Water Analysis – News and Features

A scuticociliate parasite is causing mass die-offs of sea urchins across the Caribbean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean, leading to algal overgrowth on coral reefs. Scientists warn this could trigger ecosystem collapse.

Scientists have transformed cyanobacterial biomass into lanthanum-modified adsorbents that remove over 99% of phosphorus from water, helping mitigate harmful algal blooms. This approach offers an eco-friendly solution to nutrient pollution.

Researchers have identified a bacterial strain, F11, that can degrade PFAS, including the highly persistent PFOS, and their toxic byproducts. The highlights the potential for using bacteria to remediate PFAS-contaminated environments.

The vitamin biotin may be protective, potentially mitigating manganese-induced damage in the brain.

Researchers at MIT have created a method to produce ammonia using subsurface heat, nitrogen-laced water and iron-rich rocks, eliminating carbon emissions. This innovative process mimics natural geological reactions.

A study finds 24% of freshwater species, including crabs, dragonflies and fishes, face extinction due to habitat loss, pollution and climate change. Wetland loss and underfunded research compound the crisis.

The hefty estimate comes from The Forever Pollution Project, a European research and journalism investigation.

A study links PFAS, persistent chemicals found in nearly half of US drinking water, to 6,800 annual cancer cases. Using nationwide data, researchers identified a 33% increased risk for cancers like thyroid and brain in areas with high PFAS levels.

Researchers developed a nanofiltration membrane to recover aluminum ions from cryolite waste in aluminum production. The membrane captures 99.5% of aluminum while allowing other ions to pass through, enabling upcycling and reducing hazardous waste.

Researchers have uncovered 11 genes that may hold the key to understanding how our brains respond to PFAS chemicals.