by

U.S. proposes limits for cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water

U.S. proposes limits for cancer-causing chemicals in drinking water … (n.d.). https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Reuters discusses the proposed limitations on PFAS, a group of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products due to their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties. These chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” due to their ability to remain in the environment and the human body, with possible adverse health effects. The EPA’s proposed limitations would restrict the use of PFAS in products and limit levels allowed in drinking water, as well as in emissions from industrial facilities. It also proposes a labeling requirement, to better inform consumers of the products that contain PFAS

 

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals”, are highly persistent and highly toxic synthetic compounds that are a great concern for public health and the environment. While their widespread application in industrial and consumer products has been popular, they have also introduced long-lasting toxicity and health risks. Their persistence in the environment, and their ability to bioaccumulate, increase the likelihood of exposure to humans and other organisms. As a result, it is essential to establish stronger regulations and limits on their use.

by

The link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks in 2023

Teirstein, Z. (2023, December 20). The link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks in 2023. Grist. https://grist.org/health/the-link-between-climate-change-and-a-spate-of-rare-disease-outbreaks-in-2023/

The article from Grist discusses a potential link between climate change and a spate of rare disease outbreaks around the world during 2023. It notes that rising temperatures and extreme weather can create conditions favorable for the spread of disease. This is particularly true for certain diseases such as dengue, which is spread by mosquitos, and leptospirosis, which thrives when flooded. Additionally, climate change can disrupt the ecosystems that keep disease-causing viruses or bacteria in check. The article also highlights the need for international cooperation and prevention efforts to minimize the risks associated with climate-induced disease outbreaks.

The rise in climate-induced disease outbreaks has the potential to greatly negatively impact public health. Extreme heat events can put an additional strain on already overstressed medical systems, while also impacting agriculture productivity. Additionally, climate change can increase the prevalence of pests and invasive species, which can lead to further disease outbreaks. These factors can have a significant socio-economic impact, with the potential to destabilize communities. As a result, it is essential to acknowledge, address, and mitigate the role of climate change in disease spread.

by

A “tropical disease” carried by sand flies is confirmed in a new country: the U.S.

A “tropical disease” carried by sand flies is confirmed in a new country: the U.S. (2023, November). NPR. 

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2023/11/01/1209681147/leishmaniasis-sand-flies-tropical-disease-endemic-north-america-united-states

 

Sand fly-transmitted Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by the Leishmania parasite. It occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world with between 600,000 and 1 million new infections happening worldwide every year. Recently, though, it has started growing in prevalence in areas outside of endemic regions such as the United States, where it has been reported in Texas, Florida, and Hawaii. The article from NPR discusses how the Leishmaniasis parasite is transmitted by sand flies, its symptoms and treatment, and its potential impact on public health in the United States. It also emphasizes the root cause of climate change, specifically a warming climate, and a need for prevention measures and further investigations.

 

Leishmania parasites, like most parasites, thrive in specific areas. Climate change has presented ideal conditions for the spread of such bacteria and parasites, as the increased temperatures and altered climates have made a wider range of environments a suitable breeding ground. The increased mobility of the human population has also allowed these outbreaks to spread to regions where they were previously not prevalent. As a result, the rise in parasitic diseases is a direct consequence of climate change, and will likely continue to increase in frequency and severity and spread further north.

by

Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us?

Parker, L. (2023, May 8). Microplastics are in our bodies. How much do they harm us? National Geographic; National Geographic. 

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/microplastics-are-in-our-bodies-how-much-do-they-harm-us

Microplastics are a growing environmental concern due to their presence in our air, water, and food, and their potential harm to human health. This article from National Geographic discusses how microplastics have infiltrated our bodies, with estimates ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 particles per person. The article also discusses the potential effects of microplastics, such as inflammation and hormonal disruption, and their possible role in other diseases like obesity, asthma, and autoimmune conditions. The article also clarifies that while it’s easy to find a correlation between these issues, because of the sheer amount of chemicals, we’re exposed to in our daily lives, it’s hard to identify a clear correlation. It also emphasizes the need for more research and regulatory action. 

While the specific implications of microplastics in the human body remain largely unknown, their presence presents a significant risk to public health. Microplastics are capable of acting as carriers for various pollutants and toxins, and may themselves possess potential toxicity. These characteristics can cause a wide range of adverse effects which could contribute to a range of chronic illnesses. Additionally, the potential implications for reproductive health and immune function are potentially worrying, with the possibility of widespread chronic and degenerative illnesses. As a result, the presence of microplastics in the body requires further investigation.

by

Greenhouse gas emissions from Daihai Lake, China: Should eutrophication and salinity promote carbon emission dynamics?

PubMed. (2024, January 1). Greenhouse gas emissions from Daihai Lake, China: Should eutrophication and salinity promote carbon emission dynamics?

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37778815/

 

This article provides a little bit more information regarding the correlation between algal blooms on greenhouse gasses. Lakes have always played an important role in absorbing and emitting greenhouse gasses, but it seems like eutrophication and nitrogen compound runoff is disturbing how lakes interact with methane and carbon dioxide. There still isn’t much known about eutrophic lakes and what it will mean for the future of climate change, but this study illuminates how there could be potentially dangerous effects from lake emissions.

