Ecosystems


The Effects of Pharmaceutical Pollution on Water Quality

A new study suggests that more research is needed in order to find the complete impacts pharmaceutical pollution has on aquatic life and water quality.

West Nile Virus Grants Awarded in Pennsylvania

As part of the West Nile Virus Control program, more than $2.2 million in grants has been given to 26 counties across Pennsylvania.

Keeping Millions of Acres of Water Free from Mercury

Air Cycle Corporation has announced that as of March, 2013 their customers have kept over 3 million acres of water free from mercury contamination through their waste recycling efforts.

Five New National Monuments Designations Applauded

On March 25, President Obama designated 5 sites that will become new national monuments, which cover more than 240,000 acres across the nation.

MWH Global Will Acquire Outback Ecology

By combining the Australia-based Outback Ecology with MWH Global, the companies will be able to provide more opportunities to serve mining industry clients across the full lifecycle of energy and natural resources engineering projects.

Manatees and Pelicans Dying in Indian River Lagoon

At the Indian River Lagoon in Florida, several manatees and pelicans have been found dead, most likely due to the algae blooms that are quickly invading the area. With the deaths of these animals, scientists fear this is the beginning of a devastating ecosystem collapse.

Registration Open for Adopt-A-Highway in West Virginia

The West Virginia DEP is accepting applications from now until April 12 for the Saturday, April 27 Adopt-A-Highway Spring Statewide Cleanup.

Mediterranean Coastline is Tough to Preserve Because of Uncontrolled Development

Representatives of Mediterranean countries, participating in Mare Nostrum's opening event, emphasized the need to bridge the differences between countries and municipal authorities on how to implement ICZM principles.



Argentina Produces Two Marine Protected Areas

Two coastal have been created in Patagonia, Argentina to help safeguard sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and other sea life.

Removal of 65 Dams to Restore Rivers in 2012

In 2012, more than 400 miles of streams were restored for the benefit of fish, wildlife, and people across the country. This restoration was completed by communities, non-profit organizations, and state and federal agencies in 19 states.

The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster: Two Years Later

It’s been two years since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster that happened as a result of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011. Since that time, biologist Tim Mousseau of the University of South Carolina’s College of Arts and Sciences discusses some of the consequences the area faces as a result of the radiation exposure.

Bill Opposed for Cutting Wild and Scenic River Protections

American Rivers strongly oppose a bill that was recently introduced by Representative Tom McClintock (R-CA). If this bill is passed, Wind and Scenic River protections would be removed from a section of the Merced River, which has been protected since 1968.

Boeing implemented more than a dozen specific measures, including biofiltration units and incorporating native plants. (Boeing photo)

Santa Susana Site Looking Much Better

The Boeing Company's stormwater solutions have spearheaded the restoration of the Santa Susana Field Laboratory near Chatsworth, Calif.

Saltwater Fishing: Nearly a $200 Billion Industry

According to a report from the NOAA’s Fisheries Service, U.S. commercial and residential saltwater fishing generated more than $199 billion in sales, which helped support 1.7 million jobs in 2011.

Climate Change May Lead to Extinction of Lizards

According to a new study, dozens of lizard species could become extinct within 50 years because of global climate change.

Register to Attend the Peregrine Falcon Workshop

On April 2, 2013, the Pennsylvania DEP will be hosting the Peregrine Falcon Educators’ Workshop in Harrisburg, Dauphin County. Teachers, non-formal educators, home-school teachers, and students are encouraged to attend.

Natural Habitats in Europe at Risk

Due to climate change, urban sprawl, and intensive farming of the region, Europe’s parkland and biological diversity are under an increasing amount of pressure.

Tadpoles Grow Bigger Tails to Elude Predators

University of Mighican researchers have demonstrated that stress hormones can alter the body shape of developing animals, such as the tadpole, in order to better defend themselves against predator attacks.

Volcano Emissions Affect Global Warming

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder discovered that emissions from volcanoes around the globe can mask or reduce the effects of global warming.

Water Quality Improvements for Little Coal River

The latest restoration efforts for Little Coal River is sponsored by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and will enhance water quality on a 15-mile stretch of the river from Danville downstream to McCorkle.