Science News
Global warming’s twin, ocean acidification, is here
The impacts of CO2 emissions on the marine realm have surfaced in Pacific waters.
Since the Industrial Revolution, oceans have absorbed an estimated 525 billion metric tons of human-generated CO2 and become 30% more acidic. This acidification is decreasing the amount of carbonate available for marine organisms such as plankton and corals to construct calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. The effects have remained virtually invisible thus far, but now, in a study published online May 22 in Science (DOI 10.1126/science.1155676), researchers report detecting acidified surface water along the west coast of North America.
Deep ocean waters normally are more acidic and have higher CO2 levels than shallow waters because decomposing organic matter sinks and makes deep water acidic, and deep water contains CO2 absorbed when the water last circulated to the surface. Seasonal upwelling propels this deep water onto continental shelves. During the spring of 2007, Richard Feely of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory and colleagues sampled waters along 13 survey lines extending from British Columbia (Canada) to Baja California (Mexico). The water was more acidic than expected close to shore and near the surface, and the entire water column was undersaturated in carbonate down to 50 meters in places, which would make it difficult for marine organisms to form calcium carbonate shells. According to the researchers’ calculations, the conditions would not have occurred without the continually rising levels of anthropogenic CO2 added to these waters.
As the ocean continues to absorb CO2, global seawater circulation patterns will bring increasingly acidic waters to shallower depths. Under current carbon emissions trends, carbonate levels could plunge by as much as 50% by 2100, Feely says. In studies mimicking future ocean acidification conditions, researchers have found a range of harmful impacts, from the dissolution of plankton and bivalve shells to depressed metabolism in mollusks and invertebrates. “Acidified water disrupts multiple physiological processes,” explains Jim Barry of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute. “For coral reefs and other calcifying animals, the effects may be large, but we don’t know yet what the long-term impacts will be on all marine ecosystems.” —NOREEN PARKS
Science
Flannery, a professor of earth and life sciences at Macquarie University, was cited by SETAC.
Pesticides endanger Pacific salmon
In a recently released document, a federal agency concludes that some pesticides harm Pacific salmon species.
Tracking airborne Legionella downwind
The deadly bacteria can linger in biological treatment ponds and elsewhere—but how far can pathogenic strains of legionellae travel in air? New research in ES&T revisits the debate.
Cocaine from drains in Spain
New research shows that conventional drinking-water treatment removes illegal drugs from contaminated water sources.
New research suggests that a flame retardant marketed as a replacement for a banned and discontinued PBDE retardant can be found in people’s homes and the outdoor environment.
Water companies are facing a shortage of phosphate additives that keep the lead out.
A nonprofit environmental group in India takes a new, community-based approach to resolving an ancient conflict between humans and elephants.
Don't build in the floodplain. That's the first lesson I learned (relearned) from the flood of 2008.
Technology
Tiny but powerful aluminum-oxide-based fibers could combat threats to human health by filtering out even tinier microbes.
A technology that uses mirrors to concentrate solar power could provide millions of homes with clean energy.
New technologies being developed in China and Eastern Europe may create usable materials from e-waste.
Renewable energy spurs “green gold rush”
The UN reports record-setting growth in green-energy investment last year.
Stockholm Industry Water Award goes to California utilities
The top water award from a Swedish nonprofit organization has been bestowed on Orange County’s water district and wastewater utilities.
Faster, cheaper search for antibiotics in the field
A new field kit developed by the U.S. Agricultural Research Service and its partners allows for near real-time water monitoring.
Styrofoam: from packaging to picture frames—and beyond
A new technology allows more cost-effective recycling of Styrofoam products.
Policy
John Podesta, former chief of staff for President Clinton, talks to ES&T about the intersection between national interests and rising global temperatures.
Gas hydrates on the front burner
Flammable ice could create a bridge to a sustainable energy future.
What lies beneath
Natural-gas drilling in the northeastern U.S. threatens water quality.
Stop the invaders, continue the trade
A new National Academies report recommends ballast-water management and other measures to bar invasive species from entering the Great Lakes region.
Study suggests new car interiors emit fewer toxic chemicals
Study shows that nearly 30% of 2008 model cars have passenger cabin “emissions of low concern”.
USDA has cut the only public source of data on pesticide and fertilizer use on U.S. farms.
Protecting ecosystems from climate change
A new report by EPA offers suggestions on how to minimize the impacts of climate change on ecosystems.
Growing strength—and divide—in climate opinion
Even as Americans become more willing to act on global warming, opinions are solidifying along party lines.
Business & Education
Tiny but powerful aluminum-oxide-based fibers could combat threats to human health by filtering out even tinier microbes.
The country has a chance to continue on its environmental path, beyond the Games and the borders of its capital.
U.S. manufacturers spent $26 billion on pollution abatement in 2005, according to a government survey.
The scientist's work tallied the invisible water used to make food and other products.
ES&T Associate Editor Dzombak named to NAE
Dzombak is cited for his novel development of models used in evaluating chemical behavior in water-quality engineering and environmental remediation.
A new report shows a rising trend in the number of eco-friendly buildings in the U.S.
