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.....»»
Low-density polyethylene microplastics partially alleviate toxicological effects induced by Cd exposure in earthworms
Cadmium (Cd) can accumulate in the food chain, with serious impacts on human health and safety. Microplastics (MPs) such as low density polyethylene (LDPE) should be considered not only as a single pollutant but also as a carrier of other pollutants......»»
Researchers reveal complex response of microbial communities to wastewater fluctuations
Microbial communities in constructed wetland (CW) sediments are often disturbed by wastewater. It is necessary for the microbial community to maintain a relatively stable composition or biomass in order to continue to remove pollutants from wastewate.....»»
Where have all the right whales gone? Researchers map population density to make predictions
Marine researchers have mapped the density of one of the most endangered large whale species worldwide, the North Atlantic right whale, using newly analyzed data to predict and help avoid whales' harmful, even fatal, exposure to commercial fishing an.....»»
EPA seeks to cut “Cancer Alley” pollutants
Chemical plants will have to monitor how much is escaping and stop leaks. Enlarge / An oil refinery in Louisiana. Facilities such as this have led to a proliferation of petrochemical plants in the area. (credit: Art Wager).....»»
Study finds microbes hitchhike on microplastics to reach the sea
The oceans contain large amounts of microplastics, particles that are less than 5 mm in size. In parts of the Baltic Sea, the concentration of microplastics can be as much as 3,300 particles per cubic meter. The microplastics end up in aquatic enviro.....»»
Peregrine falcons expose lasting harms of flame retardant use
Peregrine falcon populations across North America are heavily contaminated with harmful flame retardants–including those that have been phased out for years—according to a new study published in Environmental Science & Technology......»»
Researchers find natural manganite ores have significant effect on environmental behavior of arsenic
The ecological risk of pollutants is closely related to their environmental behavior. A research team led by Prof. Fan Qiaohui from the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources of the Chinese Academy of Sciences conducted an in-depth stud.....»»
Deep parts of Great Barrier Reef "insulated" from global warming, for now
Some deeper areas of the Great Barrier Reef are insulated from harmful heat waves—but that protection will be lost if global warming continues, according to new research......»»
New study flags alarmingly high levels of microplastics in Nigeria"s Osun River
The Osun River is one of the major rivers in southern Nigeria. It flows from its source in Ekiti State, through several states, before emptying into Lagos state's Lekki Lagoon. It is an important source of water for the communities that live around i.....»»
Easily observing environmental pollution-causing harmful substances through a mobile phone camera
DGIST's Physics and Chemistry Professor Park Jin-hee and her research team have developed a technology that allows easy detection of hazardous chemicals. Allowing one to detect harmful substances by analyzing color changes using a mobile phone camera.....»»
Study shows common water pollutants cause heart damage in fish
Recent findings highlight the persistence of dihalogenated nitrophenols (2,6-DHNPs) in drinking water, resisting standard treatments like sedimentation, filtration, and boiling. The research demonstrates the severe cardiotoxic effects of these contam.....»»
Making the future too bright: How wishful thinking can point us in the wrong direction
Everyone indulges in wishful thinking now and again. But when is that most likely to happen, and when could it actually be harmful? A new study led by the University of Amsterdam (UvA) demonstrates unequivocally that the greater the insecurity and an.....»»
Blueprint for mandating indoor air quality for public buildings in form of standards
In research published in the journal Science experts addressed setting standards for three key indoor pollutants—carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), PM2.5, which are particles so small they can lodge deep in the lungs and enter the bloodstr.....»»
Study finds wild nematode worms learn to avoid harmful bacteria—and their offspring inherit this knowledge
The nematode worm C. elegans will stay away from dangerous bacteria in its environment when exposed to certain bacterial RNAs—and can transmit that learned behavior to future generations. A team led by Coleen Murphy at Princeton University report t.....»»
New approach to monitoring freshwater quality can identify sources of pollution, predict their effects
The source of pollutants in rivers and freshwater lakes can now be identified using a comprehensive new water quality analysis, according to scientists at the University of Cambridge and Trent University, Canada......»»
Researchers demonstrate that forests trap airborne microplastics, acting as terrestrial sinks
A research group led by Japan Women's University finds that airborne microplastics adsorb to the epicuticular wax on the surface of forest canopy leaves, and that forests may act as terrestrial sinks for airborne microplastics......»»
Researchers obtain promising results for control of pollutants in water
An article published in the journal Catalysis Communications describes a simple, efficient and sustainable approach to the degradation and quantitative monitoring of a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), emerging pollutants that conta.....»»
Research team introduces superaerophobic three-dimensional nickel catalysts for accelerated water electrolysis
Water electrolysis process is a system that produces hydrogen by electrolyzing water. It is an eco-friendly technology that can produce hydrogen fuel, a future energy source, without emitting environmental pollutants, but its limitations include low.....»»
Scientists outline actions to protect lochs from climate change
Scientists have outlined the urgent actions needed to protect Scotland's lochs from the impacts of climate change, estimating that harmful algal blooms cost the national economy at least £16.5 million a year......»»
Uncovering the dominant contribution of intermediate volatility compounds to biomass-burning organic aerosols
Biomass burning, including wildfires and residential heating, emits a variety of air pollutants and has a series of negative impacts on the environment......»»