Tag Pollution
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Social media for social good: Researchers estimate air pollution from online posts
University of Wisconsin–Madison computer science researchers have developed a method for using social media posts to estimate air pollution levels with significant accuracy.
Excess nitrogen in water prompts March 28 summit
Concern about excess nitrogen getting into the state's waterways and drinking water is the impetus for a Nitrogen Science Summit March 28 on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus.
Storm water treatment will strip phosphorus from Arboretum pond
The UW Arboretum’s Marion Dunn Pond will soon be home to a pilot project aimed at snatching the phosphorus and sediment from storm water before it surges into the wetlands around Lake Wingra.