2021 Science Matters Stories
In the Field with EPA: Sampling in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
December 14, 2021-The Coeur d’Alene Basin Cleanup is located in northern Idaho and eastern Washington. Historical mining and milling disposal methods spread contaminants throughout the channel and floodplain of the South Fork and mainstem of the Coeur d’Alene River and the site was added to the National Priorities List in 1983. EPA researchers recently traveled to the area to sample pore water, surface water, and sediments. Read In the Field with EPA: Sampling in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
Treating Deep Aquifer Contamination with Phytoremediation
December 14, 2021- Superfund sites often have contaminated groundwater in aquifers hundreds of feet below land surface. EPA researchers tested a system for extracting contaminated water from a deep aquifer to determine if and to what extent trees can treat the contaminated water. Read Treating Deep Aquifer Contamination with Phytoremediation.
EPA Researchers Study What Causes Agricultural Nutrients to Move into Waterbodies of the Midwest
December 14, 2021- When excess nitrogen and phosphorous seep from agricultural fields into watersheds, they can impact larger waterbodies and lead to harmful algal blooms. EPA researchers gathered hundreds of peer-reviewed literature sources to conduct two studies looking at what causes agricultural nutrients to move into Midwest waterbodies. Read EPA Researchers Study What Causes Agricultural Nutrients to Move into Waterbodies of the Midwest.
EPA’s COMET Tool Blazes a Path Towards Planning Cleaner Cities
December 14, 2021- When building sustainable and smarter cities of the future, city planners must consider many factors including energy, environment, urban planning, and living standards. To equip local officials with the tools they need to find integrated solutions, EPA researchers designed the City-based Optimization Model for Energy Technologies (COMET). The first application of COMET was recently piloted in New York City, which has a goal to reach 80 percent greenhouse gas reduction relative to 2005 levels by 2050. Read EPA’s COMET Tool Blazes a Path Towards Planning Cleaner Cities.
Five Year Anniversary of the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Brings New Updates
December 14, 2021- EPA’s CompTox Dashboard has been a one-stop-shop for chemical information online since its creation in 2016. In November, EPA researchers released the 11th version of the dashboard, which now includes chemistry, toxicity, and exposure information for over 900,000 individual chemicals and provides access to 300 chemical lists. Read Five Year Anniversary of the CompTox Chemicals Dashboard Brings New Updates.
Tiny Plastics, Big Threat: How are Microplastics Impacting our Coral Reefs?
November 30, 2021- Coral reefs worldwide are under threat from natural and human-made stressors including dredging, climate change, and plastic pollution. At EPA’s Coral Research Facility – an indoor wet lab in Gulf Breeze, Florida – scientists are studying how stressors like sedimentation, ocean acidification, and microplastics are impacting corals’ health. Read Tiny Plastics, Big Threat: How are Microplastics Impacting our Coral Reefs?
Remotely Operated Air Samplers Offer an Innovative Method for Locating Fugitive Emissions
November 30, 2021- Fugitive emissions, or pollution that escapes through unanticipated leaks, industrial processes, and other means, are difficult for scientists to measure and model. EPA scientists are collaborating with National Park Service and New Mexico Environment Department to detect fugitive emissions using a portable, solar-powered air sampling system that can be remotely operated by text message. This regional research effort will help local regulators quantify and identify fugitive air pollution emission sources. Read Remotely Operated Air Samplers Offer an Innovative Method for Locating Fugitive Emissions.
EPA Partners with Tribes to Deploy Air Sensors in Communities
November 16, 2021 - Partnerships can advance citizen science efforts that use innovative approaches to protect communities from health risks such as air pollution. EPA is working with tribal communities to deploy air sensors in a variety of venues, including on tribal lands, to help people learn about air quality issues in their communities. Read EPA Partners with Tribes to Deploy Air Sensors in Communities.
Thankful for Science
November 16, 2021 - There is a lot to be thankful for in science! Read about what EPA researchers are thankful for this year in Thankful for Science.
EPA Researchers Inform Public Health Officials in Ohio on Variants of COVID-19 Virus through Wastewater Monitoring and Sequencing
November 2, 2021 - Early in the pandemic, researchers at EPA’s laboratory in Cincinnati began looking for evidence of SARS-CoV-2 in municipal wastewater. Wastewater monitoring can help health officials know which communities need more access to testing or predict when infection waves might be present in a community, often before anyone shows symptoms of the disease. EPA researchers are also looking at which variants might be present in the wastewater to understand when and where newer variants, like the Delta variant, come into a community. Read EPA Researchers Inform Public Health Officials in Ohio on Variants of COVID-19 Virus through Wastewater Monitoring and Sequencing.
