New Zealand's beaches are under threat from a tiny but significant problem: microplastics. These minuscule plastic particles have been found in beach sediments across the country, with a recent study focusing on three regions: Northland, Waikato, and Canterbury. The study aimed to understand the ext
The Yangtze River Estuary is a hotspot for nitrogen activity. Human actions have led to a surge in nutrients flowing into this area, disrupting the natural nitrogen cycle. Two crucial processes in this cycle are nitrification and nitrogen uptake. These processes have not been studied together much i
Phosphorus is a big deal in farming. It's a key nutrient for crops, but it can also cause serious environmental problems. One person who understood this better than most was Andrew Sharpley. He spent over four decades studying phosphorus and its impact on the environment. His work has shaped how we
The ozone layer, Earth's natural defense against harmful UV rays, has been under threat for decades. 40 years ago, scientists found a massive hole in this protective shield over Antarctica. This discovery sparked global concern and action. The ozone layer acts like sunscreen for the planet, absorbin
The medical world is buzzing with a big question: How can eye surgeons cut down on the mountains of trash they produce? More and more, doctors are taking a hard look at their practices. This is especially true for those who perform cataract surgeries. These surgeries are incredibly common. In fa
Kiwifruit is in a pickle. A tiny bacteria, Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, or Psa, is wreaking havoc. This bacteria causes a nasty disease called kiwifruit canker. It's a big headache for farmers and a threat to the kiwifruit industry. The usual fixes involve harsh chemicals like copper or anti
The United States is making a big push to cut down on greenhouse gases. One of the main strategies is carbon capture and storage. This technology aims to trap carbon dioxide from power plants before it escapes into the atmosphere. While it sounds like a good plan, there are some serious concerns, es
The food packaging industry is under scrutiny. Chemicals lurking in these containers might be causing more harm than good. The drive for eco-friendly packaging has led to a rise in recycled materials. Unfortunately, this trend might be making things worse. Recycled plastics and paper can c
Scientists have been looking into ways to break down Trichloroethylene (TCE) because it is bad for both people and the planet. TCE is a solvent often used in factories. One interesting method is using light to speed up a chemical reaction. The process involves shining ultraviolet (UV) ligh
The Doce River in Minas Gerais, Brazil, faced a significant challenge after the Fundão tailings dam burst in 2015. The focus is on whether the river's water quality has recovered since the disaster. To find out, 15 different water quality measures were checked. These measures were compared from bef
