Articles tagged with Environmental Monitoring
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
Researchers designed SlothBot to linger in the forest canopy for months, measuring environmental factors like weather and chemicals, to observe changes over long periods. This approach leverages energy efficiency, avoiding the high energy needs of fast-moving robots, and aims to provide a fail-safe transition between cables.
Marine Skin, a polymer-based material with integrated electronics, revolutionizes sea life monitoring by tracking movement and diving behavior, as well as environmental health. The system can operate at unprecedented depths, with enhanced sensitivity, and plans include additional sensing capabilities.
Researchers have discovered how gulls configure their wing shape to stabilize flight by adjusting elbow joints. This technique could inform the design of future aircraft, including fixed-wing drones that can coast on thermal updrafts.
A review of 320 global studies found a large mismatch in microplastic types measured in the environment and those tested for effects in laboratories. The study highlights the need for better quality monitoring and environmentally realistic effects studies to understand the impact of microplastics on the environment.
Four low-cost indoor air quality monitors reliably detect high levels of particulate matter in the air, enabling use of ventilation systems or air cleaners to reduce pollutant exposure. However, all monitors faltered for ultrafine particles smaller than 0.3 micrometers, which pose significant health risks.
The US has seen significant improvements in air and water quality since the Clean Air and Clean Water Acts were enacted in the 1970s. Long-term monitoring programs have tracked declines in pollutants like sulfur, nitrogen, mercury, and lead, leading to benefits for human health, economies, and environments.
Researchers developed a system that allows citizens to monitor water temperatures and noise levels in real-time, generating live music from the marine world. The Sonic Kayak project demonstrates potential for transdisciplinary research, merging biosciences, remote sensing, sound art, coding, and sports.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University have discovered a mechanism allowing gas sensors to operate at room temperature using nanocrystalline metal oxides. The invention will enhance environmental monitoring efficiency in nuclear power plants, submarines, and spacecrafts.
A terahertz wave study in Beijing found that high PM2.5 concentrations were related to larger absorption at selected frequencies, and the information gained by EM was effective in relieving haze pollution. The study also identified differences in sulfate types during red alert periods compared to normal conditions.
Scientists at Lomonosov Moscow State University developed a new approach to monitor environmental status in Moscow, using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. The method detects novel pollutants and expands the list of hazardous substances, posing potential threats to human health and ecosystems.
A recent University of Kansas study found that environmental regulations can increase firms' profits when implemented in the right balance. When wastewater discharge limits were stringent and inspections were frequent, profits declined as expected, but under conditions where one was stronger than the other, profits improved. This sugge...
Researchers have developed a new method to detect atmospheric chemicals using mid-infrared lasers, generating glowing plasma filaments that reveal chemical fingerprints.
Indoor air pollution from smoke, building materials, and spores kills millions each year. The research aims to combat air quality issues with smart city technologies and real-time data monitoring. Dr. Prashant Kumar explains the need for better indoor pollution monitoring to protect human health.
Researchers at Colorado State University are developing smaller satellites called CubeSats to monitor storms and clouds. The project aims to demonstrate real-time storm observation and take thousands of images inside clouds to improve understanding of precipitation processes.
The University of California, Davis has been awarded contracts for two major federal fine particle air quality monitoring networks: IMPROVE and CSN. This will provide data that helps inform national air quality standards and regulations, with a focus on visibility and human health in urban areas.
Research suggests that focusing monitoring on companies using the most environmentally damaging technologies can encourage investment in cleaner technology, leading to increased emissions reductions. This approach maximizes net benefits to society while reducing monitoring costs.
Duke University scientists developed new forensic tracers to identify coal ash contamination in water and distinguish it from other sources. The tracers provide additional fingerprints that give regulators a more accurate tool to trace coal ash effluents to their source.
A new study shows that citizen science projects contribute to direct impacts on conservation, including shift in formal professions, initiation of new organizations, and influencing social circles towards the cause. Volunteer participation has also been found to increase knowledge and concern for wildlife rooted in science.
Scientists propose using eDNA sampling to monitor invasive species, save endangered ones and inform policy. The technique has the potential to overcome traditional sampling methods' limitations, including expense and focus on single species.
A global approach to monitoring biodiversity loss has been proposed by an international team of biologists. The system aims to improve information feeding into biodiversity policy and stimulate investment in measuring global biodiversity change.
A comprehensive review of European bird monitoring programs revealed opportunities for improvement in sampling design, data analysis, and public involvement. Recommendations include collecting quantitative data, optimizing resource allocation between sites, and increasing collaboration among programs to integrate and reuse sampled data.
Researchers developed a new software that allows wireless sensor networks to run at much lower energy, improving the efficiency of hurricane and other natural disaster warning systems. The technology also enables environmental monitoring and risk identification.
The grant enables scientists to monitor the world's oceans and track changes in coastal or maritime systems, supporting a more sophisticated understanding of global climate change. Dr. Stamnes' algorithms will also aid in exploring issues related to polarization, scattering, and refraction of light in atmosphere-ocean systems.
A new device called the in situ sampler (IS2) is being used to monitor waste in groundwater without generating significant amounts of hazardous waste. The IS2 boasts extremely low detection limits and produces no wastewater, making it a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods.
The waterflea's genetic code has been fully sequenced, revealing a highly gene-packed animal with potential applications in environmental monitoring and biomedical research. The study provides new insights into gene function and disease associations, shedding light on the organism's ability to detect environmental changes.
The US EPA has awarded nearly $2.5 million to 11 companies to support their work in eight key environmental areas. These companies will use the additional funds to commercialize technologies such as microbial fuel cells and chromium-free coatings.