Seasonally Warm Habitats May Help Cold Water Fish Adapt to Climate Change
November 2, 2021 - Warming trends in the Pacific Northwest have the region’s conservation experts worried about the survival of critical salmon and trout species. New research looks at how fish take advantage of different areas of the Klamath river at different times of year. This information can help states and tribes decide where to prioritize climate adaptation efforts. Read Seasonally Warm Habitats May Help Cold Water Fish Adapt to Climate Change.
EPA Researchers Rely on Expertise in Biological Decontamination to Inform Cleanup after Contaminated Room Spray Recall
November 2, 2021 - In October, the CDC identified a bacterium in an aromatherapy spray which caused death and severe illness in cases across different states. Researchers and subject matter experts at EPA worked with CDC to develop waste and decontamination guidelines for homes where this spray may have been used to reduce exposure for those who may have bought the product. Read EPA Researchers Rely on Expertise in Biological Decontamination to Inform Cleanup after Contaminated Room Spray Recall.
EPA Researchers Enhance Community Resilience
November 2, 2021 - Communities are very complex, and no disaster is the same. To help state and local emergency planners think about resilience, EPA researchers developed the Environmental Resilience Tool Wizard. The Tool Wizard is a website that pulls all of EPA’s tools and resources for increasing community resilience into one easily searchable place. Read EPA Researchers Enhance Community Resilience.
EPA Researchers Work with Oklahoma Partners to Evaluate Ecological Conditions of Wadeable Streams and Restore Valuable Water Resources
October 18, 2021 - To understand the qualities that must be present to support a healthy waterbody, scientists must evaluate the biological criteria of the water. EPA researchers worked with partners in Oklahoma to refine their current biological indices. The goal of this effort was to improve bioassessments based on fish and macroinvertebrate assemblages in wadeable streams throughout the state. Read EPA Researchers Work with Oklahoma Partners to Evaluate Ecological Conditions of Wadeable Streams and Restore Valuable Water Resources.
EPA Researchers Develop Tool That Predicts How Organic Chemicals Transform in Different Environments
October 18, 2021 - Ever wonder how and why chemicals change in different environments? To better assess risk from chemical exposures, EPA scientists developed the Chemical Transformation Simulator (CTS), a web-based screening tool that predicts how organic chemicals will transform in environmental and biological systems. Read EPA Researchers Develop Tool That Predicts How Organic Chemicals Transform in Different Environments.
Children’s Health Month: Preventing Lead Exposure for Children Before it Occurs
October 18, 2021 - While lead has been phased out of many of the things we use in our daily lives, hundreds of years of human activities have contributed to increased levels of lead in soil, especially in and around urban areas and near older homes. EPA researchers are investigating ways to protect children from lead exposure. Read Children’s Health Month: Preventing Lead Exposure for Children Before it Occurs.
Groundwater: Understanding and Protecting Our Hidden Resource
October 18, 2021 - Groundwater provides about half of the drinking water supply worldwide. To protect this valuable resource, EPA researchers study how water is transported through the subsurface and how contaminants can move underground. Read Groundwater: Understanding and Protecting Our Hidden Resource.
Lead Exposure through Household Dust and Soil: EPA Researchers Looking for a Solution
October 5, 2021 - Over the past few decades, the amount of lead in food, air, and other media have declined, but lead levels in urban soils have increased. Lead-contaminated soil has become a relatively significant contributor of childhood exposure to lead. EPA researchers are investigating the potential of soil additives, or amendments, in helping to reduce childhood exposure to lead. Read Lead Exposure through Household Dust and Soil: EPA Researchers Looking for a Solution.
EPA Researchers Evaluate In-Home Chemical Exposures
October 5, 2021 - Every day we are exposed to an array of chemicals in our cleaning products, cosmetics, furniture, hair care products and more. In a first-of-its-kind approach, EPA researchers are determining the combinations of chemicals we are most likely to be exposed to at home. With this information, researchers can evaluate the risks of exposure to multiple chemicals at the same time, called co-exposures, in our everyday lives. Read EPA Researchers Evaluate In-Home Chemical Exposures.
Should You Exercise Outside in Air Pollution?
