http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/pollution/ Pollution articles. Air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, soil pollution and more. Read current events articles on pollution, pollution prevention and pollution control. en-us Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/pollution/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105353.htm Aerosols, very small particles suspended in the air, play an important role in the global climate balance and in regulating climate change. They are one of the greatest sources of uncertainty in climate change models. ESA's GlobAerosol project has been making the most of European satellite capabilities to monitor them. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110105353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145308.htm As the climate gets warmer, arid soils lose nitrogen as gas, reports a new study. That could lead to deserts with even less plant life than they sustain today, say the researchers. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106084243.htm Infants who are exposed to higher levels of air pollution are at increased risk for bronchiolitis, according to a new study. Sat, 07 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106084243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100022.htm More than 1.2 billion lightning flashes occur around the world every year. Each of those billion lightning flashes produces a puff of nitrogen oxide gas (NOx) that reacts with sunlight and other gases in the atmosphere to produce ozone. Using data gleaned from aircraft observations and satellites, NASA scientists recently took steps toward a better global estimate of lightning-produced NOx and found that lightning may have a considerably stronger impact on the climate in the mid-latitudes and subtropics. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100022.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104161834.htm Heavy traffic corridors in the cities of Long Beach and Riverside are responsible for a significant proportion of preventable childhood asthma, and the true impact of air pollution and ship emissions on the disease has likely been underestimated, according to researchers. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104161834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104140816.htm Air quality in homes and offices is becoming a major health concern. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in indoor air emanate from adhesives, furnishings, clothing, and solvents and have been shown to cause illnesses in people. Researchers tested ornamental indoor plants for their ability to remove harmful VOCs from indoor air. The study concluded that simply introducing common ornamental plants into indoor spaces has the potential to significantly improve the quality of indoor air. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104140816.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143815.htm The impact of airborne nitrogen released from the burning of fossil fuels and wide-spread use of fertilizers in agriculture is much greater that previously recognized and even extends to remote alpine lakes. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091105143815.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104000925.htm Biologists have explained why corals spawn for just a few nights in some places but elsewhere string out their love life over many months. A new study shows that corals spawn when regional wind fields are light. When it is calm, the eggs and sperm have the chance to unite before they are dispersed. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104000925.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121456.htm A recent assessment finds some positive trends among indicators of biodiversity loss in China -- notably, growth in forest coverage and improvements in marine ecosystems. However, other indicators, such as the rate of discovery of invasive species, are worsening. Many animals are under growing threat. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102121456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171728.htm A new study compares neighborhoods' walkability (degree of ease for walking) with local levels of air pollution and finds that some neighborhoods might be good for walking, but have poor air quality. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102171728.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100020.htm For decades, climate scientists have worked to identify and measure key substances -- notably greenhouse gases and aerosol particles -- that affect Earth's climate. And they've been aided by ever more sophisticated computer models that make estimating the relative impact of each type of pollutant more reliable. Yet the complexity of nature -- and the models used to quantify it -- continues to serve up surprises. The most recent? Certain gases that cause warming are so closely linked with the production of aerosols that the emissions of one type of pollutant can indirectly affect the quantity of the other. And for two key gases that cause warming, these so-called "gas-aerosol interactions" can amplify their impact. Sat, 31 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030100020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114023.htm Where does dust come from? Scientists are reporting a surprising answer to that question, which has puzzled and perplexed generations of men and women confronted with layers of dust on furniture and floors. Most of indoor dust comes from outdoors. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028114023.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922160106.htm Bacteria commonly used to indicate health risks in recreational waters might not be so reliable after all. Pathogenic E. coli were pervasive in stream-water samples with low concentrations of fecal indicator bacteria. This is one of the unexpected findings that may affect how we rely on indicator bacteria to determine if water is contaminated with bacteria that can make people sick. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922160106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071905.htm The long-term effects of pesticides on living organisms in rivers and on water quality can now be assessed more easily. Researchers from Germany have developed a tool that can estimate the harmful effect of pesticides, such as those flushed into rivers and streams from agricultural land, within minutes. