A new system has been set up to tell the difference between pollution that comes from a city and pollution that comes from farms or factories. The idea is to help people fix the river faster by knowing exactly where bad water is coming from. The project was tested on the Sile River in Treviso,
In cities, the air isn’t just made of oxygen and dust. It carries invisible bits of plastic—some so small they can travel deep into our lungs. These tiny plastic pieces, called inhalable microplastics, don’t just float around randomly. New research shows their numbers change throughout the day and d
Coastal areas often bear the brunt of human activities, with pollutants seeping into the water and settling into the sediments. Among the creatures affected are golden kelp, E. radiata, which can't just up and leave when things get tough. They have to toughen up or adapt to survive. Scientists want
In the heart of Brazil's Ceará coast, the Cocó River tells a story of urban life's hidden impact. This river, surrounded by bustling cities, is a hotspot for various pollutants. Scientists dove deep into this issue, checking water, sediment, and even the creatures living there. They found a shocking
Cities are full of hard surfaces like roads and buildings. These surfaces can mess up water quality. A recent study looked at how organic stuff in water changes in cities. It focused on places like Xi'an, China. The study collected samples from different city areas. It found three main types of org
Los Angeles is a bustling city, but it's also a place where air quality can be a big problem. In 2023-2024, scientists took a close look at the tiny particles in the air, known as PM2. 5, to figure out where they come from and how they form. These particles are so small that they can get into your
Microplastics, tiny plastic bits under five millimetres, are causing big trouble in our waterways. These little pieces are gathering in urban freshwater ponds, affecting creatures like Daphnia, which are vital for these ecosystems. Scientists looked at how microplastics affect Daphnia's health and t
