Many people in La Crosse County rely on private wells for drinking water, but most don’t realize how easily contaminants can slip in. Unlike public water systems that get regular checks, private wells depend entirely on their owners to monitor quality. Experts say the safest approach is testing ever
Pollution is a big problem. It messes with our health and the health of animals. One pollutant, potassium perchlorate, is used a lot in industries and the military. It's known to mess with thyroid function. But what about its effect on male reproductive health? Not much is known. Scientists decided
Cyanobacteria, those tiny green plants in water, can make drinking water smell and taste bad. They do this by releasing a chemical called 2-Methylisoborneol (MIB). Even a tiny bit of MIB can ruin the water's quality. But how and when these plants release MIB is still a mystery. Scientists did some
Greywater, the leftover water from showers, sinks, and washing machines, has a big problem: surfactants. These are the soapy stuff that help clean things but can be harmful to the environment. A lot of research has been done on how to remove surfactants from greywater, but there's no clear winner ye
In Taiwan, esophageal cancer is a serious health issue. It's tough to treat and often has poor outcomes. Scientists are now looking into how certain chemicals in our environment might play a role in causing this disease. One group of chemicals, called organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs), has ca
Food safety is a hot topic these days. Harmful substances in our food can make us sick. So, finding reliable ways to spot these contaminants is super important. Enter nanozymes. These tiny powerhouses mimic enzymes and have unique properties. They are becoming stars in the world of biosensors.
Iowa is a major player in the agriculture industry. More than 85% of the state is dedicated to farming. This makes it a prime spot to study how farming affects local waterways. A recent study looked at small, shallow streams across the state. It focused on pollutants that are becoming a global issue
Ever wondered how chemicals in water can affect tiny fish babies? Researchers found something surprising. A chemical called TDtBPP, found in natural waters, can cause big problems for baby fish. This chemical can mess with the development of baby fish, causing them to have birth defects and even di
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) face a constant battle against contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). These are chemicals that we use every day in things like medicine, cosmetics, and household products. They end up in our wastewater. They can be tricky to spot, especially the highly polar a
In the North Sea, a recent collision between a cargo ship and an oil tanker has raised serious concerns about environmental damage. The incident happened off the Yorkshire coast of England. The U. K. Coastguard has set up a safety zone around the two ships, which are no longer stuck together. It i