September 21, 2021 - Science has shown the benefits of exercise or physical activity. But what about exercising outside when there is high air pollution, such as smoke from a wildfire or ozone during a hot and sunny day? EPA researchers are working to improve knowledge about the relationship between exercise and air pollution. Read Should You Exercise Outside in Air Pollution?
Study Finds Exposure to Air Pollution Higher for People of Color Regardless of Region or Income
September 21, 2021 - A new study from EPA grantees found that people of color across the U.S. are exposed to higher levels of air pollution, regardless of region or income. The researchers conducted modeling and analyzed EPA data from the National Emissions Inventory for more than 5,000 emission source types for fine particulate matter, or PM2.5. Read Study Finds Exposure to Air Pollution Higher for People of Color Regardless of Region or Income.
Water Network Tool for Resilience Helps Prepare Drinking Water Utilities for Natural Disasters
September 21, 2021 - Natural disasters can interrupt access to clean drinking water. To help communities and their drinking water utilities prepare for these occurrences, researchers from EPA and Sandia National Laboratories developed the Water Network Tool for Resilience, a comprehensive scientific software package to help assess a drinking water systems’ resilience to natural disasters. Read Water Network Tool for Resilience Helps Prepare Drinking Water Utilities for Natural Disasters.
10 Years of Innovative Stormwater Solutions: The Campus RainWorks Challenge Brings the Next Generation of Environmentalists to the Table
September 21, 2021 - EPA and other federal, state, and local stakeholders recognize the need to be innovative in managing stormwater. Since 2012, EPA’s Office of Water has been holding the Campus RainWorks Challenge, a green infrastructure design competition open to undergraduate and graduate students. The challenge helps EPA engage the next generation of environmental professionals and showcases the environmental, economic, and social benefits of green infrastructure practices. Read 10 Years of Innovative Stormwater Solutions: The Campus RainWorks Challenge Brings the Next Generation of Environmentalists to the Table.
Addressing Challenges of PFAS: Protecting Groundwater and Treating Contaminated Sources
September 21, 2021 - Groundwater is a vital resource across the United States and throughout the world. Unfortunately, it is also susceptible to pollutants including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. Read about EPA research efforts focusing on treatment, characterization, and risk management of PFAS in groundwater. Read Addressing Challenges of PFAS: Protecting Groundwater and Treating Contaminated Sources.
EPA Researchers Investigate Impacts of Wildfires on Water Resources
September 7, 2021 - To help address the impacts of wildfires on health and the environment, EPA researchers are examining long-term patterns in water quality after wildfires. An important first step is to establish baseline conditions by monitoring water quality before rains wash ash and sediment into the rivers. EPA began a field program in Oregon to sample the chemical composition of streams and rivers that drain fire-impacted watersheds and compare them with similar streams not affected by the fires. Read EPA Researchers Investigate Impacts of Wildfires on Water Resources.
Twenty Years of EPA Homeland Security Research – Looking Back and Moving Forward
September 7, 2021 - After the events of September 11, 2001, government leaders were determined to prepare for and respond to potential future attacks. EPA established the National Homeland Security Research Center so that EPA’s scientific and technical expertise could be used by the nation to prepare for, respond to, and recover from potential chemical, biological, or radiological attacks. Read Twenty Years of EPA Homeland Security Research – Looking Back and Moving Forward.
Protecting Groundwater Resources within the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer in Oklahoma
September 7, 2021 - In south central Oklahoma, where water and rainfall can be scarce, the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer is a critical water source. For decades, EPA scientists in Ada, Oklahoma, have been working with federal, tribal, state, and academic partners to understand the impacts of human activities on the aquifer’s water quality and quantity. Read Protecting Groundwater Resources within the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer in Oklahoma.
Over 50 Years of Groundwater Research at EPA’s Kerr Lab in Ada, Oklahoma
September 7, 2021 - Protect Your Groundwater Day is an annual observance established to highlight the responsible development, management, and use of groundwater. Read Over 50 Years of Groundwater Research at EPA’s Kerr Lab in Ada, Oklahoma.
Multi-faceted EPA Research Addressing Threats to Public Health from Wildfire Smoke
August 24, 2021 - EPA researchers are providing the science needed to better prepare and respond to outdoor and indoor wildfire smoke. The research is part of a large federal government initiative to address the growing threat from wildfires, which are increasing in size and intensity, driven in large part by climate change. Read Multi-faceted EPA Research Addressing Threats to Public Health from Wildfire Smoke.
