environment on localnews page 93

environment

Chiral Drugs in Rivers: The Septic Tank Connection

February 24, 2025

In Scotland, researchers took a close look at how chiral drugs make their way into rivers. They spent a year studying five community septic tanks. The goal was to figure out how these tanks affect the amounts and types of chiral drugs that end up in nearby rivers. The study focused on 25 different c

environment

Guardians of the Steppe: Mongolia's Environmental Frontline

February 23, 2025

Mongolia's expansive steppes are under threat from more than just illegal hunting and air pollution. Dangerous chemicals, trash, and the illegal trade of rare animal parts are wreaking havoc on the environment. Customs officers are on the front lines, but they're not equipped with the right tools or

environment

Building Smarter: Energy-Efficient Homes in China's Qinba Mountains

February 23, 2025

In the heart of China, the Qinba Mountains are home to rural communities with a rich cultural heritage. These communities have traditionally built homes that reflect their unique way of life. However, these homes are not always energy-efficient. This is a problem because energy efficiency is crucial

environment

Green Spaces vs. Concrete Jungles: The Carbon Story of Guangxi Beibu Gulf

February 23, 2025

The Guangxi Beibu Gulf Economic Zone has seen some big changes over the past 50 years. The land use in this region has been shifting. The most noticeable change is the growth of construction land. This growth has come at the expense of other types of land. This trend is often referred to as "one

environment

Hidden Dangers in Your Tap: What You Need to Know

February 23, 2025

Chlorine has been used for over a century to treat water, and it's been effective in preventing waterborne illnesses. However, the discovery of harmful byproducts like THMs and HAAs has raised concerns about the safety of our drinking water. While there are ways to filter out these chemicals at home

environment

Weather in Chaos: NOAA's Future Under Threat

February 22, 2025

NOAA, the agency behind our weather forecasts and storm alerts, is facing drastic budget cuts. This federal science agency employs over 12, 000 staff worldwide, including scientists and engineers. They operate satellites, ships, and have a $6. 8 billion budget. Their work is crucial for aviation, fi

environment

Rainwater in the SEZ: A Hidden Story

February 22, 2025

In the heart of Lower Silesia, Poland, lies a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where rainwater tells a story. This story isn't just about water falling from the sky, but about how it picks up various elements as it flows through industrial landscapes. The focus here is on the quality of this rainwater, w

environment

Hotter Days, Sicker Rice Fields: The Climate Change and Bacteria Connection

February 22, 2025

Climate change is shaking up the world in many ways. One of the most alarming is how it affects bacteria and the viruses that keep them in check. These viruses, called bacteriophages, play a crucial role in controlling bacterial populations. But as temperatures rise, their ability to do so is changi

environment

Spot the Fake: How Scientists are Catching Timber Cheats

February 22, 2025

Timber fraud is a big deal. It's not just about money; it's about protecting nature. Some people cut down trees that are supposed to be protected. They mix them with cheaper woods to make a profit. This is a huge problem for the environment. It's like stealing from the forest. Scientists have been

environment

Waste Heat to Power: The Kalina Cycle's Role in Cement Plants

February 22, 2025

Cement plants are power-hungry operations. But what if they could transform their waste heat into electricity? This is where the Kalina Cycle comes in. It's a clever system designed to capture heat from two main sources: the flue gas from the suspension preheater and the hot air from the clinker coo