Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University set out to understand how polymer-coated fertilizer (PCF) used on farmland eventually reaches beaches and ocean waters. By examining PCF debris collected from shorelines across Japan, they found that very little fertilizer plastic returns to land through rivers. Only about 0.2% of the PCFs applied in nearby areas were detected […]
Scientists are raising new concerns after a study found that microplastics are interfering with the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, a process that plays a vital role in regulating Earth’s temperature. Microplastics are tiny plastic particles measuring less than five millimeters. Over time, they have spread across nearly every part of the planet. Researchers […]
Scientists have linked the burning of fossil fuels to the ongoing acidification of the ocean. Sharks are the most feared predators in the sea, and their survival hinges on fearsome teeth that regrow throughout their lives. But changes in the ocean’s chemistry could put those weapons at risk. That is the takeaway from a study […]
Researchers have found that microplastics drifting through rivers, lakes, and oceans constantly release a complex blend of dissolved organic chemicals into the water. This chemical leakage continues over time and becomes much more intense when plastics are exposed to sunlight. The new findings offer the most detailed molecular-level picture so far of how microplastic-derived dissolved […]
Long-term exposure to polluted air may significantly reduce the positive health effects of regular physical activity, according to new research from an international team that included experts from UCL (University College London). The study, published in BMC Medicine, examined information from over 1.5 million adults who were monitored for more than ten years across several countries, […]
Engineers have launched a huge garbage collection device to gather plastic material floating in the Pacific Ocean between California and Hawaii. The plastic makes up what is called the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. It is the world’s largest spread of garbage, at two times the size of the state of Texas. The organization Ocean Cleanup created the […]
Scientists have sounded the alarm over toxic forever chemicals, after analysing 127 whales and dolphins. Marine mammals aren’t “immune from the burden” of toxic forever chemicals, even if they live below the ocean’s surface. New research published in Science of the Total Environment has raised alarm bells over the long-term health of marine species, after […]
New research warns that less than three sugar cubes’ worth of plastics could be fatal for seabirds like the Atlantic puffin. Ocean plastics pose an “existential threat” to marine life diversity, with just small doses proving fatal. Damning new research led by experts at Ocean Conservancy has warned that thousands of red-listed threatened species are […]
A project to revive the country’s marine species is paying dividends but more needs to be done to mitigate the impact of pollution on the UAE’s coral reefs, an expert said. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Marine Owen, co-owner of Freestyle Divers, realised there was no more time to waste to offset the effects of climate change. […]
Around 100 nations, responsible for about two-thirds of the world’s emissions, gave plans or some kind of commitments to further curb fossil fuel emissions and fight climate change at the UN General Assembly on Wednesday. With China leading the way by announcing its first emission cuts, world leaders said Wednesday they are getting more serious […]