Finding Beneficial Uses for Sediment Dredged from Waterways
August 10, 2021- Across the United States, federal navigation channels and harbors are maintained through dredging, or removing sediment from the bottom. This process excavates about four million cubic yards of sediment a year, which then needs somewhere to go. EPA researchers developed a tool that helps state and federal agencies and port authorities make decisions for managing this dredged material. Read Finding Beneficial Uses for Sediment Dredged from Waterways.
EPA Researchers Analyze 30 Years of Data to Understand How Warming Temperatures Will Affect Harmful Algal Blooms in Reservoirs
August 10, 2021- Climate change and ongoing nutrient pollution may cause more frequent and intense cyanobacterial blooms. However, there is limited historical monitoring data that can show the rate and severity of the potential increase. To address this issue, EPA scientists collaborated with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to compile and analyze over 30 years of monitoring data from 20 U.S. reservoirs located in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. Read EPA Researchers Analyze 30 Years of Data to Understand How Warming Temperatures Will Affect Harmful Algal Blooms in Reservoirs.
EPA Scientists Develop Interactive Tool that Provides Water Quality Information about U.S. Freshwater Resources
August 10, 2021- Freshwater is essential for life and industry. To help U.S. communities understand national and local water quality issues, EPA scientists and partners developed Freshwater Explorer. Learn how this tool collects and provides water quality data. Read EPA Scientists Develop Interactive Tool that Provides Water Quality Information about U.S. Freshwater Resources.
Village Blue Lake Pontchartrain Offers New Orleanians Insights into Local Water Quality
July 27, 2021 -Water quality monitoring can be a powerful tool to help keep local water bodies healthy. EPA recently launched Village Blue Lake Pontchartrain, a water quality monitoring project in New Orleans that’s helping the community learn more about their local water quality and its greater connection to the Mississippi River. Read Village Blue Lake Pontchartrain Offers New Orleanians Insights into Local Water Quality.
Air Pollution May Contribute to Diabetes, Particularly Among African Americans, Study Finds
July 27, 2021 -Diabetes is a public health issue affecting more than 34 million people in the United States. An EPA epidemiologist is studying one potential risk factor that may make type 2 diabetes more prevalent - air pollution. An EPA researcher looked at the associations between indicators of long-term exposure to ambient air pollution and prevalence and incidence of diabetes among African Americans living in Mississippi. Read Air Pollution May Contribute to Diabetes, Particularly Among African Americans, Study Finds.
EPA Scientists Find Association Between Air Pollution and Hospitalization Rates Among Heart Failure Patients
July 13, 2021 - Air pollution is a major contributing factor to hospitalizations, particularly among people with cardiovascular diseases, like heart failure. EPA scientists conducted a study that examined the relationship between air pollution and hospitalization rates among over 20,000 heart failure patients over a 12 year span. Read EPA Scientists Find Association Between Air Pollution and Hospitalization Rates Among Heart Failure Patients.
EPA Researcher Creates Double Bottom Test Tube to Improve Public Health Monitoring
July 13, 2021 - Collecting and analyzing saliva is an easy, non-invasive tool for monitoring population health. The standard method of saliva sample collection and laboratory processing creates the potential for contamination and increases the time to process samples. This inspired EPA researcher Dr. Elizabeth Sams to invent the double bottom test tube kit, which can be used for any wet specimen collection. Read EPA Researcher Creates Double Bottom Test Tube to Improve Public Health Monitoring.
A Proof-of-Concept Case Study Integrating Publicly Available Information to Screen Candidates for Chemical Prioritization
July 13, 2021 - EPA has released a report on the Public Information Curation and Synthesis (PICS) approach, which integrates publicly available hazard, exposure, persistence, and bioaccumulation information for chemical substances. The approach compares the amount of scientific studies available on a particular chemical versus potential human health and environmental effects found in those studies. This data can be used to help inform the level of effort and resources needed to evaluate a specific substance. Read A Proof-of-Concept Case Study Integrating Publicly Available Information to Screen Candidates for Chemical Prioritization.
EPA Researchers Evaluated Electrostatic Sprayers for Disinfectant Application
July 13, 2021 - Businesses and institutions, including some airlines, schools, and transit agencies, have been using electrostatic sprayers to clean and disinfect large surface areas that are frequently touched by many people. Learn about EPA research to test the effectiveness of these devices. Read EPA Researchers Evaluated Electrostatic Sprayers for Disinfectant Application.