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071905.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134628.htm The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced a study that will investigate ways to reduce pollution that can run off paved surfaces and improve how water filters back into the ground. EPA is testing a variety of different permeable pavement materials and rain gardens in the parking lot at the agency's Edison, N.J. facility. Wed, 28 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028134628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm A new report examines and, when possible, estimates "hidden" costs of energy production and use -- such as the damage air pollution imposes on human health -- that are not reflected in market prices of coal, oil, other energy sources, or the electricity and gasoline produced from them. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122835.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026103844.htm The same phenomenon that occurs when it's time for certain mushrooms to eject spores also occurs when dew droplets skitter across a surface that is highly water repellent. Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091026103844.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114321.htm Geologists are finding that the most important tools in their fieldwork on groundwater arsenic pollution are women and children armed with pamphlets and testing kits. The research examines arsenic levels in the groundwater in Bangladesh and West Bengal, India. While trying to understand how the naturally occurring arsenic gets into groundwater, the researchers are helping Bengalis identify contaminated water sources so they can make more informed decisions about where to dig wells. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022114321.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141128.htm While carbon dioxide is the main greenhouse gas and the focus of climate treaties, other pollutants that stay in the atmosphere for only days or months also contribute to global warming. Researchers argue that policymakers should plan a summit now to look at these pollutants, which range from soot to ozone and methane, because they will be more complicated to regulate than is the case with carbon dioxide. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022141128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022153635.htm An Israeli researcher's "hyperspectral remote sensor" combines sophisticated sensors in orbit with sensors on the ground and in the air to give advance warnings about contamination, pollution and weather disasters. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091022153635.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164052.htm Mercury's persistent and toxic presence in the environment has flummoxed scientists for years in the quest to find ways to mitigate the dangers posed by the buildup of its most toxic form, methylmercury. A new discovery, however, has shed new light on one of nature's best mercury fighters: bacteria. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164052.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122954.htm Wind, water and solar energy resources are sufficiently available to provide all the world's energy. Converting to electricity and hydrogen powered by these sources would reduce world power demand by 30 percent, thereby avoiding 13,000 coal power plants. Materials and costs are not limitations to these conversions, but politics may be, say researchers who have mapped out a blueprint for powering the world. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151621.htm Some 500 years ago there was a change in the circulation in the atmosphere over Scandinavia. This probably led to increased amounts of winter precipitation in northern Sweden for a period. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151621.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122651.htm A new computerized approach to airport operations is being developed that will reduce delays, speed up baggage handling and decrease pollution. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091019122651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015123604.htm Tree leaves may be powerful tools for monitoring air quality and planning biking routes and walking paths, suggests a new study. Leaves along bus routes were up to 10 times more magnetic than leaves on quieter streets, the study found. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015123604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029152301.htm A self-amplifying effect presently sustains monsoon winds, but it could also disrupt the circulation over land and sea. The periodical rainfall could stop from one season to another or for months within seasons. High air pollution could lead to the disruption. Global warming increases the risk of abrupt monsoon transitions from high-precipitation to dry periods. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029152301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122054.htm Scientists are reporting the first evidence that China's sharp focus on reducing widespread damage to soil by acid rain by restricting sulfur dioxide air pollution may have an unexpected consequence: Gains from that pollution control program will be largely offset by increases in nitrogen emissions, which the country's current policy largely overlooks. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014122054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007171741.htm A new mobile air research laboratory will help a team of researchers better understand the damaging health effects of air pollution and why certain airborne particles -- emitted from industrial plants and vehicles -- induce disease and illness. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007171741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124356.htm Strides in improving the nation's air quality over the past 10 years may be a factor in fewer cases of ear infections in children, according to new research. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007124356.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006112846.htm "Blue haze," a common occurrence that appears over heavily forested areas around the world, is formed by natural emissions of chemicals, but human activities can worsen it to the point of affecting the world's weather and even cause potential climate problems, according to a new study. