Tag Pollution
UW researchers working to improve and simplify models for how PFAS flows through the ground
Researchers found that several factors have a major influence on where and how long harmful PFAS chemicals stay locked in the ground before flowing below the water table. Read More
Study finds tributaries play significant role in Great Lakes PFAS loading
The sources of the chemicals in the study are likely linked to a firefighting foam manufacturer, other industrial activity, and airports which use firefighting foam on runways. Read More
From ground to orbit, sensors check air to improve quality
To comprehensively tackle the complexities of air pollution, proper monitoring and modeling is required from a community to global scale. Read More
Aquatic invasive species are short-circuiting benefits from mercury reduction in the Great Lakes
Forty years of reduced mercury use, emissions, and loading in the Great Lakes region have largely not produced equivalent declines in the amount of mercury accumulating in large game fish, according to a new UW–Madison study. Read More
Turn off a light, save a life, says new UW–Madison study
We all know that turning off lights and buying energy-efficient appliances saves us money. Now, according to a new study by UW–Madison researchers, we know that saving energy also saves lives. Read More
Mercury levels in fish fluctuate along with water levels in lakes
A new study has found that when droughts cause water levels to drop, the levels of mercury found in fish also plummet. In wetter weather, water levels rise and levels of mercury in fish increase. Read More
National Atmospheric Deposition Program moves to hygiene lab
The NADP monitors North America’s precipitation and atmosphere for a range of chemicals, and uses the data to determine trends in where pollution is concentrated and over what period of time. Read More
Farmers using UW-built software statewide to cut pollution, plan soil fertility
A UW–Madison software program intended to cut water pollution and soil erosion has matured into an essential production tool for farmers Read More
Amid environmental change, lakes surprisingly static
Researchers found that over recent decades, water quality of lakes in the Midwest and Northeast has not overwhelmingly degraded or improved. But the meaning of these results depends on your perspective. Read More
Survey captures global picture of air pollution’s effects on birds
Researchers sorted through nearly 70 years of the scientific literature to assess the state of knowledge of how air pollution directly affects the health, well-being, reproductive success and diversity of birds. Read More
Scientists converge to study ozone, an atmospheric mystery near Lake Michigan
Researchers want to help improve models to better predict when ozone events will occur and thus, protect health. Read More
First, but not last, algae bloom spells danger for Madison swimmers, fish
Steve Carpenter couldn’t believe the view from his second-floor office on the shoreline of Lake Mendota. As far as he could see, the still water looked just like teal-blue paint. Read More
Road salt is making North America’s freshwater lakes, well, saltier
Road salt is making North America’s freshwater lakes saltier, according to a new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Read More
Enzyme structures illuminate mechanism behind bacteria’s bioremediation prowess
The work is important because it provides a glimpse of the mechanics of a process that could be harnessed to help clean up oil spills and create valuable new chemicals. Read More
Study quantifies role of ‘legacy phosphorus’ in reduced water quality
Though farmers have taken steps to reduce the quantity of phosphorus applied to and running off their fields, researchers say an abundance of the nutrient has a long-lasting impact on lakes and rivers. Read More
Bringing satellites to users can improve public health and safety
The drumbeat calling scientists to share their work with the public is as loud as ever, and Tracey Holloway is happy to answer. Holloway leads a group of researchers drawn together as NASA’s Health and Air Quality Applied Sciences Team. Read More
UW’s Holloway to lead NASA Health and Air Quality Initiative
The fleet of Earth-observing satellites deployed by NASA and other government agencies is providing an unprecedented look at what’s in the air we breathe. Read More
Researchers study Wisconsin’s deepest natural lake to help preserve ‘an ecological jewel’
UW-Madison researchers have teamed up with community leaders to analyze Green Lake, Wisconsin's deepest natural inland lake and a crucial habitat for lake trout and other cold water species. Read More
Business will implement new phosphorus recycling process in Midwest
A University of Wisconsin–Madison startup is helping Midwest cities remove pollutants from wastewater through a new process that will benefit local farmers, too. Read More
Changes in land use, climate and agriculture undermine efforts to clean up Madison lakes
Efforts to clean up the Madison lakes are being hampered by more asphalt, row crops and intense rainstorms and higher manure concentrations on the landscape, according to a new study from the Water Sustainability and Climate project at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Read More