generating the most e-waste.
A research team led by Barbara Mazzolai has created a soft, biodegradable, and soluble velcro that mimics the micro-hook structure of leaves on the 'catchweed' plant, enabling devices for environmental monitoring and precision farming. The technology reduces pesticide use and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
A major new study found that woodland and hedgerow creation can support higher numbers of pollinators, including bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. The survey, which covered hundreds of sites across Wales, revealed the importance of carefully managed habitats in land management incentive schemes.
Damaged coral reefs exhibit a two-phase recovery pattern, with the first phase lasting up to six years, and the second phase being faster. This pattern was observed in 60% of severely disturbed reefs on the Great Barrier Reef.
Researchers found polar bears can be used as indicators of environmental shifts, highlighting how changes affect marine mammal prey populations. They also discovered that polar bears are flexible eaters and will consume available prey, making them an ideal monitoring tool for tracking environmental changes.
Researchers have compiled a dataset of microplastic abundance in the world's upper oceans, estimating 24.4 trillion pieces weighing 82,000-578,000 tons. The data fills gaps in global coverage and provides realistic amounts for assessing impact on aquatic organisms.
A study has identified 20 consistent indicators to support sustainability on U.S. ranches, focusing on ecological, social, and economic aspects. The indicators aim to help ranchers track progress toward sustainability goals and communicate improvements to their operations.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
The article discusses community-based environmental monitoring, which allows local members to collect and analyze data independently. This approach has the potential to empower Indigenous rightsholders and stakeholders, and contribute to meeting contemporary sustainability challenges.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new, low-cost seismic monitoring system that can detect changes in pore pressure with greater than 99.99% accuracy. The system uses a small seismic source and distributed acoustic sensing technology to monitor subsurface formations over an extensive area at a relatively low cost.
Researchers developed a novel machine learning algorithm to identify previously unknown air pollutant mixtures linked to poor asthma outcomes in children. The study found that early exposure to individual and mixed pollutants can lead to longer-term problems with asthma, affecting about seven percent of US children.
A comprehensive review finds that cruise ships cause major environmental pollution and degradation, as well as physical and mental health risks for passengers, staff, and land-based residents. The study highlights the need for global legislation to minimize damage on both oceans and human health.
The Copernicus Ocean State Report reveals record low Arctic ice levels, with a 90% reduction in average sea ice thickness in the Barents Sea. The report also highlights extreme variability in ocean temperatures and oxygen levels, posing significant challenges for marine ecosystems.
Researchers successfully detected local mammals and birds by collecting 18 litres of water from a two-kilometre stretch along the river Mulde. The team identified 50% of fish species, 22% of mammal species, and 7.4% of breeding bird species in the region.
A one-year study found that increased concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and lower ventilation rates were associated with slower response times and reduced accuracy on cognitive tests, affecting employees' productivity.
Scientists at Kobe University have created plants that can identify polychlorinated biphenyls and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which contaminate soil and water. The plant-based method offers a convenient and inexpensive way to monitor toxicity levels.
Researchers at McGill University have developed a new way to track genetically modified animals using artificial transgenes. The discovery provides a powerful tool for locating and managing escaped or released GM animals.
A new study found that LED streetlights have a detrimental impact on local insect populations, with moth caterpillar numbers being 52% lower under LED lighting than in unlit areas. The study suggests that this is due to female moths laying fewer eggs in habitats illuminated by streetlights.
A new study found that global marine ecosystem models differ widely in their representation of key processes, leading to underestimation of climate change impacts. Marine ecosystem models generally agree on biomass decline but disagree on magnitude and location across the world's oceans through the 21st century.
Managing 30% of land for conservation could safeguard 70% of terrestrial plant and vertebrate animal species while conserving over 62% of the world's above-ground vulnerable carbon. The study also suggests this approach could safeguard 68% of all clean water resources.
A new study finds that female walruses in the Chukchi Sea rely on biomarkers from algae growing within sea ice as a primary food source. The researchers tracked these markers using liver tissues from harvested animals, revealing a difference in foraging behavior between males and females.
A Yale study has identified significant gaps in biodiversity maps, limiting effective conservation decisions globally. The researchers created regional trends maps to assess the distribution of 31,000 terrestrial vertebrates, highlighting opportunities for citizen scientists and government agencies to support biodiversity monitoring.
Researchers found that areas with low environmental quality had stronger associations with late-stage prostate cancer diagnoses, particularly in Black men. The study suggests that addressing environmental factors such as land, water, and sociodemographic variables could improve treatment outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Stirling have developed a new algorithm that analyzes data from satellite sensors to estimate trophic state directly, improving monitoring of issues like harmful algal blooms. This method outperforms current approaches with an accuracy rate of over 90% for highly affected waters.
Scientists from SMART DiSTAP have engineered a novel type of plant nanobionic optical sensor that can detect and monitor arsenic levels in the belowground environment. This non-destructive approach enables plants to serve as self-powered detectors of arsenic, marking a significant upgrade over conventional methods.
Researchers found that particulate matter (PM2.5) is overestimated in winter and ozone (O3) is underestimated in urban areas compared to suburban areas across all of China. This highlights the need for more data outside urban areas to accurately assess air pollution impacts on ecosystem functions.
Researchers developed an effective environmental monitoring methodology for SARS CoV-2 virus, detecting viral RNA persistence on surfaces for at least 8 days. The study found that a minimum of 1,000 viral particles per 25 cm2 are required to detect the virus effectively.
A University of Georgia study evaluated environmental monitoring practices across the frozen food industry to identify effective methods for controlling Listeria monocytogenes. The research found that facilities were predominantly testing for Listeria spp., but there is a need for facilities to review their sampling strategy.
A review paper in Science highlights the challenge of assessing chemical risks to wildlife, citing the need for computer modelling and long-term ecological monitoring. The authors recommend a more consistent retrospective risk assessment approach to better understand the impacts of chemicals on wildlife populations.
Researchers review existing works on using IoT and crowdsourced data for atmospheric research, highlighting its potential to improve weather forecasting and monitoring environmental processes. The innovative approach can provide valuable insights into atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, pressure, and air pollution.
David Schmale, a professor at Virginia Tech, has received a Fulbright US Scholar Program award to develop remote-sensing capabilities to detect and respond to harmful algal blooms in New Zealand. He will also create educational units for students to design and fabricate robots for environmental monitoring.