The Hidden Impact of Anoxic Pockets on Sandy Shores

Human activities have dramatically increased nitrogen inputs into coastal seas, leading to a significant amount of this human-derived nitrogen being removed by microorganisms in coastal sands through denitrification. However, research has shown that this process can also occur in oxygenated sands, and scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology in Bremen, Germany, have now revealed how this happens.

The scientists used a method called microfluidic imaging to visualize the diverse and uneven distribution of microbes and the oxygen dynamics on extremely small scales. “Tens of thousands of microorganisms live on a single grain of sand,” explains Farooq Moin Jalaluddin from the Max Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology. The researchers could show that some microbes consume more oxygen than is resupplied by the surrounding pore water, creating anoxic pockets on the surface of the sand grains.

These anoxic microenvironments have so far been invisible to conventional techniques but have a dramatic effect: “Our estimates based on model simulations show that anaerobic denitrification in these anoxic pockets can account for up to one-third of the total denitrification in oxygenated sands,” says Jalaluddin.

The researchers calculated how relevant this newly researched form of nitrogen removal is on a global scale and found that it could account for up to one-third of total nitrogen loss in silicate shelf sands. Consequently, this denitrification is a substantial sink for anthropogenic nitrogen entering the oceans.

In conclusion, the hidden impact of anoxic pockets on sandy shores has been revealed by scientists, highlighting the importance of these microenvironments in removing nitrogen from coastal seas and emphasizing the need to consider them when assessing the overall nitrogen budget of our planet.

Wildfires have become an increasing threat in the Western United States, with devastating effects on both public health and the environment. As these fires rage, they release enormous amounts of aerosols into the atmosphere, which can travel far and wide, impacting air quality and human health. A recent study, published in Environmental Science: Atmospheres, has shed light on the alarming consequences of wildfire smoke on air quality and the planet’s short-term weather.

The research, led by scientists Siying Lu and Andrey Khlystov from the Desert Research Institute (DRI), monitored air quality in Reno, Nevada over a 19-month period between 2017 and 2020. During this time, more than 106 wildfires impacted the city’s air, with smoke accounting for up to 65% of PM2.5 concentrations and 26% of carbon monoxide levels.

The findings reveal that fine aerosols (PM2.5), which can travel deep into lungs, increased significantly during smoky days. These particles are produced when trees and homes burn, releasing soot and other pollutants into the air. The data also showed that larger aerosols can promote cloud formation and duration by acting as nuclei for water vapor to condense around.

Furthermore, the study found higher concentrations of carbon monoxide present in Reno’s air during smoky days. This gas can reduce the ability of blood to carry oxygen to the brain and other organs. In contrast, levels of nitrogen oxides and ozone remained relatively stable during both smoky and average days.

The research team used a combination of equipment on DRI’s roof and data from a downtown Reno EPA air monitoring station to collect hourly concentrations of PM2.5, ozone, carbon monoxide, and other air pollutants. They also employed satellite images and fire location information from NASA and NOAA to verify when air pollution was caused by wildfire smoke.

The implications of this study are far-reaching. The findings suggest that wildfires can have a significant impact on local air quality, with potential effects on public health and the environment. As wildfires continue to increase in frequency and severity, it is essential to understand their impact on air quality and develop strategies to mitigate these effects.

In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of monitoring air quality during smoky days and provides valuable insights into the consequences of wildfire smoke on human health and the planet’s short-term weather. As we continue to face the challenges posed by wildfires, it is crucial that we prioritize air quality research and public health messaging to ensure a safer and healthier environment for all.

Scientists at the University of Chicago have made a groundbreaking discovery that could revolutionize the way we detect diseases. A team of researchers has developed a small, portable device called ABLE (Airborne Biomarker Localization Engine) that can collect and detect airborne molecules associated with various diseases.

The ABLE device is just four by eight inches across and is designed to capture air from its surroundings, condense it into liquid droplets, and analyze the contents for biomarkers of disease. This technology has the potential to transform the way we diagnose and monitor diseases, particularly in high-risk populations such as premature infants.

The researchers envision the ABLE device being used in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and even homes. They believe that this technology could enable non-invasive testing for diseases like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and respiratory infections.

One of the main challenges in developing the ABLE device was overcoming the problem of dilution. In air, the particles you’re looking for can be as few as one in a trillion, making it difficult to detect them using traditional methods. The researchers overcame this challenge by designing a system that captures and condenses air into liquid droplets, allowing for easier detection.

The ABLE device has already shown promise in detecting biomarkers associated with various diseases. In one test, the researchers used a cup of coffee as a proof-of-concept, blowing vaporized coffee into the device and collecting it in liquid form. The distinct aroma of coffee emanated from the liquid, demonstrating that the device can successfully detect airborne molecules.

The researchers are now working to refine the design and miniaturize the ABLE device further to make it wearable. They also plan to collaborate with medical professionals to explore the potential uses of this technology in various clinical settings.

This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for medicine and public health, and scientists are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. As one researcher noted, “This work might start many new studies on how these airborne impurities affect phase change behaviors, and the new physics can be used for many applications.”