 

This article is important because it gives context to the difficulties environmental scientists experience when doing research. Few studies have been done on this topic, and it prevents us from having a comprehensive look on interactions between greenhouse gasses and greenhouse gas sinks. Additionally, with how much lakes vary across the world, it makes it even more difficult to get a comprehensive understanding and then find a solution. But it still is incredibly important for us to understand, mostly because of how potent methane is as a greenhouse gas, and how if we have more than we expected then we need the flexibility to adapt to it. We need to tackle eutrophication, the main root cause of this, before it begins to exacerbate climate change as well.

by

Wetlands as a potential multi functioning tool to mitigate eutrophication and brownification

PubMed. (2024, January 29). Wetlands as a potential multi functioning tool to mitigate eutrophication and brownification.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38286682/

 

This article takes a look at the potential benefits of wetland restoration, and how it could mitigate the effects of eutrophication. The wetlands have the ability to capture and sequester nitrogen compounds, and microbes living in the soil can change those compounds into less damaging forms. However, there is a difference between generalist and specialist wetlands, and their efficiency in reducing nitrogen compounds, so much more research is required so we can effectively utilize restored wetlands.

 

This article is important for environmental science, because it shines a bit of hope on a situation that is looking a little grim. If wetland restoration truly has the potential to mitigate eutrophication, then it is incredibly good news because it means that we can help solve several problems at once. Wetland restoration is great for helping mitigate rising oceans, and provides valuable ecosystems for many different species. If restoring wetlands means that we can also reduce the effects of eutrophication, then that puts less stress on both aquatic ecosystems and environmental scientists as more permanent solutions are found.

by

Mariculture may intensify eutrophication but could lower Nitrogen/Phosphorus ratios.

Mariculture is a form of marine farming, or cultivating marine organisms in enclosed spaces for food or other animal products. Mariculture plays an important role in meeting growing food demands, as well as being effective in aiding carbon sequestration. However, it threatens local ecosystems by throwing nutrient levels out of balance, causing eutrophication. This article examines how different types of mariculture have different impacts in the Sansha Bay in southeastern China, which raises both shellfish and grows seaweed. One method, called fed culture, (cages and ponds) utilizes nitrogen compounds to feed cultured organisms. The study shows that there is quite a bit of nitrogen and phosphorus compounds that are not utilized in the process of cultivation, which does lead to higher rates of coastal eutrophication. However, there is a second, more environmentally-friendly version of mariculture. This method involves seaweed cultivation, which acts as a nutrient sink and can offset the effects of fed culture and eutrophication.

 

The article is related to environmental science because it shows the dangers of mariculture and how our consumption can lead to more problems down the line. The increase in demand for seafood has led to an increase in mariculture, and that has led to dangerous algal blooms further down the line. However, there is a silver-lining. We can move towards other things to cultivate, such as seaweed. This will help combat the nutrient runoff, and seaweed is also a great source of food and can be turned into biofuels. Additionally, increased amounts of seaweed will help aid the ocean in removing excess CO2, helping with carbon neutrality. This is significant because if we adopt more sustainable mariculture models, then better ocean health will be promoted. Ocean acidification (which does affect mariculture of shellfish) will slow down, less coastal areas will become dead zones from eutrophication, and we could still meet growing food demands.

by

Researchers Warn on Eutrophication Potential of Ammonia

MarineLink. (2024, February 5). Researchers Warn on Eutrophication Potential of Ammonia.

https://www.marinelink.com/news/researchers-warn-eutrophication-potential-511321

 

A push towards alternative fuels could potentially create even larger environmental impacts, in the form of eutrophication. Ammonia has its advantages as an alternative fuel, namely its low cost and being a mostly clean fuel. Unfortunately, it seems to be limited by it not being green enough. Studies show that it is related to releasing nitrogen compounds, which is very dangerous for sensitive ecosystems that are already being threatened by eutrophication.

 

This article highlights an important problem in environmental science. We are looking for alternatives, but it is hard finding solutions to our problems that don’t immediately create new ones. In this case, finding alternative solutions to fossil fuels is very important, but creates algal blooms that end up releasing CO2 anyways as well as destroying the oceans effectiveness as a carbon sink.

by

Pollution/eutrophication risks worsening global water scarcity

Phys.org (2024, February 6). Pollution risks worsening global water scarcity: Study.

https://phys.org/news/2024-02-pollution-worsening-global-scarcity.html

This article is about how eutrophication can affect water scarcity. A recent study shows how 3 billion more people than expected could be at risk of facing water scarcity by 2050, and the cause is increased pollution rendering river sources unsafe for people and wildlife alike. Combined with chemical and plastic pollution, eutrophication can compromise water quality. As seen in previous articles, the algae blooms can choke ecosystems and release dangerous products (such as neurotoxins) into our limited water sources.

 

This article is related to Environmental Science because it shows a more global scale of cascading effects from nitrogen fertilizers and eutrophication. When I did the original California one, I focused on the effects of cyanobacteria and algal blooms in the Bay Area. This article confirms that the same things we see here will potentially threaten much of the world if things do not change. The article mentioned how around half the world’s population is at risk of water scarcity, without factoring in the effects of eutrophication. If this study is right, then more people would not have access to clean and safe water than those who do, in only about 25 years. This article puts heavy emphasis on how soon that is, and the scale of the massive problem that we face.

by

Legislative roundup: California lawmakers make big moves to promote clean energy in 2023

Policies in California have passed the state legislature and are awaiting Governor Newsom’s approval. These bills cover a range of topics, including opening up highways for solar power projects, upgrading ports for offshore wind development, promoting offshore wind energy procurement, improving energy efficiency in large buildings, studying wave and tidal power potential, addressing orphan oil wells, and reauthorizing funds for clean transportation. The piece emphasizes the importance of these bills in advancing California’s transition to 100% clean energy and addressing various environmental challenges.

 

The article speaks on a series of bills related to environmental policies in California, addressing issues such as solar power projects, offshore wind development, energy efficiency, wave and tidal power, orphan oil wells, and clean transportation. These legislative efforts seem to align with the state’s commitment to clean energy and environmental responsibility. If enacted, these bills could contribute significantly to California’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable practices.