EPA Researchers Continue to Study the Emissions of 3D Printers
June 15, 2021 - Low-cost 3D printers are increasingly being used to create unique objects from digital models. However, studies have found that the 3D printing process releases gases and particulates which could pose health risks to users. EPA researchers are studying the characteristics and health effects of 3D printer emissions to protect users as the market for these printers grows. Read EPA Researchers Continue to Study the Emissions of 3D Printers.
Guidance Available to Prepare Schools, Commercial and Public Buildings for Wildfire Smoke
June 15, 2021 - Smoke in wildfire prone states is a growing health concern, especially for vulnerable populations. EPA is collaborating with partners to develop guidance to protect those who are in schools, commercial buildings and other public buildings from wildfire smoke exposure. A newly released interim guide provides recommendations and processes for developing a smoke readiness plan for commercial buildings that can be implemented when smoke is forecasted and during smoky days. Read Guidance Available to Prepare Schools, Commercial and Public Buildings for Wildfire Smoke.
What Killed the Eagles? EPA Researchers Help Solve 25+ Year Mystery
June 1, 2021- In 1994, scientists found that mass numbers of bald eagles were dying from a disease that caused significant physical impairment. For the past 27 years, scientists have struggled to understand the cause of the disease. Recently, EPA scientists, along with academic researchers, helped identify that the birds had ingested a neurotoxin that is produced by a species of cyanobacteria, which grows on an invasive aquatic plant. Read What Killed the Eagles? EPA Researchers Help Solve 25+ Year Mystery.
Helping Communities Manage Electronic Waste
June 1, 2021- Electronic waste is increasing around the world. To help understand and improve the flow of used electronics products from consumer markets to the waste or reuse stream, EPA researchers have developed the Alternative Disposition of Electronics Planning Tool, also called ADEPT. ADEPT can be used to make predictions of future waste generation demands and to evaluate different disposal scenarios of used electronics at both state and national levels. Read Helping Communities Manage Electronic Waste.
EPA Researchers Develop Tool to Assess Onsite Non-Potable Water Reuse for Buildings Across the U.S.
June 1, 2021- Water reuse can help communities address water scarcity but options vary greatly among geographic locations and building types. To assist with these variabilities, EPA researchers developed the Non-Potable Environmental and Economic Water Reuse (NEWR) Calculator. NEWR is a web-based tool designed to provide screening-level assessment for any urban building located in the United States. Read EPA Researchers Develop Tool to Assess Onsite Non-Potable Water Reuse for Buildings Across the U.S.
Using New Approaches to Screen Chemicals for Potential Thyroid Effects
June 1, 2021- The thyroid system regulates many important cellular processes of a baby’s development during pregnancy as well as metabolic processes throughout life. EPA scientists are developing methods to more quickly and efficiently screen chemicals for potential thyroid effects. One part of this research is developing high-throughput assays that use automated equipment to quickly evaluate chemicals for their potential to disrupt normal thyroid function. Read Using New Approaches to Screen Chemicals for Potential Thyroid Effects.
EPA Scientists Develop Recommendations for Testing and Evaluating Air Sensor Performance
May 18, 2021-Commercially available, lower-cost air sensors have become a popular way to measure local air quality. However, data quality from air sensors can vary, and users can have a hard time figuring out what sensors best suit their desired application. To address these challenges, EPA researchers published two reports that offer recommendations on how to evaluate sensor performance and report the test results in a more uniform way. Read EPA Scientists Develop Recommendations for Testing and Evaluating Air Sensor Performance.
EPA Grantees Develop Tool to Help Water Resources Managers Make Stormwater Infrastructure Decisions
May 18, 2021-Communities are facing decisions on how best to upgrade aging stormwater infrastructure and build new infrastructure to lessen the impacts of stormwater runoff. EPA grantees recently released the Community-Enabled Lifecycle Analysis of Stormwater Infrastructure Costs (CLASIC) tool to help water resource managers make decisions with regards to stormwater infrastructure. Read EPA Grantees Develop Tool to Help Water Resources Managers Make Stormwater Infrastructure Decisions.
