All articles tagged with #pollution
A Science piece argues that biological infertility is unlikely to explain the global fertility decline, noting a meta-analysis showing US sperm counts have risen and time-to-pregnancy has remained stable. The downturn since 2007–2010 is more plausibly tied to economic conditions and increased smartphone use affecting coupling, rather than toxins or climate harms.
A study of 105 wild Atlantic salmon in Sweden’s Lake Vattern found fish exposed to cocaine and its metabolite benzoylecgonine swam about 1.9 times farther per week than unexposed fish, with the metabolite exposure adding roughly 7.6 extra miles — highlighting how pharmaceuticals in waterways are altering wildlife behavior and underscoring the need for improved wastewater treatment and monitoring, with related notes on sharks also ingesting drugs in other regions.
A multi-institution study exposed 105 juvenile Atlantic salmon in Sweden to cocaine or its metabolite benzoylecgonine and tracked their movement. Surprisingly, the metabolite had the strongest effect, with exposed fish swimming up to 1.9 times farther and ending up about 20 miles from release, suggesting cocaine pollution can alter wild fish behavior and ecosystem dynamics. The findings highlight that metabolites—often more prevalent in waterways—should be considered in risk assessments, and future work will assess how widespread these effects are and whether they impact survival and reproduction.
A Current Biology study in Sweden’s Lake Vättern found environmentally relevant levels of cocaine and its main metabolite benzoylecgonine in wastewater cause juvenile Atlantic salmon to swim up to 1.9 times farther per week and disperse up to about 12 km, with the metabolite sometimes having a stronger effect than the drug itself, highlighting that low concentrations of drug residues in waterways can alter wildlife behavior and potentially disrupt ecosystems.
A two-month study in Lake Vättern found juvenile Atlantic salmon exposed to cocaine or its main metabolite benzoylecgonine swam longer distances and moved farther north than unexposed controls, with the metabolite causing the larger change. The results suggest drug pollution in rivers and lakes could alter salmon behavior and survival, highlighting the need for better wastewater management and greener medicines to reduce environmental risk.
A study of 85 Bahamian sharks across five species found caffeine in 28 individuals, plus two with painkillers and one with cocaine, suggesting contaminants from urbanization and tourism that could affect shark health and behavior; more research is needed to understand the full impact.
Mississippi regulators approved xAI's plan to build a 41-turbine natural gas power plant in Southaven to power its nearby data centers, despite protests over noise and air pollution and plans for possible legal challenges over federal permits and environmental reviews.
A Max-Planck study shows urban ozone degrades alkene-based ant odors, blurring nestmate recognition and impairing brood care across six species, revealing a surprising way air pollution can disrupt eusocial colonies.
Columnist Dana Milbank questions FCC proposals to use giant mirrors to bathe cities in sunlight and SpaceX’s plan for a million satellites as data centers, arguing such efforts could turn night into day and raise broad environmental, ethical, and scientific concerns, from light pollution and impacts on astronomy to energy use and climate implications.
Researchers using ground-based lidar detected a large lithium plume from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 upper-stage reentry ~62 miles up over Europe, marking the first observed upper-atmosphere pollution from space debris. As satellite constellations grow, such reentries could alter atmospheric composition and potentially impact the ozone layer, though the long-term climate effects remain unknown.
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser declared the Potomac River sewage spill a public emergency and sought federal help to cover cleanup costs, as temporary pipes divert sewage into the C&O Canal to allow repair of the six‑foot Potomac Interceptor after January’s collapse.
In 2025, significant progress was made in understanding microplastics, revealing that these tiny particles are not only polluting rivers and oceans but are also present in our bodies and food, raising concerns about health and environmental impacts.
The article discusses the environmental impact of AI, highlighting concerns over the pollution caused by datacentres powered by fossil fuels, the energy consumption of AI technologies, and their potential to both harm and help the climate through various applications. It emphasizes the need for regulation and responsible development to mitigate negative effects while harnessing AI's potential for positive environmental impact.
Pouring inappropriate items like fats, oils, dairy, and chemicals down the sink can cause blockages, damage infrastructure, and pollute waterways. Proper disposal methods, such as composting, rubbish bins, or chemical collection events, are essential to protect public health and the environment. Collective individual actions are crucial in maintaining city plumbing and water quality.
The U.S. EPA proposes to weaken Clean Water Act protections for 96% of Ohio's wetlands and many streams, risking increased pollution and environmental degradation, especially after the 2023 Supreme Court ruling that redefined water protections. Public comments are open until January 5 to oppose the rule.