Microplastics could make other pollutants more harmful
Microplastics—small plastic pieces less than five millimeters in length—are becoming a ubiquitous ecological contaminant. Studies suggest that on their own, these tiny bits are potentially harmful, and it's unclear what effect they could have on.....»»
Harmful "forever chemicals" removed from water with new electrocatalysis method
Scientists from the University of Rochester have developed new electrochemical approaches to clean up pollution from "forever chemicals" found in clothing, food packaging, firefighting foams, and a wide array of other products. A new Journal of Catal.....»»
Lake bottom testing shows plastics migrating down into sediment layers
A team of environmentalists, geographers and ecologists affiliated with several institutions in Europe has found that microplastics have migrated into multiple sediment layers in three lakes in Latvia. In their study, published in the journal Science.....»»
Catalyst combines vanadium-based components and nitrogen-doped biomass carbon for pollutant removal
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans are dangerous pollutants due to their carcinogenicity and persistence in the environment. Traditional catalytic oxidation methods for their removal face challenges like high cost and inefficiency at.....»»
New species of fungi potentially harmful to humans identified in freshwater ecosystems
A study by the Mycology and Environmental Microbiology Unit of the Universitat Rovira i Virgili has identified new species of fungi that may cause infections or diseases in people and animals. Carried out in river ecosystems, the research is part of.....»»
Microplastics present in muscles, intestines of South East Queensland sharks
Researchers have discovered not only microplastics but also a higher abundance of cellulose-based fibers in the intestine samples of four apex shark species caught off the coast of South East Queensland (SEQ)......»»
Australians are washing microplastics down the drain and it"s ending up on farms
Australian wastewater treatment plants produce thousands of tons of treated sewage sludge every year. This nutrient-rich material is then dried to make "biosolids," which are used to fertilize agricultural soil......»»
Fake Caviar Invented in the 1930s Could Be the Solution to Plastic Pollution
An alternative to environmentally-harmful plastic is already within reach: seaweed......»»
Bangkok says work from home as pollution blankets city
Bangkok city employees have been told to work from home to avoid harmful air pollution, as a layer of noxious haze blanketed the Thai capital on Thursday......»»
Synthetic fibers and tire abrasion found to have the strongest impact on corals
Corals feed on plankton that they catch from the seawater. Due to the increasing pollution of the oceans, they also ingest tiny plastic particles. Sometimes, the corals are unable to expel the microplastics from their bodies. Instead, they store it i.....»»
Microplastics in soils: First consistent risk assessment
Microplastics in soil are extremely diverse and complex. This makes it difficult to determine the risks of plastic pollution to soil life, which is an increasing concern among policymakers and scientists. Researchers from the Spanish Institute IMDEA.....»»
Researchers develop eco-friendly "magnet" to battle microplastics
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, and University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment researchers are leading the charge with an innovative solution......»»
An eight-phase methodology for analyzing microplastics in soil ecosystem
In today's world, plastics are used extensively due to their favorable properties and affordable costs. The widespread use of these non-biodegradable materials, however, makes them a waste management nuisance and global environmental concern. It is e.....»»
Industrial pollutants found in Mediterranean corals for the first time
Pollutants from burning fossil fuels have been found embedded in corals, for the first time, offering scientists a potential new tool to track the history of pollution, finds a new study led by UCL researchers......»»
About a third of employees have faced bullying at work—here"s how to recognize and deal with it
The phenomenon of bullying, harassment and sexual abuse in workplaces throughout North America is widespread and harmful to both individuals and organizations. In fact, bullying at work affects up to 30% of workers over time......»»
Could protecting our proteins help us prevent aging?
Existing theories on the chemistry of aging are being turned on their head, thanks in particular to a small, ultra-resistant bacterium capable of "coming back to life" after extremely harmful attacks......»»
When nanoplastics are not what they seem: Release of oligomers from polyester textiles
Plastic household items and clothing made of synthetic fibers release microplastics, particles less than five millimeters in size that can enter the environment unnoticed. A small proportion of these particles are so small that they are measured in n.....»»
Green doesn"t always mean clean: Cleaning products urgently need better regulation, researchers warn
Many cleaning products labeled as "green" emit just as many harmful chemicals as regular products, new research has revealed......»»
Social media algorithms amplify misogynistic content to teens: Report
Social media algorithms amplify extreme content, such as misogynistic posts, which normalizes harmful ideologies for young people, finds a new report co-authored by Professor Nicola Shaughnessy from the University's School of Arts......»»
Microplastics found in Nile River"s tilapia fish
The Nile is one of the world's most famous rivers. It's also Africa's most important freshwater system. About 300 million people live in the 11 countries it flows through. Many rely on its waters for agriculture and fishing to make a living......»»
Is your pet exposed to secondhand smoke? Here are the (serious) health risks
Our pets share our homes, lifestyles, and sometimes even our food and beds. For many pets, this close contact with humans can include exposure to secondhand smoke from cigarettes and other air pollutants. This may have serious health consequences for.....»»