New Monitoring Method Improves Ability to Measure Methane Emissions from Reservoirs
May 18, 2021-Reservoirs have many benefits, but they can also emit methane, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. EPA researchers adapted a monitoring technique to better measure emissions from reservoirs. This data will improve the accuracy of the nation’s greenhouse gas inventory and help us understand the climate impacts of reservoirs in the U.S. Read New Monitoring Method Improves Ability to Measure Methane Emissions from Reservoirs.
EPA Researchers Release Updates to Environmental Quality Index
May 18, 2021-A look at the broader environmental context can help researchers better understand health outcomes and how they relate to cumulative environmental exposures. To help with this, EPA researchers created the Environmental Quality Index (EQI), a national-level index that helps improve understanding of how multiple environmental conditions affect the 3,143 counties across the U.S. Read EPA Researchers Release Updates to Environmental Quality Index.
EPA Scientists Test Non-Targeted Analysis Methods Using Drinking Water Filters
May 18, 2021-Researchers can use non-targeted analysis to rapidly identify chemical compounds in a wide variety of samples. However, these approaches don’t estimate chemical concentrations, which limits their use in risk assessment. EPA scientists are working to remedy these limitations by developing a model for risk-based prioritization that can account for the concentrations of chemicals. Read EPA Scientists Test Non-Targeted Analysis Methods Using Drinking Water Filters.
Why Air Quality Science Matters this Week… and Every Week
May 4, 2021- EPA researchers are at the forefront of developing innovative scientific solutions for air quality problems and emerging air pollution issues, including wildfires and climate change. Read Why Air Quality Science Matters this Week… and Every Week.
EPA Researchers Contribute to American Thoracic Society Workshop Report on Wildland Fire Smoke Research, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health Effects
May 4, 2021- EPA researchers co-authored a new American Thoracic Society report assessing current research on wildland fire smoke and its health effects. The report includes findings from a recent workshop. EPA researchers continue to make strides in the assessment of wildland fire smoke and its health impacts to protect the environment and health of communities most affected by fires. Read EPA Researchers Contribute to American Thoracic Society Workshop Report on Wildland Fire Smoke Research, Respiratory and Cardiovascular Health Effects.
EPA Researchers Investigate the Impacts of Everyday Products on Air Quality
May 4, 2021- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can enter air when they evaporate from adhesives, cleaning agents, personal care products, paints, pesticides, and other products. EPA researchers are examining how VOCs from these products contribute to air pollution in southern California. This work will help improve the accuracy of the 2020 National Emissions Inventory. Read EPA Researchers Investigate the Impacts of Everyday Products on Air Quality.
EPA Researchers are Providing Tools and Resources to Prepare Communities for Climate Change and Extreme Storms
April 19, 2021 - The climate crisis is making weather patterns less predictable with more heat waves and increased storm severity. EPA scientists are studying precipitation data taken over the past century and using models to determine what rainfall events might look like in the future. This research will helps states, cities, and communities better prepare for increases in precipitation and reduce potential public health and environmental impacts of climate change. Read EPA Researchers are Providing Tools and Resources to Prepare Communities for Climate Change and Extreme Storms.
Studies Show Links Between Built Environment, Accelerated Aging, and Environmental Sensitivity
April 19, 2021 - The places we live can change us—in many cases, down to the molecular level. Two recent EPA studies are among the first to link these biological indicators of accelerated aging, called molecular biomarkers, to both the quality of the environment and environmental health risks. Read Studies Show Links Between Built Environment, Accelerated Aging, and Environmental Sensitivity.
Study Provides New Insights Into Impacts of Wildland Fires on Ozone Monitoring Equipment
April 19, 2021 - States have observed unexplained increases in ozone from monitors near active wildfires or prescribed burns. To find out why this was occurring, EPA researchers investigated and evaluated a popular ozone monitoring method during fires in Kansas, Oregon, and Montana. Their research will help state, tribal and local monitoring agencies interpret ozone data collected during wildland fire smoke events. Read Study Provides New Insights Into Impacts of Wildland Fires on Ozone Monitoring Equipment.
Assessing Impacts of Green Infrastructure on Groundwater Quality
April 19, 2021 - Green infrastructure reduces stress on wastewater systems, decreases sewer overflows, and improves watershed health--but how does it impact groundwater quality? EPA recently completed a comprehensive multi-year study to find out. The data collected can be used by state and local agencies to make decisions about implementing green infrastructure in their communities. Read Assessing Impacts of Green Infrastructure on Groundwater Quality.
