Environmental science
The latest chemistry news and research on environmental science, including atmosphere, climate, water and space, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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NewsPFAS spring new surprise as some are far more acidic than thought
The acid dissociation constants for some PFAS are significantly lower than past metrics have indicated, with implications for their persistence and spread
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NewsToxic wastewater from Chinese-owned copper mine threatens Zambian communities and environment
Pollution threatens rivers and local agriculture
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ResearchModelling suggests waste heat from AI data centres could power carbon capture and water purification
Analysis considering thermodynamics, economics and emissions shows how AI could flip its environmental footprint to become both water-positive and carbon-negative
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ResearchMagnets could be simple way to enhance oxygen generation on a mission to Mars
Strategy sets free gas that normally gets trapped on electrodes in microgravity during water splitting
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OpinionWhat happens next after the plastic treaty negotiations fail once again?
Bold action may now be needed to secure agreement on plastic pollution
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BusinessIndia introduces new rules to tackle chemical contamination sites
New legislation provides a legal framework for assessment and cleanup of 189 named chemicals
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NewsNegotiations to create a global plastic pollution treaty collapse again
Geneva meeting descends into chaos with hastily revised treaty text rejected by member states
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OpinionCheap virgin plastic limits recycling potential
Global plastic treaty negotiations risk being derailed by minority opposed to production caps
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BusinessChemours ordered to immediately limit PFAS emissions into Ohio River
US judge grants injunction to reduce Gen-X discharges from West Virginia plant to permitted levels
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BusinessDuPont and spin-offs settle with New Jersey over PFAS contamination
Proposed deal with the US state includes $875 million in damages, plus clean-up funds
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OpinionIntergovernmental panel on chemicals, waste and pollution needs diverse input
Balancing industrial expertise against unwanted commercial influence is not easy but shouldn’t be discounted
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NewsUS EPA accused of skewing soil testing data after East Palestine disaster
Environmental Protection Agency will review decisions made during emergency response
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ResearchStrange tetra-alcohol synthesised in simulated interstellar ice
After finding ‘impossible molecule’ methanetriol, team reaches ‘the final frontier’ and detects methanetetrol after 100 years
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NewsPlastic treaty negotiations go down to the wire
Capping production and limiting use of harmful chemicals are key topics for negotiators to consider
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News‘It is so important that the people who make up that committee are not political puppets’
Policy expert Camilla Alexander-White talks to Chemistry World about the UN effort to establish a scientific panel to advise on chemicals, waste and pollution
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NewsThe UN’s new scientific panel on chemical pollution faces an uncertain future
While the panel’s creation was welcomed, experts and researchers express doubts about its ambitions and structure
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OpinionLosing sleep over pesticide exposure
Managing exposure risks poses questions about the extent of producers’ and regulators’ responsibilities for safety
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NewsUK government roadmap will address presence of flea and tick treatment pesticides in rivers and lakes
Strategy aims to educate pet owners on responsible use of these products
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ResearchElectrochemistry cleans up nitrate-contaminated water without costly, toxic metals
Atomically-dispersed iron in woven carbon nanotube framework allows breakdown of pollutants
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NewsEPA will officially dissolve its scientific research arm
Experts warn that closing the Office of Research and Development will hamper efforts to protect the environment and public health