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006112846.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092346.htm Researchers have uncovered the structure of an enzyme that can be used to reverse the contamination of land by RDX explosive. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091009092346.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007103059.htm The role of the forests is assumed to increase in the future, as an important buffer of climate change and increasing carbon dioxide concentrations. So-called Earth system models, computer systems making predictions for the globe, estimate that this effect can be very large. However, new research results, based on measurements at hundreds of European forests, indicate that predicted effects by these models are overestimated because they ignore the limitation of nitrogen. It makes the current predictions by Earth system models more than twice as high as they most likely will be. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007103059.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006113009.htm An innovative project has been developed to deploy a network of environmental sensors along the length of the River Lee -- a major Irish river -- to monitor water quality on a round-the-clock basis. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006113009.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm The first demonstration of a renewable method for hydrogen production from wastewater using a microbial electrolysis system is underway at the Napa Wine Company in Oakville. The refrigerator-sized hydrogen generator will take winery wastewater, and using bacteria and a small amount of electrical energy, convert the organic material into hydrogen. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005161332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102643.htm Pedestrians could reduce the amount of traffic pollution they breathe in simply by crossing the street, according to the latest research. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123038.htm A new study suggests that air pollution may trigger appendicitis in adults. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005123038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102645.htm Acidic clouds are feeding bioavailable iron to the oceans -- a discovery which sheds light on the natural processes that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091005102645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929132509.htm Plumes of harmful air pollutants can be transported across oceans and continents -- from Asia to the United States and from the United States to Europe -- and have a negative impact on air quality far from their original sources, says a new report by the National Research Council. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090929132509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190638.htm Heavier rainstorms lie in our future. That's the clear conclusion of a new study on the impact that global climate change will have on precipitation patterns. Sun, 27 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817190638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100006.htm Australian researchers have discovered that micro-organisms that help break down contaminants under the soil can actually get too hot for their own good. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm Researchers are working to demonstrate that trees can be used to degrade or capture fuels that leak into soil and ground water. Through a process called phytoremediation -- literally a "green" technology -- plants and trees remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm Worried that dust from a nearby construction zone will harm your family's health? A new sensor from researchers in Israel, called 'Dust Alert', can help families and authorities monitor the quality of the air they breathe and precisely determine the chemical composition of toxins. Wed, 23 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922162303.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091751.htm Total greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions currently proposed by industrialized countries fall short of the pathway to reaching a 2 degree target as referred to by the UNFCCC Kyoto Protocol negotiating group, despite the fact that the cost of meeting these pledges is much lower than anticipated, according to a study released today. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090921091751.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918153111.htm Researchers have demonstrated a method for identifying nitric oxide gas using lasers and sensors that are inexpensive, compact and highly sensitive. Such a portable device could be of great value to atmospheric science, pollution control, biology and medicine. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918153111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm A group of ambitious students will soon sail up the Hudson River, propelled by pollution-free hydrogen fuel cells and a clear vision for a cleaner, greener future. Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918110646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113534.htm Physicists have discovered that changes in the Earth's ozone layer due to climate change will reduce the amount of ultraviolet radiation in northern high latitude regions such as Siberia, Scandinavia and northern Canada. Other regions of the Earth, such as the tropics and Antarctica, will instead face increasing levels of UV radiation. Wed, 16 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915113534.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203750.htm A consortium brought together by low carbon experts is launching the first bus in the UK to run on clean, biomethane gas. Thu, 10 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908203750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908133814.htm Beginning August 26, 2009, and continuing into September 2009, a large wildfire in the Angeles National Forest north of Los Angeles known as the Station Fire burned more than 140,000 acres through September 3. Carbon monoxide in the smoke from this large fire was lofted as high as 8.3 kilometers (27,000 feet) into the atmosphere, where it was observed by JPL's Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) instrument onboard NASA's Aqua satellite. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908133814.htm