Understanding Public Perceptions and Demands of Aquatic Resources Can Support Sustainable Management Practices
April 6, 2021 - Scientists have long collaborated with government and local agencies to help manage aquatic systems. Recently, researchers have been emphasizing the importance of understanding how individuals interact with these aquatic resources. Factoring public opinions into management decisions increases community support for the actions and long-term sustainability and protection. Read Understanding Public Perceptions and Demands of Aquatic Resources Can Support Sustainable Management Practices.
SPECIATE Database Provides Important Resource for Air Quality Management
April 6, 2021 - Air quality managers need to understand the chemical composition of emissions from air pollution sources to better manage them. EPA developed SPECIATE, an archive of air pollution source profiles that provides the chemical species makeup or composition of organic gas, particulate matter, and other pollutants. Thousands of these profiles for different sources of pollution have been added to the database over the years and are used by air quality regulators, managers, and researchers. Read SPECIATE Database Provides Important Resource for Air Quality Management.
EPA Researchers Test Effectiveness of Face Masks, Disinfection Methods Against COVID-19
April 5, 2021 - Face masks and other personal protective equipment are important tools to protect the wearer and others against getting COVID-19. EPA scientists are applying their expertise in aerosol and decontamination research to better understand mask effectiveness, as well as methods for disinfecting personal protective equipment for the public, healthcare workers, and other essential workers. Read EPA Researchers Test Effectiveness of Face Masks, Disinfection Methods Against COVID-19.
Working with Tribal Partners to Restore Fisheries in Northern Maine
March 23, 2021 - EPA researchers are supporting fishery restoration efforts in northern Maine with Tribal partners. EPA is collaborating with tribal, state, federal, and international partners to develop a cloud-based population diversity database of Atlantic salmon DNA as part of biodiversity and sustenance fishing restoration efforts of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians tribal waterways in Northern Maine. Read Working with Tribal Partners to Restore Fisheries in Northern Maine.
Understanding the Impacts of Synthetic Nitrogen on Air and Water Quality Using Integrated Models
March 23, 2021 - How are air and water quality connected to agriculture and the nitrogen cycle? EPA scientists developed a modeling system which combines agricultural, atmospheric, and hydrological components to look more closely at how air and water pollution are produced through large-scale agricultural operations, particularly related to grain crops and livestock. Read Understanding the Impacts of Synthetic Nitrogen on Air and Water Quality Using Integrated Models.
Celebrating Women’s History Month - Part Two
March 23, 2021 - Join us in celebrating Women's History Month! Learn about some of the EPA women working to protect the environment and check out their advice for people interested in environmental careers. Read Celebrating Women’s History Month - Part Two.
EPA Deploys Mobile Labs to Work with Texas to Restore Drinking Water Systems
March 22, 2021 - EPA’s network of regional laboratories recently assisted Texas in the aftermath of Winter Storm Uri. EPA dispatched three mobile drinking water labs into areas in San Antonio, Fort Worth, and Houston to provide bacteriological analysis of drinking water samples. EPA also ensured Superfund sites were secure following the storm, assisted public drinking water systems with rapid assessments and analyses, and helped coordinate emergency response activities with Texas, and other federal agencies. Read EPA Deploys Mobile Labs to Work with Texas to Restore Drinking Water Systems.
EPA Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering with States on Environmental Protection
March 22, 2021 - EPA signed an extension to reaffirm a partnership between EPA, the Environmental Council of the States and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials to advance cooperative initiatives in pursuit of environmental health. Over the past five years, the partnership has helped EPA work directly with state environmental health experts to identify emerging environmental challenges, strategically design projects aimed directly at those challenges, and deliver research that the states need. Read EPA Reaffirms Commitment to Partnering with States on Environmental Protection.
Celebrating Women's History Month
March 9, 2021 - March is Women's History Month! Join us in celebrating some of the women working at EPA and read their advice for people interested in environmental careers. Read Celebrating Women's History Month.
EPA Researchers Share Scientific Progress at Society of Toxicology 2021 Annual Meeting
March 9, 2021 - This year EPA researchers will be participating virtually in the Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting. Read about the EPA research that will be presented during workshops, symposium sessions, and continuing education courses. Read EPA Researchers Share Scientific Progress at Society of Toxicology 2021 Annual Meeting.
Modeling Research Shows How Salty Ocean Air Impacts Ozone Pollution
February 23, 2021 -Did you know salty air from the ocean’s surface can help reduce ozone air pollution? EPA researchers are building on this discovery to develop a new framework to more accurately predict ozone impacts and dynamics at various geographic scales. Read Modeling Research Shows How Salty Ocean Air Impacts Ozone Pollution.
The Tox21 10K Compound Library
February 23, 2021 -The Tox2110K Compound Library brings together a wealth of chemical testing methods, samples, and data to help scientists evaluate chemicals for potential health effects. The library is the result of a decade-long effort and acts as the foundation for Toxicology Testing in the 21st Century, a collaboration between EPA and other federal partners. Read The Tox21 10K Compound Library.
Science and Social Justice in the San Juan Bay Estuary
February 9, 2021 -The Caño Martín Peña in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has developed a clog. The largely working-class communities near the Caño Martín Peña experience frequent flooding that results in water-filled streets, homes and schools. EPA researchers are working with local partners to ensure the health, safety and well-being of communities in the region. Read Science and Social Justice in the San Juan Bay Estuary.
Next Generation Emission Measurements Help Understand Air Pollutants in Rubbertown Industrial Area of Louisville, Kentucky
February 9, 2021 -The Rubbertown industrial area of Louisville, Kentucky, is home to over 10 industrial sources of air pollutants. To help understand how the emissions from these sources impact people living nearby, EPA collaborated with the City of Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District to measure hazardous air pollutants in the area. Read Next Generation Emission Measurements Help Understand Air Pollutants in Rubbertown Industrial Area of Louisville, Kentucky.
EPA Projects Aim to Improve Ozone Models Over Long Island Sound
February 9, 2021 -In the summer of 2018, EPA and partners collected air quality data to investigate ozone formation over the ocean and transport across Long Island Sound. Now, EPA scientists are using this data to improve air quality models. These improvements will create a more accurate picture of ozone pollution in the regions surrounding Long Island Sound as well as how ozone forms and moves across the region. Read EPA Projects Aim to Improve Ozone Models Over Long Island Sound.
Researchers Develop Regional Lifecycle Assessment Tool for Electricity Use
February 9, 2021 -It’s important to consider the entire life cycle of electricity to identify where energy production, use, and waste from electricity generation are occurring. EPA researchers worked with partners to develop a tool that creates electricity life cycle models to track the generation, consumption, and distribution of electricity to end users across the country by region. Read Researchers Develop Regional Lifecycle Assessment Tool for Electricity Use.
EPA Joins the Nature Conservancy, NOAA, in Releasing Guide to Coral Reef Restoration Planning and Design
January 28, 2021 - Coral reefs are among the most vital and diverse habitats in the world. However, climate change and human actions are severely threatening these magnificent ecosystems. EPA recently joined NOAA and the Nature Conservancy to release a guide for reef managers as they plan, design, and implement restoration projects. Read EPA Joins the Nature Conservancy, NOAA, in Releasing Guide to Coral Reef Restoration Planning and Design.
EPA’s Excess Food Opportunities Map – A National Tool to Divert Excess Food from Landfills
January 28, 2021 - Food waste is the single largest component in our daily trash. To help reduce food waste, EPA scientists developed the Excess Food Opportunities Map, an interactive map that identifies locations of nearly 1.2 million potential generators and recipients of excess food. For example, the tool can help connect someone who runs a large compost site with someone looking to dispose of organic waste. Read EPA’s Excess Food Opportunities Map – A National Tool to Divert Excess Food from Landfills.
Research Supports Air Sensor Data Pilot Conducted in 2020 Wildfire Season
January 28, 2021 - During wildfires, local air quality information is essential to protect public health. Last fall, EPA worked with the U.S. Forest Service to provide air quality information in areas without permanent monitors using a network of commercial air sensors. This information was included in the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map, managed by EPA, to help people understand if smoke was affecting their air quality. Read Research Supports Air Sensor Data Pilot Conducted in 2020 Wildfire Season.
After a 50-year Partnership, EPA Wraps Up Presence on the University of Las Vegas Campus
January 28, 2021 - EPA’s long and rich history on the campus of the University of Las Vegas, Nevada (UNLV) wrapped up on September 30, 2020. The 50-year scientific partnership between EPA and UNLV allowed researchers to develop new science that helped EPA respond to catastrophic national events. The partnership also resulted in numerous publications, patents, and the mentoring of new scientists and volunteers. Read After a 50-year Partnership, EPA Wraps Up Presence on the University of Las Vegas Campus.